Casa La Chueca is a construction project developed through a methodological approach that encourages assisted self-building. It involved the direct participation of the homeowners, Jahzzel and Margarita, along with bioconstructors and architect Alfonso Arias, in the realization of a refined home spanning over 250 square meters of usable space. The structure is based on a parametric modular system that becomes increasingly reinforced and stabilized the closer and deeper it is to the center of the house. All elements are divided into sections of 2, 3, 4, and 6 linear meters, a design choice that minimizes material waste, particularly bamboo.
The roof is composed of a pair of inverted twin trusses that channel and distribute loads toward the strongest part of the columns. The joints and nodes in the bamboo structure are straightforward—simple to assemble, repair, or replace—even with minimal or no prior experience working with the material. The walls are made of bahareque (a traditional earthen construction technique), and can be repositioned within the column grid to create new spaces as the family's needs evolve over time. All materials used are organic, and essential services are provided through eco-technologies.
What stands out most in this construction is how it adapted to the tangible and intangible resources of a particular family, enabling contributions from various participants through a methodology for the social and sustainable production of habitat. This method, developed by architect Alfonso Arias, was awarded the National Design Prize, Mexico’s highest recognition in the field of design.
This is a methodological contribution—indicative but not prescriptive—that relies on interdisciplinary participation to create architectural solutions aimed at improving the material conditions of individuals living in inequality. It supports a housing development process based on assisted self-building, offering agency to designers in these common practices and fostering economic development among builders. The ultimate goal: to enable access to dignified, affordable, accessible, appropriate, adaptable, and sustainable housing—designed around the inhabitant.
The methodology unfolds in four key phases:
Empowerment: The designer and the inhabitant define living needs together, guiding the decision-making process.
Pre-configuration: The designer proposes options for use, function, form, and land occupation according to the inhabitant’s preferences.
Execution: With the builder integrated into the process, the construction steps and training are defined in practical terms, allowing the inhabitants to participate actively while the designer provides guidance and technical support.
Evaluation: The completed home is assessed to ensure it supports everyday life naturally. At this stage, the inhabitants gain the knowledge needed to plan for the future expansion of their home and are empowered to advise new homeowners—thus closing a virtuous cycle.
Its application in Jahzzel and Margarita’s home, located in the town of Tepoztlán, demonstrated the method's effectiveness, as well as its flexibility in integrating sustainable technologies such as bamboo, bahareque, rainwater harvesting, and biodigesters—thanks to the builder's expertise.
