høylav

Høylav is a Norwegian term for the hayloft, the upper storage level of a traditional barn used to store hay, and sometimes straw, for livestock feed. The loft is typically accessible by a ladder or external stairs and is designed to keep forage dry and readily available during winter.

Architecturally, a høylav sits within the timber frame of a barn and rests on strong interior beams. The loft floor is made of wide boards with spaces to promote air circulation, helping to prevent moisture buildup. Openings at the gable ends or along the sides provide ventilation and light. Loading of hay is usually done through a loft door or a chimney-like chute, sometimes with a ramp or pull systems to move loose forage from the ground level to the loft.

Function and operation are centered on protecting stored forage from ground moisture and animals while making it easy to retrieve feed as needed. Hay is typically stacked in layers or on pallets to maintain airflow, with straw used for bedding kept separate or alongside. Proper ventilation and dryness are important to minimize mold and the risk of spontaneous combustion in old stored hay.

History and context place høylav in the tradition of Nordic farm architecture, where barns were designed with integrated storage for winter feed. While modern farming has reduced reliance on traditional haylofts, many høylav remain characteristic features of historic farms and are preserved as cultural heritage. Some barns are renovated or repurposed while retaining the loft’s structural elements.