Subject: Expression of Interest for the 'Affordable, Resilient Energy + House Competition'

Dear Competition Organizers,

We are writing to express our keen interest in participating in the 'Affordable, Resilient
Energy + House Competition.' Having carefully reviewed the design brief, we are excited
about the opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient housing
solutions for lower to middle-income households in the Global South.
Proposed team name:
Proposed design location: Shahdadkot in District Qamber-Shahdadkot, Sindh, Pakistan
Proposed project team members:
Name: Samrah Iqbal
Profession: Student
Role: Architect
Affiliation: NED University – Department of Architecture
Name: Iqra Shahid
Profession: Student
Role: Architect
Affiliation: NED University – Department of Architecture
Name: Subhana Fatima
Profession: Student
Role: Architect
Affiliation: NED University – Department of Architecture
Project lead contact details:
Email: iqbal4200239@cloud.neduet.edu.pk
Phone: 03473058850
Proposed concept note / design approach:
Title: "Sustainable Haven: Empowering Communities Through Affordable Resilient Housing"
1. Introduction:
Our proposed concept seeks to address the urgent need for affordable and resilient housing
that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters in the
Global South. By combining passive design strategies, innovative technologies, and
community engagement, we aim to create a sustainable haven that enhances the quality of
life and well-being of its residents.
2. Design Approach:
Climate Adaptation: Our design will be tailored to the specific climatic conditions of the
chosen region, taking into account temperature fluctuations, extreme weather events, and
water availability. The house will incorporate passive heating and cooling techniques, such
as natural ventilation, shading, and thermal mass, to maintain comfortable indoor
temperatures year-round.
Resilient Construction: The house will be built with locally sourced, durable, and low-cost
materials that can withstand the region's environmental challenges. Utilizing flood-resistant
design principles, and robust foundations, we aim to enhance the resilience of the structure
against natural disasters.
Elevation and Flood Barriers: Our design emphasizes the strategic elevation of the house to
mitigate flood risk. We employ advanced flood barriers and resilient materials that can
withstand water pressure while minimizing damage to the structure.
Inclusive Design: Recognizing the diverse needs of residents, our concept promotes
inclusivity by incorporating universal design principles. The house will be accessible,
adaptable, and age-friendly, ensuring that individuals with disabilities and elderly occupants
can comfortably navigate the space and maintain their independence.
Community Engagement: We believe in the power of community participation and
engagement. Our concept emphasizes collaboration with local stakeholders, empowering
them to actively contribute to the design and construction process. This approach fosters a
sense of ownership and ensures that the house aligns with the cultural, social, and economic
context of the community.
3. Sustainability and Affordability:
Water Management: Our design integrates water conservation strategies, such as rainwater
harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and efficient plumbing fixtures, to minimize water
usage and promote sustainable practices.
Material Selection: We prioritize the use of eco-friendly, locally available, and recycled
materials to reduce environmental impact. The choice of materials will also consider their
affordability and long-term maintenance requirements to ensure economic feasibility for
lower to middle-income households.
Cost Optimization: By employing cost-effective construction methods, value engineering,
and innovative financing models, we will strive to minimize construction costs while
maintaining high-quality standards. Long-term operational and maintenance costs will also
be factored into the design to ensure affordability for the target population.
4. Impact and Outreach:
Our proposed concept aims to make a lasting impact by creating a replicable model that can
be scaled and adapted to various communities in the Global South. We envision organizing
workshops and training programs to share knowledge, transfer skills, and empower local
communities to implement similar sustainable housing solutions.
As emerging professionals with a strong passion for sustainable architecture and a deep
commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change in our local context, we believe
this competition aligns perfectly with our aspirations and expertise. We are particularly drawn
to the emphasis on climate-responsive, adaptive, and passive design strategies, as well as
innovative technological solutions for energy-efficient homes.
We are confident that our educational background and professional experience have
equipped us with the necessary skills to envision and design a climate-adaptive, zero-
energy, resilient, inclusive, and affordable house. We have a solid understanding of the
principles of sustainable design, including passive heating and cooling techniques,
renewable energy integration, efficient building materials, and water management strategies.
Moreover, we are well-versed in the unique challenges faced by communities in the Global
South, such as the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. We recognize the
importance of creating housing solutions that not only provide resilience but also enhance
the quality of life and well-being of the residents.
By participating in this competition, we aim to contribute fresh perspectives, innovative ideas,
and design excellence to address the pressing need for affordable and resilient housing.
Thank you for considering our expression of interest. We are prepared to invest our time,
energy, and creativity into this competition and look forward to the opportunity to contribute
meaningfully to the design of an affordable, resilient, and energy-efficient house.