Fusing heritage: Enhancing traditional wood fastening techniques with parametric engineering for form-fit structural timber connections in a spatial framework

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Abstract

The Museum Historische Oberamteistraße in Reutlingen merges contemporary design with a historic site, recreating the lost “Steinernes Haus” cubature using a transparent blend of glass, and a spatial timber frame crafted from Black Forest silver fir. Stabilizing the adjacent half-timbered houses with innovative form-fit wood connections using hardwood cleats, it honors traditional Southern German carpentry while balancing sustainability, continuity, and cultural heritage, setting a new standard for historical urban integration. This paper examines how the spatial timber framework not only bridges the past with the present but also establishes a benchmark for future architectural and engineering practices in historical contexts. It explores the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of the building’s design, emphasizing the synergy between digital innovation and historical sensitivity, with a focus on structurally relevant wood-to-wood connections using state-of-the-art digital manufacturing methods. Through this exploration, the paper contributes to broader discussions on urban restoration, architectural memory, and the evolving role of contemporary technology in heritage contexts.

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