Construction technology
Building a pumice block house in Georgia
stroydom.ge has been building pumice-block houses in Tbilisi and across Georgia since 2014 and has handed over more than 50 projects. A shell costs 500–700 GEL/m², ready for finishing 850–1,100 GEL/m², the full turnkey cycle 1,250–1,550 GEL/m², for houses from 150 m². Within each rate the price depends on block density and grade, wall thickness, the amount of reinforcement and the type of exterior finish. The contract warranty runs up to 10 years, and the advance is capped at 15%.
Pumice block (a block made of volcanic pumice with a cement binder) is one of the most popular shell options for a private house in Georgia: a local material, light, well insulating, quick to lay. But the result depends heavily on details you can't see from outside: reinforced belts, masonry adhesive, plinth waterproofing. What determines the quality of a pumice-block house is covered below.
What determines the quality of a pumice-block shell?
Reinforced belts
Pumice block performs poorly under bending and point loads. A monolithic reinforced belt is required at the top of each floor and under floor slabs; without it, the masonry eventually develops cracks.
Thin-bed adhesive, not cement mortar
Thin-joint masonry with a special adhesive gives minimal cold bridges between blocks. Laying on ordinary cement mortar undoes the block's insulating properties.
Plinth waterproofing
Pumice block is porous and absorbs less moisture than aerated concrete, but a cut-off waterproofing layer between the foundation and the first row of blocks is still mandatory, or the masonry draws damp from below over time.
External finishing
Pumice block can't be left unprotected for long: plaster, a ventilated facade or cladding is needed within a reasonable time after laying, so the block doesn't absorb moisture from the weather.
What are the strengths and limits of pumice block?
- Good thermal insulation with a thinner wall than solid brick
- A local material: volcanic pumice is quarried in Georgia, so there is less dependence on imports
- Faster laying than brick or monolithic construction, so the shell closes up sooner
- Lighter block weight reduces the load on the foundation compared to monolithic
- Requires more precise reinforcement control than a frame or monolithic structure
- Not suited to high-rise without extra reinforcement; best for 1–3 storeys
What determines the cost of a pumice-block house?
| Item | What is included and the price |
|---|---|
| Block density and grade | Lower density means better insulation but lower load capacity, so we choose the grade for the floor count and load, not just the cheapest option. |
| Wall thickness | Thickness affects both the shell price and future heating costs, and we balance this against the specific plot's climate. |
| Amount of reinforcement | The amount and cross-section of reinforced belts depends on floor count and spans. This is not a place to cut corners. |
| Type of external finish | Plaster, a ventilated facade or brick cladding give different prices and different wall lifespans. |
Block density and grade
Lower density means better insulation but lower load capacity, so we choose the grade for the floor count and load, not just the cheapest option.
Wall thickness
Thickness affects both the shell price and future heating costs, and we balance this against the specific plot's climate.
Amount of reinforcement
The amount and cross-section of reinforced belts depends on floor count and spans. This is not a place to cut corners.
Type of external finish
Plaster, a ventilated facade or brick cladding give different prices and different wall lifespans.
Updated:
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Frequently asked questions about pumice-block houses
Is a pumice-block house warm in winter in Georgia?
Yes, with the right wall thickness and correct reinforcement, pumice block gives good insulation for the climate of Tbilisi and most of Georgia. It's important not to cut corners on the masonry adhesive and reinforced belts: they, not the block itself, are usually the source of cold bridges.
How long does a pumice-block house last without cracking?
With the technology followed (reinforced belts, quality masonry, plinth waterproofing, timely finishing), a pumice-block shell lasts decades without cracking. Most problems blamed on the material are in practice caused by a breach of laying technology, not the block itself.
Does pumice block need separate waterproofing?
Yes, a cut-off waterproofing layer between the foundation and the first course is still needed: pumice block is porous, though it absorbs less moisture than aerated concrete. It's also important not to delay external finishing after the shell is up, so the block doesn't absorb moisture from rain.
How does pumice block compare to monolithic construction on timeline?
Laying pumice block is usually faster than pouring monolithic walls, because the block is larger than brick and is laid with adhesive without formwork. Monolithic construction gives more freedom on floor count and spans. The choice of technology should be made from the house design, not speed alone.
Can you build a second floor on pumice block?
Yes, pumice block suits houses up to 2–3 storeys with correctly calculated reinforced belts and floor slabs. For more floors or complex spans, a monolithic or frame option is usually considered. This is decided at the design stage, not after laying has started.