Wooden architecture with Webnet balustrades
Initial situation and concept:
The new reception and office building of the timber construction experts from Blumer Lehmann in Gossau, Switzerland, is aptly named “Stammhaus”. The centerpiece of the building is a sculptural Free Form staircase in the atrium, whose organic shape is reminiscent of a tree trunk – a tribute both to wood as a natural material, and the company's identity.
The new headquarters in the canton of St. Gallen was designed by K&L Architekten and realized as an ultra-modern timber construction. Transparency and openness characterize the architectural concept: Generous sightlines run through the interior of the building; a light-filled atrium connects the floors and impressively showcases the imposing staircase sculpture.
The curtain facade gives the building visual depth and creates shadow play. Wraparound balconies with vertical wooden slats provide protection from sun and glare. Webnet stainless steel nets from Jakob Rope Systems are integrated into the facade on all balcony levels as discreet railing infill.
Construction and implementation:
The metal handrails with integrated ropes guides were installed on site. The remaining components –rope holders, 6 millimeter-thick edge ropes, and the Webnet elements – were installed on the existing wooden structure. A total of around 280 square meters of stainless steel mesh was used – specifically, the Webnet Micro version with a mesh size of 40 millimeters and a rope thickness of 1.5 millimeters.
The stainless steel design of the Webnet elements blends seamlessly with the natural wooden architecture. The continuous mesh elements discreetly provide the necessary safety on all balconies.
Jakob products and services:
- Specialist planning for railing infills / Webnet integration
- Webnet Micro, mesh size 40 mm, diameter 1.5 mm, total installed area 280 square meters
- Edge rope, Ø 6 mm, 6x7+WC, total installed 640 linear meters
Project partners:
Client: Blumer Lehmann
Architecture: K&L Architects AG
Construction management: Bauer & Partner AG
Railing infill with Webnet: Jakob Rope Systems
