Francisco da Silva, known as Tiquinho, gave his 43-square-foot house in São Paulo a complete makeover.
He’s 59 and works in recycling. The house lacked a bathroom and kitchen. Tiquinho bought it for about $500.
Architect Ester Carro, 28, came across this house. She works with Fazendinhando, a local housing project.
The house immediately became a priority. Initially, it had only a sofa, a makeshift toilet, and a lofted bed.
In seven months, everything changed. Ester designed a new layout and involved the community.
Donations came in for the work. The house expanded by 10 square feet. Additionally, it got a full bathroom.
A neighbor generously donated some unused space. Now, the home has a cabinet that acts as stairs.
These lead to an elevated bed for Tiquinho. The walls got plastered and painted white. The floors received new tiles. The dangerous exposed wiring also got fixed.
The project cost about $2,500 in total. Community donations covered half. This renovation uplifted Tiquinho, who battled depression before.
Now, he plans to add an old TV and LED lights in his kitchen.
Background
This renovation shows the power of community involvement. It highlights the role of professionals volunteering in less fortunate areas.
Ester Carro’s work serves as an example for other architects. Small-scale projects like this can bring monumental changes in someone’s life.
Tiquinho’s experience proves the point.
Affordable housing remains a critical issue worldwide. In São Paulo’s favelas, it takes on an urgent tone.
Even tiny improvements can improve living standards substantially. This project shows a practical, scalable approach to urban poverty.
Moreover, the model is replicable. Other communities can adopt similar methods for noticeable results.
Finally, the emotional impact, like Tiquinho’s improved mental health, is immeasurable. The project not only changed a house; it transformed a life.