A hay barrack (Dutch “hooiberg” or “kapberg”) is a farm storage structure for hay or unthreshed grain, fitted with a height-adjustable roof that slides up and down along its poles so the covered volume always matches the amount stored.
Characteristics
The defining feature of a hay barrack is its movable roof. Instead of a fixed cover, the roof can be raised or lowered along vertical poles, usually four of them. Round examples often rely on a single central pole instead. As the store of hay grows or shrinks, the roof is repositioned to keep the contents protected from rain while still allowing air to circulate.
- Built around timber poles set into the ground or on stone footings.
- Comes in round, hexagonal or square shapes.
- The roof is typically covered with thatch, tiles or corrugated sheeting.
- Also known in English as a Dutch barn.
The sliding roof is a simple but clever answer to a practical problem: fully enclosed barns waste space when only partly full, whereas the hay barrack adjusts to its load.
Application
Hay barracks were once a common sight on farms across the Low Countries and beyond. They were used to keep hay, straw and unthreshed grain dry through the seasons. Many surviving examples are now valued as agricultural heritage, and the form still inspires modern open-sided shelters and carports.
Related terms
- Barn
- Roof structure
- Post building
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.