What is a schuurberg?
A schuurberg is a Dutch type of hay barrack with a lower section of brick or timber that serves as a barn. A hay barrack is a traditional structure of upright poles carrying a roof that can be raised and lowered over a stack of hay. The schuurberg is a combination of a barn (Dutch: schuur) and a hay barrack (Dutch: hooiberg or berg): at the bottom is an enclosed space for, for example, livestock, tools or carts, and above it hay or unthreshed grain is stored under a roof.
Build-up:
- Poles (Dutch: roeden): upright posts (four, five, six or more) that carry the roof. The barrack is named after the number of poles: a four-, five- or six-pole barrack.
- Adjustable roof: the roof can be moved up and down along the poles, so that it always sits just above the stored crop. The roof was traditionally raised with a jack and secured with pegs through holes in the poles.
- Lower section: the walls between the poles are closed up to a certain height with masonry or timber boarding. This creates a barn space.
- Floor or loft: between the lower section and the hay storage there is often a layer of joists.
Difference with an open hay barrack (Dutch: kapberg): in an ordinary hay barrack the poles stand free and the space under the roof is open. In a schuurberg the bottom is closed in and used as a barn. In practice the names are sometimes used interchangeably.
| Open hay barrack (kapberg) | The poles stand free and the space under the roof is open. |
|---|---|
| Schuurberg | The bottom is closed in and used as a barn. |
Application
Schuurbergen belong to the traditional Dutch farmyard, including in the river area, sometimes linked to other barns or a deep-litter byre. Many have disappeared as farming has scaled up. Surviving schuurbergen are often landmarks and are sometimes protected as monuments.
Tips for owners:
- Check the foot of the poles: timber posts rot first where they touch the ground or the masonry. Keep that spot dry and ventilated.
- Do not let the roof jam: check that the poles are straight and the roof can move freely, or deliberately fix the roof if it will no longer be adjusted.
- Reuse: schuurbergen are converted into, for example, a workshop, guest accommodation or office. In the Netherlands, changes of use or structural alterations often require an environmental permit, and for a monument you should always consult the municipality. Other countries have their own rules; check with your local planning or heritage authority.
- Roof covering: the original roof is often thatched. Maintaining the ridge and edges prevents leaks.
Related Terms
- Open hay barrack (kapberg)
- Hay house (kaakberg)
- Deep-litter byre
- Farmhouse
- Thatching
- Listed building
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