Renowned Dutch architecture firm MVRDV has been selected to transform a decommissioned church dramatically. The historic building, once a place of worship, will be converted into a public swimming pool featuring an innovative movable floor that allows guests to “walk on water.” Playfully titled Holy Water, the project is a collaboration between MVRDV and Zecc Architecten. Together, they will reimagine the century-old St. Francis of Assisi Church in Heerlen, the Netherlands, which has remained unused since 2023.
This ambitious project will require quite a few alterations to the church’s original interior, beginning with the removal of the existing floor to accommodate a new swimming pool. Elements of the historic building will be thoughtfully repurposed – the old pews will become seating for swimmers and bar tables for spectators, while the former pulpit will serve as a lifeguard’s chair. An innovative adjustable floor will also be installed, allowing the pool area to be covered and transformed into an events space when needed. This flexible design ensures the former church will function both as a swimming facility and a vibrant community venue.
Designer: and Zecc Architecten
“An adjustable swimming pool floor brings flexibility to the space that was once the church’s nave, allowing it to host a variety of activities in addition to swimming,” said MVRDV. “The floor also makes it possible to fill the entire space with a thin layer of water, creating an impressive reflection of the church that gives visitors the feeling that they can walk on water.”
The renovation will introduce a beautiful new mosaic floor that will extend throughout the pool’s perimeter as well as across the adjustable pool floor itself. This design choice is a thoughtful homage to the church’s stained-glass windows, which will be carefully preserved and continue to provide vibrant color and light to the interior. New lighting fixtures will also be installed, and chosen specifically to complement and respect the church’s original architectural character. Renderings of the project show that other historic features, such as the organ pipes and religious paintings, will also remain in their original positions, adding to the building’s unique charm and sense of history.
In such a project, it is important to protect the church’s delicate historic elements, including the old wooden structures and stained-glass windows, from the increased humidity generated by the pool. To address this, MVRDV and Zecc Architecten plan to install transparent glass walls to enclose the pool area, effectively creating a barrier that shields the sensitive features from moisture while still allowing unobstructed views. The church’s roof will also be upgraded with modern insulation to improve the building’s overall thermal efficiency. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027 and also includes the collaboration of IMd Raadgevende Ingenieurs, Nelissen Ingenieursbureau, and SkaaL.
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