For those not ready for the concept of 3D printed houses, an Israeli company called Kite Bricks is developing a technology that may be considered a precursor. The technology isn’t yet available, but company officials say they’re planning to complete research and development and begin constructing its first homes some time in 2016, eventually making them available worldwide.
Kite Bricks are constructed from high-strength concrete and look like very large (cinderblock size) Legos. Through a mortar-free method of attachment, blocks are stacked and affixed together (again, like Legos) to build walls, ceilings and floor structures, through a method that company officials say is designed to be “faster, cheaper, more precise and stronger” than traditional building methods. Open spaces within each brick interlock, forming channels for routing of mechanicals, while brick faces may be removed after installation for future access.
While Kite Bricks will come prefinished, Ronnie Zohar, the company’s chief executive officer, says it’s conceivable that they will offer the ability to be combined with traditional building materials. Though bricks can be placed by hand, his company is working on a robotic system for automated construction.
