Ricehouse

Established in 2016, Ricehouse is an Italian benefit corporation that converts agricultural by-products from the rice industry into high-performance, natural building materials. The company was founded by architect Tiziana Monterisi, who has two decades of experience in bio-architecture, and geologist Alessio Colombo, who leads research and development. The inspiration came from Monterisi's observation of rice straw being burned in the fields of Biella, sparking the idea to transform this waste into a resource. Ricehouse's strategic focus is on upcycling organic residues like rice straw, husk, and chaff, which would otherwise be disposed of, into materials for the construction sector.

The company operates a distinct business model by developing and owning the intellectual property for its product recipes while outsourcing the physical production to third-party manufacturers. This asset-light approach allows Ricehouse to function as a developer and coordinator of a short, regional supply chain that connects local rice farmers directly to construction sites. Revenue is generated through the sale of its wide range of construction products and by providing consultation services for design and building projects aligned with bio-architecture principles. Its client base includes construction companies and individuals undertaking new builds and renovations.

Ricehouse offers a comprehensive portfolio of building materials sufficient to construct nearly an entire building. The product line includes insulating materials (rice straw and husk), semi-rigid insulating panels, lightweight screeds, finishing plasters, and prefabricated blocks. These materials offer significant benefits, including high thermal and acoustic insulation, fire resistance, durability, and breathability, which helps regulate indoor humidity and resist mold. By sequestering carbon in buildings—every tonne of husk and straw used sequesters approximately 1.43 tCO2—and replacing petrochemical-based products, the company directly addresses the construction industry's substantial environmental footprint. Having built over 90 structures by late 2021, Ricehouse has proven its model's viability and continues to expand its impact.

Keywords: circular economy, green building materials, bio-architecture, construction technology, sustainable construction, rice waste upcycling, natural insulation, agritech, cleantech, building materials, Tiziana Monterisi, Alessio Colombo, benefit corporation, sustainable materials, carbon sequestration, bio-based materials, eco-friendly construction, formaldehyde-free, healthy buildings, short supply chain