Earth Building for Environmental Education
Merian Gärten, Basel, 2011 - 2012
Client
Christoph Merian Stiftung
Architecture
Barcelo Baumann Architekten GmbH
Concept
Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst GmbH
Builder
Erden Lehmbau GmbH
Since 1st March 2012 in Basel, the new name "Merian Gärten Brüglingen" combines the Merian Park with its horticultural know-how, together with the Brüglingerhof and its knowledge in pedagogical practices. In the framework of this new association, a new Earth building for Environmental Education was conceived to host training programmes concerning vegetation and food production.
The choice of building materials itself is based on environmental criteria: a timber structure externally screened by rammed earth walls is covered by a slightly sloping pitched roof. The ensemble fits perfectly in the historic environment. A large labour and crafts room, kitchen and office constitute what will be the nucleus of education at the Merian gardens.
(Pictures: Tom Baumann, Katrin Schulthess, Christoph Merian Stiftung)
