Militair wachtgebouw, Bloklaan 9 a

English translation

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Description

Cluster 15. Bombproof guardhouse with coach houses (Building A).

Introduction

BOMBPROOF GUARDHOUSE WITH COACH HOUSES (BUILDING A) as a defensive structure provided with an earthen covering on three sides and on top. A guardhouse is a defensible shelter with provisions for personnel and their equipment; a coach house is a storage place for cannons with associated ammunition. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive power of (high-explosive) grenades it became increasingly difficult to withstand attacks. Strengthening of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other things by means of arches), shallow angles of inclination and curved or pointed forms, use of concrete - and later of reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy construction, was one of the ways to keep fortifications resistant to increasing attack force. Moreover, the application of earthen coverings had proved to be an effective means of absorbing or dampening energy. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete structures were provided with an earth layer or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of origin - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - the term 'bombproof buildings' was used when they were considered capable of withstanding a previously defined number of impacts from heavy calibre weapons. The existing guardhouse at Fort Spion, built circa 1844-1847, was extended on both sides in 1880 with a coach house for equipment.

Description

Centrally situated on the fort BOMBPROOF GUARDHOUSE WITH COACH HOUSES (BUILDING A) from 1844-1847 and extended in 1880. Only the western brick facade parts on the gorge side are visible. The original guardhouse was built on an almost square ground plan with on the gorge side left and right annexes (asymmetrical in volume) for among other things sanitary functions. The two coach houses, both with sloping gable endings, are located in wings attached on both sides of these, set back slightly. In the facades are arched openings with double wooden or iron doors, windows and shutters. Natural stone plaques record the name "Spion" and the year "1880". Along the three other sides and on top the guardhouse and coach houses are covered with an earth layer. On top are several brick flue or air channels. The structure contains several arched entrances and window openings, some more than once mutually different - whether or not bricked up - with wooden doors and windows. The interior is formed by a number of arched spaces, some interconnected and some not.

The BOMBPROOF GUARDHOUSE WITH COACH HOUSES (BUILDING A) of Fort Spion is of general interest because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially realised from 1815 by him, Jan Blanken and Major-Engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently by others strengthened and improved for approximately 125 years.

* Architectural-historical values, in particular as an expression of military-strategic building design, which is based on:

a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th century),

b. the competition with increasingly strengthened offensive means (19th century).

This concerns a component from circa 1844-1847, extended 1880, namely an example of a brick bombproof building that has come into being in a little-used form.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* The component is representative (characteristic) and relatively rare because in its appearance it shows the characteristics that underscore the then-current defensive purpose and demonstrates the physical development from defensible guardhouse to guardhouse with coach houses.

The component is well preserved because the structure in its main form and detailing still shows its functions and the particular development thereof.