The Certified Alternative to Blockwork – Why Tested Systems Are Taking Over

Blockwork has been the default internal walling and shaft material for decades. Its longevity in the market comes from familiarity, not from performance. Under today’s requirements, it is increasingly unsuitable.

• Compliance: Blockwork has never passed BS EN 1366-8, the critical test for smoke shafts under extract conditions. It cannot demonstrate leakage control under pressure.
• Programme: Installation is slow, labour intensive and reliant on curing. This creates bottlenecks in sequencing and delays M&E integration.
• Safety: Fire performance relies on additional board linings, creating multiple trade interfaces and points of failure.
• Sustainability: High embodied carbon, water-intensive curing, and waste-heavy installation processes make blockwork inconsistent with net zero targets.

In high-rise schemes, these factors converge into a material that adds risk to projects.

A1-rated panel alternatives

Specwall A1 panels are tested to BS EN 1364-1 (non-loadbearing walls), achieving E120/I120 as standard. They are classified A1 non-combustible under BS EN 13501-1. Unlike blockwork, performance is achieved in a single system with no need for plasterboard linings.

Panels are manufactured off-site and cut to order, ensuring dimensional accuracy. Integrated service routes allow M&E to be coordinated at design stage. This prevents later alterations that would otherwise compromise compartmentation.

Tested shaft solutions

Specshaft is tested to BS EN 1366-1 (fire resistance of ducts) and BS EN 1366-8 (smoke extraction ducts and shafts). It is one of the few shaft systems with documented results under both fire exposure and mechanical smoke extract pressure. Achieving E120/I120 classifications, it provides verifiable evidence of performance where blockwork offers none.

QA and installation

Both systems are installed by an approved contractor under a documented QA process. This includes inspection checklists, installation records, and handover documentation. Approved installer is backed by £5m PI insurance, providing accountability and assurance to developers, Building Control and insurers.

Blockwork is no longer viable. With regulatory scrutiny, sustainability targets and insurance pressures increasing, untested methods cannot stand up to modern requirements. Specwall and Specshaft provide tested, documented and buildable alternatives, giving the industry a pathway beyond outdated approaches.