Vergangenheit und Zukunft des Holzbau. Interview mit Hermann Kaufmann / The past and future of timber construction: an interview with Hermann Kaufmann

Starting with theoretical reflections, the issue delves into design experiences across the past, present, and future, illustrating the significant role of timber technology in the Alpine region. In an interview with Hermann Kaufmann, a leading figure in timber construction both locally in Vorarlberg and internationally, we gain insights into the future of timber construction technology from a historical and biographical standpoint. Kaufmann, with his extensive background in the timber construction industry, having been actively involved in workshops and worksites since childhood due to his family’s background in carpentry, provides a valuable perspective on exploring the potential and challenges of timber construction technology. One crucial consideration is the urgent need to decarbonise the built environment in response to the ongoing climate and environmental crisis. Drawing from Kaufmann’s expertise, the discussion also addresses the interplay between timber as a natural material and the increasingly stringent regulations shaping the field of architecture.