The Oerbrug in Ulft is more than just a bridge. It’s a clear statement about circular ambition, local history, and creative collaboration. When the Melkvonder, Hoge Brug needed replacing, the municipality of Oude IJsselstreek saw a chance to go beyond a simple like-for-like upgrade. The goal was a bridge that is sustainable and also says something about what the region stands for.

Dusseldorp Infra, Sloop en Milieutechniek, a specialist in circular construction, invited Mothership to join the thinking. Together they chose an approach where circularity isn’t something you add at the end, but something you build in from day one. Mothership took on multiple roles, including concept development, design, curation, and project management. They also ran a careful participation process, giving plenty of space to local knowledge, memories, and stories.

The design is a tribute to the region. Not a timber bridge, but a steel structure, a nod to Ulft’s iron and steel heritage. Materials were given a second life: steel from the old bridge, iron from a demolished factory, and metal from a former high-voltage pylon were reused and reworked. Even the deck, made from durable Accoya wood, fits the story, including replanting to invest in future generations.

So the Oerbrug isn’t only a crossing between Ulft and Silvolde, it’s also a landmark: forward-looking, yet grounded in local history. It’s a project where engineering, design, and community engagement come together, and it shows how Mothership uses vision and an artistic layer to add meaning to public space.