Cellulose-based building materials: use, performance and risk

A brief history of cellulose-based building materials

Interest and awareness about the embodied energy associated with the production, use and disposal of construction materials remains topical, resulting in traditional cellulose-based building materials such as thatch, cob, hemp and lime, or straw bales being re-examined as potential low impact building materials, products and systems.

This report provides a brief history of cellulose-based building materials, and reviews the current developments in their use. It looks at the use and performance issues of such materials, examining the potential benefits and associated risks – informing the debate and resulting in a better understanding about the use of low impact building materials. In addition, the report also provides examples of recent projects built in the UK.