Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Sakr Commends the “Ecofordable House” Project by MSA’s Center of Earth

Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Sakr, President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, praised the architectural design, aesthetic value, and the use of sustainable, cost-effective materials in the construction of the “Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Residential Unit — The Ecofordable House.” This innovative project was awarded First Prize for Innovation in the Green Urbanism and Creative Architecture category, organized by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology during the 4th Cairo International Innovation Exhibition.

The project was implemented by the Center of Earth at October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA). It has been recognized as suitable not only for social housing projects but also for application in tourist villages and private villas. Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Sakr emphasized the importance of adopting and expanding the implementation of this model across various construction projects within Egypt’s building sector.

The residential unit features advanced structural systems and alternative materials for walls, ceilings, and openings, significantly reducing costs, preserving environmental resources, and enhancing aesthetic value. The design is adaptable for various housing categories — including luxury residences — and can be constructed using either reinforced load-bearing walls or non-load-bearing walls in multi-storey buildings.

Walls were constructed using compressed interlocking bricks made from sandy soil — bricks that do not require burning in their production. These walls are assembled through an interlocking system, eliminating the need for traditional mortar or plastering. The bricks have demonstrated structural safety, earthquake resistance, and excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, based on technical evaluations conducted by the Housing and Building National Research Center.

Ceilings were executed with a hybrid structural system, ensuring safety while incorporating domes and vaults in a contemporary architectural form. Additionally, windows and doors were crafted from palm fronds (date palm leaves) using an innovative artistic technique that combines durability with the distinctive aesthetic of traditional mashrabiya.

The project fully complied with all Egyptian building code requirements. The brick mixture, as well as its production and treatment processes, was granted a patent and 20-year protection by the Egyptian Patent Office at the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in December 2020. The residential unit was executed with the approval of the Construction and External Relations Sector at the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities.