Militaire opslagplaats, De Bilt

English translation

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Description

Cluster 31. Consumables Magazine H.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

CONSUMABLES MAGAZINE H 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 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 bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among others by means of arches), shallow slope angles and curved or conversely pointed forms, use of concrete - and later of reinforced concrete - in progressively heavier execution, was one of the ways to maintain the fortifications against increasing offensive force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved 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 front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - the term 'bomb-proof buildings' was used, when they were thought to be capable of withstanding a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre. On Fort Ruigenhoek, several, more or less comparable, bomb-proof structures were created, including consumables magazine H, to the east of guardhouse A. A counterpart is formed by consumables magazine G, to the northwest of guardhouse A. These buildings date from the period 1870 / 1880.

Description

CONSUMABLES MAGAZINE H of Fort Ruigenhoek, (identical with and counterpart of magazine G) is situated to the east of guardhouse A and is earthed on three sides and on top. The front facade is situated on the southwest side (gorge side) and has two forward-bent, sloping wing walls. The facade contains in the centre an arched entrance with door, with on either side two openings placed one above the other. The facades are finished with braiding and freestone elements.

Valuation

CONSUMABLES MAGAZINE H of Fort Ruigenhoek is of general importance because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline 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 for approximately 125 years.

* Architectural-historical values, in particular as an expression of military-strategic building construction, 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 is an example of a bomb-proof storage room for munitions from the period 1870 / 1880.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline. Also because of the functional and physical cohesion with the other parts of the complex and in particular as counterpart of magazine G.

* The component is representative (characteristic) because it displays in appearance the characteristics that underline the defensive purpose of the time.

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