The work done at the PCSIR Laboratories, Karachi, on the development of building materials based on indigenous materials is described. The products mentioned are: Balcrete (foam concrete) obtained from hydrolyzed proteins and stabilized by the addition of suitable chemicals; jutoid mattingtbitumen emulsion, a castor oil based colour-less waterproofing composition, Cemto (Type B), Cemcon, cement concrete plasticizer, a rapid-hardening cement, Pakcem, Marbolite, sand-lime bricks, sodium silicate-based paints, high-grade putties, heat and sound insulation boards, rice husks for incorporation into insulating concrete, chipboards, hard board, Clifton sand, Cuprex (wood preservative), and three fire-fighting compositions (ABCO foam compound), Antifireol, and a non-framing dry fire - fighting powder.