First Autonomous House 001: A Sustainable, Community-Driven Vision

Location: Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine

Size: 30 sq.m. off-grid house designed for full-year living

Sergii’s journey into sustainable construction didn’t start in a classroom—it started in the desert. Inspired by the radical self-reliance of Burning Man, he saw how temporary communities could thrive in extreme environments with creativity and collaboration.

What if that same spirit could be applied to real-world housing?

“My first Burning Man in 2016 became the turning point of my life. Even before it started, I discovered fascinating communities that were getting together at a huge workshop in Oakland and were working on what turned out to be the greatest art projects of Burning Man, like Tesla Coils of Sextant camp.

I fell in love with the idea that I could become part of such an amazing community. I recalled that in fact I am a hardware engineer (Welding tech). In a couple days I was even assigned to design and build a part for Tesla Coils. This blew my mind and radically changed the way I perceived myself. And of course, this and the following Burning Man planted the seed that eventually became the House 001.” – Sergii Dumyk.

The newly completed House 001—is a fully autonomous home, meaning it produces its own energy, collects and purifies its own water, and requires no external utilities. It is designed to exist off-grid, functioning independently from traditional power, water, and sewage systems. This isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about resilience, freedom, and the ability for people to live anywhere, no matter the conditions.

With Support from a Civic Ignition Grant at the European Leadership Summit (ELS) in 2018. 

An original grant proposal centered around transforming the 001 Art Center’s courtyard in Kyiv, with the neighboring abandoned building being repurposed for projection mapping. Partnering with Meconomica, a community organization focused on urban farming, the proposal sought to create a space where permaculture enthusiasts and media artists could come together for weekly events. The aim was to create a unique structure that would symbolize change in the heart of the city, using art as a catalyst for community transformation.

In addition to grant funding, Sergii’s passion and vision were key in bringing House 001 to life. His personal dedication drove the project forward, demonstrating how individual commitment can turn innovative ideas into lasting, sustainable solutions through community collaboration.

Building for the Future: Open Knowledge and Collaboration

Sergii details every build so it can be learned from, replicated, improved, and measured. His commitment to sharing knowledge ensures that each new project becomes part of a larger learning process, fueling the growth of sustainable communities worldwide. This openness is a core part of his approach: collaboration, sharing, and continuously refining to ensure that designs are accessible, scalable, and effective.

A New Era: Joining the New European Bauhaus

Now, NGO 001 is officially recognized as a partner of the New European Bauhaus, a movement reimagining how we build for the future. Inspired by the original Bauhaus philosophy—where minimalism, functionality, and accessibility shape great design—this initiative aligns with everything House 001 represents.

By blending modern technology, natural materials, and circular economy principles, NGO 001 is proving that autonomous homes aren’t just possible—they’re necessary. With each new iteration, they get closer to a world where homes aren’t just shelters, but self-sufficient ecosystems that empower people to live in harmony with their surroundings.

This is more than just a project—it’s the beginning of a new chapter in sustainable living, one that sets the stage for future innovation. And we’re only at the start of what’s possible.

Watch: House Recap

Read: Shower Loop Prototype on Playa 

Connect: NGO 001’s Website

To learn more, check out this presentation covering all the philosophy and vision behind the House 001 project, its story, its architecture details and our goals for the future.