Werner Schmidt (1953) is one of the most interesting contemporary Swiss architects. After graduating from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, he established his practice in Graubünden. After building some inspiring and unconventional projects, in the 2000s he gained international reputation thanks to several convincing buildings made of straw bales in Switzerland, Germany and South Tyrol.

This fascinating book is the result of a profound, comprehensive and evidence­ based analysis. Selected projects are described, giving information from different perspectives, so as to present the most important aspects of Schmidt's work - creative process, impact on the environment, alternative building techniques with natural materials, tendency toward autonomy, and quality of life in the buildings.