Submarine Channel

If your first building is a villa of such grace and beauty, it isn’t strange that you become instantly famous in the international architecture world. Villa 1 was designed by young architects Nanne de Ru and Charles Bessard. They won the AM /NAi Prize for best building by architects under 40 with it. In our new Dutch Profile we feature the work of these golden boys, whose field of interest extends way beyond the realm of expensive villas.

In 2004 architects Nanne de Ru and Charles Bessard started up Powerhouse Company. Like the modernists of the 20th century, they believe architects should have a broad scope of expertise, from luxury villas to low-cost-housing. From public buildings to interior design, and furniture.

Powerhouse Company’s field of interest extends way beyond the realm of expensive villas. They also design low-cost-housing, like this apartment building in Almere. With these kinds of projects they often stumble upon investors who are not primarily concerned with the quality of living, but with the profitability of these projects as investment objects.

CREDITS Director: Noud Holtman, Camera: Wiro Felix, Sound: Wouter Veldhuis, Editing: Noud Holtman, Music Sound Design: Big Orange, Research: Kirsten Hannema, Commissioning editor Submarine: Geert van de Wetering, Producer Submarine: Olivia Sophie van Leeuwen, Produced by Submarine, Commissioned by DutchDFA