22 POMPEJUS TOWER, HALSTEREN, THE NETHERLANDS
Using a set of algorithms, Geometria transformed the digital 3D model into factory-friendly blueprints which were used to fabricate a full set of flat- packed timber elements with instructions
idea of using a design that “established an aesthetic link with nature”.
From local to global PROJECT FACTFILE
Wood: Accoya (acetylated Radiata Pine) Location: Fort de Roovere, Halsteren, the Netherlands Wood engineering: Geometria, Finland
Construction date: December 2017 Opening date: March 2018 Client: Municipality of Bergen op Zoom Builder: Adviesbureau Lüning Contractors: Berghbouw, De Kok Bouwgroep, De News Soffers Carpentry: VKP Bouw Cost: €1.4m
Geometria Architecture, a Finnish digital design practice, discussing a solution that they had devised that the RO&AD architects realised could be applied to the construction conundrum at Pompejus Tower. Using a set of algorithms, Geometria transformed the tower’s digital 3D model into factory-friendly blueprints which were used to fabricate a full set of flat-packed timber elements with matching instructions, allowing virtually anyone to assemble them by hand. This method not only reduced labour costs, it inspired a sense of ownership of the tower and a consciousness of the locale’s rich heritage among volunteers. Part of the tower’s complexity rests in the combination of a steel frame made up of triangles overlaid by timber cladding panels forming a ‘Voronoi’ pattern (similar to a giraffe’s spots). The fragmented design made for components which could more easily be manufactured, shipped and mounted together by unskilled volunteers. The pattern obscures the triangular framework beneath, signalling timber as the key material, and slits between the facade panels naturally illuminate the tower’s interior while allowing users to observe the surrounding scenery from varying heights.
These panels are glazed at the levels of the visitor centre and storage area, shielding the interiors from the weather. As well as the more practical benefits, Kil also liked the
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
The new tower had its official opening in March 2018, with a christening of the open-air theatre featuring live traditional music, and an audience from the local community unanimous in their praise of the new, somewhat defiant monument. The municipality have since been busy curating a steady programme of performances from regional theatre groups for the summer, with the intention of further cementing the fort’s place in the future local cultural scene. Carved into the steps of the tower for all to see are the names of individual donors and businesses who contributed help and expertise to the project, which is likely to receive visitors from across the globe, in the same way the Moses Bridge has, as Kil explains. “The bridge is featured in the Chinese ‘Top 10 sights to see in the Netherlands’ guide” – leading to significant numbers of Chinese tourists coming to Halsteren each year.
The family of additions at Fort de Roovere continues to grow, with a new timber entrance bridge currently under construction which will recreate the bridge access of the original defences. Kil says that, compared with its counterparts, “this one won’t be a special thing – just a nice wooden bridge.” However modest it is, with sensitive placement into its historical context and the architects’ embracing of innovative and inclusive methods, it’s sure to be a key component of the ongoing success of this site. That success is largely down to carefully-conceived timber buildings re-energising a community’s connection with their built environment, and its past.
ADF AUGUST 2018
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
