Muziekwerf

Melodic Metamorphosis

Hidden behind the turbulent Hofplein, you can find the small, striking 1951 church building. We are transforming this last Mennonite church into a hotspot for creating music – from youth orchestra to pop choir. As a guardian of Rotterdam’s cultural heritage, the philanthropic foundation Droom en Daad wants to preserve striking buildings for future generations and give a boost to the cultural sector. With Muziekwerf, we are creating a vibrant new place for young musicians to practice and perform.

BudgetConfidential
Time span2020 - ongoing
Size930 m²
StatusUnder construction
LocationRotterdam, NL
TypePublic Spaces
Client
Droom en Daad
Partner in charge
Nanne de Ru
Project team
Structural engineer
Cost consultant
Climate and Building physics
Fire safety and Electrical engineering
Light design

Triangle Triumph

The Mennonite church in 1952
A hidden, post-war gem in Rotterdam
The iconic organ in 1954 inside the church
Waterpolo games in 1958 at the Delftsevaart
Before construction started in 1950
01 - 05

Post-war
Beauty

The original beauty of the church hall revealed after stripping down

Post-war
Beauty

In the new design, we place powerful ornaments prominently in space. The expressive chandeliers are revised and soon will light up the ceiling in the Music Hall. The plastered concrete structure – a typical cassette ceiling – forms the expressive foundation for the new hall. The state-of-the-art 1954 Flentrop organ will be retained,  offering unique possibilities for young musicians and concerts. To improve light within the building, we use silver velvet curtains and light mirroring glass on the balcony, articulating the post-war reconstruction top parts. Light oak flooring and sound-scattering panels will allow a warm embrace for musicians. These elements form a subtle reference to the wooden church benches that once framed the Church Hall.

We make this post-war gem shine again by transforming the imposing concrete structure to an inviting appearance, allowing comfort to its new users.

Balancing Textures

Clouds in plaster
Concrete window frames
Original tiles 
Blending old and new tones
Adding a 50s feel
Revealing layers
Soft color palette
Raw concrete textures
01 - 08

Surrounded by imposing tall buildings, Muziekwerf lies next to tranquil waters. It’s a place to escape the bustling city center and make music together.

Simply Soft

The foyer leads to the office and music studios in the back of the building

Simply Soft

While the music hall is characterized by post-war concrete elements, other spaces have a softer appearance. We blend light oak with the existing wooden elements and brass with the metal chandeliers. Down the foyer, former church benches are transformed into wainscoting and the enlarged windows strengthen the connection with the public square. The consistory will open up for young musicians to easily orient themselves within the building. We ensured a light and fresh interior for safe and comfortable experiences. Along with sounds of music, Muziekwerf will come to life.

Modest Materials

Musicians can meet and get drinks at the bar in the foyer
Wood and brass implemented in the interior
The new music hall for practice and performances
New materials matching the original design
Inside a new rehearsal studio
A humble palette of colors
The piano studio with elements of the original structure
01 - 07

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.

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