H&L Unveils Game-Changing Modular Concrete Homes to Tackle Jamaica’s Housing Crisis

Kingston, Jamaica – June 5, 2025 — Hardware and Lumber Limited (H&L) has officially launched its Modular Concrete Homes, a bold, innovative housing solution set to revolutionize how Jamaicans build and own homes. With affordability, speed, and durability at its core, the initiative aims to significantly reduce the nation’s estimated 100,000-unit housing deficit.

The homes are built using eco-friendly Eaterboard concrete panels, autoclaved under high pressure and heat to produce a dense, termite- and water-resistant material. Originally developed in South America, including in hurricane-struck San Andreas, the modular system has been customized for Jamaica in collaboration with the University of Technology (UTech). It is now fully certified by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica for resistance to hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires.

“It’s been about nine years of redevelopment,” said Patrick Chamber, Category Manager at H&L. He recalled how initial designs included asbestos, which H&L worked to engineer out—ultimately making the production process asbestos-free.

Thanks to its modular design, construction of these homes—from foundation to finish—can be completed in just six to eight weeks. “We believe we have the right product to help Jamaicans get on the housing ladder,” Chamber said, pointing to partnerships with developers, banks, and NGOs as key to wide-scale rollout.

Patrick Chamber, Category Manager at H&L, recounted a journey that began nearly a decade ago following a visit to a trade show in Colombia. Inspired by the innovative construction solutions he encountered, Chamber spearheaded efforts to adapt and develop a modular home system specifically tailored to Jamaica’s unique needs.

Please note: Land is not included with the modular homes.

The homes come in three models, all turnkey ready:

• Poinciana: 3-bed, 2-bath for $8.9 million
• Hibiscus: 2-bed, 1-bath for $4.5 million
• Bougainvillea: 1-bed, 1-bath for $4.1 million

A fully furnished Poinciana is now available for viewing at H&L’s Washington Boulevard location. Chamber noted strong interest from organizations like Food for the Poor, particularly in the Bougainvillea, due to its affordability and practicality as a starter home.

H&L is uniquely positioned to deliver this vision, backed by its 96-year legacy, extensive retail and project supply network, and a portfolio of over 30,000 items from 300 global suppliers. “There’s nothing we can’t source,” Chamber stated.

As the company continues to engage key stakeholders and scale up production, this initiative stands poised to redefine the future of homeownership in Jamaica.