Young Innovates by Creating Building Blocks with Rice Husk, Clay, Cement, and Chemical-Free Glue, Transforming Agricultural Waste into a Sustainable Housing Solution

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 12/02/2026 at 19:22

Updated on 12/02/2026 at 19:28

Imagem: Ilustração

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In Batken, Residents Adopt Blocks Made with 60% of Rice Husk, Technology of Nursultan Taabaldyev, Which Combines Sustainability, Resistance and Thermal Comfort, Making Houses More Accessible and Ecological Durable

In southern Kyrgyzstan, a local initiative is reshaping the relationship between sustainability and housing. In Batken, a region responsible for about one-third of the country’s rice production, waste that was once discarded or burned has ceased to symbolize pollution and has become construction raw material.

Waste That Turns Into Structure

Entrepreneur Nursultan Taabaldyev, 27, began producing blocks using rice husks mixed with clay, cement, and a chemical-free adhesive.

The result is a material composed of approximately 60% husk, while the rest includes the other elements of the formula.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Popularity and Thermal Comfort

The technology quickly gained traction among residents of Kyzyl-Kiya and neighboring areas. In addition to the reduced cost, thermal efficiency became one of the main attractions.

Houses built with the blocks remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer, an effect linked to the low thermal conductivity of rice.

In five years, Taabaldyev has supplied material for about 300 houses. The journey so far included an initial phase with sawdust, which was later replaced by rice husk blocks.

Today, they are seen as a more economical alternative to concrete and conventional bricks in the region.

The social impact is significant. In a country where the average monthly salary is around US$ 230, the reduction in construction costs expands access to housing and reinforces more sustainable practices.

For many families, what was once waste has come to represent opportunity.

Residents report that, in addition to cost savings, the houses help reduce agricultural waste and the environmental damage associated with burning.

The local experience suggests that simple solutions, when aligned with community needs, can generate structural changes.

Still in an expansion phase, the initiative continues to attract interest by uniting innovation, economic viability, and environmental benefits.

With information from R7.

Young Innovates by Creating Building Blocks with Rice Husk, Clay, Cement, and Chemical-Free Glue, Transforming Agricultural Waste into a Sustainable Housing Solution

In Batken, Residents Adopt Blocks Made with 60% of Rice Husk, Technology of Nursultan Taabaldyev, Which Combines Sustainability, Resistance and Thermal Comfort, Making Houses More Accessible and Ecological Durable

Waste That Turns Into Structure

Popularity and Thermal Comfort

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Young Innovates by Creating Building Blocks with Rice Husk, Clay, Cement, and Chemical-Free Glue, Transforming Agricultural Waste into a Sustainable Housing Solution

In Batken, Residents Adopt Blocks Made with 60% of Rice Husk, Technology of Nursultan Taabaldyev, Which Combines Sustainability, Resistance and Thermal Comfort, Making Houses More Accessible and Ecological Durable

Waste That Turns Into Structure

Popularity and Thermal Comfort

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