Integration and Case Studies
As part of the Innosuisse project ‘Think Earth – Regenerative Construction’, the subproject ‘Integration and Case Studies’ (TP9) investigates how timber and earth can be combined in hybrid construction to enable climate-neutral building. Over a period of five years, ETH Zurich examines design approaches and material systems through multiple case studies. The findings feed into digital tools and support the development of sustainable architecture in Switzerland.
Timber and earth are among the world’s oldest building materials, and at the same time, among the most forward-looking. Their use has always been influenced by cultural knowledge, local resources, and climatic conditions. But what does it mean to build with these materials in the 21st century? And how can today’s expectations regarding safety, durability, and architectural expression be reconciled with natural materials – in harmony with climate, resources, and human well-being
The subproject ‘Integration and Case Studies’ (TP9) demonstrates the potential of timber-earth hybrid construction through case studies and examines how the respective strengths of both materials can be optimally combined: timber provides structural efficiency and reversible joining techniques, while clay offers ideal conditions for passive energy generation and storage as well as a healthy indoor climate with a minimal carbon footprint. Three phases are central to the project: integrated design, construction and monitoring. Practice and research partners work iteratively, in close collaboration and with a life-cycle perspective. With digital tools, the project strengthens knowledge transfer between research and practice and supports the scaling of timber-earth construction combined with solar-passive design principles and low-tech strategies.
Practice-based research and integration
Over five years, complementary case studies apply the principles of ‘Integrated Design’ in practice – placing fabrication methods, material choice, comfort, and architectural expression at the centre of a holistic design process. A comprehensive monitoring concept is developed in parallel. Under the direction of the Chair of Architecture and Building Systems at ETH Zurich, the case studies are observed, measured, and documented on both the material and design levels. The aim is to research and further develop multifunctional timber-earth elements under real conditions. A particular focus lies on monitoring: the performance of the installed elements is systematically assessed to validate design goals and generate new insights. Results are shared digitally and through regular workshops with all project partners to reduce risks during implementation and to support the wider adoption of climate-friendly construction practices.
Integrated Design
This refers to a systemic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary design approach that addresses the complexity of the built environment and integrates cross-disciplinary collaboration from the earliest stages of the planning process. Linear workflows are replaced by iterative, life-cycle-oriented methods. The focus lies on early problem analysis rather than isolated solutions. The design process brings together social, ecological, and technological criteria: local climate, CO₂ emissions, and human well-being are central to the planning process. The aim is to create future-oriented architecture that unites design quality with sustainability and societal benefit.
Case Studies
From the ‘Pavilion MANAL’ on the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts campus in Horw and the “LabCube” at Empa in Dübendorf, to full-scale prototypes in the Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab at ETH Zurich and the “Haus Ehrhardt” in Vienna, through to the Villa Oxford “Living Lab” in Ticino, timber–earth hybrid systems are being tested and scientifically examined under real conditions. The focus lies on questions of hygrothermal behaviour, erosion resistance and comfort, as well as strategies for solar-passive building. Each case study places its own emphasis within the integrated design approach, highlighting material, fabrication technique, design and comfort in different ways. Together, they illustrate in diverse ways how sustainable construction can be rethought and realised.
Design Process for Sustainable Architecture
The aim is to develop context-sensitive architecture that harnesses the potential of local environments and materials, identifies and circumvents weaknesses early on, and places human well-being at the centre. The Chair of Architecture and Building Systems at ETH Zurich is developing a design process that strengthens the connection between people, materials, and the environment. Initial approaches have already been tested in the design studio ‘Design for Climate’, in collaboration with Studio Boltshauser and the Chair of Architectural Behaviourology.
The findings, experiences, and innovations from the case studies and design studios are incorporated into digital tools for ‘Integrated Design’ and are made available to project partners and the wider professional community. The goal is to accelerate and consolidate the transformation towards climate-friendly construction with timber and earth in Switzerland brought about by ‘Think Earth’.
More information
Contact person
Dr. Illias Hischier
ETH Zurich – Department of Architecture / ITA
Email:
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