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Restoration of a 17th-Century Heritage Building in Enkhuizen

While much of the timber we supply is destined for new construction, it’s the restoration of historic buildings that remains truly special. Restoring a heritage-listed property demands craftsmanship, technical knowledge, and above all, respect for the building’s original character and construction methods. This project involved the careful restoration of a 17th- century building, prominently located in the historic center of Enkhuizen, directly on the former Zuiderzee.

Historic Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen experienced its golden age in the 17th century. The city was a powerful hub for herring fishing and boasted the largest fleet in the Dutch Republic. In addition to having its own VOC chamber, Enkhuizen also hosted a branch of the West India Company. Trade with the Baltic States, England, West Africa, and the East Indies brought considerable wealth to the region. At its peak, the city had around 25,000 inhabitants—making it larger than Amsterdam at the time. Many stately buildings from this prosperous era still stand as reminders of that rich history.

Main Beams and Joists

The traditional construction style of these monumental buildings employs wooden primary beams (moerbalken) and secondary joists (kinderbalken). The heavy primary beams span from wall to wall and carry the full weight of the floor above. The secondary joists are positioned perpendicular to these and support the floorboards. A noteworthy detail in this project is that the oak floorboards are laid lengthwise along the joists—requiring extra-wide planks, a subtle reference to the building methods once favored by wealthy merchants.

On the ground floor, the high ceiling height has been preserved, allowing the grandeur of the building to be fully experienced—especially in the living space currently being fitted out.

Planed, Air-Dried Oak Beams

Following a visit to our timber yard in Doorwerth, the client opted for air-dried oak beams with a planed finish. Years of natural drying in the open air enhance the quality and dimensional stability of the wood, significantly reducing its tendency to warp or move. Additionally, the oak develops a beautifully warm, aged tone that complements historical interiors.

The beam dimensions were carefully selected not only to meet structural demands but also to respect and enhance the building’s historic aesthetic. For the ground floor, with its high ceilings, main beams of 21 x 24 cm were chosen, paired with oak joists measuring 10 x 10 cm. In other areas, variation was introduced using custom-cut support beams in dimensions such as 18 x 23 cm, 16 x 22 cm, and 21 x 24 cm—helping to distinguish between the original dike house and later architectural additions like a suspended room.

The joists were traditionally sized at 10 x 10 cm and installed with the typical center-to- center spacing used in historic Dutch buildings. 15-05 teksten EN en DE voor project enkhuizen.

In addition to the main and secondary beams, the roof decking was also executed in oak, selected in complementary tones to achieve a coherent finish throughout.

This project is a clear example of how, with care, craftsmanship, and respect for authentic materials and historic construction methods, a monument can be restored to its former glory. A rewarding and inspiring challenge—one our team thoroughly enjoyed contributing to.

Restoration of a 17th-Century Heritage Building in Enkhuizen

Historic Enkhuizen

Main Beams and Joists

Planed, Air-Dried Oak Beams

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