De Warren is a housing cooperative on the east side of Amsterdam. Designed by Natrufied Architecture, a Dutch studio that emphasises bio-based construction, material reuse, and resident participation, this sustainably built and energy positive residence comprises 36 homes of varied sizes and a mix of communal spaces.
Described as “the first self-build housing cooperative in Amsterdam”, the 3,000-square-metre De Warren provides social and affordable rental housing and operates as a resident-managed cooperative that supports long-term affordability. It is located in Centrumeiland, one of several artificial islands that make up the residential neighbourhood of IJburg.
Collective living
The housing cooperative’s core principle is collective living. Through workshops with future residents, it was agreed that 30 percent of the building would be collective. A range of shared spaces, spread throughout the building, cover around 800 square metres. These include a central auditorium, multifunctional room, children’s playroom, music studio, co-working spaces, meditation and quiet rooms, a greenhouse, roof terrace, several communal living rooms, and a communal kitchen–diner on each floor.
Collective spaces are arranged across a “Machu Picchu” staircase (a reference to the historic archaeological site’s stone stairways). Their central placement makes them part of the daily route for all residents. Living accommodations consist of small studios, starter homes, and family homes, spread across 16 social and 20 mid-rent homes.
Participatory design
Natrufied Architecture employed a participatory approach throughout the project. Joint design sessions and workshops with residents informed decisions on spatial layout, the balance between private and collective areas, and the introduction of transitional spaces that encourage interaction.
Low-carbon construction and nature-inclusive design
The building has an EPC of -0.16, indicating an energy-positive performance. Natrufied Architecture designed De Warren using a combination of bio-based and recycled materials, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), flax insulation, recycled wooden finishes, and reclaimed building products.
The exterior incorporates untreated azobé cladding made from recycled retaining walls originally used in marinas; the planks were doubled to achieve the required thickness and are maintenance-free. Reused timber from former fender systems was also integrated into the facade. Recycled basralocus mooring posts form the “mikado” balcony fronts and support nature-inclusive planters fed by rainwater from the polder roof. Azobé and basralocus were selected for their durability and resistance to environmental exposure.
The building incorporates additional nature-inclusive elements: gaps within the facade create habitats for bats, wooden cladding supports bird nests, and a wadi system accommodates local wildlife such as frogs. Vegetation on the rooftop terrace and surrounding gardens attracts insects and birds, while a sidewalk garden created by removing paving reduces impervious surfaces and improves stormwater management.
Adaptable structure and shared resources
The structure is designed for long-term flexibility using a timber post-and-beam system. Light internal walls can be removed to alter layouts; each grid includes at least one services shaft to accommodate decentralised ventilation and future adjustments without major interventions. Shared kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms on each floor support the cooperative’s sharing economy. Additional communal resources include shared cars, semi-public spaces, and communal tools.
Today, De Warren illustrates how collaborative design, shared resources, and material reuse can support a resilient model of urban living centred on affordability, community, and environmental performance.
