TRADITION AND INNOVATION IN BLOCKBAU CONSTRUCTION. Sustainable technology and naturalness

Once the construction method of choice for residential buildings in mountainous areas and regions with abundant timber supplies, the overlapping log system – having fallen into obscurity during the decades when reinforced concrete construction was at its peak – has once again become a subject of great interest for understanding the development of timber construction. Over the last decade, research has focused on overcoming the dimensional limitations and settlement issues typical of traditional buildings, leading to the development of new solutions using ‘engineered’ timber and opening up new avenues for this construction system. Research is aimed at improving the durability and structural performance of buildings using the overlapping log system whilst maintaining their aesthetic appeal, the dynamics of dry modular assembly, and the reduced use of adhesives compared to other timber construction systems.