Building sustainable settlements in Chimoio, Mozambique : the sustainability of using unfired adobe bricks to construct shelter

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Adequate shelter for the majority of the Mozambican population is still not a reality. Conventional building materials are not affordable for the poor and the governmental policies do not put much focus on the issue of housing. Also, the consideration of environmental issues in the construction industry is becoming relevant concerning the process of sustainability promotion.In most instances, communities in Mozambique have been using local alternative materials to build their houses and unfired adobe brick is one of these materials. Compared to conventional materials, unfired adobe brick is relatively cheaper and has low negative environmental impacts. This study analysed the use of this material in Mozambique from a sustainability viewpoint to find out whether there were opportunities to construct sustainable housing for local communities.To gather information regarding socio-economic, environmental and technical dimensions of the use of unfired adobe brick, the main research strategy privileged the use of a qualitative approach where the data collection methods involved interviews, focus group discussions, observation and direct involvement of the researcher in practical work.Findings indicate that low costs related to the use of unfired adobe brick address the problem of affordability for the majority of local people. Local availability of suitable soils, minimal processing, use of renewable sources of energy for processing the material and recyclability/reusability all indicate that this material has very little environmental impact. Identified stresses (moisture) affecting unfired adobe structures can be avoided through low-impact methods of earth stabilization and specific design measures.It is concluded that unfired adobe brick has the potential to contribute to the provision of sustainable housing in Mozambique. In order for this to happen, there needs to be: More research on construction methods applicable to the Mozambican context;The introduction of construction codes related to adobe construction; Training of local communities in adobe construction; The creation of housing policies; and Investigation into the opportunities offered by unfired adobe brick concerning sustainability.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University