It is a unique monument that serves as a walkable lookout tower and commemorates the historically significant event that occurred on April 1, 1572, leading to the liberation of Brielle from Spanish occupation and the establishment of the Dutch Republic. Annually celebrated, the wooden tower not only functions as a stage but also revitalizes and opens up the previously overlooked site, allowing the public to engage with its historical significance.
The 3D timber structure of the monument consists of wooden beams arranged in an irregular orthogonal grid. These beams are aligned with the historic brick foundation of the former North Gate of the Bastion.
The height and shape of the structure are based on historical drawings of the old gate, and prominent diagonals form an expansive X-shape within the framework, providing support for both the stairs, and wind stability.
Visitors are guided by the stairs to an observation deck, which is positioned within the core of the tower on a central suspended platform. To minimize the impact on the historical foundation, the material of choice is Accoya wood, which is a durable acid-treated pine suitable for outdoor applications.
To maintain a traditional aesthetic and reduce the reliance on steel components, the structure is designed with traditional carpentry joints. However, this required a modern interpretation and digital fabrication methods, which introduced a high level of complexity.
Summum Engineering provided structural engineering expertise and detailed joint specifications, influencing both the precise beam structure and the diverse implementation of joints in the 3D model. To optimize material usage, wood profile dimensions were adapted based on local structural loads.
The careful fabrication modeling process created a precise timber 3D model with around 2000 unique pieces and 5000 joints. Each piece got its own code for easy identification, tracking its location from fabrication to construction. A careful check made sure each connection met the requirements, highlighting the focus on precision when moving forward to fabrication.
Geometria’s custom-built file exporter made it easy to accurately export the hundreds of unique timber pieces directly for fabrication. These pieces were then manufactured using Hundegger timber CNC machines by TimberFrame Oy in Kuhmo, Finland. The fabrication process was a seamless transition from the digital model to the factory floor.
For the timber fabrication, parts were arranged efficiently on longer timber pieces, reducing material waste and ensuring optimal use of resources. This nesting process significantly saved on timber material.
Van Hese Infra took on the final assembly, akin to solving a giant puzzle at the site. Geometria supplied a large number of assembly and construction drawings for the project. Furthermore, builders could use the detailed 3D BIM-model on-site, providing crucial support in constructing this three-dimensional complex monument.
The timber structure incorporates a sound feature and text engravings to convey additional insights into the site’s history. Night-time illumination enhances the visual aesthetics and highlights the complexity of the beam structure. Overall, the 1.April monument is an intricately designed and historically significant timber tower accessible to the public.
Client: Municipality of Voorne aan Zee (former Municipality of Brielle)
Architects: Ro&Ad Architecten
Structural design: Summum Engineering
Contractor: Van Hese Infra
Design for Manufacture and Assembly: Geometria Architecture
Fabrication of timber structure: Timber Frame Oy
2023
Brielle, the Netherlands
Municipality of Voorne aan Zee (former Municipality of Brielle)
Completed
Geometria, Ro&Ad, Kerstin Wirth
Consulting, Fabrication