Historical timber-framing – a hands-on museum

Museums are essential for sharing knowledge, and all the better if learning is an immediate and interactive process.

Experience is programmatic in Girsbergerhaus in Unterstammheim in the canton of Zürich. Built in 1422, the house is the oldest half-timbered building in rural Switzerland and, as a walk-in exhibit, also serves as a museum. Urs Rüegger, board member of the operating organisation ‘Fachwerkerleben’ explains: “Funded by the owner, the canton of Zürich, the house underwent some extensive renovations; the former farm buildings, a large part of the roof and the historical façade are now publicly accessible. And in the walk-in depot, our organisation’s president Walter Weiss’ unique collection of original tools, timber joint and architectural models and building plans are on display.”

In addition to these fascinating exhibits, interactive events in which historical tools can be used, or guided tours through Unterstammheim with its numerous half-timbered houses, make the topic accessible. “We have also started to rebuild a half-timbered house from, in parts, original wood, and in September we organise the annual‘Day of Half-Timbered Framing’.”

Those who want to know more about the fascinating topic can now take a look at the recently published book Fachwerk – Bautraditionen in Mitteleuropa.

Left: True-to-scale models of historical half-timbered buildings. Top right: Girsbergerhaus – built in 1422, it is the oldest still surviving half-timbered building in rural Switzerland. Bottom right: A view into the museum and open storage area of Girsbergerhaus. TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: FACHWERKERLEBEN