EHAF consulting engineers is to decide the winning tender for the $1-billion Grand Egyptian Museum this month.

The museum is designed to provide an Egyptology centre of excellence for the next 100 years and will be sited near the pyramids of Giza. Arup is working on the design of the museum as part of a joint venture after winning an international architectural competition, according to the World Interior Design Network.

The museum will occupy a 50-acre site and will feature a translucent stone wall that will be 800 m long. The wall will rise to 40 m, allowing visitors to explore the sheltered space. The main building will house the museum and a conference centre, connected by a large shaded courtyard and a exhibition space with an 800-seat auditorium. The new building will house a restaurant, ticketing facilities and other services. Construction work is expected to begin in mid-November and is scheduled to be completed by March 2015.