Thatches & GrassesAw (Tropical Savanna)Cwb (Subtropical Highland)
Wetland Papyrus Reed & Vetiver Thatch (Cyperus papyrus)
Chaume de Papyrus et Vétiver / Uruzi (Kinyarwanda)
Primary Geographic Coverage: Uganda Rwanda Burundi South Sudan Kenya Tanzania
Compressive Strength
0.25 MPa
Wet yield: 0.1 MPa (Ratio: 40%)Thermal Conductivity (λ)
0.058 W/m·K
Diffusivity: 0.165 mm²/sThermal Phase Lag (30cm)
14.2 hrs
U-Value: 0.19 W/m²·KCarbon vs. Concrete
-140%
Embodied: -0.85 kgCO2e/kgSoil Mechanics & Physics
| Soil Classification: | Riverine floodplains and lacustrine wetlands |
| Liquid Limit (LL): | 0% |
| Plastic Limit (PL): | 0% |
| Plasticity Index (PI): | 0% |
| Optimum Moisture Content: | % |
| Proctor Dry Density: | 180 kg/m³ |
Thermal Thermodynamics
| Conductivity (λ): | 0.058 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (c): | 1950 J/kg·K |
| Thermal Diffusivity (α): | 0.165 mm²/s |
| Volumetric Heat Capacity: | 351 kJ/m³·K |
| 30cm Wall U-Value: | 0.19 W/m²·K |
| Phase Delay (30cm Wall): | 14.2 Hours |
Tectonic Specifications & Architectural Engineering
Bioclimatic Engineering Strategy
With an ultra-low thermal conductivity (λ = 0.058 W/m·K), a 25cm thatch roof completely blocks solar radiation from reaching the building envelope while allowing hot indoor air to escape through micro-porous interstitial reed gaps.
Mortar Formulation & Stabilization Mix
Layered bundled stitching on bamboo purlins at 45° roof pitch
Curing, Quality Control & Erosion Protection
Academic References & Lab Data Sources
- Vavřínová, N. et al. Composite Material Based on Natural Bioaggregates. J. Renew. Mater. 2022, 10, 1859–1873.
- UN-Habitat: Sustainable Building Design for Tropical Climates: Principles and Applications for Eastern Africa, 2014.