Ekteshaf

Cairo University, Faculty of Engineering Architecture Department.

Project idea

My project, Ekteshaf is built upon being a green lung in the city to mitigate the climate changes where the cities create unique microclimates, with temperatures in urban areas like Smouha, Alexandria, averaging 5°C higher than surrounding regions during heat waves. This Urban Heat Island effect stems from energy use, pollution, scarce vegetation, and heat-absorbing materials like asphalt and concrete. My project, Ekteshaf, tackles this through research in planting and construction materials and techniques beside public awareness. This is done through two sustainably designed buildings: The Parametric ‘Jungle’ Building and The Circular ‘Mushroom’ Building where both have roles in mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Project description

The initiative proposes establishing a dedicated research center, Ekteshaf, that explores climate-responsive plantings and sustainable, zero-net energy building materials. The center's mission is to develop and promote strategies that alleviate Alexandria's Urban Heat Island effect.

Technical information

The Parametric ‘Jungle’ Building: Acts as Smouha’s green lung, with a plant exhibition to educate citizens and a botanical lab studying plants’ cooling effects. It is built upon the shape of a gigantic Low-e glass mass with elevated floating islands where activities occur wherea this big shell of glass is responsible for having most greens and water features. it is built with Ferrock (CO2-negative) for columns, beams and slabs, mycelium bricks (fungi-based, fire-resistant walls) for non-load bearing walls , and double-glazed Low-e glass for the outer shell to reflect heat.
The Circular ‘Mushroom’ Building: Researches alternatives to concrete/asphalt, using geopolymer concrete (90% less CO2) for columns, slabs and beams and hempcrete (carbon-negative insulation) for walls. This tower features solar panels all over its concave roof for lower energy consumption as well as rainwater harvesting via a rooftop pipe that connects to a big water tank in order to save water for agriculture in the parametric building, and Louvers + Low-e glass to block excess heat.
Both buildings prioritize natural light, moisture control, and zero-net-energy design to reduce Smouha’s heat island effect. By merging science, sustainable materials, and public engagement, Ekteshaf offers actionable solutions for cooler, healthier cities.