WHEN AN ARCHITECT BUILDS A TERRACE FOR HIMSELF
Patrick Lüth, office manager at Snøhetta Architekten. in an interview
Patrick knew SIHGA from a joint presentation for the Green.Building.Solutions Summer University. When it came to his own terrace project, SIHGA offered him support in the form of training. During the detailed planning stage, we realized that Patrick is an architect by training but also a practitioner. Every connection and transition was already thought through from the initial inquiry. Patrick's choice fell on Douglas fir wood, which was to be concealed with the GleitFix. On a very hot day in August, we accompanied Patrick during the first steps - setting up the substructure in the form of the TefaFix system made of black anodized aluminium. Working together always leads to interesting conversations. An excerpt from the conversation between our SIHGA employee Michael Palfi and Patrick Lüth can be found below in the form of an interview.
An interview with Patrick Lüth:
Michael: Patrick, you trained as a carpenter and then studied architecture. How helpful is this dual training for you as an architect in your day-to-day work with craftsmen?
Patrick: I think that being on "the same side" helps you to bond. Craftsmen immediately notice the understanding of the processes on a construction site and enable a discussion at eye level, which is very important to me.
Michael: Do you have a different approach to detail due to your background as a craftsman?
Patrick: As a carpenter, I probably have a good understanding of how different materials behave and feel, but also how they change over time. As "material-appropriate design" is very important to us, this understanding is an advantage.
Michael: You opted for a very durable system for the components for your private terrace. What were your reasons for this? Is durability the same as sustainability? Is that a valid argument for commercial and public clients?
Patrick: There were many reasons for choosing the system. The invisible screw connection is not only more durable, it also looks much better! Of course, a long service life is an important argument when it comes to sustainability - but it is also usually a better economic decision to opt for a slightly higher initial investment.
Michael: As the architectural firm snohetta, for example, you put out a tender for a high-quality, long-lasting façade solution and deliberately specify the fastening system and substructure. How strong is the influence of the tradesman carrying out the work if he wants to implement a "cheaper" and therefore possibly less durable design for cost reasons?
Patrick: In privately financed projects, we often make system recommendations and can point out and request specific products in the clarification meeting. In such situations, it is important to have the full backing of the client and for them to understand and support the functional benefits of a high-quality solution. With public contracts, it is more difficult to specify concrete products, so it is important to know and precisely define the functional requirements.
Michael: Don't durable and long-lasting systems also mean a sustainable and economical solution for the architect? It is probably very costly to have to spend time on any complaints afterwards.
Patrick: Complaints are indeed very annoying and we try to avoid them. But of course, despite precise planning, you can't let the tradesmen off the hook for pointing out any planning errors and giving us good advice...
Michael: If you look at the very high quality of workmanship on your terrace, you can still feel a lot of your carpentry training. How much did you enjoy the manual work on your terrace as a balance to your everyday office life? Did you gain any insights into the fastening system, quality, workmanship, etc.?
Patrick: I really enjoyed working on the terrace and it's a great feeling to have done it all myself. In the office, somehow only "paper" is created, here I have created something permanent myself. However, as is so often the case, I really underestimated the effort involved. Craftsmanship takes time, especially if you have a precise idea of the details... However, it was also interesting to make decisions during construction and to modify your own plans in real time - for a better result!
Michael: Finally, I would like you to add the following sentence: Timber construction for me is ...
Patrick: A matter of honor!
An interview with Patrick Lüth:
Michael: Patrick, you trained as a carpenter and then studied architecture. How helpful is this dual training for you as an architect in your day-to-day work with craftsmen?
Patrick: I think that being on "the same side" helps you to bond. Craftsmen immediately notice the understanding of the processes on a construction site and enable a discussion at eye level, which is very important to me.
Michael: Do you have a different approach to detail due to your background as a craftsman?
Patrick: As a carpenter, I probably have a good understanding of how different materials behave and feel, but also how they change over time. As "material-appropriate design" is very important to us, this understanding is an advantage.
Michael: You opted for a very durable system for the components for your private terrace. What were your reasons for this? Is durability the same as sustainability? Is that a valid argument for commercial and public clients?
Patrick: There were many reasons for choosing the system. The invisible screw connection is not only more durable, it also looks much better! Of course, a long service life is an important argument when it comes to sustainability - but it is also usually a better economic decision to opt for a slightly higher initial investment.
Michael: As the architectural firm snohetta, for example, you put out a tender for a high-quality, long-lasting façade solution and deliberately specify the fastening system and substructure. How strong is the influence of the tradesman carrying out the work if he wants to implement a "cheaper" and therefore possibly less durable design for cost reasons?
Patrick: In privately financed projects, we often make system recommendations and can point out and request specific products in the clarification meeting. In such situations, it is important to have the full backing of the client and for them to understand and support the functional benefits of a high-quality solution. With public contracts, it is more difficult to specify concrete products, so it is important to know and precisely define the functional requirements.
Michael: Don't durable and long-lasting systems also mean a sustainable and economical solution for the architect? It is probably very costly to have to spend time on any complaints afterwards.
Patrick: Complaints are indeed very annoying and we try to avoid them. But of course, despite precise planning, you can't let the tradesmen off the hook for pointing out any planning errors and giving us good advice...
Michael: If you look at the very high quality of workmanship on your terrace, you can still feel a lot of your carpentry training. How much did you enjoy the manual work on your terrace as a balance to your everyday office life? Did you gain any insights into the fastening system, quality, workmanship, etc.?
Patrick: I really enjoyed working on the terrace and it's a great feeling to have done it all myself. In the office, somehow only "paper" is created, here I have created something permanent myself. However, as is so often the case, I really underestimated the effort involved. Craftsmanship takes time, especially if you have a precise idea of the details... However, it was also interesting to make decisions during construction and to modify your own plans in real time - for a better result!
Michael: Finally, I would like you to add the following sentence: Timber construction for me is ...
Patrick: A matter of honor!
Thank you Patrick, for the beautiful project, for the exchange with you and for your commitment to building with wood.
Click here to go to https://www.snohetta.com/
More about the TefaFix substructure rail: https://www.sihga.com/tefafix-t/
More about the GleitFix fastener: https://www.sihga.com/gleitfix-gf/
More about the JustiFix II JK adjustable foot: https://www.sihga.com/justifix-ii-jk/
9 November 2023
