Militair verblijfsgebouw, Fort aan de Uppelse Dijk Werkendam (Altena 30)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 80.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF BUILDING E as representative of a type of bombproof structures provided with an earth covering on three sides and on top and possessing only a facade on the gorge side. Bombproof building E is situated on the west side of the fort, between building C and the small, semi-circular bastion which disappeared during the construction of the A 27 motorway. With the increase in the range of artillery, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive power of (brisance) grenades it became increasingly difficult to withstand bombardment. Thickening of brickwork, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (amongst other things by means of arches and vaults), shallow slope angles and curved or conversely pointed forms, use of concrete - and later of reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy execution, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing attack power. Furthermore, the application of earth coverings had proved to be a good means to absorb or dampen the energy of impacts. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete structures were provided with an earth layer or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thereby of the expected impact force of projectiles - 'bombproof buildings' were spoken of when they were deemed to be able to withstand a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre. Access door later inserted in a reduced frame.

Description

BOMBPROOF BUILDING E, situated to the west on the fort, is a brick structure covered on three sides and on top with earth, of which only the approximately 17 metre long north facade is visible. The bombproof building E is executed in brick, has a sober form, virtually without plastic or characteristics of articulation. On the left a facade part sloping off as a retaining wall. A limited number of facade openings, including a later modified access under roll-mouldings arched and to the right of this a window closed by an iron shutter. The interior has not been inspected.

Valuation

The BOMBPROOF BUILDING E of the Fort on the Uppelse Dijk / Fort Altena is of general importance on account of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Holland 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 strengthened and improved over approximately 125 years.

* 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 around 1880, namely an example of an earth-protected, bombproof building.

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

* The component is representative because it is a good example of a bombproof accommodation on a fort from the last quarter of the 19th century.

* The component is well-preserved because diverse characteristics in the exterior have been retained and remain recognisable.