Powerhouse Company in collaboration with de Zwarte Hond cleaned up the transport flows by implementing a new platform tunnel for pedestrians, restorating and shortening of the existing bicycle tunnel, adding a new car tunnel and an underground bicycle shed. This allowed for the new train station to become an inviting pedestrian friendly plaza that opens up towards the city of Assen.
“The shape of the canopy was created by placing an apparently simple triangle on the site, with a slight slope at the entrance of the underground bicycle shed and a curve at the level of the tracks. This has created an elegant, almost floating structure that responds on all sides to its context.” - Nanne de Ru, Founder Powerhouse Company
The 3,000 square meters spruce wooden roof consists of mostly triangular windows in the middle and has a green sedum edge. The windows allow for plenty of sunlight to enter the platforms and station hall. The sedum edges, made from champagne colored coated metal, are added to buffer rainwater.
The video shows the spruce beams constructed by Heko Spanten that are held up by steel columns made by Broeze.
The 10 meters high free standing steel columns make sure the program underneath is easily adaptable for future needs. The pavilions hold commercial and station related program. The purple-red toned facing bricks with rounded corners match the red carpet of brick pavers and red porphyry of the station floor.
The architects aimed for an all-sided train station that is inviting from all directions. Connective, transparent and sustainable.
