Stabilised Earth Construction in Urban Low-Cost Housing Crisis

The global housing crisis is a multifaceted issue that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Economic Forum, around 1.6 billion people currently lack adequate housing, a number that could rise to 3 billion by 2030. This crisis is driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, a decline in public housing, and the financialization of housing. In Zimbabwe, the housing crisis is particularly acute, with a significant shortage of affordable housing in urban areas. This shortage disproportionately affects low-income populations, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. In this context, exploring alternative construction materials like stabilized earth can offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution to address the housing crisis.

The housing crisis is not limited to Zimbabwe; it is a global phenomenon with far-reaching consequences. In many cities around the world, housing costs have risen faster than household incomes, leading to widespread housing insecurity and homelessness. For example, in the United Kingdom, regional shortages of housing have led to high demand and undersupply in the south, while economically depressed areas in the north face less demand. Similarly, in the United States, the financialization of housing has transformed it from a social necessity into an investment tool, stripping it of its intrinsic function to provide secure and dignified living spaces. This global trend highlights the need for innovative and sustainable solutions to address the housing crisis.

Stabilized earth is an alternative construction material that offers significant economic and environmental benefits compared to conventional materials such as baked brick and concrete. The use of earth as a building material dates back to the earliest civilizations and is found on every continent. Research indicates that earth construction can save costs, time, and energy while reducing environmental pollution. For instance, stabilized earth construction uses locally available materials, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions. Additionally, earth buildings have excellent thermal properties, which can help reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. These advantages make stabilized earth construction a promising solution for addressing the housing crisis.

Existing literature provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits of earth construction. Studies have shown that earth buildings are not only cost-effective but also durable and sustainable. For example, earth construction can reduce construction costs by up to 30% compared to conventional materials. Additionally, earth buildings have a lower environmental impact, as they require less energy to produce and transport. Earth construction also offers social benefits, as it can create local employment opportunities and promote community involvement in the building process. These benefits are particularly relevant in the context of the housing crisis, where affordable and sustainable housing solutions are urgently needed.

To assess the potential of stabilized earth construction in Zimbabwe, a series of in-depth interviews were conducted with Zimbabwean construction professionals. These interviews aimed to investigate whether stabilized earth construction could be beneficial for urban low-cost housing in Zimbabwe. The findings revealed that many professionals recognized the economic and environmental advantages of stabilized earth construction. However, they also highlighted some challenges, such as the need for specialized skills and the perception that earth buildings are less modern than those made from conventional materials. Despite these challenges, the overall consensus was that stabilized earth construction could play a significant role in addressing the housing crisis in Zimbabwe.

In conclusion, the housing crisis is a complex and pressing issue that requires innovative and sustainable solutions. Stabilized earth construction offers a promising alternative to conventional materials, with significant economic and environmental benefits. While challenges remain, the potential of stabilized earth construction to address the housing crisis in Zimbabwe and beyond is clear. Further research and investment in this area could help overcome existing barriers and promote the widespread adoption of stabilized earth construction. By doing so, we can move closer to providing affordable and sustainable housing for all.