Militaire opslagplaats, De Bilt

English translation

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Description

Cluster 31. Consumption Magazine F.

NEW HOLLAND WATER LINE

Introduction

CONSUMPTION MAGAZINE F of Fort Ruigenhoek, as an example of a building covered with earth on three sides and on top, of which only the façade on the gorge 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 bombardments. 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 execution, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing attack power. Furthermore, the application of earth coverings had proven to be a good means to absorb or dampen energy. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete works are provided with a layer of earth or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - the term 'bombproof buildings' was used when they were considered to be resistant to a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre. At Fort Ruigenhoek, several, more or less comparable, bombproof structures were built, including Consumption Magazine F, east of barracks B and in the wall at the transition from curtain to northeastern bastion. These buildings date from the period 1870 / 1880.

Description

CONSUMPTION MAGAZINE F of Fort Ruigenhoek, (1870 / 1880) is situated to the northeast behind guard building B and is covered with earth on three sides and on top. The front façade on the southwest side (gorge side) has two bent, descending wing walls projecting forward. The façade contains in the centre a round arch-shaped entrance with door, with on either side two openings placed one above the other. The façades are finished with wattling and hard stone elements.

Valuation

CONSUMPTION MAGAZINE F of Fort Ruigenhoek is of general interest 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 architecture, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (nineteenth century), b. the competition with increasingly strengthened offensive means (nineteenth century).

This is an example of a bombproof storage room for ammunition from the period 1870 / 1880.

* 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 in its appearance it displays the characteristics that emphasise the defence purpose of the time.

* The component is fairly well preserved because it has undergone little essential modifications in the course of time and has retained its original structure.