The ERTEK system is a building system based on the idea of the "Sizable Structural Stone" introduced by Dimitris Papanikolaou, within the general notion of the "Integrated Building". The basic tenets of this approach are the consideration of the building project, as well as its relation with the environment, as a unified system where the functionality of each part supports the functionality of the other parts. The particular consideration, which pervades the threefold "design – construction – use" opposes the conventional separation of the project in autonomous subjects and activities which, as being in conflict to each other, increase the cost of both construction and use, delay the production process, undermine the structural and anti-earthquake behavior, while degrade the quality of the building.

    An important feature of the aforementioned approach is that the construction system does not require production in a factory, or specialized resources (machinery or infrastructure) of other kind, consequently can be practically implemented by everyone. Another important feature is that the cost reduction resulting from this approach does not presuppose a massive production of built space, but also occurs in small scale projects.