This research presents a methodological process for selecting the most appropriate construction technique for the reconstruction of housing after a seismic disaster in a rural and heritage context. This process, which is applicable to a large part of the Andean region, incorporates sustainability criteria to guarantee the economic, social and environmental balance of the intervention. The methodology was developed on a case study: the Colca Valley in Arequipa, Peru. In 2016 an earthquake affected this zone, where traditional unreinforced earthen buildings suffered serious damage. The objective of this research focuses on comparing six traditional building techniques strongly related to self-building: four techniques for adobe housing—reinforced with cane (CRA), wire mesh (WMRA), geogrid (GRA) and halyard ropes (HRRA)—and two techniques for masonry buildings— confined (CM) and reinforced (RM). For this purpose the authors used the Integrated Value Model for Sustainable Assessment (MIVES), a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model used to compare alternatives by assigning a “sustainability index” to each evaluated construction technique. This research study includes two types of variables: quantitative, such as economy ($/m²) and environmental impact (kgCO₂/m²), among others, and qualitative, such as perception of safety, respect for the urban image and popular knowledge. The research results show that reinforced adobe techniques are a viable and competitive option, highlighting the cane reinforced adobe technique (CRA), with a value of 0.714 in relation to industrialized materials such as masonry. This technique has the same safety characteristics, but at almost half the price, with the additional advantage of using traditional materials and construction methods, having less environmental impact and showing better thermal performance in cold climates.

In the high Andean regions of Peru, above 3500 m a.s.l., selecting a roofing system requires balancing budgetary constraints, technical performance, and environmental impacts under severe frost and demanding climatic conditions. This study compared several roofing alternatives from a comprehensive perspective to determine the most suitable solution by simultaneously considering economic, environmental, and social criteria. For this purpose, the Integrated Value Model for Sustainable Assessment (MIVES)—a multi-criteria decision-making methodology—was employed to evaluate five systems: traditional ichu thatched roof (ITR), ceramic tile (CT-II), corrugated galvanized steel with insulation (CGS-II), fiber cement with insulation (FC-II), and sandwich panel with an insulating core (PIR-SP). The model was implemented using a requirements tree with 11 indicators and its stability was assessed through a sensitivity analysis involving five weighting configurations. The overall sustainability indices ranked ITR first (0.697), primarily due to its low carbon footprint and favorable thermal performance. It was followed by CT-II (0.632), due to its superior landscape integration; CGS-II (0.602), owing to its cost-effectiveness; FC-II (0.586), for its balanced environmental profile; and finally, PIR-SP (0.504), which excelled in industrial efficiency and construction speed despite a higher environmental impact. In summary, the results indicated that vernacular solutions minimized environmental impacts and optimized local resources, whereas industrialized options were preferable when durability and assembly times were prioritized. The sensitivity analysis, with variations below 5%, supported the model’s consistency as a decision-support tool and its potential to guide policies for sustainable social housing in high-mountain contexts.

Fires in buildings pose significant risks to property and human lives, making material selection crucial for fire safety. This study evaluates the fire reaction of wood agglomerate boards, both treated and untreated, under controlled heat exposure. The tested boards include untreated wood chipboard, chipboard with varnish, intumescent paint, Formica coating, and a fire retardant chipboard (Fimapan IGN E-Z-Finsa). Results indicate notable differences in weight loss and carbonization, with varnished chipboard performing the worst. Intumescent paint proved highly effective, forming a protective char layer that extended ignition time and reduced material degradation. The Electric Radiator test provided valuable insights into the combustion characteristics of these materials. Applying fire retardants, especially intumescent paint, markedly enhances the fire reaction properties of wood agglomerates, bolstering their safety in construction. This study underscores the critical role of material selection in fire safety and provides valuable data for developing more fire-resistant building materials.