The QuaDror: A Revolutionary New Flat-Packing Structural Joint That Could Change the Way We Build

It's not every day that someone invents a new structural element. Something so elegant and ingenious we wonder why it was just recently discovered. At the <a href="http://www.designindaba.com/" target="_blank">Design Indaba</a> conference this week Israeli designer, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/studio-drors-pick-chair/" target="_blank">Dror Benshetrit</a> unveiled his <a href="http://www.quadror.com/about-quadror/" target="_blank">QuaDror</a>, a new structural joint, geometrical truss, wall divider, sound barrier, artistic form and shelter concept - all in one. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/flat-packing" target="_blank">flat-packing</a> block is composed of four identical L-shaped pieces that fall open to create something that is so strong and stable, it may just change how we build.

Benshetrit originally came up with the geometry when he designed a floor lamp for the annual Swarovski Crystal Palace exhibit at the 2007 Milan Furniture Fair.

He was fascinated by it and came up with a myriad of other uses for the quirky, yet surprisingly efficient building block.

The four identical pieces are laid together in such a way that when they fold open, they create a strong structural element and it can be made in a variety of sizes.

One of the simplest ideas uses the QuaDror as barricades. They flat-pack to ship and then can be stacked to create different size walls.

The QuaDror is stronger than a rectangle or an a-frame for vertical or horizontal loads and its flat-packing ability makes it economical to ship and store.

86 of these elements can be stacked on top of each other, which makes it suitable for building, tall walls and much more.

The structural element also exhibits very good acoustical properties making it useful as a sound barrier.

Benshetrit also wants to use the structural element to make quick-erecting and strong shelters for the world's poor or disaster victims.

Engineering consultants, Arup have even taken a loot at the block and pronounced its structural strength “outstanding.” They even nominated the QuaDror for the annual Buckminster Fuller competition.

Benshetrit unveiled his amazing design at this weeks Design Indaba conference in South Africa and has set up a pop-up display of his first QuaDror house.

The QuaDror made from old books.

Another design for a QuaDror house.

Two QuaDrors used for bridge supports.