transformatorhuisje

English translation

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Description

Complex component 20

Introduction

TRANSFORMER HOUSE built in 1916 according to a design from 1915 by JAN STUYT (1868-1934) based on a standard type designed by G. VERSTEEG sr. (1872-1938) (probably type A3R). In the mostly rectangular transformer buildings, a transformer reduces the current (high voltage) generated by a power station via intermediate stations back to low voltage. As such, the transformer represents the final link to domestic electrical use. The architectural style of the various types of transformers built between 1915 and 1940 mostly possesses characteristics of both the Amsterdam School and the New Hague School. This early transformer house differs from the other transformer houses from this period in that Jan Stuyt has stylistically adapted the exterior to the oriental style of the other buildings of the Heilig-Land-Stichting (Holy Land Foundation). This is expressed in particular in the white-washed render and in the tile frieze. In the years between 1915 and 1940, the commissioner of the transformer houses, the NV Provinciale Geldersche Electriciteits-Maatschappij (Provincial Gelderland Electricity Company), gave much attention to the architectural qualities of the transformers, which were mostly designed by renowned architects. Most transformer houses have been equipped with a ceramic tile tableau from 1920 onwards, bearing the inscription 'Provinciale electriciteitswerken' (Provincial electricity works) with a simple blue-yellow provincial coat of arms on either side. The first tile tableaux were made between 1920 and 1924 by the tile works 'De Distel' in Amsterdam. The provincial coats of arms here still feature stylized lions. The tile tableau in this case belongs to a second type that was made between 1924 and 1940 by the Gouda pipes and earthenware factory 'Goedewaagen' in Gouda. This tableau was thus affixed here only after construction. The transformer was put into service in 1916, the year in which the first electricity was delivered to the municipality of Groesbeek. The transformer house is markedly located at the corner of the Profetenlaan and the Mgr. Suyslaan. The Mgr. Suyslaan forms the access road to the complex around the Cenakelkerk.

Description

The rectangular building in plan, consisting of one storey, is built in brick which has subsequently been rendered and white-washed under a far overhanging flat roof covered with bitumen. The overhang rests on stepped wooden consoles. The building is provided with corner pilasters and a protruding continuous black tarred threshold frame (with ventilation grilles). To the left of the steel door in the FRONT FACADE is a tableau consisting of four tiles bearing the inscription 'Provinciale electriciteitswerken' in yellow against a black ground. On either side of the word 'Provinciale' is a stylized blue-yellow provincial coat of arms. A continuous rendered black tarred entablature above the door is followed by a frieze composed of black and white tiles. The LEFT SIDE FACADE is executed blind. In the REAR FACADE there are two blocked-in ventilation openings in the frieze. On the side of the RIGHT SIDE FACADE there is a low later extension containing a double steel door. The INTERIOR has not been inspected but very probably the former installation has, as with most transformer houses, been adapted to the requirements of this time or been entirely replaced by a modern installation.

Valuation

TRANSFORMER HOUSE built in 1916 according to a design adapted by JAN STUYT in 1915 to a standard design by G. VERSTEEG sr. (1872-1938).

- Of architectural-historical value as an essential component of a collection of buildings and objects in oriental style derived from biblical history (in terms of design, material use and/or detailing) and also of importance for the oeuvre of Jan Stuyt, within whose work the buildings designed for the Heilig-Land-Stichting occupy a unique position. This relatively well-preserved component of a former devotional park forms a curiosity within national architectural and art history. The building forms a characteristic example of the building types applied to transformer houses of the P.G.E.M. during the Interwar period, but here, in contrast to most transformer houses whose style is mostly based on the Amsterdam School and the New Hague School, has been stylistically adapted by Jan Stuyt to the other structures of the Heilig-Land-Stichting. As such, the building thereby occupies a unique position among the transformer houses built on commission by P.G.E.M. The exterior of the transformer house stands out for its particular (aesthetic) qualities, such as fine proportions and detailed craftsmanship. This is expressed in particular in the white render with tile frieze and the tile tableau with reference to the colours of Gelderland.

- Of urban planning value because of its prominent location at the corner of the Profetenlaan and the Mgr. Suyslaan and as an essential component of the Heilig-Land-Stichting complex.

- Of cultural-historical value as an essential component of the Heilig-Land-Stichting complex, which forms a special and also rare expression of a religious development. Also of importance because of the purpose, which is connected to a technical development. The transformer house is a reminder of the electrification of the municipality of Groesbeek. The transformer house moreover forms a good example of the development of the transformer house in the first decades of the twentieth century. The present transformer is one of the first transformer houses built on commission by the P.G.E.M.