Bomvrij militair object, Lekdijk 56 b

English translation

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Description

Cluster 60. Barracks/remise/bomb-proof building.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

The BOMB-PROOF BARRACKS WITH REMISE of the Lunet at the Snel is of a type of bomb-proof buildings provided with earth covering on three sides and on top and which has only a façade on the throat side. With the increase in range of artillery, the impact force of projectiles and the explosive force of high-explosive grenades, it became increasingly difficult to resist bombardment. Thickening of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other things by means of arches), shallow angles of slope and curved or conversely pointed forms, use of concrete - and later reinforced concrete - in ever heavier execution was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing attacking force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved to be a good means of absorbing or dampening energy. This is why many masonry or concrete works were provided with a layer of earth or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - the term 'bomb-proof buildings' was used when they were considered to be resistant to a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre.

Description

BOMB-PROOF BARRACKS WITH REMISE of the Lunet at the Snel is a brick building covered by earthwork, dating from the period 1871-1874, with the remise above the barracks. The barracks/remise is located opposite the open caponnière in the eastern corner of the enclosure wall. The brick façade of the barracks comprises one storey and is nine bays wide. In each bay there is an arched entrance and an arched window. The metal doors and shutters are a later alteration. On the fifth and eighth axes (from the left) there are wide, arched, double metal doors with an arched window on each side. Each bay is spanned by a double relieving arch. The remise built on the barracks also has a brick façade; the entrance is in the central axis.

Valuation

The BOMB-PROOF BARRACKS WITH REMISE of the Lunet at the Snel is of general importance by reason of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Holland Waterline as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially realised from 1815 by him, Jan Blanken and major-engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently strengthened and improved by others for approximately 125 years.

* Architectural-historical values in particular as an expression of military-strategic building, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th century), b. the race with increasingly strengthening offensive means (19th century).

This is a component from 1871-1874, which is an example of a bomb-proof building, covered on all sides - except the throat side - by thick layers of earth.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Holland Waterline. Also by reason of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* The component is representative (characteristic) because it is a good example of a two-storey, bomb-proof, brick building from this period.

* The component is well preserved because it has retained important characteristics from the construction and functional period in its architecture and detailing.