
Regenerative architecture
Until the industrial revolution, we built our homes using materials found in our immediate environment, such as wood, clay, natural fibres and natural stone. We took these bio- and geosourced materials from nature so that it could regenerate itself, so that our grandchildren could also continue in this tradition. With industrialisation, fossil and hydraulic energy has become available in ever greater quantities at very low cost. Fired and melted building materials that were heavy in CO2, such as steel, concrete, brick and plaster, supplanted bio- and geosourced materials, as they seemed to perform better and be cheaper.
However, after the oil crisis, it became increasingly clear that our over-enthusiastic experimentation with fossil fuels and energy-intensive goods could lead us into even greater difficulties. The habitability of our blue planet is seriously challenged by our emissions, our interventions in the biosphere and the global warming they cause.
A regenerative lifestyle and building culture would ensure the future habitability of the planet. Build again with regenerative materials such as wood, clay, natural fibres and natural stone, and adapt our homes and housing estates to the surrounding landscape, local climate and existing ecosystems. Use existing structures for as long as possible and, if something has to be demolished, reuse the building components so that we can continue to use the grey energy they contain.
Our current timber construction systems can be combined with traditional clay, natural fibre and natural stone construction methods, and developed to meet today's requirements. Digitised and automated planning and production systems can make regenerative building techniques more efficient and less costly.
Atmospheric quality and indoor climate
As well as the ecological benefits, natural building materials bring atmospheric and poetic qualities to our homes and our built landscape. The annual rings of wood recall the life of the tree, the shape of natural fibres shows their original functions, and natural stone and clay surfaces tell a chapter in the history of the Earth. In this way, natural materials enhance the quality of our living spaces and allow us to establish a relationship with nature.
Natural, untreated materials ensure a pleasant indoor climate and good indoor air quality. Stone and clay plaster balance the humidity and temperature of a space and absorb unwanted odours. Untreated wood helps to balance humidity, smells good and has a pleasant surface to touch.
Cooperative, cost-effective construction
By working closely with owners and users, we can develop and implement innovative solutions that enrich the architecture and encourage ownership. Optimal adaptation to needs and self-construction reduce construction costs.
When developing plans and construction systems, we strive to achieve an optimal balance between longevity, ecology and economy. We use materials that function as much as possible without installation layers or surface treatments, and are therefore more economical. In numerous projects with cost-conscious clients, we have been able to put together a repertoire of materials and construction systems that combine all three criteria.
In several projects, we raised, added to and converted existing buildings. The elevations were often combined with a renovation of the existing building, to create a continuously renovated building envelope and a uniform appearance. Thanks to the extra space it provides, the elevation helps to finance the renovation work.
Practice and teaching
In addition to our practical work, since 2005 we have been involved in teaching architecture at the universities of applied sciences in Bern and Fribourg, and from 2008 to 2014 at the Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften in Zurich. The exchange between theory and practice is extremely enriching. Passing on architectural culture to the next generation also contributes to its creative development.