About Housing construction from 4 to 1 planet

Newly built housing in Denmark has a CO2 footprint of approximately 10 kg per m2 annually over the full life cycle of the house. This is a significant challenge as we every year consume resources equivalent to four planets. A new initiative between Realdania and the VILLUM FOUNDATION will boost Danish housing construction in a greener direction.

The objective of the initiative Housing construction from 4 to 1 planet is to reduce the footprint of newly built housing to a level that the planet can sustain, i.e., a life cycle CO2 footprint of 2.5 kg/m2/p.a.

Housing construction from 4 to 1 planet is initiated by the philanthropic association Realdania and the non-profit foundation VILLUM FOUNDATION; both dedicated to how the built environment can enable quality of life and sustainability. Realdania and VILLUM Foundation are rooted in construction and work on the premise that architecture, construction, and cities are essential elements of well-functioning societies.

The initiative is led by a steering group with equal representation from Realdania and the VILLUM FOUNDATION.

Two open calls

To fuel this ambition, we will explore radical new approaches and stimulate innovation within architecture, materials, and manufacturing. In this open call we reach out to the best of minds and ideas.

In Next Generation Architecture we ask the next generation of architects, engineers, and other free minds to propose visionary housing concepts stripped from all concerns except being absolute sustainable on carbon footprint and yet affordable.

In Sustainable Solutions we call out to inventors, manufacturers, and contractors for best and next practices regarding materials, products, and processes with minimal carbon footprint. 

Next Generation Architecture and Sustainable Solutions is an initial ideation phase that identifies, matures, and accelerates ideas and solutions to new build low carbon housing. It will be followed with large-scale 1:1 demonstration house building in Denmark developed and implemented in collaboration with leading house builders, companies, and experts.

Next Generation Architecture and Sustainable Solutions are operated by Smith Innovation, an agency specialised in systemic transitions in construction.