Concrete formwork block TWISTBLOCK MOULDS

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Overview
The TwistBlock Moulds are a hand-operated formwork system for producing hollow concrete blocks. They enable quick, mortar-free assembly of walls with a simple plug-in system and are manufactured from recycled plastic as part of a sustainability strategy developed with the non-profit Start Somewhere and PERI.

Video
A demonstration video titled The TwistBlock Moulds at a glance shows production steps and on-site application of the system.

Facts in figures

• 4 local factories currently producing TwistBlocks in Africa, with further sites planned.
• At least 4 jobs created per manufactory, generating local added value.
• About 4 TwistBlocks are required per square metre of wall.
• Construction time example: around 1 month for a multi-storey building using TwistBlocks (project reference).

Innovative construction system
The moulds produce hollow, narrow concrete blocks that minimise material use while providing structural stability. Thin-wall assemblies reduce resource consumption without compromising performance.

Local production
TwistBlocks are produced locally (examples: Kenya, South Africa) by filling the moulds with concrete by hand. Local manufacturing supports regional employment and supply chains.

Flexible
The modular plug-in design allows flexible layout solutions for complex floor plans, especially useful in tight urban or informal settlement contexts. Assembled walls can be dismantled and up to 80% of blocks reused.

Fireproof
Finished buildings are concrete-based and therefore provide fire resistance, an important safety factor in densely populated areas.

Sustainable
The moulds are produced from recycled local plastic and are designed for repeated use in mould production. The system promotes local resource use, reuse of blocks and reduced material consumption.

Cost-effective
Low material requirements and short production and assembly times reduce overall construction costs, making the solution suitable for affordable housing initiatives.

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Product type: hollow concrete blocks produced using TwistBlock Moulds.
• Assembly: modular plug-in system allowing hand assembly without mortar or plaster.
• Mould material: recycled plastic designed for repeated use in mould production.
• Block design: hollow and narrow to minimise material while maintaining stability.
• Reusability: assembled walls can be dismantled and up to 80% of blocks reused.
• Fire safety: concrete construction provides fire resistance.
• Production locations (examples): local factories in Kenya and South Africa; expansion planned.
• Labor & impact: at least 4 jobs created per manufactory; local added value through production.
• Coverage metric: about 4 TwistBlocks per m² of wall.
• Construction speed: around 1 month for a multi-storey building (project reference).