Parkettleger Tour 2026 - Master Craftsmen Transform Historic Schlossberg Pavilion with Spectacular Bespoke Parquet Floor
Volunteers from across the world unite to preserve heritage through exceptional craftsmanship
A remarkable combination of heritage restoration, craftsmanship and contemporary design has come to life at the historic Schlossberg Pavilion in Vitzenburg, where master wood flooring installers from across the world volunteered their time and expertise to create an extraordinary bespoke parquet floor for one of the country's most inspiring restoration projects.
Organised by the charitable association Parkettleger on Tour, the 2026 project brought together some of Europe's finest parquet installers, united by a shared passion for preserving traditional woodworking skills while giving historic buildings a new future. The pavilion, nestled among the Schlossberg vineyards in Saxony-Anhalt, is currently undergoing extensive restoration and will ultimately serve as an elegant wedding venue once the works are complete. The restoration has been made possible through the dedication of a local heritage association, which successfully secured government funding to restore the historic pavilion to its former splendour.
A Floor Designed for the Building
This year's spectacular parquet design was created by renowned craftsmen Ernst Müller and Steven Klose, who developed a layout that celebrates both traditional parquet artistry and modern precision.
Rather than imposing a conventional geometric pattern, the designers embraced the building's defining architectural feature, its elegant oval form. The parquet floor mirrors the pavilion's external façade, allowing the flooring to become an integral part of the architecture rather than simply its surface.
The result is an intricate composition incorporating numerous traditional parquet styles, demanding exceptional planning, precision and teamwork throughout every stage of the installation.
Four Timbers, One Extraordinary Floor
Adding further complexity, the floor incorporates four contrasting timber species:
- Oak
- Ash
- Acacia
- Robinia
Each species was carefully selected for its distinctive colour, grain and character, creating a striking visual contrast while showcasing the natural beauty of the timber. Constructing such an elaborate design inside an oval room required every individual component to be accurately manufactured, positioned and installed with meticulous attention to detail.
The installation and finishing process also utilised professional flooring equipment and abrasives, including PALLMANN Spider and PALLMANN sanding pads, helping the team achieve the precision and high-quality finish demanded by such a technically complex parquet installation.
The finished floor is both a technical achievement and a work of art, demonstrating the enduring appeal of handcrafted parquet flooring.
An International Team of Craftsmen
The project was completed by volunteer master parquet installers from across the world, reflecting the truly international spirit that has become a hallmark of Parkettleger on Tour 2026. Bringing together highly skilled wood flooring professionals from different countries, the initiative celebrates craftsmanship without borders while promoting the exchange of traditional techniques, innovation and best practice.
Representing Team UK were Scott Hendrick, Technical Manager at UZIN UTZ, alongside Antony Nicholls and James Evans from Riverside Floor Sanding. Working alongside fellow installers from across Europe and beyond, the British team contributed their technical expertise and craftsmanship to help deliver one of the most technically demanding Parkettleger on Tour projects to date.
Over several days, the international team combined centuries-old parquet traditions with modern installation techniques to create a floor that is both historically sympathetic and built to last. Beyond the finished result, the project provided an invaluable opportunity for skilled craftspeople from around the world to exchange knowledge, strengthen professional relationships and demonstrate the enduring excellence of the global wood flooring community.
Restoring More Than a Building
Situated among the Schlossberg vineyards, the historic pavilion has long been an important local landmark. Thanks to the determination of the local preservation association and the support of government funding, the building is being carefully restored to become a unique venue for weddings and community celebrations.
The bespoke parquet floor forms the centrepiece of that transformation. More than simply a functional surface, it is a statement of craftsmanship that honours the building's history while creating a welcoming space for future generations.
Parkettleger on Tour continues to demonstrate how collaboration, volunteerism and technical excellence can make a lasting contribution to architectural heritage. The Schlossberg Pavilion project is a shining example of what can be achieved when skilled craftspeople donate their time and talent to preserve historically significant buildings.
As visitors step into the restored pavilion in years to come, they will stand on a floor that tells a story, not only of exceptional design and craftsmanship, but also of international friendship, shared expertise and a collective commitment to preserving Europe's rich architectural heritage.