Interior solutions in minimal low-income homes

Abstract

In Ecuador, governance policies have not been equitable on the issue of adequate housing, especially for those located in rural areas, which had informal tenancy and were built with unsafe materials. The present research assumed a qualitative approach with an exploratory and applicative scope, it sought to solve a problemin the interior spaces of six houses whose owners had limited economic capacities, through interior design with low-cost materials, to improve their quality of life. This research took as a case study the community of Llulluchas-Sayaus'i in Cuenca, Ecuador. The methodology considered spatial, thermal, acoustic, lighting, furniture, materiality and quality of life variables, for which initial interviews and observation files were applied that permitted generation of a diagnosis. During this process, problems were encountered such as the absence of interior dividers, openings without carpentry, masonry without plastering, and dirt or unfinished floors, among others. Next, the preliminary project was developed, with the approval of the users based on their needs and experiences in the use of furniture and space. This phase, in turn, was motivational to start with the negotiation of materials with private companies. Later, it was possible to build: furniture for the social areas and bedrooms of the houses, interior divisions, and window carpentry, mainly. Given the above conditions, it was found that the beneficiary population managed to improve the comfort of their homes to a great extent, in relation to the variables that were considered from the beginning. The thermal and lighting aspects represented the greatest difficulty. At the end of the project, it was demonstrated that interior home solutions can be generated at low cost, which improve comfort and safety for families.