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Collection by Allie Weiss

The World's First Carbon-Positive Prefab House

Australian firm Archiblox has designed the world's first carbon-positive prefab. We take a tour of the space, which is currently on view in Melbourne's City Square.

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There are two zones in the house. One side, which the architects refer to as the "buffer zone," faces north, capturing the sunlight in the winter and pulling it into the house. In the summer, it traps the harsh sun so less gets into the living space. Edible planters adorn the wall.
There are two zones in the house. One side, which the architects refer to as the "buffer zone," faces north, capturing the sunlight in the winter and pulling it into the house. In the summer, it traps the harsh sun so less gets into the living space. Edible planters adorn the wall.
The houses uses sustainably-sourced materials with formaldehyde- and VOC-free finishes.
The houses uses sustainably-sourced materials with formaldehyde- and VOC-free finishes.
In-ground tubes also help with ventilation, pulling cool air through the house from the south side.
In-ground tubes also help with ventilation, pulling cool air through the house from the south side.
An airtight building envelop helps naturally insulate the structure. The appliances in the house are energy-efficient, and use greywater recycling.
An airtight building envelop helps naturally insulate the structure. The appliances in the house are energy-efficient, and use greywater recycling.
Australian firm Archiblox built the world's first energy positive prefab and then displayed it in the middle of Melbourne's city square for all to see. The house has large double-glazed windows that bring sunlight and warmth into the structure during winter. The garden walls also wrap over the roof of the structure to further insulate the home and act as a living roof.
Australian firm Archiblox built the world's first energy positive prefab and then displayed it in the middle of Melbourne's city square for all to see. The house has large double-glazed windows that bring sunlight and warmth into the structure during winter. The garden walls also wrap over the roof of the structure to further insulate the home and act as a living roof.