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The uses of concrete blocks in construction
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Concrete blocks are a popular building material in the modern construction industry, valued for their wide range of uses and benefits. Whether you're designing a residential property, constructing a high-rise commercial building, or creating infrastructure for transport or healthcare, concrete blocks provide the strength, durability and adaptability to build a lasting structure.
Join us as we explore the different types and diverse applications of concrete blocks, from foundations to firebreak walls.
What types of projects are concrete blocks used for?
Residential dwellings
Concrete blocks are a reliable choice for domestic buildings. From below-ground applications to party walls, beam and block flooring and partition walls, they are strong and durable, enabling housebuilders and developers to construct houses that stand the test of time.
Our Lignacite GP, Fibo 850 and Lignacrete Standard blocks are particularly suited for use in homes because of their sound insulation and fire-resistant qualities. Plus, they can be used alongside other materials such as thermal insulation, as well as wall finishes including standard plasterboard and render. All of our ranges are available as coursing blocks too, ideal for saving time and achieving a uniform finish.
Not only have our blocks been used in high-quality new developments, such as Rising Sun Hill in Suffolk and Charrington Tower in London, but they have also featured in the renovation of older buildings, such as Chelsea Barracks.
Commercial buildings
Commercial buildings are designed to make an impact, both visually and functionally, and concrete blocks play a key role in their success. From car parks and stairways to external and internal walls, concrete masonry is up to the task.
At Lignacite, we supply a wide range of concrete blocks suitable for use in commercial environments. Our Lignacite ECO range, for example, is made up of cement and a high proportion of recycled material and can be used to construct walls to help meet recycling targets.
Lignacite GP can be used for external and internal walls and is recommended for applications where the walls will receive an applied finish. Where walls are to be left fair for direct decoration, both Lignacite and Lignacrete Paint Grade blocks can be used.
Notable examples of commercial buildings that feature our concrete blocks in their structure include London’s iconic Cheese Grater at 122 Leadenhall Street, the striking Scalpel, and the impressive Heron Tower. Beyond the Capital, our blocks have supported developments such as Cambridge Science Park, showcasing their adaptability across varied settings.
Health
Medical buildings require high standards of quality and reliability and our concrete blocks consistently meet these requirements.
With options like Lignacite Paint Grade or Lignacite ECO, along with the robust Lignacrete range, we provide solutions that cater to the unique needs of medical and veterinary developments. Our flagship Lignacite range in particular is ideal for use in settings where confidentiality is a must, thanks to the high levels of sound insulation they provide.
With all of that in mind, it’s little wonder that our products have been used in prominent healthcare facilities, including St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, as well as Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth Hospitals in Cambridge.
Beyond human healthcare, our blocks were also integral to the construction of Newmarket Equine Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility for animal care.
Leisure
The most iconic leisure and stadia projects demand building materials that match their ambitious designs. From the sweeping curves of the London Aquatics Centre to the historic grounds of Wimbledon’s Centre Court, our concrete blocks have played a key role in shaping world-class venues.
With options like Lignacite Paint Grade for exceptional air tightness, fire and sound insulation, and the hard-wearing Lignacrete range where high levels of durability are demanded, we supply the perfect materials for high-profile developments.
Education
Concrete block building is popular in the education sector, whether for entirely new builds or extensions to existing facilities.
Our materials have supported innovative campuses such as Brunel University and Imperial College London's White City Campus, where sustainability was a key focus. We’re also proud to have contributed to the King’s Lynn Innovation Centre, a standout example of brownfield redevelopment in East Anglia.
Our Lignacite Paint Grade blocks are among the most popular for applications in educational environments due to their fire and sound insulation properties. Alternatively, you may choose Lignacite ECO 50 or 70 blocks for their recycled content. Lignacite GP medium-density blocks, or Lignacrete range may also be used with their own unique performance characteristics.
Retail
Retail spaces range from practical outlets to bold, cutting-edge designs – and concrete blocks are the natural choice for achieving the designer’s vision.
Our own blocks have been used in large-scale developments like London’s Westfield Shopping Centre, a 1.9 million-square-foot retail and leisure destination, where they deliver heavy duty support. Projects such as Castle Quarter and Chantry Place in Norwich, and retail parks in Cambridge and Ipswich further highlight their versatility.
With options like Lignacite concrete blocks for fire resistance and ECO 50 and ECO 70 blocks for enhanced recycled content, our ranges ensure quality, safety and sustainability in retail construction.
Travel and Infrastructure
Concrete blocks are integral to major travel and infrastructure projects, providing the necessary strength and durability for high-traffic environments.
Lignacite blocks have been used in significant developments such as Heathrow's Terminal 5, the UK's largest free-standing building, and the cantilevered design of Stansted Airport. Beyond aviation, our materials have supported the redevelopment of Paddington Station, accommodating a vast number of passengers daily.
Our Lignacite concrete block range delivers excellent performance, while the robust Lignacrete range – including Standard, Hollow, and High Strength variants – ensures suitability for various construction needs. For enhanced sustainability, our ECO blocks are a great solution.
What can concrete blocks be used for?
Below ground
Due to their exceptional durability and resistance to frost, concrete blocks are suitable for use in walls below ground, where they may be exposed to moisture and varying temperatures.
Among the best options for this purpose are Lignacrete Standard Concrete Blocks, known for being strong and reliable. With compressive strengths of 7.3 and 10.4N/mm² available, these dense blocks are designed for both general-purpose use and load-bearing applications. Their ability to withstand heavy loads and challenging conditions makes them an excellent choice for creating solid, long-lasting walls below ground.
Internal walls
Concrete blocks have a number of advantages for internal partition and party walls due to their versatility, durability and ability to meet specific performance requirements, such as sound insulation and fire resistance.
For internal wall construction, Lignacite Paint Grade Concrete Blocks are a popular option. These solid blocks combine strength with a smooth surface, making them suitable for direct painting, reducing the need for additional finishes. Alternatively, plasterboard and render can be applied to standard Lignacite blocks in line with manufacturer instructions for an enhanced finish.
Where sustainability is a priority, the Lignacite ECO range offers the same performance benefits with increased recycled content, ideal for meeting the project’s needs.
External walls
For exteriors exposed to British weather, concrete block walls are a great solution. They are extremely strong and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance in varying environmental conditions.
Externally, concrete blockwork can be finished with render as well as a variety of cladding treatments, such as clay or concrete tiles and weatherboarding. Meeting thermal insulation standards is no problem, with the preferred method being the placing full or partially filled insulation boards in the cavity between the blockwork leaves.
For projects requiring enhanced sustainability, the Lignacite ECO range provides all the benefits of our flagship blocks while incorporating higher recycled content to reduce environmental impact.
Load-bearing walls
Thanks to their ability to withstand structural pressures, concrete blocks can be used for load-bearing walls. All blocks provide very good load-bearing potential. For more demanding load-bearing requirements, high strength blocks up to 22.5N/mm2 are available in the Lignacrete range.
Available in standard, high strength and hollow block variants, they meet the demands of different construction designs and requirements. Their robust nature makes them an ideal option for both internal and external loadbearing walls, ensuring structural integrity and long-term durability in any project.
Fire break walls
Concrete blocks are an excellent choice for firebreak walls because they provide the fire resistance required to limit the spread of fire and protect adjoining spaces.
Concrete blockwork of minimum 100mm thickness will usually provide at least 2 hours fire resistance which satisfies the requirement for separating walls under Part B of the Building regulations. In practice, the need to design for stability and sound insulation will probably result in a greater wall thickness being required.
Discover how you can use concrete blocks in your next project
From residential developments to large-scale commercial builds, healthcare facilities, retail spaces and beyond, our range of high-quality concrete blocks ensures exceptional results every time. To find out how your next project could benefit from the advantages of using our concrete blocks, get in touch with our expert team today.
