Rediscovering the Half-Timber Tradition

Abstract

After many years working as a commercial manager in the petrochemical industry, I decided at the age of forty to radically change direction and devote myself to timber-framed architecture—a tradition that in Belgium was nearly lost. I studied historic rural buildings, visited open-air museums, and began restoring and building with traditional techniques and natural materials such as green wood, reclaimed bricks, and lime mortar. I seek to show that these methods are not relics of the past but viable, sustainable approaches for today. I also feel a responsibility to pass on this knowledge. Through regular workshops and hands-on activities with young people, I help preserve traditional know-how and encourage future generations to value and continue these time-tested ways of building.