A block has a front face with a first surface of non-planar roughness including at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. The front face includes a second surface that is even and generally planar, with at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. In one example, the first surface is a split face, and the second surface is a burnished split face. In another example, the first surface is a molded face, and the second surface is burnished. Methods of making a block include molding, curing, in some implementations splitting, and then burnishing. Walls can be constructed from these blocks.

A block has a front face with a first surface of non-planar roughness including at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. The front face includes a second surface that is even and generally planar, with at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. In one example, the first surface is a split face, and the second surface is a burnished split face. In another example, the first surface is a molded face, and the second surface is burnished. Methods of making a block include molding, curing, in some implementations splitting, and then burnishing. Walls can be constructed from these blocks.

Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering and/or removing fluid from a discrete location within a building. In particular, the present invention involves a modular conduit system that can supply or remove air, water, gas, or other fluids to/from an individual space created by modular walls.

Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering and/or removing fluid from a discrete location within a building. In particular, the present invention involves a modular conduit system that can supply or remove air, water, gas, or other fluids to/from an individual space created by modular walls.

Various implementations described herein are directed to a formwork system. In one implementation, the formwork system includes aluminum extrusions and aluminum castings. The aluminum castings and the aluminum extrusions can be assembled by being pressed and riveted together.

A refractory insert is provided, including a main body part having a first surface defining a first sidewall, an opposed second surface defining a second sidewall, and an outer peripheral surface separating the first and second surfaces, and a mechanical mating member provided on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface thereof. The mechanical mating member includes a retention mechanism for controlling and retaining a position of a corresponding mating member in connection therewith.

Modular wall panels having a frame of a plurality of frame components and at least one wall sheet affixed to the frame. The frame components may have angled ends, straight ends, or a combination thereof to collectively form a frame which may include corners. Each frame component includes an outer surface with at least one aperture configured to receive and retain an insert therein. The apertures are also configured to permit a cable(s) to pass therethrough for running cables and such through the interior of the wall panel. Connectors and spacers may be inserted into the apertures as inserts and bridge between adjacent panels to selectively connect the panels. Caps may be placed in empty apertures to cover the openings for aesthetic purposes. A wall system includes a plurality of such wall panels connected to one another along the outer surfaces of the frame components of their respective frames.

Modular wall panels having a frame of a plurality of frame components and at least one wall sheet affixed to the frame. The frame components may have angled ends, straight ends, or a combination thereof to collectively form a frame which may include corners. Each frame component includes an outer surface with at least one aperture configured to receive and retain an insert therein. The apertures are also configured to permit a cable(s) to pass therethrough for running cables and such through the interior of the wall panel. Connectors and spacers may be inserted into the apertures as inserts and bridge between adjacent panels to selectively connect the panels. Caps may be placed in empty apertures to cover the openings for aesthetic purposes. A wall system includes a plurality of such wall panels connected to one another along the outer surfaces of the frame components of their respective frames.

A building block comprises a rigid housing defining a chamber and plant fibers contained within the chamber. A construction system comprises a plurality of such building blocks, selectively stackable to form a wall. A method of construction comprises obtaining a plurality of such building blocks, inserting plant fibers into the chamber, and stacking the plurality of building blocks to form one or more walls.

A building block comprises a rigid housing defining a chamber and plant fibers contained within the chamber. A construction system comprises a plurality of such building blocks, selectively stackable to form a wall. A method of construction comprises obtaining a plurality of such building blocks, inserting plant fibers into the chamber, and stacking the plurality of building blocks to form one or more walls.