A Thematic Review of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSB) as a Sustainable Building Material for Mixed-Use Building Design in Lagos

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable building materials in rapidly urbanizing cities has directed attention toward Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSB) as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional masonry units. This paper presents a qualitative review of existing scholarly literature (2022–2025) on the role of ISSB in building construction, with particular emphasis on mixed-use developments in Lagos, Nigeria. Using a PRISMA-guided approach, fifteen relevant studies were analyzed thematically across structural performance, thermal and acoustic properties, environmental sustainability, economic implications, and urban applicability. Findings indicate that ISSB offers adequate compressive strength for low- to medium-rise structures, enhances indoor thermal comfort, improves acoustic performance, reduces embodied energy, and provides significant cost savings compared to sandcrete blocks. Despite these advantages, adoption in urban mixed-use contexts is constrained by limited regulatory frameworks, low professional awareness, and a lack of design-oriented studies. The review highlights critical research gaps, particularly in the integration of ISSB into complex urban architectural typologies, and recommends further interdisciplinary investigations to advance sustainable building practices in Lagos.