Powerhouse Company has transformed Muziekwerf, the last Mennonite church of Rotterdam, into the first music hub for the youth in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The client, the philanthropic foundation Droom en Daad, envisioned transforming the former Mennonite church, an architectural gem from 1951, into Muziekwerf: the Netherlands' first permanent rehearsal and performance venue for young musicians.

The brief called for a space that would preserve the church's historical and cultural significance while breathing new life into it as a vibrant musical hub for both emerging talent and professionals.

"We transformed this last Mennonite church in Rotterdam into Muziekwerf, a vibrant new hub for youth orchestras, pop choirs and other musical talents to practice and perform," said Powerhouse Company.

"Together with our client, the philanthropic foundation Droom en Daad, we preserved the building’s heritage and created an inspiring place for the next generation."

This project has been shortlisted in the heritage project category of Dezeen Awards 2025.

Studio: Powerhouse Company
Project: Muziekwerf
Credits: Nanne de Ru, Janneke van der Velden, Franca Houg, Maxime Meessen, Dion van Dartel, Mitja Kuret, Iván Guerrero, Xavier Silva, Eleni Antoniadou, Daphne Delissen, Justyna Kruk, Nick Huizenga, Antonia Pohankova, Romano van den Dool, Erwin van Strien, Droom en Daad Foundation, BREED Integrated Design, Peutz, Nico de Bont, SkaaL, Wolf Dikken Adviseurs, Royal Haskoningand and Beersnielsen