Monday, November 09, 2009 – Friday, November 13, 2009
Having a roof over one’s head is a basic of human life. This week we are focusing on five organizations that are working towards providing affordable superior quality housing solutions to the underserved.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Social Enterprise of the Day – Monitor Inclusive Markets
Recognizing that current models were not working for the low income households, Monitor Inclusive Markets has conducted extensive research to develop innovative solutions and business models to tackle this problem. As part of this initiative, Monitor is in the process of facilitating eight to ten pilots across the country.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Social Enterprise of the Day – Design Indaba
Known for its 10X10 low cost housing project, Design Indaba aims to stimulate affordable solutions to housing. By challenging ten teams to come up with affordable, innovative and attractive designs, Design Indaba has come up with innovative solutions for housing the urban poor. The first qualifying solution came from Luyanda Mpahlwa of MMA Architects. MMA’s design for a single-family home worked within the extremely tight budget by borrowing elements from indigenous mud-and-wattle building techniques.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Social Enterprise of the Day – Moladi
“Challenging the tradition bound construction industry since 1986,” proclaims the website of Moladi, a company that supplies technology and supports the transfer of knowledge to empower individuals at the “bottom of the pyramid.” Moladi has made its mark in the affordable construction industry in South Africa by supplying low cost housing formwork technology.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Social Enterprise of the Day – Tata Housing – “New Haven”
Making a grand entrance into the affordable housing market, the Tata Housing Development Company has launched its “New Haven” Project in Mumbai. Conceptualized as a national brand, New Haven will have 1300 apartments spread over 35 acres. The Project will endeavor to meet home-buyers’ full spectrum of lifestyle needs at an affordable price. Followed by the Mumbai launch, New Haven will set up a pan-India presence across Tier I and II cities.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Social Enterprise of the Day – International Housing Solutions
International Housing Solutions is a private equity firm that provides equity finance to residential projects that cater to the bottom of the pyramid. Currently operating in South Africa, the firm has plans to expand to other African nations and the world. Bringing not only capital, but also research, risk assessment and technical advice to local partners, IHS is helping to achieve the goal of affordable housing for all.
Charles Gundy Said,
December 1, 2009 @ 9:15 am
I’m very impressed with the way International Housing Solutions fills a really helpful role in terms of its linking its knowledge and relationships in Africa to sources of Capital in the developed world. — Charles Gundy, North Face Consulting Ltd.