This renowned circular neighbourhood was initiated and developed by a group of enthusiasts with a shared dream: to build a sustainable, close-knit community on the water. The initiators of Schoonschip commissioned Space&Matter to develop an urban plan, and together with a team of multidisciplinary experts and future residents, we designed the urban plan, plot passport and smart jetty that unite this inspiring community.

“Living on the water offers a great solution for places where climate change and a rise in sea levels are a looming hazard. It not only protects people against nature, but it also protects nature itself.”
— Sascha Glasl, Co-founder Space&Matter

Created and developed by citizens
For more than a decade, the members of Schoonschip worked towards the creation of their dream homes. Their journey began in 2010 when frontwoman Marjan de Blok felt inspired and compelled to create an energy-neutral neighbourhood on the water with friends and acquaintances who shared her dream. 

Fully completed in 2021, Schoonschip consists of thirty water plots and is home to more than 100 residents. Roughly half of the boats are shared by two families, and all forty-six houses are unique since each household designed their own house with an architect of their choosing. As a result, the neighbourhood is characterised by creativity and self-expression.

“We feel it's important to emphasise that Schoonschip was created and developed by a group of people, not a project developer."
— Marjan de Blok, initiator of Schoonschip

Translating dreams into reality
Schoonschip’s residents forged strong bonds in the decade during which they set out to realise their dream homes. Our masterplan of this neighbourhood reflects their dedication and cohesion. The smart jetty connects all houses with each other and with the necessary technical infrastructures and was designed to facilitate casual encounters between members of the community. A plot passport ensures a sense of unity despite the architectural diversity of the homes.

“Each house is positioned in such a way that it has an unobstructed view of both the water and the neighbourhood as a whole.”
— Sascha Glasl, Co-founder Space&Matter

Local solutions to global problems
On a small scale, Schoonschip explores and applies innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges brought forth by climate change. Schoonschip’s residents live in highly eco-efficient buildings that were remotely manufactured, and share everything from electric cars and cargo bikes to the clean energy they generate on the houseboat roofs. 

Built on a circular community model, Schoonschip’s solar panels are connected to a smart grid where residents can trade energy with the help of blockchain technology. It contains decentralised and renewable solutions to water, energy, and waste systems, as well as submersed heat exchangers for heating and cooling.