Houses in the Bavarian style photo gallery. German houses: design and construction

Each country has its own traditional. So, Russia is steadily associated with, China with pagodas, Europe with Gothic buildings, the USA with skyscrapers, etc. But at the mention of Germany to those who are fond of architecture or just follow current trends suburban, the term " half-timbered houses».

half-timbered house

Having appeared in Germany, today they have become very popular in different parts of the world, including ours.

Fachwerk history

The German word Fachwerk is formed from two parts: das Fach - section, cell and das Werk - building. Literally, it turns out "a structure from sections." Looking from the side at half-timbered houses, we will be convinced of the accuracy of the definition. Similar to a fairy tale, they will not go unnoticed while walking along the old European streets. Their invariably light walls seem to be "cut" by dark wooden beams. The sloping roof completes the structure.


According to historians, fachwerk originated in Germany, in areas where there were rivers nearby and shipbuilding developed. To repair and build ships, one had to be well versed in carpentry. And once the masters realized that it was possible to build not only strong ships, but also solid houses.





The appearance of half-timbered houses dates back to the 12th century. But its heyday came in the 15th-16th centuries, when architects mixed traditional fachwerk with new trends:

  • with baroque elements (pediments with large curls along the edges, an abundance of details on the facade, sculptures of people and animals),
  • with Gothic elements (quotations from the Holy Scriptures on the facade),
  • with details of the Renaissance (an abundance of characteristic rosettes, shells, wreaths, flower vases on the façade).
In addition, the geographical division into regions also influenced the construction. If you visit several regions of Germany, then the same half-timbered houses you will not meet there. The following areas are distinguished: Thracian, Alemannic and Lower Saxon half-timbered houses.


Houses were built taking into account the fact that the land in those days was very expensive. Therefore, I wanted to increase the living space not at her expense. They did it like this:

  • We built a frame from strong wooden racks and beams.
  • The panels filling the space between them were made from a mixture of clay with wild reeds or straw. This mixture was called adobe (you can learn more about it from the publication). The adobe was applied to the "skeleton" of wooden rods.
  • In order to expand the space in the room, the enterprising Germans came up with the idea of ​​building in such a way that each floor was wider than the previous one and “hung” about half a meter above it. This overhanging floor also protected the lower ones from moisture. Subsequently, the characteristic protrusions became one of distinguishing features fachwerk as an architectural trend.
  • After completing work with the frame and panels, the house and. And they painted not anyhow, but according to a certain principle. Panels - in light color, a wooden frame- necessarily in the dark. The house became visually "broken" into cells. This is how another difference appeared, which we will talk about later.
  • And finally, . In old German half-timbered houses the roofs were high and sloping. Below them was an additional living space.
As for the decoration and the house as a whole, only wealthy burghers could afford them. They invited experienced craftsmen who know their business very well.


At the request of the owner, they could recreate the family coat of arms on the facade, make unique carvings, decorate the house with sculptures, paintings or inscriptions: for example, with wishes of good health and prosperity, or simply with information about who lives under this roof and whether the owners are happy with the guests. Such statements were called Haussprüche (from German das Haus - house and der Spruch - saying).

Interesting: researchers of this type of architecture have revealed that there is some symbolism in German half-timbered buildings. If the beams intersect like the letter X, then this symbolizes the St. Andrew's Cross (on which the Apostle Andrew was crucified).


If the segments of the side beams do not intersect, then this shape is called "Swabian Woman". Why Swabian? Most likely, the association comes with the national costume of Swabian women: a lace-up corset with a decollete and a fluffy skirt.

If the beams resemble the letter "U", then you have a "Wild Man". The origin of this name is not really known. Maybe this is how the sedate inhabitants of medieval Germany imagined a person with strange behavior - a wild one.


Curved scrolls in the form of the letter "S" on the corner beams were amulets against lightning. Scary masks on the facade protected from evil spirits and ill-wishers. Images of the sun in the form of rosettes were symbols of fertility and material well-being.


With the onset of the 18th century, half-timbered houses lost their positions. It was very difficult to bring engineering equipment into such a house, but I didn’t want to live without them. The 19th and 20th centuries were also marked by half-timbered calm and the mass construction of more modern buildings. But the 21st century stirred up interest in this style. AT major cities Germany and not only began to restore old half-timbered houses and build new ones, but already taking into account modern trends, etc. And now the descendants of burgher houses are called half-timbered houses, or half-timbered houses.

Distinctive features of half-timbered houses



Color contrasts and windows in a row.
  1. Complete absence of metal elements in construction. That 500 years ago, that now the construction of a half-timbered house does not accept metal in the frame. Heavy metal ties will ruin and appearance home and interior. The result is not at all what was expected.
  2. Bearing beams do not hide under . This is one of the main features characteristic of fachwerk. Beams divide the house into peculiar sections.
  3. Filling the space between the beams with a material that is different in texture from wood. Previously, it was adobe, which we have already talked about above. To date, it has been successfully replaced by brick.
  4. Lightweight design. Half-timbered houses are very light, so you can build them on a shallow one.
  5. Color contrasts. In the first half-timbered houses they played on the confrontation "light-dark". Now the flight of fancy is not constrained by anything: dark red and green, brown and beige, dark brown and light green and other combinations.
  6. Overhanging one floor over another. Today, this feature has practically disappeared, it has become optional. There is no need to expand the living space in this way, and modern ones perfectly protect the tree from moisture.
  7. Lots of small windows. In the Middle Ages, the house could be literally strewn with small windows. small because big windows They didn’t really know how to do it yet, it was difficult to get glass and very expensive. Fortunately, now they can make windows of any size, and there are no problems with the material. Very popular among owners of half-timbered houses these days panoramic windows. Although experts do not recommend doing this. Firstly, because the windows do not always overlook a pond, a meadow, a forest or a house is on the outskirts, and neighbors scurrying about on business are an amateur sight. It is better to make several windows in one row.
  8. high roofs. In Europe, all half-timbered houses have tall and sharp gable roofs. It was beneficial to have such a roof structure: it protects the whole house from precipitation, and you can also equip it under it. In modern houses there are also sloping options. But if you want to meet the requirements of style as much as possible, then a high roof is a must.
  9. The house should "strive" up. Of course, with a shortage of land in medieval Europe houses could not "spread" in width. They were directed upwards. The higher, the more space. If you are building a house now, then it is up to you to decide whether it will be stretched vertically or horizontally.

Is it possible to build a half-timbered house in Russia?

On the pages of the TSB (Great Soviet Encyclopedia) there is a mention of half-timbered houses. But with a note that it can only be built in a warm climate, otherwise you will not overwinter. For example, in the south of the country: “... In modern construction F. with a wooden frame and brick or adobe filling are mainly used in areas with a warm climate (including in auxiliary production buildings). Such data were for the period 1969-1978.


But thanks to new technologies. Now half-timbered houses are no less warm than tiles.

  • The walls are best left white (or any light tone).
  • Beams - always contrastingly dark to the walls. By the way, you can display on the beams.
  • Forged things look good as decorative elements: horseshoes, shelves, etc. If desired, even forged furniture won't be redundant.
  • The interior of a half-timbered house implies the presence of a hearth. It will make it more homely and cozy. It doesn't matter if it's a fireplace or a stove.


  • If there is no passion for antiquity, then the house can be turned into a modern one. spacious dwelling. We add the features of minimalism to the fachwerk features:

    • None forged products and an abundance of accessories.
    • A large amount of space remains free to sunlight could easily fill the room.
    • Beams can be painted in light tone slightly darker than the walls.
    • A small fireplace (the oven is inappropriate), a minimum of furniture, light-colored textiles, in general, nothing that makes the interior heavier - and we get a house from a mixture of two seemingly opposite directions.


    Half-timbered houses, despite their popularity and ancient history in Europe, we are considered exotic. Not everyone will dare to "get involved" with such a project. But with proper execution, the result will justify the effort and money spent. And what do you think?


    Getting down to the issue of building a house, it is necessary to decide in advance in what style it will be decorated. Unconditional leadership is the construction of houses in german style, which involves the use of special stylizations of the external facade.

    German-style houses were especially popular in the Middle Ages.. However, over time, this building tradition was forgotten, and only recently has fashion renewed its rights. Main features this style is an:

    • the absence of any sculptural compositions and other decorative elements;
    • rigor and maximum simplicity;
    • the project combines rational use all building materials, especially wood, giving the structure practicality;
    • following the traditions of the architectural idea;
    • spectrum minimization color shades for façade decoration.

    The specifics of the German style

    Distinctive feature such houses is the arrangement of a wooden frame (solid timber or glued timber can be used). As a rule, choose conifers wood for the manufacture of beams on the frame. But read about the link.

    Quite often, during the construction process, thermal insulation of the walls of the structure is carried out in parallel, using mineral wool or polypropylene. In this case, additional protection of the material from the effects of natural precipitation is required.

    All elements of the frame are made with special attention on special equipment. In this case, it is necessary to carry out additional processing with solutions (oil-based), which will provide reliable protection frame from various fungi, rot, insects, etc.

    Some modern projects combine the presence of a large number of glazing, which creates the impression of the boundlessness of the interior space. Structures such as German-style houses are excellent for harsh winters and hot summer days.

    Many people prefer to build half-timbered houses, the projects of which are characterized by the use of vertical frame structures with beams located horizontally, as well as diagonal braces.

    It is possible to give a special entourage to such a style through the use of curved or figured beam structures, made in contrasting shades against the background of the facade of the building. It is also possible to carry out facing measures with stone in certain areas of the building.

    The final stage in the construction of any building is the installation of the roof. Farhwerk style houses are traditionally tiled. Although it is possible to use roofing slate, which is quite easy to use, it easily fits on the surface of any configuration, which is especially important, because many roofs of German-style houses have a multi-level and multi-pitched roof.

    Variations

    To increase the footage usable area attic space in such houses are converted into residential. Another feature of such structures is the presence of a part of the building protruding from the common facade (bay window), which also allows you to significantly expand the living space.

    The layout of the interior inside the house depends on the taste preferences of the owners. Several design styles can be combined at the same time, which allows you to emphasize the individuality and originality of the idea. Special attention is given to all kinds of decorative elements, which often act as an accent, emphasizing stylistic design one room or another.

    The originality of the design of the building in the German style additionally emphasizes the design of the exterior. Green lawns, intricately cut shrubs, flower meadows, and, of course, garden paths, paved with tiles or natural stone.

    When furnishing a house, the issue of the exterior deserves special attention, because the appearance of the house is an indicator of the taste of its owners. Today, designers offer many options decorative finishes facade that can make the house unique and distinguish it from general series surrounding buildings. Following the newfangled trends, more and more people prefer to use a certain architectural style in the design of houses, characteristic of a particular country.

    For those who appreciate the simplicity of forms, restraint and elegance without frills, we can advise you to decorate the facade of the house in the German style. Such a house will look advantageous due to its solid and original appearance, it will be able to create the impression of reliability and home comfort.

    The advantage of the German style is that it can be applied both to an object under construction and to a finished one, that is, when the walls are erected and the roof is ready. The Germans are thrifty people, so you don’t need to finish the facade a large number of material that will pleasantly affect the family budget.

    Modest German style is traditionally characterized by practicality, economy and original design. The design of the facade can be characterized by common features inherent in this architectural direction.

    1. Simplicity and rigor decorative elements.
    2. No intricate patterns bright colors and details, sculptural decorations.
    3. A rational approach to the use of materials for construction and decoration.
    4. Limited color palette.
    5. Compliance with the traditional canons of Western European architecture.

    Walls and roof

    Traditionally, a German-style house has the shape of a square or rectangle with even, smooth walls, painted in plain, discreet colors and decorated with bay windows. These are the protruding parts of the house that increase the living space.

    As for the roof, it is usually gable and made in a brown-red palette. The main roofing material is tiles. The plinth is finished with natural stone, which is very popular in Germany as a material for original design buildings. Thanks to this, the building stands out for its noble appearance.

    As decorative elements, small balconies are built, less often attics. They are decorated without pretentiousness: tinted boards that are fixed over the facade.

    Windows and doors

    German style is very demanding on the design of doors and windows. The front door must certainly stand out against the general background of the facade. Usually this is the brightest detail that attracts attention.

    Windows are made rectangular, or resembling an arch. Each window is not a single whole, but several sections separated by special jumpers. In addition, windows are decorated wooden shutters, which perform an exclusively decorative function, giving the house a lived-in and well-groomed look.

    half-timbered houses

    Fachwerk is a famous style of architecture in Germany. A distinctive feature of such buildings is the presence of a vertical frame with transverse beams and diagonal braces. It is also characterized by figured beam structures. They are painted in colors that contrast with the shade of the walls, giving the house expressiveness and entourage. Particularly impressive on the walls look curved beams in combination with natural stone trim or plaster.

    gothic houses

    Buildings that are stylized as Gothic are always distinguished by their originality. In the photo, such houses look like real ones. medieval castles. This is facilitated by a pointed roof and vertically elongated windows, which visually make the entire building taller and more presentable.

    Has a long history. The style loved by Europeans was borrowed by domestic architects and designers. What is the secret of popularity German cladding, what are the basic principles of technology and how to imitate half-timbered houses on your own?

    Features of German technology

    Fachwerk decoration is a kind of grid of wooden beams applied to the facing of the house in a contrasting color. This solution has a number of advantages:

    1. Versatility. Stitching decorative beams suitable for small country houses and spacious cottages. Facade can be combined with others style directions characteristic of a particular area.
    2. Ease of arrangement. The technology is not difficult. The main thing is to plan the location of the beams in advance and prepare the material.
    3. Sophistication. A variety of wall textures and colors allows you to create exclusive facade. The design implies unity with nature - the external wooden frame gives the house a special charm.

    Of the minuses of the technology, one can note: the relative high cost of the materials used and the fragility of wooden elements.

    The choice of material for the arrangement of the facade

    The service life, ease of installation and practicality of the operation of the cladding largely depends on the right materials. Particular attention should be paid to the base for the half-timbered facade and the stuffed planks.

    natural wood or imitation

    The choice lies between wooden or polyurethane boards. Each material has pros and cons.

    Distinctive features wood beams:

    • naturalness and environmental friendliness;
    • beautiful appearance;
    • the need for careful preparation - treatment with flame retardants and protective impregnations;
    • susceptibility to decay;
    • high cost.

    Good alternative to wood polyurethane beams. The main advantages of polymers:

    • plausible imitation of the texture and shades of wood;
    • wide selection colors false beams;
    • light weight - polymer boards hollow inside, such a finish does not give a special load on the lightweight foundation of the frame;
    • excellent technical and operational properties: resistance to UV rays, temperature extremes, resistance to decay, inertness to organic matter and the absence of deformations.

    An important argument in favor of imitation of fachwerk with polyurethane beams is the affordable cost of polymer materials.

    Fachwerk base options

    Installation of beams takes place on a prepared base. Three options are popular in frame housing construction:

    • DSP sheathing;
    • wall plastering;
    • use of OSB boards.

    The most practical method is the use of cement-bonded particle boards (DSP). The material has a high density, tolerates longitudinal loads well and is not afraid of precipitation. DSP sheathing gives the frame additional strength.

    Composite boardsbest base under fachwerk. Value for money technical qualities material is optimal.

    Plastering walls is a labor-intensive process. In addition, given the features of prefabricated houses, this method is not recommended for cladding. Temporary movements of the frame can lead to cracking of the plaster layer.

    OSB boards- budget technology. The material is suitable for use in the construction country houses and small buildings.

    The nuances of using OSB-plates:

    • high-quality processing with bioprotection is necessary to prevent the appearance of mold;
    • special attention to the ends of the paintings - with regular contact with water, they can swell;
    • over time, OSB boards change color and require painting.

    Step-by-step instructions for finishing the facade

    Let's describe the order of finishing the facade of a half-timbered house with our own hands. The entire course of work can conditionally be divided into several stages.

    Design and sketch development

    First of all, you need to make layout plan of wooden beams. It is necessary to build on the working drawing of the house itself.

    When drawing up a sketch, you should adhere to the following rules:

    • the placement of the racks is not tied to the seams of the DSP boards; on the contrary, the cladding panels are “adjusted” to the sketch of the location of the beams;
    • top and, crossbars, braces and vertical supports should leave the impression of not decorative, but load-bearing elements;
    • in the layout of racks and boards, symmetry is welcome; in the frame of window and door areas, it is desirable to adhere to a single tactic.

    Necessary materials and tools

    To implement a half-timbered facade, you will need the following materials:

    • DSP boards 12-16 mm thick;
    • wooden beams 15 cm wide or polyurethane planks;
    • bars for attaching the DSP to the frame;
    • insulation;
    • windproof membrane;
    • fasteners - wood screws 3.5 * 5.5 mm;
    • paint, protective.

    From the tools you need to prepare: a puncher, a screwdriver with nozzles and drills, a grinder for cutting plates, a level, a tape measure, a spatula, a roller, a square and a pencil.

    Cutting and fixing DSP boards

    Comparing the dimensions and configuration of the walls with the dimensions facing plates, it is necessary to cut the DSP. Before installing the canvases, it is necessary to "fill" the frame heat-insulating material, and fix on top of the insulation windproof membrane.

    Following actions:

    1. Fix vertically wooden blocks– the fastening step depends on the width of the cut DSP sheets.
    2. Drill holes in the plates: the diameter is equal to the thickness of the self-tapping screws, the step along the edges is 20 cm, in the middle - 40 cm, the indentation is from 1.5 cm.
    3. Treat the ends of the sheets with a strengthening primer.
    4. Fix the DSP slab, keeping a gap between the elements of 3-5 mm. The head of the self-tapping screw should go deep into the canvas by 1-2 mm.

    Priming and painting walls

    At this stage, the walls are finished before attaching the beams. Work progress:

    1. Fill the gaps between the DSP boards with a weatherproof compound. It is also necessary to process the attachment points - the caps of the self-tapping screws.
    2. Apply the strengthening primer to the walls using a roller. Leave the surface to dry completely.
    3. Prepare the paint, thoroughly mix the base with the color and apply to the walls.

    As a rule, one layer is not enough to cover the gray DSP boards. To achieve uniformity of color, it is desirable to repeat the staining.

    Preparation and installation of beams

    Boards for finishing the facade should be well dried. Further, the material is sanded, treated with flame retardant impregnations and protective compounds.

    Such measures are aimed at reducing the ability of wood to ignite and increase resistance to precipitation and solar radiation. Impregnation with an antiseptic protects the beams from the appearance of rot and insect invasions. The final stage training- painting the boards in a dark color.

    1. Cut lumber according to the sketch.
    2. Fix the finished elements with self-tapping screws, observing the layout plan.

    The procedure for working with polyurethane strips is somewhat simpler. They do not require pre-treatment and are fixed to the DSP with liquid nails.

    Fachwerk decor secrets

    Facades of houses in the German Fachwerk style have some common features in execution:

    1. The floors are visually separated by one or two rows of horizontal beams.
    2. AT window frames bindings are present.
    3. Entrance doors - mostly massive wood, without glazing.
    4. Drainpipes, chimney and ventilation outlets match the color of the beams.
    5. The foundation of the house is decorated with natural or artificial stone.
    6. Fachwerk tradition is to decorate window sills with flowerpots and planters with flowers.

    The beautification of the facade in the medieval European style has taken root in modern frame housing construction. Fachwerk imitation can radically change the appearance of the building, giving it originality and presentability.

    Video: fachwerk on a house insulated with foam

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