Interlocking blocks – a cost effective building solution for Africa

Interlocking soil-cement blocks allow for the
quick and cost efficient construction of
housing units and other buildings. South
Africa-based Hydraform's Interlocking
Blockmaking Machines are currently being
used across Africa by property developers,
entrepreneurs, governments and NGOs.
One such company that is benefitting from
Hydraform's technology is Malawi's Hydra
Homes Ltd. Formed in 2009 by a British
Chartered Civil Engineer, the company has over
200 employees engaged in construction
projects around Malawi.
Hydra Homes specialises in dry stacked
interlocking construction utilising Hydraform's
blocks. This sets them apart from any other
construction company in Malawi. Hydra Homes
has an in-house architectural and engineering
team that can offer simple advice on projects
or develop full technical drawings for
developments for planning and construction.
Why interlocking blocks
Steven Tucker, international sales manager at
Hydraform, says that using interlocking blocks
have numerous benefits, especially for
companies operating on the continent.
One of the advantages of interlocking blocks is
that they can be dry-stacked with no mortar.
"This greatly increases the speed of
construction," he says.
This building system has been extensively
tested for structural strength and durability, as
well as for fire, rain and sound resistance.
Hydraform's blockmaking machines only use
three inputs, namely soil that can be sourced
on site, a small amount of cement that
provides stability to the blocks, and water. As a
result, the machines are ideal for sites where
transport costs for cement and sand are high.
They are also an eco-friendly, cost-saving
alternative to conventional vibration machines.
Hydraform machines are available in diesel or
electrical options. Depending on the model,
the machines have the capacity to produce
between 1,500 and 3,000 blocks per eight-hour
shift.
The machines are relatively labour intensive,
requiring about six operators. Tucker says that
for most companies and governments this is an
advantage because it creates employment
opportunities and allows for skills transfer.
According to Tucker, the company's technology
is particularly popular in Africa's mining
industry, where entire communities often have
to be relocated to make way for new mines.
Hydraform also provides full training on using
its machines as well as building techniques for
interlocking blocks. "We offer training
programmes both here in South Africa and on-
site across the continent. Our technicians would
give workers training on operating the
machines as well as maintenance. The
machines are relatively easy to use and people
normally learn quite quickly."
Tucker notes that although Africa is currently
the company's biggest market, its machines are
being used extensively throughout the world,
including South America, Central America, the
US, Eastern Europe and India.
Hydraform also has French-speaking sales and
training staff.