The Dutch government wanted to extend one of the country’s main motorways, the A4. Near the city of Steenbergen, the extended A4 would cross a waterway called Steenbergsche Haven, which connects Steenbergen with open sea. In order for sailboats to still be able to use the Steenbergsche Haven, building a bridge wasn’t an option. Therefore, it was decided to build an aqueduct.
Various parties came up with a conceptual design for the aqueduct. Engineering firm Mobilis TBI Infra asked design and engineering office ipv Delft to come up with a winning design. We successfully stepped up to the challenge. The design comprises the aqueduct itself and a nearby overpass, as well as the entire landscaping of the two.
Three things stand out in this design: the use of colour, the aluminium lamellas that cover the bottom sides of aqueduct and bridge and the absence of horizontal overhead elements in between the two retaining walls. These aspects combined lead to a tranquil and open design. The retaining walls are painted in different shades of grey, with the bottom section being the darkest and the top section being the lightest. This, enhances the open appearance of the passageway. The same goes for the slight outward tilt of the upper section of the retaining walls.
