SETTING NEW STANDARDS

The new Port House in Belgium’s second city adds to the legacy of Zaha Hadid, who died suddenly earlier this year.

The Baghdad-born architect won a competition to repurpose and renovate a derelict fire station into a new headquarters for the port, adding an elevated extension which ‘floats’ above the old building. The striking new structure is made of 2000 triangular panels, most of which are transparent – although some are opaque, to ensure sufficient sunlight can enter the building while also ensuring control over the solar load.

Zaha Hadid Architects collaborated with services consultant Ingenium to develop a sustainable and energy-efficient design that achieved a ‘ Very Good’ BREEAM environmental rating.

Despite the challenges of integrating with a protected historic building, high standards in sustainable design were achieved by implementing effective strategies at each stage of construction.

A borehole energy system pumps water to a depth of 80 metres below grade in more than 100 locations around the building to provide heating and cooling.

In the existing building, this system uses chilled beams. In the new extension, it uses chilled ceilings. Waterless lavatory fittings and motion detectors minimise water consumption, while building automation and optimal daylight controls minimise artificial lighting.

Parking for 25 electric cars has been provided, as have 190 spaces for bicycles.

Antwerp is Europe’s second largest shipping port, serving 15,000 sea trade ships and 60,000 inland barges each year.