Eco-friendly building uses interlocking wooden bricks

With three sizes available, the patented system of building with interlocking wood bricks makes construction projects quick and easy to self-assemble in days.

French construction company Brikawood has created a new building method that uses a single component – interlocking wooden bricks. The bricks are completely recyclable, provide high quality heating and waterproofing and are available in three different sizes. For the largest construction projects, such as a home, the company recommends its largest brick, the 250. Additionally, building designers recommend a brick size of 160 if the space is less than 50 square meters. For structures that are too small to need planning permission, such as studio space and garden sheds, the smallest brick size – the 120 – is proposed.

Each brick is made from four pieces of Douglas wood, a Class 3 certified eco wood. The two sides of each brick connect two spacers. Each brick then interlocks with the others, allowing for the exclusion of nails, glue or screws in entire structures. Brikawood offers a range of packages that include studio and micro house kits. The micro house kit comes with all plans, subflooring, insulation and more. For an additional fee, interior design, plumbing and electrical assistance can also be provided. For larger buildings of bespoke constructions, Brikawood provides teams of trained fitters and joiners who can help with the self-building process.

As the materials used in construction continuously improve and change, projects are also working to persuade many in society to adapt their concept of home. For some, that may mean co-working and co-living around the world with a single lease; for others, that could mean a fully transportable, adaptable home that could be placed almost anywhere. With sustainability increasingly essential in all living arrangements, what types of technological innovation would help campaigns for wider adaptation of micro-homes?