EAC Consulting, Inc. - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

In 2004, a competition was held for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that would offer a solution to a site characterized by intensive human traffic. (Holidaymakers and their children had to cross four lanes of busy residential traffic and a double tram track in order to get to the beach.) The brief called for a design "of high architectural and formal quality that gave particular attention to the sensitive integration of the structure in the natural environment." West 8's design, which was deemed the best of the five plans submitted, harnesses the natural context, celebrates the site’s historical significance and takes into consideration the existing spatial structure of the nearby 'Uitkerkse Polder. Opened in 2014, the newbridge fits into the coastal cycle route, providing stops for cyclists, information points, bicycle parking, and a secure connection between coastal villages. The bridge is also connects to the Coastal Footpath and a provides a wonderful opportunity for people to experience the natural landscape. The irregular structure of the bridge is inspired by driftwood. Indeed the completed structure is an assembly of azobé wood, concrete and steel that exhibits the chaos of the beachcomber’s work. While bridges are usually made of concrete and steel, wood was chosen as a beautiful and durable construction material that was not only functional but also the perfect complement to the marine context. A new dune volume provides a natural access ramp and the required clearance of the road profile. The bridge, which is 83m long and 4,40m wide is constructed from two wooden trusses, which are functional and load bearing, supported on concrete brackets. The irregularity of the bridge is formed by the six, 13m wide concrete yokes, which are staggered on either side of the bridge. The highest gantry is 8m; the largest span 14m. The hefty appearance of the pillars, reference the bunkers of the Atlantic Wall which once ran along stretches of the Belgian coast. A series of wooden braces above the bridge deck absorb the horizontal lateral forces but also add a protective feel, offering using users a sense of security as they look into the open horizon. The structure reconciles numerous elements of the coastal landscape with one another; security, mobility, nature, seawalls, passive recreation, culture and the landscape experience. Synthesising all these elements 'Het Wrakhout' is a beautiful example of an integrated and sustainable coastal development. 'HET WRAKHOUT' WENDUINE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Client: Vlaams Gewest, afdeling Waterwegen - Kust Competition 2005 Design & realisation 2009-2014 Length 83 m Width: 4.4m Value: €3.2 million Function: Pedestrian bridge Team: West 8 + BAS + Snoeck & Partners WENDUINE, BELGIUM The site prior to development