Skysphere – A Towering High-Tech Retreat by Jono Williams

Called the Skysphere, this habitable tower comes from the creative mind of New Zealander Jono Williams. The Skysphere serves as a rather unique getaway that features a host of technological wizardry and is set among the rolling hills of the countryside.

 

Skysphere - Jono Williams - New Zealand - Exterior - Humble Homes

The structure is composed of a hollow steel cylindrical column that supports the rounded section of the retreat. A series of curved steel elements encompass the living area, providing support at the outer edges. The hollow center of the main column provides access to the upper level via a steel ladder.

 

Skysphere - Jono Williams - New Zealand - Day Bed - Humble Homes

The main living area of the unit features 6.6 feet tall (2 meters tall) windows along its entire circumference, providing an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the landscape. With no access to the electrical grid, electricity is provided for through a series of solar panels that have been installed on the exterior.

 

Skysphere - Jono Williams - New Zealand - Panoramic View - Humble Homes

The solar panels help to power a variety of lights and gadgets, and Williams hasn’t shied away from “geeking out” his most marvellous of man-caves. It features a motorized entry door with fingerprint access, a refrigerated beer dispenser that’s built into the couch, a solar-powered management system…

Skysphere - Jono Williams - New Zealand - Solar Panels - Humble Homes

… A miracast projector, a wireless sound system, LED mood lighting, high speed internet, computer generated voice dialogs, and a ladder that provides access to the rooftop for stargazing. On top of that there’s also some custom furniture, like the curved couch and what looks to be a day bed.

Skysphere - Jono Williams - New Zealand - At Night - Humble Homes

It doesn’t however appear to be geared for extended stays – there’s no mention of a kitchen or a bathroom (but it is surrounded by plenty of, erm, woodland). Regardless, it would make for a truly unique experience.

Via DesignBoom
Photos: The Skysphere

Niall Burke

Structural engineer by day, tiny house designer by night. Niall has a keen interest in small spaces, green design, and sustainability. He started developing Humble Homes while studying for his masters degree in engineering. He is the founder and managing editor of Humble Homes.

5 Comments

  2. Good old Kiwi ingenuity. You liddle Ripper you Jono… awesome.

    This is V 1… V 2 is apparently under consideration. With probably a kitchen and toilet facilities.

    The intention with V 1 was to have another tower for toilet facilities… and truly, I don’t understand the logic of that. But then, I have never understood the logic of genius.

    It’s worth clicking the link to go to his website and have a look at it from whoa to go… yes the start is on the last page. Sigh!