Diagnostic approach and sustainable restoration of adobe houses in Tula, Tamaulipas: preservation of the housing heritage of northeastern Mexico.

Abstract

In semi-arid northeastern Mexico, vernacular adobe architecture faces risks from neglect, inadequate interventions, and loss of construction knowledge. This study provides a diagnostic approach to two traditional dwellings in Tula, Tamaulipas, with historical value and rich earthwork techniques. Technical data sheets, direct observation, and photographic records were used to identify recurring pathologies such as rising damp, peeling of coatings, loss of material at corners, and damage from cement use. Based on the diagnosis, sustainable solutions based on compatible local materials such as earth, lime, and natural additives are proposed. The study provides contextualized evidence for the sustainable restoration of rural housing heritage and promotes its conservation based on technical, cultural, and ecological criteria.