Wooden bridges Sneek

In assignment of the province Fryslân we, in collaboration with Onix (together OAK, Onix Achterbosch Kunstwerken), designed two wooden bridges in Sneek. The bridges connect the two parts of the city divided by the A7. They are designed as a new landmark at the highway.
The department of public works, the owner of the bridge, wanted to use more wood in constructions. This was a challenge for us as the design team to design in a sustainable way with the newest innovation in wood technology. Important was to make a new and iconic design of a wooden bridge. The shape is like a ‘Stolp’-farm in Fryslân. The construction points out to the craftsmanship that used to be present in the old town. The wooden beams are an analogy with the Frysian ships: Sneek as the watertown of the north. Al these aspects together resulted in the first uncovered wooden bridge with the heaviest traffic-load certificate. This bridge isn’t only in the Netherlands but also international exclusive.
The bridge is made out of Accoya, a by acetylation process made woodproduct from Radiata Pine, this is recently produced in the new factory in Arnhem. The acetylation process is a sustainable process that makes wood everlasting.
Both wooden constructions are connected halfway to maintain stability. The frames are slightly curved to optimize room for traffic. Together with the triangle structure it results in unexpected images. The abutment at the suburban-side is a green dike; the other side, the city-side, the abutment is concrete and forms the bridge over the canal.
The value of the bridge goes further than esthetics, spatial influence and functionality. They are also symbols of the city. In all aspects it was an experiment, because it was never realized on this scale, with this traffic-load, with this span.

Ordering party: Province Fryslân and municipality Sneek
Location: Sneek
Cooperation: OAK, Onix Achterbosch Kunstwerken
Realization: 2006