Bridge to the future: How SIHGA supports young timber construction talent with connection technology

Sometimes the strongest connections are invisible – and yet they represent everything that is important to us at SIHGA: the future, craftsmanship, innovation. This is precisely what is reflected in the impressive final project by two graduates of the Holztechnikum Kuchl (HTK), who built a covered wooden bridge at Hofalmsee in Filzmoos (Salzburg, Pongau) – and we at SIHGA were able to support them with our fastening materials.

A project that connects – far beyond wood

As part of their training, the two HTK graduates Josef Bliem and Michael Rieger planned and built their bridge themselves: site survey, structural analysis, CAD design, structural wood protection – they collected, calculated and implemented all of this independently. The result is not only a technically sophisticated construction, but also a visible symbol of living building culture.

Why SIHGA is proud to be involved

As specialists in fastening technology for timber construction, we know that connections are crucial – not only to hold components together securely, but also to guarantee long-term quality and sustainability. That's why we were delighted to support the project with our fastening materials – with screws (GoFix MS II, GoFix X+) and our heavy-duty connectors (IdeFix IF 304 and IF 408), which demonstrate their strengths precisely where high stress, precision and reliability are required.

Our motivation: More than just screws

Why are we committed to final projects? Because we believe in the next generation of timber construction. Education should not be just theory – it must be tangible, practical and visionary. The Holztechnikum Kuchl shows exactly how this can be done with projects like this: young people putting the knowledge they have learned into practice, from the initial sketch to the finished construction. We see it as our job to accompany them on this journey – with technology, expertise and fasteners that are durable and promote innovation at the same time. Because when our connections are strong, the entire structure can grow securely.

Looking ahead

At SIHGA, we are already looking forward to further projects of this kind: training initiatives in which young people realise their ideas using modern, resilient fastening technology. Together, we can build bridges – in the truest sense of the word, but also in a figurative sense: between tradition and the future, craftsmanship and innovation.
More about the Kuchl Wood Technology Centre: HERE