This is a model house built with passive modular construction technology. (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology)

By Koh Hyunjeong

A new construction technology maintains comfortable indoor conditions in desert regions with wide swings in daily temperatures and frequent sandstorms.

The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) on Sept. 15 said its "passive desert-customized modular construction technology" allows energy self-sufficiency even in the hot and dry desert climate of the Middle East.

KICT applied a design that blocks heat from coming through windows and prevents overheating of the roof. A high level of airtightness also ensures stable air quality indoors even if ventilation is difficult because of frequent sandstorms.

A technical and economic feasibility analysis found that the new technology saves up to 37% in the costs for structural, fire-resistant and exterior-finishing construction and shortens the overall construction period 9%.

"This technology is thanks to our technological prowess creating a high-performing house that is energy self-sufficient even in extreme desert climates," KICT President Park Sunkyu said. "This bridgehead for domestic builders to enter the Mideastern construction market is also the basis for us to lead the world in green construction technology."

hjkoh@korea.kr