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. For their first assignment, a private villa, they won the AM /NAi Prize for best building by architects under 40.

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.

Dutch Profiles is a series of short documentaries produced by Submarine commissioned by DutchDFA about architects, graphic, product and fashion designers in the Netherlands. Dutch Profiles focuses on the conceptual, context-oriented and research-based practice of Dutch designers and includes interviews with, among others: MVRDV, Irma Boom, Jurgen Bey, Claudy Jongstra, Hella Jongerius, Paul Mijksenaar, Marlies Dekkers, Alexander van Slobbe and G-Star.

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