Breaking away from the traditional low-density sprawl development of South African housing for the poor, this project uses high-density layouts of two storey houses to create a replicable model of low-cost housing and to promote the functional, economic and social integration of South African cities. Participating families, especially women are involved in the construction process and receive training to raise skill levels. 180 jobs were created in the construction process. The 493 houses are brightly coloured and landscaping has been carried out to improve the urban environment. Innovative planning, design and construction have helped to shift very entrenched attitudes.

Partnership

NGO, local community, private sector