A prize of 200 thousand pounds... Conditions for the low-cost green housing design competition

  The Social Housing and Real Estate Finance Support Fund put out the reference brochure for sale to those who wish to participate in the low-cost green housing design competition, on its official website.

Competition goal

The competition aims to present residential models with innovative and diverse design solutions and options for green residential architecture, provided that these design proposals take into account the efficient distribution of the interior elements of the dwelling, as well as the coordination and exploitation of external spaces, and the requirements of green architecture.

One of the requirements that the design must contain is that it includes residential models with standards and specifications that differ from traditional housing projects. To be the nucleus of the targeted residential project program that is scheduled to be implemented in a way that enhances the opportunities for sustainable urban development that is compatible with the conditions of the surrounding environment, and reduces the expected climate changes that the world is witnessing at the present time.

Evaluation criteria set by the Housing Fund

- Environmental performance of the presented models: The extent of improving the project’s targeted environmental performance must be determined in the three axes: energy, water, and building materials.

  The saving rate in energy, water, and building materials efficiency should not be less than 20% compared to the housing project models for all Egyptians that the Fund currently offers to improve efficiency in each category.

(Attached are the current models and the cost of the housing unit, provided that calculations are provided that explain this. It is preferable to use simulation programs for this, and global platforms such as the Edge platform)

- Initial economic feasibility of the project showing the economic cost of the low-cost green housing unit compared to the housing unit currently being implemented, whose cost is estimated at 495 thousand Egyptian pounds. It is preferable to clarify the recovery rate whenever possible.

1- The design idea and innovation in formulating and how to achieve it.

2- Achieving efficient design and quality of external spaces and taking into account social needs.

3- Flexibility of design to meet the different needs of users.

4- Efficiency in the optimal use of the plot of land, taking into account building laws and building requirements.

5- Using economical construction systems that are compatible with the technical building codes in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Evaluate the projects determined

The competition is open to universities, educational institutions, research centers and consulting offices only. Individuals are not permitted to participate in the competition, provided that each entity must submit only one proposal for the competition.

The committee formed to evaluate the projects determined that the first-place winner will receive a prize consisting of an honorary shield and 200,000 pounds, the second-place winner will receive 100,000 pounds, the third place will receive 50,000 pounds, and the fourth and final place will receive incentive prizes granted to distinguished projects according to the decision of the arbitration committee.

It is worth noting that the state, for the first time, has adopted a national housing program, based on green building practices in the housing units that are constructed, which will have a positive impact on the environment in Egypt, as well as on the standard of living of low-income families.