A Modular Design and Construction Framework for Enhancing the Sustainability of National Housing Projects in Egypt

Egypt’s national housing sector faces mounting sustainability challenges due to outdated design and construction practices that cause material waste, high costs, and inefficient resource use. This study develops a framework for integrating modular design and construction principles into Egypt’s National Housing Projects (NHPs) to strengthen their social, economic, and environmental sustainability. A mixed-method approach combined a literature review, case studies, and a survey of Egyptian Architectural Design Firms (ADFs). The literature review revealed a global consensus on the benefits of modular design and construction, such as improved efficiency, reduced waste, and faster project delivery, yet found limited adoption in Egypt due to the absence of empirical studies and guiding frameworks. Case studies confirmed that while modular approaches enhance affordability and sustainability abroad, Egypt’s application remains fragmented and under-evaluated. Survey results further indicated strong professional interest in modular design and construction but identified barriers including policy deficiencies, limited industry capacity, and low stakeholder awareness. The study developed a framework addressing these barriers by proposing guidelines, policy recommendations, and strategies for adopting modular design and construction in national housing programmes. The framework emphasizes the integration of innovative technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twins (DT) to optimize resource utilization, improve material efficiency, and reduce project costs. By aligning with Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) 2030, the research contributes to national goals of sustainability, affordability, and industrial modernization, offering both policymakers and practitioners a pathway to enhance the performance and sustainability of Egypt’s housing sector.