Bügeleisenhaus, Timber-framed heritage building in Hattingen, Germany.
The Bügeleisenhaus is a three-storey timber-framed house of 1611 with a later extension of about 1620/30. Its footprint tapers from 8 metres at the north side to 2.57 metres at the south, following two alleys. The upper storey projects up to 0.80 metres on curved brackets, some carved with masks and volutes; the gable is clad in vertical grey boards.
The structure was built in 1611 for merchant Wilhelm Elling and initially served as a residence for the well-to-do. It changed hands in 1853 when Jewish butcher Salomon Schmidt purchased it and carried out substantial renovations.
The carved wooden beams feature masks, ducks, and foliage that demonstrate the craftsmanship traditions of the time. These decorations show how builders once displayed their skill and prosperity through architectural details.
The house stands at Haldenplatz 1, where two alleys meet; the museum inside has been closed since 5 December 2021, with reopening planned after technical and conceptual revision. The exterior is visible at any time. From the broad north side, 8 m wide, the facade narrows to 2.57 m at the south end, so walk the length of both alleys to see the taper.
The building's name refers to its iron-shaped form, created by its position at the intersection of two medieval alleyways. This geometric constraint from urban planning resulted in an unusually functional and forward-thinking design for its time.
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