Powerhouse Company

What is now Muziekwerf, used to be the last Mennonite church in Rotterdam. Muziekwerf is a vibrant new hub for youth orchestras, pop choirs, and other musical talents to practice and perform. It was our shared ambition with Droom en Daad to preserve this culturally significant building and revitalize it for future generations to enjoy. Once a clandestine church with a hidden entrance, this transformation has opened up the building to its urban surroundings. The new main entrance, now at the front, draws inspiration from water reflections, which we translated into an undulating ceiling of reflective material within the new intermediate structure - the project’s only new construction. ‘For decades this building was meant to be hidden and unseen. We are proud to reinvent this gem into a music hub for the youth.’ - Nanne De Ru

Inspired by the wooded site, Villa JM not only frames the best of natural views but also reflects them in its elegant design. Natural stone and wood add depth to our elementary one-story design, which pairs sober straight lines and monumental volumes with seductive curves and sinuous glass walls. The glass-walled courtyard garden further blurs the line between interior and nature, inviting the surrounding landscape into the home’s intimate, private realm. Villa JM presents a reserved stone façade to the outside world, offering only a delicate glimpse into its interior through the central courtyard. The clever balance of strong volumes with soft curves and expansive glass walls creates a dynamic interplay between privacy and openness, solid and transparent.

It was a pleasure to be part of the M.C. Kersten B.V. 65-year jubilee symposium, where we had the opportunity to give a lecture on architecture and innovation alongside architect Herman Hertzberger. Together, we shared our perspectives on how architecture can inspire and adapt to change. Nanne De Ru and Herman Hertzberger exchanged ideas and memorable career moments, making it a truly special session. In Nanne’s words: ‘As architects, it is our responsibility to create beautiful things. Our love for design, detailing, and elegance is in the foundation of everything we do. Yet, beauty is not just aesthetics, it’s about functionality, sustainability, and the way spaces enrich everyday life.’

Villa B is a masterpiece of customization, a true Gesamtkunstwerk where every detail is tailored—from the swimming pool and sauna to the cinema, bowling alley, and wine cellar. Nestled near the River Isar, the villa blends classical elegance with modern openness. Its front façade is stately and enclosed, while the back unfolds into a light-filled, transparent space that almost unites with the green surroundings. A rich palette of stone, wood, metal, and glass enhances the sense of luxury. One of the most innovative aspects of Villa B is its marble façade. Since marble slabs of this size can’t be structurally supported, they were glued to thick granite plates. A stone specialist developed custom software to calculate every detail, ensuring both stability and beauty. Watch the video: https://lnkd.in/epvKUbd8

Adding a touch of magic to a mundane city site, our triangular wooden roof seems to hover above Assen Station. The roof not only gives a unique character to the station but also connects it with the city’s green spaces and urban fabric. For the first time in the Netherlands, the station’s train tracks are fully bridged with wood, making this structure an innovative step forward. The 3,000 m² triangular roof is both sustainable and in harmony with Assen’s green character. Beyond its functionality, the roof brings a warm, welcoming feel to the station, with carefully placed openings that let sunlight pour in, creating beautiful patterns of light across the platforms and the station hall. Explore the project via https://lnkd.in/gs-DRRB

Marga Klompé Building is nominated for the Building of the Year Award 2025 by ArchDaily, Educational Architecture category, and you can vote for it here: https://lnkd.in/e3Phi5dX This nearly energy-neutral complex at Tilburg University is the first academic building in Europe to be built entirely from solid wood. Not only is it fully circular and carbon neutral, but it also creates a peaceful environment for students. Natural materials like wood and terrazzo echo the surrounding forested landscape, while the spatial design draws inspiration from the architectural heritage of the Cobbehagen Building by Jos. Bedaux on the Tilburg University campus. The Marga Klompé Building is a prime example of how thoughtful design goes beyond aesthetics and functionality. It’s about considering a building's environmental impact, ensuring material longevity, and prioritizing recyclability to support a sustainable future.

Join us on the 7th of February at the '12 Huizen' book presentation by Sjoerd Soeters! Floating Office Rotterdam is hosting architect Sjoerd Soeters for a unique discussion on the meaning of home in design. Joined by Hans Ibelings and Nanne De Ru, Soeters will share firsthand insights into his creative process, exploring the intersection of architecture and book-making. Reserve your free ticket: https://lnkd.in/ei_w3vm7

Kom jij het team van Powerhouse Company versterken? Als Technisch Projectleider ben je onderdeel van een team dat grenzen verlegt en meebouwt aan de toekomst van de architectuur. Je speelt een cruciale rol in het realiseren van onze ontwerpen, en bent aan het begin van een project betrokken om technische input te geven. In de uitwerkingsfases tot en met de oplevering ben je verantwoordelijk voor het coördineren en aansturen van hoogwaardige projecten. Meer info via: https://lnkd.in/eT-7ebDH

We’re honored to see two of our projects highlighted in de Architect NL’s ‘11 Buildings to Look Forward to in 2025’ article. 5Tracks is a new mixed-use complex located next to Breda’s revitalized central station. The design incorporates several interconnected functions or ‘tracks’, including offices, homes, retail, hospitality, and leisure. It also introduces inviting new public spaces: lively plinths with attractive amenities, as well as a lush green rooftop park that ties the buildings with the city and surrounding natural areas. Valckensteyn is the tallest timber-built affordable housing complex in the Netherlands, reaching 40 meters high. Its circular and sustainable design embodies a commitment to nature-inclusive living for everyone. The timber structure is built atop the old building’s foundation, significantly reducing materials and waste. Read the article: https://lnkd.in/dSMNzsXT More on our projects: https://lnkd.in/dgcprpa

Grateful to be featured in The Best of 2025 of AW Architektur & Wohnen! Floating Office Rotterdam, Rotterdam Central Library, RISE, and The BaanTower are featured among other iconic Rotterdam buildings and designers. It is an honor to be included in this prestigious compilation, which showcases the remarkable architectural achievements shaping Rotterdam’s environment. Rotterdam is a city known for its creativity and innovation, and we are proud to be part of its ongoing architectural evolution. To obtain a copy, you can visit https://lnkd.in/d_r67Ev2, or access the online version via https://lnkd.in/eiwspShC