A new LEGO-type construction brick could retire concrete and cement. It reduces construction time and cost. We could be facing a real revolution! This new material is making a strong impact and changing the sector. It’s a new brick made of mineral fiber that is beginning to be sold in the United States. It comes from Renco, a company that manufactures it from glass fibers, natural calcium compounds, and resin. It can perfectly replace concrete, cement, or wood thanks to its multiple benefits.
This new construction material fits together like LEGO pieces. The assembly process is simplified, reducing construction time. Buildings can be erected in record time without resorting to cement or mortar. Another aspect of this material is that it comes in various colors for easy assembly. Buildings of all kinds can be constructed following several steps. To secure these blocks, a chemical adhesive must be applied with a glue gun.
The LEGO-type brick requires no maintenance and is more resistant and lighter than traditional bricks. It’s a more insulating product than traditional ones, a sustainable material obtained from natural raw materials and resistant to water, fire, and mold. Its marketing in the United States is already underway.
The LEGO-type brick is 100% recyclable
The material presented by Renco promotes the concept of sustainable and recyclable construction. “Since it is 100% recyclable, with a lower carbon footprint and no waste on the job site, Renco is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than building with wood or concrete. And it will last longer than any current construction system, as it does not rust or rot, termites cannot eat it, mold will not grow, and it is fire retardant,” communicates former US Congressman Patrick E. Murphy, who is leading the company’s expansion, as reported by AD Magazine.
We are facing a system of blocks, each weighing about 3.5 kg, made from recycled materials. This system has been achieved after a decade of testing and has been certified for use according to the International Building Code (IBC). “Renco is currently approved for seismic design categories A and B, and expects to reach C, D, and E by the end of 2023,” the company stated.
This project is an example of how the industry is increasingly focusing on obtaining more sustainable materials and systems than wood or concrete. The trigger is not only environmental awareness but also the change in flows and the growing need for labor, warns Tom Murphy Jr., co-founder of Renco and CEO of the Coastal Construction Group.
“Renco addresses the labor shortage in the United States because workers do not need specialized training; instead, almost anyone can build the color-coded system with easy-to-follow plans, all in a shorter time period than typical construction. These advantages also mean that builders can create more housing units at a more affordable price,” explains Murphy.
The LEGO brick is already being established in the sector
The company already has its first completed project in Palm Beach, Florida. It’s a project of four buildings and 96 apartments that are already occupied. Among the investors in this first development is Gil Dezer, president of Dezer Development. They don’t have a factory yet, but with what the investors have contributed so far, they will build their first factory in Jupiter, Florida. This product promises to be the material of the future!
