The nearly 250-year-old grain mill in the Dutch village of Waardenburg, weighing approximately 280 tonnes, has reached its highest position ever. Using 12 hydraulic jacks, Bresser carefully lifted this unique heritage structure step by step.
Video credits: Waterschap Rivierenland
At a rate of approximately 10 centimetres per hour, we raised the mill over the course of two days to a temporary height of 90 centimetres above its original position. In the coming days, the supporting structure will be completed. The mill will then be lowered by 10 centimetres to its final elevation, leaving it permanently 80 centimetres higher than before.
Why was the mill raised?
As part of the Tiel-Waardenburg dike reinforcement project, the flood defence has been raised. Without intervention, the mill would capture less wind, affecting its operation. By permanently elevating the monument by 80 centimetres, the wind environment around the mill is preserved, ensuring that the mill can continue to operate in the future.
The two-day jacking operation followed an extensive period of preparation and engineering. During the project, it became apparent that the existing foundation differed from the original drawings. As a result, the mill was provided with a new foundation supported by 18 screw injection piles.
And for those wondering why the mill still appears slightly tilted: this was a deliberate decision. The mill’s characteristic lean has been carefully preserved as part of its historic character.
Sustainability was also an important consideration. Our jacking control system and hydraulic installation were powered by energy packs, enabling us to work with low emissions and minimal noise.
More than engineering
For us, this project is a perfect example of how engineering expertise, heritage preservation and flood protection can come together in a single solution. We are proud to contribute to making this iconic piece of Dutch heritage fit for the future.
We would like to thank all project partners for their trust and excellent cooperation: Waterschap Rivierenland, Bouwcombinatie Mekante Diek (Ploegam, Van Oord and Ballast Nedam), Geldersch Landschap & Kasteelen, Techniek en Methode, adviesbureau voor uitvoeringstechnieken en erfgoedvraagstukken, Jan-Willem Oome, DST, Hadek, SIN, Molenbouwer Berkhof and Bekker Communicatie (Stephanie Bekker).
📸 Photo credits: Cees van der Wal Fotografie
Mooi Gelderland september 2026
