INVESTIGATING THE USE LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS AND VERNACULAR

ARCHITECTURE AS A SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH

CENTRES IN MINNA, NIGER STATE.

SADIKU Abraham Jamiu

MTECH/SET/2021/11555

Department of Architecture, School of Enviromental Technology, Federal University of

Technology, Minna, Nigeria.

Email: abright9920@gmail.com
______________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT
The technique of vernacular architecture appears to inherently provide some essential
sustainability benefits that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and utilize minimum modern
technology while giving the necessary thermal comfort for its users' well-being. a closer
examination of how traditional builders employs local materials and techniques to demonstrate
intricacy and creativity in their living spaces might help to foster a sense regard use of local
materials in construction. While providing housing and shelter for the populous, care must be
taken to guarantee that sustainable measures are put in place to preserve the environment. The
use of local building materials which is often dismissed as outdated, despite its practicality is a
viable method for creating sustainable Buildings. The research is expected to discover key
inefficiency in the energy performance of community health care which the integration of
vernacular features will help to resolve. The purpose of this research is to look into the
possibility of using local building materials as well as vernacular architecture as a sustainable
strategy for the design of community health care structures. This study explores ways local
building materials could be to achieve sustainable community health care centres in Minna, A
descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to
obtain the relevant data from a sample of 100 participants Niger state of Nigeria. The study
found advancement of cultural heritage, affordability and accessibility as key advantage of local
building material. Recommendation for the acceptance of the locally available building
materials for construction of health centres are made.
 1.0 INTRODUCTION

AlHinai et al (1993) noted that for time immemorial, the people of each region of the world
developed bioclimatic methodologies and systems for mitigating the effects of the local climate's
adverse weather conditions. Clothing styles, diurnal-nocturnal work patterns, building
construction and the activities carried out within them all reflect regional solutions. While, A T
Nguyen et al (2019) theorized that Building designers are embracing regionalism and the
knowledge of traditional buildings as a result of the increased strain brought on by recent global
environmental challenges, stating that these buildings are energy efficient and extremely
sustainable. Today, vernacular architecture is seen as a paradigm for sustainable architecture,
and the principles that underpin sustainable construction are taken from components and
characteristics of this type of Architecture. (Fernandes et al, 2014),
The activities undertaken in traditional buildings encompasses a whole range of livelihoods
which include the care of the sick. Ambulatory care centres, which are separate from hospitals
and focus on the treatment of the indigenous population, have existed in Europe since the
seventeenth century. (Davis et al., 1918). Therefore, care centres have long been a part of the
local community of human settlement. The primary health care centres have evolved over the
year to perform functions including medical care; maternal and child health services; school
health services; family planning; health education and vital statistics. (India, department of
community development, 1960).
The rising cost of building is a source of concern to most governments in the world, especially in
the developing countries. One possible cause is the rising cost of building materials since greater
percentage of the cost of buildings is incurred on the materials. (Yalley & Kwan, 2008).
According to amal et. al (2017), traditional building materials are found in large quantities and
varieties throughout nigeria, although these materials are dependent upon the geographical
location of the area. The most widely used and readily available traditional building materials in
Nigeria are adobe, clay, bamboo, thatch, stones, timber, coconut tree, and straw bales. These
materials have economic advantages compared to the imported and retrofit materials.
The government mostly runs the Nigerian healthcare system, with the private sector playing a
significant role in service delivery. Urban areas are primarily served by secondary and tertiary-
level health institutions, whilst rural areas are primarily served by primary health care (PHC)
facilities. Some states of the Federation have a paucity of PHC facilities. (Primary health care
systems ‘PRIMASYS’: a case study from Nigeria). To bridge the health care gap prevalent in
some States, it is necessary to look for local solutions that are sustainable and relevant in the
present times.

In Nigeria, the ward – the smallest political entity in the country, consisting of a geographical
area with a population ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 people – has been chosen as an operating
area for delivering a basic healthcare package. (Uzochukwu et al, 2010). It, therefore, means that
health centres are an integral part of every community. Therefore, a sustainable approach is
needed to achieve holistic health coverage for all citizens, one of the ways to bring health care
centres closer to the local communities is by integrating features of vernacular architecture in the
design of health centres through the use of local materials.

1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS

Vernacular Architecture is usually portrayed as primitive, local, unattractive, and unworthy of

preservation, this perception gives it a reflection of underdevelopment and negativism. (Lodson
et al, 2018). The study of the Vernacular as it relates to different building types is of critical
significance in comprehending traditional architectural settings in all human societies, a closer
study of how local materials and techniques can be developed to improve sustainability and cost
efficiency in the construction of working health caring and living spaces might help to foster a
sense of respect and regard for vernacular architecture.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this research is to look into the possibility of using local building materials and
techniques as a cost effective strategy for the design and construction of community health care
structures. The study seeks to

 Examine the Nigerian vernacular architecture characteristics.

 Study the Nigerian community (primary) health care centre buildings in relation to
local contexts.
 Explore the potential use of local building materials to achieve sustainable buildings
for community(primary) healthcare centres.

1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY

Modern buildings are becoming more complex and energy-consuming, as such, there is an
increased recent interest in the research community on the sustainable features of vernacular
architecture. (A T Nguyen et al, 2019). This is a result of the need to respond to climate change.
Environmental pollution, and the desire to decrease energy consumption in buildings.

Health care buildings such as community(primary) health care centres are one of the numerous
building types that are lacking in the majority of communities in Nigeria as noted by IS
Abdulraheem et al (2012), who stated that Primary health care centres were built in both rural
and urban regions with the goal of equity and accessibility but, the rural population is severely
underserved when compared to their urban counterparts

Therefore, this work seeks to explore ways to close the healthcare gap in communities in Minna
by examining local building solutions that are both sustainable and relevant in today's world.

1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY

The research will focus on ways to improve the construction of community healthcare buildings
through the integration of local building materials. It will evaluate the current primary
(community) health care Centre buildings in existence in Minna; their form, construction
materials and how it affects the building energy efficiency.
 CHAPTER 2
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 An overview of Vernacular Architecture

The “dictionary of architecture and construction” by Nicolas et al (2008) describes vernacular
architecture as an “architecture that makes use of common regional forms and materials at a
particular place and time; stating that houses are often owner-built by people familiar with local
materials, regional climatic conditions, and local building customs and techniques”. It can be
said therefore that Vernacular architecture evolves to represent the historical, cultural, and
environmental context in which it resides. It is a type of architecture that is unique to a certain
period or location. Lawrence (2006) describes vernacular buildings as "human constructs that
result from the interaction of ecological, material, economic, and social factors." Because
vernacular architecture emerged via trial and error, vernacular buildings and site layout are
heavily reliant on experience, local conditions, and locally available materials. It evolves to
reflect the community's culture, traditions, history, environment, resident desires, as well as the
community's needs and economy. According to Auwalu (2019), diverse aspects of human
behavior and the environment influence vernacular architecture, resulting in different building
forms for almost every context; even neighbouring villages may have subtly different approaches
to the construction and use of their dwellings, despite significant structural similarities. The way
people live in buildings and how they use shelters has a big impact on how they look. The layout
and size of houses are influenced by the size of family units, spatial usage, and food preparation,
as well as many other cultural considerations.
However, despite the obvious inherent advantages of embracing vernacular in the design and
construction of buildings, designers are shying away from the use of the vernacular as noted by
Fajer et al (2019), who posited that with the construction of new buildings in several developing
countries towns, it has become more challenging for these cities to maintain their cultural
identities and establish a sustainable built environment. Sustainable design principles,
particularly those connected to construction materials and procedures, are not taken into account
by architects and designers nowadays.

2.2 Nigerian Vernacular Architecture

A full analysis of Nigeria's traditional built-form is certainly beyond the scope of this work,
given the wide diversity of ethnic groupings and their local building techniques and materials.
However, an attempt will be made to provide an overview of some of the local building
materials, shapes, and processes used to create traditional architectural forms an – particularly in
relation to the three major ethnic groups. Nigeria vernacular architecture comprises diverse built
forms utilizing several indigenous building materials that a locally sourced by the different
ethnic groups that exist in the country. However, the vernacular architecture of the three major
ethnic group shall be studied.
 2.2.1 Hausa Vernacular Architecture
The Hausa’s are found in the Northern region of Nigeria, and constitute the largest ethnic group
in that part of the country. Traditionally, they are characterized by large social aggregations as
evidenced by cities like Kano and Zaria in Northern Nigeria and are predominantly arable
farmers growing cotton, groundnuts and food crops as well as large scale traders trading in
agricultural produce, leatherwork, textiles, and basketry. They are mostly Muslims with religious
dictates conditioning mode of dressing, social interactions, and even affecting spatial disposition
in their vernacular architecture. Auwalu (2019).

Traditional hausa materials are rarely manufactured, processed, or fabricated in factories.

Traditional hausa architecture makes use of locally available resources such as soil/earth, lumber,
reeds, grass, and stones. (dmochowski 1990), In a considerable part of hausa land, the earth used
for construction is referred to as birji. Earth for building construction that has been properly
plastered and covered with overhanging roofs has proven to be structurally sound,
environmentally sound, and capable of lasting for years with regular maintenance.
Roofing in Hausa vernacular Architecture is usually achieved with simple conical thatch roofs
over circular planes.
There is also, wide use of flat or vaulted mud roofs in Hausa land.flat mud roof helps maintain
temperature equilibrium in the extreme temperature differences between the days and the nights
as well as a buffer between the interior and the exterior environments. (Amina et al 2019). This
flat roofs are Constructed of split palm trunks known locally as azara.
 2.2.2 Yoruba Vernacular Architecture
According to Auwalu, (2019), Yorubas are culturally, religiously, and linguistically homogeneous, with
dialects existing, as their population spanned the entirety of Nigeria's southwestern region as well as the
neighbouring Benin Republic. . He noted that the Yorubas construct courtyard architecture in a rectilinear
compound with a basic cuboidal form and a rectangular impluvial patio. In a typical Yoruba compound,
there is only one entrance (Enu Ilo, Ilo) that leads to the colonnaded courtyard. The rooms are rectangular
or square in shape and are placed in a linear layout around the courtyard, which serves as a hub of activity
or focal point.

The wall plane is made out of courses of readily available mud materials, which are generally
blended with vegetal materials such as straw as additives and adhesives to improve bonding, and
has small window apertures that are normally above the door lintel-level. The wall plane is
germinated a little over the small window holes, and a ceiling made of palm fronds or split-
bamboo mat is placed on wood beams (lowering room and veranda) as reinforcement; mud is
then applied to the mat as a decking material. Buildings are typically constructed during the dry
season to speed up the drying and curing process. The ceilings of the buildings are covered by a
pitched pyramidal wood construction.

2.2.3 Igbo Vernacular Architecture

The Igbo’s are found in the South-eastern part of Nigeria located on the lower parts of the River
Niger, This portion covers major states like Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Imo. They live in
scattered towns and villages speaking the common Igbo language. Igbo people are very
industrious and engage in a wide range of commercial activities (Chukwu, 2015).
Lodson et al, (2018) stated that a typical family compound contains a number of huts or building
units, each having a separate function. The number of such building units is determined by the
number of wives and children a man had. They went on to note that the Igbos were
predominantly a polygamous society before the advent of Christianity, as such a large number of
wives and children was seen as a sign of wealth and moreover, increases the workforce of the
family which is farming, the mainstay of the economy then.

The predominant building materials of the Igbos were clay, grasses and bamboo. These were
used to address local weather conditions. Hot humid conditions prevail in south-eastern Nigeria
so clay was used for building adobe walls which sufficiently regulated temperature between the
indoors and outdoors. Nsude, (1987) states that the warm humid climate of Igbo land and its
tropical rainfall dictate the use of steeply pitched roofs. The roofs are thatched with palm leaf
fronds and grasses which are commonly available in that part of the country. The building forms
are basically of two types: the rectangular and the circular. Roof forms are also built in
accordance with the building form, thus, rectangular buildings had hipped roofing while circular
buildings had conical roofing.

2.3 COMMUNITY(PRIMARY) HEALTH CENTRE

According to Milton (1972), health centres provides health services to ambulatory patients, he
noted that the main function of primary (community) health centres is to provide preventive
services (case finding) and or curative services. In Nigeria, The Nigerian government is
committed to quality and accessible public health services through the provision of primary
health care (PHC) in rural areas as well as the provision of preventive and curative services
(Nigeria Constitution, 1999). PHC is provided by local government authority through health
centres and health posts and they are staffed by nurses, midwives, community health officers,
health technicians, community health extension workers and by physicians (doctors) especially
in the southern part of the country. The services provided at these PHCs include prevention and
treatment of communicable diseases, immunization, maternal and child health services, family
planning, public health education, environmental health and the collection of statistical data on
health and health related events. Abdulraheem et al (2012) observed that though PHC centres
were established in both rural and urban areas in Nigeria with the intention of equity and easy
access, the rural populations which make up about two-thirds of the total population is seriously
underserved when compared to their urban counterparts.
Apparently, amongst the challenges facing community health care, is the unavailability of health
care centres. These challenges can be tackled with the use of local materials which are more
cost-effective, sustainable and readily available.

2.4 A CASE FOR LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH

CENTRES
according to Ikechukwu et al (2019), Adobe blocks, timber rafters, bamboo and thatch, when
employed in the traditional settings have good thermal properties and are lightweight. In
disparity with aluminium and concrete which are heat conductors and do not cool easily. Also, it
is a common knowledge that Nigeria is presently going through dire economic hardship and the
building industry is not exempted from the rising cost of commodities. Therefore, there is need
to look for alternative. As observed by Abdulraheem et al (2012), PHC centres were established
for easy access to health care, the rural population is seriously underserved as such alternative
avenue is needed to have a wholistic health coverage for the populace
2.4.2 ADVANTAGES OF LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS

Availability. Local building materials are abundant in nature. They materials include earth,
stone, thatch, coconut fibre etc. Earth building technology involves the use of laterite and loamy
soil that exist in abundant supply in all parts of the Nigeria. It has been employed throughtout
history by our fore-fathers to construct buildings, sometimes up to two storeys high without the
addition other reinforcing materials and most are still standing till date.

Affordability. The availability, accessibility and abundance of local building materials makes
the price affordable and easy to use for low cost housing. The major reason for high cost of
majority of building materials in Nigeria is high cost of importation and general inflation.
Biodegradability: Local building materials such as earth, thatch, bamboo, timber etc. are
naturally decomposed when discarded. Organic materials can return to the earth rapidly, while
others, like steel, take a long time
Energy Efficiency. according to Iwuagwu and Azubuine (2015), the building sectors consume
more than one third of the world's energy, and contribute to global warming. A typical traditional
building of earth emits fewer greenhouse gases, consumes less energy, and sustains an optimum
level of internal thermal comfort, irrespective of prevailing solar radiation outside (Iwuagwu and
Azubuine, 2015).

2.5 SOME SELECTED BUILDING MATERIALS

There are several locally sourced materials for traditional building construction in Nigeria, they
include adobe, bamboo, timber and palms, stones (boulders), thatch
2.4.1 STRAW/THATCH: In contrast to some other materials which are not easily renewed,
straw/thatch is a byproduct of grown plants hence, a cultivated material. Large quantities of this
material could be sourced from the immediate surrounding as the villagers cultivate much of the
straw as cereals in their farms which in turn provide them a building material. Straw construction
uses matted or baled straw from wheat, oats, barley, rye, rice and others as walls or covered by
earthen or lime stucco. Straw bale are traditionally a waste product; it is the dry plant material or
stalk left in the field after a plant has matured and harvested. (Ikechuku & Iwuagwu, 2016)
2.4.2 ADOBE: adobe surely has been one of the most common and abundantly obtainable
materials that influenced and sustained the rural villages in Nigeria. Local earth technologies of
Africa have spanned form the employment of raw-earth, to refined earth brick. Generally
employed was wattle-and-daub earth technology; The materials having being gotten from the
environment certainly made it a highly sustainable practice that utilised small amount of energy
and did not generate any greenhouse gas or harmful waste. As soon as it is plastered and properly
covered with overhanging roofs, these earth buildings were structurally firm, environmentally
sound.
2.4.3 BAMBOO: Bamboo is easily grown and harvested and of reasonable strength for
construction of buildings compared to timber that takes year to mature before its suitable for
construction.
 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
3.1. Research Design: Descriptive survey design was employed for the research.
3.2. Survey Research: The research encompasses visits and the use of well-structured
Questionnaire to collect information. Initially a map of Minna indicating the location of various
Primary Health Centres was obtained via the ‘Google Earth’ map. Visits were then conducted to
the site of the various community health centres to administer the Questionnaire.
3.3. Sampling Framework: During the primary data collection, stratefied random sampling
was used to select the sample frame. The city was divided into 2 zones in order to ensure that
both the old and newer parts of the city are included in the study, 5 Primary Health Centres in
each Zone was visited. At each building chosen for the survey, the materials for constructing the
health care centre were noted and staffs of the centre were served with a questionnaire.
3.4. Types and Sources of Data. During the research work and to achieve the aims and
objectives of the study, Data was acquired or collected from two (2) major sources which are:

— Primary sources
— Secondary sources

3.4.1. Primary Sources of Data: Structured questionnaire were used to acquire the
relevant data from the staffs of the primary health centre.
3.4.2. Secondary Sources of Data: The secondary data is obtained from appropriate
journals, conference and seminar papers, relevant maps, and internet.
3.5. Validity of the Instrument: To ensure relevant questions and also to arrive at a useful
conclusion, the research instrument was subjected to meaningful validation through several
criticism and amendment the supervisor and some experts in the department.
3.6. Method of Administering the Instrument: The researcher went personally to the study
area to administer the questionnaires. All the questionnaires were administered by hand; none
was administered by any electronic device. All completed questionnaires were retrieved at the
spot by the researcher.
3.7. Sample Size: Ten questionnaire was administered in each primary health centre, there is
a total of five (5) centres in each zone of the two-zone chosen in the study area, thus the total
sample size is hundred.

3.8. Design of the questionnaire: The questionnaire is structured in a way that relevant data
regarding this research can be collected and analysed, thus it is divided into four sections
according to the kind of data that is intended to be compiled. The data includes:
a. The background information of the Health Centre.
b. Materials used for construction of the Health Centre.
c. The Energy Perfomance of the Health Centre.
d. The building condition assessment.

These are the basic informations which the questionnaire is structured to collect data on
and analysis subsequently done so as to arrive at a findings and conclusion and also to
give proper recommendation.
 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

One hundred (100) questionnaires were administered to the research population, and 50 were

retrieved, representing a response rate of 50%.

Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test for the reliability of the questions. The Cronbach's

alpha coefficient is equal to 0.918. This shows that the questionnaire was very good and the

information gathered was reliable, as shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Reliability Statistics

Cronbach's Alpha N of Items

.918 26

4.1 Background Information of the Health Centre

The findings from the field survey revealed that all the health centers sampled were primary

health care centers and rendered the following services: maternity homes, immunization, family

planning, and lab services.

4.2 Materials Used for the Building Construction.

The findings on the type of materials used for the building construction of the primary health

care centers, as shown in Table 2, reveal that the wall material used for the building was

sandcrete 50 (100%) It was also discovered that the floor material used 50 (100%) was concrete.

The celling materials used in all of the buildings were found to be 50 (100%) particle board. All

of the roof materials used in the buildings were long-span aluminum sheeting 50 (100%). The

finding reveals that 14% of the door materials used are timber, while 86% are metal. It was
observed that there were no stairs in the primary care centers sampled because they are all

bungalows. The finding reveals that 52.0% of the window materials used are timber, while 48%

are metal.

Table 2: Materials Used for the Building Construction.

Materials used Frequency Percentage (%)

Wall material Sand Crete 50 100.0
Floor material Concrete 50 100.0
Celling material Other specify 50 100.0
Roof material Other specify 50 100.0
Door material Timber 7 14.0
Other specify 43 86.0
Total 50 100.0
Staircase if any - - -
- - -
Total 50 100.0
Window Glass 26 52.0
Other specify 24 48.0
Total 50 100

4.3 Building Energy Performance

The building's energy performance was rated based on the following categories: indoor

temperature, interior daylight, and indoor air quality. Figure 4.1 shows that 76.0% of the

respondents thought the indoor temperature was fair, while 24.0% thought it was adequate.
 Adequate
24%

Fair
76%

Fair Adequate

Figure 1: Indoor Temperature Performance

According to Figure 2, 50% of respondents thought interior daylight was adequate, while 26.0%

thought it was excellent. while 24.0% opined that the interior daylight was adequate.

50

50
45
40
35
26
30 24
25
20
15
10
5
0
Fair Adequate Excellent

Figure 2: Interior Daylight Performance

Figure 3 shows that 74% of the respondents thought that indoor air quality was adequate, while

26.0% thought that indoor air quality was adequate.

 26%

74%

Fair Adequate

Figure 3 Indoor Air Quality Performance

4.4 Building Condition Assessment

The mean item score was used to weight the building condition assessment under the following

headings: structure, exterior finishes, interior finishes, and roof. Table 3 indicated that the

condition of the base or foundation is fair (MIS = 3.62, ranked 1st). This was followed by the

floor condition, which was also fair (MIS = 3.00, ranked 2nd). Averagely, the general assessment

of the building condition and structure was fair (average MIS = 3.31).

Table 3 Building Condition Structure

The structure Mean Rank

Base/Foundation
3.62 1st

Floor 3.00 2nd

Average 3.31
Table 4 shows that the condition of the doors and walls is fair, with MIS values of 3.62 and 3.36,

ranking first and second, respectively. This was followed by the window condition, which was

also fair with a MIS of 3.12, ranking third. The exterior painting was rated as poor, with a MIS

score of 2.90, ranking it fourth. The overall rating of the exterior finishes condition was fair

(average MIS = 3.19).

Table 4: Exterior Finishes Condition

Exterior finishes Mean Rank

Doors 3.38 1st
Walls 3.36 2nd
Windows 3.12 3rd
Exterior painting
2.90 4th
Average 3.19

Table 5 shows that the condition of the walls and doors is fair, with MIS values of 3.50 and 3.12

ranking first and second, respectively. This was followed by the ceiling condition, which was fair

with a MIS of 3.10, ranking third. The condition of interior paint and floor coverings was

assessed to be poor, with MIS = 2.86 and 2.86 ranking 4th and 4th, respectively. Averagely, the

general assessment of the interior finishes condition was fair (average MIS = 3.02).

Table 5: Interior Finishes Condition

Interior finishes Mean Rank
Walls 3.50 1st
Doors 3.12 2nd
Ceiling 3.10 3rd
Interior paint 2.86 4th
Floor and coverings 2.86 4th

Stairs 2.72 6th

Average 3.02

Table 6 shows that the concrete and sheet roof conditions are acceptable, with MIS values of

3.74 and 3.74 ranking first and second, respectively. This was followed by the Timber carcass

and Gutter Roof condition, both of which have a MIS of 3.62 and rank second. The overall rating

of the roof's condition was fair (average MIS = 3.68).

Table 6 Roof Condition

Roof condition Mean Rank

Concrete 3.74 1st
Sheets 3.74 1st
Timber carcass 3.62 2nd
Gutter 3.62 2nd
Average 3.68

Conclusion

This study looks into the possibility of using local building materials and techniques as a cost-

effective strategy for the design and construction of community health care structures. The

findings of the study conclude that the indoor temperature, interior daylight, and indoor air
quality were adequate. The general condition of the building in respect of structure, exterior

finishes, interior finishes, and roof was also fair. As a result of the conclusions drawn in this

study, the following were recommended:

Recommendation:

i. Though the current materials used for construction of health care buildings seems to

perform it purpose quite well, there is room for improvement through the use of readily

available local material.

ii. Through public awareness, people should be made to realize the benefits of local building

materials and vernacular architecture.

iii. Everyone should have had access to the market for local building materials and

vernacular architecture.

iv. The standard of local building materials should also be improved in order to compete

with their foreign counterparts.

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 THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA, NIGERIA.
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE.
INVESTIGATING THE USE LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS AND VERNACULAR
ARCHITECTURE AS A SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH
CENTRES IN MINNA, NIGER STATE.
We are currently researching the above subject matter to determine and share deeper concerns on
the above topical issue. The purpose of this Questionnaire is to determine how the adoption of
local building materials and local building techniques in the construction of community health
centres can help improve health care delivery.
This building has been identified and selected as a candidate building for this research. Your co-
operation and response in regard to the Questionnaire is very important without which, the study
will not be able to add specific value to improving the situation. This research is for academic
purposes only and all data would be kept confidential and anonymous.
Thank you.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Section A: background information
(i) Building Name ………………………………………………………………………....

(ii) Building’s year of construction…………………………………………………………

(iii) Building function……………………………………………………………………….

Section B: Materials used for the building construction.

Please Tick the materials used in the construction of the elements of the building

Concrete SandCrete Mud(Adobe) Timber Glas Grass(thatch) Boulde Bamboo Others

s r (please
specify)
i Wall
Material
ii Floor
material
iii Ceiling
material
iv Roof
material
v Door
 material
vi Staircase
if any
vii Window

Section C: Building energy performance.

How would You rate the Building performance on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being Excellent and 1
being bad in the following category?
Excellent Adequate Fair Poor Bad
(i) indoor temperature: 5 4 3 2 1

(ii) Interior daylight 5 4 3 2 1

(iii) Indoor air quality 5 4 3 2 1

Section D: Building Condition Assessment

Building Component Building condition assessment Total
5(“excellent’) – 1(“bad”)
5(excellent) 4(adequate) 3(fair) 2(poor) 1(bad)
i The structure
Base/Foundation
Floor
ii Exterior finishes
Walls
Windows
Doors
Exterior painting
iii Interior finishes
Floor and coverings
Walls
Ceiling
Doors
Stairs
Interior paint
iv Roof
Sheets
Concrete
Gutter
Timber carcass