Brikawood is a wooden construction system that uses interlocking wooden bricks to build homes without nails, screws, or glue. Just think of it as life-sized wooden LEGOs, but for constructing real houses.
The system is gaining serious attention in the sustainable housing because it’s so different from traditional construction.
And what makes Brikawood stand out is its simplicity because you literally stack and tap the pieces into place. There’s no need for complicated tools or machines.
The wooden bricks lock together on their own, making it possible for regular people to build their own homes without specialized construction skills. This helps you in saving both the money spent on construction, labour, and time.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Brikawood homes, what they are, how they work and how much do they cost. Along with that, we will also discuss their advantages, potential drawbacks, and whether Brikawood is good for you or not.
What is Brikawood?
Brikawood is a patented wooden brick building system created by a French startup called Catharhome, developed by founders Alain Romero and Patricia Dutreux. The concept was inspired by children’s building toys like LEGO and wooden blocks, but engineered for full-scale home construction.
You can purchase Brikawood kits directly from the company, which is based in France.
The mission behind Brikawood is to bring serious sustainability when constructing homes. The entire system uses zero glue, zero nails, and is 100% recyclable. The timber comes from FSC-certified Douglas wood sourced from sustainably managed French forests, making it truly eco-friendly from start to finish.
The system isn’t just focused on green, it’s also built to last, and Brikawood has earned certification for passive house standards, meets French thermal regulations (RT 2012/2020), and has proven seismic resilience in testing.
And this wasn’t a rushed product, Catharhome spent around three years in research and development, which then resulted in 11 patents and more than 124 homes sold.
How Does Brikawood Work? Inside the Interlocking Wooden Brick System
The genius of Brikawood lies in its interlocking design, each “brick” isn’t a single piece, but actually four separate wooden components that fit together.
There are two lateral flanges and two transverse spacers, and when they are assembled, create a hollow rectangular brick that locks with other bricks above, below, and beside it.
What’s clever about this design is how the bricks self-tighten. As you stack more weight on top, the connections actually get stronger.
No external fasteners are needed, no nails, no screws, nothing, the connections are purely mechanical, they use dovetailed joints that have been used in fine woodworking for centuries.
Assembly is surprisingly simple. You’ll need a rubber mallet to tap pieces into place, and sometimes a drill for specific connections. The system starts with sill plates that create a level foundation, then brick by brick, the walls rise up.
The whole approach is perfect for DIY builders or beginners because it doesn’t require specialized construction knowledge. Yet despite this simplicity, the finished structure is remarkably strong, withstanding wind, weather, and even seismic activity thanks to the interconnected nature of all those wooden bricks.
How to Build Your Own Brikawood House? A Step-by-Step Guide
Building a Brikawood house is much simpler than traditional construction, but still requires careful planning and proper technique.
Step 1: The process starts with site preparation and a suitable foundation. And the foundation is quite different from conventional homes that need heavy concrete foundations. Brikawood works with lighter options like screw piles or ground supports, which helps preserve natural drainage and reduce environmental impact.
Step 2: Next comes, laying out the first layer of bricks perfectly level is crucial since any mistakes here will add up as you build. The company provides detailed plans showing exactly where each piece goes.
Step 3: Then comes the wall assembly, piece by piece, you’ll build up the walls using the interlocking wooden components. Each brick consists of those four wooden parts we mentioned earlier, which you’ll assemble and then stack into place. A rubber mallet helps tap everything into position. And as for the hollow cores of the walls, they will get filled with insulation.
Step 4: Once the walls reach full height, the roof structure is added. Brikawood kits include the roof framing pieces designed specifically for your house plan. After the roof is weathertight, the walls get filled with insulation which is mostly wood chips that are actually produced during the manufacturing of the bricks themselves, so no wastage at all!
Step 5: Finally, you’ll add windows, doors, and finish the interior and exterior to your liking. The whole process can take just days to weeks depending on the size of your home and how many helpers you have. And that’s it! Your Brikawood house is done!
How much does a Brikawood house cost?
The cost of a Brikawood house varies based on size and specifications, but here’s what you can expect price-wise. A basic 20m² (215 sq ft) studio kit costs approximately €1,000 per square meter, or about €20,000 total (roughly $22,000). Larger homes range from €1,400-€1,800 per square meter.
Here’s a quick breakdown of their common models:
- Lenka 20m² studio: ~€27,000 ($29,500)
- Aspin 72m²: ~€110,000 ($120,000)
- Aubisque 85m²: ~€120,000 ($131,000)
- Ventoux 140m²: ~€175,000 ($191,000)
When compared to traditional construction, Brikawood can be cost-competitive when you factor in the potential labor savings. Since you can build it yourself or with minimal help, you might save thousands on labor costs.
The kits sold in France include walls, siding, insulation, roof, subfloor, window frames, and structural pieces. Electricity and plumbing are add-on options so you have to pay extra, and delivery across France is included in the cost.
The system also saves money long-term through energy efficiency. Brikawood homes require up to 90% less energy for heating than conventional buildings, which means significant utility savings over the life of the house.
Benefits of Brikawood
Brikawood homes offer several major advantages over traditional construction methods. We already know by now how it helps in reducing the building time while also keeping it cost effective.
But let’s see what other benefits are offered by Brikawood homes and whether you should go for it:
DIY-friendly construction
The biggest selling point is how accessible the building process is. Regular people without construction experience can actually build their own home.
The intuitive interlocking system requires minimal tools and skills, if you can stack blocks, you can build a Brikawood wall too.
Time and labor efficiency
Compared to traditional building methods, Brikawood construction moves quickly. The pre-fabricated nature of the components eliminates many time-consuming steps.
A small Brikawood structure can be assembled in just days, while larger homes might take a few weeks, still much faster than conventional building.
Minimal tools needed
You won’t need a garage full of expensive power tools to build a Brikawood house. The only primary tool you need is a rubber mallet for tapping pieces into place.
Occasionally you might need a drill, but that’s about it. This simplicity reduces both cost and complexity that comes with building normal homes.
Aesthetic appeal
Brikawood homes have a warm, natural appearance that many people find attractive. The wooden construction creates a cozy atmosphere, and the system allows for various architectural styles and finishes to match your taste.
Durable and weather-resistant design
Despite the simple assembly, these homes are built to last. The Douglas wood used is naturally resistant to weather, insects, and fungi. When properly maintained, a Brikawood structure can last 50+ years, potentially even 100+ years, it’s all about proper care and upkeep.
Cost Effectiveness
Beyond the initial purchase price, Brikawood homes save money through energy efficiency. The walls provide excellent thermal insulation, maintaining consistent indoor temperatures of 19-21°C (66-70°F) with minimal heating or cooling. This translates to utility bills up to 90% lower than conventional homes.
Downsides of Brikawood
While Brikawood offers many benefits like an eco-friendly way to build homes in a cost effective way, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks before committing to this building system.
In this section, we are going to discuss the downsides of using Brikawood homes that you should consider before going for it.
Limited Availability
For now, Brikawood kits are primarily available in France, with limited distribution elsewhere. This means international buyers may face shipping challenges or might need to work with the company to arrange special delivery, which is going to be more on the costly side.
Building codes and permit issues
Some regions may not have updated building codes that specifically address wooden interlocking systems like Brikawood. This could potentially create hurdles when applying for building permits, requiring extra documentation or engineering reports to satisfy local authorities.
Requires regular wood maintenance
Like any wooden structure, Brikawood homes require maintenance to ensure longevity. The wood may need treatments against moisture, insects, and UV damage depending on your climate. So, this ongoing maintenance is something to consider into your long-term ownership costs with Brikawood house.
Not suitable for high-rise Structures
Brikawood is designed for low-rise buildings, typically one or two stories. But if you’re looking to build taller structures, these interlocking wooden bricks won’t be an appropriate choice, as they haven’t been engineered for high-rise applications.
Despite the drawbacks, Brikawood still remains a suitable option for those who prioritize sustainability, DIY potential, and want to try this innovative design.
And with right planning and support, many of these challenges can be managed. But by understanding these drawbacks, you can set some realistic expectations, and make informed decisions.
Is Brikawood Right for You?
Brikawood is perfect for certain types of builders and situations. It’s ideal for DIY enthusiasts who want to be deeply involved in building their own home. Eco-conscious homeowners will appreciate the sustainable materials and energy efficiency.
As for the tiny home enthusiasts, find the system particularly well-suited to smaller footprints where maximizing space efficiency matters.
Brikawood performs best in all temperate and types of climates. The thermal performance is excellent year-round, and in winters, the insulated walls are great for retaining heat efficiently. While in summer, the breathable nature of wood helps maintain comfortable temperatures without excessive cooling needs.
Before starting a Brikawood project, don’t skip the legal considerations, make sure to check local zoning regulations to ensure wooden homes are permitted in your area. Also, building permits will be required, so be prepared to demonstrate that the Brikawood system meets structural requirements.
What is the alternative to Brikawood?
If you’re considering Brikawood, you might also want to look at these alternative sustainable building methods:
Straw bale
Straw Bale construction uses compressed straw bales as structural elements or insulation. It offers excellent insulation but requires more skill to build properly and needs careful moisture management.
Cob building
Cob building uses a mixture of clay, sand, and straw to create monolithic walls. It’s extremely low-cost and allows for creative, organic shapes, but is very labor-intensive and less suitable for cold climates.
Earthbag
Earthbag construction stacks bags filled with soil or other materials to create walls. It’s incredibly affordable and earthquake-resistant but requires significant physical labor.
SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)
SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) sandwich insulation between two boards, creating pre-fabricated panels. They offer quick assembly and excellent insulation but cost more initially and offer less design flexibility than Brikawood.
What sets Brikawood apart from these alternatives is its unique combination of DIY-friendliness, speed of construction, and the fact that it requires no special materials beyond the kit itself.
The interlocking system is more excellent than many other natural building techniques, making it accessible to those without building experience.
Can You Buy Brikawood Kits Outside France?
Currently, Brikawood kits are primarily available within France, where delivery is included in the purchase price. Their international availability is limited, but the company is gradually expanding its reach.
If you’re outside France and interested in Brikawood, you’ll need to contact the company directly to discuss shipping options and potential additional costs.
Some buyers have successfully arranged international delivery, though shipping cost was quite large, because delivering those heavy wooden components across borders can add significant expense.
Another approach is to check whether any local distributors have partnered with Brikawood in your country. As interest in sustainable building grows worldwide, distribution networks are likely to expand.
It’s worth noting that importing building materials may require special permits or customs clearances in your country. You’ll also want to verify that the Brikawood system complies with local building codes before committing to a purchase.
Pros and Cons of Brikawood
Let’s summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of choosing Brikawood for your building project:
Conclusion
Brikawood represents a fascinating approach to home construction that bridges the gap between ancient woodworking techniques and modern sustainable building. The system makes home-building accessible to regular people through its intuitive interlocking design that requires minimal tools and expertise.
The ecological benefits are substantial, from sustainably harvested wood to zero chemical adhesives, from reduced foundation impact to excellent energy efficiency. For the right person in the right location, Brikawood offers a path to create a beautiful, durable home while reducing environmental impact.
So, is Brikawood right for you? Well, that depends on your priorities, location, and building goals. If you value sustainability, enjoy hands-on projects, and want a home with character and warmth, Brikawood deserves serious consideration.
However, if you’re in an area with extreme climate conditions, strict building codes that don’t accommodate alternative methods, or need multi-story construction, you might face challenges.
