NEXT architects’ bat-bridge in the netherlands serves people and nature

NEXT architects’ bat-bridge in the netherlands serves people and nature
photography by raymond rutting / NEXT architects

while connecting the residents of the town of monster with a passage over the river, the ‘vlotwateringbrug’ has also been built to provide a roosting spot for the local bat colony. designed by NEXT architects, the ‘batbridge’ is composed of concrete and timber where the deck and brick balustrade have been built in a way to accommodate the bats during the summer months. located along the flight path of the mammal, the duo-function of the bridge aims to constitute an ideal habitat for various species.

crossing the new bridge winds between two existing parcels and marks the entrance of the poelzone

contributing factors which make the bridge an ideal home for the animals include the use of concrete which promote a pleasant climate, while the openings of the timber slats underneath provides a grip. at the highest point, the bridge makes a turn and presents a unobstructed view across the area. with a length of 25 meters the concrete arch spans the entire vlotwatering and structurally, the s-shaped deck is supported with a pressure arc that slants under the bridge. the project explores the relationship between humans and nature, where bat-expert marcel schillemans from the mammal society comments it as ‘a textbook example of how a functional object can at the same time serve nature.’

the bridge has three specific components that provide roost for several bat species

underneath the deck and the brick balustrade, the openings accommodate stays for bats during the summer

the wooden fins seemingly opens to the natural banks along the water

bats can go inbetween the openings of the timber to roost where the openings have a rough finish for grip

the bridge design is intended to constitute the ideal habitat for various species of bats

the s-shaped deck is supported with a pressure arc that slants under the bridge

at a length of 25 meters, the concrete arch spans the entire vlotwatering

a swift bend opens up the view across the area

the bridge is located in the town of monster in the netherlands

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