Abstract

JIMENEZ-DIANDERAS, Gloria Cecilia; MONTOYA ROBLES, Teresa del Pilar  and  LOAYZA LEON, Silvana. From the traditional "quesana" to a modular system of reed insulation panels. Rev. Arquit. (Bogotá) [online]. 2024, vol.26, n.1, pp.125-146.  Epub May 03, 2024. ISSN 1657-0308.  https://doi.org/10.14718/revarq.2024.26.4578.

"Totora" is a natural fiber found in Lake Titicaca in the Andean region of Southern Peru and is traditionally used by the surrounding communities. Currently, there is a significant surplus and a large amount of "totorales" is burned annually. This study proposes the use and standardization of totora as a thermal insulating material with low embodied energy, in order to extend its use to buildings in the cold high Andean region. The field study of this natural fiber and its use by the lake communities was carried out through technological exchange with local people. From this experience, and through basic laboratory tests, the double crossed and modular Totora reed panel was developed. The thermal transmission of the panel was verified with laboratory tests. A prototype house was built with a reed panel enclosure and a wooden structure, and its structural and thermal performance was monitored for three months. The thermal performance was better than that of a traditional high Andean cottage. The proposed totora reed panel maintained its shape, stiffness and insulating properties, demonstrating its potential as a natural building material with low environmental impact in its processing.

Keywords : appropriate technology; highlands; natural fibers; prefabrication; thermal insulation.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )