MORFAE

the shape of things: architecture, design, interior, art, style

30.06 2011

ECCO, the fifth project of NAU’s future design series envisions the freedom offered by a mobile living home reminding us of the 60’s VW camper van and the passion for liberty of the Woodstock generation.

ECCO
ECCO
ECCO
ECCO
ECCO
ECCO
ECCO
ECCO
ECCO
LEGEND
1. Photovoltaic cells
2. Entry/bathroom pod (compressed)
3. Passenger area
4. Water storage
5. Drivetrain
6. Membrane roof (folded)
7. Drive Mode door
8. Photovoltaic cell on roof
9. Membrane roof (unfolded)
10. Sleeping loft
11. Entry for Living Mode
12. Kitchen with cooktop
13. Living area with variable seating
14. Entry stair
15. Combined toilet/shower room
16. Sink
TECHNICAL
Dimensions
Length: 4.62m
Width: 2.55m
Height: 1.97m
Weight: 1,600kg (3527lbs)
Occupancy: 5 persons
Construction
Envelop: sealed aluminum skin (clearcoat & black lacquer)
Integrated thin-film photovoltaic cellson roof & expansion membrane
Unibody all aluminum chassis
Power
Photovoltaic generation: 1.1kW
Charge time (240V): 8 hours
Electric Motors (combined): 127hp
ECCO, a zero-emission concept vehicle by NAU. Images: adNAU.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

‘Since their introduction, automobiles have been a source of passion and meanings as individual as their drivers. Today they are often associated with luxury, performance or safety, but the Ecco aims to remind us they can still be about freedom.

Following on the heels of design classics like the Airstream or VW camper van, the Ecco gets passengers to their destination, and becomes a temporary home when they get there. Compact, stylish and aerodynamic while on the road; when it is parked, the Ecco expands to provide a level of space and comfort that its forebearers could only dream of.

The exterior is a harmonious blend of precision aluminum and glass. Its direct and sculptural form cheats the wind while pleasing the eye. While a bit wider than its Volkswagen predecessor, the Ecco’s form is more aerodynamic, and the vehicle rides closer to the ground. The result is vastly improved interior volume, wonderful sight-lines for all passengers, and less wind resistance to boot.

As an all-electric vehicle, the Ecco has no emissions of its own, and can be quickly charged at a standard 240V station. But when used for extended living purposes, even where no electricity is available, its built-in photovoltaic panels and solar sail roof mean that it can cut out the middle man, and charge directly from the sun. The Ecco’s promise: Zero emissions. Zero guilt. Unlimited space to dream.’

by NAU
adNAU, Los angeles, USA, 2011. No part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Morfae and the copyright owner.
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