Jonas Knecht works as a site manager for ZÜBLIN Timber and has implemented the construction of several impressive timber structures. “I knew very early that I wanted to work with wood“, says Jonas. Knecht’s grandfather was a carpenter and little Jonas, who has grown into a 6.5 ft man, learned how to use wood in a playful way before he started working with it. First, he did vocational training to become a carpenter, then he worked in Australia. This assignment was followed by further training to become a woodwork technician in timber construction and finally he started his career as a site manager. As part of his job, Knecht moves from place to place, only staying for a few months at a time. And yet he has grown fond of the Globe in Coburg: “When I finish a project and can say, I was involved in the construction of this building, I know every screw and every detail. That makes me very proud.“
The Globe including its three annexes; photo: Würth
Allows for the individual concrete parts to be aligned with highest precision and connected immediately; photo: Würth
Joining concrete and timber components using FT connectors; photo: Würth
Concrete components are precisely positioned; photo: Würth
Mounted timber wall and floor panels; photo: Würth
Exact positioning of timber wall panel; photo: Würth
Installation of a timber wall panel; photo: Würth
Positioning a timber floor panel using a crane; photo: Würth
3D-Model of the Globe Theater. Picture: Würth
Construction of the Globe in Coburg, photo: Würth
3D-Model of the Globe Theater. Picture: Würth
28,000 ASSY® screws for a timber-concrete composite structure
A whole lot of screws have been used in the Globe: Roughly 28,000 ASSY® screws were used for the implementation of the timber-concrete composite structure. Tailor-made prefabricated concrete slabs are supplied with integrated Würth fasteners, which are then screwed to the timber ceiling. This literally looks like mounting huge pizza slices—and is about as fast as express delivery. Timber-concrete composite structures offer three advantages over conventional structures using in-situ concrete: there is no need for formwork, no moisture is introduced into the structure and walls can be installed immediately after the prefabricated parts have been assembled. These are aspects that convince site manager Jonas Knecht as well as Dr. Jonas Schmidt, who, as an engineer with Knörnschild & Kollegen planning office, is responsible for the statics of the building. “I was very curios because this construction method was new to all of us,” Schmidt summarizes his experiences, “and I have to say, I think it’s fantastic!” A conclusion that is shared by Jonas Knecht: “This was our first hybrid project. There were 40 slabs per floor, all of them prefabricated. It was really amazing how fast and reliable the installation went. Without introducing moisture into the structure by using in-situ concrete.”
The “Globe” timber construction project in Coburg
The globe is a cultural venue, which will serve as a substitute venue while Coburg State Theater is being refurbished over several years. Afterwards, the building will be used permanently for cultural and educational events. This pioneering project was made possible by the generous commitment of the Coburg-based companies HUK Coburg, Brose, and Kaeser Kompressoren. A timber-hybrid construction method is used for the building, with the load-bearing structure made of the building materials timber and concrete. The outer shell and interior walls of the main building will be a laminated timber structure, while the three annexes rely entirely on a timber-frame construction. The raw material comes from sustainably managed forests. The basement and staircases are made of reinforced concrete, parts of the floor slabs are made of cross laminated timber-concrete composite elements. At the factory, the concrete parts are prefabricated including Würth’s cast-in FT connectors and then screwed to the timber components at the construction site to create a structurally effective connection. Roughly 28,000 ASSY® screws are used in the process. This construction method eliminates the drying time, and the slabs can be loaded directly after the composite has been produced. In addition, the timber-concrete composite construction method scores with high load-bearing capacity and good vibration behavior.
The two construction experts are very satisfied with the support and assistance provided by Würth. The planner places particular emphasis on the technical support provided prior to construction and the exchange about suitable assembly solutions. The site manager appreciates the excellent construction logistics offered by Würth and the pleasant atmosphere: “Würth has recently used READY FOR WORK as a marketing slogan. That really hits the nail on the head. Thanks to the Würth Bauloc® depots on the construction sites, everything we need for assembly is always safely and reliably on site. In addition, there is very good support and assistance with planning issues. Würth engineers assist us. It was a very convincing collaboration, not only when it came to the technical side of things. We also connected on a human level.”
Solutions from construction site logistics to sustainable construction
Making our customers “ready for work”, a target Würth meets in various ways: with BAULOC® depots on the construction site, optional instant delivery and a comprehensive product range, but also with personal advice and software that makes planning easier. In particular in the sustainable construction segment, Würth offers an increasing number of products and solutions. The timber-concrete composite construction method using Würth’s cast-in FT connectors is just one example. “The fact that a large company like Würth focuses on sustainable construction certainly sets a standard,” says Dr. Jonas Schmidt. And also Jonas Knecht sees timber construction in the fast lane. This is supported not least by the fact that he is already looking ahead to the next project, an industrial complex in the Black Forest. The reliable partner at his side is also involved: Würth!
A reliable partner throughout the entire construction process
Our timber construction specialists support our customers throughout the entire planning and construction process—from the first idea to completion. From the very beginning, we are a competent partner when it comes to the conceptual design of buildings, connection details, timber construction systems and the definition of interfaces. In addition to providing technical advice, we also take over the preliminary design of fasteners to be used in our customers project. In addition to consulting design tables, we use our WÜRTH Technical Software II for this purpose. It covers almost all fields of application in timber construction and is constantly being developed further. And of course, we ensure the availability of our high-quality products and services during the execution phase.
Efficient solutions for construction site logistics
Precious time is often lost on the construction site due to procurement of materials. We optimize processes of our customers by reducing transit time! It is easy to do with customized BAULOC® solutions from Würth that are perfectly tailored to the individual construction project and the respective construction phase. The offering ranges from supplying items picked as per your demand, to providing vending systems, to the timely and precise, custom delivery of your material requirements directly to your construction site.
Personal protective equipment for every job
Our comprehensive expertise in occupational safety guarantees the safety of our customers employees on the construction site, ensuring that they can concentrate entirely on what is essential.
