The project was designed to provide engineering guidelines to policy-makers in the upgrading of the Caribbean Uniform Building Code (CUBIC). After discussions with the Government of Saint Lucia a community building was selected on which a comprehensive engineering analysis was to be conducted. The analysis would provide engineers and architects with the information needed to strengthen the building so it could withstand the wind forces of at least a Category 4 Hurricane.

The building selected was one used as a community center and which in the event of a hurricane threat could also be used as a hurricane shelter. In addition to the engineering retrofitting, the redesign included a backup renewable photovoltaic energy supply, a rain-water harvesting storage system and a communication system. The preparedness in the event of a storm-related loss of power and water due to a storm would alleviate the hardship and inconveniences associated with storms and hurricanes. The photographs show the before and after views of the Marchand building.