Cinderblocks

Cinderblocks are the lego brick of informal urban space. They empower anyone to build shelter.

• They are cheap.
• They let you build incrementally. Cinderblocks are freestanding and structural, so you can leave parts of a building unfinished, adding rooms as needed.
• They don't require capital. You can purchase them as you go.
• You don't need an architect to build with Cinderblocks.

Problems

• They are deadly during earthquakes.
• Cinderblocks reflect a lot of noise.
• They are ugly.

Supply-side

Cinderblocks are made from cast concrete, (Portland cement and aggregate). Usually sand and fine gravel for high-density blocks. Low-density blocks often use industrial wastes as an aggregate. Lightweight blocks can be produced using aerated concrete.

• They are easy to make.
• All you need is a mold.
• They allow you to sell a waste product.
• Concrete is universal.

Ideas and Possibilities

Can we build a better cinderblock? To improve on the current design, some desirable properties:

• Cheap
• Easy to manufacture (re-using waste if possible)
• Buy as you go
• Build as you go — structural, stackable
• Earthquake resistant
• Fire resistant
• Hollow, light
• Heat/cold insulating
• Noise insulating
• Biodegradable over long periods

Can we re-think the process?

• Could we 3D print it?
• Can we get rid of the need for morter with a slots/connector geometry?
• Can we make them lighter and easier to transport to your home?
• Scaling down: what designing a [[better tarp]]?
• Scaling up: better slab building construction for 3-6 stories.

Could one make something like Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete using mud, recycled plastics or other readily available materials?

Existing Tools, Prior Art, Inspiration

• Earthquake-resistant masonry walls using a mortarless construction system
• Ubuntublox — building haybale homes from plastic and agro waste.
• Strawbale Construction
• Ferrock Ferrock is a new cement that uses waste steel dust. It's stronger than conventional cement and absorbs CO2.
• Kickstarter for a compressed earth brick press. Part of the Global Village Construction Set.
• Inexpensive Quake-Proof Houses (paper)
• Knotty Objects: Brick from MIT Media Lab.

[[Fundamental needs]]