Watertoren, Speelhuislaan, Breda, Water tower in Breda, Netherlands.
The water tower on Speelhuislaan is a brick structure that stands distinctly above the surrounding residential area with geometric patterns and industrial design elements throughout its surface. Its form follows the practical needs of water storage while displaying craftsmanship in the decorative brickwork across its walls.
The structure was built in 1938 during Breda's expansion of its water supply network for the growing urban population. It represents the municipal investment in public infrastructure that shaped the city's development during that period.
The tower shows how municipalities treated practical infrastructure as part of the streetscape rather than an afterthought. You can see this approach reflected in the building's thoughtful architectural details for what was simply a water storage structure.
The tower is visible from several viewpoints throughout the neighborhood, making it easy to spot during walks in the area. You can observe and photograph the structure clearly from the surrounding streets without needing special access.
The decorative brickwork patterns were deliberately designed into the facade, setting it apart from similar structures built elsewhere in the Netherlands at the same time. This choice shows that practical buildings did not have to be visually plain.
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