Integration and Case Studies

Wood and clay are among the world’s oldest building materials and, at the same time, among the most promising for future solutions. Their use has always been shaped by deeply rooted architectural knowledge, local resources and climatic conditions. But what does it mean to build with these materials in the 21st century? How can today’s requirements for safety, durability and aesthetic expression be reconciled with natural building materials – in harmony with the climate, resources and human wellbeing?

The subproject ‘Integration and Case Studies’ (SP9) investigates the potential of hybrid timber-clay construction using a growing portfolio of real world applications. The materials are researched and further developed through the design, implementation and monitoring phases: timber is particularly impressive in its structural efficiency, span capacity and reversible joining techniques, whilst clay stands out for its solidity, excellent hygrothermal properties for passive energy use and storage, as well as for a healthy indoor climate, good acoustic and fire performance, both with a minimal carbon footprint. Knowledge transfer supports the application of these findings in practice and contributes to the scaling up of hybrid timber-clay construction using passive solar design principles and low-tech approaches.

Project Portfolio

Over a five-year period, a portfolio of complementary building stock and demonstrators is being developed, each of which makes different contributions – depending on the project – during the design (D), implementation (I) and monitoring (M) phases. Under the leadership of the Chair of Architecture and Building Systems at ETH Zurich, these are scientifically supported at the material and design levels in line with the Integrated Design approach. The findings are fed back into research and practice via digital tools and dialogue with project partners. The portfolio is divided into comprehensive Think Earth Case Studies and specific Innovation Sites.

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’.