The dry-stacking concept, developed by Drystack, uses milled bricks and special spacers that allow the bricks to be stacked securely. At first glance, it resembles a traditional brick façade, but this construction method offers significant benefits in terms of circularity. If a building is modified or demolished in the future, the bricks can be dismantled and reused relatively easily.
Demcon’s role
Demcon made an important technical contribution to this project. Jochem Oude Hengel, a system engineer at Demcon who was closely involved in the project, explains: “We developed and built the prototype machine that creates the required grooves in the bricks. This precision machining allows the bricks to be stacked later without mortar.”
This prototype setup enabled the first milled bricks to be produced and tested. In doing so, Demcon helped bring this innovative construction technology one step closer to large-scale application.
The plastic spacers and milled bricks were extensively tested by the TNO research institute.
Building a circular future
The construction sector faces the challenge of using materials more sustainably. When a building is demolished, bricks often end up as rubble in the recycling chain, even though a brick itself can last for hundreds of years. Making bricks reusable at building level creates a circular alternative that preserves valuable materials.
The construction sector faces the challenge of using materials more sustainably. When a building is demolished, bricks often end up as rubble in the recycling chain, even though a brick itself can last for hundreds of years. Making bricks reusable at building level creates a circular alternative that preserves valuable materials.
Another major advantage of the dry-stacking concept is that it requires fewer construction workers, which is particularly valuable given the shortage of skilled bricklayers. Stacking bricks is also less physically demanding and easier to carry out.
Demcon is currently building the first production machine, which will be launched in 2027.