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Powerhouse
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About

We give meaning to space through profound form and function.

We are Powerhouse Company, an international architectural firm rooted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with offices in Oslo, Munich and Nairobi. Since our establishment in 2005, we’ve grown into a multidisciplinary, forward-thinking team of over 100 talented professionals.

Our portfolio consists of a diverse range of projects that reflect our dedication to timelessness, generosity, and detail. Our work includes transformation projects, villas, future-proof workspaces, residential complexes, custom interior designs, and impactful public projects. Every project we design is carefully built on historical and future context, attuned to human scale, and gives meaning to space through profound form and function.

As a practice, we work across architecture, interiors, furniture, and landscape design. As architects, we are part of a bigger ecosystem where design, engineering, planning, development, construction, and asset management work in unison. Through this ecosystem, we bring an owner’s dedication to quality, a builder’s sense of realism, and a developer’s instinct for efficiency to every commission.

Timeless design is a powerful form 
of sustainability. It creates value that lasts beyond trends and stands the test of time.’

Nanne de Ru

The Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR) is our physical manifesto. A timber, demountable, energy-positive and CO₂-negative office building, cooled by harbour water, which we designed, developed, built and own.

Mindset & Aesthetic

The true essence of a project emerges through a collaborative journey with our clients and partners.

The Powerhouse Company Management Team

Founder Nanne de Ru is joined by an esteemed leadership team, including Paul Stavert, Stefan Prins, Emma Scholten, Albert Takashi Richters, Thomas Ponds, Sander Apperlo, Johanne Borthne, Anne Ragnild Larsen, Maarten Diederix and Robyne Somé. Together, we are forging ahead into the future of architecture, driven by a shared passion for innovation and design excellence.

Design Principles

Our best work does not contrast the context; it enhances the qualities a place already has.

Sustainability

Creating sustainable buildings through innovative and intelligent design.

Team

Behind every iconic project is a talented team of architects, designers, and thinkers.

Awards

Our projects have been recognized with several prestigious awards over the years.

2026
NEPROM-prijs, Shortlisted
2026
ArchDaily Building of the Year Awards, Housing, Longlisted
2026
ArchDaily Building of the Year Awards, Housing, Longlisted
2026
ArchDaily Building of the Year Awards, Housing, Longlisted
2025
Nationale Houtbouwprijs, Serial Timber Construction, Winner
2025
Architectenweb Awards, Office Building of the Year, Winner
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Contact

Get in touch

Rotterdam

Antoine Platekade 1000
3072 ME Rotterdam
The Netherlands

Munich

Bavariaring 26
80336 Munich
Germany

Oslo

St. Olavs Plass 3
0165 Oslo
Norway

Nairobi

Avocado Towers, Muthithi Road, Westlands
45669 Nairobi
Kenya