South Africa Project Description
Low Cost Housing in South Africa:
International low-cost housing and sustainable community design and development.
Sustainable Design Group, in collaboration with PEER South Africa (a private developer) has designed and built passive solar low cost housing and communities for the homeless throughout South Africa. The homes are 53 square meter, two bedroom detached homes. The homes are engineered to maintain comfortable indoor conditions year round without any mechanical heating or cooling system. Passive solar heating keeps the homes warm in winter. Shading and natural ventilation keep the homes cool in summer. Over 200 homes have been built as of the summer of 1997 and many more are planned. Current projects are exploring various innovative building systems using indigenous materials, solar water heating, solar cooking and solar power systems. This project has received much acclaim in South Africa and the world for its environmentally appropriate response to meeting the world’s need for low cost housing. This project was selected to be presented at the UN Global Warming Conference in Kyoto Japan in December 1997 as an example of how developing nations can grow and prosper while minimizing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Known as a “no regrets” project, this development cost no more to implement than conventional development and creates sustainable economic growth and stable healthy communities.
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