The Eco-City is a sustainable development that aims to promote environmental conservation, economic empowerment and eco-tourism in the Sinai Desert. It has three projected components: eco-lodge, marketplace and eco-village. The first phase of the eco-village was completed in 2001. It includes a trial farming project - starting up with olive and palm planting and fish farming - as well as prototype farmhouses. The houses integrate load-bearing and tensile structures. They are designed to be quick to build but at the same time durable and energy-efficient, with the high insulation values necessary in arid climates.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture