Lego-like construction blocks used in the Palm Springs apartment project by Arquitectonica in Florida have revolutionized building efficiency. Designed by Renco, the stackable blocks made from repurposed glass fibers, resin, and stone, offer strength, affordability, and quick assembly. Previously utilized in Turkey for post-earthquake reconstruction, these blocks reduce construction time and costs while ensuring durability against environmental threats. The 96-apartment complex, completed in record time with minimal labor, marks the first use of these blocks in the US, showcasing a significant advancement in construction technology.
Florida-based manufacturer Renco has employed stackable, Lego-like blocks made from repurposed materials to construct an apartment block in Palm Springs, designed by architecture studio Arquitectonica. Composed of a composite of glass fibers, resin, and stone, the blocks are designed to be stronger, more energy-efficient, and more affordable than traditional materials, according to Renco. These blocks were initially used in Turkey to rebuild infrastructure quickly and affordably after earthquakes. “Renco’s structural building system is a new way to build that is 23 times stronger than concrete, less expensive, and finished in a fraction of the time,” said the company.
Each block is topped with knobs similar to those found on Lego blocks, allowing them to interlock and form entire structures. “Think of it like a real-life Lego kit – molded blocks that interlock and create entire structures,” Renco added. “By simplifying construction into a Lego-like kit, Renco buildings can be assembled much faster, reducing time on the job and energy consumption.”
An individual block consists of a composite of glass fibers, resin, and stone, with 40% of the materials repurposed from sources such as the massive boat-building industry. Each molded block is rectangular and topped with a series of knobs, interlocking and stacking like Lego blocks. The typical block measures 8 by 8 by 16 inches (20 by 20 by 40 centimeters) and weighs 20% less than a traditional concrete block.
A two-part methyl methacrylate adhesive binds the blocks together. “To build with Renco, all that is required is a fork truck to lift the materials, a glue gun powered by a small generator, and a mallet,” the team explained. “Crews don’t need heavy equipment or power tools – no exterior scaffolding, no big cranes, no cutting, burning, welding, or grinding.”
This construction method is notably faster and more affordable. “It only takes about two hours to train a person to build with Renco, so construction projects are not delayed due to traditional labor shortages,” said the team. The first Renco USA housing complex in Palm Springs, Florida, was completed in record time. With 11 unskilled workers, it took about eight weeks to assemble each of the four identical three-story buildings.
According to the team, the construction method can triple a building’s lifespan and is rated to be hurricane and earthquake-resistant. The blocks are also fire, water, mold, termite, and pest-resistant. “It simply won’t rust or rot, and nothing will consume it,” the team claimed. The construction blocks have passed over 400 rigorous safety tests for use in the US.
Arquitectonica’s structure contains 96 apartments dispersed across four identical buildings marked by colorful entrances. This project is the first in the US to utilize these blocks. Recently, Chinese materials company Yi Design created a porous brick using 90% recycled ceramic waste that could be used to mitigate flooding.
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