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- KarmBuild-KarmSolar-Full-Width-Tall<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/egypt/">Egypt</a>'s first solar-powered village has risen from the desert. Located in Bahariya Oasis and powered by building-integrated <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/solar-panels/">solar panels</a>, <a href="http://karmsolar.com/architecture-construction/#karmbuild">KarmBuild</a>'s Tayebat Workers Village currently provides shelter for 350 people. KarmBuild says it is "<a href="http://karmsolar.com/about-us/#ksdescription">the only company in Egypt to integrate solar technology into a building's design</a>", and its use of local, natural materials ensures a gentle environmental footprint.1
- KarmBuild-Village-Integrated-SolarKarmBuild integrates solar panels on the roofs of the buildings.2
- KarmBuild-Village-BuildingsInstead of sticking out or looking industrial, the panels are meant to integrate seamlessly into the buildings.3
- KarmBuild-Village-SolarSolar power allows the buildings to operate without relying on fossil fuels.4
- KarmBuild-Village-PanoramicThe buildings were constructed with local sandstone that otherwise would likely have been wasted.5
- KarmBuild-Village-Solar-PanelThe rooftop solar panels also act as "thermal roof protection."6
- KarmBuild-Village-BuildingKarmBuild emphasizes "environmental optimization techniques."7
- KarmBuild-KarmSolarTheir methods reduce waste and sometimes even reduce costs.8