Gypsum and giant canes in the Sicilian traditional architecture

Abstract

Giant cane is a natural, eco-friendly and low-cost product that is very common in the Mediterranean area. As far as the Sicilian tradition is concerned, it has been combined with gypsum, a material with the same qualities. Reeds and gypsum have been used as a traditional composite material that is able to join and improve their peculiarities of lightness and insulation, and to utilize the bearing skill of the hardiest reeds and the fire protection and moulding skills of gypsum. This combination of poor and easy-to-find materials has been used very frequently in Sicilian traditional constructions. It is possible to see roofs with inclined floors; some wooden floors with reeds and gypsum used as a binder or a screed destined to weight distribution or induction; partitions entirely realised in reed structure and gypsum mortar cladding and stiffening; false vaults or flat ceilings with tied reeds.