About Ol&lO, the Alchemists of Ecological Concrete

Ol&lO, the Alchemists of Ecological Concrete

With over 25 years' experience in the field of innovative materials, Olivier Houdusse has become a pioneer in the intersection of engineering, design and ecology. His bold vision transforms concrete from a simple building material into an artistic and ecological medium, opening up new perspectives for sustainable architecture and contemporary art.

An Innovation Trail

A graduate in civil and materials engineering from Laval University, Quebec, Canada, Olivier began his career at LERM (Laboratoire d'Études et de Recherches sur les Matériaux). During his time at LERM, Olivier worked on a project to study the durability properties of concrete under maritime conditions, helping to improve the resistance of infrastructure exposed to harsh environments. This experience enabled him to develop invaluable expertise in adapting materials to specific constraints. As Director of Research and Innovation, he developed a patent for a new type of concrete, laying the foundations for his future career which combines scientific rigor and creativity.

In 2004, Olivier founded ARKHEIA, a company specializing in the manufacture of innovative, eco-responsible concrete design objects. From 2004 to 2015, ARKHEIA led a number of ambitious projects, including the design of street furniture in recycled concrete, the creation of architectural sculptures for public spaces, and the realization of innovative facades incorporating bio-sourced materials. Among these projects, the street furniture designed for the city of Bordeaux stands out for its sustainable approach and its ability to integrate construction waste into an aesthetic design. In addition, the monumental sculpture installed at the Parc de la Villette in Paris demonstrated the creative flexibility of concrete, fusing art and functionality in an emblematic public space. ARKHEIA has become a veritable laboratory of ideas, exploring molding and natural pigmentation techniques to create unique pieces that redefine the possibilities of this ancient material.

Artistic Encounter: Ol&lO

In 2013, Olivier met Lo, a multidisciplinary artist, and together they founded Ol&lO, a creative duo fusing technical expertise and avant-garde artistic vision. Lo brings a mastery of visual arts, scenography and a unique sensitivity to natural materials, which perfectly complement Olivier's technical expertise in materials engineering and innovation. Their synergy has given rise to projects where contemporary art, ecological design and technological innovation meet to create inspiring installations. These creations invite the public to reconsider its relationship with the built environment.

Prestigious collaborations

Since 2017, Olivier has been collaborating with the LUMA Foundation in Arles as a materials engineering designer. His notable achievements include an installation of recycled concrete panels for the Pavillon des Ressources, highlighting the impact of sustainable materials, as well as the development of a biodegradable structure used in a collaborative exhibition with artist Precious Okoyomon. He has developed materials with low environmental impact, such as recycled and compostable concretes, which have been used in collaborative projects with the LUMA Foundation, demonstrating their potential for sustainability and innovation. His collaborations with artists such as Pierre Huyghe and Precious Okoyomon have resulted in major installations that challenge convention and explore new dimensions of materials.

The Art of Matter

Olivier draws inspiration from ancient techniques, such as those used in 16th-century Venetian palaces, to create breathable, antibacterial surfaces. He reinvents these skills by integrating modern solutions: concrete that changes color according to temperature, surfaces that absorb air pollution, or biodegradable structures. His “Poussières d'Alpilles” project is a perfect illustration of this approach: using local quarry residues to create a tangible link between the natural landscape and the built environment.

An Ecological and Innovative Vision

Olivier describes himself as the “chef of concrete”: his mission is to create the most environmentally-friendly concrete possible. Like a chef who carefully selects his ingredients, Olivier integrates unique materials such as crushed oyster shells, quarry residues and natural fibers. Oyster shells add strength, quarry residues reduce the carbon footprint by reusing waste, and natural fibers improve the material's flexibility, with each 'ingredient' playing a crucial role in enhancing the concrete's ecological and structural properties. He uses bio-based materials and experiments with innovative techniques, such as integrating bacteria to “repair” cracks or designing concretes capable of absorbing CO2. His vision is not limited to concrete: he is also developing compacted earth floors, which offer excellent thermal regulation and a low carbon footprint, and exploring the use of gypsum, which is less energy-intensive than traditional cement while offering great finishing flexibility.

A commitment to the future

Ol&lO continue to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation, sharing their expertise with customers around the world and collaborating with leading art institutions. Their vision is to create spaces that are beautiful, functional and sustainable, where art, architecture and ecology coexist in harmony.

To find out more about our made-to-measure creations, contact us today or browse through our realisations.