Building is complex – over 2,000 standards, regulations, and guidelines make it a challenge. At the same time, the construction industry is responsible for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and faces rising costs of an average of 6% per year in Germany.
BUILD.FUTURE.SIMPLE.
The BONO.BLOCK is our solution for simple and affordable building. An innovative construction element designed to revolutionize the industry. Inspired by the LEGO® principle, it enables sustainable, modular, and circular construction. The individual elements are simply snapped together – fast, stable, and so lightweight that it feels almost playful.
The BONO.BLOCK – more than just a building block.
Each wooden block stores CO2, actively contributing to climate protection. At the same time, our system saves time and costs – paving the way for a sustainable future in the construction industry.
“We want to change the way we build and use construction to make a difference.“
Udo Greif, Architect and Inventor of BONO.BLOCK
This is how the journey began, from an idea to the patent application at the European Patent Office:
System for Constructing Walls, a Wall, and a Method for Creating a Wall Using Such a System
The invention relates to a system for constructing walls. Furthermore, the invention concerns a wall formed using such a system, as well as a method. The system comprises a plurality of wall element modules (1), with the construction of a wall achieved by aligning and stacking multiple wall element modules (1). Each wall element module (1) features a cuboid-shaped base body, where the base body comprises a first longitudinal wall (2a) made of wood or a wood-based material, a second longitudinal wall (2b) opposite and parallel to the first longitudinal wall (2a), also made of wood or a wood-based material, and at least one first transverse wall (3a) made of wood or a wood-based material, extending between the two longitudinal walls (2a, 2b).
The first longitudinal wall (2a), the second longitudinal wall (2b), and the first transverse wall (3a) are arranged and connected in such a way that they enclose a cuboid-shaped inner space (4) of the base body on three sides. The wall element module (1) includes, at one end face of the base body, first joining elements (5a) made of wood or a wood-based material, and at the opposite end face, second joining elements (5b) made of wood or a wood-based material, which correspond to the first joining elements (5a).
From Patent to Prototype
Continuous Development
Developing a simple building element takes more than just creativity. It requires in-depth expertise in architecture, structural engineering, building physics, and manufacturing technology. This extensive knowledge is embedded in every BONO.BLOCK.
Sustainability and Affordability
The BONO.BLOCK was designed from the ground up to combine sustainability and affordability in an innovative way:
Environmentally and climate-friendly: Made from natural, regenerative, and healthy raw materials.
Circular economy-ready: Reusable and resource-efficient.
Modular and flexible: Adaptable to diverse construction tasks and regions worldwide.
Simple and scalable: User-friendly and optimized for production.
Stagnation is not an option for us. We have further improved the BONO.BLOCK and have already filed a second patent. With this, we take the next step toward sustainable construction – efficient, flexible, affordable, and future-proof.
BLOCK by BLOCK – The Start of a Construction Revolution
In Dortmund, more than just a house stands…
It’s a symbol of transformation and innovation in the construction industry. BLOCK by BLOCK, we built the first system house – a model that demonstrates how the BUILD.FUTURE.SIMPLE. can look in practice.
A Concept Becomes Reality.
The BONO.BLOCK has successfully passed the proof of concept. It has shown that sustainable, modular, and affordable construction is not just a vision but a tangible reality – efficient, flexible, and forward-looking.
The Future of Construction Begins. From Dortmund to the World.
Do you have questions or would you like to visit the BONO.BLOCK System House in Dortmund? Feel free to send us a message!
“We create living spaces in harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With Nature. For People.”
Alfons Schwiderski, Structural Engineer and Co-Inventor of BONO.BLOCK
From System House to Projects
We are taking the next step: from prototype to mass production. The BONO.BLOCK is ready for the market – poised to forever change the way we build. Here is a selection of the first projects where the BONO.BLOCK will be used. Many more, including residential housing projects, will follow.
KTM 71 – Kunst triff Mensch, Düsseldorf
Innovationshub für zukunftsfähiges Bauen, Sprendlingen
BONO.BLOCK Produktionsstätte, Sprendlingen
The Visionaries Behind BONO.BLOCK
Alfons Schwiderski
BONO.BLOCK Inventor | Civil Engineer | Managing Director
„Housing is recognized as a human right in the UN Social Pact. My dream is to create affordable and adequate housing for countless people around the world. Every person has the right to a home that ensures safety, comfort, and dignity. Thanks to its versatility, the BONO.BLOCK can be manufactured, transported, and assembled quickly and flexibly using a variety of local raw materials.“
Udo Greif
BONO.BLOCK Inventor | Architect | Product and Project Development
„I’m excited about the range of BONO.BLOCK projects ahead of us. ‘Simple Building’ represents practicality and accessibility through an element-based approach, environmental sustainability, and high circular quality, as well as beautiful and sophisticated designs. We’re proving that modular construction can be as individual and unique as the people who live in it.“
Partners Sharing Our Vision of Simple Building
Have Questions About BONO.BLOCK? Find answers to common questions below, or feel free to email us for more details!
Developed by Alfons Schwiderski and Udo Greif and registered as a novel invention with the European Patent Office, the BONO.BLOCK is both a building element and a construction system. The BONO.BLOCK’s basic module has a rectangular shape consisting of four side elements. With connectors on the cross sides, it can be easily slotted together. This allows a quick and simple construction of building walls, even for DIY builders. The BONO.BLOCK elements interlock, resulting in a stable structure.
What is the BONO.BLOCK made of?
The BONO.BLOCK is made of wood. Wood is a natural and renewable resource that offers excellent structural and constructional properties. Wood is one of the oldest building materials. It can be easily processed, allowing construction projects to be completed efficiently, effectively, and very quickly. Another advantage of wood is its optimal carbon footprint. Wood is regenerative and permanently sequesters CO2.
How environmentally-friendly is the BONO.BLOCK?
The BONO.BLOCK s very eco-friendly as it is made from natural and renewable materials that store CO2. It is part of the circular economy in construction, as each BONO.BLOCK can be deconstructed and reused. The design allows recycled materials (formwork panels, kitchen fronts, etc.) for use.
What makes the BONO.BLOCK unique?
The BONO.BLOCK is designed to be resource-saving. The individual BONO.BLOCK elements can be fitted together very quickly and easily. Inside, a cavity is created that can be filled with various materials depending on the requirements. All materials can be flexibly chosen, allowing the BONO.BLOCK to be used worldwide with local resources.
Can I build a building with BONO.BLOCK as a Non-Professional?
The BONO.BLOCK adheres to the principles of simple building, making it possible for non-professionals to construct the walls of a building. However, completing a building involves further steps, such as roof construction, facade cladding, interior finishing, and installations, which typically cannot be done by non-professionals alone but require professional involvement. Nonetheless, the modular construction process can achieve significant cost and time savings compared to conventional building methods.
Can the BONO.BLOCK be used for any building?
Due to its high flexibility, the BONO.BLOCK is suitable and planned for a wide range of applications, from simple tiny houses to multi-story buildings.
Is construction with the BONO.BLOCK building system safe and stable?
Yes, the BONO.BLOCK building system has been developed considering architectural and structural principles. Its construction and stability are based on the proven, extensive expertise of the inventors Udo Greif and Alfons Schwiderski in numerous construction projects.
