BUILDING CARBON NEUTRAL HOMES
Case study SE:
Redefining sustainable construction with VillaZero
VillaZero is a pioneering project in Sweden, developed by Fiskarhedenvillan, Mondo Arkitekter, and Structor Byggteknik Dalarna. Its ambitious goal? To construct the country’s first carbon-neutral small house, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly building practices.
The challenge: Rethinking foundations for sustainability
To achieve true climate neutrality, the project team needed to tackle key challenges:
Minimising the carbon footprint of the entire build, from materials to construction methods.
Finding an environmentally friendly foundation solution that didn’t rely on traditional concrete with a high CO₂ output.
Ensuring durability and stability for an entirely wooden structure, including the carport, while adhering to strict sustainability standards.
The solution: Ground screws – an innovative alternative to concrete
VillaZero’s carport foundation was installed using StopDigging’s ground screws, offering a game-changing alternative to conventional concrete footings. The screws provided a strong, reliable base while dramatically lowering CO₂ emissions. Their installation was quick, precise, and required no heavy excavation—preserving the natural landscape and reducing disruption to the site:
Key benefits and measurable results
✅ Lower CO₂ emissions – Ground screws produced significantly less carbon compared to concrete, aligning perfectly with VillaZero’s sustainability vision.
✅ Minimal site impact – No digging, heavy machinery, or damage to the surrounding environment.
✅ Long-term sustainability – Manufactured from galvanised steel, the screws have a lifespan of up to 125 years and are fully recyclable, supporting the circular economy and VillaZero’s vision.
“A carbon-neutral construction demands careful evaluation of every material choice. Ground screws were selected for VillaZero’s carport due to their lower carbon footprint and precise, efficient installation. Thank you, StopDigging, for your expertise and support!”
Johan Sonesson –Â Structural Engineer, Fiskarhedenvillan
Faster installation
The foundation was completed in just a few hours, eliminating the need for excavation and concrete curing time.
On-site, installed, and done in hours—completed the same day. At Villa Zero, we built the carport foundation with no digging, no concrete, no delays.
The result
VillaZero set out to become Sweden’s first carbon-neutral home—but went even further, becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral single-family house.
