Oerbrug Ulft

The Oerbrug in Ulft is more than just a bridge — it is a powerful symbol of circular ambition, local history, and creative collaboration. When the existing Melkvonder – Hoge Brug needed replacement, the municipality of Oude IJsselstreek saw an opportunity to do more than simply renew. They wanted a bridge that was not only sustainable but also meaningful — a project that embodies the identity and values of the region.

Dusseldorp Infra, Sloop en Milieutechniek, a specialist in circular construction, invited Mothership to collaborate on the project. Together, they developed a vision in which the bridge wouldn’t become circular after demolition, but from the very first sketch. Mothership took on the roles of concept developer, designer, curator, and project manager, while also guiding a carefully structured participation process that placed local knowledge and stories at its core.

The bridge was designed as a tribute to the region: not a wooden bridge, but a steel structure — a nod to Ulft’s iron-rich past. Old materials were given a second life: steel from the previous bridge, iron from a demolished factory, and metal from a former high-voltage mast were all repurposed. Even the walkway, made from sustainable Accoya wood, contributes to the circular narrative — complete with replanting to ensure resources for future generations.

The Oerbrug is more than a crossing between Ulft and Silvolde — it is a beacon of progress, firmly rooted in the past. A project where engineering, design, and social engagement come together, and a quintessential example of how Mothership uses art and vision to add meaning to public space.