Sustainable Housing Research Articles

Large-Scale Self-Assembly of anisotropic graphene oxide films via blade Coating: Sustainable design and Stimuli-Responsive performance for biomimicry

Sustainable structural design, utilizing material to imitate natural biological systems, presents both promise and challenges. By avoiding interfacial problems encountered in composite counterparts, such designs offer self-adaptive materials for smart housing and green architecture, etc. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale self-assembly of graphene oxide (GO) flakes into anisotropic films through a simple blade coating technique. Through the application of blade coating to a highly concentrated nematic GO suspension, we successfully fabricate GO films with morphological gradient and patterning. Additionally, we propose a statistical analysis method utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images for the characterization of materials with macroscopic surface morphology. Furthermore, we explore the application of these GO films as low-dimensional soft actuators, revealing their outstanding stimuli-responsive performance and self-adaptation to environment. Such robust and flexible films can be used as integral building elements in the bioinspired design of sustainable smart housing facilitating remote robotization and sensing capabilities.

Improving sustainability of affordable housing using innovative technologies: Case study of SIAH-Livable

Rapid urbanization presents a major challenge in achieving affordable and sustainable housing. In the face of the problem, rapid urbanisation represents, there is room for innovation. Advancements in sustainable design methods, new materials, and innovative building technologies offer potential solutions for developing sustainable, innovative, and affordable housing (SIAH). This study investigates various sustainable design techniques, materials, and technologies suitable for designing SIAH in the South African climate in concordance with local building codes and regulations. The study compares the building performance of SIAH-Livable, as assessed by energy embodied, energy demand, and water usage, with that of conventional low-cost housing using the EDGE Buildings App. The results validate that SIAH-Livable building performance is significantly less water and energy, reducing consumption by 55.17% and 21.06%, respectively. Additionally, SIAH-Livable exhibits a noTable 66.9% reduction in embodied energy levels while remaining within the construction cost range defined by the South African government for low-cost housing. Furthermore, the analysis confirms that appropriate design techniques, new materials, and technologies not only enhance the sustainability of the house but also improve its affordability by reducing lifecycle costs. The study concludes that sustainable design techniques, including passive design, the use of recycled and local materials, and socio-technical innovations, are effective means of enhancing the sustainability and affordability of housing, contributing to the development of SIAH. Importantly, this research establishes the association between sustainability and affordability in South African housing design, offering insights that can be adapted and applied to other African countries.

Stakeholders’ Roles in the Delivery of Sustainable Housing Projects in Lagos State, Nigeria

The role stakeholders play is fundamental to the realisation of sustainable development. Consequentially, there is a need for the major stakeholders to be fully aware of their respective roles. Thus, this paper focused on assessing the stakeholders’ roles in sustainable housing projects in Lagos State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 259 stakeholders involved in sustainable housing projects in Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 203 responses were obtained, representing a 78% response rate. Primary data regarding the extent of stakeholders’ awareness of their roles in sustainable housing were collected. The data collected were analysed using mean ranking analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The data collected were used to determine the extent of awareness of the stakeholders’ role in sustainable housing projects in Lagos State, Nigeria. The results showed that all the stakeholders were aware of their respective roles in the delivery of sustainable housing projects and were highly conscious of them. Although their extent of awareness was at varying levels, there was no statistically significant difference of opinions amongst the different categories of stakeholders in the delivery of sustainable housing projects. The study concluded that Government and Project Managers have key roles to play as major stakeholders in the delivery of sustainable housing projects. The knowledge of the awareness of stakeholders’ roles in the delivery of sustainable housing projects provides invaluable information to stakeholders regarding the important roles to focus attention on in achieving sustainable housing projects. The study provides a veritable basis for understanding and aligning stakeholder roles in sustainable housing project delivery.

The rural housing crisis: analytical dimensions and emblematic issues

While the urban housing crisis is pivotal to current debates in housing studies, the question of affordable as well as sustainable housing in rural settings has arisen only recently. However, recent developments, including increasing demand for housing as well as for a specific supply, indicate that there is a rural housing crisis. Connecting the scattered strands of literature on rural housing, we propose an understanding of the rural housing crisis that involves spatialities, temporalities and intersectionalities. These dimensions are illustrated by three emblematic issues: the financialization/assetization of the rural housing supply, the increasing mobility of rural residents and the selective gentrification of rural communities. Building on a review of the literature on rural housing and its challenges, we argue that greater consideration of the rural in housing studies and a more nuanced focus on housing issues in rural studies would be fruitful, not only for future research but also for political action.

SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE STRUCTURAL MODEL IN HOME OWNERSHIP

Home is a basic human need. Every year, the government is responsible for enacting a more sustainable and inclusive housing policy to ensure the adequate provision, quality and affordable housing to meet the needs of the growing sustainable communities. The aim of the current research is to analyse affordability as a mediator in the relationship between economic, social and environmental factors towards the need for home ownership among civil servants in Klang Valley. Path Analysis and Boostrapping through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) are used to see the relationship and influence between sustainability and affordability variables. There is a significant relationship between all elements of affordability with economic, social and environmental factors. Mediation effect (mediator) for the element of affordability that is tested in the construct relationship between economic, social and environmental factors on the need for home ownership. Finally, this study succeeded in forming a sustainable affordable structural model in home ownership.

Learning from Barcelona’s grassroots housing struggles: Towards a transformational Degrowth agenda

This article contributes to the nascent literature on housing for Degrowth. It recognises that housing plays a pivotal role in the creation and perpetuation of socio-ecological injustices, and therefore must be a core strategic element of a transition towards a Degrowth society. I argue for a deeper integration of bottom-up, scalable strategies and class politics in Degrowth housing proposals in order to create the widespread and emancipatory social transformation called for by the Degrowth agenda. The militant research for this paper was rooted in a case study of the Sindicat d’Habitatge de Vallcarca (Vallcarca Housing Union; SHV), which is part of Barcelona’s multifaceted grassroots movement for housing justice. The analysis first explores the synergies between Degrowth and the SHV using a Degrowth framework, and then looks beyond this framework, asking what both movements can learn from each other’s theoretical and strategic approaches. It highlights the SHV’s grassroots, class-based politics of solidarity and social inclusivity, and explores how the SHV could benefit from engaging with the ecological and intersectional politics of Degrowth. The article raises the importance of building connections between post-growth theories and radical housing struggles on a broader scale, in order to tackle top-down and growth-based ‘sustainable housing’ initiatives and create genuinely transformational and emancipatory housing alternatives.

Urban resilience for sustainable homeownership: the role of self-help in the ancient city of Benin, Nigeria

PurposeThe organised self-help approach successfully enhances urban low-income earners' (LIE) homeownership in some developing countries. The technique can enhance urban resilience for sustainable LIE homeownership. There is a paucity of studies concerning sustainable homeownership for Nigeria's urban LIE through a self-help approach. The study investigated the housing needs of the urban LIE via organised self-help mechanisms and how the same can enhance urban resilience for sustainable homeownership in the Ancient City of Benin, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachGiven the unexplored nature of the issue, 20 face-to-face interviews were conducted with experts and analysed through a thematic approach.FindingsFindings identified eleven main barriers faced by the urban LIE. This includes the absence of government housing policy, funding frameworks, urban land scarcity, high property development costs, naira devaluation, high-interest rates, inflation, bribery and corruption, lax mortgage sub-sector, high cost of infrastructure, and government bureaucracy.Originality/valueThis study will contribute to pioneering the role of organised self-help mechanisms in urban resilience for sustainable LIE homeownership in developing cities via a qualitative approach. Also, findings would significantly contribute to developing countries' sustainable housing and urban resilience literature.

Sustainability

Abstract Although it is important to set targets for improving the environmental sustainability of a publishing house, it is vital that the management accounting systems reflect the actuality of a book’s cost, including all overhead transactions, in order to measure and motivate appropriately.

Variables Associated with Quality of Life Among Individuals Living in Permanent Supportive Housing.

This study identified individual sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and service use patterns associated with quality of life (QoL) among 308 individuals living in permanent supportive housing (PSH) in Québec (Canada). Data were collected between 2020 and 2022, and linear multivariate analyses produced. Results demonstrated that better individual psychosocial conditions were positively associated with higher QoL. As well, living in PSH located in good neighborhoods for at least 5 years, higher self-esteem and community integration were positively associated with greater QoL. Met needs, satisfaction with housing support services, and no use of acute care were also linked with positive QoL. Comprehensive efforts to improve treatment for mental health disabilities responsive to the needs of PSH residents, and sustained long-term housing may reinforce QoL. Encouraging active participation in community-based activities, incorporating biophilic design into the neighborhoods around PSH, and promoting satisfaction with care may also enhance QoL.

Formulation and Thermomechanical Characterization of Earth-based Biosourced Composites: Cases of Clay-Hibiscus cannabinus L. Fiber, Clay-sawdust and Clay- Oryza sativa Husk

This work concerns the technical study of implementation, thermal and mechanical characterization of a composite material based on clay and plant fibers, in order to meet the need for bioclimatic and sustainable houses. The objective was to find the proportions of clay and fibers to obtain a mixture that would give better thermal properties. A characterization of the thermal properties was made thanks to the KD2 Pro analyzer on samples of various formulas of mixture clay-plant fibers. The results obtained showed that the thermal properties such as thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the clay-fiber mixture samples decrease with the increase of the fiber content in the mixture. Thus, the thermal conductivity of the samples varies from 0.85 to 0.65 W/m.K; from 0.88 to 0.72 W/m.K and from 0.83 to 0.75 W/m.K respectively with Hibiscus cannabinus L. fiber, sawdust and Oryza sativa husk. As for the thermal diffusivity, it varies from 0.37 to 0.25 mm2/s; from 0.45 to 0.30 mm2/s and from 0.47 to 0.27 mm2/s respectively with the addition of Hibiscus cannabinus L. fibers, sawdust and Oryza sativa husk. In sum, the earth samples stabilized with Hibiscus cannabinus L. fibers offer better thermal properties for the construction of bioclimatic houses.

Building for the Future: Evaluating the Viability of Prefabricated Construction and Prefabricated Steel Construction in Mass Housing Development

This research paper aims to evaluate the viability of prefabricated construction, specifically prefabricated light gauge steel (LGS) construction and prefabricated pre-engineered steel (PES) construction, in the context of mass housing development. The study explores the benefits, challenges, and considerations associated with these construction methods and their potential applicability in large-scale housing projects. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies, industry trends, and comparative studies, this research aims to provide insights into the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of prefabrication, LGS construction, and PES construction in meeting the increasing demand for affordable and sustainable mass housing. Key Words: Prefabricated construction, Light gauge steel (LGS) construction, Pre-engineered steel (PES) construction,

Understanding the Challenges of Affordable Housing Provision in Nigeria: An Analysis of Key Factors and Policy Implications

Affordable housing remains a critical issue in Nigeria, with numerous factors contributing to its scarcity. This paper examines the key factors contributing to the lack of affordable housing in Nigeria, including high construction costs, inadequate urban planning and land use, limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, corruption and bureaucracy, limited government support and policy implementation, and high urban area land costs. High construction costs escalate housing prices, posing challenges for low-income earners to afford homes. Inadequate urban planning and land use policies result in spatial inequality, scarcity of available land, and increased housing costs. Limited access to finance restricts low-income earners' ability to secure mortgage financing for affordable homes. High urban area land costs further exacerbate the affordability challenge. Inadequate infrastructure hampers housing development and increases construction costs. Limited government support and policy implementation hinder effective affordable housing provision. Corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks also hampers the process. These factors underscore the complex nature of the affordable housing crisis in Nigeria and necessitate a comprehensive approach involving collaboration between the government, private sector, and communities. Policy recommendations include improving policy implementation, fostering public-private partnerships, enhancing access to finance, strengthening urban planning strategies, investing in infrastructure, and providing increased government support for affordable housing initiatives. Addressing these factors will contribute to the creation of sustainable and inclusive housing solutions, ensuring that affordable homes become accessible to all Nigerians.

Comparison analysis between the components of vernacular and modern architectures for sustainable housing in Niger State

Modern architecture has its roots in the vernacular type. Globally, every cultural group has its own form of vernacular architecture, though the approach may vary from region to region and also among the individuals. The traditional and modern architectural styles in Minna Niger State, Nigeria are examined in this paper since these styles possess distinct climatic, economic, and socio-cultural practices. A typical vernacular architecture was sited at Tudun Fulani Extension whereas a typical modern architecture was sited at GidanMatasa. The study examined the buildings in terms of physical features, thermal comfort and cost analysis. EnergyPlus, a simulation program, was used in this study to assess and forecast the thermal comfort. To affirm, local construction materials were used to meet the housing demands without harming the environment. The study outcomes found that the traditional housing units outperformed the modern ones by a wide margin. The findings of the study revealed the following features as part of vernacular architecture such as the presence of a courtyard, vegetation, connection to nature and construction using natural materials. On the other hand, the modern architecture does not have any courtyards, inadequate vegetation and isolation from the nature. It is also constructed using the imported building materials, although the modern architecture enables the windows to be of large size. The findings also disclose that the vernacular architecture provides more thermal comfort than the modern architecture since the latter has a heavy heating load density i.e., 9,571 (Watt). This value is 50 percent more than the peak heating load of the traditional architectural structure i.e., 2,109 (Watt). Finally, the study was able to ascertain the high-cost implication of the modern architecture compared to vernacular architecture. Furthermore, the study also proved that the vernacular housing units are much better than the modern ones in terms of thermal comfort, usage of cost-effective and natural materials and the building’s thermal properties. The researcher recommends that the components of both vernacular and modern architecture must be properly integrated for the development of the sustainable homes in Northern Nigeria.

Home Sweet Home: Strengthening Pagibig Fund’s Housing Programs towards Building Sustainable Homes

A global housing crisis is caused by a number of things: overpopulation, inflation, the lack of affordable housing units, low income, land and labor shortage, and there are many international and nationwide efforts to combat this housing shortage. Among the several sustainable and affordable housing initiatives and programs by the Philippine government is the conception of the Pag-IBIG Fund, tasked to be responsible for national savings and affordable home financing. The objective of this study is to formulate and propose an action plan that would help strengthen Pag-IBIG Fund’s housing programs to promote sustainable housing among low-income Filipino workers. To formulate this, various literature suggest the need to gather the perceptions of both low-income and minimum-wage individuals who are members of the Pag-IBIG Fund and the Pag-IBIG Fund housing developer partners. To determine the housing problems, perception of sustainable housing, and effectiveness of Pag-IBIG’s housing programs, the researcher employed a quantitative approach with the use of a survey with data analyzed through various statistical treatments. Results show that the respondents concur that physical inadequacy, limited selection, and proximity are common housing problems of Filipino low-income earners. The study’s results served as the researcher’s basis in formulating the action plan containing a policy brief and a public relations plan for information dissemination.

Decolonizing South Asian architecture: Sustainable and community-criented cocial housing in India

Decolonization process in India involved a range of political, economic, and social changes aimed at dismantling the colonial system and building a new, independent nation. One of the most significant challenges India faced during the decolonization process was the issue of partition. The partition of India in 1947 led to the creation of two separate countries—India and Pakistan—and resulted in widespread violence and displacement. Millions of people were forced to migrate across the newly formed borders, resulting in one of the largest mass migrations in human history which created huge demand for housing. The methodology adopted for this research is based on qualitative analysis and the data source for this study are government reports, research articles, books and newspaper. Further, it examines four case studies of social housing projects designed to provide sustainable and livable solutions for low-income families in different regions of India, including Aranya Community Housing, Incremental Housing in Belapur, ATIRA Staff Housing in Ahmadabad, and CIDCO Housing in Parsik Hill in Navi Mumbai. At the core of the article lies an investigation into the dynamic nature of architecture in the aftermath of independence, coupled with a detailed examination of four distinct social housing ventures. The social housing studies demonstrate innovative and flexible approaches to social housing, with a focus on community building, energy efficiency, and social amenities. The projects have been successful in providing access to affordable and sustainable housing for low-income families in different regions of India. The case studies highlight the importance of a community-centered approach to social housing, emphasizing the need for shared spaces and amenities. The article discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainable and livable social housing solutions in India.

Morphological and phenological characteristics of petunia (Petunia hybrida Vilm.) flowering

<p><em>Petunia hybrid</em> Vilm. is an ornamental plant that has the potential to be developed because its flowering period does not know the season and comes with various motifs and flower colors that can add cultivation and commercial value. Information on the morphological characteristics of flowers and flowering phenology is the basis for their development. The aim of this study was to characterize the morphological structure of flowers and observe a series of phases in flower development stages associated with environmental factors. This research was conducted in the sustainable twin housing complex in the city of Jambi on March 25–May 27, 2022, and the data obtained was analyzed descriptively, qualitatively, and quantitatively. The results of flowering phenology observations showed that petunia flower development occurred over an average period of 37 days. Based on the characterization of the morphological structure of the flower, the average length is 72 mm and the diameter is 42 mm. It is categorized as a complete flower because it has a main organ consisting of five petals with an average diameter of 42 mm, five petals with an average length of 14 mm, and an average diameter of 16 mm. Furthermore, the genitals of the flower, namely the stamens, are five in number, and there is one pistil in each flower.</p>

Factors Affecting Design toward Affordable Sustainable Housing Delivery in South African Construction Industry

The purpose of this study is to establish the factors that affect the design toward affordable sustainable housing delivery because housing is delivered above budget and unaffordable for low-income earners in South Africa. A sequential mixed method involving qualitative and quantitative approach was engaged for this study, and construction professionals were selected as respondents from nine provinces of South Africa to answer four points Likert scale quantitative questionnaires. A total of one hundred and fourteen (114) questionnaires were appropriately completed and retrieved from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics which include PCA, correlation, and regression analysis tools on SPSS version 25 to determine factors that affect the design with the regards to affordable housing delivery in South Africa, interview process is used to validate the findings obtained. The findings indicated that improper design leads to failure in achieving client objectives and causes a change in design and demolition. Lack of design of first-rate living conditions for a healthy environment, design sufficiency, and adaptability to meet people’s demand for cost efficient housing were the major factors responsible for unaffordable housing in South Africa. The study recommended that government should establish key policies on housing design to control resource waste and limit construction costs within budget. This will encourage the sensitivity of construction operators about resources control at the planning and implementation stages of housing production.

Gender Analysis of Sustainable Housing Choices of Rental Household Heads In Abuja Municipal Council, Nigeria

Gender Analysis of Sustainable Housing Choices of Rental Household Heads In Abuja Municipal Council, Nigeria

Analysis of Coupled and Coordinated Development of South Korea’s Life-Cycle and Public Housing Systems from 2017 to 2021

Providing sustainable public housing solutions is one of the major challenges for countries with emerging economies. Based on the panel data of eight metropolitan cities in South Korea from 2017 to 2021, this study uses the entropy value method and coupling coordination model to evaluate the quantitative interaction between the life-cycle and the public housing systems, followed by the OLS regression model to explore their level of coupling coordination and its influencing factors. The findings reveal the following: (1) The support of public housing welfare by the life cycle had previously been effective in alleviating housing conflicts. (2) The main evaluation values of the indicators had their focus shifted from the quantitative supply to the growth of households, housing cost affordability, and housing size. (3) Overall, the average level of coupling and coordination among Korean cities has risen substantially, but the development of the public housing system still lags behind the change in the life cycle of each city’s composite index. As a result, policymakers should reasonably allocate policies by focusing on their long-term benefits. (4) The supply for emerging families, infrastructure allocation, and the affordability of housing are important factors for improving the level of coordination that should be considered.

Affordable and Sustainable Government-Subsidized Housing Development in Aceh Besar Regency

Affordable and Sustainable Government-Subsidized Housing Development in Aceh Besar Regency