Visit to Holzbau Lengauer-Stockner

Lengauer-Stockner Timber Construction: Craftsmanship, Innovation and Sustainability in Action

When you enter the Holzbau Lengauer-Stockner premises, you immediately sense that timber construction is not just carried out here – it is lived and breathed. During our visit, we not only had the opportunity to interview managing director Martin Lengauer, but also enjoyed an impressive tour of the company. 

What particularly impressed us was the interplay between traditional carpentry and modern technology. In the halls, a long-established culture of craftsmanship meets digital planning with a clear vision of the future. Added to this is a noticeably appreciative and motivating corporate climate – an environment in which employees can implement diverse projects and develop both professionally and personally. 

In the interview, Martin Lengauer provides exciting insights into the strategic direction of his company, the role of prefabrication, digital developments and his personal view of sustainability in timber construction.

If you would like to learn more about the company and its services, you can find further information on the official website: https://www.lengauer-stockner.at/ 

Irene Zwischenberger (SIHGA GmbH):
Martin, Holzbau Lengauer-Stockner stands for the combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. How would you personally describe your company's strategy?

Martin Lengauer (Holzbau Lengauer Stockner):
The past has shown us that our established approach, which values traditional craftsmanship and conventional carpentry, is just as important as remaining open to new developments and techniques. This means that we can now cover everything from garden fences to commercial and agricultural buildings to turnkey construction as a general contractor. So I would say that a key part of our strategy is our broad range of products and services. However, we are currently revisiting the strategic direction for the future of our company.   

Irene Zwischenberger (SIHGA):
At the student residence in Kufstein, you implemented an innovative extension using modular timber construction elements. What role does prefabrication play for you when it comes to quality, speed and sustainability in timber construction? 

Martin Lengauer (Holzbau Lengauer Stockner):
Prefabrication undoubtedly leads to better quality and greater added value, and is unbeatable in terms of shorter construction times. Our goal is to further increase the degree of prefabrication. However, this requires us to be involved in the planning process at an earlier stage, as not every project is suitable for this.

Irene Zwischenberger (SIHGA GmbH):
The boutique hotel in Rattenberg combines listed building status with modern timber construction – a challenging task. How did you and your team approach this project, and what will you take away from this experience for future projects? 

Martin Lengauer (Holzbau Lengauer Stockner):
Contrary to the current trend towards prefabrication, flexible craftsmanship is often required here. Procuring large, extra-long larch beams was a challenge in itself. It is always exciting to see how simple means and structures have enabled buildings to stand for centuries in projects like this. It really makes you think when you consider the effort that goes into construction today.

Irene Zwischenberger (SIHGA GmbH):
With projects such as the detached house in Langkampfen, you are focusing on sustainability – for example, through photovoltaics and geothermal energy in combination with wood. What does sustainability mean to you as an entrepreneur, and how does it shape your company's strategy?

Martin Lengauer (Holzbau Lengauer Stockner):
We timber builders are naturally inclined towards sustainability and consider this to be a matter of course. In the field of insulation, we have long relied on wood fibre or cellulose, usually installed openly using blow-in panels. However, we too can and must improve in the areas of waste management, packaging and recycling. Our workshop consists mainly of elements from an old prefabricated hall that we dismantled in Ebbs and reassembled in its entirety at our premises. Columns, beams, overhead cranes, etc. were used in their entirety, and we built the new wall elements from the old roof elements. The concrete rubble was also broken up and reused as frost protection. It couldn't be more sustainable.  

Irene Zwischenberger (SIHGA GmbH):
Looking ahead, what opportunities do you personally see for timber construction over the next ten years – and what role would you like Holzbau Lengauer-Stockner to play in this?

Martin Lengauer (Holzbau Lengauer Stockner):
We all know that specialisation would reduce costs. However, satisfied and motivated employees are the most important factor. In my opinion, the opportunity to plan and build diverse projects with us, a great working atmosphere thanks to constantly changing team compositions and training opportunities, e.g. as part of the htt15 Academy, are the keys to success.