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Life size Lego blocks for actual building projects

About 6 months ago, Pete Symms, a friend of the family approached me about the idea of using life size Lego blocks for building projects... We discussed all kinds of interesting ideas and angles on the concept.

For my own part I started to research how to set the building block connection PINs so that there is pressure between the blocks to induce an airtight seal that would do away with the need for cement or another sealing agent...


Then sadly I started seeing articles about people using the idea for a range of situations... well good on them, but the problem is that none of the solutions fully exploit the strong advantages of Lego type building.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1214729/James-May-size-Lego-house-wants.html
http://www.wired.com/2015/08/everblock-life-size-lego/

Plus, the Lego system has seemed to have taken a different direction since I was a kid. Back in the day, Lego was about buying multi purpose components and doing all kinds of things with the same set of bricks.

Today, Lego seems to be like a simplified Ikea where the user actually builds something specific from a specific kit...

Also no one has seemed to treat Lego building as a structural/ load baring method. This would require a simple way of adding reinforcing and also allowing commercial grade attachment of wall structures to flooring and foundations...

So there is still room for a real world solution here...the other area I am intrigued with in the concept is insulation. How to best use the cavities inherent in the design of each block for the most effective and cost efficient insulation.

What about recycling? Or the use of plasticised ceramics? or pressed wood chip?
My limited business instinct says supply the initial batch in green colour and focus on outdoor sheds and play houses for kids then escalate to more serious projects as the certification issues are explored and addressed.

I like the 200mm x 100mm x 100mm for factor used in the wired article... easy to transport, easy to handle, large enough to be structurally strong and easy to visualise as a one day project for a shed after putting down a level floor...

Yet another example of an inventors dilemma. You find yourself dreaming up an idea, then go through the heartache of finding someone else has done it, but then on investigation you find there are key reasons why the way that others have done the invention is not practical in practise.. so do you bite the bullet and compete or do you put it in the too hard basket?

Maybe more tinkering will make the way forward clear.

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