Biodegradable Ecological Roof Tile for Andean Rural Architecture: Circular Design Using Low-Impact Organic Materials

Resumen

This study presents the development and validation of an ecological roof tile made from organic compounds, conceived as a technical-environmental solution to construction and demolition waste (CDW) in highly vulnerable rural areas. Through an experimental approach, mixtures composed of sieved soil, horse manure, potato starch, vegetable shortening, and water were designed and evaluated across 15 successive trials using standardized molds. The final mixture demonstrated optimal conformability, morphological stability, structural cohesion, and preliminary mechanical resistance after natural drying. During its service phase, the inclusion of vegetable shortening creates a hydrophobic layer that limits moisture absorption, thus extending its functionality as a roofing component. In the event of structural fracture, this film disintegrates, allowing gradual water ingress and activating the material’s compostability as an organic soil conditioner. This dual functionality aligns with principles of circular design, enabling the material to transition from a constructive system to an agroecological input without requiring industrial recycling. The proposal was qualitatively validated through expert judgment and received international recognition in invention competitions, reinforcing its technical feasibility and replicability potential. Overall, the findings establish the ecological tile as a sustainable alternative for rural architecture, with a positive impact on both habitability and the circular management of materials in resource-limited settings.