Militaire opslagplaats, Fort Ruigenhoek Groenekan (De Bilt 26)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 31. Remise D.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATER LINE

Introduction

REMISE D 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 remise D, to the east of barracks B, near the north-eastern bastion. These buildings date from the period 1870 / 1880.

Description

REMISE D of Fort Ruigenhoek, with three compartments - and thereby relatively large - lies against the north-eastern and is earthed on three sides and on top. The front facade (south-west, throat side) has a wing wall sloping down at the sides with wattling. The right one is bent and projects forwards. The facade contains two round-arch shaped entrances with double doors and a segmental-arch shaped entrance with double door with windows on either side. The remise served as an emplacement for gun muzzles and contains on the left a shelter for troops.

Valuation

The REMISE D 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 an example of a relatively large remise, consisting of three separate compartments.

* 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.