Integration and Case Studies

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. 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.

Case Studies

From the ‘Pavilion MANAL’ on the Lucerne University campus in Horw and the ‘Container Lab’ at Empa in Dübendorf to full-scale prototypes in the Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab at ETH Zurich and a multifunctional ‘Living Lab’ in Acquarossa (Ticino), the experimental case studies examine how material, design, and use interact. They address key questions: Where do challenges arise? When do they become visible – and how do they influence the ecological footprint of a building and the well-being of its users? Each case study focuses on unique aspects of the integrated design approach, highlighting aspects such as material choice, fabrication techniques, design, or comfort in different ways. Together, they demonstrate a variety of ways how sustainable building can be rethought and put into practice.

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’.