Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 14(1), pp. 524 - 535
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.140135
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Identification of Traditional Housing in Tamaulipas: Adobe as a Bioclimatic Strategy

Marisol Luitin-Luna ¹, Maria Teresa Sánchez-Medrano ^1,*, Alberto Angel Trejo-Franco ¹, Eduardo Arvizu-Sanchez ², Edgardo Jonathan Suarez-Dominguez ³, Maria Silvia Montalvo-Tello ^1
1 School of Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Circuito Universitario S/N, Centro Universitario Sur, Tampico, Mexico
² Observatory of the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Mexico
³ Energy Institute, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Circuito Universitario S/N, Centro Universitario Sur, Tampico, Mexico

ABSTRACT

This research analyses the thermal performance and sustainability of traditional adobe housing in Tamaulipas, Mexico, focusing on the use of earth and plant fibers as construction materials. The research aims to emphasize the advantages of adobe as an energy-efficient and climate-responsive building method, particularly in rural areas where such techniques remain prevalent. The study was conducted through a combination of literature review and case studies from three representative communities in the region. Thermal measurements and interviews with local experts and residents provided valuable insights into the thermal behavior of adobe and other materials traditionally used in rural housing. The findings indicate that adobe structures excel in maintaining stable indoor temperatures by leveraging their high thermal mass, significantly reducing the need for artificial climate control and energy consumption. This advantage positions adobe as an environmentally sustainable option, particularly in the face of global climate change, where energy efficiency and resilience are becoming increasingly important. In addition to traditional adobe construction, the study also explored the potential integration of bioclimatic design strategies to further enhance the thermal performance and resilience of residential houses in the region. The research suggests that incorporating modern materials and techniques, such as bamboo reinforcement or stabilizing cements, could strengthen the benefits of traditional adobe while promoting local economic development. Ultimately, the study highlights the enduring value of vernacular construction techniques in fostering sustainable housing solutions and calls for further research to optimize the integration of traditional methods with contemporary construction practices for enhanced environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

KEYWORDS
Adobe in Tamaulipas, Traditional Housing, Bioclimatic Strategies, Jaumave and San Carlos Building

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Marisol Luitin-Luna , Maria Teresa Sánchez-Medrano , Alberto Angel Trejo-Franco , Eduardo Arvizu-Sanchez , Edgardo Jonathan Suarez-Dominguez , Maria Silvia Montalvo-Tello , "Identification of Traditional Housing in Tamaulipas: Adobe as a Bioclimatic Strategy," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 524 - 535, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.140135.

(b). APA Format:
Marisol Luitin-Luna , Maria Teresa Sánchez-Medrano , Alberto Angel Trejo-Franco , Eduardo Arvizu-Sanchez , Edgardo Jonathan Suarez-Dominguez , Maria Silvia Montalvo-Tello (2026). Identification of Traditional Housing in Tamaulipas: Adobe as a Bioclimatic Strategy. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 14(1), 524 - 535. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.140135.