Militair verblijfsgebouw, Utrechtseweg bij 351

English translation

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Description

Cluster 37. Concrete observation post with access airlock (1916).

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

CONCRETE OBSERVATION POST WITH ACCESS AIRLOCK (1916) of the complex Works at Griftensteijn, as an element added to the defence line during the period 1914-1918. Mention is sometimes made of two built examples in the complex Works at Griftensteijn; it is certain that one lies in the northern part of the complex. This example is located in the rampart, slightly southeast of the southernmost of the row of four Group Shelters Type P located to the east of the rampart. One of the important functions in military operations or works was that of observing any (enemy) movements or actions. To this end, lookout posts were traditionally set up, whereby a high position, whether concealed or covered, was favoured. Natural heights, various towers, hot air balloons and aircraft were frequently used as such. Some types of observation posts could be moved, but obviously this was not the case when existing buildings were used for this purpose. Covered observation posts were applied in various forms, with the use of earth and wood and eventually iron, stone and (reinforced) concrete being the most reliable. The latter material was used, among other places, on Fort Ruigenhoek and on the Fort at Asperen, where during the First World War experiments were conducted with this then still new material. The type of observation post used at Griftenstein shows much similarity with that of Fort Ruigenhoek. They are both of a rare type. Concrete observation posts were considered 'grenade-proof' spaces. During the restoration of the complex Works at Griftensteijn (c. 2015) the observation post was (temporarily) removed from view.

Description

CONCRETE OBSERVATION POST WITH ACCESS AIRLOCK (1916) of the complex Works at Griftensteijn, dating from the period 1914-1918, located in the northern part of the work approximately 50 m from the Utrechtseweg. Another may possibly be located in the southern half of the complex. This type of observation post has a monolithic construction of reinforced concrete with a roof of approximately 1.00 metre thickness. Through a round opening in the roof a periscope could be inserted. A short, separately attached access airlock of thin-walled reinforced concrete leads to the interior of the observation post.

Valuation

The (localised) CONCRETE OBSERVATION POST WITH ACCESS AIRLOCK of the complex Works at Griftensteijn is of general importance because of:

* Cultural-historical values, as part of the New Holland Waterline as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially from 1815 realised 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 architecture, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th and 20th centuries), b. the race with strengthening offensive means (19th and 20th centuries), c. the system of 'living' field fortification (20th century).

This concerns an example of a reinforced concrete observation post from the second decade of the 20th century.

* 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 extremely rare as a scarce surviving example of a military concrete experiment for series manufacture of this type of defensive aid.

* The component is presumably reasonably well preserved, but it is difficult to recognise in the field.