The historical, the fun and the quirky facts about construction

This is Construct IQ, a dynamic portal to the weird, the unexpected, the ingenious, and the downright fascinating within the world of construction. This is the ultimate website for unusual, weird and fun facts about the building business. This is where we spotlight the history of construction and much more. Forget the predictable. This is where we crack open the curiosity cabinet and delve into the quirky, the cutting-edge and the mind-bending innovations that are reshaping construction.

Think outside the brick-and-mortar box. This is where you will find stories that illustrate the weird, the quirky and the fun facts and myths about construction. Imagine living walls that breathe and heal, homes conjured from pixels in a day, or underwater metropolises shimmering beneath the waves. We're talking mushrooms powering structures, AI predicting construction hiccups before they happen, and even robots waltzing on job sites. The only limit is your imagination. Welcome to Construct IQ - your place to explore unusual, quirky, historical and fun facts about construction and much more.

How forensic engineers discover the invisible flaws in construction

Structural failures remain a persistent challenge in the built environment. However, beyond the dramatic collapses that dominate headlines, countless subtle defects and lesser-known incidents...

Why our early builders hid shoes as they worked

For many homeowners and renovators of historic properties, finding a single, worn-out shoe tucked away in a dusty void, is a surprisingly common occurrence. From the stately manors of the landed...

Construction and the World’s first recorded labour strike

Buried within the history of ancient Egypt is a lesser-known, yet profoundly important milestone - the first recorded labour strike in human history. Far from a modern invention, organised worker...

Did our ancient builders use cow’s blood and beer as mortar additives?

In the long and varied history of construction, few details are as surprising - or as intriguing - as the unusual substances added to building materials. Among the most enduring legends are claims...

Why builders turned to astrology in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, the science of construction often shared a surprising partnership with the stars. While today’s builders rely on lasers and structural modelling software, their medieval...

The story behind medieval cranes powered by ‘Human Hamsters’

Long before engines and hydraulics powered modern construction, medieval builders lifted massive stones into place using human muscle alone. Inside towering cathedrals, workers walked inside giant...

The most iconic buildings of the 21st century (So Far)

The 21st century has already given rise to a collection of architectural marvels that redefine architecture, challenge engineering boundaries and capture the imagination of people around the globe....

Medieval masonry and how gothic cathedrals touched the sky

Gothic cathedrals, these magnificent edifices, with their soaring vaults, seemingly weightless walls of stained glass and intricate lacework of stone, stand as enduring testaments to human ingenuity...

Rediscovering the benefits of rammed earth wall systems

Rammed earth construction is one of the world’s oldest building techniques, yet many in the modern construction industry remain unfamiliar with its value. However, with roots dating back thousands of...