[2] Attached above and connected to the fire station is a contemporary diamond-shaped structure marked by straight edges, with an additional column providing support from the floor.

According to Marc Van Peel [nl], president of the port of Antwerp, “There was only one rule laid down in the architectural competition, namely that the original building had to be preserved."

[5][8] Peel stated that five shortlisted candidates all opted for the addition of a modern structure above the original building, and the design by Zaha Hadid Architects was chosen.

[7] The waterside site offered sustainable construction benefits, allowing materials and components to be transported by water, which would meet the port's ecological targets.

It has a glass-covered facade[9] to "reflect the complex interaction of shades and colours in the air", a reference to the building's location surrounded by water.

The expansion resembles the hull of a sailing ship,[11] with a protruding bow[12] and the surface of the facets of a diamond facing the Kattendijk dock.

[4] Project manager Joris Pauwels stated that concrete pillars and 900 tonnes of steel hold the glass workspace above the former fire station.

[4] A borehole energy system pumps water to a depth of 80 metres[11] below grade in over 100 locations around the building to provide heating and cooling.