BalticReed: creative usage and collaboration for reed management

Study visit to lake Tåkern gave key insights on the need for active reed management. 
© RFTB

Together with sustainable building initiative Werstas Petraamo and John Nurminen Foundation, RFTB co-arranged a workshop in Helsinki on reed building materials in March. In February RFTB met with experts and key stakeholders at Lake Tåkern nature reserve. During February and March students at Konstfack, University of Arts, Crafts and Design have been working with reed as part of Industrial Design Course.

Workshop Reed Building Materials 
Architects, researchers, students, entrepreneurs and other enthusiasts spent a full day at the Werstas Petraamo showroom in Helsinki – insightful presentations from subject matter experts were held, in the afternoon participants explored hands-on sessions on reed-plaster wall building, reed roof thatching and clay painting.  

Reed Community Lake Tåkern  
Bringing together the full value chain (researchers, landowners, harvesters, county administrative board, and thatchers), great discussions and a shared commitment to protecting Tåkern’s unique ecosystem was discussed. Lake Tåkern is home to some of Sweden´s largest reed beds and diverse animal- and plant life.  One key insight: reed beds need active management to prevent deterioration and biodiversity loss. 

Reed at Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design  
As part of the Industrial Design education, the course “Studies of Regenerative Bioregional Materials” explores various materials, reed being one one of them. This is the second year of collaboration with RFTB, exchanging knowledge and insights on reed material characteristics, historical uses and opportunities in future innovative utilization.    

Special Thank You 
RFTB are very grateful for Havsfonden's continued support of the project in 2025. This support and our shared belief in the potential of reed as a local renewable resource, motivates us to increase our efforts even further. We are proud to be part of Havsfonden s positive impact on the Baltic Sea.