HexaPod: the Future of Modular Living

Welcome to HexaPod, a modular hexagonal house designed using Autodesk Revit with the future of living in mind. This design blends sharp geometry with smart planning to create a sustainable, efficient, and adaptable home, perfect for off-grid or urban edge lifestyles.

The hexagonal shape was chosen not just for aesthetics, but for its structural strength, space efficiency, and modular expandability. Each unit can connect to others seamlessly, allowing families or communities to grow their home layout like a honeycomb, strong and scalable.

The design considers energy use, natural lighting, and compact material planning, with features that make it suitable for remote locations like Maine or anywhere that needs a modern, flexible housing solution. With Revit’s precision modeling tools, we created realistic walls, roofs, materials, and layout flows, making the dream feel buildable.

This is a conceptual design, and actual material use will vary depending on local pricing, labor, and environmental conditions. The Revit model helps me to visualize and calculate these elements with higher precision.

Framing & Structure

Oak wood (flooring, walls, ceiling frames)

$8,000–$10,000

Foundation

Concrete piers or slab (sustainable mix)

$4,000–$6,000

Insulation

Eco-friendly (like sheep wool or recycled denim)

$2,000–$3,000

Exterior Walls

Wood cladding with weatherproof coating

$3,000–$4,000

Roofing

Sloped insulated roof + solar shingles

$7,000–$9,000

Windows & Doors

Energy-efficient double-glazed

$4,000–$5,000

Solar Panels

Off-grid solar system (3kW setup)

$6,000–$7,000

Electrical

Wiring + smart system (smart lights, thermostats, etc.)

$3,000–$4,000

Plumbing

Fixtures, pipes, water-saving toilets/sinks

$3,000–$4,000

Interior

Kitchen, bathroom, flooring, smart storage

$8,000–$10,000

Smart Home Features

Voice assistants, app controls, sensors

$2,000–$3,000

HVAC

Mini-split energy-efficient unit

$3,000–$4,000

Miscellaneous

Paint, labor tools, fasteners, etc.

$2,000–$3,000

Total Estimated Cost: $55,000 – $72,000

When I began this project, I was thinking a lot about how many people in Maine struggle with housing, especially during the cold months. Maine has one of the highest rates of homelessness in New England, and the shelters are often full. Additionally, housing in cities like Portland is becoming increasingly expensive, and there’s a shortage of affordable space available. So I asked myself: what kind of home would take up less space, be easy to build, still feel warm and safe, and actually look like a home?

That’s how I got into researching hexagonal housing. Hex shapes are super efficient for using land without wasting space. They naturally fit together like puzzle pieces, just like beehives, and that means you can put many units close together in a small area without making it feel cramped. That’s perfect for places like Maine, where land can be tight and zoning is tricky.

I also focused on Maine specifically because it has a lot of open rural land where affordable housing could be built, but the challenge is doing it in a way that’s cheap, sustainable, and cozy enough for winter living. That’s where the Hex House comes in. It’s small, only around 500 to 600 square feet, but designed to be smart, energy-efficient, and durable. I made sure to use oak wood, solar panels, and smart home technology in my design to show how even a tiny house can feel modern and livable.

This kind of housing could really help reduce homelessness in Maine by giving people a dignified, private living space that’s fast to build, cheaper than apartments, and flexible enough to fit into different kinds of neighborhoods. Plus, building these houses sustainably means we’re not just solving one problem—we’re also helping the planet.

Once I had my idea, I wanted to see how others were building small houses and especially how the hexagon shape was being used in real architecture. I did a bunch of visual research looking at tiny homes, eco pods, modular shelters, and modern cabins that use geometric shapes like hexagons or triangles. I was inspired by how some people used hex tiles to create repeating units, kind of like how bees build hives. That helped me imagine how I could build not just one home, but a whole community of hex homes fitted together.

I also looked at how people were combining wood materials like oak with modern features like solar panels, slanted roofs for snow drainage, and big windows for light. I saved a bunch of design sketches, Pinterest images, and even a few blueprints from architecture blogs. One key thing I noticed was that a lot of beautiful eco-homes were using natural materials but still looked high-tech and clean, which influenced my design choices.

To map out my version, I sketched a bunch of floor plans. I tested what a single hex room would look like and then tried adding extra units around it, like one for a bathroom, one for a kitchen, and so on. The best part of using hex shapes is that they connect easily at angles, so I could play around with different layouts while keeping the structure strong and compact.

This step helped me shape my vision and make sure the design wasn't just cool-looking but also practical, modular, and expandable. I kept in mind that the house needed to be affordable, easy to build in batches, and still feel like a home, not just a shelter.

For this project, I chose Maine as the location to imagine building these Hex Homes. I wanted a place where small, smart, sustainable houses could make a difference, and Maine stood out for a few big reasons.

First, Maine has a growing housing crisis, especially for low-income families, seasonal workers, and homeless individuals. There's a real shortage of affordable homes, and rents keep going up. That’s where my idea comes in: these compact hexagonal homes don’t take up much space but still feel complete and livable. They can be built on unused land or even grouped into small villages, so we can support people without needing huge developments.

Second, Maine has plenty of natural resources like wood, which is great for sustainable construction. I'm using oak wood, which fits perfectly with the region and supports local sourcing. Plus, Maine’s climate, cold winters, and lots of sunlight make it ideal for solar power and insulated wood structures. I designed the house with angled roofs to handle snow and placed windows to maximize light and heat during the day.

Finally, I thought about the vibe of the place. Maine has a mix of nature, community spirit, and openness to creative housing ideas. I can see these Hex Houses blending in with the landscape, especially in small towns or forest edges. They could offer a fresh start for someone who needs stability, dignity, and safety, without feeling like they’re stuck in a basic shelter. This site makes it real.

In the design process, I began by visualizing a compact and efficient living space that could realistically help sustainably solve homelessness. I chose a hexagonal structure for the house because it’s space-efficient and allows for easy expansion—multiple hex units can be connected like a honeycomb to form a small community without needing much land. Using Revit, I designed a micro-home that fits within 550–600 square feet, ideal for individuals or small families.

The layout includes a loft-style sleeping area, a foldable dining zone, a compact yet smart kitchen, and a sustainable bathroom setup. I selected oak wood as the primary building material because it is sturdy, weather-resistant, and eco-friendly. To further reduce environmental impact, I integrated features like solar panels on the roof, LED lighting, thermal insulation, and a rainwater collection system. The goal was to ensure that each unit could function off-grid and remain affordable while still feeling modern and dignified. Every element, from the materials to the layout, was carefully considered to balance cost, sustainability, and comfort for people in need of housing.

The bedroom in this hex house is designed to be cozy, elevated, and space-efficient. It uses a loft-style setup where the bed is raised to create storage or workspace underneath. The walls are insulated using sustainable materials, and oak wood paneling adds warmth and durability. The window placement allows natural light to enter while maintaining privacy. Smart home features include automated lighting, a small heater for colder months in Maine, and a pull-out closet system for storing clothes and essentials. Everything is designed to fit within a minimal footprint without sacrificing comfort.

The living area doubles as a multi-use zone—functioning as a space to relax, work, and dine. Modular furniture like a fold-out couch, a wall-mounted desk, and a collapsible table make the area flexible and practical. The flooring is made from reclaimed oak, offering both beauty and sustainability. This module is designed to feel open despite the small size, with windows positioned to bring in natural light. A smart lighting system adapts to different moods and times of day, and built-in shelving helps keep things organized without cluttering the space.

The kitchen is designed as a compact, modular galley that contains everything essential: a two-burner induction cooktop, a smart mini-fridge, a sink with a water-saving faucet, and efficient cabinetry. All surfaces use bamboo and recycled composite materials, making it both eco-friendly and easy to clean. There’s a solar-powered ventilation fan to keep air fresh and a compost bin integrated under the counter for food waste. This module prioritizes functionality while remaining affordable and green.

The restroom is small but highly efficient. It includes a composting toilet, a water-saving shower head, and a small sink. The walls and floor are coated with water-resistant oak veneer panels. A skylight provides natural ventilation and daylight, reducing the need for electric lighting during the day. The plumbing system is designed to reuse greywater from the sink for flushing, keeping sustainability in mind. This module emphasizes hygiene, safety, and dignity while maintaining a compact and cost-effective layout.

While the modular Hex Home is designed to be affordable, sustainable, and livable, there is always space for improvement. One potential upgrade is expanding solar energy use, adding rooftop panels that can power more appliances or even charge electric vehicles. Another area for growth is improving insulation with more advanced eco-materials, especially for colder climates like Maine. Additionally, we could explore greywater recycling systems that support on-site gardening or greenery around each unit.

Looking ahead, this modular concept isn’t just for one home; it’s a scalable idea for an entire community. By arranging multiple hex homes together, we could create a supportive neighborhood with shared spaces like community kitchens, greenhouses, or tool sheds. These could help reduce costs and promote togetherness. The modular system also means new units can be easily added as families grow or new residents join, making the community adaptable and inclusive over time.

This project opened my eyes to how design can directly impact people’s lives, especially those facing housing insecurity. Through researching Maine’s homelessness statistics and combining that with sustainable architecture, I realized how even a small footprint home, if built smartly, can provide dignity, comfort, and hope.

The hexagonal modular design isn't just efficient, it’s personal, creative, and flexible. I enjoyed thinking through every detail, from choosing oak wood and solar panels to imagining the daily flow of life in such a compact yet livable space. This project also made me think bigger: how these homes can be multiplied and connected to form real communities. I’ve learned that good design isn’t just about what looks cool, it’s about solving problems with empathy and vision. I’m proud of what this concept stands for and hope ideas like this keep growing in the real world.