Powerhouse Company

Gateway to the City

Assen Station has been completely transformed thanks to an extraordinary wooden structure. The new station is defined by a triangular wooden roof that appears to float above the several buildings below. It connects the railway line and two previously disjointed parts of the city with a single urban gesture. The construction of a new car tunnel under the station square has allowed a traffic-calmed public space to be created around the station. The station was designed by Powerhouse Company and De Zwarte Hond on behalf of NS, ProRail and Assen municipality.

The eternal triangle
The Assen Station was originally a transit station where the city remained invisible to travelers. The municipality of Assen asked us, and our partner De Zwarte Hond, to create a new, transparent, and inviting station, which would also remove the barrier that the tracks imposed on the neighborhood. Our new station is an all-sided building – connective, transparent and sustainable – that is equally inviting from every angle. The striking triangular geometry of the roof gives the building a strong identity, organizes the program and makes a strong connection with the urban context.

‘We created an elegant, almost floating structure that responds on all sides to its context.’

– Nanne de Ru Founder at Powerhouse Company and RED Company

The beauty of wood
In what is a first for the Netherlands, we bridged the train tracks entirely in wood. The choice of wood for the 3,000 m² triangular roof is not only sustainable; it also fits the green character of the city of Assen and its surroundings. The wooden canopy creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for travelers. Openings in the inner section of the roof allow sunlight to dapple the platforms and the station hall. Standing 10 meters high, it the roof has three uneven sides 78, 88 and 90 meters long. A green sedum roof surface has been added along the edges for buffering rainwater. By constructing the roof with freestanding columns, the program beneath can be adapted. This sustainable design thus provides for future changes in passenger numbers and commercial facilities in the pavilions.
‘The strength of the design lies in the strongly connective form.’

– Stefan Prins Partner Architect at Powerhouse Company

A new public plaza
Under the wooden roof construction, detached buildings offer space for the commercial and station-related functions. A logical organization of the functions results in an open and accessible station. The buildings have brick facades with rounded corners. The purple and red toned facing bricks match the so-called red carpet of brick pavers and the red porphyry of the station floor. Our station functions as a public plaza marking the beginning of the main route towards the city center. Outside, a new car tunnel has created pedestrian-friendly station area with greenery, minimal impact from cars and a pleasantly human scale.

‘The new station is an open, all-sided building which improves access in all directions.’

– Dik Houben Project Leader Architect at Powerhouse Company

Award-winning project
Assen Station has gained major recognition from the public and received this year's Royal Institute for Dutch Architects (BNA) People’s Choice Award. Additionally, Assen Station has been nominated for various distinguished awards such as the Prix Versailles in the category Passenger Stations 2021, and the Dezeen Awards 2021 in the category Civic Buildings.