City of Cape Town DHS: Alternative Building Technologies

Innovations in building materials are revolutionizing home-building, allowing homes to be constructed in a faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly manner. This project aimed to assist the City of Cape Town Department of Human Settlements (DHS) in implementing alternative building technologies in Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing projects. We interviewed BNG housing residents, DHS officials, and industry professionals, in addition to researching available alternative building technologies in South Africa. We identified areas in which BNG housing can be improved and how alternative materials can help the DHS better serve the needs of Cape Town’s low-income population. Furthermore, we provided guidance for how these technologies can be successfully implemented by the DHS.

Alternative Building Technologies for Low-Income Housing

Arden Tanner, Kate O’Neill, Brendan Grady, and Dante Muzila