Church Transformed into Artisan ‘Holy Water’ Swimming Pool

Dutch design studio MVRDV is making a splash with Holy Water, a bold plan to convert a century-old church in Heerlen into a public swimming pool—with a twist.

The floor will be adjustable, letting visitors quite literally “walk on water” as a thin reflective layer fills the nave.

The team, working with Zecc Architecten, will gut the disused St. Francis of Assisi Church, reusing pews as seating and bar tables, and turning the pulpit into a lifeguard’s throne.

The movable pool floor allows the space to double as an event venue, blurring the line between sacred and social.

Equal parts reverent and cheeky, Holy Water turns architectural preservation into a creative plunge..