Bomvrij militair object, Werk aan het Spoel Culemborg

English translation

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Description

Cluster 503.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF BUILDING D 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) grenades, it became increasingly difficult to withstand bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (including by means of arches), shallow slope angles and curved or conversely pointed forms, use of concrete - and later of reinforced concrete - in progressively heavier execution, was one of the ways to keep fortifications resistant to increasing attacking power. Moreover, the application of earth coverings had proven to be an effective means of absorbing or dampening energy. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete works are provided with an earth layer or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - one spoke of 'bombproof buildings', when they were deemed capable of withstanding a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre fire. Building D has been restored.

Description

BOMBPROOF BUILDING D is located on the southern part of Werk aan het Spoel and is characterised by a brick facade on the west side. This facade is relatively low and has a plain and functional architecture. At the ends the facade is bevelled at the top; at the ends the slope rises, whereby the facade here is also bevelled at the bottom. The facade is laid in cross-bond and is finished with a roll-course 4 heads high; at the corners the roll-courses are cemented. On the right in the facade two arched entrances with iron doors and on either side of these facade openings with iron shutters. On the left side a large arched entrance with double iron doors and likewise a smaller one, with single iron door. The building is covered by an earth layer, which conceals all sides except the brick facade from view. The earth layer has been applied as protection against impacts of projectiles. Building D is spatially the counterpart of building A on the northern part of the work. The interior consists in its main layout of adjoining compressed barrel vaults. The various rooms were used as accommodation/shelter, ammunition magazine, detention cell, sick bay and privy.

Valuation

BOMBPROOF BUILDING D is of general importance 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 by others over approximately 125 years reinforced and improved.

* 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 powerful 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 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 exhibits the characteristics that emphasise the defensive purpose of the time.

* The component is well preserved because over time it has undergone few significant alterations and has retained its original structure in its essentials.