In Amsterdam, Ballast Nedam Development has won the bid to realize a nature-inclusive neighborhood on Strandeiland, a newly constructed island east of the city’s center. The design, undertaken by Space&Matter in collaboration with ZUS and NL architects, will include 215 homes – including mid-priced rental, owner-occupied, and private sector housing options - and a community hub that prioritizes energy self-sufficiency, circularity, and a strong sense of community.
The development comprises five clusters, each with distinct housing typologies and architecture. Residents can enjoy numerous lush green spaces for meeting and relaxation in almost car-free streets. Meanwhile, balconies, loggias, pergola structures, and terraced facades consisting of biobased materials and greenery differentiate the facades and form a transition from public to private. Solar rooftops will provide energy for the neighborhood.
Each cluster also has its own biotope. These biotopes are based on the gradual transitions in a dune landscape from wet (dunes) to dry (dune forest). These different biotopes will attract a diversity of insect and bird species, thus enhancing biodiversity.
At the heart of the development, a new kind of typology called the hub includes places for parking, meetings, and shared mobility. Set on a plinth, the hub offers an attractive place where residents can organize parties and activities for the community. Above the plinth, a flexible parking area can double as a playground or neighborhood market when empty.
A plan for resident participation included by Ballas Nedam in the tender offers plenty of opportunities for residents to contribute ideas and participate in the project throughout its development.
The selection committee of the Amsterdam municipality that appoints consultants for the future project has a strong team of architects and landscape architects capable of creating a rich and varied design. In addition to Space&Matter, NL Architects and ZUS, this broader resource includes Zones Urbaines Sensibles, ONE.GO, Buro Loo, Alba Concepts, STIPO, Pieters Bouwtechniek, Studio Schakel, Buurauto, SENSE Vastgoed, Vogelbescherming, Maatschap Observatorium, CommonCity, CrowdBuilding, Marco Roos, Ballast Nedam Park & Connect, Vivid Vision, and 75B.
Strandeiland is the newest island in the IJburg development. With 8,000 homes planned for the entirety of the island, it will be one of the most significant future urban districts. Furthermore, due to its location directly on the water, there will be six bridges, a city beach, a harbor, and a natural bay. The island's construction and development will be sustainable with (electric) shared transport everywhere and the ultimate goal of the island supplying its own energy.
