Research

Shape of the vault The shape of the vault has to meet three requirements. In the first place you have to make sure that the construction does not collapse. The shape of the vault has to sustain the thermal expansion and contraction during heating and cooling down. After all the shape of the vault determines if there is a good heat accumulation and if air circulation is possible. To make a homogeneous and well done loaf of bread you have to take the distance into account between the bread and the vault that functions as heat source. Construction Crosswise, the vault has the shape of an ellipse or basket-handle arch, where the stress is mainly distributed vertically. Make sure that the inside of the vault is shaped like a curve by setting the bricks close to each other. Lengthwise, the ovular shape provides the best mechanical impedance. Thermal expansion During stoking, the vault will be under stress due to thermal expansion. A basket-handle arch allows to retain this expansion and, after...

In this section we‘ve tried to provide a step-by-step plan to restore a two-part bakehouse, a type which is very common in Belgium. With a few small alterations you can also use this plan to restore a free-standing or an indoor oven. Once you are familiar with the different components of a bread oven, you can examine your own oven to determine exactly what needs restoring. First look at the condition of the oven vault and floor. After all, these are essential components for baking and they are the most difficult to restore. Their condition may determine whether or not you want to proceed with the restoration. If you do decide to restore it and you know exactly what has to be done, you can proceed.

In this section we‘ve tried to provide a step-by-step plan to restore a two-part bakehouse, a type which is very common in Belgium. With a few small alterations you can also use this plan to restore a free-standing or an indoor oven. Once you are familiar with the different components of a bread oven, you can examine your own oven to determine exactly what needs restoring. First look at the condition of the oven vault and floor. After all, these are essential components for baking and they are the most difficult to restore. Their condition may determine whether or not you want to proceed with the restoration. If you do decide to restore it and you know exactly what has to be done, you can proceed.

In this section we‘ve tried to provide a step-by-step plan to restore a two-part bakehouse, a type which is very common in Belgium. With a few small alterations you can also use this plan to restore a free-standing or an indoor oven. Once you are familiar with the different components of a bread oven, you can examine your own oven to determine exactly what needs restoring. First look at the condition of the oven vault and floor. After all, these are essential components for baking and they are the most difficult to restore. Their condition may determine whether or not you want to proceed with the restoration. If you do decide to restore it and you know exactly what has to be done, you can proceed.

Financial support This text can only be consulted in Dutch or French.

Crimp and cohesion of loam mortar This text can only be consulted in Dutch.

Legislation This text can only be consulted in Dutch or French.

What's what? Bread oven A bread oven is an oven that is heated with wood and used for baking bread. Such an oven can be located indoors as well as outdoors. Outdoor ovens can be built up against a house, a stable or a shed, they can be completely free-standing or be part of a bakehouse.