Houses made from rice: Kyrgyzstan’s eco-friendly revolution

What appears to be an ordinary construction site in southern Kyrgyzstan is, in fact, at the forefront of eco-friendly innovation. Akmatbek Uraimov’s new house is being built with bricks made from rice husks, a sustainable alternative gaining popularity across the country.

The technology is spearheaded by Nursultan Taabaldyev, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Batken, who has constructed over 300 homes using this method in just five years. The bricks are composed of 60% rice husks, with the rest made up of clay, cement, and a chemical-free adhesive. When dried, they rival cement in strength due to the high silica content naturally found in rice husks.

Besides being strong, the blocks provide excellent insulation. Homeowners like Ykhval Boriyeva report warmer winters and cooler springs, reducing their reliance on coal. The affordability also makes them appealing in a region where the average monthly salary is about $230.

The innovation addresses a critical environmental issue: the disposal of rice husk waste. Batken, which produces a third of Kyrgyzstan’s rice, typically burns leftover husks, contributing to pollution. “We decided to recycle it,” says Taabaldyev, who is also supported by farmers grateful to have the waste removed.

With cement prices rising and environmental concerns mounting, Taabaldyev’s rice bricks are gaining attention not just locally but internationally. Early studies also back the material’s economic and ecological potential.

Now, with plans to scale production and expand globally, Taabaldyev hopes to revolutionise how sustainable homes are built—one rice husk at a time.