Faced with Saint Lucia’s prohibitive housing costs after university graduation, architect Dyllan Boulogne turned frustration into innovation by developing a groundbreaking construction solution rooted in indigenous materials and participatory design principles.
Drawing from his architecture and urban planning studies at Cuba’s Universidad Tecnológica de La Habana, Boulogne explored compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEBs) – a construction method prevalent in Brazil, India, and sub-Saharan Africa. His research culminated in a proprietary clay-based mixture specifically engineered for Saint Lucia’s climatic conditions, leveraging the island’s abundant clay deposits.
‘Clay represents one of humanity’s oldest building materials, and our island possesses remarkable clay soil resources,’ Boulogne explained. ‘We’ve developed a novel mixture that eliminates the energy-intensive firing process traditionally required for ceramic blocks, making it both sustainable and manufacturable locally.’
Through his venture Metaform Studio, which operates alongside his lecturing position at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Boulogne has acquired hydraulic press equipment to produce prototype blocks. The innovation promises to dramatically reduce construction costs from approximately $180 to $97 per square meter compared to conventional methods, primarily by utilizing locally sourced materials instead of imported components.
The technology offers multiple advantages beyond affordability: blocks are reusable upon demolition, natural materials enhance indoor air quality, and reduced skill requirements enable broader community participation in construction. Boulogne envisions these blocks facilitating both standalone homes and condominiums, particularly benefiting low-to-middle-income earners through the existing ‘build as you go’ practice at significantly reduced costs.
Despite encountering resistance from industry partners, Boulogne has found financial institutions receptive to supporting affordable design initiatives. His long-term vision extends beyond block manufacturing to include comprehensive architectural services, material production, and ultimately driving policy reform to accommodate higher-density, sustainable housing solutions appropriate for contemporary Caribbean living.