Small Sites; Big Blocks

Andy Oram is the Porotherm Specification Manager for EH Smith, a family owned builders merchants which was established in 1922. Since 2008, EH Smith has been the main distributor of Porotherm blocks which are manufactured by Wienerberger. Porotherm is a multi-cellular clay block walling system, the like of which has been widely used across continental Europe for well over a hundred years.

The construction method used to build with these blocks is classed as a Modern Method of Construction as it utilises a thin-joint mortar system to glue the blocks together. The aim of this talk is to introduce how this MMC can be beneficial to the building process on restricted development sites such as infill sites or from garden purchases. It will also explore the technical advantages of building with a single block to give a solid wall rather than the cavity wall construction which has been used in the last century in the UK.

Andy has worked before with Julian and Julia Kashdan-Brown on residential projects where Porotherm was used as the main structure of the building. Julian and Julia feel that Porotherm is an ideal material for their proposition of utilising rear garden space in suburban areas to build more homes. The simplicity of the material, combined with the innovative construction method attracted the Kashdan-Browns to want to include Porotherm in their exhibition story.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Building Centre