What Is No Footprint House?

The house you see that looks like shutters is the NFH (No Footprint House) project, a prefabricated house project led by A-01 with the goal of zero carbon footprint. Spearheaded by A-01, this prefabricated house project strives for a zero carbon footprint, merging affordability with sustainable solutions across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. 

Carbon Emissions of No Footprint House

The NFH-108, the project’s inaugural model, boasts a 40% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional homes of similar size in Costa Rica. A-01 is already advancing to the second iteration, planning to replace steel with locally sourced laminated teak to push emission reductions to 60%. Coupled with optimizations in the prefabrication process and materials, these innovations aim for an impressive 80% reduction, with the final 20% offset by local energy production to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

Key Innovations of No Footprint House

• Efficient Prefabrication: Constructed in Costa Rica’s Central Valley and transported via a 40-foot truck, the NFH minimizes on-site construction time, reducing labor costs and energy consumption.
• Systematic Sustainable Design: The house features a unique shutter-like facade that adjusts to the sun’s angle and rainfall, optimizing internal temperatures throughout the seasons. This self-regulating design not only enhances living comfort but also incorporates renewable energy and solar technology to minimize energy usage.
• Centralized Functional Efficiency: Core house functions such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry are centrally located and interconnected, streamlining the use of energy and materials and simplifying maintenance.

The NFH project has garnered acclaim, winning prestigious awards like the OMA, Kyoto Global Design Award, and Swiss Engineering Honors. However, it has also sparked debates, particularly regarding its safety in mountainous terrains and the feasibility of achieving true zero carbon emissions. Architect Oliver Schütte says that the NFH is following the plan, and meticulously planned to harmonize with rural settings, and the team is exploring sustainable solutions for urban environments as well.

Through its groundbreaking approach, the No Footprint House not only challenges traditional building practices but also sets a new standard for future sustainable developments, proving that innovative architecture can indeed align with the planet’s needs.

No Footprint House VS 3D Printed House

The goal of reducing carbon emissions is not only being pursued by A-01, but also by more cutting-edge 3D printed houses. Take, for instance, the Casitas project in Texas, which utilizes a groundbreaking 3D printed concrete known as PozzoCEM Vita. This innovative material not only boasts a mere 8% of the carbon emissions typical of traditional cement but also sets significantly faster, enabling the construction of homes at an accelerated pace—with walls typically completed within 24 hours.

Conclusion

As global dynamics shift—marked by declining birthrates, environmental changes, and rising geopolitical tensions—the construction industry faces pressing challenges such as labor shortages, rising material costs, and the need for rapid reconstruction. These pressures are driving a shift towards more innovative building solutions like NFH and 3D printed houses. Both technologies not only meet the demands for sustainability and efficiency but also herald a new era for a resilient and adaptive construction industry.

Extended Readings

[1] https://hive3dbuilders.com/projects 

[2] https://www.dezeen.com/2020/09/06/no-footprint-house-a-01-costa-rica-zero-carbon/ 

[3] https://www.a-01.net

[4] https://www.kgd-a.org/laureates/en/no-footprint-house-nfh