BASEhabitat Earthen Architecture in Central Europe, Travel Guide by BASEhabitat

BASEhabitat Earthen Architecture in Central Europe Travel Guide

“I need the truth more than my house. But I also need my house.” Bertolt Brecht

Kunstuniversität Linz University of Art and Design Linz die architektur

BASEhabitat Earthen Architecture in Central Europe Travel Guide

Europe

Earth to Earth Introduction

18 20

Austria

22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36

38 40 42 44

Low-Cost Vault Temporary building Passive House Tattendorf Office building S-House Office and exhibition building Garden of Generations Community building Printing Plant Gugler Company building Rothnerhof Renovation of an old farmstead Biohof Achleitner Organic farm Historical Wine Cellars Region of historic wine cellars Open Air Museum Stübing Museum of historical farmsteads, traditional crafts and historic life Urn Grave Wall Cemetery House Rauch Private house Studio Rauch Workshop Rammed Earth Wall Artistic design in a hospital

46 48 50

54 56 58 60 62 66 68

70 72 74 76 78 80

Cemetery Batschuns Cemetery expansion and chapel Vorarlberg Museum Museum of history of art Straw Bale Barn Private house

Switzerland

Cinema Sil Plaz Building modification Visitor Center Swiss ornithological institute Sihlhölzli Tool shed for a sports center Atelier Boltshauser Architect’s studio Earthen Sauna Rammed earth sauna Ricola Kräuterzentrum Herb center

France

Center of Rural Culture “La Damassine” Building for demonstration of eco materials Straw Bale Pavilion Experimental building Center of Interpretation of Archaeological Heritage Museum of archaeology cees European Soil Sample Conservatory Bamboo House Private house

House of the Park of the Swamps Local heritage exhibition Sport Center on the University Campus Kerlan 84 Kindergarten in Fégréac 86 L’ École d’Eau 88 Primary school Pole of Green and Natural Spaces 90 Office for public services “La Forge” 92 Hostel Rural Area for Local Services 94 Public building for commercial and health services Domaine de la Terre 96 Eco village Primary School in Veyrins-Thuellin 98 with restaurant and library Ecological Nursery 99 100 Wine Cellar “Domaine de Trévallon” Enlargement of the capacity of a wine cellar 104 Rammed Earth Extension Private villa 105 Leisure Center in Ramatuelle Leisure center for children 82

106 108 110 112 114

116

118 120

122 124

126

128 130 134

Italy and Romania

Esserhof Holiday flats Agricultural School Mezzana School building Panta Rei Training center for renewable energies in Perugia Four Traditional Houses Private houses – one is going to be turned into a museum Borgocapo House Laboratory for the dissemination of constructive techniques in raw earth Open Air Museum Astra National museum complex Casa Verde Private house

Slovakia and Czech Republic

Experimental House in Hrubý Šúr Serving for workshops and seminars about ecological construction Traditional Farmstead in Lysovice Private farmstead periodically used for workshops and training courses “Hrabinovo” Farmstead in Kaňovice Open air museum Tea House Garden pavillion Straw Bale House Private house

138 140

Germany

House of Sustainability Exhibition and seminar building 142 House J. Private house 144 Half-Timber House in Mörfelden Museum and information center 146 Half-Timber House 17th Century Renovation 148 Highest German Pisé Building Residental building 150 Kolumba Museum Art Museum 154 Museum Tuppenhof 156 Open Air Museum Xanten Museum of Roman history 158 Room of Tranquility Sacral room of the main hospital Suhl 162 Ecological Barn Restoration Multifamily house 164 “Stairway to Heaven” Exterior staircase 168 The Leipzig Zoo Parking Garage Parking façade of bamboo 169 Ecoproject “Strohpolis” Multifamily house 172 Museum of Clay in Gnevsdorf 174 Wangeliner Garden Information Center

176 178 182 184 186 188 192

Wangeliner Garden Guest house House in Ihlow Private house Day-Care Center Oranienburg Kindergarten Playground House Goldbeckweg Kapelle der Versöhnung Chapel of reconciliation Communal Kitchen Berlin Neighbourhood gardening Torfremise Private house and workshop

196

Public Transportation Network in Central Europe and Interactive Map

198

Imprint

Earth to Earth Introduction

In the course of the 2nd BASEhabitat International Summer School on Modern Earthen Architecture and Bamboo Construction in July of 2016 we are herewith presenting 74 interesting buildings, all made from sustainable materials and located in Central Europe. This booklet is considered to be a helpful tool, not only for the participants of our Summer School who are travelling to Austria from all over the world, but also for other enthusiasts of environmentally-friendly architecture. Raw earth building techniques have been known in Central Europe for at least 8,000 years. Nowadays, we can benefit from a wide range of knowledge about earthen construction from all over the world and throughout history. Within this travel guide we want to show a spectrum of contemporary earthen architecture as well as vernacular examples of applying these numerous earthen construction techniques in Central European climate zones.

Structures ranging from low-cost constructions to representative upscale buildings — all built with eco-friendly materials — are featured. In addition to the earthen projects, we also provide a brief overview of the implementation of straw bale walls and bamboo façades. As the number of outstanding examples of earthen architecture is rapidly increasing, we do not lay claim to the completeness of this recently started collection. Therefore, we are looking forward to more interesting recommendations.

Austria

Bregenz 15 11–14

contemporary historical private building public building 18

16 10

Innsbruck

6 7

Linz

3–4

5 Salzburg

1 Vienna

Summer School Altmünster

9 Graz

Low-Cost Vault Temporary building Built in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2011–2013 Bernhardinerallee 1, 1220 Vienna–Aspern, Austria Gerhard Scherbaum and Paul Adrian Schulz Vienna Transition Days until 2021 http://baubiologie.at/strohballenbau/ wood, straw bale

A wooden vault was erected in Aspern at the north easternmost region of Vienna as part of the “green skills” training course. Car tires were used for the foundations of the wooden structure. It was filled in with straw bales and the interior surfaces were plastered with clay. The vault is a temporary building that serves to demonstrate eco-friendly building techniques.

Passive House Tattendorf Office building Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2004 Oberwaltersdorfer Straße 2c, 2523 Tattendorf, NÖ, Austria Georg W. Reinberg Lopas AG please call in advance +43 664 100 70 62 www.lopas.ag large-sized prefabricated elements out of wood, straw and earth

The company “natur und lehm” developed all the prefabricated wall, floor and ceiling elements made from wood, straw and earth. The building is a prototype for clay-passive houses, therefore all the building details had to be newly developed following these standards. The current production of Lopas clay-passive houses is based on this prototype. The walls are constructed of 8 cm bio fibre clay on a rough shuttering outside and a 40 cm straw insulation with a clay plastering on a rough shuttering with “loam fleece” as a moisture barrier on the inside. The modules are resistant against fire (REI 120 minutes). The floor and ceiling modules are made in a similar way. The strip foundations are made from concrete. There is no conventional heating system because of the low amount of the heating energy needed (7.5 kWh/m2). As a result the passive house has low operational costs.

S-House Office and exhibition building Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2005 Obere Hauptstraße 38, 3071 Böheimkirchen, NÖ, Austria Georg Scheicher, Architects Scheicher ZT GmbH GrAT – Center of Appropriate Technology, University of Technology, Vienna only for groups (minimum 10 pax), on request per e-mail to: contact@grat.at www.s-house.at timber, straw bale, earth

The “S-House” is a passive house in a post and beam construction filled with straw bales. The build ing shell demonstrates the potential of building with straw bales and shows the whole spectrum of technical solutions for competitive components made of renewable resources. The excavated material that was collected during the prep work for the foundations was stored and used later for the clay render of the exterior walls. The “Treeplast-Screw” (developed especially for the S-House project) made it possible to mount the external façade to the clay-plastered straw bales without creating thermal bridges. In addition to walls made from straw bales, also examples of other insulation materials such as hemp, hempcrete, flax, sheep’s wool and cellulose were used as infills between timber studs. Furthermore, there were used proven ecological surface materials such as lime and clay plasters, textiles, and wooden boards with different surface treatments like varnish, wax and glaze. The transition of the raw material to the final product is shown in a permanent exhibition. The diversity of the application of biogenic material is also demonstrated.

Garden of Generations Community building Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2013 Rottersdorferstraße, 3130 Herzogenburg, NÖ, Austria Gerhard Scherbaum and Paul Adrian Schulz Garten der Generationen open, call Markus Distelberger +43 650 7771237, or write to info@7generationen.at www.gartendergenerationen.net timber frame, earth

Markus Distelberger started the “Garten der Generationen” (garden of generations) project and he also developed an alternative financial concept for it. The aim of the project is to reach as many people as possible and improve their confidence in building eco-friendly houses by themselves. The first house was built by 150 people and is made out of earth, timber, and straw. Old windows and doors were recycled and restored so that they could be used again. After this first community house, more straw bale houses are to come soon. You can also learn about straw bales there by helping out with the project for a day or for a weekend.

Printing Plant Gugler Company building Built in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access

Link Building technique

1998–1999 Auf der Schön 2, 3390 Melk, NÖ, Austria Arch. Herbert Ablinger, Vedral & Partner Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch Gugler GmbH Monday to Thursday 7.30 a.m.–16.30 p.m. Friday 7.30 a.m.–13.00 p.m. contact the information desk: www.gugler.at www.lehmtonerde.at/en/projects/project.php?pID=37 pre-fabricated rammed earth

160 pre-fabricated elements made from rammed earth with the dimensions of 1.7 × 1.3 × 0.4 meters were added to the timber construction. Martin Rauch planned the long earthen walls, which form a corridor through the whole building. They are built using the pisé technique (rammed earth) and therefore provide an ideal indoor climate — both optically and thermally. The floor, walls and solid seating benches are used as a thermal storage mass and also work as hypocausts. They therefore require a lower surface temperature than on common radiators. In addition, earthen air canals provide natural cooling in hot summers and pre-heating during winter months. This ensures that fresh air reaches the offices and means that air conditioning is not required. Near the printing plant, you can also visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey.

Rothnerhof Renovation of an old farmstead Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2005 Harterleiten 20, 4292 Kefermarkt, OÖ, Austria Atelier Meinhart Kristine Rothner please call a few days in advance +43 732 600032 www.atelier-meinhart.at/ projekte/umbausanierung/rothnerhof/ clay plaster

When the old farmstead dating back to the 17th century, was renovated in 2005, it was adapted to increase the amount of sunlight entering the building and also to create a stronger connection to the garden. The new gap between the lifted roof and the wall was glazed without frames, which highlights the solid, clay-plastered masonry. The architect wanted to open a respectful dialogue between old and new.

Biohof Achleitner Organic farm Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2004 Unterm Regenbogen 1, 4070 Eferding, OÖ, Austria architekturplus Günter Achleitner open www.biohof.at straw bale

The hall was constructed in passive house quality using straw insulation for the roof and walls. As only completely dry straw can be used, 95 % of the walls were prefabricated using straw provided from local sources. The large wall was cased in glass panels to show the insulation. Special focus was placed on using local building materials. The innovative energy concept is based on a thermal building simulation. The energy demand is covered by renewable energy, water and air heat pumps, optimal use of solar cooling, and plants aid room conditioning. Energy consumption is counted and continually optimised.

Historical Wine Cellars Region of historic wine cellars Address Access Link Building technique

7522 Heiligenbrunn and 7540 Moschendorf, B, Austria open you can call +43 3324 7281 for further information www.kellerviertel-heiligenbrunn.at http://weinbaumuseum.at historical methods, wood, earth, straw

There is a region in the south-east of Austria that is well known for the “Uhudler”, a wine whose aroma is reminiscent of wild raspberries. In the village of Heiligenbrunn, there are 108 wine cellars. Each one is a clay-plastered blockhouse that has a sitting room and a huge historical wine press. 58 of the buildings are covered with straw. An open-air museum in the neighbouring Moschen dorf shows reconstructions of regional buildings that are true to the originals. They date back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Authentic carpentry, agricultural equipment, and tools are exhibited inside.

Open Air Museum Stübing Museum of historical farmsteads, traditional crafts and historic life Address Access Link Building technique

Enzenbach 32, 8114 Stübing, ST, Austria 1st of April–31. October, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. entrance till 4 p.m. www.stuebing.at historical techniques, wood, earth, stone, brick, shingles, thatching

The Austrian open-air museum in Stübing is one of the largest in Europe. 97 historical farmsteads spanning six different centuries give an overview of various vernacular living environments all around Austria.

Urn Grave Wall Cemetery Built in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

2005–2008 Schulgasse, 6020 Innsbruck, T, Austria Renate Benedikter-Fuchs Systembau Eder iisg Innsbrucker Immobilien Service GmbH private http://terra-award.org/project/urrn-graves-cemetary/ rammed earth

When the old cemetery wall had to be replaced, the chance was taken to fulfill the increasing demand for urn graves. The new, 75-m-long rammed-earth wall is placed in front of a reinforced concrete retaining wall. It integrates niches of different width for the urns, as well as a seating recess, the existing crucifix and a fountain. The niches are coated with burnished brass, which is also used to cover the wall and the balustrade.

House Rauch Private house Built in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

2005–2008 6824 Schlins, V, Austria Roger Boltshauser, Martin Rauch Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch Family Rauch private www.lehmtonerde.at/en/projects/ project.php?pID=7 rammed earth

By building his own family home, Martin Rauch has created a masterpiece of ecological material usage in a monolithic and sculptural structure. The high goals that he set and the experimental approach that he used resulted in many interesting details and technical solutions. All the walls are built of rammed earth directly from the site and are beautifully shaped both internally and externally. The house does not have a porch so erosion slats protect the walls from rain. Martin Rauch drew on his experience and professional knowledge to complete the different phases of planning and building for this residential house.

Studio Rauch Workshop Built in Address Architecture Earth works | client Access Link Building technique

1990–1994 Quadernstraße 7, 6824 Schlins, V, Austria Mag.arch. Robert Felber, Martin Rauch Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst GmbH guided group visits possible, call +43 5524 832 www.lehmtonerde.at/en/projects/ project.php?pID=13 rammed earth

Martin Rauch’s workshop is not just a studio, but also a show house and experimental building for various earthen building techniques. The foundations and walls that are in contact with the soil are made conventionally out of concrete. A light metal con struction supports a wide timber roof that is covered in a layer of grass. Underneath there are walls that measure 55 cm × 4 m. The earthen material for the walls was taken directly from the construction pit. After sieving, the clay (still moist from the ground) was mixed with brick chippings to a ratio of 1 : 10. The mixture was mechanically compressed. One of the external walls is made of light wood and glass. Some parts of it are coated with solar panels or constructed as Trombe walls.

Rammed Earth Wall Artistic design in a hospital Built in Address Artistic Design Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

1992–1993 Carinagasse 47, 6800 Feldkirch, V, Austria Martin Rauch Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch Errichtergemeinschaft Mehrzweckgebäude, Land Vorarlberg open www.lehmtonerde.at/en/projects/ project.php?pID=17 rammed earth

The 6 m high rammed-earth wall works as a climatic regulator in the 180 m long hospital gallery. The hall has the effect of a large south-facing greenhouse and uses the thermal mass of the earthen wall in it. Moreover, the wall provides a natural and contemplative contrast to the technical aesthetic of the other materials such as glass and steel.

Cemetery Batschuns Cemetery expansion and chapel Completed in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

2001 6832 Sulz-Röthis, Batschuns, V, Austria Marte.Marte Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch Pfarrgemeinde Batschuns open www.lehmtonerde.at/en/projects/project.php?pID=25 rammed earth

The existing cemetery next to the church designed by Austrian architect, Clemens Holzmeister, was expanded and a new chapel was added. Two separate elements serve to configure the existing ensemble. Amidst the wide, rural area they have been placed next to each other in a sensitive way. The project’s main concept is to supplement the existing arrangement with another element. The enclosure walls that form the traditional cemetery boundary were exchanged with a spacedefining shallow plateau made from rammed earth. On the furthest side, the plateau rises to form a cubical chapel, which marks the border between the ecclesiastic and the secular spaces. The chapel in its pure and reduced form opens a dialog between the older traditional elements and the contemporary ones. They therefore coexist in a respectful way without affecting the old qualities.

Vorarlberg Museum Museum of history of art Built in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2012–2013 Kornmarktplatz 1, 6900 Bregenz, V, Austria Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekten ZT GmbH Land Vorarlberg open, closed on Mondays www.vorarlbergmuseum.at clay plaster

The “Vorarlberg Museum” is situated between the open landscape of Lake Constance and the dense urban fabric. The historical building has been almost fully preserved and integrated into the new volume. An additional five-storey building has been placed contiguously to the old building, which was expanded vertically by adding two additional storeys. These interventions combine into a new unified form. A new urban situation is configured due to the novel shape of the building. The traditional urban block structure is intersected by the new solitary building and the museum gains a strong presence in the city of Bregenz. The use of diverse texture in the façade makes the different construction phases visible. Using the same light, exterior colour unifies them. A clay surface finish of about 150.000 m2 was applied on the interior walls. The finish was achieved by using a clay coating, which was created especially for the museum. Depending on the light, the colour tone changes from a grey tone to a warm, bright colour.

Straw Bale Barn Private house Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2010 Itter 761, 6866 Andelsbuch, V, Austria Ingomar Reumiller Ingomar Reumiller & Elisabeth Ritter-Reumiller small groups can visit, call in advance +43 650 5545614 http://i-reumiller.jimdo.com straw bale, timber

The 150-year-old house is situated in the “Bregenzer Wald”, nearby the well-known “Werkraum” building by Peter Zumthor. It formerly included a barn and a bakery and was modified to become a family home with a straw bale cladding. From the very first moment the architect saw the house, he knew that artificial shapes, sheeting, and plastic couldn’t be used. By extending the exterior of the walls so that they align with the rainwater pipes, he gained enough space to experiment with straw bale construction. The interior wall surfaces are made of solid wood, covering a 39 cm thick layer of straw and wood posts, followed by ventilation and a wooden façade. The interior walls are plastered with clay to create a perfect combination with the wooden floors. The stove is made out of rammed earth. With solar support it can be used throughout the whole year to meet the needs of the entire house.

Switzerland

Geneva

contemporary historical private building public building 54

Basel 22

21 19–20

Zurich

18 Bern

Cinema Sil Plaz Building modification Built in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Links Building technique

2009–2010 Via Centrala 2, Caum Postal 10, 7130 Glion | Ilanz, GR, Switzerland Capaul & Blumenthal Architects Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch Verein Cinema Sil Plaz open www.lehmtonerde.at/en/projects/project.php?pID=35 www.cinemasilplaz.ch rammed earth

The informal cultural centre evolved in the centre of Ilanz in an old blacksmith’s shop. The pure atmos phere was preserved as the building was converted into a bar that includes a stage and a cinema. The movie theatre is made out of solid, rammed-earth walls. The material originates from local sources and the film club was committed to helping out to modificate the building. This helped to keep the costs low. The calmness of the earthen walls helps to frame the films that are shown here. Rounded edges juxtapose the strict geometry. In 2010 the jury of an architectural competition run by the magazine “Hochparterre” also recognised this achievement. The minimal, but precise interventions for this modification created something rich and completely new.

Visitor Center Swiss ornithological institute Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Links Building technique

2013–2014 Luzernerstrasse 6, 6204 Sempach, LU, Switzerland :mlzd Swiss Ornithological Institute open www.lehmtonerde.at www.mlzd.ch/projects/auswahl/vos/ prefabricated rammed earth

The visitor center of the “Swiss Ornithological Station” is a newly built example of the usage of rammed earth exterior walls for a representative building. It is the first earthen three-story building in Switzerland. Two opposing construction components form the space for the foyer, which generously opens up to the lake and the landscape. A reinforced concrete structure bears the load of the roof, while the rammed earth façade elements support themselves. The corten steel window frames are anchored in these prefabricated earthen elements.

Sihlhölzli Tool shed for a sports center Completed in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

2002 Sihlhölzli, 8003 Zurich, ZH, Switzerland Boltshauser Architects Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch City of Zurich, Department of Building Construction public www.boltshauser.info rammed earth, concrete

The historically relevant sports centre designed by Hermann Herter was complemented by three functional rooms by architect Roger Boltshauser in 2001. The new buildings are made from load-bearing rammed-earth walls (by Martin Rauch), while the roof and floor are made of exposed concrete. The ceiling slab, visible from the outside, seems to push the wall down to the floor and completes the framing of the rammed-earth walls. Around 75 tons of concrete are supported by 65 tons of earth. Regular layers of mortar act as a horizontal reinforcement, protect the building from erosion, and generate a strong ornamental look on the walls. The interaction of the homogeneous material with light, colour and shadows creates a strong texture that is comparable to a cross section of a geological formation.

Atelier Boltshauser Architect’s studio Built in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

2009–2013 Dubsstrasse 45, 8003 Zurich, ZH, Switzerland Boltshauser Architects Roger Boltshauser Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch please announce visit via mail to dilek.demir@boltshauser.info www.boltshauser.info rammed earth, clay plasters, clay-casein floor

In 2009 and 2010, the former carpenter’s workshop was modified to become an architect’s studio. It is situated in the backyard of an area developed using the housing block principle found in the period of promoterism. The exterior shell was newly developed by Architect Boltshauser. The studio’s interior is coated with earth in various manifestations and uses: clay plaster on the walls, clay-casein on the floors, as well as ceramics in the entrance area. In cooperation with Martin Rauch, the architect developed a magnificent detail. Part of the staircase is a rammed-earth wall in its original processed form that reminds us of the origin of the materials. You can see where the beautiful and unobtrusive surfaces have originated. An interesting exhibition in the museum of bricks can be visited from April 16th to October 23rd, 2016, located in the city of Zug (30 min by bus). It is curated by lehmtonerde. www.ziegelei-museum.ch

Earthen Sauna Rammed earth sauna Completed in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

2011 Badstrasse 50, 5116 Schinznach-Bad, AG, Switzerland HP Fontana & Partner in cooperation with Martin Rauch Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch Bad Schinznach AG open www.lehmtonerde.at/en/projects/ project.php?pID=78 rammed earth There is a beautiful sauna made out of rammed earth in the thermal bath. The tiles are made by “karak”, a company that uses an old traditional Japanese firing technique.

Ricola Kräuterzentrum Herb center Completed in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

2014 Wahlenstrasse, 4242 Laufen BL, Switzerland Herzog & de Meuron Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch Ricola Ltd. private www.lehmtonerde.at/en/projects/ project.php?pID=87 prefabricated rammed earth

Clay has found its ideal application in the Ricola building. The material provides the perfect indoor climate for the handling process associated with herbs. Inside the center the herbs are dried, cut and mixed. The company explains their goals in a press release: “The self-appointed high goals for ecology and sustainability are consistently pursued: Logistics efficiency and the sensible use of resources are at the forefront for this project. The new building is completely constructed using loam sourced from the Laufen valley”, within a radius of no more than 10 km of the site. This helps to ensure high-energy efficiency. LTE Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst GmbH built the 666 elements of the façade in a temporary hall in a town near the site. It was possible to implement the largest European earthen building in around the same time as normally needed for a conventional building of the same size. The “Ricola Herb Centre” serves to usher in a new era of building with clay.

France 28

29 30–31 32

Nantes

Bordeaux

contemporary historical private building public building 70

27 Paris 25 26

Strasbourg 24

Lyon 33–34

35–36

37 38–39 Marseille 40

Center of Rural Culture “La Damassine” Building for demonstration of eco materials Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2010 23 rue des Aiges, 25230 Vandoncourt, Doubs, Franche-Comté, France Atelier HAHA Agglomeration community of Pays de Montbéliard open www.haha.fr timber, straw and earth

“La Damassine” is the first public building in France to be made using straw and earth. Its exemplary construction regarding environment and energy promotes the local heritage and also helps to encourage alternative construction. The building encompasses two structures: the first one is a large barn-like shelter and the second one is the volume beneath realized using straw and earth. The generous overhangs completely protect the whole project from bad weather. Below this protective shelter you find beautiful, comfortable, and soft ergonomic volumes. They establish a second load-bearing structure made from wood, earth, and straw. The wooden elements are prefabricated. They were filled with straw bales on site and covered with an earth and lime coating.

Straw Bale Pavilion Experimental building Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2013 1 rue de Welschinger, 67600 Muttersholtz, Alsace, France Studio 1984 City of Muttersholtz open http://baubiologie.at/strohballenbau/ pavillon-mit-unverputzter-strohfassade-3/ straw bale

The architects from the Parisian Studio 1984 were inspired by agricultural constructions when they built the experimental straw bale pavilion in Alsace. The pavilion was completed in 2013, using straw from local farmers. A lot of historical half-timber villages can also be found in this French|German border region.

Center of Interpretation of Archaeological Heritage Museum of archaeology Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2014 67430 Diemeringen, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France NUNC Architecte Community of municipality d’Alsace Bossue open www.nunc.fr rammed earth and prefabricated rammed earth

The museum of archaeology is a rebuilding of the “Koeppel House” using an alternative construction method. The building material earth is a reference to archaeological excavations. The three-level extension was built using load bearing walls made from rammed earth. The earth has an extremely strong thermal inertia. It was augmented using cork granules as further insulation, situated between two rammed-earth walls, to increase its thermal resistance. A double rammed-earth wall is used to separate the load-bearing wall from the outside wall that is subjected to the elements. The frame for the roof has been designed to support the building vertically since a rammed-earth wall cannot support lateral forces. The load-bearing wall situated inside, is a monolithic rammed-earth wall. The protective wall, situated outside, was built using prefabricated modules.

cees European Soil Sample Conservatory Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2013 45000 Orléans, Loiret, France NAMA architect National Institute of the Research of Orléans open http://nama-archi.fr/cees-qualiforsol-test rammed earth

The important elements of the design for this project are the aesthetic qualities, the physical character istics and the symbolism of the building’s purpose. The project aims to stratify the soil using its rammedearth walls as a stage. At the same time the earth is used for its aesthetic qualities for example in the reception area. Other functions include its capacity for thermal inertia and hygrometric regulation as seen in the earth samples storeroom. A green roof sits on the rammed-earth outer walls that have a thickness of 60 cm. The solid rammed-earth walls are achieved by using a mixture of two types of earth. The earth on site was too sandy and had to be combined with a more clay-like and rocky earth from Montargis.

Bamboo House Private house Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2009 Val d’Oise (95), France Karawitz Architecture private private www.karawitz.com/bambushaus bamboo façade The Bamboo House is the first certified passive house in France to have been designed by an architect. The design incorporates numerous innovations. The outer shell is entirely covered with cut-tomeasure bamboo poles threaded onto steel wires, giving the compact structure a filigree appearance.

House of the Park of the Swamps Local heritage exhibition Completed in Address Architecture Access Link Building technique

2009 50500 Saint-Côme-du-Mont, Manche, Basse Normandie, France Atelier 970 open www.atelier970.fr/ tourisme_loisir.php?p_selected=6 timber, earth coating, mudbricks

The building uses the shape of traditional architec ture to integrate itself into the continuity of an old farm, constructed in stone. The site is at the edge of a swamp and is also a bird sanctuary. The timberframe structure is built on a hollow platform in order to make the building less severe. Local raw earth is used in the load-bearing wall (rammed earth), in the non-carrying walls (adobe) and, most importantly for filling the frame and for coatings. The project adopts a bioclimatic concept to optimise the thermal solar contributions and lighting.

Sport Center on the University Campus Kerlan Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2012 Campus de Kerlan, 35170 Bruz, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne, France Architecture Studio Yves-Marie Maurer and Agency Catherine Prou» Rectorship of Académie de Rennes open www.maurer-architecture.com/ projet-12-43-6-0-0-0-A-Prix rammed earth

For the Rennes 1 University Campus an extension was proposed that would preserve the original appearance of the building while improving the technical defects of the structure made in the 1960s and 1970s. Using a double skin thermally protects the project. The first inner envelope comprises a façade composed of a double-glazed curtain wall. On the building’s south façade, a wall made of rammed earth replaces the curtain wall. The second envelope, offset from the first one by 0.90 m, is made from tempered glass. In winter, the double façade protects the building. When the sun shines the greenhouse effect recovers heat from the inner façade and progressively warms the building. In summer, the blinds are lowered during periods of sunshine and the air between the two skins is naturally ventilated by airflows coming from underneath and above.

Kindergarten in Fégréac Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2011 44460, Fégréac, Loire-Atlantique, France Atelier Belenfant & Daubas architectes Commune de Fégréac open www.latelier-belenfant-daubas-architectes.org adobe bricks, clay plaster

Two historical buildings were facing each other: one for the blacksmith and the other for the carpenter. The kindergarten project is an opportunity to bring them together: the building that was previously used by the carpenter became a gym room, while the blacksmith’s became a terrace. The rammed-earth walls bring a warm and natural atmosphere to the kindergarten. The orchard is an essential element of the kindergarten, allowing children to follow the seasons by observing apple and pear trees growing.

L’ École d’Eau Primary school Completed in Address Architecture Access Link Building technique

2008 44810 La Chevellerais, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire, France Atelier Belenfant & Daubas open www.latelier-belenfant-daubas-architectes.org timber, CEB compressed earth blocks

This school complex includes four classes, a library and a gym. A global environmental approach is an important part of the concept. The surplus earth that was evacuated while building the foundations was used to build non-carrying walls using CEB com pressed earth blocks created on site. These walls regulate the hygrometry, bring thermal inertia and play an important role in the acoustic and thermal comfort of the building. The high qualities of the ecological materials are a significant advantage for the children who visit these spaces. By using rain water for the green roofs fresh water consumption is reduced. Double-flow ventilation is installed to improve air renewal and quality.

Pole of Green and Natural Spaces Office for public services Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2013 44340 Bouguenais, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire, France Atelier Belenfant & Daubas Bouguenais city open www.latelier-belenfant-daubas-architectes.org timber, straw, clay plaster, reed

The building site of the “Green and Natural Spaces” develops a principle of construction based on organic materials. The buildings are built using local materials: supporting walls are built with the earth that was extracted while building the foundations. In addition to the rammed-earth walls, the project has a wattle-and-daub work made from cut reeds and assembled according to local know-how (the technique of the earth casting). The wooden cladding is made using trees issued by the management of municipal wood. The other materials are organic too and have a limited and reduced environmental impact. This project also has a social aspect. A “school on the construction” was implemented, integrating all the participating companies and open for every body interested in raw earth, reeds and wooden cladding.

“La Forge” Hostel Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

1997 Glaine-Montaigut, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne, France ABITerre | Jacky Jeannet and Pascal Scarato Commune de Glaine-Montaigut open www.abiterre.fr/wrappers/geolocalisation/ afficheProjet.php?id=3 rammed earth

The special thing about this project is the harmonious integration of the earthen structure into the village in the Auvergne district ABITerre is a pioneer in earth construction and has received many awards for their conservation, safeguarding, and enhancement of the local heritage of adobe construction and also for the exemplary quality of the restorations performed in the last 30 years.

Rural Area for Local Services Public building for commercial and health services Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2013 63940 Marsac-en-Livradois, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne, France Boris Bouchet Municipality of Marsac-en-Livradois open http://borisbouchet.com rammed earth, timber

This project is a public building for commercial and health services. During the research of econo mical and thermal efficiency, the design led to a combination of functions: the commercial units on the ground floor and the medical offices on the first floor. A wooden floor rests on a plinth made out of rammed earth. The three-storey high, rammed-earth wall is insulated on the outside by a wooden frame wall. This is a pilot project for local architecture as it uses local building techniques and materials, which are harmoniously integrated and yet produce very contemporary shapes. It is double walled and consists of 40 cm of rammed earth carrying the concrete slab, 20 cm of cork insulation, and 25 cm of rammed earth in outside façade. The rammedearth walls have been built using both new earth and “reused” earth. All the walls of the first floor and some of the walls on the ground floor are wooden frame walls made of Douglas fir.

Domaine de la Terre Eco village Completed in Address Architecture

Client Access Link Building technique

January 1985 Quartier des Fougères, 38090 Villefontaine, Isère, France Archimedes, Serge Jaure, Atelier 4, Paul Wagner, Groupe Ersol, Jean-Vincent Berlottier, Gilles Perraudin EPIDA, now EPANI (Etablissement Public d’Aménagement Nord Isère), Alain Leclerc, OPAC 38 open www.caue-isere.org/operations-exemplaires/ le-domaine-de-la-terre-villefontaine/ rammed earth, compressed earth blocks, straw and earth

The “Domaine de la Terre” is located in the Z.A.C. of Fougères, a relatively autonomous district in the west part of Villefontaine. The architects’ objectives were to build an “Exhibition Village” showing the various building techniques with earth and their architectural expressions. EPANI clearly defined their objectives as follows: “We are striving for the best expressions of earth construction within the site and climate conditions of the Isle d’Abeau and intend to use a global approach with regard to architecture, technology, economics and sociology.” Various design teams have been selected to work on that remarkable site. They produced an impressive architectural complex. The best way to get to know this complex is to explore it on foot. The project consists of 65 mostly individual social housing units. It is divided into 12 small building plots (of 4 to 10 houses each) designed by different architects selected using competitions.

Primary School in Veyrins-Thuellin with restaurant and library Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2009 Veyrins-Thuellin, Isère, Rhône-Alpes, France Design & Architecture (Milena Stefanova) and Bruno Marielle Commune de Veyrins-Thuellin open www.pise-livradois-forez.org/IMG/pdf/ 11_ecole_elementaire_en_isere.pdf rammed earth, earth bricks

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Milena Stefanova and Bruno Marielle used a tradi tional material for the primary school (including a library and a school cafeteria) in the region of Isère. 200 tons of earth were excavated 12 km away from the site and then tamped to create a space used for teaching support and to value local heritage. This was all done in accordance with seismic regulations. The adobe walls are south and west facing in order to make the best use of the hygrothermal properties and the thermal inertia of the earth. Other elements are also involved, such as a wooden roof frame, massive slabs, wood and concrete for the ceilings, clay bricks for the north facing wall, metal joinery and sunshades.

Ecological Nursery Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2010 30140 Thoiras, Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon, France Atelier Inextenso Agglomeration Community of Grand Alès open www.atelier-inextenso.com/?page_id=348 timber, clay plaster, straw and earth The ecological nursery with its low energy consump tion is intended to be used by twenty children. The frame and cladding are made from wood, the general insulation is made of cellulose wadding, and the walls are made from straw and earth and are covered with an earthen coating.

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Wine Cellar “Domaine de Trévallon” Enlargement of the capacity of a wine cellar Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2013 13103 Saint-Etianne-du-Grès, Bouches du Rhône, Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, France Hugues & Jean Bosc M. Eloi Dürrbach Private www.hugues-bosc.com rammed earth

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The aim was to enlarge the current capacity of the cellars of Domain of Trévallon. A 70 cm rammed-earth wall was built. The main wall is 18 m long by 7 m high and is south-facing. The thermal constraints imposed by the winemaking industry require an effective solution to the problem of protection from the sun. This in turn requires particular attention when dealing with openings in the façade. Narrow, half-height openings allow effective light management and also avoid too much exposure. The construction site required 120 m3 of earth from various origins. Rammed in layers from 20 to 40 cm, the mixture shows various colours in the wall and creates a remarkable artistic effect. The client chose a scratched finish for the outside, and a smooth one for the inside.

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Rammed Earth Extension Private villa Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2014 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Bouches du Rhône, France Anne Machin Architects private private http://ecoterre-scop.fr/?portfolios=extensionen-pise-a-st-remy-de-provence-2#panel-5 rammed earth While transforming a small rural house, the architect added an extension of 96 m2 to shelter two rooms, an internal garden, and a garage behind walls made of rammed earth. Three differently coloured local earths were used to obtain a more aesthetic wall.

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Leisure Center in Ramatuelle Leisure center for children Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2005 Bonne-Terrasse, 83350 Ramatuelle, France Ann Guillec Municipality of Ramatuelle open www.culture-terra-incognita.org/best_label/ rammed earth Wooden boxes corresponding to different children’s activities are arranged around a large earthen box containing a multi-purpose hall. The walls are built using different colours of earth, which sometimes includes gravel or cut reeds, as a reference to the nearby reed beds.

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Italy and Romania 41 Bolzano

42 Milan

Venice

44 45 Rome

Naples

contemporary historical private building public building 106

Cluj-Napoca Timişoara

47 Bucharest

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Esserhof Holiday flats Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2006 Erzherzog-Eugen-Strasse 2, 39011 Lana, Italy Werner Schmidt, Margareta Schwarz Family Esser please call in advance +39 0473 564090 www.atelierwernerschmidt.ch straw bale, timber

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The client’s aim was to create holiday flats built to be true to nature, eco-friendly, as self-sustaining as possible, and with low future costs. With this in mind, the architect designed rooms that open up to the south, to the external landscape and to the sun. This southern façade is linear and made of timber. The sidewalls of each apartment are extended in the direction of the garden allowing all guests their own private outdoor area. To the north, the building is compact. The straw bale wall is sinuous with a sheltered entrance area for each flat. The thick walls make the building almost selfsufficient in its energy consumption. To provide hot water and emergency heating, the building is connected to an existing gas boiler in combination with solar collectors. Vines and kiwi plants provide shade for the building in the summer months. Many regular guests appreciate the atmosphere of security, warmth, and calmness that the building offers.

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Agricultural School Mezzana School building Built in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

2010–2012 Via S. Gottardo, 6877 Coldrerio, Mezzana, Switzerland Zanetta Architetti Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch Kanton Tessin open www.lehmtonerde.at/en/projects/ project.php?pID=71 rammed earth

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Three new buildings complete the existing school of agriculture and form a small plaza that becomes the new heart of the ensemble. The construction is highly innovative: the prefabricated 30 cm rammed earth elements are anchored to the interior loadbearing walls that are made out of raw bricks. The insulation sits between them. Earth as a material is made visible in the façade. This further connects the buildings with the soil of the local area.

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Panta Rei Training center for renewable energies in Perugia Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2001 Le Pierle, 06065 Passignano sul Trasimeno, Italy Atelier ambulant d’architecture, Rainer Toshikazu Winter Cooperativa di sperimentazione per lo sviluppo sostenibile Centro Panta Rei open, call for guided tour +39 328 6171884 www.pantarei-cea.it straw and raw earth, adobe, straw bales, clay plaster

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The architects of “Panta Rei” reconverted a complex of three agricultural buildings built during the 1980s into an educational training centre for sustainable materials and renewable energy. A sustainable approach was at the core of the rehabilitation project. Local natural resources such as energy, water, materials and the landscape provided a starting point for the refurbishment. While choosing the materials, the architects focused especially on raw earth as an economic, zero-km and healthy material. It is ideal for the instructional and educational, self-building experiment that was planned using simple low-tech building methodologies. The overall thermal performance is around 50 kW/m2/year, the thermal conductivity is between 0.13 W/mK (strawbale walls) to 0.39 W/mK (raw earth + straw).

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Four Traditional Houses Private houses – one is going to be turned into a museum Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2006 Ecomuseo di Villa Ficana, Borgo Santa Croce 87, 62100 Macerata, Italy Anna Paola Conti Municipality of Macerata private http://goo.gl/B269K0 cob, adobe bricks

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These traditional Italian houses are built with a local type of earth, known as “atterrati”. The building tech nique is cob, but adobe bricks are also used. Although these are vernacular buildings originally built by the landowners themselves, particular attention to aesthetic criteria was maintained. Analysis of the façades shows the harmony, balance, and symmetry of their design. One of the houses collapsed in the 1980’s, but it was restored as part of the general restoration work carried out by the municipality of Macerata. The work was difficult because appropriate solutions had to be found for every “atterati” in order to preserve the original identity. Cob was used for small repairs; adobe masonry was used where more complicated restoration was needed. This restoration was an exception because current laws do not allow raw earth to be used in seismic zones. One of the four houses will be turned into a museum.

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Borgocapo House Laboratory for the dissemination of constructive techniques in raw earth Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2008 Via Maiella, 151, 66012 Casalincontrada, Italy Stefania Giardinelli Gianfranco Conti and Stefania Giardinelli private, visit is possible if you call in advance +39 349 7414695 www.borgocapo.it raw earth

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“Borgocapo House” is one of 800 constructions built with a monolithic structure using the traditional “massone” technique that was identified in a survey by the Abruzzo region. Between 2004 and 2009, “Borgocapo House” was converted into a temporary residence for laboratory activities. Several raw earth techniques were tested here: adobe, cob and straw bales.

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Open Air Museum Astra National museum complex Address Access Link Building technique

11 Piata Mica, Sibiu 550182, Romania open www.muzeulastra.ro historical methods, wood, earth, straw

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This museum has a very spacious area for old agricultural buildings and equipment. It is a nice place for long walks and has playgrounds and a restaurant. Groups of houses represent professions, such as fishermen’s houses, shepherd’s houses and mills.

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Casa Verde Private house Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link

Building technique

2004 Cheile Nerei, Caraş-Severin, Romania Ileana Mavrodin Ileana Mavrodin private http://media.imopedia.ro/stiri-imobiliare/ amestecul-de-lut-si-paie-material-din-nou-lamoda-in-constructia-caselor-eco-19723.html cob Ileana Mavrodin, a Romanian architect, completed “Casa Verde” in just four months with the help of two friends. The house is made from cob, modelled by hand, thereby reflecting the personality of the person who created it. The total cost of the house was 2,000 USD.

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Slovakia and Czech Republic

Prague

Brno 49

Bratislava 48

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Ostrava

Košice

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Experimental House in Hrubý Šúr Serving for workshops and seminars about ecological construction Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2010 Hrubý Šúr 15, Slovakia Gernot Minke (author), Bjorn Kierulf (detailing) Zuzana Kierulfová private www.culture-terra-incognita.org/best_label/ straw bale

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The building represents a load bearing straw bale dome with 8 vaults, covered with a green roof. It is probably the first construction in which straw bales were cut on two sides to create an exact shape for the dome. The vaults themselves are load bearing and also carry the weight of the green roof. Extremely well compacted straw bales are placed one on top of another and secured in position with wooden poles. The building was designed with energy efficiency standards and some passive house elements in mind. These included triple glazed windows with airtight fittings and no frames. This lowers the costs and also eliminates thermal bridges. The building is used by the architectural studio Createrra to show off the results of workshops and to organise seminars to promote ecological building methods. The thermal resistance is between 7 and 12 m2K/W, the thermal conductivity is 0.054 W/mK for 36 cm straw, and 0.054 W/mK for the earthen floor, which was rammed directly onto a 50 cm layer of expanded glass pebbles that were produced using recycled glass.

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Traditional Farmstead in Lysovice Private farmstead periodically used for workshops and training courses Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2008 Farmstead 33, 682 01 Lysovice, Czech Republic Edita Vlčková Edita Vlčková private www.hlinenydum.cz earthen coatings

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This traditional farmstead in Lysovice is used for workshops and training courses in earthen building techniques. The building dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. It was repeatedly restored in: 1951, 1953, 1969, 2000 and again in 2008.

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“Hrabinovo” Farmstead in Kaňovice Open air museum Completed in Address Architect Client Access Link Building technique

2009 Farmstead 19, 763 41 Kaňovice, Czech Republic of restauration: Edita Vlčková Municipality of Kaňovice open http://goo.gl/cEKdN5 adobe bricks, earth plaster

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The Hrabinovo farmstead is an open-air museum that exhibits traditional Czech interiors, tools and equipment. The timber ceilings are covered with a protective layer of earth. The walls are covered with earthen plaster and then whitewashed with lime. The painted blue stripe, characteristic of Slovácko region, forms a border between the floor and the walls.

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Tea House Garden pavillon Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2008 Praha, Czech Republik David Maštálka, A1 architects Lenka Křemenová, David Maštálka private www.a1architects.cz/en/works/black-teahouse timber, clay plaster

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David Maštálka, the architect, describes his garden pavilion as follows: “Diffused rays of light illuminate the quarters within; the translucent dome resembles the sky and the hearth — the home. The spherical shape directs your attention to the hearth, on which the tea is prepared and creates a close bondage with all who are present. The inner walls are constituted on one side by a view of the garden and on the other a clay parget. Guests set themselves down on the matt and the hearth is welded black steel. The dome lami nated within is pasted with paper, through which light shines and invitingly illuminates the space inside.” The oak construction is built on a foundation made using stones from a nearby pond. The walls are covered with burnt larch. Inside the materials change completely and a warm and welcoming atmosphere opens up. Vojtech Bilisic helped the architect with the construction. Together they built the Tea House in the spring of 2008 over just thirty-five days.

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Straw Bale House Private house Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2003 Michalovice 13, 293 01 Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic Petr Suske – SEA Josef Šulc, Mladá Boleslav just outside http://goo.gl/0dtsYU timber-frame, straw bale, adobe

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The timber-frame construction of this innovative home is stiffened using a concrete core. There are 15 cm adobe walls on each side of the wooden struc ture. There is a moisture barrier on the outside of these walls and two layers of 50 cm straw bales that are chemically treated for fire safety reasons. An umbrella-like construction made from metal and transparent sheeting is protectively stretched over the house. Heat loss and any necessary addi tional heating are very low due to the thick insulation. The southern glazed façade lets sunlight in and the energy is stored in the floor and walls. A stove provides heat on cold winter days. Gas heating in the cellar was built in to put the owner’s mind at ease, but it’s never used. Straw is a good, low-cost (sometimes even for free) insulation material. It doesn’t need to be covered and can be easily replaced as it is not part of the construction. By using simple building technology and solar energy, the 140 m2 building was built by local craftsmen for only 60,000 EUR.

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Germany

contemporary historical private building public building 138

Hamburg 66–68

70–73

Berlin

60 59

Düsseldorf

64 62 61

57 54–56

Frankfurt

Munich 74

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Leipzig

House of Sustainability Exhibition and seminar building Built in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2005 Johanniskreuz 1a, 67705 Trippstadt, RP, Germany Rabaschus + Rosenthal Architekten Land Rheinland Pfalz open, +49 6306 9210 130 www.hdn-pfalz.de timber construction, stone, rammed earth

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The exhibition and seminar building “Haus der Nachhaltigkeit” is situated in the “PfälzerwaldNordvogesen” biosphere reserve. The house is part of a transregional network focused on sustainability. Eight 30 m long sculptural walls represent the defining elements of “Pfälzerwald” including foliage, deciduous and conifer trees, limestone, earth, and clear water courses. One of the walls that runs through the foyer and the seminar room is made of rammed earth. Four different types of clay were used for this wall, which gives it its special aesthetic character. During the day the wall absorbs the heat of the sun, which enters through the fully glazed south façade. In the evening it transfers the heat back to the room. The wall measures between 2.93 and 4 m in height and rests on a concrete foundation. This forms a 30 cm high base on the outside to protect the wall from splash water. An additional layer of glass foam in the foundation area of the wall protects it against any rising moisture.

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House J. Private house Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2012 Darmstadt, HE, Germany Schauer + Volhard private private www.schauer-volhard.de light earth, manually applied, stacked earth walls

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The small, yet especially ambitious house was constructed using an old building technique found in half-timber houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. A cost efficient, load-bearing timber frame structure with wooden strips on the outside was plaited with straw and earth, which becomes the outer shell that not only provides fire protection and sound insulation, but also heat storage. The outside surface is rendered with lime plaster, coated with dark red paint to intensify the absorption of sunlight. Sheets of drywall become the inner surface, bracing the structure and also working as a second barrier for the cellulose insulation, which was blown in between. The saddle roof was constructed with a low pitch to minimize the outer surface. All inner walls are filled with earthen bricks to increase the mass of the building, which offers big advantages in balancing temperature differences throughout the year. Floor heating, a solar thermal system for warm water and a central wood stove complete the concept, which is also visually striking on account of the fine window profiles or the feel of the outer surface.

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Half-Timber House in Mörfelden Museum and information center Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

1999 Langgasse 43+44, 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf, HE, Germany Schauer + Volhard City of Mörfelden-Walldorf open www.schauer-volhard.de half-timber, earth

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The historical town centre of Mörfelden was considerably improved after the baroque half-timber house was restored. The redevelopment was based on a detailed survey and the original exposed timberframe and clay ceilings were restored with due care. The interior of the building was repaired with subtlety. The broad timber boards were reprocessed. A limebased paint was also used. All typical characteristics of the house are preserved, external walls are complemented with light loam.

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Half-Timber House 17th Century Renovation Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2011 St. Ursulastraße 13, 61440 Oberursel (Taunus), HE, Germany Stephan Dreier private private www.dreier-denkmalpflege.de half-timber, clay bricks

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This half-timber house which dates from the 17th century was renovated extensively. Older parts were partly restored or refitted with completely new clay bricks. About 100 m2 of external walls have been rendered. The house served as a show house during the first stage of the construction.

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Highest German Pisé Building Residental building Completed in Address Architecture Building technique

1836 Niedergasse 22, 35781 Weilburg, HE, Germany private historical pisé

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This well-known building is at the foot of the histori cal town of Weilburg. It is made out of rammed earth and was erected in 1836. It is the highest building of its kind in Germany today. Even though it is no longer in the best shape and it is currently unoccupied, it is still well worth the detour.

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Kolumba Museum Art Museum Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2007 Kolumbastraße 4, 50667 Cologne, NW, Germany Peter Zumthor Art museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne open www.kolumba.de 6,500 m2 of clay plastering St. Kolumba was the biggest parish of the medieval town of Cologne. After the near complete destruction of the church in 1943, only remnants of walls and a statue of the Virgin Mary remained. In 1947 the architect Gottfried Böhm built a chapel, which was formerly known as “Madonna in den Trümmern”.

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The new museum aimed to integrate the chapel and set a new urban accent. The huge surface of the interior walls were to be covered without extension joints and along with the sought after aesthetics, this led to the decision to use clay plaster. Zumthor favoured a specially developed light grey colour that was named Kolumba Grey. A layer measuring 2 mm was applied with Japanese plastering trowels. The surface was finished with water and “Quarkmilch” (curd milk) until a slight sheen was achieved. In total an impressive 6,500 m² of clay plastering was added to walls, some of which were 14 m high. In 2009 Peter Zumthor was awarded the Pritzker Prize for the museum.

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Museum Tuppenhof Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

1999 Rottes 27, 41564 Kaarst, NW, Germany Inge Breidenbach, Viersen & Norbert Stannek, Bergisch Gladbach Museumsförderverien Kaarst e.V. open www.tuppenhof.de timber, wattle and daub earth walls

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The farmstead “Tuppenhof” was renovated for conservation purposes and is now used as a museum for agricultural history and rural culture since the 17th century in the Rhineland. The original wattle and daub walls are visible in the roof of the side aisle. Both the residential and barn building, dating back to 1705|1709, and the gate building are of utmost importance due to their age. Moreover, there are a few original exhibits and a farmer’s garden. It is an impressive example for rural self-sufficiency.

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Open Air Museum Xanten Museum of Roman history Address Access Link Building technique

Siegfriedstraße 39, 46509 Xanten, NW, Germany open www.apx.lvr.de historical methods, wood, clay

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The archaeological park in Xanten is a place for research on Roman history. It shows reconstructions of all kinds of Roman buildings and equipment, rang ing from Roman aqueducts to simple homes made out of rammed earth. It is also suitable for children as they can relax and discover through play there.

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Room of Tranquility Sacral room of the main hospital suhl Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2005 Albert-Schweitzer-Straße 2, 98527 Suhl, TH, Germany wap Worschech Architekten Zentralklinikum Suhl GmbH open http://worschecharchitects.com rammed earth

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A prayer room was implemented as a separate structure made of rammed earth on the ground floor of the new ward of the main hospital (Zentral klinikum) in Suhl. With its independent sculptural shape it clearly differentiates from the rest of the hospital and offers a protective shell for reflection, worship, and encounter. The walls form a kind of spiral with differing radii, which also corresponds to the thickness of the wall. Stronger, more curved areas have wall thicknesses up to 1.70 m, less curved areas only measure 45 cm. The flooring was also made of rammed earth and slightly inclines inwards so as to strengthen the perception of entering or exiting. The overall length of the colonnade walk is 47 meters from the lowest point in the “Room of Tranquillity” to the level of the ground floor, one meter above.

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Ecological Barn Restoration Multifamily house Built in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

1996–1999 Dorfstraße 61a–c, 99438 Tiefengruben | Bad Berk, TH, Germany Rosel Günther Günther & Koch Grundstücksgemeinschaft Architect is living there and would guide small groups also around the village. www.dachverband-lehm.de historical methods, timber, straw and earth

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The old barn was erected in 1750 as part of the square-shaped farmhouse. It is situated in the centre of the historical village of Tiefengruben in Thuringia, which was awarded the title of “most beautiful village” several times. The renovation was completed in 1999 using traditional materials. The result was three maisonette apartments. For improved insulation, a 20–25 cm thick “second wall” was built out of straw and earth on the interior of the external wall.

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“Stairway to Heaven” Exterior staircase Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2004 99734 Nordhausen, TH, Germany Atelier Worschech Stadt Nordhausen open www.dachverband-lehm.de/bauwerke/ freitreppe-neue-lesserstiege steel, rammed earth The new “Lesser Stiege”, also referred to as the “Stairway to Heaven” (Himmelsleiter) is situated by the lower part of the city walk. It creates a new connection from a plaza that is designed like an amphitheatre to the old town higher up.

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The steel stairway is 26 m long and is framed by 50 cm of rammed-earth walls. Openings in the walls also make it possible to walk through the staircase. Steel plates cover the complete passage. The rammed-earth walls rest on a 60 cm high strip foundation that also forms a base against splash water. The rammed-earth walls cover the steel construction of the stairs completely. The builders used differently coloured loam at intervals and horizontal layers of mortar or bricks to prevent the clay washing out. These layers are visible as gray or red stripes.

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The Leipzig Zoo Parking Garage Parking façade of bamboo Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2004 Pfaffendorfer Straße 29, 04105 Leipzig, SN, Germany HPP Architects & Partner KG Zoo Leipzig GmbH open www.hpp.com bamboo The Leipzig Zoo parking garage is made from bamboo in order to express unity with the nearby zoo. Bamboo was chosen for the façade because it is often linked with the exotic world of the zoo, and at the same time it makes the structure appear softer.

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Ecoproject “Strohpolis” Multifamily house Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Links Building technique

2005 Ökodorf Siebenlinden, Sieben Linden 1, 38489 Beetzendorf OT Poppau, ST, Germany Dirk Scharmer Wohnungsgenossenschaft Sieben Linden eG monthly, every first Sunday afternoon +49 39000 51235 www.architekt-scharmer.de/strohpolis.html www.siebenlinden.de timber frame, straw bale, multi storey The Strohpolis building is part of the “Sieben Linden” eco-village, which is a community project that currently has 140 inhabitants. They have been implementing sustainable lifestyles since 1997, considering ecological, cultural, economic and social issues. The three-storey, multifamily house is built as a timber frame construction, filled with straw bales and plastered with clay.

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It has an area of around 530 m2. The floor is insulated with cellulose fibre. There are timber studs every 1.5 to 3.5 meters, with straw bales in between to form the wall construction (bale size: 35 × 46 × 50–100 cm h × w × l). Both the interior and the exterior clay plaster are 3 cm thick and have a high fibre content. To protect against the weather, the exterior plaster was stabilized with glue made from wheat flour. The roof is also insulted with straw bales. The interior walls are made of clay-plastered adobe.

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Museum of Clay in Gnevsdorf Address Access

Link Building technique

Steinstraße 64a, 19395 Gnevsdorf, MV, Germany open 1 May to 30 September Tuesday till Sunday 10 a.m.–17 p.m. call +49 38737 33830 http://lernpunktlehm.de all kinds of earth building techniques are exhibited

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This museum contains exhibits on lots of different aspects of earth and clay: the origin of earth and clay, earth samples from all over the world (brought by visitors), earth and myths, earth used by animals, a history of regional earth buildings and modern earth building techniques, clay plaster and design, and clay oven design. Each year there are two different exhibitions. The opening of the second one in July is connected to the European earth-building day, which is organised by the European School for Earth Building in the nearby town of Wangelin.

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Wangeliner Garden Information Center Completed in Address Architecture Client

Access Link Building technique

2001 Vietlübber Straße, 19395 Ganzlin OT Wangelin, MV, Germany Günter zur Nieden FAL e.V. – Verein zur Förderung ökologischökonomisch angemessener Lebensverhältnisse westlich des Plauer Sees e.V. open, +49 38737 499878 www.wangeliner-garten.de rammed earth, clay plaster

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The information centre was built using parts and components from existing buildings from the city and the neighbourhood (an LPG greenhouse, unused triangular trusses and bricks from demolition work). Earth was taken from the garden, and the surround ing area and sections of the meadows were used for the green roof. The wet areas are found in the new, solid core on the inside that is surrounded by rammed-earth walls. This construction exploited two of clay’s major properties: adhesion and gravity. The timber frame structure of the exterior walls was filled with locally mad lightloam, which is a sticky mixture of 1⁄3 clay and 2⁄3 wood chips. Adobes were used for the interior walls and also partially for the flooring. Most of the building materials were made on site, and can later be composted or recycled in a natural way. The construction was designed so that ordinary people could manufacture and assembly it.

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Wangeliner Garden Guest house Completed in Address Architecture Client

Access Link Building technique

2011 Vietlübber Straße, 19395 Ganzlin OT Wangelin, MV, Germany Gernot Minke, Tobias Weyhe FAL e.V. – Verein zur Förderung ökologischökonomisch angemessener Lebensverhältnisse westlich des Plauer Sees e.V. open, +49 38737 499878 www.wangeliner-garten.de straw bale (load bearing), clay plaster

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There are several earthen buildings in the area of the Wangeliner Garden. One of them is the guest house, which is a straw bale building designed by Prof. Dr. Gernot Minke and Tobias Weyhe. It was the first time that a construction of loadbearing straw bale vaults was officially approved in Germany. The structure could only be realised by cutting the bales conically using a newly developed cutting device. The building was erected for the nonprofit organization FAL e.V. in 2011 in the course of two international workshops. The building, composed of five straw bale vaults, serves as a pilot project for affordable and sustainable housing. You can also visit other ecological buildings on the Wangeliner Garden site: a seminar building by Günther zur Nieden and another low-cost guesthouse “Lehmkloster” (planned by Dirk Zaske) which was built on the site of the European School of Earth Building: Dorfstraße 26, 19395 Ganzlin OT Wangelin.

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House in Ihlow Private house Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2006 Ihlower Ring 13, 15377 Ihlow, NI, Germany Ziegert + Roswag + Seiler, ZRS Architekten Ingenieure, Berlin, Germany Dunja and Matthias Hein private http://www.zrs-berlin.de/architektur/ stampflehmhaus-in-ihlow timber, rammed earth, clay plaster

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In addition to the historic “Brandenburger Feldstein scheune”, the house in Ihlow was constructed with load-bearing rammed-earth walls. The historic section was built using huge boulders. Windows and doors are framed by small-scale bricks, a technique that requires high quality craftsmanship. The special charm of the old part is enhanced by the monolithic appearance of the rammed-earth walls that are visible inside. The owners also decided to use solid, authentic building materials without coating or painting. As well as the rammed-earth walls they used timber ceilings and hemp insulation on the outside of the house.

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Day-Care Center Oranienburg Kindergarten Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2002 Struveweg 102a, 16515 Oranienburg, BB, Germany Gernot Minke, Tobias Weyhe Die Eden Gemeinnützige Obstbau-Siedlung eG please call in advance 0049 3301 57 92 67 www.dachverband-lehm.de www.eden-kindergarten.de timber, clay bricks

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The day-care facility for children in Oranienburg, north of Berlin, measures 870 m2 and offers four large group rooms and a multi-purpose hall constructed mainly using timber and clay. The dome of the multi purpose hall spans 11 m. With a clearance height of 6.80 m it is the largest clay dome to have been built in Germany so far.

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Playground House Goldbeckweg Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2004 Wasserstadt Oberhavel, Quartier Pulvermühle, Goldbeckweg, 13599 Berlin-Spandau, Germany Scheid Kasprusch Architekten Bezirksamt Spandau open www.ska-architekten.de rammed earth

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The playground, situated in Berlin-Spandau was opened in 2005 as the last component of a new living quarter. Children up to 14 years use the facility, as well as other associations and parents’ groups. Private celebrations are also held there. A 32.5 m long, solid rammed-earth wall forms a central element inside and subdivides the building.

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Kapelle der Versöhnung Chapel of reconciliation Completed in Address Architecture Earth works Client Access Link Building technique

2000 Bernauerstraße 4, 10115 Berlin, Germany Reitermann & Sassenroth Lehm Ton Erde Martin Rauch Evangelische Kirche open www.kapelle-versoehnung.de rammed earth

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Based on plans by the architects Peter Sassenroth and Rudolf Reitermann, a place of prayer and con templation was created for the local community and for visitors on the foundations of an old church near the Berlin Wall memorial. The 7 m high oval-shaped chapel was the first new pisé construction using rammed earth for around one hundred years and is also the first rammed-earth structure in Berlin. The chapel was created to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. 390 tons of soil from the city were processed over a three-month period. Brick rubble from the historic structure was blended into the rammed-earth mixture as a symbol of remembrance. The horizontal layers and the homogeneous interplay of the earthen colours give the interior space an atmosphere of tranquillity, contemplation and seclusion, which is further enhanced by a skylight. The rammed-earth floor, which was treated with natural wax, illustrates the connection to the soil.

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Communal Kitchen Berlin Neighbourhood gardening Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2014 Ruheplatzstraße 12, 13347 Berlin, Germany raumstar architekten, Berlin himmelbeet GmbH open, +49 162 2987205 www.himmelbeet.de, timber, rammed earth, EUR-pallets The founder of “himmelbeet” literally wants to reach new heights with her idea for neighbourhood gardening. Two new gardens, each with a surface area of 6000 m2, are to be created for the residents 22 meters above the ground on top of two unused parking buildings. The community project is so popular that there are now long waiting lists for the coveted annual plot leases. The 35 m2 interior of the building holds a café and a space where classes are held.

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It was erected using recycled EUR-pallets. To increase the façade’s thermal mass, the pallets were filled with loam. For stability, they are connected to the loadbearing stud construction made from wood. The terrace’s floor consists of two layers of EURpallets, which visually bind it to the cube. The freshly harvested herbs and vegetables from the urban garden make their way to the kitchen where they are transformed into meals to be served and enjoyed on the terrace.

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Torfremise Private house and workshop Completed in Address Architecture Client Access Link Building technique

2013 Bahnhofstraße 3, 83135 Schechen, BY, Germany Roswag Architekten with Guntram Jankowski Stefanie and Emmanuel Heringer please only visit in groups and contact Mr. Heringer in advance +49 8039 908 81 99 http://www.zrs-berlin.de/de/architektur/ wohnen-und-arbeiten-in-der-torfremise timber, cellulose, earth

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The old building was in danger of being demolished when the clients decided to dismantle and reuse it at a different site in the southern German town of Schechen as a private house with a workshop. The structure has been fully repaired and completed by a new insulating shell made out of timber, cellu lose and earth — a great contrast to the old structure. The building is an interesting example of sustainable architecture because of the reutilization of the historical structure and the high standard of energy efficiency in regard to the insulation and a renewable heating system with logs.

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Public Transportation Network in Central Europe and Interactive Map

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Austria Route planner with good rail and bus connections to neighboring countries: http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en? www.buslinien.at/en/timetables Switzerland www.sbb.ch/en/home.html France www.sncf.com/en/passengers Italy www.trenitalia.ch Romania www.cfrcalatori.ro Slovakia www.slovakrail.sk/en.html Czech Republik www.cd.cz/en/ Germany www.bahn.de/p_en/view/index.shtml Interactive Map All projects can be found on an interactive map, to ease the planning of your route: https://goo.gl/wXZJW6 197

Imprint Copyright © 2016 Published by BASEhabitat All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise. BASEhabitat University of Art and Design Linz Kunstuniversität Linz die architektur Hauptplatz 8, 4020 Linz, Austria Phone +43.732.78 98 293 Mobile +43.676.847 898 293 basehabitat@ufg.at www.basehabitat.org

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Editing Anika Welebny Ana Melnicenco Yoann Cormerais Nicole Rodlsberger Corinna König Ulrike Schwantner Copy editing Claudia Mazanek Translation Gearóid O’Callaghan Amy O’Callaghan Image credits Ralph Feiner: page 14 Herbert Gruber, Gerhard Scherbaum: pages 20 | 21, 26 | 27 Peter Kytlica: pages 22 | 23 GrAT: page 24 Bruno Klomfar: pages 28, 42 | 43, 45, 46 | 47, 111, 186 | 187 Gugler: page 29 Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst GmbH: page 29 Dietmar Tollerian: page 29 Thomas Adler: page 30 Biohof Achleitner: pages 32 | 33 Weinidylle: page 35 Nunner, ÖFM Stübing: page 37 Laurin Nasch berger: pages 38 | 39 Beat Bühler: cover, pages 16, 40 | 41, 62 | 63, 64 | 67 Hanspeter Schiess: pages 48 | 49 Adolf Bereuter: page 49 Ingomar Reumiller: pages 51, 52 | 53 Laura Egger: pages 56 | 57 Alexander Jaquemet: pages 58 | 59 Michael Freisager: pages 60 | 61 Markus Bühler-Rasom: pages 68 | 69 Atelier d’architectures HAHA: pages 72 | 73 Studio 1984: pages 74 | 75 Luc Boegly: pages 76 | 77 Paul Kozlowski: pages 78 | 79 Mischa Witzmann: page 81

Marc Gosselin: pages 82 | 83 Agence d’architecture MAURER: pages 84 | 85 JD Billaud, Nautilus: pages 86 | 87 L’atelier Belenfans & Daubas Architectes: pages 88 | 89, 90 | 91 Jacky Jeannet, Pascal Scarato: page 93 Boris Bouchet Architectes: pages 94 | 95 EPANI: pages 96 | 97 Design & Architecture: pages 98 | 99 Ecoterre-scop: pages 100, 104 Hervé Hôte: pages 101, 102 | 103 Ann Guillec: page 105 Werner Schmidt: pages 108 | 109 Rainer Toshikazu Winter: pages 112 | 113 Anna Paola Conti: page 115 Stefania Giardinelli: page 117 ASTRA: page 119 Ileana Mavrodin: page 121 Björn Kierulf: pages 124 | 125 Edita and Marek Vlčkovi: page 127 Mikel George: page 129 a1architects: pages 130 | 131 David Maštálka: pages 132 | 133 Esther Havlová: pages 134, 136 | 137 Landesforsten Rheinland-Pfalz: pages 140 | 141 Schauer + Volhard: pages 142 | 143, 145 Stephan Dreier: pages 146 | 147 Oliver Abels: page 149 Ludwig Abache: pages 150, 152 | 153 Klaus Stevens: page 155 Axel Thünker DGPh: pages 156 | 157 worschech architects: pages 8, 159, 160 | 161, 165, 166 | 167 Rosel Günther-Koch: pages 162 | 163 PUNCTUM B. Kober: page 168 Dirk Scharmer: pages 170 | 171 Hendrik Silbermann: page 173 Dietmar Schäfer: pages 174 | 175 Thomas Gluschke: page 176 Gernot Minke: pages 177, 183 Sabine Raab: page 177

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Torsten Seidel: pages 178 | 179, 180 | 181 Andreas Süß: pages 184 | 185 Udo Meinel, raumstar* architekten: page 189 Hannibal, raumstar*architekten: page 190 raumstar*architekten: page 191 Malte Fuchs: pages 192 | 193, 194 | 195 Graphic design Clemens Schedler Büro für konkrete Gestaltung Typeface Questa Sans designed by Jos Buivenga & Martin Majoor Pre-press Production Boris Bonev Paper Lenzing Impact 250 g Lenzing Impact 100 g Printing Thurnher Druckerei 1st edition 1,500 copies, June 2016 ISBN 978-3-901112-79-9 Price of sale 14.– EUR

BASEhabitat University of Art and Design Linz Kunstuniversität Linz die architektur Hauptplatz 8, 4020 Linz, Austria Phone +43.732.78 98 293 Mobile +43.676.847 898 293 basehabitat@ufg.at www.basehabitat.org

BASEhabitat is a project studio within the Department of Architecture at the University of Art and Design Linz. Professor Roland Gnaiger founded BASEhabitat together with students in 2004. It has since implemented numerous projects in the field of humanitarian architecture worldwide. Approaches based around sufficiency and the maxim of “helping people to help themselves” are based on the following: social and cultural integration, environmentally friendly construction, the use of local resources, and the aesthetic demands of the architectural design as requirements for sustainable and self-determined development. In addition to construction projects on the ground, workshops are regularly held on working with loam and bamboo as construction materials. There is also a summer school that takes place every two years with active, international participation. BASEhabitat has been a member of the UNESCO Chair Earthen Architecture since 2014. To live up to the increasing worldwide interest in BASEhabitat’s work and the need for projects in the area of humanitarian architecture, the University of Art and Design Linz has decided to establish a postgraduate BASEhabitat master’s degree.

ISBN 978-3-901112-79-9