This project of 150 houses built in 1979 successfully demonstrates how adobe construction can be safely used in earthquake zones. It shows how practical and theoretical education can be used to enable people to build affordable homes. Careful selection of clays, good workmanship and standard sized blocks, together with solid foundations made of rocks and the use of lime cement mortar, are the keys to the success of the construction method. Two decades later the houses have withstood earthquakes of up to 5.6 on the Richter scale. The methodology has been replicated throughout Central America.

Partnership

NGO, donor agency