2025 Internship Project Overview

Our group explored a biogenic material rarely utilized in modern architecture: straw. No longer hindered by inefficient, archaic building techniques, straw can serve to decarbonize the construction industry. Under the guidance of Professor Paul Lewis and his research team, we assisted in the modeling and full-scale prefabrication of a modular straw house built from layers of thick compressed strawboards and thatched exterior panels.

We began by building scaled representations of the house employing various methods, including 3D printing and laser cutting. Transferring this knowledge to full-scale construction, we cut and assembled the strawboards into 35 modular housing parts, each ~3½ feet tall. In addition, we thatched prefabricated panels to clad the exterior. One of our major contributions was troubleshooting construction techniques within this novel method of stacking strawboard to simultaneously serve as structure, interior finish, and insulation. This included referencing formwork and construction methods applied on our models, and adjusting design choices, tools and methodologies on-site.

 

ORGANIZATION/RESEARCH GROUP

Princeton University School of Architecture; LTL Architects

LOCATION

Princeton, New Jersey

 

Interns

Brooklyn Fraser ’27
Major: English
Minor(s): American Studies, Creative Writing, Gender and Sexuality Studies
"The insights into architecture, construction, and the importance (and intricacies) of an eighth of an inch were fascinating, entertaining, and invaluable. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. I loved collaborating on such a unique and beautiful project!"
Joyce Kim
Major: Architecture
Minor(s): Optimization, Sustainable Energy
"Of all the skills I figured Princeton would teach me, thatching was not one of them. I found the hands-on nature incredibly engaging. (This) encouraged me to consider environmental sustainability as a theme for my junior paper and senior thesis."
Vivi Lu ’26
Major: Architecture
Minor(s): Computer Science
"This experience had a significant impact on my future path. It strengthened my skills in craft and construction, broadened my understanding of building systems, and heightened my awareness of sustainability as a core principle in architectural design."
Moyu Yamaguchi
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Minor(s): Architecture and Engineering, Cognitive Science, Materials Science
"It was eye opening to see how model making techniques can be transferred to the construction process. The project introduced me to many possibilities within straw, a biogenic material, which I would love to continue researching in independent projects."

 

Paul Lewis
Professor of Architecture

Mentors

  • Jocelyn Beausire, Senior Research Specialist, Architecture
  • Patricia Hazle, Designer, LTL Architects