Vlotwateringbrug

Limpens was part of the design process for the Vlotwateringbridge, which is now under construction and is expected for completion by the summer. The bridge creates a passage over the Vlotwtering, which is currently an important route for several species of bats.

The bat bridge becomes part of the Poelzone, an elongated area in the Westland between the existing centers of 's-Gravenzande, Naaldwijk and Monster. Along the waterway a new green recreational zone with natural banks and spawn sites for fish will be realized. The landscape design by LOLA Landscape is made to strengthen the existing green and ecological connections in which natural and recreational values ​​complement each other.

Crossing the Vlotwatering the new bridge winds in a surprising way between two existing parcels and marks the entrance of the Poelzone. At the highest point, the bridge makes a turn for a clear view of the area. The wooden lamellas provide openness to the natural banks along the water. For the continuity of the route the bridge is visually extended and the profile and materials of the bicycle-pedestrian path are identical as used in the park.

The construction consists of a concrete arch which spans 25 meters. The mass of the concrete provides a stable and pleasant climate for bats. The bridge has three specific bridge components that provide roost for different bat species. At the north side the abutment functions as a winter stay​​. The deck and the brick balustrade accommodate stays for bats during the summer. The bridge design is intended to constitute the ideal habitat for various species of bats, so that a large colony will grow around the bridge.

PROJECT DATA

Project: Vlotwateringbrug
Type/Program: Bridge
Location: Monster,  The Netherlands
Span: 25 meters
Cost/Value: € 700.000
Status: Under construction
Preliminary design: Jan 2014
Final design: Mar 2014
Start building: Dec 2014
Completion: Aug 2015
Client: Municipality of Wateringen
Architect: NEXT architects
Team: Bart Reuser, Marijn Schenk, Michel Schreinemachers, Jurriaan Hillerström, Sylvia Hendriks, Luuc Sonke, Anne Hilgers, Anna Korzeniowska
Advisor construction: Pieters Bouwtechniek Haarlem (Frank Meijer)
Advisor cost: Laan Bouwkostenadvies (Theo Laan)
Advisor ecology: Zoogdiervereniging  (Herman Limpens)
Contractor: Kroes aannemingsbedrijf B.V.