Bomvrij militair object, Fort Everdingen Culemborg

English translation

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Description

Cluster 501.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

REMISE WITH SHELTER AND STORAGE SPACES / BOMBPROOF BUILDING A2 (southeast bastion) of a type that is covered with earth on three sides and on top. 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 bombardment. Strengthening of brickwork, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (including by means of arches), shallow angles of inclination and curved or pointed shapes, use of concrete and later reinforced concrete in increasingly heavy construction, was one way to keep fortifications resistant to increasing attack force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved to be an effective means of absorbing or damping 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 'bombproof buildings' was used when they were considered capable of withstanding a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre guns.

Description

Three-storey REMISE WITH SHELTER AND STORAGE SPACES / BOMBPROOF BUILDING A2 on the southeast part of Fort Everdingen, characterised by a brick facade on the west side divided in two sections, which recedes sharply on the upper storey. The upper storey has its own entrances, which are accessible via an entrance that runs over the roof of the ground floor. The intermediate storey has no facade. The building, realised around 1880, is covered by a layer of earth, which conceals all sides except the brick facades from view. The layer of earth was applied as protection against projectile impacts. Both single-storey facades are relatively high and display sober and functional architecture. At the ends, the lower facade is partly hidden behind the sloping earth bank; the upper facade is bevelled on both sides, also in connection with the earth bank. The facade openings—entrances and window openings—are arched and feature mainly iron fastenings. On the right side a concrete gun emplacement from 1907.

The interior was not visited.

Valuation

The three-storey REMISE WITH SHELTER AND STORAGE SPACES / BOMBPROOF BUILDING A2 of Fort Everdingen is of general interest because 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 over approximately 125 years.

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

This concerns a component from around 1880, namely an example of a brick, earth-covered, bombproof building.

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

* The component is representative (characteristic) because in its appearance it displays the characteristics that emphasise its former defensive purpose.

* The component is well preserved because it has undergone little substantial alteration over time and has retained its original structure.