Frankfurt Book Fair Pavilion – Frankfurt, Germany

Built in 2018 as a temporary structure for the Frankfurt Book Fair, the pavilion created a flexible library and event space for up to 400 people. The design featured three overlapping shell-shaped timber frames, forming a 480 m² interior space with a height of 6.5 meters.

The timber frame consisted of laminated veneer lumber elements, assembled with a translucent membrane made of recycled PVC. Horizontal boards between the ribs provided both rigidity and shelving for books.

DUO 35 and RICON connectors were critical to the project. RICON secured the lateral bracing members to the rib panels, while DUO connectors enabled quick installation of modular timber elements. Together, they allowed the pavilion to be assembled in just 7 days, disassembled afterward, and reused for future events.

Key Highlights:

Connector technology: DUO 35 and RICON connectors provided concealed joints that could be assembled and disassembled multiple times.
Construction method: Laminated veneer lumber frame with translucent recycled PVC membrane.
Design features: Shell-shaped overlapping timber frames with integrated shelving.
Performance: Rapid assembly in 7 days; strong connections even after multiple reuses.
Use case: Temporary pavilion with library seating for 300 and standing capacity for 400.

The Frankfurt Book Fair Pavilion shows how KNAPP connectors enable both expressive architectural design and practical, reusable timber construction for temporary public buildings.

Credits: Architecture by schneider+schumacher. Structural engineering by Bollinger + Grohmann. Timber construction by Holzbau Amann GmbH. Built for Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH. Images courtesy of project partners.