Sustainable Housing Research Articles

The ‘Z-Free’ Home: A Circular Thinking and Eco-Cycle Design Practice

In recent years, the need for affordable sustainable housing has increased. At the same time, there has been a gradual rising interest in compact living. With the mounting impacts of climate change, a new way of thinking is needed to develop more resilient and climate responsive ways of living that are compact, affordable, and climate-conscious. In response to this need, the idea of a ‘Z-Free Home’ was born. The ‘Z-Free Home’ is a tiny mobile house equipped with essential passive and eco-cycle systems that achieves nine zero targets. The main design and construction concept is based on circular design and a return to nature life cycle principles. In this paper, the architectural design concept, building energy modelling, and simulation for the Z-Free Home design proposal is discussed. This paper describes the concept design and design development phases together with building modelling and simulation. A focus was made on the use of virtual reality in design development assessment as a new method for evaluating passive and eco-cycle systems. The results show that it’s possible to achieve nine different zero goals while the analysis illustrates the challenges in achieving them. The paper also described the next steps planned for the proof of concept, i.e., the 1:1 house model. The project is ongoing, and it aims at a full-scale physical prototype as a proof of concept for the zero targets. The ‘Z-Free Home’ is designed for the cold Swedish climate but could be more widely applicable in other mild climates as well as hot climates.

Resilient and Sustainable Housing Models against Climate Change: A Review

Most of the world’s population resides in urban areas, and it is expected that this will continue to be the case in the future. These urban areas face enormous challenges such as climate change, economic instability and inequality. Housing is considered a basic unit comprising cities, and, as such, this study contextualized the concepts of urban resilience and sustainability against climate change such that housing models that respond to these concepts could be identified. As a result of an extensive literature review, three resilient housing models and four sustainable housing models are presented and discussed with a focus on the main characteristics necessary for meeting urban resilience and sustainability against climate change. When analyzing the housing models considered resilient, the need to establish housing on safe land stood out and concrete was a common building material among these housing models. In addition, the use of alternative sources of water and energy supply was prioritized. On the other hand, sustainable housing models were developed by local entities and certified by various initiatives. In addition, these models account for the climatic specifications of their location, energy and water efficiency, and quality of the indoor environment, and promote the use of local materials and resources. The use of durable materials was considered a requirement for both resilience and sustainability. The results of this study are a contribution to the process of strengthening housing against the challenge posed by climate change in a timely and adequate manner considering both urban resilience and sustainability aspects.

Towards a net-zero carbon economy: A sustainability performance assessment of innovative prefabricated construction methods for affordable housing in Southern Africa

Recently, efforts to mainstream sustainability principles into affordable housing projects through the adoption of modern methods of construction, like innovative prefabricated construction methods (IPCMs), have been observed. However, limited studies have evaluated the sustainability performance of IPCMs deployed to affordable housing projects in Southern Africa, where the delivery of sustainable affordable housing remains a regional imperative. This study bridges this gap by assessing the sustainability performance and index scores of six IPCM variants implemented on affordable housing projects. The study adopted a two-phased quasi-experimental research design. In the first phase, the technical specification, lifecycle energy and cost and actual performance of these variants under varying conditions pertaining to sustainability were assessed and compared. The Sustainable, Innovative, Affordable Housing (SIAH) framework was adjusted to enhance its utility for computing sustainability index scores using expert opinions. Afterwards, the experts computed the sustainability index score for each case using the adjusted SIAH framework. Subsequently, the Edge App and SimaPro were used to simulate the sustainability performance of these variants under varying conditions. The study's results indicate higher overall sustainability performance of IPCMs compared to conventional methods. Moreover, the research results proved that the monolithic IPCMs were more suitable for net-zero carbon buildings. The study highlights the SIAH framework's usefulness as an assessment tool for determining the sustainability performance of affordable housing projects and for successfully selecting optimum IPCMs to implement towards eliciting such performance. It is expected that this study's results will contribute towards advancing the SIAH agenda in Southern Africa.

The Barriers in Adopting Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) Development: An Article Review

The insistence to have guidelines on Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) development has gained substantial courtesy in recent years due to the vast needs for affordable houses and increasing awareness of environmental concerns especially in most developing countries. The affordable housing development in Malaysia has been progressively improving since the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (11th Malaysia Plan) commencement, which focuses on increasing the affordability and accessibility of housing within low and middle-income groups, especially in urban areas. However, in order to achieve proper urban development, affordable housing must also be sustainable. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyse the barriers in adopting SAH from the perspectives of developers, householders, and Governments. The objective of this study also is to draft out the barrier indicators pertaining to SAH development. This extended literature review research applied the Content Analysis Method which analysed 12 articles on the challenges of integrating affordable houses into sustainable houses by various authors in different countries and with diverse legislative practices. The findings consist of six (6) main barriers and thirty-seven (37) challenges from the perspectives of the main participants (developers, householders, and the Governments) of SAH development. The result revealed that the financial, expertise and technology, education, knowledge and awareness, accessibility and land use planning, enforcement and initiatives, land assessment, and land cost are the main barriers in implementing SAH development. The findings of this research will provide a comprehensive understanding of the limitations that hinder the widespread adaptation of SAH development initiatives. The future research will underscore the verification and validation of SAH development indicators from the main participants to initiate strategic planning on SAH developments. Ultimately, addressing the barriers will contribute to the realisation and potential of sustainable affordable housing options for all.

The Ger Plug-In: demonstrating a model for sustainable and affordable housing in Ulaanbaatar’s fringe districts

The article demonstrates that the Ger Plug-In, a housing prototype that combines the traditional Mongolian nomadic dwelling, or ger, with new construction, is a viable sustainable and affordable housing product that addresses urgent issues that have arisen from the growth of Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts. These settlements have no water supply, sewers or centralised heating, and households use coal and coke briquettes to heat their homes. The prototype provides the ger with electrical heating,, sanitation systems and improved thermal insulation. The pilot project was constructed in 2017 and on-site field measurements together with numerical simulation have been used to calculate its Energy Use Intensity (EUI). By using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the results show that the Ger Plug-In meets the EUI criteria to be eligible for green mortgages provided by the Green Climate Fund. Household surveys were conducted to ascertain the financial capacity of residents. By proving its qualification for low interest rate mortgages and by evidencing its market demand, the objective is to demonstrate that the product can have scalable impact for the 840,000 residents living in the ger districts.

Social sustainability in brick decoration and architectural space of Qajar houses in Dezful by Delphi method

PurposeSocial sustainability is one of the influential concepts in architecture and urban planning that is formed under the influence of individual and physical factors. In such a way that its effects on the spatial architecture and decorations can be studied. The issue of social sustainability also plays an important role in the quality of life and examines the place of thinking of a society. On the other hand, the study of this issue in the historical cities is a subject that provides the basis for studying the city of Dezful as a bed with a valuable historical background. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explain and evaluate the components of social sustainability in the historical architecture.MethodologyThis research is a combination of Delphi and descriptive-analytical methods that have been identified using field studies, libraries and interviews. Also, the effective components in social sustainability are evaluated by Delphi and then the subject is explained by describing each component.ResultFindings based on the research framework show that there is a different level of social sustainability. This issue is based on the macro criteria of social participation, security and quality of life and has different components.ConclusionThe conclusion of the research shows that the effective components in the sustainability of historical houses in Dezful, plays a significant role in personal and physical relationships and create satisfaction and attachment to the architectural structure. This issue is created by strategies based on sustainability of components and preserves the identity of architecture.

Optimization of the formulation of a cellular concrete for bearing masonry of sustainable housing

Cellular concrete is a preferred construction material due to its low density, cost and environmental benefits. The aim of this study was to find formulation proportions, its impact and implementation conditions on the behaviour of cellular concrete in hardened state. The study showed the importance of good workability to obtain a good quality foamed concrete, and derived the recommended marginal proportions for the target criteria using the design of experiments method. 4 factors (water/cement ratio, amounts of fine sand, superplasticizer and foaming agent) were highlighted to analyse their impact on formulation. A series of different mix designs were prepared in order to assess suitable mixes for the target properties of compressive strength and dry density. By optimizing these proportions, mechanical properties improved due to the good quality of the fresh state, which affected the hardened state. Use of superplasticizer (0,8% by weight of cement) was a major factor in achieving good paste quality. The results showed that the interaction between the w/c ratio and the amount of sand was a determining factor in obtaining good workability. Tested samples in compressive strength at 28 days and measured density were presented, those with 0.5 of w/c ratio and 40% of sand showed an average compressive strength of 7 MPa and are close to target criteria of optimization, significant factors of the experience were defined and conclusion was reached comparing with literature.

Challenges for Latvian Apartment Building Management Companies Regarding with Performance of their Services on the Way to Maintain Sustainable Housing Fund

Abstract The legislation of the Republic of Latvia in the field of apartment building management are not enough effective both for apartment owners and apartment building management companies due to complicated decision-making procedure, which slows down the management process, and as consequences are clients‘ unsatisfaction with apartment management service. Within this research authors studied theoretical aspects of service quality, studied apartment building management system in Latvia and compared it with Finland. Finland was chosen due it is located geographically close to Latvia, and Latvia is closer to the Scandinavian culture and lifestyle. Authors made survey of apartment building owners and made interview with expert to find out the current problems of apartment building management services. A monographic and descriptive method was used to analyze the theoretical aspects of service quality, secondary data analysis and expert interview were used to describe the situation of industry of apartment building management services, but quantitative research method such as survey of the clients of the apartment building owners, in connection with the comparative, analytical, deductive, logical approach method was used in this research.

ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT (AN ANALYTICAL STUDY)

The research included identifying alternatives for construction materials that have aspects of sustainability (environmental, urban and economic integration) in order to obtain costs that achieve the goal, which is the economic aspect. The research also includes identifying the properties of these materials and comparing them with the usual materials that are used in the current era, as the world is now heading to search for what fulfills requirements of man in his life, especially with regard to place of comfort in residential environment in which he spends two-thirds of his time. The research dealtwith all its parts, which included introduction and previous studies. And a methodology that dealt with what: sustainable building material and sustainable housing environment. As for practical side, it focused on an analytical study of characteristics of some materials alternatives that achieve required in comparison with the results given by ordinary building materials, which appear through the practical application of statistical programs at work. Throughuse of two types of aggregates, concrete was obtained, with a resistance of more than (30) MPa, with a mixing ratio of (1: 1.5: 3) and an duration of (7) days. And since focus of research is on alternative materials, we used results of laboratory tests for industrial aggregates, and according to temperatures (700, 950, 1180) degrees Celsius,they are (24.3, 32.5, 37.7) MPa. At duration of (21) days, it was (25.6, 35, 38.7) MPa, respectively, while at age of (28) days, it was (29.2, 37.9, 41.7) MPa, and same mixing ratio and temperatures. Research is of great importance in environmental aspects by building its capabilities to resist causes of environmental problems. - Social by employing constructional alternatives according to customs and traditions of occupying population. Economic by achieving principle of efficiency and need with least possible costs

RUMAH PANGAN LESTARI, PENDAMPINGAN DAN PELAKSANAAN PADA DESA JONGGON KECAMATAN LOA KULU

This Community Service Activity has providing knowledge and assistance in managing Sustainable Food Homes for the people of Jonggon Village in Loa Kulu District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. Eighty percent (80%) of respondents managed to maintain the continuity of this sustainable food home activity and benefited from this activity and assistance. With the RPL group, it is hoped that this activity can be adopted by other groups so that family food security can be fulfilled through the Sustainable Food Home program. This programmed community service activity provides knowledge in the form of managing sustainable food houses, making compost and processing crops from sustainable food houses

Housing Vacancy Outlined with Delphi Survey. Contributions of Participatory Research to a Just Transformation Process on Trial

Rising housing prices, associated supply gaps and displacement processes have revived the “housing issue” in Germany. This is particularly true for certain social groups socially marginalized by high competition in the housing market. The participatory action research study “Wohnungsleerstand wandeln!”(WohL) - “Worthy places from un-used spaces” examines the coexistence of housing scarcity and housing abundance in a district of the Munich metropolitan area. The goal is to use a participatory multi-method design, including a two-stage qualitative Delphi Survey, to find tailored solutions for the housing situation in each community. The Delphi method was used to reflect the diversity of perspectives in housing as well as the principles of participatory action research such as participation in research, proximity to the field, and capacity building through mutual learning. In the case of sustainable housing solutions, a group discussion process, in which facts are listed by participants (who remain anonymous) without taking into account local social structures, can lead to conclusions that are not accepted by the community. Hence, this paper explains how a Delphi Survey can be designed as a qualitative element of participatory action research. Therefore, the WohL Study and its qualitative Delphi Survey are presented, followed by a methodological reflection on the findings. It becomes clear that consensus and anonymity have to be balanced with solution sustainability. Criteria like the selection of participants, the process of group discussion as well as data collection and analysis have to be adapted to the specific field to be explored. New, diversity-sensitive and method-based approaches to decision making pave the way for a transformation of housing that must imply “vacancies” are to be (re)used, but also that collective decision-making brings “overlooked” groups “back into play.” Ultimately, the essential prerequisite for managing the transformation is the participation of the people of the community.

Harmonisation of Regulations About A Reasonable Agreement and Actions to Achieve Sustainable Development Alignment of Goals

The achievement of basic rights related to adequate housing is one of the goals of Indonesia's full commitment to realizing sustainable development. This study aims to harmonize regulations regarding reasonable agreements and actions to achieve fitness for sustainable development goals. This study will concentrate on examining the harmonization of the actual contents of regulations by using a concept approach and legal methods, taking into account the importance of relevant laws to support these development goals. Defining what constitutes a viable and sustainable organization is the first step in the discussion. The next section provides an overview of how the definition of "decent and sustainable housing" is used to form the substance of laws and regulations related to adequate housing. These definitions have been established. In accordance with SDGs Goal 11, the substance of legislation related to adequate housing is determined by the research findings that can be produced.

Social Housing Assessment for Sustainable Model Development: Case Study Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Objective: This study discusses the requirements of social housing that are adaptable to the local culture, affordable, resilient, and inclusive by proposing a prototype of a social housing unit. Method: Through observation in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), evaluation of the social housing conditions, authors design criteria for culturally adaptive social housing that is affordable, resilient and inclusive and compare the existing social housing against the designed criteria. Results: As a result of the research, model of social housing that considers the environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability is suggested to comply with Emirate’s strategy to enhance the sector of social housing. Conclusion: The study concludes with the following recommendations: Accessibility to information related to the study, evaluation of the existing housing conditions, governmental support to the private sector implementing affordable housing projects, and predictions for upcoming work in the field of affordable and sustainable housing are important for the transition to more sustainable housing programs. This study creates a database and forms a base for future research in the field of sustainable housing programs in the UAE.

Factors Influencing Housing Satisfaction in Post-Disaster Resettlement: A Case of Nepal

Housing satisfaction, crucial for sustainable post-disaster resettlement housing, has received limited attention in research. This study aimed to identify households’ perceived importance of housing satisfaction factors and their significance in post-disaster resettlement housing programs. Focusing on Nepal’s Panipokhari Integrated Settlement after the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, it identified relatively significant housing satisfaction factors using mean satisfaction scores, the relative importance index, and Spearman rank correlation. The data were derived from a structured questionnaire survey, complemented by field observations, measurement, and semi-structured qualitative interviews that support the findings. The study found key housing satisfaction factors as need-based housing design (r = 0.70), layout (r = 0.74), modification flexibility (r = 0.70), utility spaces such as kitchen gardens and cattle sheds (r = 0.67), house completeness (r = 0.80), thermal comfort (r = 0.63), and social and cultural aspects such as traditional hearths (r = 0.72) and spaces for rituals and events (r = 0.77). The study concluded that the integration of these factors in the policy-making, planning, and design is important for successful resettlement housing outcomes in regions with comparable socio-cultural and economic backgrounds. The study has practical significance and, thus, will help policy-makers, implementers, and researchers aiming for successful and sustainable resettlement outcomes.

The Relationship Between Sustainable Food House (KRPL) Area Program Activities and Empowerment of Farmer Women

National food production capacity is constrained by competition in land use, extreme climate change, phenomena of degradation of natural resources and the environment, and limited support for agricultural infrastructure. Therefore, it is necessary to empower agriculture, one of which is the strategy of utilizing yards to support food security and family food self-sufficiency. The study aims to relationship between sustainable food house (KRPL) area program activities and empowerment of farmer women. The study used a quantitative research design with descriptive survey techniques. The research was carried out from May to June 2023 in the Flower Farmer women's group in Grogol Village, Kapetaka District, Cirebon Regency with a total sample of 30 people. Data collection techniques using interview techniques. Research data were analyzed usingSpearman level correlation coefficient test. The results showed 1) there was a significant relationship between the use and arrangement of the yard and the empowerment of female farmers in Grogol Village, Kapetakan District, Cirebon Regency, 2) There was a significant relationship between the development of village nurseries (KBD) and the empowerment of female farmers in Grogol Village, Kapetakan District, Regency Cirebon.

Evaluation of the Geotechnical Properties of Cubitermes sp and Macrotermes sp Termite Mound Soils for the Manufacture of Earth Bricks

The use of local materials in construction contributes to solving the deficit of sustainable housing in some developing countries. Earth constructions have a low ecological impact and are among the cheapest, especially in rural areas. The durability of earthen buildings depends on the geotechnical properties of the soil used and the respect of basic architectural rules. Evaluation of the geotechnical properties of soils contributes to the choice of the appropriate technique to use them. The macrotermes sp and cubitermes sp termite mound soils are widespread and commonly used in construction in some regions of the world. The results obtained from the 27 samples showed that the clay content of some soils is higher than the maximum permitted of 30% and that other soils have a sand content lower than the minimum of 30% permitted by most standards for the manufacture of mud bricks. Some soils have good molding properties and a plasticity suitable for making mud bricks. To correct excess clay and limit the risk of cracking during drying, lime, plant fibers or sand could be incorporated into these soils. The cubitermes sp termite mound soils are composed of kaolinite and illite and the macrotermes sp termite mound soils of kaolinite, illite and montmorillonite. Soils containing kaolinite or illite are suitable for the manufacture of CEB, adobes, rammed earth and in the manufacture of tiles or pottery.

The Implementation of The Extension Management Function to The Success of Empowering Farmer Women's Groups in The Sustainable Food House Area (KRPL) Program

The Women's Farmer Group (KWT) really needs management to process agricultural products to be more developed. In an effort to empower farmers, group processing is needed which is carried out from, by and for farmers. But in this case, the management function of the Harapan peasant women's group Ciputat Village, Ciawigebang District, Kuningan Regency In the aspects of planning, organizing, implementing, supervising and assessing the success of empowerment is still not optimally applied. Therefore, researchers will explore the application of the extension management function to the success of empowering farmer women's groups in Ciputat Village, Ciawigebang District, Kuningan Regency. The study was conducted from July to September 2022. The research design used is descriptive quantitative research. The data collection techniques that researchers use are questionnaires, documents, and interviews. Research data was analyzed using statistics to determine respondents' responses regarding research variables submitted through research instruments in the form of questionnaires. To determine the effect between independent variables, namely the extension management function (X1, X2, X3, and X4) on the success of empowering farmer women groups (Y) Using Descriptive data analysis and regression analysis. The results showed that the strong relationship between the variables of the extension management function (planning, organizing, implementing and supervising) with the success of empowering farmer women's groups was shown by the simultaneous correlation coefficient R of 0.924, this showed a relationship that was classified as 'very high' at 0.60 – 0.80

ASSESSMENT OF SUSTAINABLE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN TWO PLANNED RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF KHULNA CITY

'Sustainable housing affordability’ is a relatively new concept where housing affordability is assessed in context of sustainability. It is becoming an important concern in the context of sustainable urban planning due to growing housing demand and increasing housing costs. With the rapid urbanization rate, sustainable housing affordability is becoming a concern in Bangladesh as well. Being the third-largest city of Bangladesh, Khulna is also suffering from housing affordability issues. Planned residential areas also have sustainable housing affordability concerns, which have been revealed through this research. For this research, Sonadanga and Nirala residential areas are selected for sustainable affordability issues identification, assessment, and comparison.This paper reveals that the addition of social and environmental criteria along with the economical in the housing affordability assessment can bring a vital change in the outcome. The complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) of the multi-criteria decision-making method has been used to run the assessment and comparison. The methodology includes existing criteria selection and assessment in the study area through normalized weighted values based on the local people's perception. The outcome reveals that an assessment of housing affordability in a sustainable manner can identify the affordability issues in different housing locations more accurately than the method which includes the economic criteria only.

What are the energy and greenhouse gas benefits of repurposing non-residential buildings into apartments?

This study examines the potential strategies for reducing embodied energy and greenhouse gas emissions through adaptive reuse of non-residential buildings for residential purposes, as compared to new construction of apartment buildings. Such an approach can address housing crises in urban areas with an abundance of underutilized non-residential buildings, promoting sustainable housing growth. A comprehensive assessment of repurposing in California reveals approximately 510 million m² of floor space across 230,000 non-residential buildings in the current building stock. The potential reduction in embodied energy and CO2eq emissions ranges from 0.14 to 1.4 billion GJ and 5.0–70 million metric tons for the state, respectively, contingent upon the percentage of repurposed floor space (10–100%) and adaptive reuse scenario (retaining structural components and façade or solely the structure). A repurposed building avoids about 56% of embodied energy, 34-48% of CO2 eq emissions, and 72% of materials by mass compared to building a new apartment building. However, various technical, financial, and regulatory challenges may hinder emissions reductions, necessitating proactive policy measures. Cities can potentially expedite the process by streamlining approvals for mixed-use adaptive reuse projects involving both commercial and residential spaces.

Feeling the Earthship house: eliciting a perspective of posterity through immersive virtual reality

PurposeThe surging cost of living and shortage of affordable and sustainable homes fuel the global housing crisis. Earthship buildings are marketed as the epitome of affordable and sustainable alternative housing. This paper aimed to elicit the perception of Earthship buildings among youngsters in the United Kingdom using immersive virtual reality technology. Additionally, the impact of virtual reality on perception compared with two-dimensional drawings was investigated in the study.Design/methodology/approachA three-phase, experiment-based survey was adopted: Phase 1: literature review, Earthship house model conception and the virtual environment creation; Phase 2: two-dimensional drawing-based pre-visualisation survey; Phase 3: virtual reality–based post-visualisation survey.FindingsThe findings indicated that youngsters had a remarkable, positive change in attitude towards the uptake of the Earthship houses after virtual reality visualisation. In contrast, sustainability experts shared more concerns regarding the concept's viability in the United Kingdom, even after the virtual reality visualisation. However, both youngsters and experts agreed with the pre-eminence of virtual reality over two-dimensional drawings.Originality/valueThe lack of awareness about Earthship buildings for posterity was noted in previous studies, which could be attributed to there being very few Earthship buildings in the United Kingdom. The importance of this awareness among youngsters cannot be over-emphasised since youngsters are affected most by the shortage of affordable and sustainable homes. This gap was addressed by enlightening the youth about Earthship houses and imparting awareness through near-real-life virtual reality visualisation.