Militair wachtgebouw, De Bilt

English translation

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Description

Cluster 31. Shellproof guardhouse A.

NEW HOLLAND WATER LINE

Introduction

SHELLPROOF GUARDHOUSE A of Fort Ruigenhoek, earthed over on three sides and on top, a masonry structure on the southwest side of the fort and dating from 1870. A shellproof guardhouse is a shelter with facilities for personnel and their equipment that is resistant to impacts from projectiles of a predefined calibre. 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 masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other means through arches), shallow incline angles and curved or pointed forms, use of concrete and later reinforced concrete in increasingly heavy constructions, was one way to keep fortifications resistant to increasing attack force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved to be an effective means to absorb or dampen energy. This is 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 thus the expected impact force of projectiles - one spoke of 'shellproof buildings' when they were considered resistant to a predefined number of impacts from heavy calibre weapons. The shellproof guardhouse of Fort Ruigenhoek stands facing the bridge/access to the structure and is in good condition. A remarkable feature is formed by the central, set well back, second storey on a limited part of the structure.

Description

SHELLPROOF GUARDHOUSE A (1870), located on the southwest side of the fort, opposite the access bridge. The rectangular, fairly large building is - with the exception of the southwest facade at the gorge side of the work - earthed over. This facade has nine bays and is articulated by arched arches and pilasters, which are doubled on the outer sides and transition there into sloping retaining walls. In the middle bay a double entrance door; most other bays furnished with two arched facade openings, accentuated with natural stone and provided with shutters. Centrally an added, small storey set back with access through right-angled retaining walls, containing a broad staircase to the roof of the building for its defenders. On top further a number of masonry chimneys and/or ventilation ducts. The interior comprises approximately seventeen rooms and retains a large part of the original details, such as drip pipes, doors and small doors for closing off the ventilation ducts and a cast iron staircase.

Valuation

The GUARDHOUSE A of Fort Ruigenhoek is of general importance because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Holland Water Line 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 design, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (nineteenth century), b. the race with increasingly reinforced offensive means (nineteenth century).

This concerns a component from around 1870, which is an example of an earth-covered, brick, shellproof structure.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Holland Water Line. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* The component is representative (characteristic) because its appearance exhibits the characteristics that underline the defensive purpose of that time.

* The component is well preserved because the structure is in virtually the condition in which it was around 1880 and because it still has various authentic components and details.