The need for shelter is one of the most important necessities for mankind after sustenance. Over
the years, the term ‘shelter’ has undergone series of modification either in shape, space, location
or the materials used in constructing them but one thing remains the same; the need for a roof
over one’s head is as vital to survival as time in itself. It is an established fact that the early man
relied on materials found in his surroundings to provide shelter for him. The techniques
employed ranged from earth sheltering to ‘green constructions’ even before the term was coined.
The coming of the industrial revolution in the 19th century changed the face of housing in the
world forever by creating new possibilities, techniques and materials that were otherwise not
readily available. With this came an increase in pollution in the environment which brought
about the need for a control system to monitor how much pollution was allowed into the
environment in the United States. The world energy crisis led to research into alternative energy
creation and conservation options and in 1998 US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED®
was created to serve as a rating system for buildings that complied with their standards.
The lack of affordable housing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja - Nigeria continues
to remain unsolved with very high cost of available housing thereby disallowing low-income
earners access to decent living. Quite a large number of these people reside in satellite towns
where the absence of basic amenities such as potable drinking water, constant electricity, and
hygienic sanitary facilities including waste management is not an uncommon sight in these areas.
This project develops a model of housing and neighborhood development that can function
independently by creating housing from materials locally sourced, creating small industries that
can provide jobs, incorporate agriculture to sustain the community and housing for its residents,
recycle and manage waste, and grow agricultural products.