Enquichado Techniques in the Construction of Sustainable Housing for Rural Communities of Manabí Ecuador

Abstract

The purpose of this work research is to analyze the application of construction techniques based on enquinchado for the development of sustainable rural housing in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. The topic emerged from the context of the environmental, social, and economic impacts caused by conventional construction, as well as from the need for resilient, accessible, and culturally appropriate alternatives. The main objective was to examine the contributions (technical, environmental, and social) of enquinchado from a critical perspective in comparison with traditional and industrialized construction systems. A mixed, descriptive, and explanatory methodology was implemented. Surveys were conducted among the rural population, interviews were carried out with experts—whose observations were complemented by fieldwork—and a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was developed following ISO 14040–14044 standards. The sample consisted of communities from the parishes of Portoviejo, Rocafuerte, Jipijapa, and Montecristi, as well as professionals involved in sustainable construction. The results show that enquinchado reduces construction costs by 40% compared to reinforced concrete; improves thermal and acoustic comfort; and exhibits a significantly lower carbon footprint. At the same time, 90% of the surveyed population reported being familiar with the technique, and even 60% indicated having lived in homes built with it, underscoring its cultural and identity value as well.