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A Belgian construction system that allows owner-builders to assemble a home using modular building blocks has arrived in Australia.
Founded in 2019 by Gabriel Lakatos and Simon—building on Lakatos’ 25 years of experience in conventional construction—Gablok is based on insulated wooden blocks that interlock to form the structural shell of a building. The concept was patented in 2018 and has since been applied in more than 300 modular projects across Europe. (credit all images to Gablock.)
A flat-pack modular building system for self-builders
The Gablok modular building block method involves just eight lightweight timber components, supplied as a flat-pack kit. Each project begins with an architect’s design that is converted into a Gablok layout. The kit is then manufactured to include only the blocks needed, eliminating excess material and on-site waste. The modular building blocks are delivered in build order with step-by-step assembly plans.
With basic tools such as a screwdriver and ladder, two to three people can assemble the insulated structural shell of a 100m² home in five to six days. The approach eliminates the need for specialist trades during the initial build phase and provides a level of predictability for self-builders who might otherwise face delays, labour shortages or unexpected costs.
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Construction performance of Gablok
The system combines oriented strand board (OSB) with graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation to deliver strong thermal performance. The lightweight blocks are designed for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, complemented by beams, rafters and flooring elements. Once the shell is complete, conventional trades can finish the build with roofing, windows, doors and internal fit-out.
Modular building blocks enter the Australian market
The arrival of Gablok modular building blocks in Australia reflects an expansion strategy that follows several years of uptake in Belgium, France and Germany, where the system has been used across a range of residential projects.
By supplying only the exact number of insulated blocks required for each design, Gablok reduces material waste while allowing local owner-builders to assemble their own structural shell. The company positions the modular block kit as a way for Australians to directly participate in their own construction project—whether for houses, extensions, workshops or outbuildings.
See: Gablok Australia
