1. What Is a Capsule House?
A Capsule Whales capsule house is a modern prefabricated home designed for rapid
installation, high durability, and low lifetime operating costs. Unlike traditional construction,
each capsule is fully manufactured in a controlled factory environment, finished internally,
and delivered as a complete unit ready for installation.
Key Characteristics
• Steel structural frame + high-density insulated composite panels
• Fully finished interior (bathroom, electrical system, lighting, flooring)
• Suitable for year-round living in all climates
• Designed for residential, commercial, tourism, and off-grid use
• Fast installation on prepared foundations
Why Choose a Capsule Whales Home?
• Installed in 2–6 hours
• Highly insulated and energy efficient
• Portable and relocatable
• Lower cost vs. traditional construction
• Can operate on mains or fully off-grid systems
Popular Use Cases
• Guest accommodation
• Airbnb rentals
• Home offices or studios
• Eco-resorts and tourism sites
• Remote living
• Emergency housing or rapid deployment projects
2. Models & Specifications
Capsule Whales offers several officially released models, each engineered for comfort,
strength, and long-term reliability.
Current models listed on the website include:
Model E3
A compact capsule suitable for small living spaces, offices, guest suites, or garden
installations.
Approx. size: 15–20 m² depending on configuration.
Model E5
A larger version of E3, offering more internal space for living and sleeping.
Approx. size: 20–25 m²
Lumen
A modern, design-focused capsule ideal for rental units, studios, and compact living
environments.
Vertex
A distinctive capsule with a balanced internal layout suitable for residential or commercial
use.
Elysian Series
Elysian X5 — 28 m²
Dimensions: ~8.5 m × 3.3 m × 3.2 m
Suitable for full-time living or premium guest accommodation.
Elysian X7 — 38 m²
Dimensions: ~11.5 m × 3.3 m × 3.2 m
The largest standard model currently available.
Fusion X2 — 38 m²
A similar size class to the Elysian X7 but with different interior layout options.
Custom Larger Capsules
Capsule Whales can produce custom models over 40 m², but these require:
• UK-based construction labour for extensions
• Custom logistics• Custom logistics
• Special container arrangements
• Higher project costs due to bespoke engineering
These are best suited for commercial projects, large resorts, and smart-community
developments.
Included in All Standard Models
• Fully insulated composite structure
• Windows + doors
• Completed bathroom
• Full electrical installation
• Lighting
• Flooring
• Ventilation
• Heating or electric climate unit (depending on model)
Optional Add-Ons
• Solar power + battery storage
• Vertical wind turbine integration
• Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG)
• Off-grid toilet solution (incineration or vacuum)
• Smart-home ready systems
• Furniture package
• Utility Pod connection (water, power, waste)
3. Do I Need Planning Permission?
UK Planning Rules (Simplified)
You may not need planning permission if:
• The capsule is a non-residential garden structure• The capsule is a non-residential garden structure
• It is not used as a permanent dwelling
• It complies with height and placement restrictions
• It is positioned behind the main house
You usually need planning permission when:
• The capsule will be used for full-time living
• It will be rented out (Airbnb or commercial use)
• It is placed on agricultural land
• Multiple capsules form a community or commercial site
Europe & International
Planning rules differ in each country — always check with the local authority.
Support Provided
Capsule Whales provides:
• Technical drawings
• Structural specifications
• Foundation plans
• Support documentation for planning applications
4. What’s Included in the Price?
Capsule Whales prices include everything from the factory to installation on your site.
Included
• Complete capsule house
• Bathroom (shower, toilet, sink)
• Full electrical installation
• Lighting
• Heating/cooling unit (model-dependent)
• Flooring, windows, and doors
• Kitchen module (if included in your chosen model)• Kitchen module (if included in your chosen model)
• UK VAT
• International shipping
• Import duty
• Customs clearance
• Delivery to your site
• Crane offloading (standard 1-hour operation)
Not Included
• Foundations
• Planning permission (if required)
• Off-grid systems (optional upgrades)
• Furniture (optional)
• Extended crane operations if site access is restricted
5. Cost Breakdown
Standard Capsule Price Range
Typical range: £15,000 – £78,000
(depending on model size, specification, and finishes)
Approximate categories:
• Small models: £15–35k
• Medium models: £35–50k
• Large models (Elysian, Fusion): £50–78k
Shipping and Delivery
Included in your final price:
• International freight
• UK import duty (2%)
• UK VAT (20%)
• Customs clearance• Customs clearance
• Delivery
• Crane offloading
Additional Site-Related Costs
• Ground preparation: £800–£2,000
• Extra crane hours if needed
• Unexpected site-specific costs: £1,000–£5,000
6. Durability & Lifespan
Capsule Whales homes are built using:
• Steel structural frames
• High-density insulated composite wall panels
• Weather-resistant coatings
• Double-glazed doors and windows
Expected Lifespan
• Structure: 25–50+ years
• Minimal maintenance required
• Resistant to rain, wind, snow, and heat
Capsules are designed for year-round European climates.
7. Where Can I Place a Capsule?
Suitable locations include:
• Residential gardens
• Remote and rural land
• Forest plots
• Coastal and marine-influenced environments
• Mountain regions• Mountain regions
• Desert climates
• Tourism and resort sites
• Agricultural plots (with approval)
Minimum Requirements
• Level foundation
• Vehicle access for delivery
• Crane access zone
8. Using a Capsule for Airbnb / Rentals
Capsule Whales models are ideal for Airbnb and hospitality use:
Benefits
• Attractive and modern design
• Unique guest experience
• High rental occupancy potential
• Low maintenance and running costs
• Fast installation for rapid ROI
Requirements
Depending on location:
• Planning permission
• Fire and safety compliance
• Insurance
• Local accommodation licenses
9. Full-Time Living Guide
Capsule Whales homes can be used for permanent living with the right setup.
Recommended Upgrades
• Solar + battery system• Solar + battery system
• AWG or water tank system
• Efficient heating system
• Proper ventilation
• Winter and condensation management
• Optional Utility Pod connection for water/waste
Capsule Whales provides the necessary documentation, but building compliance and
planning remain customer responsibilities.
10. Energy Efficiency
Capsules are engineered to minimise energy consumption through:
• Thermally insulated walls and floors
• Optimised airflow and condensation control
• Low-consumption appliances
• Optional smart climate management
• The ability to run entirely on renewable energy
Energy usage can be 30–70% lower than traditional homes, depending on configuration and
climate.
