Reusing bricks
Approximately 450 million facing bricks are used annually in the Netherlands. Almost all of these bricks are installed using mortar, making high-quality reuse after demolition virtually impossible. Drystack has developed a system that allows bricks to be disassembled at the end of a building's lifespan. Using a patented click system that replaces traditional mortar, the bricks are stacked dry. As a result, the bricks can be reused later for a subsequent building. In this way, building materials are preserved and the facade retains residual value.
Building faster, cleaner and smarter
The benefits extend beyond reuse. According to the National Environmental Database, a Drystack facade has approximately one-third the environmental impact of traditional masonry. In addition, construction can proceed up to 25 percent faster, and the work is largely weather-independent. The innovation also addresses the shortage of skilled masons: after a short instruction, employees can get to work with the system. For the supply of bricks, Drystack collaborates with brick manufacturers De Rijswaard and Engels. The system is applicable to bricks from virtually all manufacturers and to various substructures.
This is what Drystack will do with the investment
Drystack is using the capital to further develop the machinery and the factory and to strengthen the organization. With this, the company aims to realize more projects using the dry stacking system. The ultimate goal is to make the circular brick facade the standard in the Dutch construction industry. In addition to capital, the new shareholders bring knowledge and relationships. TBI Zebra, TBI's impact venture platform, supports young companies that are making construction more sustainable. Through the expertise and network of TBI companies, the platform aims to contribute to Drystack's further growth.
That is why ROM InWest invests
Drystack focuses on two relevant societal challenges: reducing CO2 emissions and increasing the possibilities for the reuse of building materials. The dry stacking system also solves the shortage of bricklayers. As a North Holland-based company, Drystack strengthens the innovative power of our region: from Heerhugowaard, the company is building a scalable ecosystem of construction companies, brick manufacturers, and developers. Max Terheggen, investment manager at ROM InWest: “Drystack previously participated in the via ROM InWest Acceleration Program Future-Proof Construction. We are proud to be investing in this company now. What particularly appeals to us is that Drystack combines sustainable impact with a strong revenue model. The system builds faster and is weather-independent. Moreover, it aligns with the growing demand for circular construction solutions and with stricter sustainability requirements in the sector. As a result, Drystack is operating in a market that is expected to grow strongly in the coming years.”
Want to know more about Drystack? Read how the construction innovator learned to focus to grow with the help of ROM InWest..
