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BlockBuild Porotherm Clay Block Homes
A lifetime of luxury indoor living, starting at $3,500-$5,500/m2*
A lifetime of unparalleled indoor comfort, priced comparatively to timber frame.
What is BlockBuild?
BlockBuild is a confined masonry construction system that redefines indoor home comfort & wellbeing in New Zealand.
The unique properties of the block work together to create an unmatched indoor living environment for your family - fresh, tranquil, quiet, solid, and permanent.
It's affordable, too, being priced comparatively to 90mm timber frame*.
BlockBuild across NZ.
41 projects either completed or in progress across NZ
Approved by 25 Councils in NZ from Queenstown to Mangawhai
Why Build with Clay Block?
The one wall does it all.
FIRE RESISTANCE
Porotherm blocks are non-combustible and achieve an A1 resistance rating
THERMAL EFFICIENCY
R-values between 1.7 – 5.4. Thermal mass in creates an all-year-round living temperature between 18-22C.
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
No condensation, humidity, mould or dampness – completely dry.
SEISMIC PERFORMANCE
Design-engineered to meet the world’s highest seismicity requirements.
BUILD PRICE
Finished wall price per m2 competes with 90mm timber-frame construction.
Benefits of Building with Porotherm Clay Block.
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Longevity: Clay block buildings have a history of lasting for centuries in Europe, providing a sense of longevity and durability. Appealing to those who value long-lasting structures.
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Comparative Comfort: The difference in feel between a timber/stick frame home and a clay/block build home is noted, qualities such as quietness, solidity, and a sense of safety. Particularly attractive to those seeking a comfortable living environment.
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High Durability and Performance: High durability and performance, clay block homes require less maintenance over time compared to other construction methods. An appealing feature for those looking for a cost-effective and low-maintenance housing solutions.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Clay block homes can be built for the same cost as a 140mm timber stick frame home, an incentive for homeowners to consider...
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Growing Interest in Better Building Methods: Kiwis are becoming more discerning and seeking a better way to build aligning with a global trend toward sustainable and durable construction practices.
Cost Comparison.
BlockBuild vs Other Construction Materials
Porotherm BLOCKBUILD homes are comparable to 90mm timber frame builds in cost.
*Case Studies show m2 build rate for Porotherm using R25 construction system is between $3,500-$5,500/m2 in 2024/2025 when adhering to Brick + Co.’s project management & design specifications. Final build rates are always design specific.
Cost Comparison Chart: Based on wall area, not floor area.
Case Study - Karapiro Boathouse.
Natural Lime Plaster Finish.
Your interior blockwork can be finished with 100% natural, breathable lime-based plasters by EzyMix.
These plasters marry perfectly with the clay block to create a serene, cool indoor living environment and allows air & moisture to be regulated by your walls, naturally.
What Clients Say.
...The customer service we received from our first enquiry right up until today where we are mid-construction has been amazing! From the initial email, to phone calls talking us through the different options of Porotherm vs CLIMAmur, through ordering, shipping and construction, we have received awesome communication and great advice along the way.
We decided on the CLIMAmur, mainly as we were Aucklanders moving to the Top of the South, so we wanted to make sure we didn’t have to acclimatize too much! We have the peace of mind that our home will be warm and dry and will be with us through whatever the New Zealand environment can throw at it. Especially considering we are building on top of a ‘Mountain’ in a Very High wind zone. Additionally, it will require near-zero energy, which is perfect for our Off Grid living. The fact that the Clay Blocks are eco-friendly and sustainable is a bonus.
We are super happy with our decision to build with CLIMAmur and can’t wait to see how it performs when the build is complete...
Patrick & Ashley Koenig
Homeowners
Motueka BlockBuild
I love living in that house...
The guest house with no heat always sits 10 degrees above the outside air temperature.
There’s a massive improvement in the temperatures of the house if you have a sunny day in winter as the blocks slowly release the stored heat overnight.
You do need to put heat into the house to remain comfortable, especially after an overcast day. The benefit of the block is the heat you put in it stays in. For example last night 0 outside I lit the one fire in the evening and dampened it overnight. My room was 15 this morning (coldest room) but the rest of the house was comfortable. Which is saying something with our high ceilings and large open spaces. Was only when I went out to the car I realised how cold it was outside. The house is extremely efficient.
The other thing I love about the house is that it can be howling winds outside and you just sit there feeling safe in such a strong, solid home.
Absolutely love it.
Roger Laxon
Homeowner
Karapiro BlockBuild
“Jon and I have really enjoyed working with the guys on our boatshed. Firstly the design of the building itself is beautiful. The style is classic and the proportions are lovely to look at. Having travelled to Europe recently we both wanted to build with a product that would last 200 years or more, like they do in Europe. The Porotherm block certainly fits this space. The appeal wasn’t just in the longevity of the building, it was also the high R value of the block, and the fact that it breathes. At this point in time all the blocks are in, the roof is on and the windows arrive in the next few days. I really look forward to the blocks being plastered, as I envisage this will be amazing to see.
Jon & Jo Leigh
Homeowners
Karapiro Boathouse BlockBuild
“It’s now almost 6 months since we moved into our home. Summer and Autumn temperatures have given me a chance to form some impressions of how the house performs in a range of conditions.
The overwhelming impression I felt in the first two months was ‘How cool’ it was; loving the design and the materials of construction, the fantastic quality and feel of the joinery, the organic nature of the interior walls, but also the literal ‘coolness’ of the interior during the very hot, humid summer we were experiencing. The best way to demonstrate this was to simply take one step inside from the North facing deck and out again; it was amazing to feel the difference in temperature with one simple step!
Needless to say, I spent a lot of time during the middle of most days enjoying the sunshine from inside the house without experiencing the unbearable humidity or extremes of temperature…"
Alijca & Chris Ginders
Homeowners
Cambridge BlockBuild
This has been a two-stage build with the first stage Garage and Studio constructed from traditional timber framing followed by the main house from Porotherm block.
It has been an interesting comparison from multiple perspectives. Firstly the time to get the walls up (we cut and nailed the timber frames on site) has been significantly less with the Porotherm block. The amount of rubbish produced with a timber framing system is dreadful when compared to what we are now experiencing with the Porotherm block system. (virtually nil)
We are yet to fully appreciate the thermal and health benefits of the Porotherm blocks over timber framed construction – suffice to say our dog prefers sitting in the shade of the Porotherm walls as opposed to the Garage and studio.
John Eady
Homeowner
Mangawhai BlockBuild
Porotherm BLOCKBUILD Construction.
View our animation video showcasing the POROTHERM BLOCKBUILD building construction method.
Forming sturdy walls that promise durability, energy efficiency, and unparalleled comfort. From foundation to finishing touches, experience the seamless integration of design and sustainability. Join us as we redefine the possibilities of modern architecture, one block at a time.
Block Build - in a nutshell.
BUILD SMARTER
BUILD BETTER
POROTHERM stands as an innovative walling system, distinct in its aerated, honeycomb-matrix clay block construction – not just a facing brick but a structural marvel. Developed by Wienerberger, Europe's leading clay construction materials manufacturer, POROTHERM has become integral to up to 80% of commercial and residential constructions across Europe. A globally proven solution, cherished for centuries, it is now gaining rapid acclaim worldwide.
In New Zealand, POROTHERM is making its mark with up to 48 projects in various stages of planning and completion. The system offers a cost per square meter comparable to a 140mm timber frame build. Beyond cost-effectiveness, POROTHERM boasts seismic and fire resistance, durability, breathability, and a 100% natural composition.
With a design life of 150 years and a material life exceeding 400 years, POROTHERM ensures longevity. The average block thickness of 250mm and R-values ranging from 1.7 to 5.4 contribute to its thermal efficiency. The thermal mass within POROTHERM walls regulates temperatures, providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer, maintaining an optimal living temperature between 18-22°C throughout the year. Additionally, POROTHERM demands near-zero energy and minimal maintenance, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable choice for modern construction practices.
Brochures
Dryfix System.
BUILD SMARTER
BUILD BETTER
The Dryfix.System with Porotherm Structural Clay Blocks is a perfect replacement for cement mortar and helps you build walls saving on natural resources like water and sand.
Porotherm Dryfix.System, is a revolutionary dry mortar or super glue that can entirely replace the conventional sand, cement, mortar and helps you build walls without the need for curing, thus saving valuable time and precious natural resources.
The benefits include:
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No sand – No Mortar
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No Curing
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Fastest way of construction
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Easy to transport – light in weight, compact, large coverage
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Dry Wall System
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Clean site
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Zero Wastage
Most building sites are known to waste an average 23 litres of water per m2 during wall construction. DryFix addresses the problem of using water to mix concrete and clean up waste on site.
Cost effective, easy to apply & sustainable construction practices helps contractors save valuable time and cost in man hours, leading to faster delivery of projects.
