Carved from good wood

Mario Haustein & Philipp Salzmesser

A snub-nosed hedgehog with an apple on its head used to be a simple piece of wood before the jolly fellow was carved out. He now greets visitors to the Holzkombinat in Zöllnerstraße in a friendly manner. Behind it are Mario Haustein and Philipp Salzmesser. Both are enthusiastic about this raw material, which is so flexible, renewable and reusable. They celebrated one year of Holzkombinat a few days ago.

What do you offer with the Holzkombinat?
Mario Haustein: First and foremost, we offer people space and tools to do handicrafts in their free time. Some people build a table here that has to have certain dimensions or refurbish old furniture. But we also offer art, especially with workshops organised by our wood sculptor Vladimir Smyschlajew. And we are also working intensively on surface treatment. Away from chemical colours and towards completely natural materials. Here, too, we have our expert Caro in the team, who knows exactly which type of wood can be treated and how.
Philipp Salzmesser: The aim is to produce something ourselves. That's why we also offer opportunities to learn something and provide guidance where required.

Many people are curious when they visit you, but can't really imagine what you do and what you can do here.
Mario Haustein: That's true. Every third person first has to see what it really is or thinks it's a wood workshop where we refurbish furniture or make something for others. But we don't want that at all.

After a year of Holzkombinat, what is your assessment?
Mario Haustein : Two to eight people visit us every week. That's ok for a start. Two to eight people a day would of course be a target.

It costs five euros an hour for anyone who wants to build at the Holzkombinat. Table saw, drill and all non-electric tools are included. All other equipment costs a small surcharge. Open Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday and Friday 2 pm to 10 pm and Saturday 10 am to 10 pm. Everyone brings their own building materials or they can be procured from the Holzkombinat by arrangement. "We also have a van if something needs to be transported," Mario reveals. And if you saw your finger, you've come to the right place. Mario is a trained paramedic, but now works independently in the field of outdoor advertising. Philipp studied business administration at Chemnitz University of Technology and now works as a lecturer and consultant in the automotive industry. Both are united by the desire to produce something themselves after work.

Mario Haustein: I've always enjoyed working with wood. As outdoor advertising is a seasonal business for me, I looked for something to do during the winter months. For example, I helped out on building sites, refurbishing old windows and doors. I did that for about two years. And when the work was finished, I was keen to carry on. Together with a colleague and friend at the time, I set up this hobby workshop and we met lots of people who also wanted to work with wood in their spare time.
Philipp Salzmesser: My father is a craftsman through and through. I myself enjoyed watching and helping him with his projects and repairs. However, I then decided to go to university, which has a lot to do with desk work. But I was always fascinated by the idea of being able to make things myself, repair them and maintain their lifespan. When Mario set up the workshop, I was one of the first customers. It's great what you can do with wood.

And why the name Holzkombinat?
Mario Haustein: It was a suggestion from a friend. At the time, we didn't even realise that Musikkombinat was just around the corner. In hindsight, however, we realised that the name was a good fit. In GDR times, the combines were very well networked and that's how it should be here on a small scale. We want the people who come here to exchange ideas, advise each other and realise joint projects.

What projects have been realised here in the past year that have impressed you?
Mario Haustein: For example, a father built a wooden lorry here for his son. With such dedication. He really spent a lot of time here. He was looking for perfection. Everything had to be movable, the wheels with rubber tyres. That was a great project. Or an elderly lady who wanted to build a cat tree, but had to do it twice. When she went home after two or three hours of work and her cat climbed the tree, it wobbled so much that the cat didn't want to know anything more about it. Then the lady came back and the second attempt satisfied the cat.
Philipp Salzmesser: I've often been a customer here myself. For example, there was a wood jewellery workshop. It was great to see the ideas that were created. The dialogue was inspiring.

Holzkombinat celebrated its first birthday on 11 June. And after a year there is a big change, a change of partners. Philipp joins the GbR and replaces the previous partner.

What was the deciding factor for your involvement?
Philipp Salzmesser: I liked the concept right from the start. As I know Holzkombinat well and Mario told me he was looking for someone, I didn't have to think twice. Having studied business administration, I naturally have a keen interest in being an entrepreneur. However, it had to be compatible with my gainful employment so that the risk remained manageable.
Mario Haustein: It's exhausting to juggle work and this project. In the long term, it would be a dream to be able to make a living from it. We don't want to be the backyard workshop where people come round and do something. We are both interested in becoming self-employed and want to continuously expand this. Depending on demand, we may even open another Holzkombinat in another city or neighbourhood. First of all, of course, we are focussing all our efforts on this location so that it is self-sustaining.

How did you end up at this particular location?
Mario Haustein : This building, which used to be a small factory, was typical of the layout at the beginning of the 20th century. Those who worked at the back lived in the front building. After reunification, a painting company moved in.

After they moved out, I discovered the house as a warehouse. Of course, there were still litres of paint pots around. Everything was very dirty and run-down. And when we came up with the idea of a wood workshop, we thought about using this factory building again. Because we quickly felt the flair: the old, large windows, the wooden beams, the uneven walls, that's what makes it quaint. It was just a great fit.

Does the location near the Brühl have advantages for you?
Philipp Salzmesser: Definitely. The people who live close to the city centre don't usually have the space to work with their hands. And we feel very comfortable in the premises and the surroundings.

Do you also live here?
Philipp Salzmesser: I live on the Sonnenberg. We have already built up good networks there. For example, I'm involved in the Zietenaugust neighbourhood garden. We will soon be installing garden furniture and a composting toilet there.
Mario Haustein: I still live on the Sonnenberg, but will soon be moving around the corner.

What do you like about Chemnitz?
Mario Haustein : I think it's a beautiful city. It's not too big and not too small - I say that as a Chemnitz resident who has lived here forever. Berlin is too big for me. Sure, there's a lot going on there and I can go to lots of different pubs, but I also lose track of things and it's too crowded for me. And the opposite, small villages and towns - well, they're too small.
Philipp Salzmesser: I came to Chemnitz to study and immediately found the size to be ideal. And when I look back at what the city has become in the past ten years, I find it amazing. The city centre is now much more attractive. And even some things that have failed have had a positive impact.

Do you have to encourage the people of Chemnitz?
Mario Haustein : You really have to encourage the people of Chemnitz. I think we're lucky in Chemnitz. Dresden and Leipzig feel like they've already passed their zenith, they're already so saturated. Now is exactly the right time for Chemnitz. With our Holzkombinat, we are exactly right here. So many people want to make something themselves, but don't feel like standing in a cold cellar. They just have to get up and come to us.
Philipp Salzmesser: I know a lot of brave people. On the Sonnenberg in particular, there are many people who set up something and say: I want to stay here, I feel at home here. And we say that too!