GET TO KNOW SMART, THE LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BLOCKS MANUFACTURER WHO CAN PRODUCE G4 – G6 GRADE BLOCKS USING TECHNOLOGY FROM GERMAN MANUFACTURER, WEHRHAHN
TEXT: NATHATAI TANGCHADAKORN
PHOTO COURTESY OF SMART
(For Thai, press here)
Lightweight concrete blocks are regarded as a fundamental building material, playing a key role both structurally and decoratively. Their standout property lies in their ability to insulate against heat, effectively preventing heat transfer from outside to inside a building.
‘Smart Cool Block’ is produced by Smart Concrete Public Company Limited (SMART). This type of lightweight concrete is an ideal solution for modern construction, thanks to its light weight, which allows for faster building processes. It also provides excellent thermal insulation, offering more than four hours of fire resistance. The production process involves high-pressure steam curing coupled with a cement-based formula, ensuring consistent quality. Its smooth, even surfaces help reduce the amount of mortar needed for both laying and plastering. Furthermore, it has been certified under the Thai Industrial Standards (TIS 1505-2541).
SMART offers a diverse range of products. These include lightweight concrete blocks for structural work, such as the AAC Smart Block G4, which measures 20 x 60 cm in sizes ranging from 7.5 to 20 cm in thickness. Smart decorative blocks are available in over eight designs, including the Smart Four Ventilation Block, Smart Stacked Squares Block, Smart Daowkrajay Block, Smart X Block, Smart Gold Coin Block, Smart O Block, Smart One Ventilation Block, and Smart Miti Block, all of which provide a broader scope for innovative design and decoration.
Smart decorative blocks
The AAC Smart Block G4 is produced using machinery from Wehrhahn, a renowned German manufacturer with extensive expertise in lightweight concrete technology. These machines can produce G4-grade blocks for structural work with load-bearing columns or beams, and can also produce G6-grade blocks for non-load-bearing applications. All products undergo rigorous performance testing and have earned the Ministry of Energy’s No. 5 energy-saving label. This aligns with SMART’s commitment to developing energy-saving and eco-friendly products through manufacturing processes that reduce waste.
The AAC Smart Block
Additionally, SMART has launched notable social initiatives that showcase its products, such as the ‘Smart Block: Cool Home, Low Energy’ project. This pilot home demonstrates how using Smart Block can reduce energy consumption by as much as 30% and it was instrumental in SMART receiving both the Best Company Performance Awards and the Outstanding CEO Awards at the 2024 SET Awards, hosted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
Best Company Performance Awards at the 2024 SET Awards
A cool, comfortable, and energy-saving building is the ideal vision for today’s architects, who are increasingly concerned about the challenges of global climate change. Selecting appropriate materials is merely one step toward achieving that vision. Yet when every party involved—from project owners and designers to material manufacturers—makes a concerted effort, there is hope that we can at least slow or mitigate the worsening state of our planet.