Parsons School of Design
Design in the Age of Embodied Carbon
Instructor: David Lewis
Team: Jordan Shanel, Femi Nathan-Marsh, August Breen
A BUILDING BLOCK MADE OF WATER REED
The embodied energy of our buildings, the energy involved in the manufacturing, shipping, assembly, and even demolition, represents a significant proportion of carbon that is emitted from the built environment. While operational carbon can and has been reduced over time, the embodied carbon of a building is released by the time construction has completed. To address the climate crisis properly and promptly, we must rethink the materials we use to construct our buildings.
The Ree-Block is a building block, made from water reed (commonly used in thatch roofs), that can easily stack within a standard 16” on center stud framed wall. The block is held together with wire and finished with lime plaster. The thickness of the block will ensure strong thermal performance while still allowing breathability. The lime plaster finish serves as a moisture and fire barrier. The Ree-Block eliminates the need for harmful, unhealthy and carbon intensive products that make up a typical wall section. No cladding, water barrier, insulation, gypsum board, or paint needed. The product can be easily repaired or altered by patching or trimming. The Ree-Block can be returned to the earth at the end of its life.
Water reed is commonly found in North America, Europe and Asia, and has been utilized as a building material for centuries.
The sustainable growth of water reed can improve water quality by removing pollutants from surface waters.
A 24’x 24’ room with Ree-Block walls sequesters as much carbon as the annual emissions of a standard passenger vehicle.