MVRDV proposes irreverent renovation of historic church into 'holy water' swimming pool

religious monument to house new community space

In the Dutch city of Heerlen, Holy Water by MVRDV proposes a playfully irreverent reimagining of the St. Francis of Assisi Church: not as a house of prayer, but a public swimming pool. With the help of Zecc Architecten, the Rotterdam-based studio won a competition to convert the 20th-century monument into a social amenity, preserving the historic spirit of the brick building while giving it a second life in service of the community. ‘Why not give these churches a social function again, as they used to have?‘ asks Winy Maas, co-founder of MVRDV. ‘A public swimming pool is ideally suited for this.’

One of the most innovative elements of Holy Water by MVRDV is an adjustable pool floor. This technical achievement accommodates swimmers of all ages and abilities while simultaneously supporting a completely dry, flat surface for cultural programming. When filled with a thin layer of water, the pool transforms into a mirrored surface, capturing the architecture in reflection and giving the illusion of walking on water. ‘You can create a beautiful visual effect,’ says Maas, ‘allowing the church to return to its original form and appear even larger and more impressive through reflection.’

visualizations © MVRDV

MVRDV salvages and repurposes sacred elements

A glowing circular canopy announces the entrance to MVRDV’s Holy Water renovation, forming a contemporary counterpoint to the brick mass of Heerlen’s original church. Inside, circulation paths along the former aisles lead to changing rooms and food services tucked behind glass walls. These transparent dividers preserve the building’s axial procession while ensuring the pool’s climate does not interfere with the fragile historic finishes.

Sensitive reuse is at the heart of the project, where original church pews are integrated into the design, doubling as poolside seating and bar counters. The pulpit, once a platform for sermons, will become the lifeguard’s chair. These subtle but thoughtful gestures anchor the transformation in memory, rather than erasure.

The design pays homage to ecclesiastical aesthetics through mosaic flooring that references stained glass and local murals. Working with artists from Heerlen, the architects emphasize community involvement. Lighting too has dual purpose — rows of suspended fixtures echo the original chandeliers while marking out swimming lanes. It’s a balance of spiritual atmosphere and functional choreography.

MVRDV’s Holy Water project transforms a historic church in Heerlen into a public swimming pool

Holy Water is part of Heerlen’s broader urban revival

Keeping a pool warm without damaging the church’s materials posed a major challenge. Holy Water by MVRDV solves this by insulating the roof externally and restoring its existing tiles. Inside, the original timber structure remains visible while hidden acoustic panels absorb echoes. A glass envelope around the pool keeps moisture away from the art and architecture, and all technical equipment has been cleverly concealed underground.

A joint effort by MVRDV, Zecc Architecten, IMd Raadgevende Ingenieurs, Nelissen Ingenieursbureau, and SkaaL, Holy Water by MVRDV exemplifies integrated design thinking. With structural, climatic, and economic expertise contributing to its realization, the project stands as a model of what adaptive reuse can achieve when heritage meets imagination.

The transformation of St. Francis of Assisi Church into Holy Water by MVRDV aligns with a citywide redevelopment push that includes a Roman museum and the renovation of the Royal-Rivoli cinema. The swimming pool not only relieves pressure on Heerlen’s existing facilities, but anchors a cultural and civic revival in the heart of the city. When completed at the end of 2027, Holy Water by MVRDV will be a working model for how disused sacred spaces can be respectfully reinvented.

the design preserves the church’s architecture while introducing a flexible, adjustable pool floor

mosaic tiles inspired by stained glass and local murals decorate the pool

church pews are repurposed as poolside seating while the pulpit becomes a lifeguard chair

Holy Water is expected to open in 2027 as part of a larger revitalization project across Heerlen

project info:

name: Holy Water

architect: MVRDV | @mvrdv & Zecc Architecten | @zeccarchitects

location: Heerlen, The Netherlands

client: Gemeente Heerlen

area: 1,270 square meters

completion: 2025

visualizations: © MVRDV

architect: MVRDV, Zecc Architecten
founding partner in charge: Winy Maas
director: Gideon Maasland
design team (MVRDV): Gijs Rikken, Magda Porcoțeanu, Justin Vermeulen
design team (Zecc Architecten): Bart Kellerhuis, Roy van Maarseveen, Thijmen Hilhorst

structural engineer: IMd Raadgevende Ingenieurs | @imd_raadgevende_ingenieurs

building physics: Nelissen Ingenieursbureau | @nelissen_ingenieursbureau

cost calculation: SkaaL

copyright: MVRDV Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, Nathalie de Vries