Paneles de bahareque prefabricado y aplicación a una vivienda

Abstract

Nowadays building materials, generate pollution, debris and high energy costs; therefore the aim of this work is to offer an alternative and sustainable self-structure construction system that guarantees a healthy society, and environment; being economic, thermal, and acoustically suitable; of easy assembly, transportation and placement. To accomplish this idea, we looked for a traditional, versatile and well known construction system that does not require skilled workers, does not pollute, and is earthquake resistant. We also searched for a system capable to reduce costs, generate employment, and that could be done with minga (community voluntary work). We confirmed through preliminary investigation: that bahareque covered all these needs; that mud is suitable for it; and that it is feasible to be applied in all Ecuadorian regions. In order to demonstrate the proposed construction system properties and potential versus block and brick building systems we analyze comfort, strength, finishing, electric power consumption, and price. As a result of this work and search we have got a completely prefabricated building system, which uses natural materials, therefore it is environmentally-friendly, inexpensive, and adapts to different climates, and cultures. Finally, the belief that mud is unable to evolve and only for the poor, is demystified in this investigation.