© 2006 Arthur Blonk
STEAM POWERED SPINNING MILL TWENTHE
G. BELTMAN AZN., -1914
Twentheplein 3-9, Almelo
ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
Gerrit Beltman Azn.
Arend Gerrit Beltman
BUILDING TYPE:
Industrial and public-utility buildings
ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
Gerrit Beltman Azn.
Arend Gerrit Beltman
BUILDING TYPE:
Industrial and public-utility buildings
PUBLICATIONS:
R. Stenvert - 125 jaar bureau Beltman, 1996; Architectuur en stedebouw in Overijssel 1850-1940, 1991
The Twente steam-powered spinning mill in the centre of Almelo is a palpable, pregnant reminder of the textile industry. Many such factories has since disappeared, but this one survives as a mixed-use building for small enterprises. Its architect, Arend Beltman, had been pioneering reinforced concrete structures since 1907. These were eminently suitable for the highly inflammable spinning mills; in fact a cotton mill had previously burnt down on this very spot. The concrete columns and beams in the facade form a framework for the cladding of brick or steel-framed windows typical of utilitarian buildings. A pair of water towers rise like castle turrets from the rectangular building, the toothed eaves and battlements adding to this effect.