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General Questions

What is Hydraform Building System?

The Hydraform Interlocking Building System replaces regular masonry units and mortar with Dry-stacked Interlocking Hydraform Blocks. It’s different from conventional masonry and considered an alternative and sustainable building solution

Whats is Hydraform Building System?

What does the name "Hydraform" mean?

Hydraform refers to the hydraulic formation of blocks. Hydraform machines use hydraulic pressure to compress the soil and cement mixture into a high-quality strong block

What is a Hydraform Block

A dry-stacked. (Hydraulically compressed) soil-cement, interlocking block or Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block (ISSB) produced using Hydraform’s patented machine. The required “stabiliser” is cement; this is mixed with subsoil and about 5 – 10% water to produce a mix which feels slightly moist. The mix is moulded under high pressure to produce interlocking blocks

What are interlocking blocks?

Interlocking refers to the male and female ridges on the top and bottom as well as front and back of the Hydraform blocks. These ridges then lock into one another to lock the blocks into place.

Are Hydraform interlocking dry stacked blocks safe to build with?

Hydraform blocks lock on 4 sides, front and back; top and bottom which ensures each block is locked into place. The foundation is layed in mortar as normal, blocks from the first course up can be dry-stacked The top 3-4 courses below the roof structure must be bedded in mortar (ringbeam). This secures the wall ensuring each block is perfectly locked and in place.

Why use Hydraform to replace traditional building systems

The Hydraform building system is an Alternative Building Technology that is cost effective, eco friendly, load bearing, healthy, simple and enable fast construction

In how many countries are Hydraform machines being used?

Hydraform has been used in more than 50 countries, 6 continents world wide.

Can Hydraform blocks be used in wet climates?

Yes, Hydraform blocks can be used in wet climates with 7MPa compressive strength blocks. A water repellant should be applied to the Hydraform blocks to protect the surface.

What is a Biodigester Toilet System

A biodigester toilet system utilises the anaerobic digestive process to break down and clean toilet waste – the result is less solid waste, relatively clean water output and the release of harmless gas into the environment. It is used in places where there has been a need for mains sewer alternatives. Waste that goes down the toilet is directed straight into a chamber where the digestion process begins. Since biodigester systems require an anaerobic tank to operate (anaerobic = no oxygen) the entire process is completely free from any nasty smells too

What is affordable Luxury

Affordable-luxury is what the middle class seek. The flexible balance between affordability and luxury. It’s our attempt to allow the middle class to invest money in items that will age well and be used frequently. It let you taste a lifestyle of luxury that is normally out of reach.

Hydraform Building System

Can Hydraform walls be plastered?

Hydraform walls creates a smooth finish that can be left as a face brick finish for outside walls and plastered on internal walls. Hydraform recommends that outside face brick walls are treated with a water repellent to protect the outer surface.

Can Hydraform walls be painted?

Paint can be applied directly to the smooth wall or to the plastered Hydraform wall.

Is building with Hydraform interlocking blocks faster than building with conventional brick and mortar?

Hydraform blocks are quick to lay as the blocks interlock requiring no mortar joints except in the foundation courses, below the roof structure and above lintels. An average Hydraform block layer could lay up to 500 blocks per day which is equivalent to 1500 standard stock bricks per day.

Can Hydraform blocks be used in wet climates?

Yes, Hydraform blocks can be used in wet climates with 7MPa compressive strength blocks. A water repellent should be applied to the Hydraform blocks to protect the surface.

What are interlocking blocks?

Interlocking refers to the male and female ridges on the top and bottom as well as front and back of the Hydraform blocks. These ridges then lock into one another to lock the blocks into place.

Are Hydraform interlocking dry stacked blocks safe to build with?

Hydraform blocks lock on 4 sides, front and back; top and bottom which ensures each block is locked into place. The foundation is laid in mortar as normal, blocks from the first course up can be dry-stacked. The top 3-4 courses below the roof structure must be bedded in mortar (ring beam). This secures the wall ensuring each block is perfectly locked and in place.

How long does it take before blocks are ready for construction?

Hydraform recommends that blocks are cured under black plastic for a minimum of 7 days. Allow the blocks to dry for a further 7 days before building. Blocks will achieve maximum strength after 28 days

When do you use mortar?

The Hydraform system is a dry stacked system, therefore approximately 75% of a standard structure does not require mortar. Mortar is only used in the foundation levels, Hydraform ring beam and above lintel levels.

How strong are Hydraform blocks?

Hydraform recommends a minimum of 8% cement, which once properly cured will yield a 7MPa block. This means 12 parts soil to 1 part cement.

Can Hydraform be used in multi-storey construction?

Hydraform has been tested to three storeys for compressive loading and has been tested for double storey structures for eccentric compressive loads with simulated lateral wind loads.

Hydraform Blocks

What does a Hydraform block consist of?

Hydraform blocks are composed of soil and mixed with 8-10% cement

What soil is required to make Hydraform interlocking blocks?

laterite soil or “Murrum” is preferred . Generally you can use soil with a 15-35% clay and silt content.

Can black cotton soil be used to produce Hydraform interlocking blocks?

Never use black cotton soil as it contains highly reactive clay and the blocks will crack when they dry. Black cotton soil also contains high amounts of organic material not suitable for block production.

What is the difference between the Hydraform 220mm block and the Hydraform 140mm block?

The Hydraform 220mm block is mostly dry-stacked (except for foundations, ring beam and lintels) and is suitable for any walls in the structure. The Hydraform 140mm block is a semi dry-stacked block. Slurry is made from fine sand and cement and poured into the cavities of the 140mm blocks. This locks the structure together creating a firm wall. The most common application would be internal

What is the difference between the Hydraform 220mm block and the Hydraform 180mm block?

The Hydraform 220mm block is mostly dry-stacked (except for foundations, ring beam and lintels) and is suitable for any walls in the structure. The 180mm block functions similarly to the 220mm block as a dry-stacked block but can save you up to 15% in material costs. The disadvantage would be the cornering, which must be plastered to achieve the required load strength

How many 220mm blocks in a square meter of wall?

There are approximately 37 blocks in one square meter of wall.

How many 140mm blocks in a square meter of wall?

There are approximately 37 blocks in one square meter of wall.

How do you cure Hydraform blocks?

“Green” (fresh) Hydraform blocks are stacked and covered with black plastic to avoid moisture loss. The blocks are then watered daily to create a green house effect, allowing the cement to harden and the blocks to strengthen. Hydraform recommends 250micron black plastic for curing. Cure your Hydraform blocks for a minimum of 7 days and allow the block to dry for another 7 days before building. This will ensure strong good quality blocks.