Sienna Net-Zero Home by billionBricks

The Sienna Net-Zero Home represents a transformative leap in social housing, embodying a vision where affordability, sustainability, and innovation intersect to address two of the world’s most urgent challenges: homelessness and climate change. Developed by billionBricks and located in Quezon City, Philippines, this compact and cost-efficient dwelling redefines what it means to create homes that are not only accessible but also energy-positive and environmentally responsible.

Designing for Climate, Comfort, and Community

The design of the Sienna Home is deeply informed by the tropical climate of the Philippines. Every architectural decision prioritizes natural ventilation and passive cooling strategies to maximize indoor comfort while minimizing reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning systems. This results in a home that breathes with the environment—keeping cool in the heat and efficiently managing rainwater for sustainability.

With a meticulously optimized floor plan measuring just 4.5 by 5.1 meters, the home achieves remarkable functionality within a compact footprint. Its flexible layout is designed to evolve with its occupants, supporting family growth and adapting to changing needs without sacrificing quality or comfort.

Powershade: Innovation at the Roof

At the core of the Sienna Home’s groundbreaking performance is billionBricks’ proprietary Powershade technology. This advanced solar roofing system doubles as both a clean energy generator and a thermal shield, dramatically reducing indoor temperatures and improving thermal comfort without compromising durability. Unlike typical solar panels, Powershade is seamlessly integrated into the structure of the roof, creating a sleek, unified form that enhances both energy efficiency and aesthetics.

This innovation enables the Sienna Home to be truly energy-positive: it generates more electricity than it consumes. This not only reduces utility costs but also fosters energy independence for homeowners. Excess electricity can be stored for later use or fed back into the grid, potentially providing an additional income stream—a game-changing feature for low-income families.

Community-Scale Impact

When constructed in clusters, Sienna Homes with Powershade roofing form a utility-scale solar rooftop farm capable of powering essential communal facilities and contributing to the local grid. This collective energy model empowers residents by creating a shared sustainable infrastructure that enhances community resilience and financial stability.

The architectural and urban design carefully follows BP 220 social housing regulations, including generous setbacks that promote ventilation, safety, and social interaction. Corner units are thoughtfully offset to ensure privacy and accessibility, fostering neighborhoods that are both functional and welcoming.

Modular, Scalable, and Ready for the Future

Constructed with lightweight prefabricated components, the Sienna Home enables rapid onsite assembly while ensuring structural strength and longevity. This modular method supports scalability, making it an ideal prototype for large-scale affordable housing projects across rapidly urbanizing regions.

Importantly, the design anticipates future expansion, giving homeowners the flexibility to adapt and enlarge their homes as their circumstances evolve. This long-term adaptability ensures that the Sienna Home remains a viable solution throughout different stages of life.

A Model for Sustainable Urban Living

Beyond individual residences, the Sienna Home is envisioned as part of a broader sustainable community ecosystem. Integrating shared green spaces, pedestrian-friendly paths, and decentralized utilities, the development fosters environmental resilience and social cohesion.

By pioneering this new standard in social housing, billionBricks is proving that low-cost homes can be architecturally compelling, climate responsive, and socially transformative. The Sienna Net-Zero Home offers a hopeful blueprint for cities worldwide, demonstrating that housing solutions can uplift lives while respecting and preserving the planet.

Photography: Ron Mendoza & Mark Twain C & BB team