A Dutch international design competition for affordable sustainable houses in developing countries has resulted in 250 viable concepts.

Some 3,500 architects participated in the competition, says organiser Stef van Dongen, who heads not-for-profit organisation Enviu. Many houses in the developing world are not affordable, not sustainable and low quality, according to the organisation, which hopes the new designs will help improve the living standards of many people.

The winning concept is currently being built in Ghana and is expected to be completed in August. The house costs 12,500 euros, compared with 50,000 euros for similar existing houses there. The new houses are modular, meaning owners can have them built room by room. They will be built by local companies using local materials.

(cl/rk)

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