ReclaimTheClay" is a material study that focuses on the tensile strength of clay constructions, as clay is good at bearing pressure but not at bearing tensile forces. During the entire process, four different types of formwork were created, differing in shape, construction, load-bearing capacity and tensile strength. 
The formwork was produced in an interlocking layered structure consisting of coarse-meshed jute fabric, which acts as a reinforcement. On the one hand, the rough surface of the natural fiber absorbs a lot of clay, on the other hand, the single layers of fabric interlock better during shrinkage in the drying process and connect to a heterogeneous material. 
In addition to the reinforcement, the shape of the object is also essential for its stability. Due to their geometric properties and curvatures, closed formwork is one of the most stable forms and therefore has a very high load-bearing capacity. The interplay between the formwork construction and the layered structure enables lightweight construction and leads to extremely stable objects that have a very high load-bearing capacity and tensile strength in spite of their low dead weight.

The objects are exemplary for the results of this material study and are intended to demonstrate the architectural potential and the unexplored areas of application of clay.

Furthermore, this project should point out that clay is not a niche building material, but an essential component of sustainable and modern architecture, which must be established as an equal building material if the construction industry is seriously prepared to reduce emissions.