This paper investigates the production of appropriate housing in different urban morphologies in Oran, Algeria, and analyses the potential for no-fines in Algerian pre-colonial, colonial and contemporary urban morphologies. Contemporary industrialized and self-help housing developments in particular are examined to identify their urban design characteristics and inadequacies, in order to establish urban layout principles compatible with users requirements, climate and the existing urban environment. The potential for no-fines to equal or exceed the density and economy performance of contemporary construction methods is then assessed. This is to establish urban design proposals appropriate to Oran and Algeria in general, and feasible in no-fines technology. It is concluded that no-fines can be used in various urban morphologies appropriate to Oran in particular and Algeria generally. However, there is an urgent need for design changes and estate layouts that should take into account urban continuity, and hierarchy of spaces to preserve family and community privacy, and efficient land use.