October 13, 2024, 10:49 am | Read time: 6 minutes
The Umgebindehaus is an architectural style primarily found in the Upper Lusatia region. Beyond this area, the historic building is scarcely known, yet it offers a cozy, sustainable way to live.
Admittedly, an Umgebindehaus with its half-timbered architecture doesn’t necessarily boast a contemporary look, but its ecological footprint is quite impressive today. myHOMEBOOK explains what makes this quaint house type unique and why it’s increasingly attracting home seekers.
The History of the Umgebindehaus
As original as the Umgebinde houses appear, they truly are. Their history dates back: The Slavs developed a special construction method called the block room. Later, in the 13th century, German settlers brought the knowledge of half-timbering to the region. This building style was considered stable, wood-saving, and even allowed for multi-story buildings. However, combining these two construction methods was challenging because the timber connections of the half-timbering were not compatible with the grain of the wood in stone walls. Thus, craftsmen tinkered with the Umgebinde as a unique construction method for centuries. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that the characteristic Umgebinde arch of these houses emerged.
To this day, traditional Umgebinde houses with their distinctive architectural style of half-timbering and solid stone construction are primarily found in rural areas of Central Europe, especially in the tri-border region of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
Characteristic Features
The unusual architecture and appearance of the Umgebindehaus are immediately striking. It consists of a half-timbered structure with typical wooden beams and supports connected in a geometric pattern, forming the building’s facade. Another significant part of the Umgebindehaus is its solid stone construction, often made of sandstone or other regional stones. The stone walls serve as a supporting structure, providing stability and thermal insulation for the house.
But why is it called an Umgebindehaus? The term “Umgebinde” refers to the unique construction method where the half-timbering encloses the solid masonry. The facade of an Umgebindehaus varies regionally. Some are very detailed and ornate, while others have more restrained artistic aspects. This variation is due to the different designs and styles in various areas.
Also characteristic of an Umgebindehaus are wooden cladding, slate coverings, and door frames made of sandstone or granite. It’s not uncommon to find the year of the house’s construction in these frames. Some buildings feature sun motifs, in the form of radiating wooden cladding, or even sundials on the gable.
The Block Room is the Heart
A typical feature of an Umgebindehaus is its block room on the ground floor, which essentially forms the heart of the building and is enclosed by the Umgebinde, a wooden structure with braces. The block room is usually made of untreated or linseed oil-treated beams or planks and supports everything above it. Sometimes this is just the roof, but in more complex buildings, it can be multiple stories. Weather can cause the block room to deform significantly, but the infill of the half-timbering or the roof structure would not withstand this. Here, the Umgebinde comes into play, as it supports all the structures stably while allowing the block room to move.
The block room in the Umgebindehaus offers a significant advantage: the thick, solid wooden walls of this area can regulate temperatures well. The wood retains heat very effectively in winter. In the past, the block room was often the only heated room in the entire building. Naturally, this also has advantages in summer, as the wood tends to contract during the drier season, allowing air to circulate better through fine cracks. Additionally, the block room has only small windows, which, thanks to their triple-pane construction, further minimize heat loss.
What Materials Make Up an Umgebindehaus?
Traditionally, a lot of wood was used in the construction of an Umgebindehaus. This was ideal because most Umgebinde houses are located in Upper Lusatia, a region prone to flooding. It was not uncommon for the houses to be flooded in the past. No problem for wood, as long as it can dry well after the water recedes.
In addition, rammed earth and stone were used on the ground floor, especially in the entrance area. Traditionally, the roof was covered with beaver tail tiles or straw. If the building was relatively large, there might be a second block room or a masonry utility area. Overall, predominantly local natural materials such as spruce, fir, or pine wood from the region were used. Linseed oil paints were used for coatings, and clay plaster for rooms–both of which still ensure a healthy indoor climate today.
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What is the Status of the Historic Building Today?
The historic buildings still exist in southern Upper Lusatia and the adjacent Silesian and North Bohemian areas. A few examples can even be found in western Saxony and Thuringia. In the tri-border region of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, an estimated 20,000 buildings remain, with 6,000 in Upper Lusatia alone. Especially houses on the German side are under monument protection. However, necessary repairs, adjustments to current housing regulations, or improvements to living comfort are allowed. There is no risk of trouble with the monument protection authority. On the contrary, the removal of construction sins is welcomed and even encouraged.
Umgebindehaus Trend?
Currently, in Upper Lusatia, there is a genuine fascination with Umgebinde houses, especially among young property seekers. After the reunification, many people left the region, but now more are returning to their old homeland, searching for a new home. The historic, architecturally remarkable building, which falls somewhere between a half-timbered house and a log cabin, seems very fitting. And the timing couldn’t be better, as many Umgebinde houses are expected to go on sale in the coming years. The reason: Most of the buildings are currently occupied by older, often single individuals.
Why this sudden enthusiasm for the small, quaint Umgebinde houses in the countryside? The reasons are varied. Above all, the rents and purchase prices in the eastern part of the country have also risen over the years. Additionally, with the focus on the climate crisis, the desire for environmentally friendly living has increased. An Umgebindehaus, made from ecological building materials, is a suitable choice for this. Moreover, the building’s traditional architecture also impresses with its original appearance, setting it apart from other houses in a more classic style.
And one last reason could be the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, the need for a cozy, perhaps even secluded home–ideally with its own garden–has grown. City life, with all its noise, dust, and hustle, seems less attractive. Umgebinde houses can also be modernized well, proving that a contemporary lifestyle and an old building do not have to be mutually exclusive.