Egypt’s first solar-powered village rises from the desert in Bahariya Oasis

<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.

KarmBuild integrates solar panels on the roofs of the buildings.

Instead of sticking out or looking industrial, the panels are meant to integrate seamlessly into the buildings.

Solar power allows the buildings to operate without relying on fossil fuels.

The buildings were constructed with local sandstone that otherwise would likely have been wasted.

The rooftop solar panels also act as "thermal roof protection."

KarmBuild emphasizes "environmental optimization techniques."

Their methods reduce waste and sometimes even reduce costs.