K. Kulik: The Development of Early Modern Timber Constructions of Wide-Span Roofs in French-Speaking Switzerland

This research project focuses on the study of timber roof structures in French-speaking Switzerland during the Early Modern period. These constructions are remarkable examples of traditional carpentry, technical innovations, and developments in construction history.

Building on the SNSF project "Evolution of the wide-span timber roof in northern and central Switzerland 1600–1850", which extensively documented both sacred and secular buildings in northeastern Switzerland, this project shifts the focus to the largely underexplored western, French-speaking part of Switzerland (Romandie). This region features significant timber constructions, including spans exceeding 10 meters, which merit detailed investigation.

The aim of this dissertation is to complete the research on early modern timber roof structures in Switzerland. Using methods of historical building research and the systematic documentation of selected objects, the project seeks to identify and analyze characteristic structural features of roofs in the Romandie. These findings will contribute to establishing a developmental history of these constructions and embedding the results within the broader context of research. In doing so, the project makes a significant contribution to understanding Swiss roof structures and their regional distinctions.