Equinox-System™: Pioneering carbon-neutral architecture for a climate-resilient future

Equinox is an award-winning, sustainability-driven architecture firm redefining the future of the built environment. Our innovative Equinox-System™ is a holistic, data-driven design and construction methodology delivering carbon-neutral, high-performance buildings. Learn how the Equinox-System™ transforms sustainable architecture through innovation, prefabrication, and zero-carbon design.

Words by Csilla Patkó

12 December 2023

Our mission...

...is to create a sustainable built environment that is accessible to everyone.

That vision is at the heart of the Equinox-System™—a pioneering sustainability-driven design and construction framework.

In the face of climate change, resource scarcity, and rising inequality, innovation is no longer optional—it’s imperative.

sustainable urbanization

The Equinox-System™ isn’t just a construction method;

it’s a forward-thinking framework that merges sustainability, resilience, and advanced technology to redefine how we build.

We believe buildings must do more than stand—they must serve people and the planet!

At the intersection of architecture and climate science, design becomes a direct response to environmental data and planetary boundaries.

fából faragott kis épület modellek egy fatuskón elhelyezve

The concept of the Equinox-System™

The Equinox-System™ is a holistic approach that considers the entire life cycle of a building – from design and manufacturing through construction and operation, all the way to deconstruction.

To support this, we conduct Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), because we believe that responsible design must be grounded in data.

Our system integrates advanced technologies such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), solar energy utilization, and the use of recycled materials.

These are not added features – for us, they are fundamentals.

We follow a proven design methodology that not only improves energy efficiency, but also aligns with circular economy principles – with a strong focus on material optimization, waste reduction, and minimizing the carbon footprint.

life cycle assessment magyarázó ábra

We designed the system to operate within closed cycles, enabling horizontal circularity—meaning materials can be reused across different industries.

Upcycling also plays a key role: we aim to give surplus materials a second life by repurposing them into something even more valuable or functional than before. And if neither reuse nor recycling is possible, most of the materials decompose naturally without polluting the environment.

Our structures are designed to be easily dismantled and reintegrated into the cycle—all of this at an affordable price.

The trademark-protected Equinox-System™ offers a data-driven, mass-producible methodology for sustainable buildings – and that’s where its true value lies.

We don’t just comply with standards like LEED, BREEAM, or WELL.

We go further – sustainability is embedded in the very DNA of our design process.

We believe that a truly forward-thinking system must not only perform well, but also create real value – in terms of sustainability, comfort, and financial return.

Klímatudatos útmutató építészeknek

That’s exactly what the Equinox-System™ is built to deliver.

  • Award-winning architectural design, combining bioclimatic principles with computational analytics for optimal occupant comfort and environmental performance
  • Data-driven, repeatable methodology enabling consistent quality and scalable delivery across diverse building types
  • Net-zero operational performance, reducing long-term energy costs and aligning with global ESG targets
  • Proven project delivery model, consistently meeting deadlines and budgets—minimizing risk, increasing predictability
  • In-house construction team experienced in CLT, prefabrication, and integrated workflows for faster, cleaner, and more resource-efficient builds
  • Lifecycle maintenance packages ensure long-term building performance, supporting value retention and user satisfaction.

What you can expect from it?

A PEOPLE-CENTRIC APPROACH

Your well-being is at the heart of our buildings. We create spaces that promote comfort, tranquillity, and a sense of belonging.

To achieve this, we employ advanced computational simulations to optimise each space, ensuring maximum natural daylight, minimal energy consumption, and the highest standards of comfort.

CLT design&build családi ház építése generál kivitelezése
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

Our work is built on engineering precision.

We use state-of-the-art technology, software, and expertise to ensure that every project is not only beautiful but also structurally and environmentally sound and efficient.

We integrate passive design strategies—such as natural ventilation, solar orientation, thermal mass, and daylight optimization—to reduce energy demand at the source, enhancing comfort while minimizing operational loads.

These solutions allow our buildings to perform exceptionally well, even before active systems are introduced.

From regenerative design to circular economy principles, our architects bring together a deep and diverse expertise—offering a unique integration of forward-thinking strategies under one roof.

CLT design&build családi ház építése generál kivitelezése
Emilia house passive design strategies

Resource and costs-efficiency

Prefabrication is a key strength of the Equinox-System™, enabling faster, cleaner, and more resource-efficient construction. By using precision-manufactured CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) and GLT (Glued-Laminated Timber) panels, we reduce site waste, weather delays, and labor demands—cutting construction time by 30–60%.

Material use is optimized through factory-based production, which reduces waste by up to 75%, while timber offcuts are reused, supporting circularity.

Our integrated process delivers projects 15–30% faster and creates 5–15% more value than traditional methods—while achieving a net-zero whole-life carbon footprint.

OPTIMISATION FOR ENERGY SAVINGS

To maximise energy efficiency and long-term cost savings, consider implementing a Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE).

This process assesses the building's actual performance after it is in use, identifying opportunities to fine-tune systems, reduce energy consumption, and enhance occupant comfort.

A POE provides valuable feedback that supports continuous improvement and ensures the building operates as efficiently as it was designed to.

All this is coupled with a zero-carbon footprint, and minimal operational costs.

Aestethic and design

Our design philosophy extends far beyond energy efficiency and sustainability. We believe architecture should also inspire, uplift, and engage—both visually and emotionally. That’s why we create buildings that are not only environmentally responsible but also aesthetically compelling.

We focus on form, materiality, and context to shape spaces that are contemporary, refined, and unique. Every element—from the natural warmth of exposed timber to the careful play of daylight—is designed to enhance the daily experience of its users and contribute meaningfully to the surrounding environment.

The result is architecture that’s not just functional, but visually striking, innovative in expression, and aligned with a modern lifestyle—spaces that look cool, feel fresh, and invite connection.

We are inspired by a number of pioneering architectural projects around the world that demonstrate how sustainability and beauty can seamlessly coexist.

These buildings stand out not only for their environmental innovation but also for their refined materiality, spatial clarity, and human-centered design.

They reflect the kind of aesthetic integrity we strive for in our own work.

Materials

WOOD

Our primary building material is wood—a renewable, biobased resource that stands at the forefront of sustainable construction. Thanks to decades of research and innovation, natural wood has been transformed through advanced processing technologies into high-performance structural timber products. These materials now rival, and in many cases outperform, more energy-intensive alternatives traditionally used in construction.

What makes engineered wood products truly remarkable is their consistency and reliability. Using carefully selected softwood and state-of-the-art bonding techniques, manufacturers create homogenous mass timber elements with standardized, predictable performance.

Products like glued laminated timber (GLT), cross-laminated timber (CLT), and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) are leading this revolution.

In addition to their environmental benefits, these timber systems offer a high degree of prefabrication and off-site construction potential.

This results in buildings that are not only more precise and efficient to assemble but also quicker to complete, with minimal waste and tight tolerances.

faszerkezet típusok_clt,bsh,osb, fagyapot
CELLULOSE

Complementing our use of timber is cellulose insulation, another biobased material that enhances the overall sustainability of our buildings.

Made primarily from recycled paper or plant fibers, cellulose insulation delivers excellent thermal performance, sound dampening, and moisture control—all while significantly reducing environmental impact.

It’s non-toxic, highly energy-efficient, and helps create healthier indoor environments.

EARTH SCREWS

For the foundation, we turn to earth screws—an innovative, low-impact alternative to traditional concrete.

These steel ground anchors are drilled directly into the soil, minimizing excavation, reducing carbon emissions, and preserving the surrounding landscape.

Earth screws are quick to install, reusable, and perfectly suited for prefabricated timber construction.

By combining mass timber, cellulose insulation, and earth screw foundations, we create buildings that are not only efficient and high-performing but also aligned with the principles of circular design and climate responsibility.

This is architecture that works with the planet.

clt ház talajcsavarokon, építés közben

Safety and durability

Timber buildings often face concerns related to fire safety, seismic performance, and biological durability—especially regarding pests and moisture. While these issues stem from historical construction methods, modern engineered timber systems have significantly improved performance in all these areas.

FIRE SAFETY

CLT panels are typically classified as D-s2, d0 under fire safety standards. This rating indicates a moderately combustible material with limited smoke production and no flaming droplets or particles.

In the event of a fire, the surface of CLT chars, forming a natural protective layer that slows combustion and helps maintain structural integrity.

According to the Hungarian Fire Safety Regulations (OTSZ) and the relevant Fire Protection Technical Guidelines (TvMI), CLT structures can achieve fire resistance ratings of 30, 60, 90, or even 120 minutes when properly protected with fire-rated cladding—making them suitable for multi-storey buildings, large public facilities, and residential projects.

fa felületkezelése égetéssel
SEISMIC SAFETY

Despite timber’s lightness, full-scale earthquake tests in Japan and the U.S. showed multi-storey timber buildings withstanding magnitudes up to 7.5.

The 18-storey Vancouver student residence further proves the feasibility of hybrid timber-concrete systems, where concrete cores manage lateral forces. While seismic design standards are still evolving, engineered timber has shown strong performance in seismic zones.

DURABILITY

Timber’s susceptibility to pests and moisture is manageable with:

  • Pressure-treated or naturally resistant species
  • Smart detailing for drainage, ventilation, and moisture control
  • Sealed finishes and factory-prefabrication to minimize on-site exposure

Engineered timber behaves like a clean, stable surface. Issues like mold or insect activity generally result from external contamination—for example, storing fresh-cut firewood indoors. With proper maintenance and clean interior conditions, these risks are minimal. Like any modern material, performance depends on correct use and detailing.

Equinox-system nehézszerkezetes faház Érd Ligetszépe közlekedő

Look and feel

To truly grasp the benefits of the Equinox-System™, one must experience it firsthand—through the materiality of wood, the abundance of natural light, and the carefully crafted spatial atmosphere.

The result is a lifestyle that supports both physical health and mental well-being, offering a tangible sense of calm, comfort, and connection to nature that goes far beyond conventional architecture.

Since its founding—London (2020), Hungary (2021), and Germany (2023)—Equinox has delivered six buildings, with four more set for completion by 2025.

These projects showcase how the Equinox-System™ performs in reality, blending innovation, sustainability, and design excellence.

JULIA HOUSE (2022)

It is Hungary’s first planned net-zero carbon building.

Located in the pinewood area of Diósdliget, Julia is a Z-shaped residence built entirely from CLT (cross-laminated timber). The structure was assembled in just two weeks using prefabricated wall and floor elements. Key sustainability features include:

  • Net-zero carbon emissions over the building's entire life cycle
  • Solar PV system and Panasonic Aquarea air-to-water heat pump
  • Recycled crushed concrete foundation for reduced waste
  • VOC-free materials, natural light, and acoustic insulation for a healthy indoor environment

Awards & recognition:

  • House of the year 2023 – Special Award
  • Prefa Architecture Prize 2023 – Special Award
  • HuGBC Zero Carbon Award 2025

Discover our award-winning reference project!

EMILIA HOUSE (2023)

Part of a five-unit rowhouse development in southern Budapest, Emília reflects the aesthetic and ecological values of modern residential design. Its key features include:

  • Shou Sugi Ban (charred wood) cladding for durability and minimal maintenance
  • CLT structure and timber beam frame foundation to minimize embodied carbon
  • 4600 kWh/year solar array covering full energy demand
  • Panasonic Aquarea system for heating, cooling, and hot water
  • Excellent daylighting and solar shading to optimize thermal comfort

Awards & recognition:

  • Fenntartható Épületburok 2024 – Family Home Category, Grand Prize
  • 2025 BUILD Awards – Most Innovative Residential Eco-Design & Build Project (Europe)

These houses mean more to us than just buildings—they are the tangible expression of a mindset where environmental responsibility, innovative technology, and aesthetic spatial experience come together naturally.

They are homes that not only meet the demands of the future, but also make everyday life better for the people who live in them.

CLT design&build családi ház építése generál kivitelezése

Discover our award-winning reference project!

Scaling up: From houses to communities

Equinox is now entering a new phase of development, expanding from family homes to larger-scale urban structures, signaling a strategic step aligned with global patterns in sustainable design.

By integrating the same Equinox principles—zero-carbon, affordability, rapid construction, and long-term resilience—into multi-unit housing and mid-rise buildings, the firm contributes to a much-needed urban shift: scaling sustainability without sacrificing quality or community values.

In summary:

For us, the Equinox-System™ is more than just a methodology.

It’s an opportunity to make sustainable living not the exception, but the baseline — from the comfort of a single home to the rhythm of an entire city block.

And even as we begin to think on a larger scale, one thing remains unchanged:

We remain committed to creating spaces that feel good, fresh, connect people, and support well-being.

Trenezia is the masterplan for a zero-emission village in Norway; the Equinox Founding Partners were sustainability consultants on this project.

Equinox-System™ is a cutting-edge product

At Equinox, we continuously explore and test cutting-edge materials and technologies.

We're looking for forward-thinking clients and suppliers to join us in shaping the future of our Equinox-System™.

fenntarthatósági tanácsadás

Our pioneering clients

We’re delighted to work with clients who value:

  • the well-being and comfort provided by natural building materials,
  • healthy indoor air quality and a mold-free environment,
  • energy-efficient performance,
  • modern, minimalist design,
  • and outstanding construction quality.

Schedule your first free 60-minute consultation!

Questions we’ll ask:

  • What is the size of the property? (Please note: for properties under 500 m², we only offer construction as a combined service with design.)
  • Where is the property located?
  • What are the characteristics of the site? (e.g. utilities, existing buildings to demolish, slope, etc.)
  • What is your expected timeline or deadline?
  • Are there any specific preferences or requirements you want to stick to? (e.g. building materials, methods, budget, etc.)
Equinox regeneratív építészeti tervezés

Partners shaping the future

We collaborate with suppliers and subcontractors who share our commitment to:

  • creating a built environment with zero carbon footprint,
  • and ensuring ecological safety.

If you would like to offer your product or service for the development of our Equinox-System™, please send your proposal to [email protected] .

Hope to see you soon — whether over coffee, on-site, or in a conversation that sparks something new.

blog

Golden home-rules of environmentally mindful families

Read More
The Equinox Founding Partners supported Foster+Partners in developing the sustainability concept for the Coral Bloom Resort masterplan on Shurayrah Island.

Guide for climate sensitive architects and engineers PART I.

Read More