Militair wachtgebouw, Bloklaan bij 9

English translation

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Description

Cluster 15. Bombproof guardhouse with powder magazine (Building B).

Introduction

BOMBPROOF GUARDHOUSE WITH POWDER MAGAZINE (BUILDING B) as a bombproof shelter with storage space for gunpowder from 1880. Bombproof structures of this type and from this period are provided with an earthen covering on various sides and on top. A guardhouse is a defensible shelter with provisions for personnel and their equipment. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive power of (high-explosive) granates 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.

Description

Situated on the north-west side of Fort Spion in the rampart BOMBPROOF GUARDHOUSE WITH POWDER MAGAZINE (BUILDING B) from 1880. The structure is characterised by a bayonet-shaped, almost right-angled brick facade with arched openings containing doors, windows and shutters. The guardhouse with powder magazine is as approximately 6.00 m high bombproof structure covered on three sides and on top with an earth layer. The guard was the successor to the guardhouse remodelled in 1880, while the powder magazine was used for storage of gunpowder and possibly other explosives. The arched window and door openings in the thick walls are provided with natural stone blocks at structurally important points. The window openings contain hinged windows on the inside and shutters on the outside. In the long facade on the west side are placed left below broad arched stretches two by two windows. In the plinth are round ventilation openings. A natural stone plaque bears the name "Spion". The (southern) side facade contains an entrance on the right and left and a window in the centre. On a natural stone plaque the year "1880" is recorded. The chamfered (right and short part) of the west facade contains a broad arched niche. The guardhouse contains two vaulted rooms as guard and lodging quarters and a powder and projectile magazine with a surrounding corridor.

The BOMBPROOF GUARDHOUSE WITH POWDER MAGAZINE (BUILDING B) 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 1880, namely an example of a brick bombproof guardhouse with powder magazine 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 combined defensive and storage function.

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