
Adobe Wall Reinforced with Reed Structure
Projects
2021
Al-Mleha, Ghuta, Syria This project reinterpreted traditional construction methods in Ghouta by introducing reed-based reinforcement into adobe brick walls, offering a sustainable alternative to concrete masonry. Before the widespread use of concrete, builders in the region often relied on reed structures to enhance strength while maintaining flexibility and thermal performance. The project involved embedding reeds horizontally between adobe courses to resist out-of-plane forces, particularly strong wind currents that contribute to structural degradation. After proper peeling and water treatment to extend durability, reeds were placed to create a semi-circle bond system, improving the wall’s tensile behavior without the need for cementitious materials. By reviving this vernacular method, the project demonstrated a low-cost, resilient approach to building stabilization, tailored to the environmental and cultural context of rural Syria.


