BillionBricks revolutionized affordable housing with the launch of Sienna, the Philippines’ first net-zero home in Quezon City, on August 28, 2024. This solar-powered home was part of their innovative approach to sustainable living, combining affordability with environmental responsibility.
The Groundbreaking Launch
The Sienna model house was designed to be carbon-negative, generating more clean energy than it consumed, thereby reducing its overall impact on climate change. This milestone project highlighted BillionBricks’ commitment to social good through cutting-edge technology, further cementing their reputation as leaders in sustainable housing solutions.
Features of Sienna
The Sienna model house offered a unique blend of comfort, affordability, and sustainability:
Sustainable Design and Technology: The innovative PowerShade solar roof technology, a BillionBricks invention, allowed the smart technology integration of 18 solar panels to power the home. Excess electricity could even be shared with the community.
Flexible Living Space: The open floor plan allowed homeowners to customize their net-zero home. The movable dining space provided flexibility to adjust the layout to suit individual needs.
Modern Conveniences: The house featured an electric vehicle charger and an outdoor utility charger for convenience. Smart home controls such as a homeowner app, energy monitoring, and management capabilities were also included.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Sienna homes spearheaded sustainable living by drastically lowering carbon footprints. The PowerShade solar roof, featuring solar panels that powered the home and even shared excess electricity with the community, was at the heart of this innovation1.BillionBricks’ partnership with ENGIE facilitated the construction of a 1,300-home development on 16 hectares in the Philippines, featuring a remarkable 13MW of solar energy generation. This project was poised to make a significant environmental impact, reducing annual CO2 emissions by over 6,000 tons.
Educational Tours at the BillionBricks Experience Center
Following the launch, BillionBricks introduced educational tours for schools and companies at the BillionBricks Experience Center in Quezon City. These tours provide an opportunity for students and professionals to learn about sustainable living and innovative housing solutions firsthand.
Prasoon Kumar, Co-founder and CEO of BillionBricks, personally leads many of these tours, offering insights into the company’s vision and the technology behind their net-zero homes. Visitors could explore the Sienna model house, gaining a deeper understanding of its features and environmental benefits. These educational initiatives aimed to inspire the next generation of sustainable thinkers and promote eco-friendly practices in various industries.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Sienna project in Quezon City set a strong precedent for sustainable development in the country. BillionBricks announced plans to build more net-zero homes in other parts of the Philippines, including San Mateo in Rizal and Iligan in Lanao Del Norte.
By focusing on sustainable living, BillionBricks remained committed to creating environmentally and economically sustainable communities. Their ultimate goal was to pioneer the future of housing, making carbon-negative living a reality for more families across the Philippines and beyond.
