A new construction method featuring LEGO-like bricks made from a renewable composite material took first place for building innovations at the 2024 JEC Composites Innovation Awards in Paris, France.
RENCO USA's RENCO MCFR (mineral composite fiber reinforced) building system is composed of interlocking molded blocks similar to LEGO bricks. According to the maker, the system surpasses concrete in strength, reduces costs significantly, and allows for rapid construction. Made with recycled glass fibers, resin, and stone, the composite material is certified to withstand Category 5 hurricanes.
Following more than 12 years of research and development, RENCO completed its inaugural apartment complex in Palm Springs, Fla., last November. No specialized workers or heavy machinery are required to build with the blocks that are stronger but 75% lighter than concrete.
In Palm Springs, 11 unskilled workers, following color-coded plans, assembled each three-story building in about eight weeks.
More on the RENCO building system (from RENCO USA's website):
RENCO MCFR is a state-of-the-art structural building system of interlocking composite building units of various types and sizes of blocks, columns, beams, joists, headers, decking, connectors, etc. These products are all adhesively joined (chemically bonded) to form monolithic structures.
The RENCO Structural Building System has been evaluated in ANSI certified laboratories to ASTM standards for structural performance, physical characteristics, and fire resistance. After thorough evaluation, IAPMO-UES approved and issued its Evaluation Report to permit the use of RENCO Structural Building System under the IBC (International Building Code).
The RENCO Structural Building System currently can include up to five (5) story structures. Through continued research and development, expanded approvals are in process, with full approval to build up to eight (8) stories expected by the end of 2024. As 95% of all Americans live in 8 stories or less, we believe this next level of approval will open an incredible amount of opportunity for use of this revolutionary product.
Related Stories
Digital Twin | Mar 15, 2019
Digital twin applications: 7 steps to a better-managed jobsite
Automated progress monitoring and optimizing equipment usage are among the potential applications for digital twin technology on construction jobsites.
Digital Twin | Mar 15, 2019
The Gemini Factor: Digital twin tech enters the AEC market
AEC firms explore how digital twin technology can bring more consistency to the design process and construction site.
Building Tech | Mar 13, 2019
Almost everything you wanted to know about industrial construction
Our experts offer 15 tips on how best to perform factory-based construction.
Building Tech | Feb 18, 2019
Investing — and building — smarter
Edge Technologies has entered into alliances with the International WELL Building Institute and wellness-focused real estate developer Delos.
Building Tech | Feb 14, 2019
The epic rise of industrialized construction
Experts project that prefabrication and modular construction will total $209 billion by the end of the decade.
Building Technology | Dec 20, 2018
Autodesk is spending $1.15 billion to acquire two construction tech providers
PlanGrid and BuildingConnected are the latest pieces in the company’s quest to digitize the construction industry.
3D Printing | Dec 7, 2018
Additive manufacturing heads to the jobsite
Prototype mobile 3D printing shop aims to identify additive manufacturing applications for construction jobsites.
Building Tech | Sep 6, 2018
19 decommissioned shipping containers become downtown Phoenix’s hottest marketplace
September 1 marked the opening of downtown Phoenix’s newest restaurant and retail marketplace—and its latest commercial construction project to utilize decommissioned shipping containers as its primarily building form.
Modular Building | Jul 23, 2018
Offsite construction: Why it’s important for the survival of your firm
The industry is approaching its “heart attack moment,” with so many large projects that are chronically late, over budget, and unprofitable, writes FMI Capital Advisors’ Michael Swistun.
Accelerate Live! | Jun 24, 2018
Watch all 19 Accelerate Live! talks on demand
BD+C’s second annual Accelerate Live! AEC innovation conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago) featured talks on AI for construction scheduling, regenerative design, the micro-buildings movement, post-occupancy evaluation, predictive visual data analytics, digital fabrication, and more. Take in all 19 talks on demand.
