MIT 1K House

The MIT 1K House aims to improve living conditions in parts of the world where resources are scarce, infrastructure does not exist and natural disasters often strike. The highly inadequate living conditions of poor rural populations is a widely prevailing and under-addressed issue that could be significantly improved. The design and research for the 1K house is based on three design principles: Affordability: The price cap of $1000 USD is a rigorous but achievable goal to provide quality housing to a new and emerging market in developing countries around the world. The intent of the price is to allow a large economic group to afford proper housing for the first time. Livability: Implementing innovative and quality design can provide not only affordable housing, but also housing that improves the quality of life for the inhabitants. This includes providing safety, sanitation and comfort. Sustainability: Without available infrastructure, 1K House has to harvest energy and treat waste in a self-sustained way. It can be built with a hybrid of the traditional, local and recycled building materials, while also incorporating the latest industrial products.