Bomvrij militair object, Giessensesteeg 2 a

English translation

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Description

Cluster 79.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF BUILDING / BARRACKS / REMISE (A) as an example of a structure covered by earth on three sides and on top, of which only the facade on the gorge side is visible. 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 fire.

A barracks is a residential building for soldiers and their equipment. It was the French who introduced, in the late 18th and early 19th century, the system of quartering soldiers in barracks; many barracks became part of forts from that time onwards, but alongside this many were also constructed as separate buildings within or outside built-up areas (towns). Buildings housed within 19th-century forts and other works were usually constructed as bombproof shelters, that is to say they were designed to withstand enemy artillery fire. As building material, several metres-thick masonry or (reinforced) concrete was used, while the roof and front side were additionally covered with earth. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other means through the use of arches), shallow slope angles and curved or pointed shapes, use of concrete - and later reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy construction, was one of the ways to keep fortifications capable of resisting increasing attacking force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved to be an effective means of absorbing or dampening energy. This is why many masonry or concrete works are provided with an earth layer or a front protection of sand or earth. The barracks not situated within forts or other works were buildings either specially erected and fitted for that purpose or not, with accommodation for the (permanent) quartering of military personnel, often also provided with other military facilities, such as parade grounds.

In the case of the barracks of Fort Giessen, earth covering of the heavy masonry took place almost all the way around and only the main facade is visible. The barracks are situated to the southwest of and at right angles to the central axis of the fort.

In Fort Giessen there was a poterne (an earth-covered passage) which connected the barracks (A) with the remise (B) situated at the front side of the fort, but the poterne was not (any longer) encountered.

Description

BOMBPROOF BUILDING / BARRACKS / REMISE (A) of Fort Giessen is a structure covered by thick earth on three sides and on top, so that only the facade on the gorge side is visible. The facade, executed in heavy masonry, is two storeys high and comprises five non-identical bays across both storeys and one bay across one storey. As building material, solid barrel-shaped masonry approximately 40-180 cm thick was used. Wood was used for intermediate floors. The bays are determined by lighter coloured brick arches. Apart from the leftmost bay (here a window), arched entrances with mostly windows on either side of non-uniform format throughout. Above almost everywhere three coupled windows. To the left below the sloping side wall lying in line with the facade the sixth bay - this without an upper storey. Next to the rightmost bay a right-angled retaining wall up to the upper storey with above it double wooden sliding doors as access to a remise. Furthermore attached wooden doors and double shutters; in the gable a carved stone inscription "Giessen". The interior was not visited, but from photographs it is known that many elements have been preserved.

Valuation

The BOMBPROOF BUILDING / BARRACKS / REMISE (A) of Fort Giessen 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 strengthened and improved by others over approximately 125 years.

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

This concerns here a component from around 1880, namely an example of an earth-covered bombproof building, possibly previously provided with a poterne to a nearby remise.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Holland Waterline in general and because of the functional, but exceptional, limited physical coherence with the other components of the New Holland Waterline.

* The component is fairly representative because it displays in appearance the characteristics that underscore the then defensive purpose.

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