Finally Done!

After months of meticulous planning, countless hours of hard work, and overcoming numerous bureaucratic hurdles, our pioneering construction project—built entirely from reused rails— stands proudly completed. Not only does it represent an architectural and environmental milestone, but it also symbolizes that ecological responsibility can align with economic benefit.

But lets start at the Beginning

When ETH MAS Architect Dimitri Durst first explored reusing old railway tracks in architecture, the concept was met with skepticism. Yet Dimitri saw potential where others saw scrap. Driven by the ETH ethos of innovation, he set out to prove that used rails could find new life in sustainable construction. After a one year long feasibility study in 2023, uncertainty transformed into excitement. Dimitri has proven together with Weber+Brönnimann AG that rails—high quality steel designed for heavy loads—are structurally reliable even after their primary use, paving the way for something groundbreaking.

Turning Plans into Reality

With structural doubts resolved, Dimitri faced the next challenge: finding suitable ground to build. Essential partnerships with SBB Resale and the Bahntechnik Center Hägendorf opened doors, providing a perfect site— covering e-car parking spaces. Navigating bureaucracy and patenting Arrangement and details of all innovations along the way proved lengthy but necessary steps, safeguarding his pioneering idea and investments. As Dimitri moved into production, another innovation emerged: using screws instead of welding. The pre-production phase initially seemed unconventional, yet steel constructors found minimal adjustments necessary, highlighting the project’s feasibility. Each step reinforced Dimitri’s conviction: sustainable innovation isn’t merely idealistic—it’s entirely practical.

Rails Up: The Sustainable Construction Begins

Finally, construction day arrived. Starting with a solid yet simple foundation, the reused rails went up swiftly, as straightforward as conventional steel structures, thanks to the innovative
screw method. The structure’s strength became dramatically evident when four large Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels were placed confidently atop the rail frame, demonstrating
strength without additional beams. With final touches like floor cleaning and precise marking of parking spots, the construction site transformed from a challenging experiment into a compelling example of sustainable architecture. Dimitri’s vision—once uncertain—stood firmly, a proud landmark of innovative reuse.

Results That Speak Volumes

With the project complete, results exceeded every expectation:

• Structural excellence: Effortlessly carrying a roof load exceeding 15 tons.
• Durable and robust: Easily handling extreme conditions, including open-field winds of up to 130 km/h.
• Remarkable environmental gains: CO₂ savings of 94% compared to conventional steel constructions.
• Economic advantages: more ecological and cost-efficient than conventional steel construction.
• Material efficiency: Achieved a 2% reduction in overall material usage for the steel construction.
  

These impressive results aren’t merely data—they symbolize a clear message: ecological responsibility can, and indeed should, align seamlessly with economic benefit.

Vision for a Sustainable Future

Dimitri’s first successful structure isn’t an endpoint but rather an exciting beginning. Inspired by his initial success, Dimitri is determined to make reused rails a standard building material. He aims to create systematic applications, working closely with industry partners to generate local value, supporting railway infrastructure financially, and promoting social change by redefining perceptions of “used materials.” This project, though initially tagged “never build,” is now the cornerstone of a larger vision: a world where sustainability isn’t optional but integral to
architectural practice. Dimitri Durst’s story proves that innovative thinking, resilience, and determination can turn even decommissioned rails into valuable resources, setting a compelling example for sustainable construction worldwide.

Unveiling My Dream

As an architect, my job is not just about designing buildings; it’s about creating spaces that fit into our world. Today, it’s crucial to think about the environment alongside functionality and looks. But no matter how great an idea is, it needs to be profitable to become a reality. So, I used my master’s thesis as an opportunity to find a sustainable solution that would also be profitable and widely used – Let’s go!

Mastering the Thesis

My chosen theme, “Steel Construction,” posed quite a challenge. With the support of my professor, I explored using recycled materials and found old rails to be a strong and standardized option. From an architectural perspective, these reused rails were perfect for building structures, being three times stronger than regular steel. The outcome? I designed an innovative apartment block where rooms could move, thanks to the load-bearing structure out of rails, creating extra living space. Besides saving a lot of CO2 and energy, this project could offer up to 25% more rentable area in a limited space – a big win for dense cities – But what now?

Venturing into the Market

While ETH Zurich provided great support during my thesis, taking my ideas to the market required proving their economic viability. After completing my thesis, I conducted a detailed feasibility study with experts. The results were promising: we achieved massive CO2 and energy savings, up to 98%, and cut primary structure construction costs by 50%, leading to overall construction savings of up to 20% – Yes!

Exploring Business Opportunities

Integrating rails into modern construction presents exciting possibilities. From cost-effective industrial frameworks to varied shelters and buildings, the potential is vast. Armed with insights from the feasibility study, I developed and patented foundational constructions, paving the way for my startup, 8G Architektur GmbH.

Navigating Future Challenges

While ETH Zurich kick-started my journey, new challenges await. Beyond overcoming technical hurdles, I’m ready to embark on the next phase. With the ongoing support of ETH Alumni and Ambassadors, I aim to tackle upcoming challenges, from launching my first project to forming strategic partnerships, and continuing to innovate – Let’s go!

By bridging academia and entrepreneurship, I hope not only to reshape architectural norms but also to leave a lasting, sustainable impact for future generations.