Adopting Stabilized Earth Construction to Address Urban Low-Cost Housing Crisis in Jos, Nigeria
The Study has revealed the advantages of stabilized earth in the construction of buildings in that it is cheap and readily available. The cost of building is further reduced when the clay is cast in situ thereby eliminating the cost of transportation. Earth structures also have the advantages of being cooler in summer and warmer in winter due to the heat capacity of the material and wall thickness, making artificial air-conditioning unnecessary. Finally, if earth architectures are adopted based on the findings of this study, the problem of urban housing crisis for most Nigerians could be a thing of the past.
Shelter is one of the basic needs of mankind, while housing is a form of shelter that has a profound impact on the health, welfare, and productivity of individuals. In developing nations (such as Nigeria], this basic necessity of life (housing) has been kept far from the reach of the low-income earner. In this strive for shelter; stabilized earth is an alternative building material that is comparatively cheaper than conventional building materials used in the construction of houses in urban centers. Due to modernization, the earth is now associated with villagers or only used in the construction of historical buildings.
There is no doubt that we can use our abundant resources to bridge the housing gap between the high-income and the low-income earner and give not only shelter but comfort and shelter at an affordable rate to the low-income earner. Three case studies were used for the purpose of this research. The findings of the study revealed a 30% reduction in the cost of constructing a building with adobe bricks over concrete hollow blocks. The research identified and highlighted the cost-effectiveness, thermal insulation, and durability of clay (earth). The study concluded that the use of earth should be employed by professionals in the construction industry to increase its acceptability by the public.
