Bomvrij militair object, Werken aan het Spoel Culemborg

English translation

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Description

Cluster 503.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF BUILDING A as an example 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 (brisant) shells, it became increasingly difficult to withstand bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other things by means of arches), shallow angles of inclination and curved or pointed shapes, use of concrete - and later of reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy 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 to absorb or dampen the energy. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete works are provided with a layer of earth or frontal protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of origin - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles to be expected - one spoke of 'bombproof buildings', when they were deemed to be able to withstand a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre. Building A has been restored and given a purpose which is consistent with the semi-public character of the Work at the Spoel.

Description

BOMBPROOF BUILDING A, dating from the period 1875-1880, is located on the northern part of Work at the Spoel and is characterised by a brick facade on the west side. The facade is relatively low and has a sober and functional architecture. At the ends the facade is bevelled at the top; at the ends the slope rises, so that the facade is also bevelled at the bottom here. The facade is laid in English bond and is finished with a course of headers 4 heads high; at the corners the courses are cemented. Arched facade openings. The building is covered by a layer of earth, which obscures from view all sides except the brick facade. The earth layer is applied as protection against projectile impacts. Building A is spatially the counterpart of building D, which is situated on the south side of the fort. The interior in its main layout consists of adjoining, compressed barrel vaults. The various rooms were used as a carriage house, lodgings/shelter, ammunition magazine, officers' quarters, telegraph office and privy.

Valuation:

BOMBPROOF BUILDING A is of general interest because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline 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 for 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 increasingly strengthening offensive means (19th century).

This concerns a component from approximately 1875-1880, namely an example of a brick, earth-covered, bombproof building.

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

* The component is representative (characteristic) because it in appearance exhibits the characteristics which underline the then defensive purpose.

* The component is well preserved because over time it has undergone few essential modifications and has retained the original structure in essence.