Rafeek Khan, CEO of Duravilla Homes and Durable Wood Products, has announced plans to significantly increase the construction of timber homes across Guyana over the next year, with a target of building approximately 200-300 houses within the next twelve months.
Historically, Guyana’s housing market has shifted from traditional wooden homes to predominantly concrete structures.
Currently, only about 10% of new homes are built with wood, with the majority of timber being used solely for renovations.
However, Khan is determined to reverse this trend by promoting the strength, durability, and eco-friendly benefits of Guyana’s timber.
Khan emphasized that timber, including species such as Purpleheart, Wallaba, Greenheart, and Mora, is not only abundant in Guyana but is also highly sought after internationally.
Despite this, many Guyanese still favor concrete over wood, partly due to misconceptions about the longevity and quality of wooden homes.
Duravilla Homes and Durable Wood Products have been active suppliers to both regional and international markets, highlighting the global demand for Guyana’s high-quality timber.
Khan’s campaign aims to make timber homes a popular choice in the local housing market once again.