Skip to main content

OPod is a stylish micro-home made out of concrete pipe

Hong Kong housing is famously expensive, with a growing number of apartments being squeezed into a highly limited space.

Local architect James Law of James Law Cybertecture has been working on developing ways to overcome some of the pressing housing issues facing Hong Kong, and his latest plan involves an innovative use of large concrete water pipes.

Law has designed a 100-square-foot “OPod” micro-home within the 2.5-meter-wide pipe, which looks more comfortable than you might at first imagine. Each apartment, which can be accessed using its own smartphone “key,” has an all-glass front to allow in natural light. White-painted walls and a wooden floor (a flat one!) give it a modern feel, and the space incorporates basic amenities for a comfortable living experience. These include a mini fridge and microwave oven, and a sofa that converts into a bed. The concealed rear part of the OPod contains the bathroom, comprising a shower and toilet. Storage is offered by way of shelves and rails in the main living space.

Law describes the OPod as “an experimental, low cost, micro-living housing unit to ease Hong Kong’s affordable housing problems.”

The architect suggests the houses could be a temporary solution for young people moving to the center of Hong Kong and in need of reasonably priced accommodation until they can afford something bigger.

Law told Deezen the OPod costs around $15,000 to build, but could be rented for around $400 a month, significantly cheaper than the $2,000 currently charged in Hong Kong for an average one-bedroom apartment in the center.

And there are other advantages besides the price. The design means the tube-like homes can be stacked on top of each other with relative ease to create a low-rise apartment block, and because little extra structural work is needed, they can be quickly moved or relocated to other parts of the city, if necessary.

This isn’t the first time Law has come up with a design to tackle Hong Kong’s housing crisis. A couple of years back he designed a slightly larger living space called the Alpod. Made from aluminum, the design offers 480 square feet of living space and costs around $65,000 to buy.

As for the the OPod, it has yet to show up as part of Hong Kong’s housing stock, but Law is currently talking to local government officials about the possibility of adding the home to the local rental market in the near future.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Best juicer deals: Nutribullet, Omega, Hamilton Beach and more

If you prefer to start your day with a morning juice, even the best blenders may not cut it in your kitchen. What you’ll need is a juicer, and adding one to your range of smart kitchen appliances can help you make your day healthier from the get-go. Juicers also offer a great way to save right now, as there are a lot of juicer deals taking place. They include the likes of popular brands such as Hamilton Beach, Omega, and Nutribullet. If any of this is unfamiliar territory to you, not to worry. We’ve put together all of the best juicer deals taking place right now, as well some information on how to pick the right juicer for your kitchen.
AI Cook 3-speed juicer — $40, was $90

If you’re new to juicing, a good place to start is with an entry-level juicer. This AI Cook 3-speed juicer is one of the more affordable options you can find that manages to stay away from undesired qualities such as “cheap” build quality. It’s well made, offers three different juicing speeds, and has a three-inch wide feed chute that can fit whole fruits and vegetables without the need for slicing or chopping. It’s easy to clean as well, and it includes a special brush to make the cleaning process faster.

Read more
Best humidifier deals: Full room and desktop sizes on sale
The Kyvol HD3 1.2-gallon humidifier sprays mist while on a coffee table.

Humidifiers add moisture to indoor air to alleviate dryness for both comfort and health. They also make a good way to grab some savings for your smart home. Even the best humidifiers get great deals, and whether it’s for the bedroom, the office, or any room in between, a humidifier is generally an affordable addition to the home. There are quite a few humidifier deals going on right now, and we’ve rounded up the best humidifier deals the internet has to offer.
Mainstays 1-gallon humidifier — $20, was $25

The Mainstays cool mist humidifier features a 1-gallon tank, and uses evaporative technology to add moisture to dry rooms. The tank is easy to remove for filling and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The humidifier itself is equipped with a low tank indicator with auto shutoff, which helps save energy when the tank runs dry. This humidifier has there different speed settings that allow you to control its output.

Read more
Adding AI to Alexa is the brain transplant we’ve all been waiting for
The Amazon Echo Show 8 at the Devices Event 2023.

“Alexa, turn the kitchen to cooking mode," my wife innocently requests.

“What do you mean by cooking mode?” her digital tormentor needles.

Read more