For the second consecutive year, the students of the Department of Structural Engineering (Architecture and Civil Engineering) of the Regional Agricultural, Technical and Vocational School of Education and Training (P.G. TESEK) of Famagusta - Avgorou, demonstrate their superiority in the Student Creativity, Innovation and Business Idea Competition "Ideodromio". After last year's first place with "Tool Share" (2024-2025), this year the school won the Social and Green Entrepreneurship Award by presenting the innovative idea "RED Block" (Rammed Earth Design).
In an era where climate change demands immediate solutions, the team identified a critical problem: the reckless production and use of conventional cement is responsible for a huge percentage of global CO2 emissions. The students’ response was to create modern, bioclimatic building elements from local Cypriot red soil.
By utilizing the ancient technique of Stabilized Compressed Earth, the students managed to reduce the use of cement by up to 90%, using it exclusively in minimal quantities as a stabilizer. At the same time, RED Block does not require any baking in energy-intensive ovens, saving natural resources and energy. However, their real achievement lies in the geometry and the use of cutting-edge technology (Industry 4.0): the team digitally designed and manufactured articulated molds on the school’s 3D printers, producing hexagonal bricks that “lock” perfectly together, creating perforated walls for natural ventilation and shading.
Through market research and operating as a real startup in the school's laboratory, the students developed a realistic business plan targeting architectural offices and public projects, proving that the future of construction belongs to the circular economy.
Such successes would not have been possible without the platforms that give voice to youth entrepreneurship. The school and the team express their warm thanks to the organizers of the “Ideodromio” program: the CEDAR Entrepreneurship Center, the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, as well as the Directorates of Secondary General and Secondary Technical and Vocational Education of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth.
The school would like to thank the sponsors of the competition, UCLan Cyprus (whose excellent facilities hosted the grand final on 19 March 2026), KPMG, the Cyprus Youth Organisation, ActionAid Hellas, the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and Gravity, for their valuable contribution. Congratulations to all the children and teachers who supported this great effort this year, demonstrating the excellent level of Technical Education in the Famagusta district!
The students who participated were: Ioannou Michaelia, Kyprou Anna Maria, Makri Danae, Martin Leonidas, Michaela Diogenis, Pantoura Dorothea, Skourou Chrysovalantis, Hadjisofoklis Sofoklis.
Team of Instructors (Department of Structural Architecture and Civil Engineering): Papasavvas Savvas, Pekas Lefteris, Ralli Tonia.
