EN-14081-1 C24; How Can Timber Architecture Achieve Holistic Sustainability

Abstract

This master thesis explores how timber architecture can be genuinely sustainable – from the first act of harvesting, through the manufacturing and building process to the reuse and disassembly of a building at the end of its life. It questions the contemporary notion of “sustainable” wooden construction, which has been criticized for an overreliance on complex assemblies, and an abundance of materials, while neglecting the quiet intelligence of simplicity and the respect for wood as a natural material. The investigation is rooted in the idea that progress in timber architecture does not necessarily mean adding more layers and creating increasingly complex shapes, but rather removing what is unnecessary and working within the limits of the material. Inspired by the philosophy of Einfach Bauen by Florian Nagler, this thesis seeks to rediscover an architecture that builds less to achieve more – where design decisions are formed from the material itself and from a local context rather than technological excess. By analyzing built examples and their building methods, the thesis aims to initiate a rethinking process that demonstrates that sustainable solutions do not entail a downgrade in quality, but rather a refinement. Through a critical examination of the entire timber construction process, techniques are examined that enable more responsible, material-conscious timber construction. For the investigation, a field trip was taken to gain firsthand knowledge of building practices passed down through generations. Analytical diagrams visualize areas of concern, and a catalogue of detailed drawings with various assemblies explores comparisons between contemporary methods and more sustainable approaches. Model building served on one hand to understand structural differences and on the other to demonstrate materiality and performance at a 1:1 scale. Ultimately, EN 14081-1 C24 – the European classification for structural solid timber – serves both as a technical reference and as a metaphor for this investigation. It symbolizes both the standardization of a natural material, as well as its potential when handled with respect and precision. This thesis aims to reframe the narrative of sustainability in timber architecture–not as a pursuit of perfection, but as an act of awareness and care towards the material that has built our past and could define our future.