In collaboration with AKT II and Hilson Moran, Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled a new digital architectural platform for creating sustainable modular homes in Roatán Próspera, a semi-autonomous Economic Development Hub set to break ground on the north bay of Honduras’ island of Roatán.

The platform merges the local Caribbean architectural vernacular with digital engineering techniques to minimize waste and carbon emissions while maximizing energy efficiency. The luxury modular homes will be developed as a “kit of parts” for quick site assembly and will follow a construction process aimed at benefiting the local economy.

Zaha Hadid Architects’ digital platform will generate Roatán Próspera’s first residential units, which will respond to the climate, terrain and environment of the Caribbean and will integrate the island’s vernacular tradition of timber construction. Local materials and craftsmanship are emphasized in the construction process, from the sourcing of sustainable timber from certified forests on the Honduran mainland to the milling that will be done locally to further support the region’s economy.

The modular homes have also been developed with energy-saving principles and will be self-shading and oriented toward prevailing sea breezes for natural cooling.

The homes can also be integrated with photovoltaic arrays for net-zero operations. Clients, who are now able to pre-purchase a home, can virtually plan their houses through the digital architectural platform, from customizing the spatial layout of their residence to choosing built-in furniture modules to fit their lifestyle preferences.

This feature was originally published in inhabitat.com.