University of Stuttgart's Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning has designed a small thatched building in Vorarlberg, Austria.

The objective is to research the appropriateness of reed as facade and roof cladding materials, especially in high altitude alpine regions.

Reed – also known as thatch – is in every sense a sustainable, renewable, carbon neutral resource: rapid growth, short process chain with low energy demand and emissions, perfect life cycle, no pollutants, proved over generations.

The design needed to be simple and appropriate to the location and use. The main focus was on the material itself with its architectural and manual and technical coordinated details. A team of craftsmen and students developed and built balanced together.

This project has been longlisted in the small building category of Dezeen Awards 2020.

Architect: University of Stuttgart
Project: SkinOver Reed
Read more: University of Stuttgart