Hale PET Felt Stack Chair
Hale PET Felt Bar Stool
Twist PET Felt Stack Stool"Our design ensures a clear and fresh interior that creates a comfortable and inspiring environment. As music fills the air, Muziekwerf truly comes to life."
— Franca Houg, Architect, Powerhouse Company.
Tucked between modern high-rises and overlooking the water, the former Mennonite church in Rotterdam has been transformed into Muziekwerf - a space dedicated to young musicians, pop choirs, and orchestras. Designed by Powerhouse Company and commissioned by the philanthropic foundation Droom en Daad, this 1951 church now invites the next generation to create, learn, and perform. The once-hidden entrance has been replaced with an open, welcoming façade, while the interior carefully balances heritage and innovation.
"Our design ensures a clear and fresh interior that creates a comfortable and inspiring environment. As music fills the air, Muziekwerf truly comes to life."
— Franca Houg, Architect, Powerhouse Company.
Every design decision at Muziekwerf was guided by sustainability and adaptability. Custom acoustic treatments enhance sound quality while maintaining the building’s raw concrete structure. Materials such as light oak flooring and sound-scattering panels reference the church’s wooden pews, blending past and present. De Vorm’s Hale PET Felt Stack Chairs, Twist PET Felt Stack Stools, and MG 3 Tables play a key role in shaping a flexible and durable interior. The chairs and stools, custom-coloured to contribute to the space’s vibrant palette, add both functionality and a distinct visual identity. Their lightweight and stackable design allows the venue to adapt effortlessly for rehearsals, workshops, and performances, supporting the project’s focus on circular design.
"Our goal was to transform this imposing concrete structure into an inviting and comfortable space for its new users, making this post-war gem shine again."
— Nanne de Ru, Founder, Powerhouse Company
Muziekwerf is more than a music venue - it’s a cultural hub that opens doors for young talent across all levels. The space is designed to encourage collaboration, whether through jam sessions at the bar or structured rehearsals in acoustically refined studios. By integrating adaptable and sustainable furniture solutions, the design supports an ever-evolving program of performances, workshops, and creative gatherings. From a hidden sanctuary to an open and inclusive space, Muziekwerf now stands as a reflection to Rotterdam’s vibrant cultural future.
