South Africa has an estimated housing backlog of over 2.6 million units, which is a significant challenge for the country. This backlog is due to a combination of factors, including population growth, urbanization, and a lack of affordable housing.
Although most South African residents live in formal brick structures, it is estimated that 4.3 million people still live in shacks, makeshift timber and corrugated iron structures, either in urban areas or informal settlements.
These structures are vulnerable to fire, flooding, and pests, are structurally unsound and offer little protection against the harsh climate.
nonCrete’s innovative solution has been to develop highly insulating and fire-proof materials manufactured using locally harvested alien-invasive plants. The material has been formally fire-tested and is proven incombustible at up to 1050°C for up to 3 hours.
The low-density double-leaf nonCrete cavity walls offer excellent thermal insulation to buffer the severe temperature gradient.
NonCrete aims to provide safer, more dignified, affordable and aspirational housing opportunities for those most in need. The carbon negative nonCrete construction system provides for that.
