Proto 2: The Immosphere Challenge
The Saunosphere was simple: heat, ventilation, seating. Proto 2 is different.
The Immosphere—an immersive video space with screens, surround sound, climate control, and power management—represents a significant jump in complexity.
This is intentional. We're following a "crawl, walk, run" approach to product development. Each prototype teaches us lessons we'll need for the next.
The Vision
Imagine a personal Vegas Sphere. A space where you can:
- Watch movies with 270° field of view
- Play immersive video games
- Experience VR without a headset
- Create content in a controlled environment
- Host small group experiences
All in a sphere that fits in half a parking spot.
The Requirements
The Immosphere needs:
Power
- Electrical service: 120V/20A minimum (for screens, audio, climate control)
- Power distribution: Multiple circuits, surge protection
- Cable management: Clean routing, accessible panels
- Safety: Proper grounding, GFCI protection
Climate Control
- HVAC: Heat pump or mini-split AC unit
- Ventilation: Fresh air intake, exhaust
- Temperature control: Thermostat, automation
- Humidity management: Dehumidifier in humid climates
Technology
- Screens: 6-8 displays arranged in 270° arc
- Audio: Surround sound system
- Control system: Centralized media control
- Connectivity: WiFi, ethernet, streaming capability
Comfort
- Seating: Comfortable for 2-4 people
- Lighting: Dimmable, color-adjustable
- Acoustics: Sound dampening, controlled reverb
- Aesthetics: Premium fit and finish
The Design Process
Unlike the Saunosphere, where rustic imperfections are charming, the Immosphere demands precision.
Challenges
1. Screen Integration How do you mount flat screens on a curved surface?
Options:
- Flat panels on interior frame (creates faceted interior, not truly spherical)
- Curved screens (expensive, limited availability)
- Flexible OLED (cutting edge, very expensive)
We're going with flat panels on a faceted interior frame. It's a compromise, but it's buildable and affordable.
2. Cable Management The Immosphere will have dozens of cables: power, HDMI, audio, network, control.
Solution:
- Dedicated cable channels built into the frame
- Removable access panels for maintenance
- Labeled connections for easy troubleshooting
- Wireless where possible (WiFi, Bluetooth)
3. Climate Control Electronics generate heat. People generate heat. In a small, insulated space, this becomes a problem quickly.
Solution:
- Mini-split heat pump (efficient heating and cooling)
- Dedicated ventilation (fresh air without losing climate control)
- Thermal monitoring (sensors to prevent overheating)
4. Acoustics A sphere has interesting acoustic properties—sound reflects and focuses in unexpected ways.
Solution:
- Acoustic panels on walls and ceiling
- Bass traps in corners (where frame meets panels)
- Calibrated audio (tuned to the space)
The Build Plan
We're currently in the design phase for Proto 2. Here's the plan:
Phase 1: Frame and Structure (Week 1-2)
- Build elevated base (same as Saunosphere)
- Assemble frame with integrated cable channels
- Install exterior panels
- Weatherproofing
Phase 2: Systems Integration (Week 3-4)
- Electrical rough-in (hire licensed electrician)
- HVAC installation (hire HVAC tech)
- Network cabling
- Test all systems
Phase 3: Interior Finish (Week 5-6)
- Insulation and vapor barrier
- Interior panels (higher quality than Saunosphere)
- Acoustic treatment
- Lighting installation
Phase 4: Technology (Week 7-8)
- Screen mounting and alignment
- Audio system installation
- Control system setup
- Calibration and testing
Phase 5: Furniture and Final (Week 9-10)
- Custom seating (designed for the space)
- Final trim and details
- Quality control
- User testing
Estimated timeline: 10 weeks (vs. 1 week for Saunosphere)
Estimated cost: $12,000-$15,000 (vs. $3,200 for Saunosphere)
The Market
Who wants an Immosphere?
Gaming Enthusiasts
- Sim racing: Wrap-around screens for racing simulators
- Flight sims: Immersive cockpit experience
- VR alternative: Immersion without headset discomfort
Market size: Millions of serious gamers, many willing to invest in premium setups.
Content Creators
- Streaming studios: Controlled environment, professional setup
- Podcast/video production: Acoustic treatment, good lighting
- Virtual production: Green screen alternative
Market size: Growing creator economy, need for affordable studio space.
Home Theater Enthusiasts
- Premium viewing: Better than a TV, more affordable than a dedicated theater room
- Small footprint: Doesn't require a whole room
- Unique experience: Conversation piece, entertainment hub
Market size: High-end home theater market is billions annually.
Commercial Applications
- VR arcades: Individual immersive pods
- Entertainment venues: Unique attraction
- Training simulators: Professional training applications
- Therapy/wellness: Immersive relaxation experiences
Market size: Commercial entertainment and training is a massive market.
The Economics
DIY Build:
- Materials: $8,000-$10,000
- Electronics: $3,000-$5,000
- Professional services (electrical, HVAC): $1,000-$2,000
- Total: $12,000-$17,000
Commercial Equivalent:
- Dedicated home theater room: $30,000-$100,000+
- High-end sim racing rig: $10,000-$50,000
- Professional studio build-out: $20,000-$100,000+
The Immosphere offers premium experience at a fraction of typical costs.
Revenue Potential:
- DIY plans: $100-$200
- Pre-cut kit (structure only): $5,000-$7,000
- Fully assembled (without electronics): $15,000-$20,000
- Turnkey system (with screens, audio, etc.): $25,000-$35,000
The Challenges Ahead
Proto 2 is going to be hard. We know this.
Technical complexity: More systems, more integration, more that can go wrong.
Cost management: Easy to blow the budget on premium components.
Quality expectations: Users will expect professional fit and finish.
Documentation: Much more complex to document and teach.
But this is exactly why we're building it. We need to learn:
- How to integrate complex systems into the Thiosphere platform
- How to document technical builds for DIY builders
- How to manage costs while maintaining quality
- What the market will pay for premium configurations
The Bigger Picture
The Immosphere isn't just about entertainment. It's about proving the Thiosphere platform can handle complexity.
If we can build an Immosphere, we can build an Agrosphere (which needs water, power, sensors, and automation).
If we can document the Immosphere build, we can document anything.
If we can create a market for premium Thiospheres, we can sustain the business while keeping basic designs free and open.
What We're Learning Already
Even in the design phase, we're learning:
Modularity is key: The Immosphere uses the same base platform as the Saunosphere, just with different interior configuration.
Systems thinking: Everything connects. Electrical affects HVAC, HVAC affects acoustics, acoustics affects user experience.
User-centered design: We're designing for specific use cases (gaming, content creation, viewing) rather than generic "media room."
Cost-value balance: Where to spend money (screens, audio) and where to save (structure, basic materials).
The Timeline
We're aiming to complete Proto 2 by late spring 2025. This gives us:
- Time to source materials and components
- Time to build carefully and document thoroughly
- Time to test and iterate
- Time to gather user feedback before Proto 3
Community Involvement
Unlike Proto 1, which we built mostly privately, we're planning to document Proto 2 extensively:
- Live build streams: Show the process in real-time
- Technical deep-dives: Explain electrical, HVAC, acoustic decisions
- Community input: Ask for suggestions on components, configurations
- Open development: Share CAD files, wiring diagrams, parts lists as we create them
This serves two purposes:
- Marketing: Build excitement and community
- Validation: Get feedback before we finalize designs
The Stakes
Proto 2 is where we prove the Thiosphere platform is more than just a simple shed.
If we can successfully integrate power, climate control, and technology—and document it so others can replicate it—we've created something truly valuable.
A platform that can be:
- A sauna
- An immersive media space
- A workshop
- A studio
- A greenhouse
- Whatever people imagine
That's the vision. Proto 2 is how we get there.
Wish us luck. We're going to need it.
Next Post: Proto 3: The Agrosphere—Bringing It Full Circle
Previous Post: Proto 1: Building the Saunosphere
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