Stone-Ideas.com 
The focus of sustainable construction with natural stone is usually the minimal ecological footprint of the material. Another aspect of the topic was explored in a research project at ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) Zurich: how architects can exploit the enormous durability of stone.
In autumn 2023, students led by Professor Elli Mosayebi (Architecture and Design) worked out experimental designs on how to achieve lasting architecture with ecological and local building materials. Professors Jacqueline Pauli (Structural Design) and Guillaume Habert (Sustainable Construction) as well as the artist Philipp Schaerer were also involved.
The project was supported by the Pro Naturstein association, including the companies Bärlocher Steinbruch and Ongaro Graniti SA.
The designs are compiled in a pdf in German and Italian. There are plenty of unusual approaches – the concept speaks of “visions.“ We are showing two works.
A characteristic of all ideas is that natural stone is used as a load-bearing material.
Representatives of the two companies outline what this means from the point of view of the material:
* Christian Bärlocher: Solutions are needed that really use the special properties of the stone. It makes little sense if the disadvantages of natural stone are minimized with technically complex solutions (for example through complex pre-stressing, through bonding…) so that it can be used like wood or concrete.
* Carlo Bernasconi (Carlo Bernasconi AG): The combination of natural stone with other sustainable materials also offers possibilities. Long transport routes must be avoided. Reuse is another aspect that will hopefully become more important in the future.
Together they point out that modern construction with natural stone also involves engaging with the old craft, as the necessary know-how for using the stone is still available there. Local materials give façades a face and an aesthetic value that residents appreciate.
Bärlocher Steinbruch und Steinhauerei
Pictures: project