Fort, vesting en -onderdelen, Fort bij het Steurgat Werkendam (Altena 30)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 82.

Introduction

BRICK ARTILLERY SHED as a non-bombproof component of the Fort bij het Steurgat. In various locations within and outside fort grounds, over the course of decades, wooden, stone and metal ('tin') sheds have been constructed to serve as (provisional or permanent) storage, warehousing, accommodation for people or material, hospital, fire station, horse stable, guardhouse, etc. A large part of these sheds has since perished, been demolished or relocated, but others still exist in situ. Sometimes these are simple structures of small size, but there are also more complex and larger examples. This brick artillery shed, which was built along the access road at the gorge side of the Fort bij het Steurgat, was restored during the change of use and reorganisation of the fort.

Description

BRICK ARTILLERY SHED of the Fort bij het Steurgat, located to the north of the fort at the access road. The shed, situated at the gorge side of the fort, parallel to this road, was presumably built in the early 20th century as a successor to an earlier (wooden) example. The shed measures approximately 20 x 9 metres and is thus medium-sized. The shed is covered by a gabled roof laid with red tiles and some overhang. The façades are built of brick. Both long façades are divided by pilasters and are five window bays wide. The northwestern gable façade has above the brick storey white painted, horizontal boarding, ending under simple wind-bracing with collar-tie. This façade contains an arched access, provided with tall, double clamped wooden slatted doors with sturdy iron hinges. At loft level also double-executed, smaller doors. Brick sheds of this size are relatively scarce within the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie.

Valuation

The BRICK ARTILLERY SHED of the Fort bij het Steurgat is of general interest because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie as it was designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially realised from 1815 by him, Jan Blanken and major-engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently reinforced and improved by others over approximately 125 years.

* Architectural-historical values, in particular as an expression of wooden buildings related to military-strategic building practice, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th century), b. the race with increasingly strengthening offensive means (19th/20th century).

This concerns a component that presumably dates from the early 20th century, namely a brick artillery shed.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* The component is representative and fairly rare because it is an example of a stone shed of an uncommon type built in the immediate vicinity of a fortification.

* The component is reasonably well preserved thanks also to restoration because main form and building technical detailing, as well as various components have remained recognisable.