The use of alternative building technologies as a sustainable affordable housing solution: perspectives from South Africa

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the perception of local experts and end users on drivers, barriers strategies use alternative building technologies (ABTs), with a focus sandbag (SBTs) in provision sustainable housing South Africa towards improving public's understanding SBTs. Design/methodology/approach research adopted qualitative approach that used group meetings as primary data collection method for this study. study's participants comprised ABT houses who were selected using convenient sampling technique. The recorded, transcribed verbatim analysed NVivo 11 software. Findings found perceived drivers ABTs such SBT comprise sustainability, affordability, job creation potentials, fire-resistant earthquake resistance. revealed SBTs, including awareness, prototypes across cities training. Practical implications findings have practical practice praxis implementation uptake Africa. provides framework broadening worldwide SBTs provide affordable housing. Originality/value adds significantly limited body knowledge ABTs, focusing houses. Consequently, policymakers information expert end-user perspectives ABTs.