Multi-Material Brick Designs
Mesh Screen Brick
KRISTIN JAMES
The design focuses on promoting natural ventilation through brick geometry, inspired by animal structures such as prairie dog holes and termite mounds, which utilize airflow principles to remain ventilated. Drawing on Bernoulli’s principle and the Venturi Effect, the proposed brick mimics a Venturi tube, with wider ends and a narrow center to create pressure differences that enhance airflow. The brick is designed in a way that allows it to be integrated into a brick wall system with a standard course pattern, having an equivalent width and depth (7-5/8 inches and 3-5/8 inches, respectively) while the height is increased to be equal to the height of two laid brick courses with mortar between (5-1/8 inches total).
Interlocking Hempcrete Brick
EDDIE NEW & MASON SWINDLER
Our proposal looks to explore an interlocking design that can produce a modular, stackable brick. Inspired by the traditional CMU blocks and the stackability of LEGO bricks, our design aims to create a brick that is capable of interlocking with one another, sized to a standard common brick. Our design aims to create two symmetrical “studs” that can lock into a hollowed out core to the brick above, ensuring each brick to be aligned. Each block can connect like legos, with each edge of the studs having ⅛” radius and a slight draft angle of 2o to create tight f itting joints and help mitigate any thermal bridging. The modular nature of the block allows for different stacking configurations, with the possibility of either a running or stacked bond. The design of the brick could be potentially expanded into different mold types that could better suit various applications. The brick’s design offers multiple functional benefits as well. Its mortar-less assembly and modular design will drastically reduce labor time during construction. The material composition of the block allows for a lightweight and breathable structure that helps regulate temperature. The potential for embedding hollow cores allows for the routing of plumbing and electrical systems.
Plastic Bottle Brick
SAVANNAH CHERRY & OLIVIA MEYER
The purpose of the plastic bottle brick centers on sustainable and recycled materials, thermal comfort, and ventilation. The use of recycled plastic aims to repurpose waste that often overwhelms landfills, particularly in Africa. This type of waste is both abundant and accessible, making it a practical resource for brick-making. The brick is designed for stacking in horizontal orientation, with a standard 8-inch plastic water bottle, filled equally with shredded plastic bottle pieces and playground sand, laid in the center. The bottle cap was securely tightened to ensure an airtight seal. The filled plastic bottle is expected to improve both the structural integrity and thermal performance of the brick. Openings on both sides of the brick allow for airflow when stacked. These holes can be aligned to form continuous channels or offset to create individual semi-circular openings.
All A-Round Bottle Brick
AMIR HEYDARPOUR