Modular housing in Indonesia integrates solar power and smart tech

Indonesia has unveiled its first net-zero energy modular home, combining industrialised construction with sustainable design in a pilot project that addresses both the country’s significant housing shortfall and its emissions reduction commitments. Developed by Saint-Gobain Indonesia in collaboration with PT Wijaya Karya Bangunan Gedung Tbk (WEGE) and PT Dex Solusi Transit (DEX), the home—branded Netro—is a prefabricated system that integrates energy-efficient materials, solar energy, and scalable modular construction.

Modular housing system built for speed and adaptability

Indonesia faces a housing gap of more than 3 million homes. Netro offers an industrialised solution that reduces construction time by up to 60 per cent compared to conventional methods. According to company sources, it is built in one month, and each home can be adapted to changing household needs through a scalable design that allows incremental expansion. Model homes from 33 to 129 square metres have already been built at Pulo Mas Jaya, with the first commercial development planned for Bali.

WEGE’s modular construction method enables quick assembly with minimal waste, and the homes can be adapted for both urban and regional markets. “This launch offers a solution in response to demand for housing, not only in urban areas but also in coastal and rural regions,” said Hadian Pramudita, President Director of WEGE.

Integrated environmental performance

Netro is designed to meet the Green Building Council Indonesia’s Greenship Net-Zero certification standards, currently under review. The homes are equipped with photovoltaic solar panels, insulated sandwich-panel drywall, and high-albedo roofing to reduce heat gain. Louvre and operable windows, permeable walls and a central planted inner court support passive cooling and natural airflow.

A smart wall management system provides real-time data on energy usage, indoor air quality, and solar energy generation. IoT connectivity allows for digital monitoring and performance assessment, helping occupants manage their energy use while also supporting certification processes.

Pathway to green finance and broader adoption

The Netro initiative is also aligned with emerging green finance mechanisms, including Indonesia’s KPR Hijau and other environmental lending products. “The fulfilment of Greenship Net-Zero criteria provides a solid and objective basis to meet green finance requirements,” said Iwan Prajitno, President Director of DEX.

Rather than a standalone pilot, the project is positioned as a replicable housing model for developers and government-backed housing initiatives. The Netro project demonstrates how modular housing systems can be applied to address both housing demand and environmental performance targets in Indonesia’s construction sector.

See: Netro House