Blocks 101

Blocks are widely used in the construction industry. Blocks happen to be larger than bricks, enabling them to be laid more quickly as compared to bricks. This material provides convenience to the user as they fasten the construction process.

General process of laying blocks:

Clay Blocks

Clay blocks are versatile and efficient materials used in the construction industry. The ability of clay blocks to save energy combined with the build quality and speed overpowers other traditional blocks. The benefits are such that buildings with clay blocks have become the foremost method of construction in many European countries. Clay blocks are suitable for single- and multi-storey applications as they are used both commercially and domestically. Modern clay blocks are precision-engineered walling units designed to be thermally and acoustically efficient. During the manufacturing process, clay is prepared with sand, straw or recycled materials; extruded, dried and fired. The addition of these materials helps enhance their properties as they are burned off during firing leaving behind miniscule small holes and connecting pores. The air trapped within these pores help retain heat and reduce sound transmission.

Here's a video on an innovation on clay bricks; he is using vetiver grass, which is termite-proof, instead of straw:

And if you're up for some explosive action, come watch this:

Benefits of clay blocks

·         a pleasant room temperature all year round

·         ideal humidity levels

·         dry walls without any trapped vapour

·         healthy indoor air which can be circulated very easily

Ecological aspect

·         The façade built as a monolithic wall without any artificial insulation and thus it is free of harmful biocides. This is due to the fact that biocidal treatment of fungal and algae growth poses problems with artificial insulation systems.

·         Compound thermal insulation systems are more susceptible than a rendered monolithic wall and they have a limited lifespan (max. 30-40 years). After that the façade has to be disposed of as hazardous waste. This is not only absurd from an ecological aspect, but also very expensive. This insulation mania will cause considerable ecological problems in the future.

·         Clay can even be used as healing clay.

      

      The picture below depicts the construction of a boundary wall with blocks: