Adoption of eco-bricks for housing: the case of Yelwa, Nigeria

The benefits of eco-bricks have been highlighted in contemporary literature. Notwithstanding, the adoption of eco-bricks masonry for the construction of houses in rural communities of low-income countries is significantly low. This study investigated the features, benefits, drivers and barriers to eco-bricks masonry from the expert's perception. Yelwa village, where the first bottle bricks masonry building was constructed in Africa, was selected for the study. Empirical survey, interview and questionnaire design approach were used to gather data for the research. The study found that eco-bricks are used in the construction of masonry walls and columns, septic tanks, and water reservoirs, and in the construction of multistorey buildings. Door and window openings are created with wooden or metallic frames, and wall plate clits are secured with mortar. Principal drivers of eco-bricks masonry include job creation, high durability, cleaner environment promotion and high cost of conventional building materials. Inadequate skilled workers, lack of government incentives and research funding were identified as significant barriers to the propagation of bottle brick technology. This study is of value in that it can assist in the reduction of plastic waste and the housing deficit, and is also expected to inform policy deliberations and directions towards the creation of innovation-friendly environments in the housing sector.

Automated summary

The adoption of eco-bricks in rural communities of low-income countries is low due to inadequate skilled workers, lack of government incentives, and research funding. However, eco-bricks have versatile applications in the construction of walls, columns, septic tanks, reservoirs, and multi-storey buildings.