Why BlockBuild? | BlockBuild

WHY KIWIS ARE CHOOSING TO BLOCKBUILD.

SAFE

QUALITY

SAVING

VALUE

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QUALITY

Porotherm Structural Clay load bearing Walling Block

FOR KIWIS WHO KNOW QUALITY

The unmistakable quality of a clay block home is evident in its substantial walls, measuring at least 270mm thick when finished. In the CLIMAmur range, these blocks can even reach up to 420mm in thickness, providing versatility for various cladding systems.

A solid clay block wall, devoid of extra insulation, strapping, or lining, and adorned only with natural lime plasters on the interior, stands as a testament to the block's inherent functionality.

The use of lime plasters on the interior allows the block to breathe, ensuring a 100% natural indoor air quality. This design also facilitates an even, all-year-round living temperature, requiring minimal heating or cooling. The permeability of the block enables moisture and air to move freely, contributing to a consistently healthy and completely natural living environment.

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SAFE

Porotherm Structural Clay load bearing Walling Lintel Block

FOR KIWIS WHO LIKE TO GET THE BASICS RIGHT

Your home serves as both your fortress and shield, providing a haven of safety and protection for you and your family throughout the year.

The construction system is a structural design-engineered or SED system, ensuring resilience against earthquakes in all seismic zones across New Zealand. Notably, the Porotherm clay block construction system has gained approval from over 20 local councils, spanning from Queenstown to Mangawhai.

In addition to its earthquake-resistant qualities, the clay block material offers exceptional fire resistance. The limited use of timber, mainly in doors, jambs, trims, and trusses, ensures that these homes are highly unlikely to succumb to destructive fires.

Your Porotherm clay block walls contribute significantly to maintaining a dry and healthy living environment. The blocks are meticulously finished with breathable lime plasters and mineral paints, preventing any moisture from being trapped within the walls. This eliminates concerns such as condensation and crying windows, ensuring a home free from respiratory issues caused by trapped molds, rotting timbers, or compromised Gib board.

In essence, your home is not just a dwelling; it is a meticulously designed and engineered space that prioritises safety, resilience, and the overall well-being of its inhabitants.

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NATURAL

Porotherm Structural Clay internal Walling Block

FOR KIWIS WHO LIKE TO BLEND WITH NATURE

Creating a perfectly natural and healthy living environment, Stellaria advocates for the use of ancient materials like clay, lime, and stone in their construction. These time-tested materials, with a rich history in building, contribute to a home that can "breathe."

Stellaria emphasizes the importance of plastering or sealing the blocks with 100% natural plasters and sealants to maintain functionality. Fortunately, several reputable companies in New Zealand now manufacture high-quality natural mineral paints and plasters for this purpose.

Homes constructed with these materials ensure no out-gassing, eliminating formaldehydes or toxicity from materials such as tanalised timbers, insulation, or paints. The indoor air quality remains 100% natural and pure. The interior lime plasters, available in a variety of colors, not only allow air to circulate freely, but they also act as a natural air freshener and purifier without any toxic additives, providing a healthy living space.

This design eliminates the need for an air exchange system, and during winter months when ventilation may be challenging, the walls naturally facilitate air movement. The same principle applies in the summer, ensuring a consistently fresh and natural atmosphere within the home.

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DURABLE

FOR KIWIS WHO UNDERSTAND THE TEST OF TIME

Create a lasting family legacy with a construction system you can trust, ensuring a home that can be safely handed down to your children without worries of future problems or high maintenance costs.

Challenge the conventional Kiwi dream of selling for quick capital gain within 5-7 years by prioritising durability and longevity. Move away from the rush to sell before a 10-year master build warranty expires or issues arise in your home.

Opting for a construction system that prioritises durability means freeing your family from the burden of living with moisture-related problems or issues stemming from poor quality timbers and workmanship. This system is designed for those who value longevity, envisioning a home that can proudly stay within the family for many generations without concerns.

Unlike traditional timber methods that may expand and contract with the seasons, particularly in New Zealand's climate of high rainfall and humidity followed by hot summers, this construction system ensures stability throughout the year. When you are confident that your walls will remain stable regardless of the seasons, you're investing in a home designed to outlast many generations.

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STABLE IN
VALUE

Porotherm Structural Clay load bearing portal Walling Block

FOR KIWIS WHO KNOW THIS IS THE FUTURE

Experience a shift from short-term gains to the new norm: long-term stability. While the cost of timber frame construction has risen, building with Porotherm clay block has remained consistently stable.

Now competing favorably with a $4,500 to $5,500 per square meter rate for timber builds, this system not only matches in cost but surpasses timber frame builds on every level.

Construct solid, stable walls in more ways than one. Porotherm walls ensure a high-performance, highly durable masonry home. Masonry is inherently stable, providing enduring value for both your health and your investment.

A clay block home, requiring minimal maintenance, appreciates in value over time. Say goodbye to the frequent repainting or restaining of timbers every 5-10 years at significant cost. Build the walls, live in them, and enjoy the enduring benefits—simplicity and lasting value.

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ENERGY
SAVING

Porotherm Structural Clay load bearing Insulated Walling Block

FOR KIWIS WHO UNDERSTAND PEACE OF MIND

Step into a home where you'll rarely need to fuss with heating or cooling – no chilly blasts from heat pumps here! Instead, we recommend cosy alternatives like infra-red, in-slab water systems, or efficient log burners for your health and comfort during winter.

Our Porotherm walls are like the unsung heroes, holding onto the warmth generated by everyday activities – cooking, using computers, and the simple warmth of human presence. Thanks to the honeycomb matrix, it takes a leisurely 12 hours for the heat or cool to move around, meaning your home won't lose its comfy warmth the moment the fire goes out.

Summer is a breeze too! No need for air conditioning as the walls chill out at night, holding onto that refreshing coolness all day long.

So, get ready for year-round comfort that not only makes your home a cozy haven but also significantly cuts down those energy bills. People living in these homes often share that it rarely drops below 17-18 degrees Celsius all year round – no heating or cooling required. Welcome to a home that's as friendly to you as it is to your wallet!

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EFFICIENT

FOR KIWIS WHO KNOW THERE IS A BETTER WAY

Enter the world of Porotherm Clay Block – a highly adaptable construction system catering to Kiwis who seek a superior alternative. This system isn't limited by size, complexity, or purpose; it seamlessly fits any home, large or small, any design, simple or complex, and any level, be it a single or multi-level structure.

Whether it's for offices, apartments, or commercial spaces, there are no design restrictions—just a matter of engineering and smart space utilisation.

With only x8 blocks per square meter, this system is both efficient and swift in construction, utilising 1/4 less steel and concrete compared to traditional concrete block systems. The DryFix glue in ready-to-use cartridges replaces traditional mortars, eliminating on-site mortar mixing and reducing water waste.

Designing to the block module minimises on-site cutting, and any clay block waste can be environmentally repurposed into the garden, driveway, or soak pit. Welcome to a construction approach that combines adaptability, efficiency, and sustainability.

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BUILDING ENVELOPE

FOR KIWIS WHO UNDERSTAND

BUILDING PREFORMANCE

Embark on a holistic building journey with our complete, efficient, and environmentally conscious system. We strongly recommend constructing the foundation using our recycled pod system, completely eliminating the use of polystyrene on-site.

Our building philosophy revolves around sustainability, performance, and the well-being of residents. From the ground up, our construction approach is harmoniously aligned with the environment and the people dwelling within.

In our pursuit of a healthier living space, we actively minimise the use of toxic building materials. This includes a reduction in tanalised timbers, polystyrenes, and other materials known for unhealthy outgassing during and after construction.

For us, building science and performance are intertwined. Understanding the connection between materials and ultimate performance is paramount. We aim for you to live in a building seamlessly integrated with the environment, creating a space that resonates with you. This commitment is our Porotherm Promise to you!