Space&Matter, in a consortium of Ballast Nedam Development, has won the bid to realise a nature-inclusive neighbourhood on Strandeiland, Amsterdam's newly constructed island east of the centre. Created in collaboration with design partners ZUS and NL Architects, the urban design for this new residential neighbourhood of 215 homes and a community hub prioritises energy self-sufficiency and circularity, while fostering a strong sense of community.

Clusters
The urban design features five clusters, each with its own distinct housing typologies and architecture. A fine-grained routing of almost car-free streets, inner areas, and lush green spaces offers a series of places for residents to meet and relax. Balconies, loggias and pergola structures give differentiation to the façades and form a gradual transition from public to private.

Biotopes
The landscape design by ZUS creates a biotope for each cluster. The biotopes have a gradual transition of different dune landscapes, from wet (Duinven) to dry (Duinbos). The nature-inclusive design, in addition to providing an identity for the individual clusters, creates a resilient network that can better withstand increasingly extreme conditions such as drought and rain peaks.

Neighbourhood hub
The centrepiece of the neighbourhood will be a new urban typology, the mobility and community hub. The hub will become a place for meeting, parking and shared mobility. The plinth will house the neighbourhood's public functions. An attractive meeting place where residents can organise parties and community activities. Above the plinth, a flexible arrangement of parking spaces allows them to be used as a playground or neighbourhood market when left empty. The terraced facade consists of bio-based materials and greenery, and a solar roof will provide energy for the neighbourhood.

Participation
Ecosystem partner Common City and Stipo will ensure future residents are involved in the co-creation of the collective functions and programming in the hub. The programming will have a flexible character that can change over time according to the wishes and needs of the residents. By being actively involved, people create a strong social bond in their community that encourages the sharing of resources. A community that will sustain a pioneering spirit for generations.