The project
The "Living Monument" initiative advocates for the modernization of monument preservation policy. The municipality of Groningen faces several challenges: young people are moving to larger cities, and many buildings stand vacant. Modern urban planning aims to revitalize the city center. Central to this is the old manor house. Originally designed as a manor house for a knightly estate, the building has a rich history but has fallen into increasing disrepair in recent years. In collaboration with the German Half-Timbered House Center in Quedlinburg, the historic building will be researched and restored. Numerous volunteers have already tackled the historic brickwork of the facade.
The German Half-Timbered House Center is leading the restoration work and offers you the opportunity to gain fascinating insights into their research into historical half-timbered structures. But the focus is not only on the building's past but also on its future. A research project on sustainable energy concepts for historic buildings was launched in October. With modern insulating plasters and an innovative energy concept, the Edelhof will serve as a pilot project for the energy-efficient renovation and climate-neutral use of historic buildings.
Volunteer work
The volunteers will begin restoring the Edelhof's interior. This has been meticulously measured to identify any deformations. The rotten ceiling beams, as well as the historic door and window frames, are now being restored using traditional carpentry techniques. Once the historic building structure has been restored, the project can move on to the next phase: repurposing the building into a center for cultural events and social housing.
Accommodation
You will stay on location with the project partner.
Leisure
In your free time you can explore the town of Gröningen and surrounding places. In addition, there are numerous opportunities for hiking in the surrounding area.
Travel
You arrange your own trip to Gröningen in germany. There you will be picked up by the projectpartner.
IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably with public transport. Sometimes travelling by plane is inevitable. We kindly suggest to compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions through IBO, by donating to our partner’s tree planting project in Uganda. You can read more about that here.
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Costs
For this project you pay €50 registration fee and €89 participation fee. If you become an IBO-supporter, you don't have to pay the registration fee.
This includes accommodation and meals, local transport, an information pack and (online) preparation meeting. Excluding travel, insurance and any outings.
Register
Go to register to enroll in this project.