Chad R. Kraus
School of Architecture & Design - ArchitectureRoom 211
Chad Kraus teaches architectural design, architectural theory, and the designbuild Dirt Works Studio at the University of Kansas. His approach to architecture is grounded in phenomenology. His scholarship concentrates on designbuild pedagogy and material research that strives to push the boundaries of and expand knowledge on earthen architecture as a highly sustainable and aesthetically potent approach to architecture. Prior to teaching, Chad studied architectural history and theory under Alberto Perez-Gomez and worked as a designer and project architect at Shigeru Ban Architects.
Teaching Interests
- Architectural design
- Design build
- Earthen architecture
- Timber construction
- Sustainability
- Community engagement
- Architectural theory
- Phenomenology
- Tiny houses
Research Interests
- Design build
- Earthen architecture
- Phenomenology
Selected Publications
Kraus, C. (2017). Designbuild Education (C. Kraus, Ed.). New York: Routledge.
Kraus, C. & Gore, N. (2016). Educating for an Embodied Culture of Building. In 104th Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Annual Meeting 2016, Shaping New Knowledges.
Kraus, C. Hosid, C. & Davis, A. (2016). Iron-Stabilized Ferrimagnetic Rammed Earth. In Earth USA 2015 Proceedings (pp. 244-249). Santa Fe: Adobe in Action.
Kraus, C. (2016). The Mud Hut Rebirth, Part 1: A Once and Future Earthen Experiment. In Earth USA 2015 Proceeedings (pp. 110-115). Santa Fe: Adobe in Action.
Kraus, C. Hirmas, D. & Roberts, J. (2014). Compressive Strength of Blood Stabilized Earthen Architecture. In C. Mileto, F. Vegas Lopez-Manzanares, L. García Soriano, & V. Cristini (Eds.), Earthen Architecture: Past, Present, and Future (pp. 217-220). London: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
Kraus, C. (2014). Fitness of Earthen Architecture. In C. Mileto, F. Vegas Lopez-Manzanares, L. García Soriano, & V. Cristini (Eds.), Earthen Architecture: Past, Present and Future (pp. 209-215). London: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
Kraus, C. Hirmas, D. & Roberts, J. (2013). Microbially Indurated Rammed Earth: A Long Awaited Next Phase in Earthen Architecture. In C. Jarrett, K. Kim, & N. Senske (Eds.), Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC). The Visibility of Research (Vol. 2013, pp. 58-65). Charlotte, North Carolina: University of North Carolina.
Kraus, C. & Hill, J. (2013). 50x50: 50 States in 50 Weeks. Roth Trailhead. https://www.world-architects.com/en/architecture-news/reviews/roth-trailhead
Kraus, C. (2012). From the Ground Up: Building the Dirt Works Studio. In C. Mileto, F. Vegas Lopez-Manzanares, & V. Cristini (Eds.), Rammed Earth Conservation (pp. 151-156). London: CRC Press / Balkema, Taylor & Francis Group.
Kraus, C. (2012). On Perceptions of Rammed Earth. In C. Mileto, F. Vegas Lopez-Manzanares, & V. Cristini (Eds.), Rammed Earth Conservation (pp. 157-162). London: CRC Press / Balkema, Taylor & Francis Group.
Sanguinetti, P. & Kraus, C. (2011). Thinking in Parametric Phenomenology. In J. Cheon, S. Hardy, & T. Hemsath (Eds.), Proceedings of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture . Parametricism: SPC (pp. 39-48). Lincoln, Nebraska: Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture.
Selected Presentations
Kraus, C. . (09/12/2014). Compressive Strength of Blood Stabilized Earthen Architecture. VerSus 2014 - International Conference on Vernacular Heritage, Sustainability, and Earthen Architecture. Valencia, Spain. Available Here
Kraus, C. . (09/12/2014). Fitness of Earthen Architecture. VerSus 2014 - International Conference on Vernacular Heritage, Sustainability, and Earthen Architecture. Valencia, Spain
Kraus, C. Swackhamer, M. & Stevens, J. . (06/28/2014). Digital Fabrication, Making, and Construction in the Academy: Lessons for Future Architectural Practice. American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention. Chicago, Illinois
Kraus, C. . (04/11/2014). Prairie Earth. Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture 102nd Annual Meeting. Miami Beach, Florida. Available Here
Kraus, C. . (03/27/2013 - 03/30/2013). Microbially Indurated Rammed Earth: A Long Awaited Next Phase In Earthen Architecture. The Visibility of Research. Charlotte, NC
Kraus, C. . (06/21/2012 - 06/23/2012). From the Ground Up: Building The Dirt Works Studio. ResTAPIA - International Conference on Rammed Earth Conservation. . Valencia, Spain
Kraus, C. . (06/21/2012 - 06/23/2012). On Perceptions of Rammed Earth. ResTAPIA - International Conference on Rammed Earth Conservation. . Valencia, Spain
Sanguinetti, P. & Kraus, C. . (03/11/2011 - 03/13/2011). Thinking In Parametric Phenomenology. Parametricism: SPC. Lincoln, NE
Selected Grants
Kraus, Chad, (Principal), Hirmas, Daniel, (Co-Principal), Roberts, Jennifer, (Co-Principal), Biostabilization of Rammed Earth For The Reduction of Waste And Co2 Emissions, SU835497, National Center for Environmental Research, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, $14,980, (09/01/2013 - 04/30/2014) . Federal. Status: Funded.
Kraus, Chad, (Principal), MIRE: Biostabilization of Earthen Architecture, $11,997, - 04/30/2013) . The primary goal of this research is to develop microbially indurated rammed earth (MIRE) using the soil microorganism, Sporosarcina pasteurii, to provide an economical and sustainable alternative to industrially stabilized rammed earth (SRE) and create a sustainable building practice that drastically reduces CO2 emissions, eliminates waste, sequesters existing atmospheric CO2, and recycles industrial byproducts. I anticipate that MIRE will have significant advantages over conventional methods of construction with respect to responsible environmental stewardship. University (KU or KUMC). Status: Funded.
Kraus, Chad, (Principal), Dirt Works Lab, University of Kansas, $8,000, - 05/31/2011) . The NFGRF enabled me to travel and research some of the most innovative forces in earthen architecture in North America as well as set up the initial Dirt Works Lab to testing and building demonstrations of earthen construction. University (KU or KUMC). Status: Funded.
