Genius loci
The bridge has been carefully fitted into its environment. On the Ypenburg side we place a high-gloss spherical mirror in the middle of the roundabout. As a result, traffic from both Sides can be observed from the narrow passage through the gabions. The already existing theme of retaining walls is extended to the abutment of the bridge, further strengthening the spatial integration of the bridge. On the Vlietzone side, the large span over the motorway will be transformed into a small-scale series of spans along the Van Lochem building and the Leeuwenbergh golf course. This bridge section is executed in concrete from an economic point of view. Of course, we guarantee that glide and head span get an integral design. We do this by continuing the shape of the steel bridge in the concrete bridge.
Long line in the landscape
The bridge shows the different characters of the landscapes on both sides of the highway. On the Ypenburg side the bridge rises with a mighty Y leg from the equally mighty sound barrier. At the Vlietzone side the bridge jumps with a subtle V leg over the smaller and lower noise barrier. The symmetry of the span is nuanced by the asymmetry of landscape and support. Together they form one powerful, logical and coherent image.
Integral and sustainable
The deck of the main span is one continuous steel construction, without dilations. Construction and architecture form an inseparable unity. The main beam, the deck and the support structures merge smoothly and reinforce each other literally and figuratively. The bridge is executed in weather-resistant steel. This material is 100% recyclable and 100% free of toxic substances. At the end of the economic life of the bridge, the steel can be recycled with 100% quality. Weathering steel does not require any preservation as long as there it is not permanently wet. Under the influence of moisture and rain the material builds a stable patina skin with a 100 years life expectancy. The bridge construction therefore is maintenance-free and maximally durable.
Beyond energy neutral
Our design goes beyond energy efficiency. Energy production is also included in the plan. In the cycle path on the bridge we place ultra-thin “SolaRoad” PV cells with a yield of 100 KWh / m2 per year. This makes the bridge completely energy-neutral. There is even considerable capacity left to include additional decorative lighting in the future if required.
In detail
The column free span ensures safe visibility for car traffic under the bridge. There are no restrictions if the location of the motorway is changed in the future. The view from the bridge top is unrestricted. A stainless steel mesh, stretched between the deck and undulating steel tubes, prevents passers-by from throwing objects on the highway. The pipes originate at the beginning and end of the span, are low where possible (above the embankments) and high where necessary (above the highway). Stainless steel windbreakers are woven through the mesh in the bottom two meters. This important anti vandalism measure is thus fully integrated into the architecture of the bridge.
