Original Zaan-style wooden building with traditional crown posts (‘makelaars’) on the roof ridge… The building has an authentic design featuring distinctive, traditional gable crown posts on the roof ridge. These often come in the shape of a corkscrew. The crown post was originally intended to connect the rafters with the ridge beam in order to protect what was traditionally the weakest point of the structure from the effects of storms, rain and leaks. The historical term ‘makelen’ dates back to the Middle Ages, and means ‘to connect’. Over the course of history, these ornaments became symbols that were believed to bring a home’s residents ‘closer to heaven’. As the result of a planned factory expansion, this house was donated to the Zaanse Schans Foundation. The house was transported to the Zaanse Schans in two parts. Much of the wood on the exterior had to be replaced, but the original interior with its chimney and tiled walls remained intact. Based on mortise holes found in the structure, it was possible to reconstruct a ‘dooddeur’ (‘death door’, used only for weddings and funerals) in the front facade. The house has a little shore shed, making it convenient for the occupant to do their laundry in the ditch running past the house.

Kalverringdijk 8 under construction in the Zaanse Schans. The little shore shed, which enabled the residents to do their laundry in the ditch, is clearly visible