Küng Office Building by Seilerlinhart

The Küng Office Building in Alpnach, Switzerland, stands as a compelling demonstration of solid wood architecture and craftsmanship. Designed by Seiler Linhart Architects, whose collaboration with Küng Timber Construction dates back to 2009, the building functions as much more than a workspace—it is a living showcase and a 1:1 scale billboard for Küng’s innovative Holzpur system, highlighting the potential of pure, high-quality wood construction in contemporary architecture.

Holzpur: Pure Wood Construction

At the heart of this project lies Küng’s proprietary Holzpur system, which champions solid wood as the sole construction material—eschewing conventional frame construction that relies on adhesives and engineered composites. The system uses about 20 cm thick wall panels made of seven layers of boards crafted from so-called “moon wood”—timber harvested around Christmas before the new moon, when the wood’s moisture content is at its lowest. This harvesting method minimizes shrinkage and deters infestation by wood pests, ensuring greater durability and stability.

The walls themselves consist of two solid wood elements separated by a layer of wind paper, creating a total thickness of roughly 40 cm. Intriguingly, the internal boards include low-grade wood, traditionally destined for fiberboard production; their intentional imperfect fit traps air, providing enhanced natural insulation.

Architecture Rooted in Tradition and Modernity

The four-story office building accommodates around 20 project engineers in individual offices, with shared amenities such as meeting rooms, a ground-floor cafeteria, and an exhibition space on the top floor to introduce customers to Küng’s products and philosophy.

Its design gracefully references the architectural traditions of Central Switzerland, particularly in the use of wooden ties on the façade and overhanging balconies reminiscent of regional vernacular balconies. These balconies are both aesthetic and functional, offering outdoor space while providing natural shading—eliminating the need for additional shading systems.

The exterior façade combines roughly sawn spruce boarding with hanging elements crafted from oak, while CNC-milled crescent-shaped wooden ornaments adorn the lintels, alluding to the unique “moon wood” heritage.

Precision, Craftsmanship, and Material Dialogue

Inside, the architects’ meticulous attention to detail is evident in the sophisticated custom wooden furniture system, adaptable to diverse room configurations and seamlessly integrated throughout the building.

A highlight upon entry is the expansive two-story foyer, featuring a welcoming reception desk and an adjacent meeting table. A wooden screen artfully connects the foyer with the conference rooms on the first floor, blurring spatial boundaries and fostering openness.

At the core of the building lies a striking concrete structural element—housing the staircases and elevator—that contrasts with the warm wood and acts as a sculptural centerpiece. Far from detracting from the building’s natural ethos, this “hard core” reinforces spatial unity and structural integrity.

Fireplaces on the ground and top floors add a cozy, sensorial warmth, enriching the atmosphere and softening the administrative nature of the office. Despite its function, the building’s solid wood surfaces evoke a natural and tactile experience, making the workspace feel intimate and inviting rather than industrial.

Conclusion

The Küng Office Building exemplifies how architectural innovation and tradition can coexist harmoniously. It is a testament to the potential of pure wood construction—rooted in natural materials, regional identity, and precise craftsmanship—to create functional, inspiring, and environmentally conscious work environments. The project not only fulfills its spatial needs but also embodies Küng Holzbau’s vision and values, making it a true ambassador for sustainable timber architecture.

Photography: Rasmus Norlander