A Holzhausen, sometimes known as a “beehive woodpile,” is a traditional European method for stacking firewood that optimizes space, promotes drying, and protects the wood from the elements. Its circular, self-supporting structure not only serves a practical purpose but also adds an aesthetically pleasing element to your outdoor space. Here’s how you can construct a simple Holzhausen in your own backyard.
Materials Needed:
- Firewood: Ideally, the wood should be uniformly cut to ensure stability in the structure.
- A Central Support: A tall stake or pole driven into the ground to serve as the center guide.
- Kindling or Smaller Pieces of Wood: For the core and top of the Holzhausen.
Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Location
- Select a Site: Choose a flat, well-drained area that’s conveniently located near your home but at a safe distance to avoid any fire hazards. The site should also be exposed to sunlight and wind to aid in the drying process.
- Clear and Level the Ground: Remove any debris, grass, or stones to create a level base for your Holzhausen.
Step 2: Install the Central Support
- Drive the Central Stake: Position a sturdy pole or stake at the center of where you want your Holzhausen to be. This will guide the circular construction and can also be used to measure the diameter of the woodpile.
Step 3: Lay the Foundation Layer
- Start with Larger Logs: Begin by laying the larger pieces of firewood around the central stake in a circular pattern. Make sure each piece of wood is angled slightly inward to create stability as the pile grows. This layer acts as the foundation of your Holzhausen.
Step 4: Build the Walls
- Continue Stacking: Continue stacking the wood in circles around the central stake, maintaining the slight inward angle. As you build up, the structure will naturally start to taper towards the top, resembling a beehive.
- Mind the Gaps: Try to keep the wood as tight as possible to minimize gaps, which strengthens the structure and protects the wood from the elements.
Step 5: Create the Core
- Fill the Center with Kindling: As the walls rise, start filling the center of the Holzhausen with kindling or smaller pieces of wood. This core serves two purposes: it provides stability and also acts as a storage space for kindling.
Step 6: Cap the Holzhausen
- Top with Smaller Wood: Once your Holzhausen reaches the desired height (usually around 4-6 feet), begin to close the structure by inverting smaller pieces of wood to form a domed top. This sheds water effectively and protects the woodpile from rain.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
- Check Stability: Gently push against the structure from various sides to ensure stability. Adjust as necessary.
- Cover if Necessary: While the Holzhausen is designed to shed water, in very wet climates, you may wish to cover the top with a waterproof tarp or a specially designed woodpile cover, ensuring it’s secured against wind.
Conclusion
Constructing a Holzhausen is an efficient and elegant method for storing firewood. Its circular, self-supporting design not only maximizes airflow for drying but also minimizes the footprint of the woodpile, making it ideal for gardens of any size. By following these steps, you can build a functional and beautiful Holzhausen that will keep your firewood dry and ready for use throughout the winter months.
