The thermal insulation capacity of reed materials is based on the air trapped inside the stalks.

Reed panels (Berger-panels) can be used as insulation material in walls and floors. In this sheet reed stalks are compressed tightly and knitted to panel with stainless steel wires. The insulation capacity of the panel has been measured to be between 0,055-0,075 W/mK.

Reed bales can be used for constructing wall structures and insulation e.g. in base floors where is crawling space underneath. Bales are prepared by compressing reed material mechanically in to tight block.

Reed can be used as insulation material also within construction elements.

Concept for using reed as building material will be developed during Cofreen project.

In Cofreen Estonian University of Life Sciences is testing the thermal insulation capacity of reed filled wall structures in a test house. ´

• Estonian University of Life Sciences: Experimental study of thermal conductivity of timber framed walls insulated with reed