Design Competition Woudse Polder

Design Competition – Woudse Polder (2006)

The Delfland Water Authority sought to create additional water storage capacity to handle heavy rainfall within its region. The Woudse Polder could not provide sufficient storage without compromising the protected historic village of ’t Woudt. Therefore, a design competition was launched for an innovative solution, chaired by Prof. Dr. Ir. J.K. Vrijling.

A total of 56 national and international submissions were received.

The Float Barrier design by Mr. G. Jansen and J. Vermond, with Witteveen & Bos as partner, won the competition.

The jury praised the originality and innovation of the concept, particularly the fact that no manpower was required to activate the temporary flood barrier, preventing damage to the crest of the permanent dike. The ability to test the barrier easily was also highly valued.

The winners received a €5,000 prize and the painting “Water Storage Woudse Polder” by artist Paula Kouwenhoven.
More importantly, the concept was further developed and tested in practice — leading to the successful Float Barrier® system used today.