In the heart of Chile’s Elqui Valley, a tiny house stands as a testament to the potential of traditional building techniques in the face of modern sustainability challenges. Led by Letizia Dipasquale of the Department of Architecture at the University of Florence, a groundbreaking study published in ‘Buildings’ has shed light on the environmental and thermal performance of a tiny house constructed using the quincha technique. This method, a variation of the wattle and daub construction, involves a wooden framework filled with locally sourced earth and straw, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional building practices.
The study, which employed a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, compared the quincha tiny house with four hypothetical scenarios using industrial, prefabricated, and synthetic construction materials commonly used in the region. The results were striking. The quincha system not only had the lowest carbon footprint at 2635.47 kgCO2eq but also the lowest embodied energy at 42.70 GJ and the second-lowest water footprint at 2303.7 m3. Moreover, the quincha house was the only system that could theoretically reach carbon neutrality, with a carbon storage value of −5670.21 kgCO2eq.
“This study underscores the substantial environmental benefits of utilizing quincha—a traditional building technique that incorporates natural and locally sourced materials—for the construction of sustainable housing,” Dipasquale noted. “The quincha construction method significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to conventional construction techniques that rely on synthetic or industrial materials.”
The thermal performance of the quincha house was also a highlight of the study. Although it had a higher U-value (a measure of heat transfer) compared to some prefabricated systems, the quincha system demonstrated superior thermal inertia. This means it could better regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling—a critical factor in a region with significant temperature fluctuations.
“Although it has lower thermal insulation, quincha’s expected dynamic thermal performance is optimal for territories characterized by large temperature shifts, such as the Elqui Valley, where lightweight prefabricated systems would suffer,” Dipasquale explained.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. As the world grapples with climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions, the findings suggest that traditional, natural building materials could play a crucial role in sustainable construction. The use of locally sourced materials not only reduces the environmental impact but also supports local economies, creating a more resilient and sustainable future.
The study also highlights the importance of LCA in the design process. By assessing the environmental impacts of building materials and systems throughout their entire life cycle, architects and engineers can make more informed decisions that minimize environmental harm. This approach could lead to the development of more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the construction industry.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the integration of traditional building techniques with modern sustainability practices offers a promising pathway to addressing contemporary environmental challenges. The quincha tiny house in Chile’s Elqui Valley serves as a compelling example of how ancient building practices can be adapted to meet the demands of a sustainable future. This research, published in ‘Buildings’, paves the way for further exploration into the potential of natural and locally sourced materials in creating resilient and eco-friendly buildings.