Bomvrij militair object, Voordorpsedijk bij 28

English translation

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Description

Cluster 35. Bomb-proof building E / consumables magazine.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMB-PROOF BUILDING E / CONSUMABLES MAGAZINE of Fort Voordorp, situated to the northwest of Barracks A, located on the (north)western bastion, earth-covered, bomb-proof structure. A consumables magazine is a storage facility for ammunition. 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 means through the use of arches), shallow angle slopes and curved or conversely pointed forms, use of concrete - and later reinforced concrete - in progressively heavier execution, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing attack force. Moreover, the application of earth coverings proved to be an effective means of absorbing or dampening energy. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete structures were provided with an earth layer or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - reference was made to 'bomb-proof buildings' when they were considered capable of withstanding a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre. Bomb-proof building E forms - given the orientation of the visible facade (southwest) - part of the original structures constructed on the fort in 1869-1870.

Description

The BOMB-PROOF BUILDING E / CONSUMABLES MAGAZINE of Fort Voordorp is located to the northwest of building A and is earth-banked on three sides. The brick front facade (southwest) is asymmetrical in layout with two projecting sloping wing walls, of which the right one is perpendicular to the front facade and the left one at an angle of 45 degrees. The facade contains a round-arched entrance, surrounded by an equally round-arched stretcher course. On either side small, rectangular ventilation openings with steel flaps are installed. The wing walls are fitted with interlacing and feature hardstone elements.

Valuation

The BOMB-PROOF BUILDING E / CONSUMABLES MAGAZINE of Fort Voordorp is of general interest because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially realised from 1815 by him, Jan Blanken and Major-engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently reinforced and improved by others over approximately 125 years.

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

This concerns a component from approximately 1870, as an example of an earth-covered, brick, bomb-proof structure, dating from the first construction period of the fort.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline. 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 features that emphasise the defensive purpose of the time.

* The component is fairly well preserved because the structure is in virtually the same condition as it was around 1880 and possesses authentic and/or originally executed components and details.