Doudou Deme & Patrick Roussillon
Elementerre
Elementerre is an eco-construction initiative co-founded in 2010 by civil engineer Doudou Deme near the city of Mbour, Senegal. This initiative was established in response to the increasing use of cement and concrete in construction nationwide. While these materials are commonly used, they can be expensive, environmentally damaging and unsuited to Senegal's hot climate. Doudou's goal was to revive and modernise traditional earth-building techniques that have long been used in the region but are now in decline as most people shift to cement and concrete construction. It aims to utilise and promote local knowledge and resources, demonstrating that materials like soil and plant fibres can be effective alternatives to conventional building practices. This initiative aims not only to reduce the environmental impact of construction and lower cement-related costs but also to reconnect modern building techniques with indigenous practices.
Elementerre adopts a sustainable construction approach by focusing on developing and promoting eco-friendly, cost-effective building methods that prioritise the use of locally sourced natural materials. This innovative process combines traditional earth-building materials, such as clay and various types of reeds, with modern engineering practices to create strong, durable earth blocks.
The company produces two types of bricks. The first is compressed earth bricks, which contain little or no cement stabilisation. These are primarily used for building structures and take advantage of the material's thermal mass to provide effective insulation. The mixture of earth, sand, water, and cement is compressed using mechanical presses to create durable building blocks. Once the compressed earth blocks are produced, they are transported to construction sites, where they are used to build structures using masonry techniques similar to conventional block construction. However, instead of using cement mortar, an earth-based mortar bonds the building blocks.
The second material produced is moulded earth bricks made from clay and Typha using artisanal techniques, and are primarily used for roofing to provide adequate thermal insulation. Fibres from the invasive Typha plant are harvested and either processed into insulation panels or integrated into the earth materials to enhance both thermal and acoustic performance. Typha insulation panels are added to the walls or roofs of buildings and do not require painting, helping to lower overall construction costs.
Elementerre is founded on the philosophy that the earth is a living archive of memories and potential. In Senegal, its unique textures create a connection between past builders and contemporary innovators. This philosophy combines ancestral knowledge with modern innovation to develop sustainable solutions that respect both the environment and humanity.
Elementerre plays a vital role in creating jobs in local communities, employing more than 100 individuals, over 50 of whom are local residents. These employees engage in activities such as material production, typha fibre harvesting, and on-site construction. This initiative particularly benefits low-income and semi-skilled individuals by improving their economic opportunities. Additionally, Elementerre addresses challenges related to housing affordability and accessibility by offering construction materials that are more cost-effective than traditional cement blocks. On average, Elementerre bricks are less expensive than cement bricks, making housing options more accessible for economically disadvantaged households.
This method successfully combines modern construction technologies with traditional building knowledge and practices. By encouraging the use of cultural techniques and materials in contemporary construction projects, Elementerre promotes a more sustainable approach to building that honours local traditions. Additionally, Elementerre has completed several for-profit construction projects, including private housing, hospitality facilities, and educational institutions, utilising its eco-friendly building materials.
Élémenterre has been dedicated to professional training since its inception, focusing on enhancing the skills of its teams involved in the production and implementation of materials. The organisation also welcomes both national and international trainees. In 2022, it launched a formal training program that enables it to offer short, modular training courses and manage educational projects. Additionally, it shares knowledge about sustainable construction through educational exhibitions, factory tours, practical workshops, and skills training. Community members receive training in earth-based construction techniques. An example is the Jang Ban project (“Learning Earth”), launched in 2024 to enhance the skills of future professionals. This project utilises locally sourced soil and plant materials.
Elementerre’s innovative construction technology promotes low-carbon urban development by significantly reducing the use of energy-intensive materials such as cement and concrete, which emit greenhouse gases during production. Instead, it utilises earth-based materials that are not only less emission intensive to produce but also enhance the overall thermal performance of completed buildings. This improvement allows structures to benefit from natural passive cooling, which is essential for maintaining comfortable temperatures and reducing heat stress without depending heavily on electric air conditioning.
In addition, this technology effectively manages moisture levels, improving indoor air quality and overall comfort for occupants, especially in hot climates. The incorporation of Typha biomass as a construction material supports environmental management and affects wetlands. Typha is an invasive plant species that forms dense monocultures that reduce native plant diversity, disrupt water flow, and diminish open-water habitats for wetland species. Its accumulation and decomposition can alter nutrient and oxygen levels, affecting overall wetland functioning. The Elementerre approach aligns with the principles of a circular economy by re-using this unwanted vegetation to create useful materials.
Elementerre's success can be largely attributed to its use of locally sourced raw materials, which ensures a stable supply of construction inputs and helps reduce production costs. This innovation stems from the strong technical and entrepreneurial leadership of Doudou Deme, whose expertise in construction engineering has effectively integrated traditional earth construction knowledge with modern engineering standards.
Additionally, partnerships with development and climate-focused organisations, such as the Global Green Growth Institute, have promoted eco-friendly construction materials in Senegal. Collaboration with architects, researchers, and public-sector stakeholders has demonstrated the durability and feasibility of earth-based buildings. Furthermore, the growing demand for affordable and climate-responsive housing has increased community acceptance and market adoption of this technology.
Elementerre has made significant progress in producing and utilising eco-friendly, cost-effective building materials in Senegal. The company operates five mechanical presses and two hydraulic presses, with a capacity to produce approximately 10,000 compressed earth bricks per day. To date, Elementerre has successfully completed more than 50 ecological construction projects, including housing, schools, and community buildings. The average price of Elementerre’s bricks ranges from 200 to 250 CFA per unit, notably lower than the typical cost of 450 to 500 CFA for conventional cement blocks, which are larger. This pricing strategy not only promotes sustainable building practices but also supports local economies.
Furthermore, Elementerre's initiative has facilitated skills development and job creation, employing over 100 workers and training many others in ecological construction techniques. These trained individuals are vital for both the production of materials and the execution of construction projects, and they also contribute to the broader education of others in sustainable construction methods.
Elementerre was established in 2011 with a primary focus on manufacturing earth bricks. However, in 2012, the company expanded into construction after noticing that many clients lacked the technical knowledge necessary to use their materials effectively. Elementerre began constructing buildings directly while simultaneously training workers on-site.
By 2015, the company had completed a variety of projects, including schools, small houses, and the extension of Hotel Djoloff in Dakar, which is recognised as the first three-storey load-bearing earth building in the city. From 2015 to 2020, Elementerre collaborated with major firms on donor- and NGO-funded public projects, gaining valuable experience in public procurement and enhancing its technical expertise.
Since 2020, Elementerre has shifted its focus toward private housing while continuing to supply materials for public projects. The company is now preparing to evolve into a small real estate developer. To support its long-term goal of providing affordable and accessible social housing in Senegal, Elementerre is formalising its training program and developing a training facility to build a skilled workforce capable of delivering housing at scale.
A key challenge for Elementerre is raising awareness and educating clients and partners about the advantages of earth-based construction materials. These materials are often viewed as less modern or reliable, which can hinder their adoption. Additionally, securing reliable financing is vital for the company, particularly when aiming to scale production or invest in new infrastructure.
Moreover, Elementerre encounters difficulties due to fluctuations in the availability and quality of raw materials, as well as logistical challenges at production and construction sites. Other challenges include the recruitment and retention of skilled labour in an industry where technical expertise in alternative construction methods is limited.
Navigating administrative procedures and regulatory frameworks is another significant challenge, as many regulations are not fully compatible with alternative construction techniques. This misalignment can impede project implementation and overall growth.
.png){kind=logo}
