Colin Karlen
Tavillonneur
Château-d'Oex

« Improving the status of this ancestral craft, developing tourism and the local economy, that’s what motivates me. »

Colin Karlen grew up in Rougemont. As a young adult, he left for Bienne to train at the Swiss School of Wood and become a joiner-carpenter. Once he graduated, he returned to his native region where he learned tavillonnage from a retired expert. In 1994, he set up his own carpentry, joinery and roofing business, which today employs around ten people.

« The wood convinced with its weather resistance, diversity and beauty. It is therefore not surprising that the shingle roof has marked the landscape since the dawn of time. »

Timber frame, chalet construction, carpentry, roofing and facade: nothing is a secret for Colin Karlen. But his specialty is shingling, which represents about 20% of his activity. Its clientele, which comes mainly from the region, is made up of private individuals and public institutions. He restored the roof of the Château-D’Oex bell tower and the roof of the Rubloz chalet in Rougemont.

Diplomas

1995 Master's degree in carpentry, Swiss Wood School, Bienne

1991 Certificate as carpenter foreman, Swiss Wood School, Bienne

1986 CFC carpenter, EPSIC professional school, Lausanne

1984 CFC carpenter, Vocational education center (Centre Doret), Vevey

Connections

Federal administration:
http://www.bafu.admin.ch/landschaft/14459/14502/14527/index.html?lang=en