A connection can work structurally and still become a weak point in sound insulation. In SHERPA News, Dr Georg Flatscher and Dr Maximilian Neusser discuss why connectors, precise installation and early collaboration are essential to achieving balance in timber construction.

For his school final project, Manuel from Switzerland built his own timber bed using four SHERPA XS 5 hook-in connectors. At the subsequent exhibition, he presented the finished bed and explained the connection technology used in it.

The screw is not interchangeable hardware. SHERPA connectors and special screws form a coordinated system — with defined load-bearing capacities, geometry optimised for installation and different screw lengths to suit the installation situation.

A shared booth with Schmid Schrauben Hainfeld, conversations with our U.S. distribution partner Triton Timber Works, and support from ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA USA: Mass Timber+ brought together several important connections in SHERPA’s U.S. network.

SHERPA exhibited at ECO-TIMBER Holzbautag 2026 with its own stand. The day focused on personal conversations, practical connection technology and exchange on current developments in modern timber construction.

For the fire design of timber connections, not only the required timber cover but also the detailing of the joint gap is relevant. ETA-12/0067 provides design rules for fire resistance classes up to R120.