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A historic Rotterdam church transformed using recycled materials into a center for young musicians
In the heart of Rotterdam, music and architecture intertwine in Muziekwerf. The work of Powerhouse Company, the project involved transforming a 1951 church into a space for young musicians. Commissioned by philanthropic foundation Droom en Daad, the project is a perfect example of combining contemporary design with the preservation of cultural heritage.
From outside, the building, located close to one of the city’s waterways, has retained its original appearance, with large vertical windows and brick cladding.
The main aim of the intervention was to preserve the memory of the building while transforming it into a cultural center for the city’s future generations of musicians. And the conversion has retained the most iconic historical elements, such as the Flentrop organ from 1954, which will continue to be used for concerts and rehearsals. Certain elements, such as the large chandeliers and original plastered concrete coffered ceiling in the former nave, which now houses a concert hall, have been restored.
The architects have designed every space individually to combine historical and contemporary elements, and create a never-ending dialogue between past and present.
Sustainability was a cornerstone of the project, which focused on the reuse of existing materials. The original church pews were transformed into bench seating and wall paneling in the foyer, while slate tiles were reused in the entrance and as skirting boards.
Marmoleum flooring replaced the original material, while the roofing was replaced with recyclable PVC. Chairs are made from recycled plastic bottles, while door handles and Bakelite lamps have been restored to give the space a more modern feel. The color palette is neutral and sophisticated, enhanced by splashes of brighter shades in the furnishings.
A new entrance, inspired by reflections off water, features an undulating ceiling made of a reflective material that mirrors the timber surfaces that envelop the space and give it warmth.
In the concert hall, the former church nave, the materials and colors – including blue velvet curtains, pale oak flooring, and acoustic panels – create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Exposed concrete beams reveal the structure’s former life, while larger windows improve the visual connection with the outside while flooding the hall with natural light.
The architects paid particular attention to the comfort of the interiors. The music studios have underfloor heating and cutting-edge acoustic treatments to optimize sound quality. In the larger rooms, radiant panel heating on the ceiling integrates harmoniously with the original architecture, making it possible to leave the striking concrete beams exposed.
>>> Discover a concert hall and music school designed by Hollaway Studio in the UK.
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Completion: 2024
Gross Floor Area: 930 sq. m
Architect: Powerhouse Company
Client: Droom en Daad
Main Contractor: Nico de Bont
Consultants
Structural: BREED Integrated Design
Climate Engineering: Wolf Dikken adviseurs
Fire Protection and Eletrical: Royal HaskoningDHV
Lighting: Beersnielsen
Acoustics: Delta-L
Construction Management: 4Building
Cost Estimator: SkaaL
Photography by Sebastian van Damme, courtesy of Powerhouse Company
