Gässli5, by Swiss architecture studio Allen + Crippa, examines how circular construction can be realised within a specific architectural setting. The project involved the complete dismantling of a historic log house and its reconstruction at a new location within the village of Grabs, Switzerland. The preserved structure is paired with a new rammed earth volume constructed from natural materials that can be dismantled and returned to the site at the end of its lifespan.

Historic structure and relocation

The Gässli House is one of the oldest and largely original buildings in the Werdenberg region. Removed from heritage protection several years ago, it faced demolition. Relocation became the only viable strategy for continued use.

During reconstruction, missing or damaged elements of the log structure were replaced with timber salvaged from other demolished buildings in the village. This approach allowed local building history to continue through material reuse. The house was preserved in its material and spatial simplicity. Technical interventions such as insulation, plumbing, and electrical installations were intentionally omitted.

New addition and spatial composition

To enable contemporary occupation while retaining the historic building’s appearance, a new structure was introduced. The log house resumes its south-facing orientation towards the street. The new volume is slightly rotated, establishing a defined arrival sequence and opening views towards the garden.

The two buildings are linked by a lower intermediate space, forming a distinct architectural composition while maintaining the independence of both.

Construction and materials

The extension is formed by a load-bearing wall system of rammed earth. Projections and recesses in the facade articulate the production process of approximately 200 individual earth elements, with visible stratification recording their fabrication.

The floor and ceiling structures consist of unglued timber beams. An inner layer of hemp-lime provides thermal insulation, while lime plaster incorporating recycled brick dust defines the interior surfaces. Floors of locally sourced rammed earth, untreated oak, and clay tiles follow the principle of mono-material separation.

Built from renewable resources, the new structure reduces construction to essential components and prioritises material recyclability. At the end of its lifespan, the building can be reintegrated into material cycles.

Underlying approach

In Gässli5, all stakeholders shared a genuine commitment to a resource-conscious approach. This collective mindset formed the conceptual framework of the project and guided decisions throughout the process. The architectural approach addressed broader resource implications, with a focus on sufficiency, circularity, and material-appropriate construction.

The relocation of the historic house is understood as reuse at an architectural scale. The wall assembly is entirely membrane-free and follows a simple three-layer build-up: clay, hemp, and lime plaster made with recycled brick dust. The project uses as few materials as possible, avoiding adhesives and relying on dry or reversible joints. The construction remains legible and is conceived to allow for future disassembly.

The ensemble is conceived to evolve over decades. A building that can be continuously used and transformed over time is inherently more sustainable than one that is perfectly optimised yet rigid.

Spatial organisation and use

The spatial arrangement comprises a flexible open-use space at ground floor level and a compact apartment above. This configuration allows for varied uses, including community functions, living space, or workshop activities.

The uninsulated log house can be combined with the new volume in different configurations and used as a three-season house, suitable for occupation outside the winter months.

Landscape and material cycles

The new building is embedded within a permaculture garden composed of edible planting, ponds, and dry zones. The garden extends the architecture ecologically and socially. Rainwater is managed on site and a composting toilet forms part of the building’s service strategy.

The project articulates material cycles, local context, and collective action as integral elements of its architectural position. The relationship between the light, assembled timber structure and the heavy, monolithic earth construction establishes a duality grounded in complementarity rather than contrast.

“We understand this project as a statement against today’s culture of demolition, as a sign opposing waste in the construction industry, and as a plea for the reuse of existing building fabric,” say Allen + Crippa. “For our young practice, the project serves as an experiment — pushing the boundaries of conventional standards, making a clear statement, and simultaneously rethinking the concept of sufficiency.”