What Are Interlocking Stabilized Soil Bricks? The Future of Construction in Uganda

Think ISSBs Are Just Another Brick? Think Again!

 

If you’re planning to build a school, home, community center, a latrine or any other structure, you’ve probably thought about using fired bricks or concrete blocks because they seem like the "default" choice.

But what if you could cut your costs by over 30%, build faster, and get a beautiful finish—all while helping the environment?

That’s exactly what Interlocking Stabilized Soil Bricks (ISSBs) offer. But how are they different from the usual bricks? And why should you care? Let’s break it down.

What Are ISSBs? A Smarter Way to Build

 

ISSBs are compressed soil bricks stabilized with just 5–10% cement. Unlike traditional fired bricks, they do not require burning, which means no trees are cut down and no expensive firewood or charcoal is needed.

Their interlocking design means they fit together like puzzle pieces, reducing the need for cement mortar and making construction faster and cheaper.

Feature	ISSBs	Fired Bricks	Concrete Blocks
Strength & Durability	High	High	High
Cost Savings	Cheaper (30% less cement & mortar) + No transport costs (produced on-site)	X  Expensive (Fuel costs for burning)	X  Expensive (Cement-intensive)
Construction Speed	Fast( Interlocks less mortar)	X Slow	X Slow
Eco-Friendly?	Yes (No burning, less CO₂, on-site production)	X No (Uses firewood)	X No (High cement use)
Aesthetic Appeal	Natural & Modern	X Rustic	X Industrial

Why ISSBs Are a Game-Changer for Uganda

 

1.      Cost-Effective Construction

(a) Save Over 30% on Costs

• ISSBs require less cement and mortar compared to concrete blocks.

• No transportation costs—they’re made directly on-site!

(b) Less Labor, Faster Completion

• The interlocking system means masons use less mortar and spend less time aligning bricks.

• Faster build times = lower labor costs.

2.      Strong, Durable & Reliable

(a) Built to Last, But Only If Made Right

• ISSBs are weather-resistant and can handle Uganda’s heavy rains and heat.

• However, quality matters! That’s where we come in—we ensure proper production and finishing to maximize strength and durability.

(b) Perfect for Schools, Homes & More

• Their natural texture gives buildings a modern, stylish look.

• They don’t require plastering, saving even more money on finishing.

3.      Eco-Friendly & Sustainable

(a) No Burning = No Deforestation

• Traditional bricks require firewood, leading to massive tree cutting.

• ISSBs are cured naturally in the shade, reducing carbon emissions.

(b) A Green Choice for a Better Future

• They use local soil, minimizing transportation costs and pollution.

• Less cement = lower carbon footprint.

Real-Life Example: Transforming David Tyler Nursery & Primary School in Buzibwera, Luwero

 

A Full School Built with ISSBs!; One of the examples of ISSBs in action is the David Tyler Nursery & Primary School in Buzibwera, Luwero District.

What We Built:

• A 7-classroom block

• A nursery block

• Staff quarters

• Three latrine blocks

• Two dormitories

• Two rainwater harvesting tanks

This project, funded by the Dugdale Charitable Trust from New Zealand, was a collaboration with school director Daniel Kyaterekera. Using ISSBs, we transformed the school’s appearance, creating a modern and durable learning environment.

Huge Savings for the Client

• The initial contractor’s quote was UGX 77 million higher than our ISSB-based approach.

• We cut costs while maintaining quality, allowing the school to invest more in education.

A Bigger Impact Than Expected

• Since the school was completed in 2022, student enrollment has grown nearly 4X!

• Special thanks to Chris Dugdale, who found us through a simple Google search, trusted us, and was impressed with our work.

• She has since recommended us to multiple clients—a true testament to the power of ISSBs!

Why You Should Consider ISSBs for Your Next Project

 

If you’re planning to build, ISSBs offer:

·         Faster, cost-effective construction

·         Beautiful, natural finishes without extra costs

·         A durable, long-lasting solution

·         A sustainable choice for Uganda’s future

Next Week’s Blog: Are ISSBs Really Cheaper? Let’s Break Down the Costs!

Want to learn more about ISSBs or see a project in action? Contact Brick by Brick today!