Quick Quarters

Simple Eco-Houses on the Upswing

A new Ukrainian homebuilding startup called Passivdom uses a 3-D printing robot to produce parts for tiny houses. The machine can print the walls, roof and floor of the company’s 380-square-foot model in about eight hours. The windows, doors and self-contained plumbing, sewage and self-electrical systems are then added by a human worker. Solar energy is stored in a battery. Filtered water collects from humidity in the air. Prices start at $64,000 per house (Passivedom).

M.A.DI., in Italy, produces prefabricated A-frame houses in five sizes that can be set up anywhere. The basic model is rated an energy class B, but can be upgraded with an option of adding solar panels to make the structures energy-independent.

Homes made by Lifehaus blend low-cost, off-grid appeal with holistic living and luxurious details. The Lebanon company is pioneering energy-neutral dwellings made from locally sourced and recycled materials. Green home dwellers will also be able to generate electricity and grow their own food
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