Construction site of the week – Demolition of a historic farmstead after fire damage
In Visselhövede, Lower Saxony, DA member company Althausrecycling Prenzel GmbH is currently carrying out the demolition of a large former farmstead, the so-called “Kreugerbarg”. In spring 2024, the buildings suffered severe damage due to a major fire, so the decision was ultimately made to demolish them.
The deconstruction has been taking place since August in several steps coordinated with the owner to ensure environmentally friendly and safe execution. The ensemble, consisting of a residential building with partial cellar, barn, horse and pig stables, covers a total area of 1,135 square meters and consists of both solid brick and half-timbered units.
Starting with the remediation of hazardous substances in accordance with TRGS 519 and the subsequent gutting of the entire property, the barn and stable buildings most damaged by the fire are then demolished. Finally, the formerly inhabited parts of the building will be removed. Two CAT chain excavators, two wheel loaders and an aerial work platform are being used for this.
Separation of demolition waste by type
Demolition waste is separated by type and disposed of professionally. The construction waste is crushed and processed using an impact crusher with a post-screening unit. Over the course of the project, an estimated 1,800 tons of construction waste, 40 tons of firewood, 120 tons of waste wood, 20 tons of mixed construction waste and 1 ton of asbestos will be generated.
Bricks are salvaged for reuse in the new construction project
The undamaged, well-preserved parts of the house will be selectively dismantled. This allows historical building materials to be reused in their original form. Around 30,000 bricks are carefully salvaged by the 7 employees on site. Once the building has been dismantled, these bricks are cleaned and reused for an energy-efficient new construction project on the same site.
The demolition of the historic farmstead marks the end of an important chapter in local history. The farmstead, which was built in the middle of the 19th century and served as an inn and toll station, was a central place of social life in the region for decades.
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Photos: Althausrecycling Prenzel GmbH