The Linse timber house in Berlin relies on Schöck components to reduce thermal bridges. The multi-story timber construction demonstrates how specialized building technology solutions are establishing themselves in the growing timber construction segment. Thermal separation is considered a central technical challenge when connecting building components made of different materials.
Thermal bridges occur wherever different building components meet – for example at the transition from balcony to ceiling or with cantilevered building elements. In timber construction, the problem is exacerbated by the combination of wood with steel or concrete components. Untreated thermal bridges increase energy consumption and can lead to moisture damage.
Schöck Bauteile GmbH offers thermal separation elements for such connections. These reduce heat flow between interior and exterior components through insulating intermediate layers. At the same time, they transfer static loads and meet building physics requirements. The products are used in balconies, cantilever slabs, and wall connections.
The Berlin project exemplifies how technical standards from conventional solid construction are being transferred to timber structures. Multi-story timber buildings are increasing in German cities – driven by sustainability goals and changed building regulations. Berlin has gradually increased the maximum building height for timber structures. Requirements for fire protection, statics, and energy efficiency remain at solid construction levels.
For planners, this means: Detailed planning of connections is becoming more complex. Classic building connections must be recalculated and redesigned for timber construction methods. Thermal bridge calculations according to DIN 4108 Supplement 2 are standard for multi-story timber buildings. Manufacturers such as Schöck offer pre-fabricated solutions with building authority approvals for this purpose.
The Linse timber house is part of a series of urban timber construction projects in Berlin. The capital is pursuing climate goals that promote the use of low-CO₂ building materials. Wood binds CO₂ during growth and has a better life cycle assessment than concrete or steel. However, technical implementation requires special building elements that combine thermal and static requirements.
