Nutsbedrijf, Hertog Eduardplein 2

English translation

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Description

Introduction

Large brick TRANSFORMER STATION on rectangular ground plan. This free-standing transformer was built around 1925 on the commission of Provinciale Electriciteitswerken. The tile panel with the nameplate of the client was made by tile bakery 'De Distel' in Amsterdam. This double transformer is the largest variant of the type used in Gelderland, with the superstructure clad in red tiles. Characteristic of this transformer is the businesslike expressionistic building style with sparse accents in the brickwork and varied colour and material use.

The object is located in the centre of Lent and stands in the middle of a small green space at the corner of Griftdijk Zuid and Hooge Bongerd. Directly to the east of the building is the motorway Arnhem - Nijmegen.

Description

Brick TRANSFORMER STATION on rectangular ground plan. The brick facades are laid up in half-bond with the use of two colours of brick. The facades are strongly horizontally articulated. The transformer opening is laid in red brick and is finished with a roll course. Above the transformer opening yellow brick is applied in half-bond. The facades are finished with a high tiled frieze: five rows of red square tiles with between the rows a protruding strip. In the tile frieze are some horizontal bands with glass bricks incorporated, as well as a two-part window frame with single-pane windows, a series of small ventilation grilles under the roof edge and a tile panel. The tile panel in the centre of the long front facade on the east side was made by tile bakery 'De Distel' from Amsterdam (signed). On the panel are the words in yellow, black and blue "PROVINCIALE ELECTRICITEITSWERKEN" with on either side the coat of arms of the province of Gelderland. In the same facade below the frieze are three doors. The gently sloping hipped roof with overhang drains away without gutters.

Valuation

TRANSFORMER STATION from ca. 1925.

- Of architectural historical value as a well and almost faithfully preserved example of a double transformer from ca. 1925 in a businesslike expressionistic building style with strongly horizontal articulation, modest brickwork accents and the use of multiple colours and materials. The object has high-quality aesthetic properties due to the careful detailing in colour and material use. This transformer testifies to the great care devoted during the interwar period to the architecture of these buildings, in particular to the conspicuous transformers that rose in the built-up area.

- Of cultural historical value as a particular expression of a technical development, namely the history of electricity supply in Gelderland.

- Of urban planning value as a prominently located component of the historically developed village centre Lent, in which the transformer plays a defining role in a green space at a crossing of important roads.