Will We Ever See Lego-Like Homes in the GTA?

An innovative approach to construction called “Smart Bricks” (S-Bricks) is patent pending, after being in the development stages for three years. This new Lego-esque construction process by Kite Bricks, is said to have the ability to reduce regular construction costs by 50 percent, lower energy bills significantly, maintain a cleaner and quieter construction site and reduce construction time by 80 percent.

A concept that has been talked about and attempted for years, S-Bricks are made out of high-strength concrete that can connect to each other in a variety of forms. Like Lego, the top of the bricks are lined with knobs that fit into the slots at the bottom of other bricks. Unlike Lego, these bricks are secured together by a special adhesive that works like a double-sided tape (though, much stronger).

S-Bricks Prototype - Via arstechnica.com

Similar to technological ideas we’ve seen in the past, that allow for wiring, steel bars and insulation, these blocks have internal spaces designed for these elements. Customizable according to where the bricks are being placed and what might be the needs in their position, all of the bricks feature removable panels that facilitate wiring, plumbing and insulating. Unlike some ikea-style homes we’ve heard about, these bricks are conveniently adaptable; the same bricks can be used for floors, ceilings and walls.

According to Kite Bricks, this new method of construction will be able to reduce the cost of construction by up to 50 percent. Previously a proprietor of a company that improves insulation within homes by applying layers of film over windows, Kite Bricks owner Ronnie Zohar says that “windows in the building are a small part of the heat problem - most of the problem is the concrete with the steel inside that get hot or cold.” The solution he produced is a brick that is “light and strong like steel,” but that doesn’t heat or cool like steel. Primarily focussed on developing a model that is strong and can be adequately insulated, Zohar says that his inspiration did not come from Lego, despite its resemblance, the easy connect design was only a secondary feature of his concept.

Attracting attention with just a prototype, Zohar is hoping to garner future investors who will contribute close to $3 million in order to bring S-Bricks to market. One of Zohar’s goals is to extend first world conveniences like thermal insulation to the third world by making it economical: “I’d like people in Africa and other places in the world to be able to build with our brick and get a thermally insulated house using the same money they would have spent on tin.”

Do you think builders in the GTA will someday use this material?