Housing construction in Guatemala traditionally has a number of special characteristics that distinguish it from other countries. There are currently a number of challenges and opportunities in the industry. It is necessary to work to improve the quality and sustainability of housing, improve access to adequate housing and reduce the housing deficit.
The Traditional materials are: Bricks, adobes, concrete blocks and wood are the most commonly used materials in housing construction, especially in rural areas.
However, in recent years there has been an increasing use of modern materials. Steel, glass and aluminum are increasing in urban areas, particularly in middle and upper class construction.
Once the materials to be used for construction have been determined, it is time to think about the color that we will use to protect and beautify our home. For this reason, the best paint option in Guatemala is the one that incorporates the most advanced technology in terms of protection, durability and resistance.
When it comes to paints, it is important to seek good advice before making our choice because there is an immense variety of possibilities depending on the material you want to apply them to, the conditions to which they will be exposed, and the contrasts, textures and much more.
As for the Umade from sustainable materials,There is growing interest in using materials such as bamboo, raw earth and recycled materials.
Regarding the design,Spanish colonial architecture greatly influenced the design of Guatemalan homes, particularly in rural areas. However, there is currently a wide variety of architectural styles in Guatemalan homes, from colonial to modern and minimalist styles.
The homes were designed with Guatemala’s hot, humid climate in mind and have features such as high ceilings, large windows and cross ventilation.
Although there are technical regulations for housing construction in Guatemala, compliance is not always strict, especially in rural areas. It is necessary to improve the application of regulations to ensure the safety and quality of homes.
Access to mortgage credit is limited for the majority of the Guatemalan population, making it difficult to build or purchase a home. However, there are some government support programs for housing finance, but these are not sufficient to meet the needs.
Challenges:
- Housing deficit: Guatemala has a housing deficit of approximately 1.2 million homes.
- Precarious housing: A high percentage of houses in Guatemala are precarious and do not meet the minimum requirements for habitability.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters: Guatemala is a country prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, which requires the construction of safer homes.
Occasions:
- Development of new technologies: The development of new technologies in construction can help reduce costs and improve the quality of living.
- Implementation of public policies: Implementing public policies to promote the construction of social and barrier-free housing is crucial to reducing the housing deficit.
- Promoting sustainability: Promoting the use of sustainable materials in housing construction can contribute to environmental protection.
Sustainable Homes in Guatemala: Features and Benefits
Building sustainable homes in Guatemala is seen as a necessary alternative to address the country’s environmental and social challenges.
Sustainable houses have major advantages:
- Reducing environmental impact: They reduce carbon footprint, natural resource consumption and waste generation.
- Economic savings: You reduce energy, water and maintenance costs.
- Improved quality of life: They offer their residents a healthier and more comfortable environment.
- Resilience to climate change: They are more adaptable to the effects of climate change such as droughts, floods or extreme temperatures.
This design is characterized by:
Energy efficiency:
- Bioclimatic design: Natural light, cross ventilation and solar orientation are used to reduce energy consumption.
- Thermal insulation: Insulating materials are used to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
- Renewable energy: Solar, wind or hydraulic energy systems are installed to produce clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Water efficiency:
- Rainwater collection: Rainwater is collected and used for irrigation, cleaning or toilet flushing.
- Low consumption systems: To reduce water consumption, low-flow faucets and showers are installed.
- Gray water reuse: Water from sinks and showers is treated and reused for irrigation or other non-potable purposes.
Sustainable materials:
- Recycled materials: To reduce environmental impact, recycled materials such as plastic, glass or metal are used.
- Low Impact Materials: Locally sourced materials with a low environmental impact are used, such as bamboo, raw earth or certified wood.
- Materials with high energy efficiency: Materials with high energy efficiency such as clay, stone or tiles are used.
Examples of sustainable housing projects in Guatemala:
- “Ecological Houses” project of the Guatemalan Ecology Association: Promotes the construction of ecological houses using sustainable materials and gentle techniques.
- “Sustainable social housing” project at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala: Develops sustainable housing solutions for low-income communities.
- “Bosques de Las Nubes” project by Cementos Progreso: It offers LEED-certified homes that integrate sustainable technologies and bioclimatic design.
Challenges for building sustainable homes:
- Start-up costs: The initial investment in a sustainable home can be higher than that of a traditional home.
- Access to technology: Access to sustainable technologies and materials may be limited in some areas of the country.
- Lack of knowledge: It is necessary to promote knowledge and training about the benefits of sustainable housing.
Building sustainable homes in Guatemala is a viable alternative to improve the population’s quality of life, reduce environmental impact and address the challenges of climate change. It is necessary to promote the development of this type of construction through public policies, financing programs and education and training initiatives.