Rafeek Khan, the head of Duravilla Homes and Durable Wood Products, has set an ambitious goal to increase the construction of timber homes in Guyana, aiming for approximately 200 to 300 new wooden houses over the next year.
Traditionally, Guyana’s construction industry has shifted from wooden structures to concrete homes.
Currently, only about 10% of new homes being built utilize wood, with most timber being used primarily for renovations.
Khan emphasized the strength and durability of Guyanese timber and expressed his commitment to promoting eco-friendly housing solutions across the nation.
He noted that timber is not only accessible within Guyana but is also in demand internationally.
Khan believes misconceptions about the use of timber have hindered its adoption in home construction.
He aims to change this perception by highlighting the benefits of wooden homes.
Among the timber species available in Guyana are Purpleheart, Wallaba, Greenheart, and Mora, all of which are known for their durability and resilience.
Duravilla Homes and Durable Wood Products have been supplying these timbers to both regional and international markets, reinforcing the strong demand for Guyana’s timber resources.
As the company looks to the future, Khan remains optimistic about the potential for growth in the timber housing sector, envisioning a significant revival of wooden home construction in the coming year.