A tribute to late Dame Zaha Hadid

The Port House in Antwerp repurposes, renovates and extends a derelict fire station into a new headquarters for the ports 500 employees engaged in the Port Authority and a meeting place for the international Antwerp port community.

The sustainably designed new building enables the port’s staff to work together, whereas previously they worked in separate buildings. It also supports flexible working practices: employees simply swap desks to suit the type of activity they need to engage in. In the auditorium, seating is upholstered in Hallingdal 65 and Soft Cells Elements panels are used to optimise acoustics. Remix 2, in variety of colours, features on furniture throughout the premises.

Conceived to symbolise the dynamic, reliable, ambitious and innovative nature of the Port of Antwerp, the building is located at Zaha Hadidplein – named after the architect Dame Zaha Hadid, who unexpectedly died shortly before completion of the project. Port House Antwerp comprises two entwined main volumes. The original former fire station and a shimmering, jewel-like volume, which references Antwerp, the diamond city. An external bridge provides a link between the structures.

“High quality finish with a broad choice of stylish Kvadrat upholstery. Excellent acoustic absorption and great colour options.”
Toon Mostmans, Engineering manager, Port of Antwerp