LG Smart Cottage Becomes First Modular Home to Earn Top Zero Energy Certification in Korea
Korean electronics giant breaks ground with prefabricated housing that achieves highest energy efficiency rating while establishing new safety standards
LG Electronics' Smart Cottage modular home has become the first prefabricated building in South Korea to achieve ZEB Plus certification-the highest tier in the country's Zero Energy Building rating system. The milestone achievement comes alongside a new safety partnership that could reshape Korea's growing modular housing market.
The ZEB certification system, administered by the Korea Energy Agency, has been in effect since 2017, but few buildings have achieved top-tier ratings. LG's Smart Cottage earned the coveted ZEB Plus designation, demonstrating that modular construction can meet Korea's most stringent energy performance standards.
Korea's ZEB standards require buildings to achieve specific energy independence rates, with residential buildings limited to 60 kWh/(m²·yr) of non-renewable primary energy consumption. The Smart Cottage meets these requirements through integrated solar panels, energy storage systems, and high-efficiency appliances.
LG partnered with the Korea Electric Safety Corporation to establish Korea's first "Pre-Safety Certification System" for modular housing. The collaboration addresses a critical industry challenge: traditional electrical inspections occur after installation, potentially requiring costly modifications if problems are discovered.
The new system enables safety verification during the design phase, streamlining approvals and reducing construction delays. This represents a significant advancement for Korea's modular housing sector, which has faced regulatory uncertainties.
The Smart Cottage integrates 14 LG appliances including the WashTower Compact, dishwasher, induction cooktop, and water purifier, all controlled through the LG ThinQ app. The system includes IoT devices like smart door locks, CCTV, and electric blinds for comprehensive home automation.
Roof-mounted 4-kilowatt solar panels connect with LG's Energy Storage System, generating up to 15 kilowatts of electricity daily. Surplus energy can be stored or sold back to electricity providers, supporting the building's net-zero energy goals.
Available in four configurations ranging from 26.6 to 45.4 square meters, the Smart Cottage is priced between 200-390 million won ($134,000-$293,000). With over 70% prefabricated components, construction time is reduced by up to 50% compared to traditional methods.
The achievement comes as Korea accelerates zero-energy building adoption to meet 2050 carbon neutrality goals. The country is implementing ZEB standards as a key strategy for the building sector, making LG's success particularly significant for the construction industry.
LG's Smart Cottage demonstrates how consumer electronics expertise can transform residential construction. The integration of smart appliances, renewable energy systems, and modular construction techniques creates a template for sustainable housing that other manufacturers may follow.
The project represents LG's broader strategy to expand beyond traditional electronics into complete lifestyle solutions. By combining its core competencies in appliances, energy storage, and smart home technology, LG has created a differentiated offering in the competitive modular housing market.
The ZEB Plus certification and new safety standards position LG as a technology leader in sustainable prefabricated construction, potentially influencing building codes and industry practices across Korea's construction sector.
The Smart Cottage is currently available in Korea through LG's dedicated website, with expansion to other markets under consideration.
