Bomvrij militair object, Fort Honswijk Schalkwijk (Houten 26)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 61. Remise F and remise annex casemate M/bombproof buildings.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

REMISE F and REMISE ANNEX CASEMATE M / BOMBPROOF BUILDINGS as shelters protected by an earthen covering against projectile impacts. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive power of (brisance) grenades it became increasingly difficult to withstand bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (including by means of arches), shallow slopes and curved or pointed forms, use of concrete - and later reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy execution, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing offensive power. 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 works are provided with an earthen layer or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - the term 'bombproof buildings' was used when they were deemed to be resistant to a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre.

Description

Situated on the northeastern bastion, adjoining and covered with earth, REMISE F and REMISE ANNEX CASEMATE M / BOMBPROOF BUILDINGS, from the period 1878-1882, and 1883 respectively. In the 20th century both remises were provided with a new, masonry facade.

Valuation

REMISE F and REMISE ANNEX CASEMATE M / BOMBPROOF BUILDINGS on Fort Honswijk are of general interest because of:

* Cultural historical values as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially from 1815 realised 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 architecture, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th century), b. the competition with increasingly strengthening offensive means (19th century).

This concerns two components from the period 1878-1883, which are examples of adjoining, bombproof remises, one of which is executed with a casemate.

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

* The components are reasonably well preserved because characteristic components and the mutual coherence of both remises have been retained and remain recognisable.