Multivariate analysis of materials used in rural housing in Mexico considering sustainability indicators: Towards suitable house construction

Abstract

This research introduces a methodology for analyzing rural housing in Mexico, focusing on sustainability indicators. It involves four stages: a) conducting a participatory diagnosis to identify the materials and configurations used in different types of housing; b) developing a metric based on environmental, energy, functional, social, and economic parameters; c) performing a multi-criteria evaluation using weighted indicators derived from the proposed parameters; and d) defining general guidelines for housing management. The study identified five primary housing configurations based on clay brick, concrete, wood, asbestos, cardboard, earth, galvanized sheet, and clay tile. The results show ranges of the indicators with raw material costs per square meter from 0 to USD 11 and construction labor between 0 and USD 31. The material properties such as thermal conductivity ranged from 0. 001 W/m ºC to 58 W/m ºC and the mechanical compressive strength from 3 kg/cm² to 2500 kg/cm². Emissions associated with impact categories such as global warming varied from 0 to 55.1 kgCO₂/m², eutrophication from -0.024 to 1.21 kgPO₄/m², and acidification from 0 to 9.91 kgSO2/m². A primary conclusion of the study is that contemporary housing designs must prioritize utilizing local materials. This approach would lead to construction methods that are thermally and mechanically efficient, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable. The study indicates that the traditional “Troje” house, constructed with local wood through sustainable management practices, offers the best balance of environmental impact, cost, and technical functionality compared to houses built with modern materials. It is recommended that its use be promoted as it better meets the needs of biocultural communities.

Keywords

• Housing
• Sustainability
• Habitat
• Participative design
• Rural community