Go through the water dry

As most of the Netherlands lies below sea level, the country has always had to defend itself against the water. However, the power of water was also harnessed. With the help of their “secret weapon”, the Dutch Waterline, the Dutch fended off enemies in times of war by deliberately causing flooding.

At the end of the 16th century, seven provinces of what is now the Netherlands united and broke away from the dominance of Philip II of Spain. In addition to the dykes that defended against the sea, they also built protective zones against enemies. Where nature was not a barrier, they added fortified towns and sometimes forts, and a network of defensive strips and fortifications developed. In 1628, the West Brabantse Waterline was created as a line of defense, in which a number of towns and villages were fortified and connected with sand and stone ramparts. In case of defense, the land in front of these ramparts was flooded. In the 19th century, the fortifications fell into disrepair and were forgotten. Today, tourists have rediscovered these structures with their recreational opportunities. Each of the forts is used in a different way, for example as a campsite, wine cellar, museum, restaurant or nature reserve.

Invisible bridge over the moat

The West Brabantse Waterlinie includes the fortress Fort de Roovere. The fort now serves as a recreational area and several cycling and walking routes run past it. When the waterline was restored, a bridge also had to be built over the fort’s moat. As it is highly unusual to build a bridge over a defensive moat – especially on the enemy side – a conventional construction method was ruled out. Instead, the aim was to design a bridge that would blend in well with the fortress and retain the original character of the defensive structure. We, the architectural firm RO&AD from Bergen op Zoom in the Netherlands, therefore designed an invisible bridge that leads into the center of the fortress. The bridge is made of wood that has been waterproofed with the help of a rubber film. It runs through the fortress and the moat like a joint. The bridge is not visible from a distance because the topsoil and water reach right up to the top edge of the railings. If you approach the bridge, you can see the fortress through a narrow gap.

Through the water with blinkers on

A different impression is created at each point of the bridge. From the bridgehead, you have a wonderful view of the surrounding area. If you descend the steps, the high railings act like blinkers and you can only see straight ahead. On the bridge itself, visitors are surrounded by water and yet remain dry. You can reach your hands into the water as it splashes against the railings. The scene is somewhat reminiscent of Moses, who once parted the waters of the Red Sea so that his people could flee dry-shod from Pharaoh’s chariots.

Translated from the English by Simon Herr