The Homepod Project

HomePod is an environmentally conscious shelter designed to restore dignity, safety, and independence for individuals experiencing homelessness. Each capsule offers warmth, security, and a sense of belonging through thoughtful design and sustainable materials.

Alyssa Denise Walsh · Architecture & Social Innovation

Concept

HomePod is designed to address the primary challenge of homelessness: shelter. These compact capsules provide a secure, insulated space furnished with a single bed and essential storage. The lightweight form enables mobility, allowing users to pull the pod using a small handle and wheel system. When stationary, a locking mechanism secures it safely to the surrounding environment.

Each pod is built from recycled and repurposed materials, representing a circular approach to design. Once a pod is no longer needed, it can be returned to the scheme for refurbishment or reuse.

Exploring variations in balance, comfort, and visibility, each design is refined through real-world adaptability.

THE ISSUE

According to Crisis, the national charity for homeless people, an estimated 227,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness in the UK.
On any given night, over 200,000 families and individuals experience homelessness across England alone. These figures include rough sleeping; people living in cars, sheds, garages, and other unconventional buildings; sofa surfing; hostels; and temporary accommodations such as bed & breakfasts.

In 2018, the UK Government’s rough sleeping count for England found there has been a 94% increase since 2013 and a 165% increase overall since 2010. This situation is increasing as a result of the pandemic, as the figures for ‘working homeless’ increase.
Many of these people experiencing homelessness are subject to abuse and exploitation, and more than 8 out of 10 people (85%) reported having a chronic health condition; therefore, they are likely to die prematurely.

While tiny home-based initiatives represent a commendable advancement in addressing homelessness, they primarily offer temporary relief through small-scale residential accommodations. Despite their positive impact, such solutions fall short of effectively resolving the widespread issue of homelessness on a large scale. Zoning challenges in building tiny home communities often face regulatory hurdles and community resistance.

ETHOS STATEMENT

At Homepod, our ethos is rooted in compassion, innovation, and social responsibility. We are committed to alleviating homelessness in the UK by providing sustainable and dignified solutions. Our mission is not just to offer shelter but to empower individuals with a sense of belonging and hope for a brighter future.

Through relentless dedication to quality and ingenuity, we design and manufacture pods that serve as more than just temporary housing—they are symbols of resilience and opportunity. We believe in fostering a supportive community where every person, regardless of their circumstances, is valued and respected.

Transparency, integrity, and empathy are the cornerstones of our operations. We actively collaborate with local authorities, nonprofits, and community leaders to address the multifaceted challenges of homelessness. Our goal is not only to provide immediate relief but also to enact long-term change by advocating for systemic solutions and promoting social inclusion.

At Homepod, we measure our success not only by the number of pods we deploy but also by the lives we touch and the stories of transformation we enable. Together, we strive to build a society where everyone has a place to call home and the opportunity to thrive.”

Urban Context

In the city, the HomePod becomes a compact sanctuary. The individual has positioned his pod along a quiet Edinburgh street, where it serves as both shelter and a familiar base within the urban landscape. The lightweight design allows him to move easily between locations, finding safety near community areas during the day and quieter spaces at night. The insulated interior offers warmth and privacy, while the secure locking handle ensures stability when the pod is at rest. With his dog by his side, the pod provides a small but complete sense of home: a protected space for rest, companionship, and belonging amid the rhythms of city life.

Get Involved

HomePod is built on collaboration. Each stage of its development, from concept to prototype, relies on designers, engineers, social advocates, and local communities working together to create real and lasting change.

We invite universities, councils, charities, and manufacturers to contribute knowledge, materials, or expertise toward advancing the next phase of this project. Through research partnerships, prototyping, and material innovation, every contribution brings the concept closer to becoming a functional reality.

For those wishing to support directly, HomePod also welcomes expressions of interest from individuals who share its belief that design has the power to restore dignity, safety, and independence.

To discuss collaboration, sponsorship, or partnership opportunities, please contact alyssadenisewalsh@gmail.com