Pilotprojekt 2401

Year: 2026
Status: Open Competition
Client: Fundaziun Puntraschigna
Location: Pontresina, Switzerland
Gross floor area: 800 sqm

In collaboration with:
Pirmin Jung AG
The project proposes a compact, square structure characterized by the consistent use of renewable raw materials and a radical reduction in building services. For reasons of cost-effectiveness and soil conservation, a basement has been omitted; the building rests on a solid ground floor. Structurally, the design is based on an innovative straw bale construction method: The load-bearing structure of the upper floors consists of space-spanning columns made of cross-laminated timber panels. Large straw bales, 1.20 meters deep, are inserted into the spaces of this wooden skeleton as insulating infill. This solid envelope reduces heating requirements by over 80 percent, eliminating the need for conventional central heating. Thermal comfort is primarily ensured by solar gains and internal heat sources. The wall depth, dictated by the construction, is utilized as a spatial quality. Deep window reveals extend the interior space into usable seating niches and study areas. The floor plan follows a clear grid of nine sections around a central core, which allows for flexible apartment types and minimizes the routing of utilities.
The design is based on 9 equally sized 5 x 5-meter squares. At the center is an efficient stairwell...
...around which the entry areas, wet rooms, utility shafts, and storage areas are arranged in a ring...
...and thus create a living and dining area, as well as bedrooms and home offices, that can be flexibly reconfigured and are well-lit.
The varying arrangements of a uniform bale format result in different openings depending on the context...
...which, thanks to the size of the rectangular bale format, can be constructed easily, quickly, and efficiently...
...and, thanks to its depth, offers potential for space-defining applications, such as an inviting bench.
The building’s placement is aligned with the neighboring structures. The existing row of trees and the old pathways remain intact. By setting the building back, the visual connections between the village center and the mountains are preserved.
The main entrance is located on the ground floor and leads along a paved path—past a herb garden—to a sheltered communal area with a sturdy, long bench and table, which residents can use year-round. 
The first floor features 3.5-room apartments and “joker” rooms facing the garden.
Surrounding the central core on the upper floors are 3.5-room and 2.5-room apartments.
The lightweight wood-and-straw structure rests on a solid concrete foundation. The gable roof rests directly on the exterior walls and the core. The high degree of prefabrication of the large bales allows for an extremely short shell construction time.
The building’s volume, height, and roof shape are modeled after the surrounding buildings. Thanks to the concrete base, the residential floors stand out confidently from the ground level.


Competiton Panels