Bijgebouwen, De Bilt

English translation

The text above is the record as published by the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, in Dutch. The English below is a machine translation made by TreeAlive, not by the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed; it has not been checked by a person. Where the two differ, the original is the record. Report a translation error: privacy@treealive.com

Description

Cluster 31. Double Remise C.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATER LINE

Introduction

DOUBLE REMISE C of Fort Ruigenhoek as an example of a structure covered with earth on three sides and on top, of which only the facade on the throat side is visible. 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. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other things by means of arches), shallow angles of inclination and curved or pointed forms, use of concrete - and later reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy construction, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications able to withstand increasing attack force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings had proven to be a good means of absorbing or dampening energy. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete structures are provided with an earth layer or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thereby the expected impact force of projectiles - the term 'bombproof buildings' was used, when they were deemed to be able to withstand a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre. At Fort Ruigenhoek, several, more or less comparable, bombproof structures were created, including this relatively large, double remise C, to the north-west of barracks B and at the north-western bastion. These buildings date from the period 1870 / 1880.

Description

DOUBLE REMISE C of Fort Ruigenhoek, with powder magazines, located to the north-west of barracks B, executed with ground floor and basement. On the ground floor is the double remise. The building is earthed with the exception of the front facade on the south-west side (throat side); this is articulated by masonry segmental arches. A simple cast-iron staircase leads to the basement, in which the powder magazines are housed. Furthermore, an open lift is present. The interior is executed with wooden internal doors. The component is virtually intact.

Valuation

The DOUBLE REMISE C of Fort Ruigenhoek is of general interest because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Hollandic Water Line as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially from 1815 realised 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 (nineteenth century), b. the race with strengthening offensive means (nineteenth century).

This is a virtually intact example of a storage facility with powder magazines, over two storeys.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Hollandic Water Line. 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 which emphasise the defensive purpose of that time.

* The component is reasonably well preserved because it has undergone little fundamental modifications over time and has retained the original structure.