Unique concept, custom made for this location
The design is custom made for Katwijk and Oegstgeest, with a distinctive and recognisable profile in the landscape. A swing bridge with a high counterweight. This concept is unique in the Netherlands, it has not been built anywhere else. At the same time it is robust and reliable. We make use of proven technology.
A distinctive and mysterious profile
The bridge is an unambiguous sculpture that rises firmly from the water, but also with subtly folded and curved surfaces. Literally a well balanced gesture with a slim and slender ending. The bridge is simultaneously clear and enigmatic. The pylon clearly indicates this is a movable bridge. Yet the horizontal rotation is surprising.
The long line in the landscape
The slope of the pylon is logical, since it has to compensate for the weight of the moving deck during opening. In addition, also contributes significantly to the long line through the landscape desired by the municipality of Katwijk.
Maximum transparency
The design is as transparent as possible. The bridge deck is extremely slim, with only two intermediate supports. The parapet is almost completely transparent. The horizontal part of the main structure on the deck is significantly lower than the parapet and thus does not affect the view from the bridge.
A flexible network of connections
The bridge is for slow traffic: cyclists and pedestrians. For cyclists, the connection is primarily for the longer distance, between Katwijk aan Zee and Leiden, Rijnsburg and Oegstgeest. For pedestrians, the bridge is for local connection as well, with a direct connection to the quay and the park on the Katwijk side.
Carefully integrated technology
The bridge’s engine room is placed underneath the bridge on the Katwijk side. The pivoting mechanism of the bridge is hidden inside the pylon.The handrail is designed with great attention to simplicity, robustness and durability. The handrail is a curved steel sheet, strong and elegant. The shape naturally reflects the LED lighting to the deck, to the benefit of the users on the bridge. The bats that fly under the bridge are not hindered. The entire parapet structure is prefabricated and attached to the bridge deck with recessed bolts. This ensures a high finish quality. In addition, in case of damage, the affected handrail part can easily be replaced.
Observation value of the opening movement
The horizontal rotation is hardly predictable when the bridge is closed. The handrails appear to be continuous, the pylon suggests a vertical opening rather than a horizontal. The greater the surprise when pylon and deck spectacularly rotate around an invisible axis.
Genius loci
The bridge deck is enriched with subtle references to the rotating mechanism and the seagoing image of Katwijk, inspired by nautical instruments such as the chartplotter.
