In 1999, an ambitious and innovative housing project began in the city of Sacramento, Minas Gerais. Known as the Cajuru Project, this initiative stood out not only for its sustainable approach but also for helping more than 1,000 people realize the dream of owning a home. The project focused on low-income families earning up to three minimum wages and who lacked the financial means to access traditional housing.

All the labor came from the local residents themselves, who organized into community workgroups (mutirões) and participated in professional training sessions led by Grupo Aguilar. After these trainings, the construction process began — and what made it even more impressive was that the residents were involved in every stage, from producing the blocks to completing the plumbing and electrical systems. All the homes were built using the modular construction system, a method comparable to building with LEGO pieces, where blocks interlock with one another. Although new to Brazil at the time and initially perceived as complex, the system proved intuitive and accessible — with just a bit of technical guidance, anyone could start building.

Sahara Tecnologia, in partnership with the city of Sacramento, provided all the machinery needed to produce the eco-friendly soil-cement bricks — a key factor in reducing construction costs. On average, each house cost families around R$ 4,500, with the option to finance through Caixa Econômica Federal. Without the use of eco-bricks, the estimated cost would have been closer to R$ 9,000. In 2002, the final batch of homes was delivered, marking the completion of the program.

The Cajuru Project was a pioneer in the use of this type of sustainable technology in Brazil and proudly represented the country at the 1st UNESCO World Congress on Social Technology, held in Paris, France.