Bomvrij militair object, Fort Giessen Giessen (Altena 30)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 79.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF BUILDING / REMISE (B) 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. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of impacts of projectiles and the explosive force of (brisance) grenades it became increasingly difficult to offer resistance to bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, (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, were ways to keep the 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. 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. Several bombproof structures were constructed on Fort Giessen, including this remise at the front side of the work, to the southeast of the barracks. Part of the earth covering of the structure was later used for the construction of a dam in the fort ditch.

Description

BOMBPROOF BUILDING / REMISE (B), situated almost centrally on the south-east side (front side) of Fort Giessen, and characterised by a brick facade on the north-west side. The building, realised around 1880, is covered by an (no longer entirely present) earth layer, which conceals from view all sides except the brick facade. The earth layer was applied as protection against impacts of projectiles. The two-storey facade has a sober and functional architecture, double sliding doors on the ground floor and a door with windows on the slightly recessed upper storey. These facade openings are arched and have wooden closures. At the ends the facade is partly concealed behind the sloping earth covering. The building served as a remise, shelter and gunpowder and projectile magazine. The interior was not visited.

Valuation

The BOMBPROOF BUILDING / REMISE (B) 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 a bombproof storage place for equipment and ammunition.

* 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 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.