Swiss Innovation Meets Sustainability: Paul Schmidt’s Vision for Straw-Based Construction.

Today in our blog we publish the interview with Paul Schmidt, CEO and main architect of the Atelier Schmidt (Switzerland) which is over the last three decades advocates the straw as a material for the building of the sustainable houses.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: Good afternoon, Paul! Thank you for joining our “Voices of Innovation: Shaping the Future of Construction” blog series on the Modulina Straw Panels website. To kick things off, could you briefly introduce yourself?

Paul Schmidt: Thanks for having me, Kateryna! I actually started out as a secondary teacher before making a big shift to architecture, which I studied at Chur University of Applied Sciences. In 2017, I took over Atelier Schmidt, my dad’s firm that he founded back in 1988. Since then, I’ve been blending my love for teaching and design, focusing on sustainable building practices and exploring environmentally friendly methods like straw-based construction.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: Over the years, how have you seen sustainable construction change globally, and what does that look like in Switzerland? What’s the Swiss take on sustainable materials like straw?

Paul Schmidt: Well, sustainable construction has come a long way. Globally, there’s a huge push to reduce our environmental footprint, improve energy efficiency, and use renewable materials. Switzerland is right there too. We care a lot about preserving our environment and being energy-efficient, so naturally, we’re moving toward more sustainable practices. But traditional construction is still big here, and getting people to consider materials like straw has been gradual. Straw’s got great insulation, it’s carbon-neutral, and it can be sourced locally, which ticks a lot of boxes for sustainability.

What I’ve found fascinating is that there’s a shift from just “greenwashing”—where projects claim to be sustainable without really delivering—to genuinely long-term solutions. Straw bale construction used to be a niche thing, but it’s gaining traction as a way to cut down on carbon emissions. It’s still seen as an alternative, not quite mainstream yet, but I think as more people understand its benefits, it’ll become a key part of sustainable building in Switzerland.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: So, tell me about some of the innovations that are changing the construction industry. How has all this influenced your work with straw bales?

Paul Schmidt: The industry is seeing some exciting changes! We’ve got 3D printing, modular construction, prefabrication, and smart materials all coming together to change the way we build. But for me, the rise of bio-based materials like straw panels, bamboo, and hempcrete is the most thrilling. They lower the carbon footprint of buildings, improve insulation, and help with moisture control, which is a big deal for energy efficiency and comfort.

For my work with straw bale construction, modular design and prefabrication have been game-changers. Prefabricating panels in a controlled environment lets us maintain quality and precision, which makes everything faster and more efficient when it’s time to assemble on-site. And with the help of advanced design tools, we get a high level of accuracy that ensures panels perform their best for insulation and structure.

These innovations are helping to bring straw bale construction into the mainstream. It’s not just for niche projects anymore—it’s becoming a reliable, sustainable solution that meets modern standards without losing its ecological benefits.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: With all your experience, what advice would you give to new professionals getting into sustainable construction? How can they prepare to be innovative?

Paul Schmidt: For anyone stepping into this field, my number one tip is to stay informed and flexible. Sustainable construction is changing so quickly, and it’s important to stay on top of new materials, techniques, and technologies. Dive into the science behind bio-based materials like straw bales—they’re not just “another option”; they come with unique properties that, once you understand them, can set you apart.

Collaboration is key, too. This is a multidisciplinary space, so it’s not just about architects—you’ll be working with engineers, builders, environmental experts, and more. Building a strong network and being open to learning from others is crucial for coming up with innovative solutions.

To really innovate, you need a solid grounding in sustainable design principles, energy efficiency, and material science. And get hands-on experience!

The more you work with bio-based construction techniques, the better. Also, getting comfortable with modular and prefabrication methods is a big plus, since they’re becoming integral to sustainable building. Blend technical know-how with creativity, and always be on the lookout for renewable, locally sourced materials. That’s where the future is heading.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: What’s your vision for bringing straw panels and other bio-based materials into the mainstream in Switzerland? Where do you see these materials fitting in the future of construction?

Paul Schmidt: I really see a future where straw panels and other bio-based materials aren’t just niche—they’re mainstream. They’re a natural fit for passive houses because of their great insulation and energy efficiency. But I see the potential beyond just those houses. There’s a chance to use these materials in urban projects, even in multi-story buildings. There are challenges, of course—technical issues, regulations, public perception—but I believe those hurdles can be cleared.

As we see more demand for eco-friendly architecture, straw panels fit well into trends like eco-modernism and biophilic design. Architects are looking for materials that are both sustainable and beautiful, and straw ticks both boxes. It’s not just about building sustainably but also creating healthier indoor environments, which matches the growing demand for efficient, green construction.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: What are the main sustainability challenges facing the construction industry today, especially in Switzerland? How can we tackle them?

Paul Schmidt: Carbon emissions are the big one. The construction industry contributes a lot globally, and it’s not just about how buildings use energy, but also the materials themselves—the embodied carbon. Switzerland has done a great job managing operational carbon with energy-efficient buildings, but materials like concrete and steel have a massive carbon footprint. That’s where straw panels and other bio-based materials can make a real difference.

Regulatory hurdles are another challenge. Switzerland’s building codes are strict for good reason—they ensure safety and quality. But that can make it difficult to bring in new materials. The process to certify products like straw panels can be long and complicated. Still, I think we can overcome this by creating clearer pathways for low-carbon materials to get certified.

And there’s public perception. People are often skeptical about straw, seeing it as unconventional or less durable. But in reality, straw panels are great at insulation, carbon-neutral, and very durable when done right. Education is key here—both for professionals and the public. Changing how we talk about durability and sustainability is essential for moving forward.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: Where do you see the greatest opportunities for innovation with eco-friendly materials like straw panels?

Paul Schmidt: The biggest opportunities are in residential projects. Straw panels are great for low-rise homes focused on energy efficiency—they keep buildings warm in winter, cool in summer, and help reduce energy use overall. That’s perfect for homes aiming for sustainability, like passive houses.

Then you’ve got temporary or modular structures. Straw panels are quick to assemble, so they’re ideal for things like pop-up buildings, emergency shelters, or temporary housing. Because they’re modular, they can be easily moved and reused, which keeps the environmental footprint low.

Retrofits and renovations are another area where straw panels shine. Older buildings can benefit a lot from the thermal performance of straw, and using these panels can modernize them to meet today’s sustainability standards without compromising their design. So, overall, straw panels are fantastic for projects where insulation and energy conservation are key.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: What strategies would you recommend for professionals wanting to use bio-based materials like straw panels? What challenges should they be aware of?

Paul Schmidt: First, early integration is key. You need to consider bio-based materials right at the start of the design phase so they naturally fit into the project. That way, you can design around the properties of straw panels and make sure they work optimally.

Collaboration with experts is another must. People who have experience with bio-based materials can help navigate technical challenges and regulatory hurdles. They can guide you on best practices and streamline the process.

Understanding local building codes and certifications is also crucial. Bio-based materials often come with different requirements, so knowing the regulations upfront can prevent delays later. Engage with local authorities and certification bodies early to smooth out any issues.

Of course, there are challenges—like lack of knowledge about bio-materials, navigating regulations, and managing costs. But with the right planning and education, these barriers can be overcome. It’s about showing the long-term benefits in sustainability and cost savings, which can help convince stakeholders.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: Can you share a successful approach to promoting sustainability with straw bale construction?

Paul Schmidt: Pilot projects have been our best approach. By using straw bales in real projects, we’ve been able to show their benefits firsthand—like great thermal efficiency, durability, and low environmental impact. These examples build trust with clients and stakeholders and prove that straw bale construction is not just viable but effective.

Another strategy is working with green building certifications like Minergie here in Switzerland. Aligning straw bale projects with these standards, which focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, adds credibility. It shows that not only can we meet these standards—we can exceed them.

Advocacy is about highlighting long-term benefits. Lower energy costs, better indoor air quality, and reduced environmental impact all speak to the practical advantages of straw. It’s about making a compelling argument that covers both environmental and economic benefits to win over decision-makers.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: How do you balance environmental preservation with the demands of modern construction—speed, scalability, and cost-efficiency?

Paul Schmidt: It’s definitely a balancing act, but there are strategies that make it possible. Modular and prefabricated solutions are one way to do it. Prefabricating straw panels off-site speeds up the build process and improves scalability without compromising sustainability. It’s efficient, accurate, and sustainable.

Managing costs is another factor. Bio-based materials like straw panels may have higher upfront costs, but setting up local supply chains can bring those costs down. Sourcing straw locally cuts transportation emissions and streamlines the process.

Then there’s looking at the entire lifecycle. Sure, bio-based materials can be a bigger investment upfront, but when you factor in the energy savings, better indoor climate, and lower maintenance costs over time, they pay off. That’s what helps clients see the financial sense of investing in these materials upfront.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: What role does education and public awareness play in promoting sustainable construction?

Paul Schmidt: Education and public awareness are huge. To get bio-based materials like straw panels widely adopted, we need to build understanding at every level—professionals and the public alike. Incorporating sustainability into educational programs is key. If universities and technical schools teach about straw panels, architects and builders will get comfortable using them from the start.

Public demonstration projects are also impactful. When people can see real buildings made with straw or other bio-based materials, it helps break down skepticism. It’s not just theory—it’s real life. These projects educate and inspire both the public and industry pros who might be unsure about trying new materials.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: Can you share the benefits and challenges of using straw panels in your construction projects in Switzerland?

Paul Schmidt: Definitely! Straw panels offer great thermal performance. They keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which cuts down on heating and cooling costs—especially important in Switzerland, where energy efficiency is a priority.

Environmentally, straw is a big win. It’s renewable, biodegradable, and carbon-neutral. And when you source it locally, it keeps the carbon footprint even lower. Plus, at the end of its life, straw can return to the earth without leaving waste behind.

The challenges? Moisture sensitivity is a big one. Straw can be damaged by moisture, so design and construction need to ensure proper ventilation and moisture control. Another challenge is public perception—people are often skeptical about the durability or fire resistance of straw, but when compressed and treated properly, straw panels are actually very fire-resistant.

In practice, managing these benefits and challenges goes hand-in-hand. It’s about educating people and showing them real examples of how straw works well, which helps shift the perception and lets the material’s benefits really shine.

Kateryna Pylypchuk: What systematic strategies do you think are key to reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry, and how do straw panels fit into this?

Paul Schmidt: To cut down carbon emissions in construction, we need to look at the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of materials. This means considering a material’s environmental impact from start to finish—extraction, use, and disposal. Bio-based materials like straw have a much lower carbon footprint than traditional options like concrete or steel, and they even store carbon as they grow.

Another key strategy is embracing the circular economy—reusing materials, minimizing waste, and designing buildings that can be disassembled and recycled. Straw fits perfectly here because it’s renewable, biodegradable, and leaves no waste behind.

Straw panels reduce the embodied carbon of buildings right from the start. They’re a natural alternative to high-emission materials, and their excellent insulation cuts energy demands throughout a building’s life. Combining these strategies—bio-based materials, circular design, and reducing both embodied and operational carbon—is the path to a sustainable construction industry.

We are thankful to Paul Schmidt and Atelier Schmidt on sharing his insights on the development of the straw based construction in Switzerland.