Hermann Kaufmann IZM

The evolution of the largest wood-hybrid construction to date 

The federal state of Vorarlberg holds a distinguished position in wooden construction. The sole renewable building material has given rise to an active and innovative scene here, where tradespeople, planners and industrial enterprises build upon their possibilities and develop their field together. In this dynamic environment, Hermann Kaufmann is one of the key protagonists and has been working with his team to push the material to its limits for decades. In regards to its size and industrial manufacturing, the Illwerke Zentrum Montafon has successfully made a quantum leap in wooden construction. The approximately 10,000m² administration centre sets high standards in prefabrication - and is built just as precisely and comfortably as the small jewels that Vorarlberg is famous for. 

The publication describes the emergence of this building: from the influence of the water and the topography, from the development of the cubature defined by the static structure of the building system and the uniform conditions for all working spaces, to the change of the office culture due to the architecture, and finally, the integration of art in the construction.

- Currently the largest and most sustainable wood-hybrid construction in detail 
- The further development of the LifeCycle Tower construction system
- Unity of material and space: the supporting structure is identical to the interior finishings