Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Selected Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block Buildings in Redemption City, Nigeria

Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) provides a systematic framework for assessing the performance of buildings after they have been occupied, offering valuable feedback that informs future construction and policy decisions. This study investigates the post-occupancy performance of selected buildings constructed with Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSB) in Redemption City, Nigeria, a planned settlement characterized by rapid infrastructural development. The research evaluates the buildings across key performance indicators including structural integrity, thermal comfort, acoustic performance, indoor air quality, and overall occupant satisfaction. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, field observations, and physical measurements administered to building occupants and facility managers within the study area. Findings reveal that while ISSB buildings in Redemption City demonstrate satisfactory structural performance and favorable thermal comfort attributes owing to the inherent insulating properties of compressed earth materials, certain deficiencies were identified in moisture management, surface finishing durability, and acoustic insulation. Occupant satisfaction levels were generally moderate, with comfort and aesthetic concerns emerging as notable areas requiring improvement. The study concludes that ISSB technology holds strong potential as a sustainable, cost-effective, and locally sourced construction alternative in the Nigerian context, but recommends enhanced quality control during production and construction, as well as design modifications to address identified shortcomings. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on earthen construction in sub-Saharan Africa and provide evidence-based recommendations for architects, builders, and housing policy stakeholders.