CSCEC eyes bigger role in nation's housing upgrade with 'Quality Homes Construction System'

China State Construction Engineering Corp Ltd (CSCEC) on Friday launched a housing development framework that introduces various upgrades to China's traditional construction methodology. The launch marks a strategic move for the Chinese building industry leader in heeding the country's nationwide call in the 2025 Government Work Report for the construction of "safe, comfortable, eco-friendly and smart" homes.

Titled "Quality Homes Construction System", the development framework was developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, integrating construction expertise collected over decades-long of development of China's housing sector alongside public feedback to address chronic residential issues like leaks, mold and poor insulation, while promoting affordability and energy efficiency, the builder said.

Unveiled at this year's Two Sessions, the phrase "Quality homes" was mentioned for the first time in the Government Work Report. From aspiring for home ownership to pursuing a quality home to live in, this change reflects both the Chinese people's ever-improving demand of better livelihood and the adjustment of supply and demand in the nation's real estate market, said experts attending the launching ceremony.

Prioritizing the principles of safety, comfort, sustainability and smart technology, CSCEC's new framework was developed with the ultimate goal of making quality housing more accessible in China. Quality housing should not be more exclusive, but be promoted further to cover more projects including those of affordable and renovated homes, said Wen Bing, director and president of CSCEC.

Comprising six major standards for integrated planning, upgraded building principles, standardized design, quality materials, precision construction and sustainable maintenance, the framework also functions as a guidebook for builders containing CSCEC's knowledge in building high-quality homes, Wen said.

Official data showed that China had initiated 56,000 projects last year aimed at renovating old urban residential communities, adding over 25,000 elevators to existing buildings and constructing 2,254 facilities for elderly care.

Residents' expectations for a quality home now include higher ceilings, better ventilation, better access to sunshine, enhanced soundproofing, cleaner indoor air, optimal humidity and temperature control, Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong said at a media conference on the sidelines of the Two Sessions in March.

In the future, China will combine the construction of quality homes with the implementation of urban renewal projects and the renovation of old urban residential communities, the minister added.

Wen Jie contributed to this story.