French family building supplies company Pitois, based in Champagné in the department of Sarthe, is said to be one of only three to offer Isolabloc, a new type of insulating breeze block made from concrete and wood chips.
The material comprises 80% wood, making it resistant, light, and giving it sound and heat insulating properties.
At a cost of €70 (US$76.54) per square metre, it is around 10% more expensive than standard breeze blocks, but the company claims the extra cost is more than made up for by its lower installation cost and energy efficiency savings.
The material can be used for buildings of up to 26 floors.
