Straw is a material that has been used in construction for many years, and today it is gaining more and more popularity. Although some dispute its qualities, claiming that it is insect litter, easily flammable and not stable enough, tests have shown otherwise. Complete walls are made of them.
Researchers around the world are investigating low-carbon materials used in construction. They are developing new ways of using wood and other natural materials, such as hemp, natural fiber composites and straw. It is estimated that such materials can help achieve long-term goals in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, because the impact of the construction industry on the environment is huge.

The research group for ECO construction deals with interdisciplinary research on the topic of new ECO trends in the construction of cheap, healthy and safe houses - from baled (compressed) straw, which, in different ways, improve the ecological parameters of urban areas. Some specifics of this simple construction and their basic characteristics are shown. Based on several laboratory tests, their satisfactory safety in fire conditions and the highest safety in earthquakes have been confirmed. The topic will be illustrated with examples of successfully realized straw buildings in Serbia and around the world.

The research group consists of Prof. Dr. Slobodan Krnjetin and MSc. Slobodan Šupič, professional associate.