Attraction

Plinthos

Daniken 1
Sweikhuizen
The former brick factory Plinthos with its unique ring kiln has been restored since 2003. Plinthos is located in the Danikerbos nature reserve, managed by Natuurmonumenten as part of the Geleenbeek valley.

The activities from the building have a direct relationship with the environment and vice versa. The organizations and activities play an important role in the vitalization of the surrounding area.

Important aspects in this regard are the (ecological) improvement of the streams, the development of more nature and forest, the construction of cycling and walking paths and combining care with nature management.

The site in the immediate vicinity of the brick factory is approximately three hectares in size. There is a car park, the original ring kiln with chimney, the remains of a drying shed, a house and the former porter's lodge.

Scattered over the site are remains of stone, roof tiles and wood. Between these remains a semi-natural landscape has developed with a vegetation of trees, shrubbery, herbs and grasses. Many different species of plants and animals are found here, including protected and rare.

The oven industry has played an important role in Limburg's industrial development. In Geleen this was the first industry together with the state mines. The ring kiln, with the accompanying free-standing chimney, was built around 1920.

The location of the company on the edge of the village center on the open field and in an elevated situation is typical for the ring kilns. The clay was excavated behind the brick factory. The clay was mixed with water and sand to form a clay dough in an oblong shape of six stones.

The contents of the mold were tipped onto a plank, which was slid into a rack. This rack was placed in the drying shed (sjop) to allow the clay blocks to dry for a few days. The clay blocks were then fired into strong bricks in the ring kiln for a month. In the best years, 12 million bricks were produced per year.

Today, the former brick factory Plinthos is an experience environment and meeting place in development. By involving Plinthos, the Mutsaerstichting care institution is actively seeking cooperation with partner organisations, educational institutions and social authorities.

The aim is to achieve a broad and integrated range of care and services, in which care and welfare go hand in hand with practice-oriented education and work. In the green surroundings of Plinthos you will also get to know the landscape and nature together with children and young people.

At Plinthos, young children get a grip on their future and are prepared for a meaningful role in society.
This text has been automatically translated using an online translation service.

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