Abstract: A construction block (10) is described, comprising an input wall (16) and an output wall (22) spaced apart from the input wall (16), a void (32) being formed between the input wall (16) and the output wall (22), wherein the input wall (16) has a plurality of projections (18) formed integrally therewith, the projections (18) extending toward but stopping short of the output wall (22) and serving to disrupt convection currents forming in the void (32), at least one of the projections (18) comprising a solar concentrator which has a photovoltaic device (28) mounted thereon.

Abstract: The hollow brick providing thermal insulation is a construction block having a relatively high R-value. The hollow brick providing thermal insulation includes a main brick body forming a substantially rectangular prism. The main brick body has opposed upper and lower surfaces, a pair of laterally opposed sidewalls and a pair of longitudinally opposed sidewalls. A plurality of open passages are formed through the main brick body and extend between the upper and lower surfaces thereof. Each open passage defines upper and lower open ends formed through the upper and lower surfaces. The plurality of open passages are arrayed to form a plurality of laterally extending rows and a plurality of longitudinally extending columns. A longitudinal thickness between adjacent ones of the open passages in each longitudinally extending column is greater than a lateral thickness between adjacent ones of the open passages in each laterally extending row.