photos: Jan Giezen and Arnaud Mooij
Grounds and Buildings
Inspiration for building De Nijensteen came from the cultural history of the buildings and the surrounding area. Architect Jan Giezen brought back the sheds in a new design, fine tuning the use of material and colour. Haystacks used to line the river IJssel and now the thatched roof complements the view along the riverside.
The front house dates from 1865, although findings indicate that it was built even before this period. Although no monument, it was treated as though it was one. Characteristic elements were restored and fitted in and the original colour ranges were brought back as they used to be.
The old chimneys in the former corn loft have been maintained and rafters have been made visible. The attic is multifunctional, a place for holding meetings but also for relaxing. The front house and the rebuilt sheds offer work space for the employees. Under the same roof is the cow shed with room for about 15 cows and their young.
The left wing was modelled after the old cow shed. This is where guests can stay in small rooms with, in turn, a bed below or on top.
The existing potato shed houses the farmer’s home and offers extra space for the organization to host events needing more space.
Sustainable building
De Nijensteen is built mostly of wood: Dutch larch wood with the FSC-hallmark. Roughly a quarter of the wood was sawed using wind, at 'Sawmill De Rat' in IJlst, Friesland. The new sheds are covered with native reed.
Sustainable energy
De Nijensteen has put a lot of effort into making sure energy is sustainable. De Nijensteen makes use of natural sources of energy: geothermal and solar energy.
- A heat pump has been connected to a closed underground storage system and takes care of heating of the buildings.
- Solar boilers warm up the tap water.
- The southwest side of the shed is provided with 350 m2 pv cells. The solar panels supply enough electricity for the foundation's own use. The remainder goes to the electricity company.
- Our solar panels don't supply enough electricity, so for the remaining need we buy green electricity, coming from solar or wind energy.