Alternative building technologies as a sustainable affordable housing solution
This study aims to evaluate the perception of the local experts and end users on the drivers, barriers, and strategies to the use of alternative building technologies (ABTs), with a focus on sandbag building technologies (SBTs) in the provision of sustainable housing in South Africa towards improving the public’s understanding of SBTs.
This study found that the perceived drivers for using ABTs such as SBT comprise sustainability, affordability, job creation potentials, fire resistance, and earthquake resistance. This study revealed strategies for the SBTs, including awareness, building sandbag prototypes across cities, and training
This study’s findings have practical implications for the practice and praxis of ABT implementation and uptake in South Africa. This study provides a framework for broadening the worldwide understanding of the use and uptake of SBTs to provide sustainable and affordable housing.
This study adds significantly to the limited body of knowledge on ABTs, focusing on sandbag houses. Consequently, the findings provide policymakers with information on the expert and end-user perspectives on the barriers and strategies to using ABTs.
Adequate and affordable housing is crucial for combating poverty and improving living and health conditions (Adabre et al., 2020). Most of the deteriorating public health problems in the USA are partly attributable to insufficient access to affordable housing (Pollack et al., 2010). In addition, appropriate and affordable housing is crucial for lowering unemployment in a country because most economic sectors (commerce, industry, and finance) benefit from the thriving housing sector (Adabre et al., 2020).
The Cape Metropolitan MSDF of 2018 has estimated a need for 500,000 dwelling units in the city of Cape Town over the next 20 years (2012 2032) (City of Cape Town, 2018). It is anticipated that it will take more than 70 years to eradicate Cape Town’s existing housing backlog with the current resources available (City of Cape Town, 2018). Consequently, developing affordable and sustainable housing solutions remains a pressing goal.
Sustainable, affordable housing provides eco-friendly living options that are both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. The concept of sustainable affordable housing and the use of sandbag-building technology uses less energy during construction and operation than traditional building technologies.
Also Read: Local Tools to Address Housing Affordability