overview Germany Fischer Holzbau & Zimmerei GmbH & Co. KG Custom Interior Timber Feature for Munich International Bank Headquarters

Custom Interior Timber Feature for Munich International Bank Headquarters

Create and install a sculptural wooden divider made from locally-sourced oak for the bank's main reception area, requiring precise cuts and joinery with minimal dust and noise during installation

Steps

1 / 9 | Preparing and Inspecting Raw Oak Materials

The workers are meticulously examining newly delivered raw oak timber for the Munich International Bank headquarters project. They're performing detailed quality control checks on each piece of oak, looking for structural defects, knots, cracks, warping, and discoloration that could compromise the final product's integrity or appearance. Using moisture meters, they're checking that all timber pieces have a moisture content between 8-10%, which is critical for the indoor installation to prevent future warping or cracking. They're marking each piece with chalk to indicate quality grade and sorting them based on grain pattern and coloration to ensure aesthetic consistency in the final installation. Every board is being measured against the specifications to confirm dimensions, with special attention given to selecting pieces for visible areas versus structural components. Damaged or unsuitable pieces are being set aside and logged for return to the supplier.

1

Unloading Timber Delivery Using Overhead Hoist

2

Cross-check delivery against order documentation to verify quantity and dimensions

3

Conduct initial visual inspection for obvious defects or shipping damage

4

Acclimate timber to workshop conditions for 48 hours before detailed inspection

5

Measure moisture content at multiple points on each board using digital moisture meter

6

Create Digital Inventory of Oak Timber with Unique IDs

7

Inspecting Oak Timber for Structural Defects

8

Evaluate Grain Pattern and Color Consistency for Aesthetic Considerations

9

Sort timber by quality grade (premium, standard, structural, reject)

10

Photograph exceptional grain patterns for client approval of visible components

11

Mark boards with chalk to indicate intended position in final assembly

12

Create cutting diagrams to maximize material yield and minimize waste

13

Calculate expansion allowances based on moisture readings

14

Testing selected oak pieces for hardness and density

15

Organize approved materials on storage racks by component type and installation sequence

16

Prepare moisture content documentation for client quality assurance requirements

17

Cover sorted materials with breathable fabric to protect from dust

18

Update project management software with inventory status and readiness for CNC processing

2 / 9 | Program and execute CNC cutting of all oak components with precise joinery

This task involves translating architectural designs into precise CNC machine instructions and executing the cutting of oak components for the custom timber divider. Dieter Brandt, as the CNC Specialist, takes the lead in programming the Hundegger machine to execute the complex joinery required for the sculptural wooden divider. Each oak beam must be processed with exact dimensions and intricate joint connections that will allow for seamless assembly without visible fasteners. The work requires meticulous attention to material grain direction, careful programming to minimize waste, and multiple quality checks throughout the production process. The programming phase involves converting the architect's 3D models into machine-readable code, optimizing cutting paths, and selecting appropriate tools for each operation. During execution, the team carefully loads and positions each oak timber, monitors the cutting process to detect any issues, and inspects completed pieces for precision and finish quality.

1

Review and analyze the architectural drawings and 3D models

2

Create a digital cutting list identifying each component

3

Optimize material usage and cutting sequence to minimize waste

4

Program tool paths and cutting operations for the Hundegger machine

5

Select appropriate cutting tools for different joint types

6

Prepare machine calibration and conduct test cuts on sample material

7

Mark and organize raw oak timbers according to the cutting plan

8

Loading first oak beam onto CNC machine bed

9

Secure oak beam with pneumatic clamps for CNC cutting

10

Execute the CNC program for the first component while monitoring operation

11

Inspect the first completed piece for dimensional accuracy and surface quality

12

Make necessary adjustments to CNC program based on first cut

13

Continue processing remaining oak components in the established sequence

14

Perform ongoing quality checks throughout the production run

15

Label each finished component according to the assembly plan

16

Clean and debur cut edges as components are completed

17

Organizing Finished Oak Components on Transport Racks in Assembly Sequence

18

Document Variations and Adjustments During Oak Component Production

19

Back up all CNC programs and cutting data for future reference

20

Prepare a quality control report for all manufactured components

3 / 9 | Dry-Assembly of Custom Oak Divider for Munich International Bank

The workers are conducting a critical dry-assembly of all CNC-cut oak components in the prefabrication area before finishing and on-site installation. Elena, Dieter, and Tobias are carefully positioning and connecting each piece according to the design plans, verifying that all joinery fits perfectly without forcing connections. They're using temporary fastening methods like clamps and straps rather than permanent hardware or adhesives to allow for adjustments. The team is checking for critical alignment points, gaps in joinery, and overall dimensional accuracy. They're marking any components that require additional work with colored tape and documenting measurements of any discrepancies. The assembled structure rises about 3 meters high and spans 7 meters across, requiring careful balancing and support during assembly. They're also verifying that the design achieves the visual effect requested by the client, taking photos at various angles to share with project managers and the client for approval before proceeding to finishing.

1

Organize all cut components according to assembly sequence

2

Check each piece against design drawings for accuracy

3

Verify moisture content of oak components for bank divider

4

Set up temporary bracing and support structures for oak divider

5

Begin assembly with the base components, ensuring level foundation

6

Connect vertical structural elements with temporary fasteners

7

Installing Horizontal Connecting Elements and Verifying Alignment

8

Check all joinery connections for proper fit and gap consistency

9

Measure diagonals to confirm overall squareness of assembly

10

Verify Critical Dimensions Match Final Installation Location

11

Mark components requiring adjustments with colored tape

12

Documenting Connection Details for Bank Divider Installation

13

Taking Photos of Oak Divider for Client Approval

14

Testing Stability of Custom Oak Divider for Munich International Bank

15

Verify Special Feature Elements Alignment

16

Disassemble Oak Divider in Reverse Order and Organize for Finishing

17

Create detailed notes about any modifications needed

18

Team Meeting to Discuss Oak Divider Assembly Observations

19

Update Installation Sequence Documentation Based on Dry Assembly Experience

20

Notify Finishing Department That Components Are Ready for Sanding and Treatment

4 / 9 | Sanding and Finishing Oak Components for Bank Timber Divider

The workers are meticulously preparing the custom oak components for the Munich International Bank's sculptural wooden divider by sanding and finishing all surfaces. This critical stage occurs after CNC cutting and dry assembly verification but before site installation. Workers are systematically working through each component, beginning with coarse grit sanding to remove tool marks and imperfections, progressing through increasingly finer grits for a smooth finish. Special attention is being paid to edges, joints, and visible surfaces. After sanding, workers are applying a specialized low-VOC finish suitable for an indoor bank environment, providing both protection and enhancing the natural beauty of the oak. Multiple thin coats are being applied with appropriate drying times between applications. All components are being carefully labeled and organized for transport to maintain their finished quality.

1

Set up proper ventilation and dust extraction systems for oak component finishing

2

Organizing Oak Components for Bank Timber Divider

3

80-Grit Sanding to Remove Machine Marks and Level Surfaces

4

Progress to 120-grit for intermediate smoothing

5

Fine Smoothing Visible Surfaces with 180-grit Sandpaper

6

Final sanding with 220-grit paper for ultra-smooth finish

7

Clean all dust from components with compressed air and tack cloths

8

Testing Finish on Oak Sample Pieces

9

Apply first sealing coat of finish to all surfaces

10

Allow proper drying time according to manufacturer specifications

11

Lightly sand between finish coats with 320-grit paper

12

Apply Second Coat of Finish to Oak Components

13

Applying Third Coat of Finish to High-Touch Areas of Oak Divider

14

Inspect all surfaces under strong lighting for imperfections

15

Touch up any areas that don't meet quality standards

16

Apply Edge Treatment to Soften Sharp Corners

17

Labeling Wooden Divider Components According to Installation Plan

18

Wrapping Finished Oak Components in Protective Materials for Transport

19

Documenting Finishing Process for Client Record and Warranty Purposes

20

Clean and maintain all tools and equipment used in the finishing process

5 / 9 | Preparing the Bank Lobby by Laying Protective Coverings over Marble Flooring

The team is preparing the installation site at the Munich International Bank headquarters by meticulously covering the expensive marble flooring with protective materials. This critical preparatory step ensures that the high-end marble surfaces remain undamaged during the installation of the custom timber divider. The workers are carefully measuring, cutting, and securing multiple layers of protection, including anti-slip underlayment, impact-resistant boards for heavy traffic areas, and specialized surface covers. They're creating designated pathways for material transport, establishing clean zones for tool setup, and marking safety boundaries. The team is working methodically to ensure complete coverage with special attention to transitions between different flooring areas and around fixed installations like reception desks and existing furniture that cannot be moved. They're securing all protective materials with specialized non-residue tape that won't damage the marble surface when removed.

1

Photograph and document the pre-work condition of the marble flooring

2

Sweep and clean marble surfaces to remove any debris before laying protection

3

Lay anti-slip underlayment across all work areas

4

Cut and position 6mm plywood sheets for the main material transport pathways

5

Install thicker 12mm protective boards in areas where heavy components will be staged

6

Apply specialized felt-backed protection film directly on marble in low-traffic areas

7

Creating custom-cut protection pieces around fixed reception desk and permanent fixtures

8

Secure all seams and transitions with low-adhesive specialized flooring tape

9

Establish and mark designated clean zones for tool setup and material preparation

10

Create protective coverings for vertical marble surfaces on columns and wall bases

11

Mark and maintain clear pathways to emergency exits with yellow caution tape

12

Place absorbent mats at entry points to collect outside debris or moisture

13

Install corner and edge protectors on vulnerable marble features and transitions

14

Set up portable barriers to define work zones and prevent bank staff intrusion

15

Apply protective film on adjacent glass partitions that might be at risk

16

Document the protection installation with photos for liability purposes

17

Conducting Walkthrough with Bank Representative to Verify Protection Adequacy

18

Place Clear Signage Indicating Temporary Pathways for Bank Staff as Needed

6 / 9 | Transport and bring in pre-finished components through designated access routes

The workers are carefully transporting the pre-finished oak components of the custom timber divider from Fischer's workshop to Munich International Bank's headquarters. The team is following a detailed logistics plan that specifies exact routes and handling procedures to prevent damage to both the delicate wooden pieces and the bank premises. Each component has been individually wrapped in protective materials with padded corners and labeled according to the installation sequence. The workers are using specialized equipment including furniture dollies with pneumatic tires and lifting straps designed for delicate materials. They're maintaining constant communication via handheld radios to coordinate movements through tight spaces and around corners. The team is taking particular care with several larger sculptural elements that require multiple handlers and precise maneuvering through doorways and elevators. They're working during the bank's off-hours to minimize disruption, following a strict timeline that allows for unloading, staging, and preliminary positioning before the main assembly work begins.

1

Create a detailed loading plan based on installation sequence

2

Apply protective wrapping to each component with extra padding at vulnerable points

3

Labeling Components According to Assembly Drawings

4

Loading custom timber divider components onto truck in reverse assembly order

5

Securing Oak Components with Specialized Straps During Transport

6

Driving Delivery Truck to Bank Headquarters

7

Coordinate with bank security for access to loading dock during off-hours

8

Unload components using furniture dollies with pneumatic tires

9

Establish a temporary staging area near the installation site

10

Covering exposed marble flooring with protective materials

11

Verify clearances at all doorways and elevator entrances before attempting passage

12

Using Lifting Straps and Proper Technique for Moving Heavy Components

13

Maintaining Radio Communication During Timber Feature Transport

14

Inspecting Custom Timber Components for Damage at Bank Installation Site

15

Arrange components in the staging area according to assembly sequence

16

Moving Custom Oak Components to Final Lobby Positions

17

Document the location and condition of all delivered components

18

Prepare Essential Tools and Materials for Next Day's Assembly

19

Return emptied transport materials to the truck

20

Conducting Final Inspection of Staging Area and Transport Paths

7 / 9 | Assembling the Main Structure of the Custom Oak Timber Divider in the Bank Lobby

The workers are meticulously assembling the pre-fabricated oak components to form the sculptural wooden divider in the Munich International Bank's main reception area. The assembly process involves positioning the base plate precisely according to the architectural plans, then carefully erecting the vertical support posts, ensuring they are perfectly plumb using laser levels. The team is connecting the horizontal beams to the vertical elements using pre-cut joinery techniques that were machined at the workshop, primarily employing traditional mortise and tenon joints reinforced with concealed hardwood dowels. Each connection is being carefully fitted, checked for alignment with digital measuring tools, and secured with specially designed oak pegs to maintain the all-wood aesthetic requested by the client. The team is working systematically from the ground up, installing the larger structural elements first before moving to the more intricate decorative lattice components. Throughout the assembly, they continuously reference detailed technical drawings and verify measurements to ensure the divider aligns perfectly with the surrounding architectural features of the lobby while maintaining the artistic vision of the design.

1

Verify layout markings on floor protection relative to architectural plans

2

Position and level the oak base plate precisely using laser levels

3

Installing Vertical Support Posts in Pre-cut Base Pockets

4

Check vertical alignment of support posts using digital levels and laser guides

5

Secure the posts using concealed joinery techniques and hardwood dowels

6

Installing Primary Horizontal Connecting Beams Between Vertical Support Posts

7

Verify Critical Dimensional Measurements Against Design Specifications

8

Assemble the secondary structural cross-members for lateral stability

9

Fit Decorative Lattice Elements into Main Structural Framework

10

Adjust joinery connections using hand tools for perfect fit where needed

11

Installing Pre-fabricated Feature Nodes at Key Intersection Points

12

Apply temporary bracing where necessary to maintain alignment during assembly

13

Gradually remove temporary supports as the structure becomes self-supporting

14

Install the upper horizontal canopy elements of the divider

15

Verify Overall Levelness and Plumb of the Completed Main Structure

16

Check all joints for proper seating and connection integrity

17

Perform visual inspection of all visible surfaces for any damage during assembly

18

Document deviations from original design for as-built records

19

Take progress photographs for client documentation and quality control

8 / 9 | Making Final Adjustments with Battery-Powered Chainsaw

After the main assembly of the timber divider is complete in the bank lobby, the team identifies several areas requiring fine adjustments to ensure perfect fit and aesthetics. Tobias leads the adjustment process, carefully marking areas where wooden components need slight modification. Using a professional-grade battery-powered chainsaw selected specifically for its low noise and zero emissions, the team makes precise cuts to adjust joints and edges. Elena holds components steady while Tobias operates the chainsaw with surgical precision, wearing enhanced PPE including face shield, hearing protection (despite the relatively quiet operation), and cut-resistant gloves. Dieter continuously measures and verifies dimensions after each cut to ensure alignment with the original digital model. The team places protective catch sheets beneath each cutting area to collect sawdust, and uses a specialized vacuum with HEPA filtration attached to the chainsaw to capture most particles at the source. For particularly delicate adjustments, hand tools are used instead of the chainsaw. After each modification, the team steps back to assess the visual impact from multiple angles, ensuring the artistic vision remains intact while achieving structural integrity.

1

Inspect the assembled timber divider to identify areas requiring adjustment

2

Mark specific cutting lines with removable carpenter's pencil

3

Place additional protective coverings under areas to be modified

4

Position HEPA vacuum attachments to capture dust at the source

5

Testing Battery-Powered Chainsaw for Proper Operation and Battery Charge

6

Don appropriate PPE including eye protection, hearing protection, and cut-resistant gloves

7

Make initial test cuts on scrap material to verify chainsaw performance

8

Secure components requiring adjustment to prevent movement during cutting

9

Execute precision cuts with the battery-powered chainsaw

10

Perform Fine Adjustments with Hand Tools Where the Chainsaw Is Too Aggressive

11

Sand freshly cut edges to match the finish of factory-processed surfaces

12

Verifying Fit After Each Adjustment Through Test Assembly

13

Apply touch-up finish to freshly cut surfaces

14

Document all modifications for the final project record

15

Test Structural Integrity of Modified Components

16

Clean sawdust and debris after each adjustment

17

Photograph completed adjustments for client approval and documentation

18

Verify that all modified joints maintain proper structural strength

19

Conduct final visual inspection from multiple viewing angles

20

Secure Loose Components After Modifications

9 / 9 | Clean the installation area and remove all debris and protection materials

Following the successful installation of the custom oak timber divider in the Munich International Bank headquarters lobby, the team must now thoroughly clean the installation area and remove all temporary protection materials. This involves carefully removing all floor protection coverings, collecting and properly disposing of wood dust and debris, wiping down the newly installed timber feature, removing any temporary protective films, inspecting for any damage to the surrounding bank environment, cleaning all tools before transport, and performing a final walkthrough with the client for approval. Special care must be taken to leave the prestigious bank environment in pristine condition, working efficiently during after-hours to have the space ready for regular banking operations the next morning.

1

Photograph the completed installation before beginning cleanup for documentation

2

Removing Floor Protection Materials

3

Using Industrial HEPA Vacuum to Remove Wood Dust and Shavings

4

Inspect and remove protective films from timber feature

5

Wipe down the timber divider with appropriate wood cleaning products

6

Clean fingerprints and marks from wooden surfaces

7

Collect and properly sort all waste into appropriate recycling and disposal containers

8

Dismantle temporary dust barriers and protective screens

9

Inspect surrounding areas for any unnoticed debris or damage

10

Clean all tools before packing into transport cases

11

Organize equipment in logical order for efficient loading into vehicle

12

Use microfiber cloths to dust surrounding bank furnishings that may have collected dust

13

Spot clean any marks on walls or adjacent surfaces

14

Check floor for any remaining tape residue and remove if found

15

Verify all power outlets and building services are returned to normal condition

16

Return any moved furniture to original positions per reference photographs

17

Conduct illuminated inspection to catch any dust or debris visible under lobby lighting

18

Final Walkthrough Inspection with Team

19

Complete cleanup checklist documentation

20

Meet with bank representative for final approval and sign-off