Celebrants pour out at the 'Timber-framed House Unveiling Event', showcasing an assortment of reactions - Big Event: "Open House Day" Garners Wide Interest
In the Oberlausitz region of East Saxony, the centuries-old Umgebinde houses draw numerous visitors. During the "Day of the Open Umgebinde House," approximately 8,000 individuals visited nearly 100 open properties on the last Sunday of May, as reported by organizers. According to project manager Sven Rüdiger, the event attracted curious visitors as well as individuals interested in renovating their own Umgebinde houses.
Umgebinde houses, a distinctive type of timber-framed building, are primarily found in East Saxony and adjacent regions. Named after a beam supporting the upper floor or roof on the outer wall, the houses date back to the 16th century. With over 6,000 remaining in the districts of Bautzen and Görlitz, the majority built after 1650, Umgebinde houses demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and diversity. No two houses are alike due to the natural building materials used such as wood, clay, straw, and stone.
The "Oberlausitzer Umgebindehausstraße," part of the "Deutsche Fachwerkstraße," is an 112-kilometer round tour passing through cities and towns, including Ebersbach-Neugersdorf, Kottmar, Herrenhut, Oderwitz, Mittelherwigsdorf, Großschönau, and Seifhennersdorf. The event taking place annually under the auspices of the Umgebindehaus Foundation primarily provides individual expert advice to builders and owners. The foundation helps find funds and specialized companies for converting and renovating the houses, and also has its own funds. It advocates for the preservation of traditional craft techniques and the use of historical building materials.
While not explicitly mentioned in the original text, it is worth noting that Umgebinde houses are significant cultural and historical landmarks. They symbolize the rich heritage of the region, blending traditional building techniques with architectural styles. These houses offer a glimpse into the innovative and resilient building traditions of the past.
The Umgebinde houses, with their unique timber-framed structures, not only showcase the exceptional craftsmanship and diversity of the Oberlausitz region but also reflect the rich lifestyle and home-and-garden practices of its ancient inhabitants. As a vital part of the region's cultural and historical legacy, these houses encourage the preservation of traditional employment policies in both the construction and home-and-garden sectors.