Cheap and Clean Electric House Heating for the Poor in Bishkek

Habitat Kyrgyzstan Foundation has created an affordable housing project for low-income families using traditional cane reed and clay materials combined with a modern underfloor heating system. These homes are warm, energy-efficient, earthquake-safe, and meet local building codes.
By using locally available materials and involving families in the building process, construction costs are cut by 40% and heating costs by up to 75%. Families work alongside volunteers to build their homes and pay for them through zero-interest mortgages of $30–50/month over 10–25 years. A revolving fund, supported by repayments and donor funding, helps build more homes.
So far, 48 homes have been built. Each uses a simple heating system that circulates warm water through plastic pipes laid under the floor. This system uses just 30 litres of water and saves around 3,000 kWh of energy per family per month.
The project reduces dependence on coal and firewood, improves air quality, and saves time—especially for women and children who previously spent hours gathering fuel. Residents report better health, comfort, and education outcomes for their children. Many gain construction skills, and some find jobs through the programme.
The initiative has inspired the government and is being expanded to other parts of Kyrgyzstan and to neighbouring Tajikistan. Habitat Kyrgyzstan is also planning to build a training centre to produce construction materials locally and lower costs even more.
By blending old techniques with new technology, this project offers a practical, low-cost, and sustainable solution to Kyrgyzstan’s housing crisis.