Antwerp Port House - design

This project not only renovates a derelict fire station, it also extends and preserves the existing historical structure and repurposes it into the headquarters of the port- which previously had its offices scattered around the city. The port of Antwerp is the biggest in Belgium, and Europe's second largest, making this project an important part of the city.

The location, by water, contributed to the building's low carbon print, as most of the materials employed in the renovation could be transported by water. The complete use of the existing building also contributes to the project's sustainability and was a competition requirement from the start; Hadid's project was deemed by the jury as outstanding in its approach to mixing the existing structure and the new.