New York-based architectural firm Olson Kundig and San Francisco-based startup Aro Homes have collaborated to build a prefabricated house, designed to contribute zero planet-warming emissions. Conveniently designed and constructed partially off-site, the prototype home, situated in Mountain View, California, recently sold for $4.2 million.
Eco-friendly features include rooftop solar panels, optimal solar positioning, and gray water reclamation, which reduces water usage by up to 45%. According to Olson Kundig, these environmentally-conscious additions will allow the home to neutralize its embodied carbon within 16 years.
Olson Kundig’s approach has resulted in a house that uses 67% less energy than the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030 Challenge Baseline for energy performance, marking the Arohome as one of the most environmentally-way houses that Olson Kundig has designed. Designed to outperform the majority of homes of a similar size, the Arohome boldly targets net zero energy performance, carbon neutrality, and maintains a high level of design, craft, and material quality.
Although small homes have often been favored in sustainable design due to their low energy usage, Aro Homes is making a case that larger houses suitable for families can also incorporate planet-friendly features. Alongside Olson Kundig and Aro Homes, firms including S2A Modular, Clayton Homes, and Deltec Homes are also notably adopting prefabricated houses, a more energy-efficient construction method.
As per Aro Homes and Olson Kundig, going green doesn’t have to be limited to the wealthy. There are a number of ways to reduce a home’s ecological impact, such as weatherizing houses, switching to induction cooking appliances, and installing heat pumps.
