Bridging the lab-field gap: a reproducible protocol for decentralized production of sawdust-cement ceiling boards in low-resource settings

Sawdust-cement composites (SCC) are sustainable alternatives to conventional building materials, but they are underutilized by grassroots artisans due to the limited availability of reproducible methods in low-resource settings. This study develops a standardized, field-tested protocol for producing ceiling boards using mixed-species sawdust, cement, and mineral fillers with minimal technical requirements and without reliance on industrial infrastructure. The workflow from sourcing to manual hydraulic compaction was documented and validated under artisanal conditions to assess feasibility, consistency, and performance. Results showed consistent physical properties across batches: density (1620 ± 15 kg/m³), water absorption (11.2 ± 0.3%), and thickness swelling (5.6 ± 0.2%). Low variability confirms reliability and suitability for decentralized production. By emphasizing accessibility and adaptability over optimization, this work provides a replicable framework for community-led construction, laying the foundation for future research on localized, sustainable building materials.