There is a growing need in the Kingdom to build cheap and environmentally friendly houses for the Saudi capital's increasing population, according to an expert from a well-known architectural firm in the kingdom.

“According to World Bank (WB) figures, the population of the Saudi capital is increasing by at least 150,000 yearly,” said the expert, who did not want to be named. The Saudi capital's population at present is 7 million.

He noted the houses he recommends are cheaper than those being built at present by at least 40 to 60 percent for a number of reasons. This is partly because these houses are made of concrete and wooden materials.

“First, the houses are smaller but could accommodate more through correct planning. The sizes of the rooms are just enough yet they too could accommodate for an increase, if needed,” he said. He noted that another reason for their relatively cheap price is the fact that the materials are manufactured in the factory and brought to the site where the houses are assembled. “This is cheaper because it requires less on-site manpower,” he said, adding that this technique is currently being practiced in Western countries.

The expert added that the houses are also environmentally friendly because they use solar energy and heat from the earth so that they have no carbon dioxide emissions that pollute the atmosphere. According to the United Nations, “carbon dioxide emissions must be equal to zero by the year 2070 at the latest to keep global warming below dangerous levels and to prevent a global catastrophe.”

“The houses also have insulation materials like stone or glass which keep the houses cool inside during particularly hot days,” said the expert.

He concluded that with the houses envisioned for the Saudi capital in particular, and as far as the entire Kingdom in general, Saudi Arabia could very well cope with the increase in population in the future that is predicted.