This paper aims to explore potential uses for reed as a building material. Initially, the paper is structured as a broad introduction to Reed as a material, highlighting its tremendous ecological possibilities as an architectural material and its extensive historical precedent.

Reeds can contribute to coastal sea defences and repair local wetland soil and ecologies, and when reeds are used as a building material they can store atmospheric carbon. Although there is an ecological case for using reeds, coupled with extensive historical precedent, reeds see surprisingly little use outside of thatched roofs.

As such, the objective of this paper is to propose an additional method of construction using reeds. Initially, the focus of the thesis is broad as I explore the properties of the material, its history in architecture and the ecological case of why we should use reeds more. Then the thesis becomes more propositional as it progressively zooms into potential areas for innovation. The thesis is intended to inspire further research into the field; therefore, it presents a diverse plethora of design investigations to help construct its research. As such, the thesis draws on imagery, visualisations and design speculations to conduct its primary research.

Innovations with this material will only grow even more relevant as our climate becomes increasingly fragile and our resources scarce. This paper aims to explore the potential uses of the reed as a contemporary building material.