Sustainability Report

Sustainability Information was provided by Albertin Architekten.

Embodied carbon overview

• From the start, we deliberately avoided using concrete as much as possible. Because of this, there is no basement. Concrete was only used where it was structurally necessary, for example for the escape route and wind bracing.
• The building structure was made using prefabricated timber and regional wood. Walls and ceilings are made from locally sourced and processed wood. This reduces transport distances, lowers CO2 emissions, and supports the local craft and value chain.
• The timber ceilings (solid timber panels) as well as the exterior walls (timber frame) were prefabricated. All load-bearing timber components were made from locally sourced sawn wood.
• Our focus was not only on carefully selected, visible surface materials but on the entire construction. We understand sustainability in a holistic way. For example, we used timber panel ceilings and acoustic insulation with low grey energy. It was important for us to use materials that make ecological sense over their entire lifecycle.
• The facade is fully clad with regional larch shingles. These were produced by Bisquolm-Dach in Surselva (Graubünden), one of the last traditional companies specialised in this craft. This choice created a durable, weather-resistant facade while also preserving and supporting local craftsmanship.
• For the interior, natural clay-based materials were consistently used. For example, rammed earth floors (Stampflehm) made from a mixture of clay, silt, and mineral aggregates, without cement or chemical binders. This system ensures low embodied emissions, high durability, and good repairability. The floors were executed by a specialist contractor and the clay was sourced from the nearby Vorarlberg region.
• The project references the Swiss sustainability guideline SIA 390/1. From the very beginning, we consciously aimed for a sustainable building and consistently applied this approach during the design process.
• For the calculation of the environmental impacts, we worked with the company brain4sustain and Mr. Andreas Pfeiffer. The experts developed an Eco Tool. Eco Tool is a browser-based lifecycle assessment software that allows the environmental impacts of building projects to be assessed and optimised during the design phase.

According to the project documentation, the construction phase results in 8 kgCO2/m²a, compared with the SIA 390/1 reference value of 9 kgCO2/m²a. The project documentation also indicates that this corresponds to around 30 percent lower emissions than a conventional solid construction building.

Operational emissions overview

• From our experience, we know which materials contribute to a healthy and comfortable indoor climate. These materials usually align with sustainable principles, as they are low in pollutants, breathable, and resource-efficient.
• Clay materials help regulate humidity and contribute to a balanced indoor climate. These qualities support a healthy indoor environment for the residents.

The project documentation references 0 kgCO2/m²a for operation, compared with the SIA 390/1 reference value of 2 kgCO2/m²a. According to the project documentation, this is achieved through the photovoltaic system and the connection to the district heating network.

Service and maintenance emissions overview

• Longevity, functionality, and ease of maintenance were considered from the execution planning stage. Our goal was to design details so that they can be adjusted or replaced individually if needed without affecting the overall structure.
• At particularly exposed locations, replaceable wear layers were installed. This allows simple maintenance and extends the life of the underlying construction. Repairability is a central part of sustainable architecture.
• The conscious choice of materials and construction had a significant influence on the planning. Timber construction requires a different approach to design, detailing, and spatial planning.
• Using sawn timber in the construction also makes future maintenance easier for local trades. Standardised, familiar construction methods avoid dependence on specialised systems or industrial components.