This is the continuation of the story of the social sculpture “Gallinas de Amor” (part 1). It is the story of the continuation of a construction, the story of the people involved and the story of a community that pursues sustainable goals in times of uncertainty and strife. It is also a story of life without a lot of money but with a lot of contentment and happiness.

It’s all, once again, a matter of logistics and access to resources. Who would think that building sand is in demand these days and is a scarce commodity. The sand grains of the deserts of this earth are not suitable because they do not tilt well in the mortar, they are ground round by nature and wind. We can use a local producer and get the sand from nearby.

First, a barrier layer of bitumen mats was laid and bricked on top. This barrier layer later prevents moisture from penetrating from the floor into the walls. If this barrier layer is omitted, the moisture can later loosen the plaster and promote mold growth.

Inserting the front door with building dies before laying the actual wall is a typical improvisation, but it facilitates the use of recycled building materials like those on this door.
The welded anchors can be connected directly to the wall to be erected.

The concrete blocks are easy to brick up and little mortar is required for the joints. This is no comparison to the natural stone walls.

The two exits for the chickens can be seen in the foreground. Later, two small wooden stalls will be separated inside so that groups of pedigree chickens can be kept together or separately in order to generate offspring in a targeted manner.

Art is probably not used in a normal cattle shed. In the chicken coop at Color Garden, art is the primary goal. The house as a concept and in its realization is an art project. It has both a social and an aesthetic component. The glass bottles in the wall later give a broken, colorful play of light inside and loosen up the architecture. But they are also a way to recycle material in an unusual way.

Old single glazed window frames have been refurbished and recycled and become part of the chicken coop.

The front door is already stuck in the wall and could be opened for the first time.

The roof height is reached after only four days.

Rafters are placed as a test and the distance is adjusted to the clay slabs. From this, the number and size of the panels are determined.

The main beam is embedded under the ceiling and later pressed against the rafters from below with building stamps. This creates an optimal connection and the subsequent roof load can be well distributed.

A lot of the work is done elsewhere. A work area will be set up here for the construction of the exits for the chickens.

The guides for the trapdoors for the exits of the chickens are being prepared.

Wooden constructions for the interior are provided, laying nests from old bee boxes, perches, covers for the compartments in the stable, exits for the chickens.

Below the ceiling, a small intermediate floor was installed on one side. This offers storage space that is always necessary for food and tools. This shelf is very solid and also allows heavy loads.

From the stock of ceramic tiles, a selection could be found that fits perfectly and will make regular cleaning easier later on.

The construction of the compartments for the hens in the barn continued. These compartments will later be equipped with a multifunctional connecting door. This means that both areas can be used individually or together. Especially in larger groups with several roosters, it is an advantage if these roosters can avoid each other. It makes keeping multiple roosters easier.

No people were seen in these photos. Nevertheless, many were there and helped. And much remains secret for most. The rafters of this roof come from Germany, they were brought to Spain more than 8 years ago. They should actually be installed elsewhere, but the people who were out and about in the color garden back then are long gone. They left their dreams there. They have moved on, but their strength is also in these materials and we are giving them new life in a new project.
The windows also come from Germany from old houses. Many generations looked through these windows in a rough rural region in the Eifel before they were to be disposed of. We took them with us and kept them in Germany for years, and later in the color garden. Now they have found their place.

A special thanks to Maria and Jens for their help in building the roof and to Mario the builder who gifted us the main beam. These people help with their love and power to create such places. And the least thing is to name it.