[en] This work focuses on the city of Huamachuco, a town 3200 meters above sea level in Northern Peru. The main aim of this study is to share and disseminate technological knowledge on architecture, building technology and lifestyle of Huamachuco inhabitants. The paper objective is to (1) highlight the concept of architectural quality in Huamachuco, (2) compare the living environment of existing traditional dwellings in comparison with newly constructed concrete dwellings, and to (3) identify the reasons for neglecting ecological construction technologies and materials in the new built environment. The research methodology went through different phases that range from qualitative data collection and quantitative measuring, to data analysis and findings reporting. Firstly, a typological study was conducted visiting 110 houses. The typological study enabled us to describe and understand the housing typologies and classify those under four major typologies according to their construction techniques: 1) adobe, 2) rammed earth, 3) concrete and 4) mixed technique. Secondly, detailed field studies were conducted for representative houses representing the four categories. Finally, 10 houses have been thoroughly audited for using measuring equipment to collect data related to temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, lighting intensity, and envelope thermography.