Reed- and straw-bale buildings: past and present. Studies in Estonia - minireview
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Kuupäev
2026
Kättesaadavus
Ajakirja pealkiri
Ajakirja ISSN
Köite pealkiri
Kirjastaja
Estonian University of Life Sciences
Abstrakt
The application of renewable resources for developing building materials should lower the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Reed was used as a construction material already by ancient societies, namely by Marsh Arabs and ancient Egyptians. It is generally known that straw-bale building technology was originally applied in Nebraska in the end of 1800s. More likely this technology may have occurred independently in different regions around the globe. Ancient societies, as Maya, Inca, and Aztecs, built their homes using grass and straw. Nowadays, straw- and reed-bale buildings are constructed globally in accordance to their environmental and commercial features. In Estonia, a pioneering straw-bale house was completed only in 2002, indicating the start of an increasing trend toward the more intensive exploiting of natural building materials. 150 straw-bale houses have been completed in Estonia before 2025. The relevant research in this field has mainly been focused on the mechanical and physical properties of construction elements made from reed and straw, including compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and moisture resistance. Recent studies have been launched with the aim of examining indoor climate performance, which is closely linked to the microbiological conditions within these buildings. Proper design and maintenance are essential to prevent mold growth and ensure healthy indoor environments.
Kirjeldus
Received: January 29th, 2026 ; Accepted: April 30th, 2026 ; Published: June 4th, 2026 ; Correspondence: lembit.nei@taltech.ee
Märksõnad
ecological building, reed-bale building, straw-bale building, bio-based materials, sustainable construction, articles
Viide
Ruus, A., Raamets, J., Ivask, M., & Nei, L. (2026). Reed- and straw-bale buildings: past and present. Studies in Estonia - minireview. Estonian University of Life Sciences. https://doi.org/10.15159/AR.26.041