Plastic Sand Bricks as an Alternative Sustainable Building Material: Panacea to Affordable Housing for Low Income in Nigeria

Abstract

Housing shortages are one of the key issues in Nigeria, low-income earners are disproportionately affected. The
majority of the low cost housing designed for this population is out of reach because of high cost of construction
materials, among other things. This study examined bricks made of plastic sand as a substitute for building materials.
A questionnaire was used to gather data for the study utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A
total of 169 questionnaires were systematically disseminated to professionals in the built environment to acquire
their opinions on the sustainability principles and the idea of plastic sand brick. The information gathered was then
analyzed using tables and percentages. The study's findings indicate that the majority of respondents 40.5% and
16.0%, respectively strongly agree and agree that the material will address Nigeria's housing predicament, while only
8.0% and 5.5%, respectively, strongly disagree and disagree. 30% remain neutral. The study recommends, among
other things, that Nigeria's government at all levels establish a domestic technology-driven economy, especially in
the area of alternative building materials like plastic sand bricks.