Kraatz Manor

Ecological materials (hemp, clay plasters, chalk paints) and historical building materials (old bricks, doors, tiles) were used in the reconstruction and extension of the manor house. The planning and craftsman services were carried out by companies from a maximum distance of 50 km. The buildings are heated by waste heat from the local biogas plant. Hot water is generated by a solar thermal system. The electricity is sourced from green electricity suppliers, and the unavoidable residual emissions are offset via MoorFutures. Wastewater is treated on the company’s own property in a constructed wetland. The purified water is used to irrigate the outdoor facilities as needed.

In a barn of the former estate we operate a press house for the production of cider from the scattered fruit of the surrounding area. Old cider and economic varieties are particularly valuable for the production of cider and give the wine an almost forgotten variety of flavors.

For orchard trees in the landscape, the same applies as for listed buildings: without use, there is no long-term preservation. In Kraatz, the example of vacation homes and cider can be used to see how a new, climate-neutral use can lead to new development opportunities.

The estate is climate friendly because we are

• Produce wines and juices from regional mixed fruit
• use almost exclusively regional or organic products in our kitchen
• generate about 70 % of our electricity needs ourselves through our own solar power system
• moreover, obtain 100% green electricity
• have used ecological building materials
• use only reusable tableware and/or paper cups for our markets