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SA Graduate Builds Houses Using Recycled Waste
7 Sep
Summary
- South African graduate built a three-bedroom house using soil and plastic waste.
- Over 90% of the house's walls are constructed from earth materials and plastic.
- The innovative construction method offers an affordable housing alternative.
In Ennerdale, Johannesburg, a groundbreaking pilot project has resulted in a three-bedroom house constructed primarily from natural soil and recycled plastic waste. Chemical engineering graduate Matimba Mabonda and his team at the University of Cape Town (UCT) developed this sustainable building method, with over 90% of the walls composed of earth materials and plastic. The finished home features three bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and garage, resembling conventional houses and offering natural thermal comfort.
Mabonda's motivation stemmed from his upbringing in Grasmere, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of South Africa's housing deficit. Collaborating with his father, a contractor, he sought affordable and environmentally responsible construction solutions. While his initial concept of 'lolabricks' from waste was hampered by machinery costs, the current earth-and-plastic composite proved successful. This pilot project took less than a month to build, demonstrating a significantly faster construction time compared to traditional methods.
The successful completion of the Ennerdale house has generated considerable interest, with Mabonda's startup, LolaGreen, receiving numerous requests for similar waste-based homes. The approach not only tackles waste management but also aims to reduce construction costs and time. Mabonda's long-term vision includes decarbonizing the construction industry and obtaining certification for this innovative building technique, with ongoing discussions with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
