Architect Werner Schmidt’s Straw-Bale Construction

Werner Schmidt (Trübbach, Switzerland, 1953) is one of the most interesting contemporary ‘green’ architects, particularly experienced in straw-bale building. His accomplishments include now 20 straw-bale buildings of which 14 at least partially load-bearing. This paper extracts some essential principles from his work and explains in detail his technological solutions. This is the result of a thorough analysis, carried on during the reparation of a monograph. The success of his approach derives from many factors, among which: - Schmidt’s training as a mason. In contrast with many fellow architects, his designs are rooted in practicality and feasibility. Moreover, he actively participates to the construction work. - His holistic vision of ecological building: straw bales are chosen because of the overall advantages they offer. Preferably, he adopts a modified ‘Nebraska’ technique, using high-density ‘jumbo bales’ forming more than 120 cm thick walls. This rather unique method assures rapidity of construction, and allows to solve a number of criticalities associated with ‘small bale’ building. - Not seeking the highest possible performances lets to focus economic and technical efforts on few elements that really need to be state-of-the-art. The envelope can be built with simple techniques, while parts that need be built precisely (stairs, cooking implements, baths, etc.) can be prefabricated. Schmidt’s work shows that high ecological consideration can be coupled with convincing architectural results. The quality of his buildings in terms of energy performance, living value, and beautiful form constitutes a good practice promoting new ways to ‘green’ architecture.