CAS ETH in Regenerative Materials - Structural Specialisation
earth. bio-based. reused
You want to learn all about structural potential of regenerative building materials?
This programme provides a comprehensive background in structural dimensioning and calculation tools to design and implement high-efficiency building structures with regenerative materials.
It focuses on load-bearing stone masonry, rammed earth (walls and vaults), unfired clay brick masonry, straw bale construction, bamboo structures and the structural aspects of reused building elements. We also invite experts to speak on the long-term durability (particularly with regard to heat, air and moisture – HAM) and the seismic behaviour of these structures.
We uses innovative teaching practices with participative methods, experimental lectures, hands-on exercises, calculation workshops, visits to inspiring projects and project-based learning.
Next edition:
September - December 2027 (Fall Semester).
The application window will be open from 1 June 2026 - 31 June 2027.
Four Modules focused on Structural aspects
Description
The first module introduces regenerative materials used for structural applications and presents the constructive systems that this programme will be focused on: massive load-bearing walls (massive stone, rammed-earth, straw-bales, compressed earth blocks); load-bearing structures (including hybrid structural systems with timber and bamboo) with bio-based fibres and aggregates infill (including light mixes with earth and low-carbon mineral binder); and reused load-bearing elements.
It also introduces the structural concepts encountered during the program (compression, tension, bending, buckling, creep) and how they apply to regenerative materials through general lectures to cover the basis, hands-on to experience these concepts with real material assemblies, visits to exemplary projects built in the region of Zurich, and reference case-study with calculation workshops.
Objectives
- Learn the diversity of regenerative structural applications
- Understand the basic structural concepts applied to regenerative materials
- Apply calculation models to existing load-bearing structures
- Gain experience from projects overcoming structural engineering difficulties
- Catch up on new standards and how they are evolving
- Visit built projects and meet renowned experts
Description
This module dives in advanced knowledge associated with regenerative load-bearing structures: variability of the resource, collateral damage with water, long-term durability, heritage preservation, control of erosion, fire safety, seismic loads and connections. Participants will gain insights into structural assemblies with renewable materials through hands-on exercises.
More specifically, a special focus will be given to load-bearing earth blocks used as load-bearing structure or as infill of timber structures, rammed earth vaults for ceilings, rammed earth walls under seismic conditions, and bamboo innovations and structural strategies under seismic loads. Reference case-studies will be presented by renowned experts supervising the participants in interactive calculation workshops.
Objectives
- Understand the challenges and the solutions to ensure long-term durability
- Apply specific calculation models to regenerative load-bearing structures
- Be able to define the right strategy in terms of fire safety and seismic loads
- Provide an overview of existing standards and their evolution
- Reproduce the structural calculation of built reference projects and meet renowned experts
Description
This module is dedicated to hygrothermal assessment of construction with regenerative materials: load-bearing massive constructions and structures with regenerative infill materials. As a matter of fact, these materials not only allow achieving low-carbon high-efficiency constructions but also lead to better indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduce the need for air conditioning systems. To be able to quantify the benefits of these materials (reduce energy demands, avoid overheating, forecast moisture-related degradation risks and design for a circular and long-lasting performance, considering HVAC systems and occupant well-being), the conventional tools are not sufficient. Therefore, this module provides a robust foundation in material properties, research results and simulation tools developed to tackle these topics. The participants will have the chance to visit the unique field test facilities and laboratory of the Fraunhofer Institute in Bavaria.
Objectives
- Provide rigorous information on the benefits of regenerative materials
- Define a long-term strategy on energy demands and moisture-related assessments
- Be able to run complete simulations on WUFI Pro and WUFI Plus
- Be able to discuss and critique simulation results
- Identify the limitations on the models and on materials properties
- Visit a unique testing facility and meet renowned experts
Description
The last module of this programme consists of a group project exercise, where the participants work on a real-case project with the support of external consultants.
The work of each group is presented to a panel of experts during a final review on the last day. The goal is to find reasonable and attractive arguments which may guide the “client” towards a more regenerative approach, including load-bearing elements with the materials and building systems described in the programme, which they might consider implementing in this buildings or others from their portfolio.
Objectives
- Apply the concepts and methods learned in the three previous modules
- Ensure structural integrity of regenerative structures
- Ensure low carbon emission of regenerative structures
- Ensure long-term durability of regenerative structures
- Define reasonable and attractive arguments for the “client”
- Consider the needs and constraints of large portfolio managers
- Bring more regenerative structures on the market
Details of this Continuing Education Programme
Greneral information:
As part-time training, this continuing education programme is geared toward the needs of professionals who want to deepen and question their existing practice in order to develop more regenerative approaches. In this progamme, a limited group of professionals (10-18 participants), from Switzerland and abroad, is selected to favour intense interactions and high-quality learning.
Objectives:
The CAS ETH in Regenerative Materials - Structural Specialisation teaches participants to engage in the structural dimensioning of durable buildings and infrastructure made from materials such as stones, rammed earth, straw bales, hemp, bamboo, and reused concrete and wood elements. Participants will develop skills in structural efficiency and load-bearing design, considering embodied energy, durability assesments and design for disassembly. They will acquire result-oriented skills in terms of structural integrity, as well combined heat and moisture behaviour, to contribute to the structural dimensioning of long-lasting buildings or infrastructures.
Professional perspectives:
The programme ensures a significant and lasting impact on participants’ professional development. Graduates are equipped to work as project managers in architecture or engineering offices, for municipal technical services, or as portfolio managers, developers, and members of NGO. Alumni of this programme will join an active and growing professional network.
Target audience:
Decision-makers and practitioners in the construction sector from Switzerland and abroad: structural engineers, architects, civil engineers,
project managers, members of municipal technical services, building contractors, and NGOs.
Some calculations use complex modeling, and basics in structural aspects are expected.
Language of Instruction: Courses are typically held in English.
Visits and discussions with practitioners will be sometimes given in French, German or Italian but will always be translated into English.
Duration: 1 semester, from September to December (Fall semester), every two years.
The first three modules with contact hours represents 2 ECTS and the project work of the last module represents 6 ECTS. In total, this programme corresponds to 12 ECTS. There is no workload between the modules.
The programme uses innovative teaching practices with participative methods, experimental lectures, hands-on exercises, calculation workshops, visits to inspiring projects, and project-based learning. Each module combines the following activities:
Lectures: Input lectures from well-known specialists gives an overview on the most innovative recent developements. Some online lectures are opened to a large audience to support public awareness (see our dedicated webpage).
Hands-on & Workshops: These exercises are a great opportunity to put hands-on with construction materials and calculation models. Experimentations on natural fibers, earth or reused/reclaimed materials allow a deep understanding of the main properties and specificities of these materials and corresponding building systems.
Visits: Visits to exemplary buildings using regenerative materials is one of the most inspiring way to engage in regenerative construction. Those visits are conducted by the stakeholders involved in their realisation.
Group exercises: Group work strenghen the interactions within participants. They focus on realistic calls for tenders placing the students into a real-life professional situation.
The teaching team is composed of acknowledged experts in the field with complementary approaches and background (designer, entrepreneur, researcher, developer…).
ETH Teaching Partners:
- Prof. Dr. Guillaume Habert - Programme Director
- Prof. Dr. Bryan Adey - Deputy Programme Director
- Dr. Arnaud Evrard - Programme Coordinator
- Prof. Dr. Andrea Frangi
- Dr. Michael Klippel
- Prof. Dr. Philippe Block
- Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Pauli
- Prof. Dr. Elli Mosayebi
- Prof. Roger Boltshauser
- Gustavo Zorzetto Bittencourt
- (More to be announced)
International partners (non exhaustive list):
- Jürg Conzett (Conzett Bronzini Partner)
- Peter Braun (Normal Office)
- Jean-Claude Morel (ENTPE)
- Corentin Fivet (EPFL/SXL)
- Savvas Saloustros (EPFL/EESD)
- Alia Bengana (HEIA)
- Ola Nashed Kabalan (ENSA Paris Malaquais)
- Christof Ziegert (ZRS)
- Laurent Mouly (LM Ingénieurs)
- Martin Stumpf (WH-P Ingenieure)
- Luis Lopez (Base Bahay)
- Tobias Huber (ZPF Ingenieure)
- Cédric Evrard (Prototype)
- Marlène Leroux (Archiplein)
- Paul Vuarambon (AirCarto)
- Brunello Favilla (22.26)
- (More to be announced)
Energie Schweiz:
This programme is supported by external page Energie Schweiz as it helps achieving the Swiss 2050 energy and climate objectives.
Other Partners:
We also have the chance to recive the support of many expert guests.
They accept to share their knowlegde and experience with the participants, helping us to create a
growing network of potential partners.
Applicants are asked to apply online and to include a motivation letter, a CV and two reference letters. A reference letter corresponds to a recommendation letter preferably written by your current or former employer.
Fees: 8230 CHF. It does not include living expenses.
The application window will open on the 15.05.2026 and will be closed by 15.07.2026.
We encourage you to take part in the Online Open Doors we will be holding in early May 2026 and early June 2026.
Link to programme description: School for Continuing Education of ETH.
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Contact
ETH Zürich
Inst. Bau-&Infrastrukturmanagement
Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5
8093
Zürich
Switzerland