In a bold move, Dutch architecture studios MVRDV and Zecc Architecten are working on the redesign of the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Heerlen, the Netherlands, into a swimming pool. The project, named Holy Water, aims to repurpose the former church while addressing the overcrowding of Heerlen’s existing pools.
The designers want to keep much of the church as it is, while skillfully working on its new look. “We are treating the church with a light touch. The idea is to keep what makes it special and make any new moves as reversible as possible. We’ll also listen closely to the community. In short: protect the heritage, then layer in careful updates for access, comfort, and sustainability, without drowning out the building’s character,” shared MVRDV with Travel Tomorrow.
Interestingly, the pool floor is going to be equipped with an adjustable bottom, completely covering the pool if necessary. Additionally, the pool area can also be filled with shallow water, which, in combination with the correct lighting, would allow visitors to “walk on water,” wrote MVRDV in a press statement.
A key design challenge, according to a statement published on their website, is heating the pool space efficiently without damaging the church’s historic features. Glass walls around the pool compartmentalise humidity and protect the stained glass and artworks. The roof is insulated externally to reduce heat loss while keeping the interior brickwork visible, while the original covering will then be reinstated. The wooden roof structure remains, enhanced with sound-absorbing panels, and the technical systems are discreetly housed in the basement.
The design will keep most of the church’s original interior, with a new mosaic floor added to the pool surroundings and the flexible pool floor. “Our approach is guided by the architecture itself and by the opportunities the space offers. While the name “Holy Water” hints at certain associations, our focus is on the spatial and technical transformation of the church into a public place that feels open, welcoming, and functional,” explained MVRDV.
Visitors will be able to explore the old church and look at the pool through the windows or enjoy a drink at the café that will be nestled inside the church. The newly refurbished aisles will lead to the changing rooms, situated at the rear of the facility. The pool is set to open its doors to the public at the end of 2027, welcoming its first guests and swimmers.
