Bomvrij militair object, Fort Honswijk Schalkwijk (Houten 26)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 61. Ammunition depot H/bombproof building (powder and projectile magazine and workshop).

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

AMMUNITION DEPOT H / BOMBPROOF BUILDING (powder and projectile magazine and workshop) as a shelter secured against projectile impacts by an earth covering. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive power of (brisant) grenades, it became increasingly difficult to withstand bombardment. Reinforcement of brickwork, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other things by means of arches), gentle slopes and curved or pointed forms, use of concrete - and later of reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy construction, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing attack force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings had proven to be an effective means of absorbing or dampening the energy. This is the reason 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 origin - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - one spoke of 'bombproof buildings' when they were considered to be capable of withstanding a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre.

Description

Covered by earthwork, AMMUNITION DEPOT H / BOMBPROOF BUILDING (powder and projectile magazine and workshop), from 1878. The ammunition depot lies opposite the access postern, centrally on the fort grounds. The ammunition depot has a five-bay wide facade constructed in brick. Each bay comprises an arched door under a segmental arch relieving arch with keystone, flanked by a small arched window with shutter. The bays are spanned by a triple brick relieving arch. The middle and right bay are - with the exception of the small windows - bricked up; the left bay is provided with a new door.

Valuation

AMMUNITION DEPOT H / BOMBPROOF BUILDING (powder and projectile magazine and workshop) of Fort Honswijk is of general importance on account 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 by others over approximately 125 years strengthened and improved.

* 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 race with strengthening offensive means (19th century).

This is a component from the period 1878-1882 that is an example of a bombproof depot for projectiles together with workshop.

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

* The component is relatively rare because different functions are recognizably housed within one building.

* The component is well preserved because characteristic components have been retained and remain recognizable.