POLYPUS is a Canadian development and construction company specializing in the building of low-rise housing and commercial developments in the Middle East, Maghreb countries of Africa and South America, areas to which its special technology is perfectly suited. 

POLYPUS operates based on the principle set forth by the famous Egyptian philosopher and architect, Hasan Fathi, "One man alone can not build his own home, but ten men who work together can easily build ten homes".

Mr. Hasan Fathi recommended, since the 1930’s, the use of stabilized clay as a base material for the construction of walls in a house, and having the uttermost participation from the owner in the construction of his own home.

All Polypus projects combine the extensive use of indigenous clay materials, pools of unskilled local labour and a simple building methodology that results in the construction of modern, attractive and affordable buildings in 3 to 5 weeks. These include refugee camps, health clinics, community centers, schools, market buildings, hotels, resorts, and commercial or industrial low-rise complexes. All of our projects maybe finished to any standard required regardless of scale or use.  

Polypus' interest in the development of low and medium income housing began in Guatemala 1976. Jacques Valade, President of Polypus, working on behalf of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the "Consejo Nacional de la Planification Economica" of Guatemala, was involved in the reconstruction of rural schools, medical clinics, housing and small public buildings after the area had been devastated by an earthquake. During the reconstruction of this area, Mr. Valade traveled extensively in the surrounding area,  visiting over 118 villages studying the construction techniques indigenous to the region used in structures that survived the devastation of the earthquake. This research became the foundation for the development of the "Bajareque System" of construction, which has been used with