Affordable

  • The US FDA has established a new category of over-the-counter hearing aids. The move comes as part of a push by the US government to make healthcare more affordable, allowing millions of people to buy low-cost hearing aids without prescription.
  • Residential architecture is one of the most diverse areas we cover. Reflecting this, our selection of 2019's best houses runs the gamut from a multi-million dollar floating home to low-cost social housing.
  • The blueprint is now in place for what is billed as the world's first 3D-printed community. Set to take shape in Latin America, the cluster of homes is designed for families living on less than US$200 a month, and will ideally serve as proof of concept for low-cost housing around the world. ​
  • Well-made low-cost housing is a tough nut to crack, but high-profile Danish firm BIG recently took on the challenge for a new project in its home country. Commissioned by a non-profit affordable housing association, Dortheavej Residence offers architect-designed homes to people on a low income.
  • Each year, the American Institute of Architectsdeclares the best new American homes. The awards provide a good opportunity to check out the current state of residential architecture by US-based firms ​and 2018's selection ranges from enviable luxury pads to housing for homeless war veterans.
  • A collaboration between housing non-profit New Story and construction technology firm Icon aims to use 3D printing technology to house the homeless. While it's early days yet, they hope to produce low-cost 3D-printed homes in El Salvador by late 2019.
  • ​They say constraint breeds creativity, and anybody looking to get into home ownership will be well familiar with the constraints that go with it. Here we take a look at some clever solutions to low-cost housing, including a few whose appearance far outstrips their price tag.
  • The American Institute of Architects has selected the winners of its 2017 Housing Awards. Whether a luxury lake house for the well-heeled or rehabilitative housing for disabled veterans, each project represents the best residential architecture the USA currently has to offer.
  • Architecture projects don't need to be expensive or technologically advanced to show ingenuity, as evidenced by Dutch firm Shau. Its recently-completed Microlibrary, which serves Bandung in Indonesia, comprises a facade made from used ice cream tubs to increase ventilation.
  • Fancy your own personal satellite? Arizona State University​ is working towards making this a reality with its SunCube FemtoSat project. The low-cost, student-designed satellite is aimed at providing greater access to space for scientists and hobbyists alike.
  • Vietnam's Vo Trong Nghia Architects recently displayed its latest S House prototype at the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Designed for low-income families, the simple home is nearing the mass production stage, and is expected to cost less than US$1,000 to construct.
  • Interesting architecture doesn't always come with a high price tag. Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao unveiled an US$8,000 home at this year's Chicago Architecture Biennial that could perhaps one day complement existing social housing options in Mexico.
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