Bomvrij militair object, Kapeldwarsweg 18 C

English translation

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Description

Cluster 33. Bomb-proof Barracks C.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMB-PROOF BARRACKS C as built in 1874, earth-covered main component of Fort Blauwkapel. A barracks is a residential building for soldiers and their equipment. It was the French who at the end of the 18th, beginning of the 19th century introduced the system of housing soldiers in barracks; barracks became from that time part of forts, but in addition many have been established as separate structures within or outside built-up areas (cities). The barracks buildings situated within 19th-century forts and other structures were usually constructed as bomb-proof accommodation, that is to say they were intended to withstand enemy fire. Metre-thick masonry was initially used as building material and later (reinforced) concrete, while the roof covering and front side(s) were furthermore covered with earth. Barracks not situated within forts or other structures were buildings erected and fitted specially for that purpose or not, with accommodation for the (permanent) quartering of military personnel, often also provided with other military facilities, such as parade grounds. The barracks building C of Fort Blauwkapel is situated on the north-eastern bastion of the fort and belongs to the buildings covered on three sides and on top with earth, bomb-proof structures. The only visible facade faces south-south-west (gorge side). The barracks building was restored and refitted in the years 2008-09 to be rented out as residential units. The roughly comparable barracks building B, on the north-eastern bastion, no longer exists.

Description

BOMB-PROOF BARRACKS C (1874) of Fort Blauwkapel, erected in fair-faced masonry, covered with earth layers. In the facade eight arched entrances with on either side respectively one arched window; all facade openings provided with shutters. The otherwise flat, one-storey facade ends with a sloping retaining wall. In the interior vaulted spaces, some of which are undercellared. Bomb-proof barracks built in 1874 - see facade stone - on the north-east side of the fort. The whole erected in fair-faced masonry with raked joints is covered with earth layers and in original state on the right side and the back side completely surrounded by earth. Short left side facade provided with several openings / loopholes. In the main facade are 8 entrances with on either side respectively two windows. Each door with the two windows is set within a built-in rounded arch, which indicates the space behind it. Sandstone closing and other stones form a decorative element of doors and window openings. The interior consists of 8 vaulted spaces, of which the rearmost (east side) is somewhat smaller in area and is undercellared (this space originally served as a privy). The vaulted spaces are connected to each other via modest openings - situated directly behind the front facade. Per two vaults ventilation channels have been installed. The doors and window shutters are all original.

The BOMB-PROOF BARRACKS C of Fort Blauwkapel is of general interest because of:

* Cultural historical values as part of the New Holland Waterline as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially from 1815 realized by him, Jan Blanken and Major-Engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently by others for approximately 125 years strengthened and improved.

* Architectural historical values, in particular as an expression of military-strategic building, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th century), b. the competition with increasingly strengthening offensive means (19th century).

This concerns a component from 1874, as an example of an earth-covered, brick, bomb-proof structure.

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

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

* The component is fairly well preserved, in part because the structure after restoration in its exterior is in virtually the condition in which it was around 1875.