Carpentry school

Ernst Giselbrecht

The structure of the carpentry school is a living example of timber design and construction.

The architect has given priority to construction techniques that demonstrate structural assembly. The roof has been lifted clear of the weatherboard-clad walls by the use of a continuous glazed clerestory that cantilevers beyond the building at each end. This provides the interior with natural light, avoiding use of harsh artificial lighting common in such buildings. The roof is the most dominant element of the structure. Two deep trusses lean together at their tops and span the workshop and storage spaces as a single continuous member. The sheer height of the trusses also greatly increases the spaciousness of the workshop, and it is fortunate the openness is not compromised by horizontal runners tying the two bottom chords together. The timber members have been precision cut, reflecting an engineering sensibility. Structural details are evident, with connecting steel plates inserted into slits in the timber member ends. Pressed steel dowels and bolts connecting these members are visible.

Location:

Murau, Austria