House of the Future: Designing a Net-Zero Energy Housing Archetype for Emirati Families

This paper documents the design of a concrete 3D-printed net-zero energy housing archetype in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The net-zero energy target was achieved by combining active and passive design strategies, such as cross-ventilation, improved thermal performance of the building envelope, exterior shading devices, and a geothermal cooling system. Meeting the requirements of Estidama's Pearl Rating System—particularly the thermal transmittance (U-values) for building envelope components—was a challenge due to the use of 3D-printed walls and prefabricated hollow-core slabs. To address this, a parametric analysis was conducted using LBNL Therm thermal performance modeling software to optimize the U-values of walls and roofs. A U-value of 0.22 W/m²·K was achieved, which is 30% more efficient than the minimum required by Estidama. Subsequently, whole-building energy simulations were performed using the Home Energy Efficient Design (HEED) software. The simulations show that implementing the active and passive design strategies yielded a minimum energy use intensity (EUI) of 87 kWh/m2. Yr, which was later supplemented by onsite solar energy generation to achieve the NetZero target. Performance evaluations demonstrate that compliance with local sustainability requirements, such as Estidama, and achieving the net-zero energy goal are possible, proving the feasibility of 3D-printed sustainable housing in the UAE. The findings of this research show that achieving net-zero energy in housing is possible in the UAE, even with 3D printing, and advocate for its wider adoption and implementation. The study results support the local and international pursuit to achieve environmental sustainability through achieving energy efficiency and transitioning to clean energy sources. The findings also align with and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).