A construction block

Abstract

A construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a first composite structural support layer; a second composite structural support layer; and a thermal insulating layer sandwiched between the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] A construction block

[0003] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0004] Examples of the disclosure relate to a construction block. Some relate to a construction block for use as part of a system-built house.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Construction blocks can be used to construct housing. Construction blocks may be made from concrete only.

[0007] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a thermal insulating layer; a composite structural support layer adjacent the thermal insulating layer; an upper face and an underside face, wherein the upper face comprises at least one male portion and the underside face comprises at least one female portion, or the upper face comprises at least one female portion and the underside face comprises at least one male portion; and a first side face and a second side face, separated from the first side face along a depth dimension of the construction block, wherein the first side face comprises at least one male portion and the second side face comprises at least one female portion, or the first side face comprises at least one female portion and the second side face comprises at least one male portion, wherein the male portion and female portion of the first and second side faces are configured to connect with a corresponding male portion or female portion of another construction block thereby restricting relative movement of the construction block and the other construction block along the depth dimension of the construction block.

[0009] The at least one male portion or at least one female portion of the first side face may comprise an abutment surface configured to abut an abutment surface of the at least one male portion or at least one female portion of the second side face and thereby restrict relative movement of the construction block and the other construction block along the depth dimension.

[0010] At least a portion of the abutment surface of at least one male portion or at least one female portion of the first side face may extend from the first side face in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the depth dimension.

[0011] The upper face may comprise a blind hole configured to receive a leveller.

[0012] The upper face and the lower face may be separated by a width dimension of the construction block; and the extent of the blind hole in the depth dimension may be greater than the extent of the blind hole in the width dimension.

[0013] The construction block may comprise a second composite structural support layer, wherein the thermal insulating layer is sandwiched between the composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer.

[0014] The composite structural support layer may comprise aggregate material. The composite structural support layer may comprise concrete.

[0015] The thermal insulating layer may have a thermal conductivity of less than 1 W / mK. The thermal insulating layer may comprise fiber- re info reed plastic.

[0016] The construction block may comprise a connector that extends from the composite structural support layer to the second composite structural support layer via the thermal insulating layer. The connector may be configured to support a greater structural load than the thermal insulating layer.

[0017] The thickness of the thermal insulating layer may be greater than the thickness of each of the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer. The thickness of the thermal insulating layer may be in the range of 100mm to 200mm, and the thickness of each of the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer may be in the range of 30mm to 100mm. The composite structural support layer may comprise a first face, a second face, a third face and at least one channel, defined in the first face and extending from the second face to the third face, arranged to support a conduit in the first face. The conduit may be a domestic pipe.

[0018] The channel extending from the second face to the third face may be elongate in a first dimension.

[0019] The construction block may comprise a further channel defined in the first face, the further channel intersecting the channel.

[0020] The channel may comprise a plurality of discrete support surfaces, located along the first dimension, arranged to support the conduit.

[0021] The further channel may at least intersect the channel by extending between at least two of the discrete support surfaces located along the first dimension.

[0022] The construction block may comprise a fourth face and a fifth face, wherein the further channel extends from the fourth face to the fifth face.

[0023] The further channel may extend from the fourth face to the fifth face in a second dimension which is orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0024] The further channel may be elongate in the second dimension.

[0025] The channel and the further channel may define an intersection that enables a conduit to be routed in the channel and the further channel.

[0026] The construction block may comprise a plurality of channels defined in the first face, wherein the plurality of channels are configured to support a plurality of conduits in the first face and are arranged in a grid. The upper face may be at least partly defined by the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer, and the upper face may comprise a plurality of male and female portions, wherein at least one male or female portion is defined by the first composite structural support layer and at least one male or female portion may be defined by the second composite structural support layer.

[0027] The construction block may be substantially cuboidal in shape and may comprise a length, a width and a thickness, the length and width being greater than the thickness.

[0028] The length may be in the range of 200mm to 1500mm and the width may be in the range of 200 mm to 1000mm.

[0029] The construction block may comprise a foot, extending from the underside face, configured to contact a planar base surface, wherein when the foot contacts the planar base surface, a cavity is defined by the foot, the underside face and the planar base surface; and a through hole extending from the upper face to the cavity via the underside face, such that a levelling material is receivable in the cavity from the upper face.

[0030] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a system-built house comprising a plurality of the construction block of any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0031] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a thermal insulating layer; and a composite structural support layer, adjacent the thermal insulating layer, the composite structural support layer comprising a face and a plurality of channels defined in the face, wherein the plurality of channels is configured to support at least one conduit in the face, and are arranged in a grid.

[0032] The conduit may comprise a domestic pipe. The domestic pipe may comprise a plumbing pipe. The domestic pipe may comprise a diameter greater than 10mm. The construction block may comprise a second face separated from the face along a depth dimension of the construction block, wherein the thermal insulating layer is adjacent the second face.

[0033] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a thermal insulating layer; a composite structural support layer; an upper face and an underside face each at least partially defined by the thermal insulating layer and the composite structural support layer;a foot, extending from the underside face, configured to contact a planar base surface, wherein when the foot contacts the planar base surface, a cavity is defined by the foot, the underside face and the planar base surface; and a through hole extending from the upper face to the cavity via the underside face, such that a levelling material is receivable in the cavity from the upper face.

[0034] The foot may be closer to the periphery of the underside face than the through hole.

[0035] The construction block may comprise a further foot, extending from the underside face, wherein when the foot and the further foot contact the planar base surface the foot and further foot define a closed channel.

[0036] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a first face, a second face and third face, the first face being formed at least partially from aggregate material; and at least one channel, defined in the first face and extending from the second face to the third face, arranged to support a conduit in the first face.

[0037] The channel extending from the second face to the third face may be elongate in a first dimension.

[0038] The construction block may comprise a further channel defined in the first face, the further channel intersecting the channel.

[0039] The channel may comprise a plurality of discrete support surfaces, located along the first dimension, arranged to support the conduit. The further channel may at least intersect the channel by extending between at least two of the discrete support surfaces located along the first dimension.

[0040] The construction block may further comprise a fourth face and a fifth face, wherein the further channel extends from the fourth face to the fifth face.

[0041] The further channel may extend from the fourth face to the fifth face in a second dimension which is orthogonal to the first dimension. The further channel may be elongate in the second dimension.

[0042] The channel and the further channel may define an intersection that enables a conduit to be routed in the channel and the further channel.

[0043] The construction block may comprise a plurality of channels defined in the first face, wherein the plurality of channels are configured to support a plurality of conduits in the first face and are arranged in a grid.

[0044] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a face formed at least partially from aggregate material; and a grid of channels defined in the face and arranged to support conduits in the face.

[0045] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a first composite structural support layer; a second composite structural support layer; and a thermal insulating layer sandwiched between the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer.

[0046] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method for manufacturing a construction block for a system-built house, the method comprising: connecting at least one connector to a thermal insulating layer such that the at least one connector extends from at least one surface of the insulating layer; and forming a first composite structural support layer against the at least one surface such that the first composite layer and the insulating layer are connected via the connector.

[0047] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a first composite structural support layer; a second composite structural support layer; and a thermal insulating layer sandwiched between the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer.

[0048] The first composite structural support layer may comprise aggregate material. The first composite structural support layer comprises concrete.

[0049] The thermal insulating layer may have a thermal conductivity of less than 1 W / mK. The thermal insulating layer may comprise fiber- re info reed plastic.

[0050] The construction block may comprise a connector that extends from the first composite structural support layer to the second composite structural support layer via the thermal insulating layer.

[0051] The thickness of the thermal insulating layer may be greater than the thickness of each of the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer.

[0052] The thickness of the thermal insulating layer may be in the range of 100mm to 200mm, and the thickness of each of the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer may be in the range of 30mm to 100mm.

[0053] The first composite structural support layer may comprise a first face, a second face, a third face and at least one channel, defined in the first face and extending from the second face to the third face, arranged to support a conduit in the first face.

[0054] The channel may extend from the second face to the third face is elongate in a first dimension. The construction block may comprise a further channel defined in the first face, the further channel intersecting the channel.

[0055] The channel may comprise a plurality of discrete support surfaces, located along the first dimension, arranged to support the conduit.

[0056] The further channel may at least intersect the channel by extending between at least two of the discrete support surfaces located along the first dimension.

[0057] The construction block may comprise a fourth face and a fifth face, wherein the further channel extends from the fourth face to the fifth face. The further channel may extend from the fourth face to the fifth face in a second dimension which is orthogonal to the first dimension. The further channel may be elongate in the second dimension.

[0058] The channel and the further channel may define an intersection that enables a conduit to be routed in the channel and the further channel.

[0059] The construction block may comprise a plurality of channels defined in the first face, wherein the plurality of channels are configured to support a plurality of conduits in the first face and are arranged in a grid.

[0060] The construction block may comprise an upper face and an underside face, wherein the upper face comprises at least one male portion and the underside face comprises at least one female portion, or the upper face comprises at least one female portion and the underside face comprises at least one male portion.

[0061] The upper face may be at least partly defined by the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer, and the upper face comprises a plurality of male and female portions, wherein at least one male or female portion is defined by the first composite structural support layer and at least one male or female portion is defined by the second composite structural support layer. The construction block may be substantially cuboidal in shape and comprises a length, a width and a thickness, the length and width being greater than the thickness. The length may be in the range of 200mm to 1500mm and the width may be in the range of 200 mm to 1000mm.

[0062] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a first face, a second face and third face, the first face being formed at least partially from aggregate material; and at least one channel, defined in the first face and extending from the second face to the third face, arranged to support a conduit in the first face.

[0063] The channel may extend from the second face to the third face is elongate in a first dimension.

[0064] The construction block may comprise a further channel defined in the first face, the further channel intersecting the channel.

[0065] The channel may comprise a plurality of discrete support surfaces, located along the first dimension, arranged to support the conduit. The further channel may at least intersect the channel by extending between at least two of the discrete support surfaces located along the first dimension.

[0066] The construction block may comprise a fourth face and a fifth face, wherein the further channel extends from the fourth face to the fifth face. The further channel may extend from the fourth face to the fifth face in a second dimension which is orthogonal to the first dimension. The further channel may be elongate in the second dimension.

[0067] The channel and the further channel may define an intersection that enables a conduit to be routed in the channel and the further channel.

[0068] The construction block may comprise a plurality of channels defined in the first face, wherein the plurality of channels are configured to support a plurality of conduits in the first face and are arranged in a grid. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a face formed at least partially from aggregate material; and a grid of channels defined in the face and arranged to support conduits in the face.

[0069] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method for manufacturing a construction block for a system-built house, the method comprising: connecting at least one connector to a thermal insulating layer such that the at least one connector extends from at least one surface of the insulating layer; and forming a first composite structural support layer against the at least one surface such that the first composite layer and the insulating layer are connected via the connector.

[0070] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a face, a further face and another face; and at least one channel configured to receive a conduit, the channel comprising: an open channel portion formed by a recess in the face; a closed channel portion that extends from an opening in the further face to the open channel portion in the face; and a closed channel portion that extends from the open channel portion to an opening in the other face.

[0071] The further face may be substantially orthogonal to the additional face.

[0072] The first composite structural support layer may comprise an additional face that is substantially parallel to the other face and substantially orthogonal to the face and the further face, and a further channel comprising: an open channel portion in the face, wherein the open channel portion is a recess; a closed channel portion that extends from the other face to an opening in the open channel portion in the face; and a closed channel portion that extends from the open channel portion to an opening in the additional face. The first composite structural support layer may comprise a plurality of channels formed at least in part from a plurality of closed channel portions and a plurality of open channel portions.

[0073] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method for constructing a system-built house using the construction block of any of the preceding paragraphs, the method comprising: forming a foundation for the system-built house; connecting a first construction block of any of the preceding paragraphs and second construction block of any of the preceding paragraphs to form at least part of a wall of the system-built house.

[0074] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a system-built house comprising a plurality of the construction blocks of any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0075] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method for constructing a system-built house using the construction block of any of the preceding paragraphs, the method comprising: forming a foundation for the system-built house; connecting a first construction block of any of the preceding paragraphs and second construction block of any of the preceding paragraphs to form at least part of a wall of the system-built house.

[0076] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0077] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0078] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example system-built house comprising a plurality of construction blocks;

[0079] FIGs 2A, 2B and 2C shows a perspective, plan and underside views of a first example of the construction block;

[0080] FIGs 2D and 2E illustrate cross-sectional views of horizontal and vertical channels in the first example of the construction block; FIGs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and 3G shows a perspective view, a plan view, a rear view, an end view, a front view, a cross-sectional front view and a lower perspective view of a second example of the construction block respectively;

[0081] FIG. 3H shows an end view of the second example construction block as shown in FIG. 3D;

[0082] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a third example of the construction block;

[0083] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a fourth example of the construction block;

[0084] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a fifth example of the construction block;

[0085] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a sixth example of the construction block;

[0086] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of part of an example foundation of the example system-built house;

[0087] FIGs 9A and 9B show a perspective and an end view of a seventh example of the construction block respectively;

[0088] FIGs 10A and 10B show a perspective and a plan view of an eighth example of the construction block respectively;

[0089] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional end view of an example foundation including the seventh and eighth example construction blocks;

[0090] FIGs 12A and 12B show a perspective and an end view of a ninth example of the construction block respectively;

[0091] FIGs 13A and 13B show a perspective and an end view of a tenth example of the construction block respectively;

[0092] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional end view of an example foundation including the ninth and tenth example construction blocks;

[0093] FIG. 15 shows an example method for forming an example construction block; and FIG. 16 shows an example method for forming at least part of a system-built house.

[0094] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] Embodiments of the invention relate to a construction block for a system-built house, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. The construction block may be used as part of the system-built house 810. Multiple instances of the construction block may be used to construct a system-built house 810. While the following examples are directed towards construction blocks for a system-built house 810, it should be understood that the construction blocks may be used to construct any type of building such as residential, commercial and / or industrial buildings.

[0096] System-built buildings are constructed using a type of systemized construction process. System-built buildings are different from typical buildings (i.e., stick built homes that are constructed on site one stick at a time) in that system-built buildings at least partly automate the process of constructing the building. For example, the process may be partly automated by building at least part of the buildings away from the site / location at which a building is to be constructed, thereby enabling the system- built buildings to be more easily constructed on site.

[0097] The construction of housing, such as social housing, typically requires the services of skilled workers (e.g., plumbers, electricians, bricklayers). In the United Kingdom, extensive use of skilled workers increases the cost of constructing housing. A system- built house 810 may be required to be assembled easily (e.g., to reduce the use of skilled workers). A system-built house 810 may be required to be assembled quickly.

[0098] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example system-built house 810 comprising a plurality of construction blocks. The system-built house 810 may comprise any of the construction blocks described below. The system-built house 810 shown in FIG. 1 comprises at least one of the examples of the construction block 100, 500 illustrated in FIGs 2A to 3G, and each of the construction blocks 200, 300, 400 illustrated in FIGs 4 to 6. It should be understood that a system-built house 810 may comprise at least one of the construction blocks 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 illustrated in FIGs 7 to 14.

[0099] The system-built house 810 comprises a plurality of walls 811-814 (front wall 811 , back wall 812, left wall 813 and right wall 814), a foundation 815 and a ceiling 816. It should be understood that each of the walls 811-814, foundation 815 and ceiling 816 may be any suitable shape or size. The walls 811-814 comprise a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of lintels 400. Each lintel 400 may define at least part of a window and / or door 821 , 822. Each of the walls 811-814 may comprise any suitable number of apertures (of any suitable size) for forming any suitable number of windows and / or doors. In the illustrated example, the front wall 811 comprises six apertures. Each of the apertures is configured to receive a lintel 400. The system-built house 810 may also comprise a roof (not shown).

[0100] FIGs 2A to 7 and 9 to 14 illustrate multiples examples of a construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000.

[0101] FIGs 2A, 2B and 2C show a perspective, plan and underside views of a first example of a construction block 500. Cartesian co-ordinate axes 130 are illustrated in FIGs. 2A, 2B and 2C (along with the other FIGs) to enable the reader to understand the relative orientation of the FIGs. The Cartesian coordinate axes 130 include x, y and z axes, each of which defines a different orthogonal dimension. The z axis may be considered to define a width / height dimension. The x axis may be considered to define a length dimension. The y axis may be considered to define a depth / thickness dimension.

[0102] The construction block 500 comprises a first composite structural support layer 101 , a second composite structural support layer 102, and a thermal insulating layer 103 sandwiched between the first composite structural support layer 101 and the second composite structural support layer 102. It should be understood that whilst some illustrated examples of the construction block 100, 200, 300, 500 comprise the second composite structural support layer 102, the second composite structural support layer

[0103] 102 is optional. The construction block 500 may comprise a thermal insulating layer

[0104] 103 and a (first) composite structural support layer 101 adjacent the thermal insulating layer 103 (e.g., without the presence of a second composite structural support layer 102).

[0105] The first composite structural support layer 101 and / or the second composite structural support layer 102 may be configured to provide structural support to the construction block 500. Advantageously, the composite structural support layers 101 , 102 increase the strength and durability of the construction block 500. Each of the first composite structural support layer 101 and the second composite structural support layer 102 may comprise a plurality of materials (e.g., concrete or equivalents thereof). Each of the first composite structural support layer 101 and the second composite structural support layer 102 may comprise at least one aggregate material (e.g., sand, gravel, crushed stone and / or slag). The at least one aggregate material may be bonded together via a binder such as cement. The first composite structural support layer 101 and / or the second composite structural support layer 102 may comprise concrete. The first composite structural support layer 101 and / or the second composite structural support layer 102 comprising concrete may provide the benefit of acting as a heat sink (e.g., absorbing thermal energy during warmer parts of the day (e.g., daytime) and release the thermal energy during the cooler parts of the day (e.g., during the night).

[0106] The thermal insulating layer 103 may be configured to provide thermal insulation to a structure formed from the construction block 500 (e.g., a system-built house 810). The thermal insulating layer 103 may be sandwiched between the composite structural support layers 101 , 102 such that the composite structural support layers 101 , 102 protect the thermal insulating layer 103 (e.g., from the structural load supported by the composite structural support layers 101 , 102, weather, debris etc.). That is, the composite structural support layers 101 , 102 are located either side of the thermal insulating layer 103 in the depth (y) dimension.

[0107] The construction block 500 may comprise at least one connector (not shown in FIGs. 2A, 2B and 2C) that connects the first structural support layer 101 with the second structural support layer 102. Such a connector may extend through the thermal insulating layer 103 to connect the two composite structural support layers 101 , 102. The construction block 500 may, for instance, comprise at least one of the connectors described below in relation to the example construction block shown in FIGs. 3A to 3G.

[0108] The thermal insulating layer 103 may have a lower thermal conductivity than the first composite structural support layer 101 and / or the second composite structural support layer 102. The thermal insulating layer 103 may, for example, have a thermal conductivity of less than 1 W / mK or less than 0.5 W / mK. The thermal insulating layer 103 could have a thermal conductivity of less than 0.1 W / mK, such as less than 0.04 W / mK. The thermal insulating layer 103 may comprise at least one of fiber-reinforced plastic, polystyrene and a container configured to contain a vacuum and / or a partial vacuum. The thermal insulating layer 103 may comprise at least one container configured to contain the partial vacuum and / or the vacuum.

[0109] The thermal insulating layer 103 may comprise steel (e.g., rust-free steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel etc.) for improving the structural integrity of the thermal insulating layer 103.

[0110] The construction block 500 may comprise a plurality of faces 121-126. In the illustrated example, the construction block 500 has an upper face 121 , an underside face 122, an interior face 123, an exterior face 124, a first side face 125 and a second side face 126. The upper face 121 and the underside face 122 are (primarily) defined in the length (x) and depth (y) dimensions and spaced from one another in the height (z) dimension. The interior face 123 and the exterior face 124 are (primarily) defined in the length (x) and height dimensions (z), and are spaced from one another in the depth (y) dimension. The first side face 125 and the second side face 126 are (primarily) defined in the depth (y) and height (z) dimensions, and are spaced from one another in the length (x) dimension.

[0111] Each of the interior face 123 and the exterior face 124 is larger than each of the upper face 121 , the underside face 122, the first side face 125 and the second side face 126 in the illustrated example.

[0112] The interior face 123 is so-called because it is configured to face the interior (i.e., inside) of a house 810 formed by the construction block 500. The interior face 123 could also be characterized as a first main face 123 or first principal face 123 of the construction black 500. The interior face 123 may form part of an inner or innermost (structural) wall of a system-built house 810. The interior face 123 may be covered at least in part by one or more of paint, plaster, plasterboard etc. The exterior face 124 is so-called because it is configured to form part of an outer or outermost (structural) wall of the house 10. The exterior face 124 could also be characterized as a second main face 124 or second principal face 124 of the construction black 500. The external surface of the exterior face 124 may be covered at least in part by one or more of paint, render, slip bricks, tiles, cladding (such as block cladding) etc.

[0113] In the illustrated example, the upper face 121 and the underside face 122 are substantially parallel to each other, the interior face 123 and the exterior face 124 are substantially parallel to each other, and the first side face 125 and a second side face 126 are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the upper face 121 and the underside face 122 is substantially orthogonal to each of the interior face 123, the exterior face 124, the first side face 125 and the second side face 126. Each of the interior face 123, the exterior face 124 is substantially orthogonal to each of the first side face 125 and the second side face 126.

[0114] The faces 121-126 may have any suitable shape. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A, the construction block 500 illustrated in FIG. 2A is substantially cuboidal in shape, but the construction block 500 could have an alternative shape, such as the shape of any of the other example construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 described herein.

[0115] The first composite structural support layer 101 may itself comprise a first face 111 , a second face 112, a third face 113, a fourth face 114 and a fifth face 115 which each form at least part of the interior face 123, the first side face 125, the second side face 126, the upper face 121 and the underside face 122 respectively. In the illustrated example, the interior face 121 of the construction block 500 is the first face 111 of the first composite structural support layer 101 , whereas the second face 112, the third face 113, the fourth face 114 and the fifth face 115 each form part of the first side face 125, the second side face 126, the upper face 121 and the underside face 122 respectively.

[0116] The construction block 500 may comprise at least one channel 11-13, 21-24 that is defined in the first face 111 of the first composite structural support layer 101 and the interior face 121 of the construction block 500, as shown in FIG. 2A. The channels 11-13, 21-24 may be arranged to support electrical or plumbing lines (such as piping or wiring). Each of the channels 11-13, 21-24 may be arranged to support a conduit (e.g., wiring, piping etc.) in the first face 111 / interior face 123. The piping may be domestic piping such as plumbing piping. The diameter of the conduit may be greater than 10mm, such as 15mm or 22mm, and / or may be less than 70mm. Such conduits may advantageously be retained (e.g., retained partially and / or completely within) in the channels 11-13, 21-24.

[0117] Each channel 11-13, 21-24 may be defined by a recess in the first face 111 , as shown. That is, each channel 11-13, 21-24 may be a portion of the first face 111 that is recessed relative to projections 50 that are located either side of the channel 11-13, 21-24. Only some of the projections 50 are labelled with the reference numeral 50 in FIG. 2A for clarity reasons.

[0118] The plurality of channels 11-13, 21-24 may be configured to support a plurality of conduits in the first face 111. The plurality of channels 11-13, 21-24 may be arranged in rows and columns and / or a grid (e.g., a network of lines that cross each other to form a series of squares and / or rectangles). In the illustrated example, projections 50 arranged in columns and rows and / or a grid (at least in part) form the plurality of channels 11-13, 21-24. The channels 11-13, 21-24 may be routed around the projections 50, as illustrated.

[0119] Some of the channels 11-13 extend from the second face 112 / first side face 125 to the third face 113 / second side face 126. They have entrances and exits 31-33 located at the second face 112 / first side face 125 and entrances and exits 34-36 located at the third face 113 / second side face 126. Each of the locations labelled with reference numerals 31-36 can be considered to be an entrance or an exit. These locations 31- 36 represent points at which a conduit can enter or exit a channel 11-13.

[0120] The channels 11-13 extending from the second face 112 to the third face 113 are aligned with the length (x) dimension in the illustrated example and can be considered to be horizontal channels. That is, the channels 11-13 are elongate in the length (x) dimension. In other examples, however, this might not be the case. The channels 11- 13 extending from the second face 112 to the third face 113 can also be considered to be linear in nature in that they each extend in straight line from the second face 112 to the third face 113. In other examples, however, this might not be the case. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, in the illustrated example there are three horizontal channels 11-13, but there might be a different number of horizontal channels 11-13 in other examples.

[0121] FIG. 2D illustrates a cross section of a horizontal channel 11. While a single horizontal channel 11 is shown in FIG. 2D, the figure is equally as applicable to the other horizontal channels 12, 13. The channel 11 is located between adjacent projections 50 in the height (z) dimension. Each projection 50 provides a support surface 4, 8 for supporting a conduit in the channel 11 . The length of each support surface 4, 8 defines the depth of the channel 11 in the depth (y) dimension. The depth of the channel may be greater than 10mm, such as 15mm or 22mm, and / or may be less than 70mm. A further support surface 6 that is provided in the first face 111 defines the height of the channel 11 in the height dimension. The height of the channel may be greater than 10mm, such as 15mm or 22mm, and / or may be less than 70mm. The support surface 6 may prevent the conduit from penetrating the first structural support layer 101. Each projection 50 defines an (outermost) surface in the interior face 123 / first face 111 that is spaced from an (innermost) surface in the interior face 123 / first face 111 defined by the channel 11 / support surface 6. Each of the support surfaces 4, 6, 8 forms part of the channel 11.

[0122] The support surfaces 4, 6, 8 may support a conduit located in the channel 11 in that they may mitigate or prevent movement of a conduit located in the channel 11 during installation of the conduit, for example, thereby aiding installation of that conduit into the channel 11. One of the support surfaces 4 may also support the weight of the conduit, thereby holding it in place following installation. In some examples, multiple support surfaces 4, 6, 8 may hold the conduit in place following installation (e.g., if the conduit is an interference fit).

[0123] The channel 11 has an opening 7 between the projections 50. A conduit may be inserted into or removed from the channel 11 via the opening 7, or via the entrance or exit 31 , 34 of the channel 11.

[0124] Some of the channels 21-24 extend from the fourth face 114 / upper face 121 to the fifth face 115 / underside face 122. They have entrances and exits 41-44 located at the fourth face 114 / upper face 121 and entrances and exits 45-48 located at the fifth face 115 / underside face 122. Each of the locations labelled with reference numerals 41-48 can be considered to be an entrance or an exit. These locations 41-48 represent points at which a conduit can enter or exit a channel 21-24.

[0125] The channels 21-24 extending from the fourth face 114 to the fifth face 115 are aligned with the width dimension in the illustrated example and can be considered to be vertical channels. That is, the channels 21-24 are elongate in the height (z) dimension. In other examples, however, this might not be the case. The channels 21-24 extending from the fourth face 114 to the fifth face 115 can also be considered to be linear in nature in that they each extend in a straight line from the fourth face 114 to the fifth face 115. In other examples, however, this might not be the case.

[0126] As can be seen in FIG. 2A, in the illustrated example there are four vertical channels 21-24, but there might be a different number of vertical channels 21-24 in other examples.

[0127] FIG. 2E illustrates a cross section of a vertical channel 23. While a single vertical channel 23 is shown in FIG. 2E, the figure is equally as applicable to the other vertical channels 21 , 22, 24. The channel 23 is located between adjacent projections 50 in the length (x) dimension. Each projection 50 provides a support surface 4, 8 for supporting a conduit in the channel 23. The length of each support surface 4, 8 defines the depth of the channel 11 in the depth (y) dimension. The depth of the channel may be greater than 10mm, such as 15mm or 22mm, and / or may be less than 70mm. A further support surface 6 that is provided in the first face 111 defines the width of the channel 11 in the length (x) dimension. The width of the channel may be greater than 10mm, such as 15mm or 22mm, and / or may be less than 70mm. The support surface 6 may prevent the conduit from penetrating the first structural support layer 101. Each projection 50 defines an (outermost) surface in the interior face 123 / first face 111 that is spaced from an (innermost) surface in the interior face 123 / first face 111 defined by the channel 11 / support surface 6. Each of the support surfaces 4, 6, 8 forms part of the channel 23. The support surfaces 4, 6, 8 may support a conduit located in the channel 23 in that they may mitigate or prevent movement of a conduit located in the channel 23 during installation of the conduit, for example, thereby aiding installation of that conduit into the channel 23. One of the support surfaces 6 may also support the weight of the conduit, thereby holding it in place following installation. In some examples, multiple support surfaces 4, 6, 8 may hold the conduit in place following installation (e.g., if the conduit is an interference fit).

[0128] The channel 23 has an opening 7 between the projections 50. A conduit may be inserted into or removed from the channel 23 via the opening 7, or via the entrance or exit 43, 47 of the channel 23.

[0129] At least two channels 11-13, 21-24 may intersect at an intersection 61. Only some intersections 61 are labelled with the reference numeral 61 in FIG. 2A for clarity reasons. In some examples, such as that illustrated in FIG 2A, a channel 11-13, 21-24 may intersect multiple other channels at multiple intersections 61. For instance, in the illustrated example, a horizontal channel 11-13 intersects multiple vertical channels 21-24 at multiple intersections 61. A vertical channel 21-24 intersects multiple horizontal channels 11-13 at multiple intersections 61 . Each intersection 61 forms part of the two intersecting channels 11-13, 21-24. In the illustrated example, channels 11- 13, 21-24 intersect each other at substantially a right angle, but this need not be the case in other examples.

[0130] Each of the projections 50 provides at least one discrete support surface 4, 8 of a channel 11-13, 21-24 that is separated from at least one other discrete support surface 4, 8 by an intersection 61 . In the illustrated example, a pair of discrete support surfaces 4, 8 of a channel 11-13, 21-24 are separated from another pair of discrete support surfaces 4, 8 by an intersection 61 .

[0131] In the illustrated example, the discrete support surfaces 4, 8 of the horizontal channels 11-13 are spaced from each other in the length (x) dimension. The discrete support surfaces 4, 8 of the vertical channels 21-24 are separated from each other in the height (z) dimension. When one channel 11-13, 21-24 intersects another channel 11-13, 21-24, it intersects the other channel 11-13, 21-24 by extending between at least one pair of discrete support surfaces 4, 8.

[0132] In use, an installer may install a conduit into the first face 111 such that it is located, at least in part, in multiple different channels 11-13, 21-24. For example, a conduit may be located partly in a horizontal channel 11-13 and partly in a vertical channel 21-24. In this regard, a conduit might follow a non-linear path from an entrance 31-36, 41-48 to an exit 31-36, 41-48. For example, a conduit might follow a linear path from an entrance 31-36, 41-48 to an intersection 61 , change direction at the intersection 61 (e.g., by substantially 90 degrees) and then follow a further linear path to an exit 31- 36, 41-48, making the total path from the entrance to the exit 31-36, 41-48 non-linear.

[0133] In some examples, the channels 11-13, 21-24 could be curved and a conduit located in such a channel 11-13, 21-24 might follow a corresponding curved path.

[0134] In use, the channels 11-13, 21-24 enable a user to more easily install and / or maintain conduits within the channels. For example, if a plurality of construction blocks 500 are assembled to form at least a portion of a system-built house 810, skilled labor (e.g., plumbers, electricians etc.) may not require as much time to install conduits within the system-built house. The skilled labor, may not be required to install conduits at all, as the conduits could be installed by a lay (e.g., unskilled) person. Advantageously, the channels 11-13, 21-24 may be air channels 11-13, 21-24 thereby improving the thermal insulation of the construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600. The channels 11-13, 21-24 being air channels 11-13, 21-24 may also encourage airflow in the construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 thereby reducing damp spots and cold spots.

[0135] Each of the horizontal channels 11-13 may be evenly spaced from one another, and / or each of the vertical channels 21-24 may be evenly spaced from one another. Advantageously, evenly spacing the channels 11-13, 21-24 reduces the loss of structural integrity that is caused by the presence of the channels 11-13, 21-24 within the first composite structural support layer 101 . The upper face 121 of the construction block 500 may comprise at least one male portion / protrusion 171-178 (see FIGs 2A & 2B) and the underside wall 122 may comprise at least one female portion / recess 191-198 (see FIG. 2C), as in the illustrated example. In other examples, the upper wall 121 may comprise at least one female portion 191-198 (in addition to or instead of at least one male portion 171-178) and the underside wall 122 may comprise at least one male portion 171-178 (instead of or in addition to at least one female portion 191-198).

[0136] In the example construction block 500 illustrated in FIGs. 2A to 2C, the at least one male portion 171-178 extends outwardly from the upper face 121. The at least one female portion 191-198 extends inwardly into the underside face 122. In the illustrated examples, the external surfaces are generally planar in shape.

[0137] Each male portion 171-178 may extend from the upper wall 121 in a direction away from the upper wall 121 , in the height (z) dimension. If present, each male portion 171- 178 may extend from the underside wall 122 in a direction away from the underside face 122, in the height (z) dimension.

[0138] Each male portion 171-178 may be tapered. For instance, each male portion 171-178 may be tapered such that the male portion narrows in a direction away from the upper face 121 or the underside face 122, in the height (z) dimension. Each male portion 171-178 may comprise a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of each male portion 171-178 may comprise a part of the male portion 171-178 that is nearest to the upper face 121 and / or the underside face 122. The distal end of each male portion 171-178 may comprise a part of the male portion 171-178 that is furthest from the upper face 121 and / or the underside face 122.

[0139] Each female portion 191-198 may extend from the underside face 122 in a direction into the construction block 100, in the height (z) dimension. Each female portion 191- 198 may extend from the upper face 121 in a direction into the construction block 100, in the height (z) dimension.

[0140] Each female portion 191-198 may be tapered. Each female portion 191-198 may be tapered such that the female portion 191-198 narrows in a direction away from the upper face 121 or the underside face 122. Each female portion 191-198 may comprise a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of each female portion 191-198 may comprise a part of the female portion 191-198 that is nearest the upper face 121 and / or the underside face 122. The distal end of each female portion 191-198 may comprise a part of the female portion 191-198 that is furthest from the external surface of the upper face 121 and / or the underside face 122.

[0141] The construction block 500 is configured such that each construction block 500 can be stacked on top of another. When this is done, a male portion 171-178 of one block 500 is placed into a female portion of 191-198 another block 500. For instance, in the illustrated example, all of the male portions 171-178 extending from the upper face 121 of one construction block 500 enter all of the female portions 191-198 extending into the underside face 122 of another construction block 500.

[0142] Advantageously, the connectivity between the male portion(s) 171-178 and the female portion(s) 191-198 provides the benefit of not having to build supports against walls being formed from the construction blocks 500. The connectivity between the male portion(s) 171-178 and the female portion(s) 191-198 may also provide the benefit that adhesives (e.g., mortar) may not be required when assembling a system-built house 810 from the construction block 500.

[0143] In some examples, each of the first and second structural support layers 101 , 102 may include at least one male portion 171-178 or one female portion 191-198 in the upper and underside faces 121 , 122, as shown in FIGs 2A to 2C.

[0144] The first side face 125 may comprise at least one male portion / protrusion 511 , 512 and the second side face 126 may comprise at least one female portion / recess 501 , 502 (see FIGs 2A to 2C). In other examples, the first side wall 125 may comprise at least one recess 501 , 502 (in addition to or instead of at least one protrusion 511 , 512) and the second side wall 126 may comprise at least one protrusion 511 , 512 (in addition to or instead of at least one recess 501 , 502).

[0145] In the first example of the construction block 500 illustrated in FIGs. 2A to 2C, each protrusion 511 , 512 extends outwardly from the first side face 125, in the length (x) dimension. Each recess 501 , 502 extends inwardly into the second side face 126, in the length (x) dimension. In the illustrated examples, the side faces 125, 126 are generally planar in shape.

[0146] Each protrusion 511 , 512 may be tapered. For instance, each protrusion 511 , 512 may be tapered such that the male portion narrows in a direction away from the first side face 125 or the second side face 126, in the length (x) dimension.

[0147] Each recess 501 , 502 may be tapered. For instance, each recess 501 , 502 may be tapered such that the recess 501 , 502 narrows in a direction away from the first side wall 121 or the second side wall 126, in the length (x) dimension.

[0148] The construction block 500 is configured such that each construction block 500 can be keyed into another adjacent construction block 500. When this is done, a protrusion 511 , 512 of one block 500 is placed into a recess 501 , 502 another block 500. For instance, in the illustrated example, all of the protrusions 511 , 512 extending from the first side face 125 of one construction block 500 enter all of the recesses 501 , 502 extending in the second side face 126 of another construction block 500, providing a male-female connection between the two construction blocks 500. The connection between the male portions / protrusions 511 , 512 of one construction block 500 and the female portions / recesses 501 , 502 of another construction block 500 restricts relative movement of the connected construction blocks 500 along the depth (y) dimension, due to the manner in which the constructed blocks 500 are keyed into one another.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 2B, each male portion / protrusion 511 , 512 may comprise one or more abutment surfaces 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b. The one or more abutment surfaces 511a, 511 b, 512a, 512b may be configured to abut an abutment surface 501a, 501 b, 502a, 502b of a female portion / recess 501 , 502 of another construction block 500 in order to restricting movement of the construction block 500 and the other construction block along the depth dimension.

[0150] The abutment surfaces 501a, 501 b, 502a, 502b, 511a, 511 b, 512a, 512b of the protrusion(s) 511 , 512 or recess(es) 501 , 502 may extend from a side face 125, 126 in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the depth dimension (e.g., in the x- dimension as shown best in FIG. 2B). The reference numerals for the abutment surfaces in FIGs 2A and 2C are not shown for clarity.

[0151] Advantageously, the connectivity between the protrusion(s) 511 , 512 and the recess(es) 501 , 502 may provide the benefit of not having to build supports (e.g., scaffolding) against walls being formed from the construction blocks 500. It should be understood that whilst the protrusions 511 , 512 and recesses 501 , 502 on the side walls 125, 126 are only illustrated in FIGs 2A to 2C, any of the example construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 herein may comprise the protrusions 511 , 512 and / or recesses 501 , 502 on the side faces.

[0152] The construction block 500 may be substantially cuboidal in shape. The construction block 500 may comprise a length (e.g., in the length / x dimension), a width (e.g., in the width / z dimension) and a thickness (e.g., in the depth / y dimension). The length and the width may be greater than the thickness. The length of the construction block 500 may range from 200mm to 1500mm. The length of the construction block 500 may range from 800mm to 1300mm. The length may be 300mm. The length may be 900mm. The length may be 1200mm. The width of the construction block 500 may be in the range from 200mm to 1000mm. The width of the construction block 500 may be in the range from 500mm to 1000mm. The width may be 300mm. The width may be 600mm. The width may be 900mm.

[0153] The thickness of the thermal insulating layer 103 may be greater than the thickness of each of the first composite structural support layer 101 and the second composite structural support layer 102. The thickness of the thermal insulating layer 103 may be in the range of 100mm to 200mm. The thickness of the thermal insulating layer 103 may be in the range of 130mm to 170mm. The thickness of the thermal insulating layer 103 may be 100mm. The thickness of each of the first composite structural support layer 101 and the second composite structural support layer 102 may be in the range of 30mm to 100mm. The thickness of each of the first composite structural support layer 101 and the second composite structural support layer 102 may be in the range of 30mm to 70mm. During testing, the inventor has found that a preferable thickness of the thermal insulating layer 103 is around 150mm. During testing, the inventor has also found that a preferable thickness of each of the composite structural support layers 101 , 102 is around 50mm. During testing, the inventor has also found that a preferable thickness of each of the composite structural support layers 101 , 102 is around 75mm.

[0154] The second composite structural support layer 102 may comprise at least one channel (not shown). The at least one channel may be configured to receive at least one component of a heat exchange system. The at least one component of the thermal heat exchange system may be elongate.

[0155] FIGs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and 3G shows a perspective view, a plan view, a rear view, an end view, a front view, a cross-sectional front view and a lower perspective view of a second example of the construction block 100 respectively. FIG. 3H shows the end view of the second example of the construction block 100 as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0156] FIGs 3A to 3H illustrate Cartesian coordinate axes 130 having x, y and z axes that define length, depth and height dimensions, as described above in relation to FIGs. 2A and 2B. The second example of the construction block 100 includes a number of the same or similar features as the first example 500 illustrated in FIGs 2A to 2C. Those features are not repeated again here for conciseness. It should be understood that the second example of the construction block 100 can include any of the features of the first example of the construction block 500 that are described and / or illustrated herein, unless otherwise stated. Corresponding reference numerals are used where appropriate.

[0157] For instance, the second example of the construction block 100 illustrated in FIGs 3A to 3H is similar to the first example of the construction block 500 in that the second example of the construction block 100 comprises a first composite structural support layer 101 , a second composite structural support layer 102, a thermal insulating layer 103, a plurality of faces 121-126 and male and / or female portions 171-173, 174-177, 191-193, 194-197 in the upper and underside faces 121 , 122 as described above in relation to the first example of the construction block 500. The second example of the construction block 100 might include the protrusions 511 , 512 and recesses 501 , 502 in the first and second side faces 125, 126, but these are not shown in FIGs 3A to 3H. The second example of the construction block 100 is also similar to the first example 500 in that the second example 500 comprises at least one channel 11-12, 21-23 or a plurality of channels 11-12, 21-23 defined in the first face 111 / interior face 123. There are fewer channels 11-12, 21-23 shown in the illustrated second example 100, but the second example 100 could in practice have more, fewer or the same number of channels as compared with the illustrated first example 500.

[0158] The channels 11-12, 21-23 in the second example 100 are similar to those in the first example 500 in that they are orientated in the same way as that described above - as a plurality of elongate horizontal and vertical channels that intersect each other, potentially arranged in columns and rows and / or a grid. The channels 11-12, 21-23 in the second example 100 are similar to those in the first example in that they have entrances and exits 31-32, 34-35, 41-42, 45-47 as described above. The entrances and exits 31-32, 34-35, 41-42, 45-47 are openings / apertures in the upper face 121 , the underside face 122, and the first and second side faces 125, 126.

[0159] The channels 11-12, 21-23 in second example 100 are different from those illustrated in the first example 500 in that the entirety of each channel 11-12, 21-23 is not formed from a recess in the outermost surface of the first face 111 / interior face 123. Instead, only portions of the channels 11-12, 21-23 are formed by recesses, leaving these portions open and easily accessible to a user, whereas other portions of the channels 11-12, 21-23 are closed and not as readily accessible. The recesses could be equivalently considered to be openings or blind holes in the first face 111 / interior face 123 in the second example 100. These recessed, “open channel portions” provide the intersections 61 at which a plurality of channels 11-12, 21-23, such as a pair of channels, intersect. The intersecting channels 11-12, 21-23 may be a horizontal channel 11-12 and a vertical channel, 21-23, as described above.

[0160] The “closed channel portions” of the channels 11-12, 21-23 may be considered to be tunnels 62. The tunnels 62 provide discrete support surfaces 4, 6, 8 which may have the same characteristics as those described above in relation to the first example 500, other than that there is no opening 7. The closed channel portions / tunnels 62 run underneath the outermost surface of the first face 111 / interior face 123. Each channel 11-12, 21-23 may, in effect, be formed by a plurality of open channel portions 61 and closed channel portions 62.

[0161] In the illustrated example, each channel 11-12, 21-23 has a closed channel portion 62 located at or adjacent to the faces at which there is an entrance or an exit 31-32, 34- 35, 41-42, 45-47. Each channel 11-12, 21-23 also comprises at least one other one closed channel portion 62 that is located intermediate the closed channel portions 62 at the entrances and exits 31-32, 34-35, 41-42, 45-47.

[0162] The channels 11-12, 21-23 in the second example of the construction block 100 may be arranged to support electrical or plumbing lines (such as piping or wiring). The channels 11-12, 21-23 in the second example of the construction block 100 may receive and retain conduits (e.g., wiring, piping etc.), as described above in relation to the first example 500. Such conduits may be received via the entrances and exits 31- 32, 34-35, 41-42, 45-47 of the channels 11-12, 21-23.

[0163] The second example of the construction block 100 shown in FIGs. 3A to 3H comprises at least one connector 161-167 that connects the first structural support layer 101 with the second structural support layer 102. The first structural support layer 101 may, for example, be fixedly connected with the second structural support layer 102 by the connector(s) 161-167.

[0164] Each connector 161-167 may be configured such that a first end of the connector 161- 167 is configured to be connected to the first composite structural support layer 101 and a second end of the connector 161-167 is configured to be connected to the second composite structural support layer 102. Each connector 161-167 may be configured to extend through the thermal insulating layer 103.

[0165] Each connector 161-167 may be an elongate member (e.g., a rod). Each elongate member may be any suitable shape. For example, the elongate member may be substantially cuboidal. The elongate member may be substantially cylindrical (i.e., rodshaped). Each connector 161-167 may be formed of any suitable material. Each connector 161-167 may be formed at least in part from a metal and / or plastics material. Each connector 161-167 may be configured to support a greater structural load than the thermal insulating layer 103. For example, each connector 161-167 may be formed of a material that is able to support a greater structural load than the thermal insulating layer 103.

[0166] FIGs. 3A to 3H show that each connector 161-167 extends from the first composite structural support layer 101 to the second composite structural support layer 102 via the thermal insulating layer 103. The construction block 100 may comprise any suitable number of connectors 161-167. In the example construction block 100 illustrated in FIGs. 3A to 3H, the construction block 100 comprises twelve connectors 161-167, but only seven of the connectors 161-167 are shown.

[0167] FIG. 3H shows a device 350 configured to move the construction block 100. The device 350 comprises a clamp 352 configured to grip the construction block 100.

[0168] During testing, the inventor has found that clamping (e.g., by applying opposing forces in the y dimension) the construction block 100 with the clamp 352 at locations of the exterior and interior faces 123, 124 of the construction block 100 that are substantially aligned with the connector(s) 161-167 of the construction block 100 in the z dimension reduces damage to the construction block 100 when the construction block 100 is being moved by the device 350. This may occur when the connector(s) 161-167 is configured to support a greater structural load than the thermal insulating layer 103. The connector(s) 161-167 and the composite structural support layers 101 , 102 provide a bridging effect that assists in preventing damage to the thermal insulating layer 103.

[0169] FIG.4 shows a perspective view of a third example of the construction block 200. The third example of the construction block 200 includes a number of the same or similar features as the first example 500 and the second example 100 described above. Those features are not repeated again here for conciseness. It should be understood that the third example of the construction block 100 can include any of the features of the first example of the construction block 500 and the second example of the construction block 100 that are described and / or illustrated herein, unless otherwise stated. Corresponding reference numerals are used where appropriate. The faces 121-126 of the third example if the construction block 200 illustrated in FIG.4 differ from those of the first and second examples 100, 500 in that the interior and exterior faces 123, 124 are substantially triangular in shape. The construction block 200 illustrated in FIG. 4 has the shape of a triangular prism. Other than the overall shape, the construction block 200 illustrated in FIG. 4 may comprise any of the features of the other example construction blocks 100, 300, 400, 500, 600 detailed in the present application.

[0170] FIG.5 shows a perspective view of a fourth example of the construction block 300. The fourth example of the construction block 300 includes a number of the same or similar features as the first example 500 and the second example 100 described above. Those features are not repeated again here for conciseness. It should be understood that the fourth example of the construction block 100 can include any of the features of the first example of the construction block 500 and the second example of the construction block 100 that are described and / or illustrated herein, unless otherwise stated. Corresponding reference numerals are used where appropriate.

[0171] The upper face 121 and the underside face 122 differ from those of the first and second examples 100, 500 in that the upper and underside faces 121 , 122 are L-shaped as illustrated in FIG.5. The construction block 300 illustrated in FIG.5 has the shape of an L-shaped prism. Other than the overall shape, the construction block 300 illustrated in FIG. 5 may comprise any of the features of the other example construction blocks 100, 200, 400, 500, 600 detailed in the present application.

[0172] Advantageously, different shaped construction blocks enable differently shaped portion of a system-built house 810 to be constructed. In the illustrated example, the front wall 111 comprises a plurality of construction blocks as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 to provide a cuboidal structure. In the illustrated example, upper portions of the left and right walls 113, 114 comprise a plurality of the construction blocks as illustrated in FIG. 4 for supporting a roof.

[0173] FIG.6 shows a perspective view of a fifth example construction block 400. The fifth example of the construction block 400 includes a number of the same or similar features as the first example 500 and the second example 100 described above. Those features are not repeated again here for conciseness. It should be understood that the fifth example of the construction block 400 can include any of the features of the first example of the construction block 500 and the second example of the construction block 100 that are described and / or illustrated herein, unless otherwise stated. Corresponding reference numerals are used where appropriate.

[0174] The interior face 123 and the exterior face 122 differ from those of the first and second examples 100, 500 in that the upper and underside faces 121 , 122 are hollow square shaped as illustrated in FIG.6. The construction block 400 shown in FIG. 6 comprises twelve male portions 171-182. Other than the overall shape, the construction block 300 illustrated in FIG. 5 may comprise any of the features of the other example construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 detailed in the present application.

[0175] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a sixth example construction block 600. The sixth example of the construction block 600 includes a number of the same or similar features as the second example 100 described above. Those features are not repeated again here for conciseness. It should be understood that the sixth example of the construction block 600 can include any of the features of the second example of the construction block 100 that are described and / or illustrated herein, unless otherwise stated. Corresponding reference numerals are used where appropriate.

[0176] FIG. 7 shows that the first composite structural support layer 101 comprises a support 601 . The support 601 is configured to support at least part of a floor. The support 601 may be formed from the first composite structural support layer 101. The support 601 may be an additional part configured to be supported by the construction block 600 (e.g., by the male portions 171-182). Other than the overall shape, the construction block illustrated in FIG. 7 may comprise any of the features of the other construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 detailed in the present application.

[0177] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of part of an example foundation 815 of the example system-built house 810. The foundation 815 comprises a plurality of construction blocks. The foundation 815 may comprise any of the construction blocks described below. The foundation 815 shown in FIG. 8 comprises at least one of the examples of the construction block 700, 800, 900 and 1000 illustrated in FIGs 9A to 13B.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 8, the example foundation 815 comprises a platform 815a. The platform 815a may be formed using any suitable material that complies with regulatory building standards (e.g., UK regulatory building standards) such as concrete. The example foundation 815 comprises a support layer 815b. The support layer 815b may be configured to support the walls 811-814 of the system-built house 810.

[0179] In the example foundation 815, the support layer 815b comprises a seventh, eight, ninth and tenth example of the construction block 700, 800, 900, 1000.

[0180] FIGs 9A and 9B show a perspective view and an end view of the seventh example of the construction block 700. The seventh example of the construction block 700 includes a number of the same or similar features as the first example 500 and the second example 100 described above. Those features are not repeated again here for conciseness. It should be understood that the seventh example of the construction block 700 can include any of the features of the first example of the construction block 500 and the second example of the construction block 100 that are described and / or illustrated herein, unless otherwise stated. Corresponding reference numerals are used where appropriate.

[0181] FIGs 9A and 9B illustrate Cartesian coordinate axes 130 having x, y and z axes that define length, depth and height dimensions, as described above in relation to FIGs. 2A and 2B.

[0182] The construction block may comprise a foot 911-914. The foot 911-914 may extend from the underside face 122. The foot 911-914 may be configured such that when the foot 911-194 contacts a planar base surface (e.g., the platform 815a), a cavity is defined (at least in part) by the foot 911-194, the underside face 122 and the planar base surface.

[0183] The construction block 700 shown in FIGs 9A and 9B comprises a plurality of feet 911-

[0184] 914 that extend from the underside face 122. The feet with reference numerals 911 and 912 extend further in the z dimension than the feet with reference numerals 913, 914 (i.e., they are longer in the z dimension). When the longer feet 911 , 912 contact a planar base surface, a cavity 920 is defined (at least in part) by the longer feet 911 , 912, the underside face 122 and the planar base surface.

[0185] The longer feet 911 , 912, when in contact with the planar base surface, may define a cavity 920 that is a closed channel 940 (e.g., a channel is at least partly constrained in the z dimension by an upper surface (e.g., the underside face 122)).

[0186] The construction block 700 may comprise a through hole 931 , 932 extending from the upper face 121 to the cavity 920 via the underside face 122. The through hole 931 , 932 extending in this manner enables a levelling material to be received in the cavity from the upper face 121 . A foot 911 , 914 that at least partially defines the cavity may be closer to the periphery of the underside face 122 than the through hole 931 , 932. The periphery of the underside face may be defined by the interior face 123.

[0187] The construction block 700 shown in FIGs 9A and 9B comprises a plurality of through holes 931 , 932 that extend from the upper face 121 to the cavity 920 via the underside face 122.

[0188] As shown best in FIG. 9B, the foot with reference numeral 911 is closer to the periphery of the underside face 122 (in the x dimension) than the through holes 931 , 932 are to the periphery of the underside face 122 (in the x dimension). The foot 911 therefore at least partially assists in containing a levelling material poured into a through hole 931 , 932 within the foundation 815.

[0189] The levelling material may comprise any suitable material to improve the leveling of the construction blocks 700, 800, 900, 1000 in the foundation 815 such as concrete. The levelling material may be poured into the cavity 920 via the through holes 931 , 932. The through holes 931 , 932 enable a user to pour levelling material into the cavity 920 after the construction blocks 700, 800, 900, 1000 have formed at least part of the foundation 815. The construction block 700 illustrated in FIGs 9A and 9B may comprise any of the features of the other example construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 detailed in the present application.

[0190] FIGs 10A and 10B show a perspective and a plan view of the eighth example of the construction block 800. The eighth example of the construction block 800 includes a number of the same or similar features as the first example 500 and the second example 100 described above. Those features are not repeated again here for conciseness. It should be understood that the eighth example of the construction block 800 can include any of the features of the first example of the construction block 500 and the second example of the construction block 100 that are described and / or illustrated herein, unless otherwise stated. Corresponding reference numerals are used where appropriate.

[0191] FIGs 10A and 10B illustrate Cartesian coordinate axes 130 having x, y and z axes that define length, depth and height dimensions, as described above in relation to FIGs 2A and 2B.

[0192] The upper face 121 of the construction block 800 may comprise a blind hole 811-814 configured to receive a leveller. A leveller may be an apparatus used to assist in levelling the construction block 800 and another construction block mounted on the upper face 121 of the construction block 800.

[0193] The leveller may comprise a spacer member such as a shim. The leveller may comprise a spacer member as described in UK patent application number GB0713837.3. The leveller may comprise a spacer apparatus as described in UK patent application number GB1707963.3.

[0194] The extent of the blind hole 811-814 in the depth dimension and / or the length dimension may be greater than the extent of the blind hole in the width dimension. In other words, the blind hole 811-814 may be shallow.

[0195] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional end view of an example foundation 815 including the seventh and eighth example construction blocks 700, 800. The dashed line shown by reference numeral 1101 is an intersection between the seventh example construction block 700 and the eighth example construction block 800. As shown in FIG. 11 , the (shorter) feet 913, 914 contact the upper face 121 of the eighth example of the construction block 800. The male portion 172 of the eighth example construction block 800 is at least partly received in the corresponding female portion of the seventh example construction block 700.

[0196] The dashed line shown by reference numeral 1102 is an intersection between the seventh example construction block 700 and the planar base surface.

[0197] FIGs 12A and 12B show a perspective view and an end view of a ninth example of the construction block. The ninth example of the construction block 900 includes a number of the same or similar features as the first example 500, the second example 100 and the seventh example 700 described above. Those features are not repeated again here for conciseness. It should be understood that the ninth example of the construction block 900 can include any of the features of the first example of the construction block 500, the second example of the construction block 100 and the seventh example of the construction block 700 that are described and / or illustrated herein, unless otherwise stated. Corresponding reference numerals are used where appropriate.

[0198] The upper face 121 and the underside face 122 differ from those of the first, second and seventh examples 100, 500, 700 in that the upper and underside faces 121 , 122 are L-shaped as illustrated in FIGs 12A and 12B. The construction block 900 illustrated in FIGs 12A and 12B has the shape of an L-shaped prism.

[0199] The underside face 122 differs from that of the seventh example 700 in that the underside face 122 comprises two feet 911 , 912 rather than four feet. The face 122 differs from that of the seventh example 700 in that the underside face 122 is not planar and at least partially defines a U-shaped cavity 920.

[0200] Other than the overall shape and the underside surface 122, the construction block 900 illustrated in FIGs 12A and 12B may comprise any of the features of the other example construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1000 detailed in the present application.

[0201] FIGs 13A and 13B show a perspective and a plan view of a tenth example of the construction block 1000. The tenth example of the construction block 1000 includes a number of the same or similar features as the first example 500 and the second example 100 described above. Those features are not repeated again here for conciseness. It should be understood that the tenth example of the construction block 1000 can include any of the features of the first example of the construction block 500 and the second example of the construction block 100 that are described and / or illustrated herein, unless otherwise stated. Corresponding reference numerals are used where appropriate.

[0202] The upper face 121 and the underside face 122 differ from those of the first and second examples 100, 500 in that the upper and underside faces 121 , 122 are L-shaped as illustrated in FIGs 13A and 13B. The construction block 1000 illustrated in FIGs 13A and 13B has the shape of an L-shaped prism. Other than the overall shape, the construction block 1000 illustrated in FIGs 13A and 13B may comprise any of the features of the other example construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 detailed in the present application.

[0203] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional end view of an example foundation including the ninth and tenth example construction blocks 900, 1000.

[0204] The dashed line shown by reference numeral 1401 is an intersection between the ninth example construction block 900 and the tenth example construction block 1000. As shown in FIG. 14, the feet 911 , 912, underside face 122 and the planar base surface define a cavity 920. The male portion 172 of the tenth example construction block 1000 is at least partly received in the corresponding female portion of the ninth example construction block 900.

[0205] FIG. 15 shows an example method 1500 for forming any of the example construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 as described above. The method comprises act 1502 which comprises connecting at least one connector 161- 167 to a thermal insulating layer 103 such that the at least one connector 161-167 extends from at least one surface of the thermal insulating layer 103. The method further comprises act 1504 which comprises forming a first composite structural support layer 101 against the at least one surface such that the first composite structural support layer 101 and the thermal insulating layer 103 are connected via the connector 161-167. The method 1500 may further comprise vibrating at least the first composite structural support layer 101. For example, if the first composite structural support layer 101 comprises concrete, vibrating the first composite structural support layer 101 reduces the amount of air retained by the first composite structural support layer 101 , thereby improving the strength of the first composite structural support layer 101.

[0206] The construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 may be considered to be for a system-built house 810 as the layers 101 , 102, 103 of the construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 can be manufactured into a construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 prior to the construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 arriving at the location for constructing the system-built house 810. Advantageously, the construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 comprising the first composite structural support layer 101 , the second composite structural support layer 102 and the thermal insulating layer 103 makes the assembling of a system-built house 810 easier. This is because each separate layer does not have to be constructed separately on site but rather each construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 is pre-fabricated to include the layers before construction of a house 810 begins.

[0207] FIG. 16 shows an example method 1600 for forming at least part of a system-built house 810. The method comprises act 1602 which comprises forming a foundation 815 for the system-built house 810. For example, the foundation 815 may be formed using any suitable method that complies with regulatory building standards. The method further comprises step 1604 which comprises connecting a first construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 and a second construction block 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 to form at least part of a wall 811-814 of the system-built house 810. The method may further comprise connecting any suitable of number of construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 to form a system-built house 810.

[0208] An example construction block (not shown) for a system-built house 810, may comprise a first face 111 being formed at least partially from aggregate, a second face 112 and a third face 113. The example construction block may also comprise at least one channel 11-13, 21-24, defined in the first face 111 and extending from the second face 112 to the third face 113, arranged to support a conduit in the first face 111. This example construction block may comprise at least one layer 101 , 102, 103 (i.e. , one of the composite structural support layers 101 , 102 or the thermal insulating layer 103). The example construction block may consist of a single layer 101 , 102, 103.

[0209] The example construction block may comprise any of the features of the example construction blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 illustrated in FIGs. 2A to 7 and 9 to 14. For example, the channel 11-13 extending from the second face 112 to the third face 113 may be elongate in a first dimension. The example construction block may comprise a further channel 21-24 defined in the first face 111 , the further channel intersecting the channel 11-13. The channel 11-13 may comprise a plurality of discrete support surfaces 4, 6, 8, located along the first dimension, arranged to support the conduit. The further channel may at least intersect the channel by extending between at least two of the discrete support surfaces 4, 6, 8 located along the first dimension. The construction block may comprise a fourth face 114 and a fifth face 115, wherein the further channel extends from the fourth face 114 to the fifth face 115. The further channel 21-24 may extend from the fourth face 114 to the fifth face 115 in a second dimension which is orthogonal to the first dimension. The further channel may be elongate in the second dimension. The channel and the further channel may define an intersection 61 that enables a conduit to be routed in the channel 11-13 and the further channel 21-24. The construction block may comprise a plurality of channels 11-13, 21-24, defined in the first face 111 , wherein the plurality of channels 11-13, 21-24 are configured to support a plurality of conduits in the first face. The plurality of channels 11-13, 21-24 are arranged in a grid.

[0210] A further example construction block (not shown) for a system-built house 10, may comprise: a face 111-116 formed at least partially from aggregate material; and a grid of channels 11-13, 21-24, defined in the face 111-116 and arranged to support conduits in the face 111-116.

[0211] The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one...” or by using “consisting”.

[0212] In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., so as to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components.

[0213] As used herein, the term "determine / determining" (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory), obtaining and the like. Also, " determine / determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0214] In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

[0215] Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0216] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

[0217] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0218] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0219] The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

[0220] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result. In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

[0221] The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

[0222] Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. l / we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a thermal insulating layer; a composite structural support layer adjacent the thermal insulating layer; an upper face and an underside face, wherein the upper face comprises at least one male portion and the underside face comprises at least one female portion, or the upper face comprises at least one female portion and the underside face comprises at least one male portion; and a first side face and a second side face, separated from the first side face along a depth dimension of the construction block, wherein the first side face comprises at least one male portion and the second side face comprises at least one female portion, or the first side face comprises at least one female portion and the second side face comprises at least one male portion, wherein the male portion and female portion of the first and second side faces are configured to connect with a corresponding male portion or female portion of another construction block thereby restricting relative movement of the construction block and the other construction block along the depth dimension of the construction block.

2. The construction block of claim 1 , wherein the at least one male portion or at least one female portion of the first side face comprises an abutment surface configured to abut an abutment surface of the at least one male portion or at least one female portion of the second side face and thereby restrict relative movement of the construction block and the other construction block along the depth dimension.

3. The construction block of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the abutment surface of at least one male portion or at least one female portion of the first side face extends from the first side face in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the depth dimension.

4. The construction block of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the upper face comprises a blind hole configured to receive a leveller.

5. The construction block of claim 4, wherein the upper face and the lower face are separated by a width dimension of the construction block; and the extent of the blind hole in the depth dimension is greater than the extent of the blind hole in the width dimension.

6. The construction block of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second composite structural support layer, wherein the thermal insulating layer is sandwiched between the composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer.

7. The construction block of claim 6, wherein the composite structural support layer comprises aggregate material.

8. The construction block of claim 7, wherein the composite structural support layer comprises concrete.

9. The construction block of any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal insulating layer has a thermal conductivity of less than 1 W / mK.

10. The construction block of claim 9, wherein the thermal insulating layer comprises fiber-reinforced plastic.11 . The construction block of any of the preceding claims, wherein the construction block comprises a connector that extends from the composite structural support layer to the second composite structural support layer via the thermal insulating layer.

12. The construction block of claim 11 , wherein the connector is configured to support a greater structural load than the thermal insulating layer.

13. The construction block of any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the thermal insulating layer is greater than the thickness of each of the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer.

14. The construction block of claim 13, wherein the thickness of the thermal insulating layer is in the range of 100mm to 200mm, and the thickness of each of the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer is in the range of 30mm to 100mm.

15. The construction block of any of the preceding claims, wherein the composite structural support layer comprises a first face, a second face, a third face and at least one channel, defined in the first face and extending from the second face to the third face, arranged to support a conduit in the first face.

16. The construction block of claim 15, wherein the conduit is a domestic pipe.

17. The construction block of claim 15 or 16, wherein the channel extending from the second face to the third face is elongate in a first dimension.

18. The construction block of claim 16, 17 or 18, further comprising a further channel defined in the first face, the further channel intersecting the channel.

19. The construction block of claim 18, wherein the channel comprises a plurality of discrete support surfaces, located along the first dimension, arranged to support the conduit.

20. The construction block of claim 19, wherein the further channel at least intersects the channel by extending between at least two of the discrete support surfaces located along the first dimension.

21. The construction block of any of claims 17 to 19, further comprising a fourth face and a fifth face, wherein the further channel extends from the fourth face to the fifth face.

22. The construction block of claim 21 , wherein the further channel extends from the fourth face to the fifth face in a second dimension which is orthogonal to the first dimension.

23. The construction block of claim 22, wherein the further channel is elongate in the second dimension.

24. The construction block of any of claims 18 to 23, wherein the channel and the further channel define an intersection that enables a conduit to be routed in the channel and the further channel.

25. The construction block of any of claims 20 to 25, wherein the construction block comprises a plurality of channels defined in the first face, wherein the plurality of channels are configured to support a plurality of conduits in the first face and are arranged in a grid.

26. The construction block according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper face is at least partly defined by the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer, and the upper face comprises a plurality of male and female portions, wherein at least one male or female portion is defined by the first composite structural support layer and at least one male or female portion is defined by the second composite structural support layer.

27. The construction block of any preceding claim, wherein the construction block is substantially cuboidal in shape and comprises a length, a width and a thickness, the length and width being greater than the thickness.

28. The construction block of claim 27, wherein the length is in the range of 200mm to 1500mm and the width is in the range of 200 mm to 1000mm.

29. The construction block according to any preceding claims, further comprising a foot, extending from the underside face, configured to contact a planar base surface, wherein when the foot contacts the planar base surface, a cavity is defined by the foot, the underside face and the planar base surface; and a through hole extending from the upper face to the cavity via the underside face, such that a levelling material is receivable in the cavity from the upper face.

30. A system-built house comprising a plurality of the construction block of any of claims 1 to 29.

31. A construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a thermal insulating layer; and a composite structural support layer, adjacent the thermal insulating layer, the composite structural support layer comprising a face and a plurality of channels defined in the face, wherein the plurality of channels is configured to support at least one conduit in the face, and are arranged in a grid.

32. The construction block of claim 31 , wherein the conduit comprises a domestic Pipe.

33. The construction block of claim 32, wherein the domestic pipe comprises a plumbing pipe.

34. The construction block of claim 32 or 33, wherein the domestic pipe comprises a diameter greater than 10mm.

35. The construction block of any of claims 31 to 34, further comprising a second face separated from the face along a depth dimension of the construction block, wherein the thermal insulating layer is adjacent the second face.

36. A construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a thermal insulating layer; a composite structural support layer; an upper face and an underside face each at least partially defined by the thermal insulating layer and the composite structural support layer; a foot, extending from the underside face, configured to contact a planar base surface, wherein when the foot contacts the planar base surface, a cavity is defined by the foot, the underside face and the planar base surface; anda through hole extending from the upper face to the cavity via the underside face, such that a levelling material is receivable in the cavity from the upper face.

37. The construction block of claim 36, wherein the foot is closer to the periphery of the underside face than the through hole.

38. The construction block of claim 36 or 37, further comprising a further foot, extending from the underside face, wherein when the foot and the further foot contact the planar base surface the foot and further foot define a closed channel.

39. A construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a first face, a second face and third face, the first face being formed at least partially from aggregate material; and at least one channel, defined in the first face and extending from the second face to the third face, arranged to support a conduit in the first face.

40. The construction block of claim 39, wherein the channel extending from the second face to the third face is elongate in a first dimension.41 . The construction block of claim 40, further comprising a further channel defined in the first face, the further channel intersecting the channel.

42. The construction block of claim 41 , wherein the channel comprises a plurality of discrete support surfaces, located along the first dimension, arranged to support the conduit.

43. The construction block of claim 42, wherein the further channel at least intersects the channel by extending between at least two of the discrete support surfaces located along the first dimension.

44. The construction block of claim 42 or 43, further comprising a fourth face and a fifth face, wherein the further channel extends from the fourth face to the fifth face.

45. The construction block of claim 44, wherein the further channel extends from the fourth face to the fifth face in a second dimension which is orthogonal to the first dimension.

46. The construction block of claim 45, wherein the further channel is elongate in the second dimension.

47. The construction block of any of claims 41 to 46, wherein the channel and the further channel define an intersection that enables a conduit to be routed in the channel and the further channel.

48. The construction block of any of claims 40 to 47, wherein the construction block comprises a plurality of channels defined in the first face, wherein the plurality of channels are configured to support a plurality of conduits in the first face and are arranged in a grid.

49. A construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a face formed at least partially from aggregate material; and a grid of channels defined in the face and arranged to support conduits in the face.

50. A construction block for a system-built house, the construction block comprising: a first composite structural support layer; a second composite structural support layer; and a thermal insulating layer sandwiched between the first composite structural support layer and the second composite structural support layer.

51. A method for manufacturing a construction block for a system-built house, the method comprising:connecting at least one connector to a thermal insulating layer such that the at least one connector extends from at least one surface of the insulating layer; and forming a first composite structural support layer against the at least one surface such that the first composite layer and the insulating layer are connected via the connector.

52. A method for constructing a system-built house using the construction block of any of claims 1 to 50, the method comprising: forming a foundation for the system-built house; connecting a first construction block of claim 1 to 50 and second construction block of claim 1 to 50 to form at least part of a wall of the system-built house.

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