Izmir: A groundbreaking residential project named One Planet Habitat is under development in Trkiye's western province of Izmir, touted as the world's first fully self-sufficient luxury living model. The project is designed to generate its own energy, recover its water, and produce its own food.
According to Anadolu Agency, the company behind the project has described it as "The Settlement of a New Civilization," emerging from over six years of research and development involving academics, engineers, architects, and nutrition specialists. It is intended to serve as a settlement model adaptable to different climates and income groups. The company highlighted a May 2026 report by the UN Environment Programme, which states that buildings account for approximately 37% of global carbon dioxide emissions. One Planet Habitat aims to address this issue with a Passive House insulation envelope, on-site solar energy generation, and trees planted throughout the settlement.
Payiz Yesil, an architect and director of sustainability at IZKA Construction, commented, "The luxury of the future is not bigger houses or precious materials. True luxury is being able to sustain yourself without depending on anyone: power that stays on, water you can trust, and healthy food you grow yourself." Yesil emphasized that the project is not a bunker but a settlement designed to withstand crises, ensuring life continues uninterrupted.
The homes will adhere to the Passive House standard from the Germany-based Passive House Institute, known for its energy efficiency. This standard involves continuous insulation, elimination of thermal bridges, triple glazing, an airtight envelope, and heat-recovery ventilation, potentially reducing energy needs for heating and cooling by up to 90%. Over 52,000 units worldwide have been certified, with One Planet Habitat marking the first collective application in Trkiye.
An AI-supported infrastructure will manage the villas' energy, water, and food cycles, adjusting resources according to residents' daily activities. The homes will feature HEPA filtration for incoming air and an airtight shell for enhanced quietness.
The project also includes integrated water management, utilizing rainwater harvesting, controlled groundwater use, and recycling treated greywater to meet its needs. Food production will rely on aquaponics, using significantly less water than conventional farming, alongside smart greenhouses, orchards, and livestock to provide extensive produce and protein annually. The pesticide-free cultivation aligns with the shared water system for plants and fish.
Construction by IZKA Construction will incorporate carbon-fiber reinforcement, inspired by aerospace engineering, offering superior strength over steel. The One Planet Habitat Board expressed that humanity's future does not have to begin on another planet, emphasizing that the model starting with villas can potentially expand to towns and cities.
Inspired by philanthropists Andrew Carnegie and Jamsetji Tata, the founder plans to donate their share of income to establish a foundation supporting scientific research and nature protection. The project is viewed as a legacy for future generations, with applications for the limited villas being accepted since August 17, 2026.