40 Years Knapp
From a Single Product to an Innovation Partner in Timber Construction
KNAPP GmbH celebrates 40 years of innovation, technical expertise, and a commitment to continuously advancing connection systems. Founded by Friedrich Knapp in 1986, the company has grown from a pioneering idea into an internationally recognized specialist, offering more than 120 solutions for furniture manufacturing, window construction, and timber construction.
The company’s story began in the late 1970s, when Friedrich Knapp developed an award-winning connector spring that laid the foundation for a philosophy that still defines KNAPP today: creating strong, demountable, and reusable connections with minimal installation effort. In 1983, this vision led to the patenting of the Mobi-Champ, the world’s first two-part self-tightening plastic connector for furniture construction.
Over the decades, KNAPP has repeatedly set new standards in connection technology. The primary-to-secondary beam connector GIGANT revolutionized end-grain fastening in timber construction, RICON became a benchmark solution for post-and-beam structures, and FIXclip established itself in window construction. More recently, EVO-GRIP has set new benchmarks in modern timber construction, achieving approximately 40% higher load-bearing capacity than comparable systems thanks to its innovative ribbed geometry.
To this day, KNAPP remains guided by the principle “From the market, for the market.” New developments are created in close collaboration with customers and users, while production remains predominantly based in Germany. Looking ahead, KNAPP continues to focus on sustainable connection systems, circular construction methods, and innovative solutions that help shape the future of modern timber construction.
40 Years of Advanced Connection Systems and Innovation
Solutions for Diverse Applications
Timber Construction → Connection systems for load-bearing structures, efficient installation, and future-ready timber construction projects.
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Engineered Timber Construction → Solutions for demanding applications requiring high precision, certified safety, and reliable structural performance.
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Timber-Glass Facades → Systems for modern timber-glass facades, combining precision, efficient installation, and architectural freedom.
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Residential Construction → Connection solutions for timber frame construction, modular building methods, and efficient manufacturing processes in modern residential construction.
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Furniture & Wood Construction → Precision connection systems for furniture manufacturing and custom wood constructions – ensuring maximum accuracy and efficient installation.
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Doors & Windows → High-quality solutions for doors and windows – tested, durable, and designed for long-lasting connections.
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Stair Construction → Innovative connection systems for stair construction – enabling stable structures and flexible design possibilities.
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Decking Connectors → Invisible decking connectors for premium outdoor spaces – durable, efficient, and visually refined.
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Connection Systems for a Circular Future in Timber Construction
KNAPP connection systems enable precise, load-bearing, and fully demountable connections in timber construction, engineered timber construction, as well as facade and modular construction. Components can be prefabricated in the factory, assembled efficiently on site, and later dismantled without damage. In this way, buildings can be conceived as the material banks of the future.
“KNAPP connectors can be pre-installed in the factory, quickly assembled on site, and easily dismantled and reused in accordance with circular construction principles.”Viktor Poteschkin, Architect
“These are excellent products that support the circular use and reuse of building components.”Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Graf
Connection Systems for a Circular Future
| Fast and efficient assembly through prefabrication
| Demountable connections for future adaptability
| Reusable components and resource-efficient construction
| Durable solutions for long building lifecycles
| Ideal for modular and industrialized timber construction
For four decades, KNAPP has been developing connection systems that combine structural performance with circular thinking. Components can be prefabricated, assembled efficiently, and later dismantled without damage—creating the foundation for buildings that can adapt, evolve, and remain valuable over time.
Building for Disassembly, Reuse, and Longevity
Circular construction begins with the connection. By enabling structures to be dismantled rather than demolished, KNAPP connection systems help preserve materials, extend product lifecycles, and support a more sustainable approach to timber construction.
„Innovation, reliability and outstanding product quality: these are the qualities we value most in our long-standing partner, KNAPP.“„For our exclusive timber-and-glass architect-designed homes, we always use the highest-quality materials. KNAPP’s invisible connection systems are unmatched and have therefore been our first choice for many years.“Christoph SchmidtMember of the Executive Management Team, HUF HAUS
Supporting Every Stage of the Planning Process
KNAPP supports architects, engineers, planners, and timber construction companies with digital tools, technical expertise, and practical services designed to make planning and construction more efficient, reliable, and predictable.
From preliminary design and dimensioning to project-specific support, KNAPP helps simplify complex planning tasks, streamline installation processes, and reduce time on site. The result is greater planning confidence and smoother project execution from concept to completion.
Selected Projects and Applications
KNAPP connection systems are used worldwide in demanding timber construction projects, facade structures, and modular buildings.
These reference projects demonstrate how precision-engineered connection systems enable architectural freedom, structural performance, and circular construction in practice.
