Thursday, April 26, 2012

a bridge with a difference in the Netherlands


In Moses fashion, with this bridge the waters part and you can walk across; this 'sunken bridge' located in the Netherlands gives visitors a unique way to access a beautiful 17th century Dutch fort. Designed by RO & AD Architects, the bridge is made from sustainable Accsys Technologies Accoya wood, which is both FSC and PEFC certified. 

A series of moats and fortresses were built over the West Brabant Water Line region of the Netherlands during the 17th century in order to provide protection from invasion by France and Spain. Fort de Roovere was surrounded with a shallow moat that was too deep to march across, and too shallow for boats. In turn the earthen fort had remained protected.

From afar, the Moses Bridge is almost invisible. The flow of the moat appears continuous, as the water level remains the same, reflecting the surrounding foliage. As visitors approach the fort, the bridge appears as a break in the water with its sloping walls containing it.

First lying flush with the earth, the bridge then descends deeper into the ground. Lined with wood sheet piling for walls, the deck and stairs sit between. The bridge and its components have been made from sustainable hardwood that is Cradle to Cradle Gold certified. The Accoya wood is also treated with a nontoxic coating, protecting it from fungal decay and increasing its durability — an ideal material for a sunken bridge.

(thanks to Bert for sending this in)

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