The ‘Botterbridge‘ by ZJA, builder Heijmans and Royal Wijma Kampen has won the Dutch FSC chain award 2014. During the new years event hosted by the Dutch Forrest Stewardship Council this remarkable wooden cable stayed bridge was voted best project.
FSC-director Liesbeth Gort: ‘ We congratulate this team, This result is achieved through team effort. This new cycling-bridge is an icon for both the city and the way wood can be used in a sustainable manner.’
The cycling route
The new cable stayed bridge is part of series of bridges along a new bicycle route designed by ZJA. This route crosses Highway 28 and connects the already present Northern and Southern Sea path-routes which where cut off.
The northern Sea path runs along the former Zuiderzee, all the way to the centre of Harderwijk and the old fishing harbour, where even today some “Botters” - old fishing vessels - are moored. In the design-brief this “ Botter “ and its historic relation with the city of Harderwijk was essential for the design. This principle has been thoroughly considered by ZJA and then translated into the design. The wooden bridges were designed in close collaboration with timber firm Royal Wijma from Kampen, a Dutch timber company which - as one of only a few - manages FSC-forests in Cameroun - Africa.
Foto's: John Marshall