Interlocking Bricks - Save your construction cost

Product: Interlocking Bricks (update in 2013 posted at the end of this write up)

Interlocking bricks - as the name suggests locks itself with other bricks and it is these interlocks which give strength to the wall. No cement mixture is needed for the bonding.

This is a concept which many people of my State (Kerala) is not well aware of. People often tend to reject anything which is new. Same was the case with Interlocking bricks, as was evident by the response of people whom I approached to get expert opinion on the usage of these bricks.

It was my architect who introduced this concept to me. After visiting two or three houses built by the architect using these bricks, I decided that I was going to use this for construction.

 

Click here to get some useful Bathroom construction tips

The major difference with the normal bricks used for construction and the interlocking bricks are

1. Interlocking bricks are not baked, it is just mud in high density pressed using a pressing machine and allowed to solidify by drying naturally. Some chemicals are added for increasing the bondstrength. Normal bricks are baked ones
2. Size of interlocking brick is more. Approximately it is 2.5 times more in volume than the baked bricks. (size is 10" x 8" x 4")
3. Weight of Interlocking bricks is more than equivalent volume of baked bricks.

Method of Construction using interlocking bricks

1. Normal basement is to be laid down first. Since the interlocking bricks have more weight than conventional bricks, a more stronger basement is needed.

2. Once basement is laid, one layer of normal baked bricks is placed over the basement. Width of this layer shall match with the thickness of the wall which is going to be built using interlocking bricks.

Quick fact: the windows you see in the above picture are concrete frames. to know the pros and cons Click here to learn my experience.

3. The Interlocking bricks are neatly arranged over this layer. (Experienced labourers are a must, since any irregularities in their placement cannot be corrected at a later stage.

4. While concreting the roof, ensure that the edges of the roof projects out a little more than the wall. This is to ensure that rain water do not flow through the walls.

5. Once the construction is complete the corners of the wall are completely plastered using the cement. This helps to have adequate pressure from the sides of the building for the bricks bonded together. The pressure from the top is from the concrete above. So it is as if the interlocking is placed with adequate pressure from all the four boundaries.

Before plastering the edges

after plastering the edges

A close up view of the plastered edges

6. The external wall can be left as such without painting. But the gaps have to be filled with like colored cement.

If painting need to be done, it can be done directly over this wall. (I chose not to paint)

7. If internal wall need to be plastered, it is better to make the surface rough before plastering, since the surface of this brick is relatively smooth.

Advantages of Interlocking bricks

1. Cost saving in terms of cement, sand and water.

2. Design is more blended with nature as arificial bonding mechanism is completely done away with

3. The walls have more strength than the normal walls. (just hit the wall and listen to the sound of walls made by interlocking bricks as well as by normal bricks)

4. These bricks does not heat up as fast as normal bricks, hence the room will remain cooler.

5. Since no painting is required another cost saving


Disadvantage of Interlocking Bricks

1. The space between the interlocks of these bricks is enough for insects and ants to set up there homes. (To avoid this point the gaps using cement mixed with redoxide and do periodic mainteance once in 6 years)

2. If rain water flows through these bricks, the color of the brick changes very fast.

3. It is difficult to ensure availability of the same coloured bricks for the entire construction. If painting is not planned, all the bricks should be having the same color. For this all these bricks have to made from the soil of the same place.

4. Not suitable for buildings having more than 2 floors, if it is not supported by pillars. Pillars are not needed for double storeyed buildings.

Cost of one brick is approximately Rs. 12/- (In 2004)
Purchased from Sal Interlocks Thumba

Update on Nov 2010:
Sal interlock is closed now
Two more units are there in Thiruvananthapuram. One is near Puliyarakonam and other one is in MC Road near Venjarammood.

Update on Oct 2013
Current cost of brick is Rs. 28 (add Rs 3 for unloading too)
Initially when I constructed my house using interlocking bricks, I had plans to plaster and paint the exterior, after 5 years. Now 8 years completed. Still the exterior having fresh looks that I need not think of plastering or painting. Thanks to my architect who suggested to leave the exterior without polishing, and to the design which ensured that water doesn't flow through the walls during rains, it is still holding up good.  The plastered interior is due for a repaint now though.

Recently I fixed up some more cupboards (read showcase) using PVC and aluminium. The fixing of these by screwing was also not a problem. The brick doesn't break up. You can read about the low cost solution for wardrobe and kitchen cabinets by clicking here.


If you want to have more information on these bricks please post your question as comments or email me.

My architect was Mr.G Sankar of Habitat Group.

To read my experience of entire house construction , click here

Why don't you have a look at my Travel blog tooo? You can find exclusive coverage of exotic locations in and around Kerala - God's own country. Click here to view my travel blog