Connectors - Structural - Indoor - Concealed Connections

Importance of Concealed Connections

Concealed connections play a key role in achieving clean, minimalist architectural designs, particularly in timber interiors. By hiding hardware within the structure, they allow beams, columns, and panels to appear uninterrupted — showcasing natural timber without visible metalwork.

Beyond aesthetics, concealed connectors deliver high structural performance. Their engineered geometry ensures strong, reliable load transfer between timber elements while maintaining alignment and stability. This makes them ideal for high-end residential, commercial, and mass timber projects where design and performance must work in harmony.

Concealed systems also reduce snagging hazards, protect hardware from wear, and contribute to longer-lasting structural assemblies.

Types of Concealed Connection Systems

Concealed connectors are available in several engineered formats suited to different indoor structural requirements:

Hidden Beam Connectors: Installed inside the timber to create strong, invisible joints between beams and posts. Ideal for exposed timber interiors.
Self-Tightening Connectors: Advanced concealed systems (e.g., Knapp-style) designed to pull timber elements tightly together during assembly for precise structural alignment.
Slot-In / Mortise Connectors: Concealed plates or brackets installed within machined pockets, allowing beams to lock into place securely without visible hardware.
Hybrid Timber–Steel Concealed Systems: Engineered connectors that combine steel strength with hidden placement inside mass timber elements, enabling high-load indoor structures with clean aesthetics.

Applications of Concealed Connections

Concealed connection systems are widely used in architectural and interior-focused structural work:

Mass Timber Projects: Perfect for CLT, LVL, and glulam structures where exposed timber surfaces are central to the design intent.
Architectural Features: Provide invisible support for feature beams, atriums, stair structures, or interior timber frameworks that require a seamless aesthetic.
Interior Residential & Commercial Spaces: Ensure clean interior lines in homes, office fit-outs, hospitality venues, retail spaces, and other environments where appearance and structure are both critical.

By choosing high-quality concealed connectors, builders and designers can achieve a refined architectural finish without compromising on strength or engineering performance.