Purpose This paper aims to understand the incorporation of sustainability methods of construction through the study of a low-cost housing Tamil Nadu Housing Board settlement in a locality in Chennai, India. Such a study helps to arrive at proper design decisions and incorporate a participatory approach involving the residents to enable the developers, here the decision-makers of the government, cater to the local interests. Design/methodology/approach First, a survey was conducted to understand the local conditions and people’s aspirations. Along with this, the parameters pertaining to a green housing were derived and compared with the needs of the locals, to arrive at the most influencing parameters by decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory model (DEMATEL) analysis. Findings The study finds that parameters viz. “ensuring basic services” and “social inclusivity” happen to be the causal factors that seem to influence the needs of the locals. These factors therefore can guide the future plans to redevelop the settlement or construct similar settlements in a more sustainable way. Originality/value This paper is a unique study to combine the twin pillars of low-cost housing and sustainability, which helps in developing settlements that are conducive to the city’s socio-developmental requirements as well as respectful of the natural environment. Further, the analysis conducted through DEMATEL method could essentially guide the decision-maker to tackle urban challenges in the most locally suitable and sustainable approach.

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The presence of clay soil causes problems at the base of the structure: it swells when wet and shrinks when dry, which provides a reduction in the resistance to cutting of the soil. Plastic waste in the form of polyamide powder (PA-12) from the 3D printing industry can be used to improve the mechanical properties of the soil. This experimental study is an attempt to combine these two objectives of stabilizing the soil by using waste PA-12. The mechanical and shear resistant properties gave us confidence in choosing PA-12 as a stabilizer in clay soils, making them composite soils.

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