History of Barane
The farm Barane was built around 400 years ago at a time when all agricultural work was done manually. Under its roof there used to be space for all the farm animals: cows, oxen, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, geese, pigeons….. as well as all that was needed to feed them. A small part only was reserved for the people.
It seemed a shame to let the building fall to
ruin – it is such a peaceful, quiet and pleasant
place that we felt it would be healthy to live in.
But the building was far too big for one family.
The idea to receive guests grew - people
aware of the environment, who will appreciate
the calm natural surroundings.
We have done up Barane together with a team of
craftsmen who took it to heart to combine noble
natural materials with modern equipments which
respect environment and health.
Our aims were:
- to leave the old walls of the building visible and to distinguish the new part from them by using different materials and techniques. This creates a contrast – but together they form a whole.
- to use materials from the domain: the timber came from our forest; clay and sand we dug out near the building.
- to use natural materials.
- to avoid steel and cement.
- The existing lower part: to do up the stone walls; to create openings for doors and windows; to demolish a sheep shed for construction of a dining room and a professional kitchen.
- The upper part: to construct a half-timbered storey; the spaces are filled up with straw soaked in clay. These walls are fireproof and possess excellent sound and warmth insulation. All rendering (interior & exterior) is done only with sand and clay. The colour differences are due to the sand.
- to have the electrical installation so as to prevent electro-magnetic fields.
- to have heating and hot water provided by a wood boiler (double combustion) and by solar panels: floor heating for the ground floor – radiators for the upper floor.
