Exploring natural building practice (NBP) and regenerative models in the climate crisis: The Case of Ulwazi Educare tyre building, Delft, Cape Town

The climate crisis requires construction methods that prioritise environmental sustainability. As a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the built environment requires urgent and innovative approaches to reduce its carbon footprint. One such approach involves the adoption of sustainable and regenerative building materials. This paper investigates the experiences of builders in Cape Town who use natural materials and recycled waste, such as post-consumer plastics, bottles, and car tyres, in community building projects, particularly in the construction of schools. The study draws on observations and in-depth interviews with 20 builders and five experts in natural building to understand their perspectives and practices. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti 22. The findings reveal that builders employ these materials to reduce environmental impact and to promote insulated, low-carbon infrastructure. These post-natural building techniques contribute to regenerative development and offer viable models for sustainable construction in similar contexts.