This question entices us to observe the creative ways in which new phenomena, things and ideas are incorporated by agents into existing sociocultural frameworks. One area in which changes are particularly visible is the built environment. In Laos, uplanders, many of whom belong to ethnic minorities, are currently experimenting with cement as a new building material. In recent years, the built landscape in northwestern Laos has been changing drastically. Construction Pioneers is a Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft funded project, discussing the apparently simple question of how local house builders in Laos handle this new building material and transform the design and shape of houses.