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Schoonschip A Sustainable Urban Housing Project in Amsterdam
Research · December 2023
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.12720.57606/1
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ARCH 517 – Fall 2023
Assignment #2 - A sustainable residential place
Nasim M. Sorkhabi, Audrey Begorre, Sarah Tobin
Schoonschip, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Introduction
The housing crisis is becoming a global phenomenon in developed cities, but each one has its specific
version of it. In the Netherlands, and notably Amsterdam, the lack of free space has added up over the last
10 years to other concerning factors of this crisis1. Densifying urban spaces and finding resilient strategies to
additional climates changes is embodied by the project chosen for this paper, Schoonschip2. Initiated in 2008
and completed in 2021, this urban housing project has been directed by the Space&Matter committee,
regrouping designers and thinkers3 to initiate a new housing typology in the Netherlands and hopefully in
Europe. Indeed, the project is located on the Johan van Hasseltkade Kanaal-West in Northern Amsterdam,
Netherlands, and is composed of 46 floating houses where around 180 residents live in their new community.
The project stands out for its location on the urban canal and illustrates how the Netherlands are
trying to prevent climate change such as flooding: “Giving space to water instead of constraining it”4. Built
on water, this project acts as a sustainable response to climate change [floods and rising sea level] in the
housing crisis context. In this paper, we will try to underline design strategies that contribute to a sustainable
urban housing project. Understanding how new typologies challenge the classic economic procedures of
urban planning and architecture will help us to unravel the project and grasp its environmental and social
implications.
Economic Aspects
Schoonschip and other floating housing project tried to remain affordable, however the reality of the
construction made it “costs 20 per cent more than a comparable one on solid ground – with options between
€300,000 and €800,000 (approximately $400,000 to $1 million), according to news reports, compared to the
national average of €428,000 ($578,000)”5. Creating a new type of floating urban home is a risk worth taking
- and paying for unfortunately. In addition to the fact that there was no precedent to inspire the project, the
committee had to consult various experts and negotiate to finance the project. No bank was willing to finance
it, as the risk was not established, and the project was ambitious in terms of its sustainable design. In the end,
they found Triodosbank, a bank sharing common ideas with the philosophy behind this project on resilience
and future, granting them mortgage to the future residents that couldn’t afford to pay directly the project. To
1
“Why Is There a Housing Shortage in the Netherlands? The Dutch Housing Crisis Explained | DutchReview.”
2022. Https://Dutchreview.Com/ (blog). May 10, 2022. https://dutchreview.com/expat/housing/why-is-there-a-
housing-shortage-in-the-netherlands-the-dutch-housing-crisis-explained/.
2
“Schoonschip – Amsterdam.” n.d. https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/.
3
“Schoonschip — Space&Matter.” n.d. https://www.spaceandmatter.nl/work/schoonschip.
4
BBC News. n.d. “Flood-Proof Homes the Dutch Way.” https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-26302176.
5
The Globe and Mail. 2022. “Sea Level Rise Is Coming for Cities. But Who Can Afford to ‘Float’ Their Way Out?,”
May 25, 2022. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-sea-level-rise-is-coming-for-cities-but-who-can-
afford-to-float-their/.
1
convince the future residents to stay on board, the committee chose to stay completely transparent about
finances and uploaded the budget after every meeting publicly. First announced to 47 000€ per household,
initial costs rose up to 70 000€ by the time everything got ready to start. It would include jetties, network for
electricity and plumbing, compensating the board, projects costs and construction permits. Overall, the area
would represent a 3€ million to manage6, with 46 floating houses sharing energy and water systems
(electricity, sewage, clean water, etc.). Initial costs were identical for the households, but the development of
each unit differed in the end as the project is composed of 7 building typologies, ranging from 150 m2 to 378
m2, and developed by more than 25 different architecture firms (KPMV Architects, + 31architects,
Waterstudio, MTB architecten, B06 Architecten, Smeelearchitecture, Office Winhov, etc.).
To make the project more affordable, the committee proposed a 46 lots urban plan with semi-detached
houses rather than keeping the 30 lots urban proposal of the city. Increasing density helped increased
affordability. Increasing sustainability also helped reduce costs, the philosophy behind this project is that:
“Investing before flooding cost less than cleaning up after water”7. Ensuring a circular model also benefited
the leading concept of being self-sufficient. Sharing floating gardens, food purchases and wastes, mobility
equipment (cars, bikes), energy production and savings (with solar panels and batteries), heat recovery
systems (using the canal, grey and black water) and infrastructure through a “smart grid” (Figure1) has
strengthened the community's life cycle. The project also encourages local farmers “bio” and local biomass
development (living plant and animal species) by providing spaces necessary to them. Overall, if the costs
seem higher than the average market housing cost, it is a long-term investment as these floating houses will
survive to flooding events and provide a qualitative way of living, with view on the water and a dynamic
small-scale neighborhood.
Figure 1 - Schoonschip — Space&Matter.” n.d. https://www.spaceandmatter.nl/work/schoonschip Smart grid on the right.
6
“Greenprint.” n.d. https://greenprint.schoonschipamsterdam.org/impactgebieden/financieel#werkwijze.
7
BBC News. n.d. Ibid.
2
Environmental Aspects
The sustainability goals of the Schoonschip project encompass various aspects aimed at creating an eco-
efficient and self-sufficient community. One major focus is on achieving a renewable heat and hot water
supply for each household. This involves the installation of electric power generation capacity and the
expansion of the heat collection system8 (the system can be seen in figure 3). Consequently, Schoonschip's
residents benefit from a fully renewable heat and hot water supply9, with additional top-up heating provided
by either an electric microwave boiler or a hybrid heat pump/boiler.
Figure 2 - Space&Matter https://www.spaceandmatter.nl/work/schoonschip
The project places a strong emphasis on renewable electricity, with efforts to reduce energy consumption and
source energy from renewable sources. Every home is outfitted with multiple solar panels on the roof (seen
in figures 3 and 4), these power a variety of components of the community. Communal washing machines are
8
“Schoonschip: One of the World’s Most Advanced Residential Smart Grids,” Spectral, November 13, 2023,
https://spectral.energy/project/schoonschip/.
9
Daniele Prosdocimo, “Schoonschip Sustainable Community on Floating Houses: Archivibe,” ARCHIVIBE
architecture and design news, February 16, 2021, https://www.archivibe.com/schoonschip-community-on-floating-
houses/.
3
powered by solar panels, saving 20% of electricity10. Lighting is optimized through the use of low-consuming
LEDs, and cut-off switches are strategically placed to disconnect non-vital electronic equipment. Additionally,
wastewater and organic waste treatment are integrated into the project, collecting human waste from each
floating home, and pumping it to a modular treatment system installed in the jetty.
Figure 3 - Metabolic https://www.metabolic.nl/projects/schoonschip/ Figure 4 -Space & Matter https://www.spaceandmatter.nl/work/schoonschip
Water self-sufficiency is achieved by utilizing rainy Dutch weather for toilet flushing and plant irrigation.
Residents can choose between a municipal water supply and a fully self-sufficient water purification system
for drinking water, albeit at a higher cost11. Nutrient recovery from wastewater and organic waste treatment is
implemented, creating a closed cycle between nutrient collection and food production. Organic waste can
either feed animals or be composted for personal garden use.
The results of the Schoonschip neighbourhood indicate a successful transition to a fully self-sufficient
community in terms of renewable heat and electricity, water collection, and overall resource demand
reduction compared to conventional homes. The buildings are designed to be highly eco-efficient and feature
various architectural styles with creative exterior finishing. Notably, Schoonschip aims to be gas-free,
generating energy through 500 solar panels and 30 water pumps12, along with passive heating from the sun
and canal water. Rooftop gardens contribute to cooling the city in the summer.
In terms of self-sufficiency, Schoonschip employs a variety of measures, including energy-efficient
equipment, proper insulation, passive solar heat application, heat pumps, and solar boilers. The community
has a private smart grid system (seen in Figure 4) that optimizes the supply and demand of sustainable energy
on a local level through intelligent technology. The system redistributes energy surplus to where it is needed.
Blockchain technology is utilized to exchange clean energy generated on houseboat roofs.
10
Metabolic, “Schoonschip: A Sustainable Floating Neighbourhood,” Metabolic, accessed November 28, 2023,
https://www.metabolic.nl/projects/schoonschip/.
11
Schoonschip, “Schoonschip - Amsterdam,” Dutch, January 9, 2022, https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/.
12
Schoonschip, “Schoonschip - Amsterdam,” Dutch, January 9, 2022, https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/.
4
Figure 5 - Green Print https://greenprint.schoonschipamsterdam.org/impactgebieden/energie
Materials for the project are sourced exclusively from certified suppliers to ensure ethical and environmentally
conscious practices. Circular building practices are adopted to minimize environmental impact and waste. The
project prioritizes the use of locally sourced materials to reduce carbon emissions associated with
transportation.
Water, electricity, gas, heating, and cooling systems are integrated into the project, featuring 30 heat pumps, 60
thermal panels, and 516 solar panels for energy needs. The waste reduction and management system includes
considerations for heat loss, a sewage system that segregates grey and black water, water-efficient vacuum
toilets, and a rainwater collection system.
In terms of transportation, residents share various modes managed through an app, including electric cars,
bicycles, scooters, and public transport options provided by the mobility hub (seen in figure 5) HUUB. The
46 households of the floating residential area Schoonschip will have the following means of transport
available for the first residents of Schoonschip: 6 electric cars Volkswagen e-Golf, 4 Gazelle e-bikes and a
Volkswagen e-Crafter for freight transport around the relocation of residents to Schoonschip13.
Figure 6 - Schoonschip https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/2019/05/22/reizen-met-je-smartphone/
13
Schoonschip, “Travelling with Your Smart Phone,” Schoonschip, December 5, 2021,
https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/2019/05/22/reizen-met-je-smartphone/
5
The Schoonschip project stands as a commendable model for sustainable living and community development.
Its commitment to renewable energy sources, exemplified by the achievement of a fully renewable heat and
hot water supply for each household, showcases a successful transition towards eco-efficiency. The
integration of solar panels, heat pumps, and innovative technologies like blockchain for energy exchange
underscores the project's forward-thinking approach. The emphasis on water self-sufficiency, waste
management, and circular building practices further solidifies Schoonschip's commitment to minimizing
environmental impact. The project's integration of nutrient recovery, rainwater collection, and locally sourced
materials exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainability. Notably, the community's efforts extend beyond
energy and resource management, incorporating sustainable transportation solutions through a shared
mobility system. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, the Schoonschip project sets a precedent for
future developments seeking to combine ecological consciousness with modern living.
In essence, Schoonschip not only realizes the vision of a fully self-sufficient community but also serves as an
inspiring example of how innovative design, technology, and community engagement can converge to create
a harmonious and sustainable living environment.
Social Aspects
How a closed knit community was shaped.
The design and development of Schoonship demanded a laborious and participatory work, spanning over ten
years to fully complete. "GeWoonboot" as a source of inspiration for Marjan de Blok formed the initial spark
for the concept of Schoonschip. She gathered a community of individuals who were interested to build more
of these sustainable houseboats14. The design and construction approach was individualistic and
decentralized and there was no centralized project developers15. As Marjan De Blok explains “We feel it's
important to emphasize that Schoonschip was created and developed by a group of people, not a project
developer."16. It means that participants were allowed to work with their preferred architects and have their
own timeline and express their design style. As a result, it take over a decade to be fully completed. During
this extensive process, participants who applied for Schoonship get together multiple times to engage in
discussions, sharing their ideas, desires, and dreams collectively. Following numerous meeting sessions, they
grew acquainted and eventually developed friendships.17 Moreover, they discovered their interdependence and
the impact of their decisions on one another. Throughout this iterative process, they also learned how to
trust, respect and collaborate with each other which was significant social objective for them.
14
Residents, “Greenprint Home,” Greenprint, accessed November 28, 2023,
https://greenprint.schoonschipamsterdam.org/impactgebieden/sociaal.
15
Residents, “Greenprint Home,” Greenprint, accessed November 28, 2023,
https://greenprint.schoonschipamsterdam.org/impactgebieden/sociaal.
16
Marjan De Blok, “Schoonschip - Space&Matter,” RSS, accessed November 28, 2023,
https://www.spaceandmatter.nl/work/schoonschip.
17
“Schoonship Amesterdam,” Dutch, January 9, 2022, https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/.
6
Sense of unity
This community of 146 residents, 30 arks are organized into 5 smaller communities surrounding a central
jetty. Also, these residents shaped an even tighter-knit community within a plot of semidetached houses18,
contributing to a more affordable way of life.19 Therefore, residents find themselves in three distinct
community sizes, strengthening their sense of belonging and encouraging them to share their lives within
these communities. According to Space&Matter, residing together in different sizes of plots, despite the
architectural diversity of the homes further enhances their sense of unity and cohesion.20 In other words,
there are no social divisions between residents based on their age, sex, race, or income. They are all members
of Schoonship community, benefiting from shared amenities such as electricity, transportation, and food.
“For Schoonschip living together means: sharing forces. Cooperating with and inspiring others to live more
sustainably are important starting points.”21
Life in the Schoonship
In Schoonship, as Shira Rubin describes, numerous activities take place daily on the communal jetty, ranging
from casual encounters during crossings to swimming (figure 7) and collective celebrations22. Around floating
gardens, while engaging in gardening tasks like cleaning a plant, residents are given chance to voice their
thoughts for few minutes and might even being invited to social gatherings or parties. Moreover, in front of
their homes, when they tend to new plantings, they often see neighbors and start conversations (figure 8).
Besides gardening, certain areas on the jetty allow them to dive into the water and swim with friends and
family, fostering a complete enjoyment and interaction.
Figure 7 – Community Swim, Washington Post
18
Shira Rubin, “In Amsterdam, a Community of Floating Homes Shows the World How to Live alongside Nature,”
The Washington Post, December 17, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-
solutions/interactive/2021/amsterdam-floating-houses-schoonschip/.
19
“Schoonship Amesterdam,” Dutch, January 9, 2022, https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/.
20
“Schoonschip - Space&Matter,” RSS, accessed November 28, 2023,
https://www.spaceandmatter.nl/work/schoonschip.
21
“Schoonship Amesterdam,” Dutch, January 9, 2022, https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/.
22
Shira Rubin, “In Amsterdam, a Community of Floating Homes Shows the World How to Live alongside Nature,”
The Washington Post, December 17, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-
solutions/interactive/2021/amsterdam-floating-houses-schoonschip/.
7
Figure 8 – Community Interaction, Washington Post Figure 9 - Community Meeting https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/.
In the first stages of the project, upon joining Schoonship, participants informally committed to engaging in
collective activities. This included commitments to dine together, swim together, and share transportation
methods as a community. Beyond the jetty that is like a spine for various activities, there is a shared meeting
space which brings member together for workshops and diverse events like yoga sessions, movie nights,
clothes swap, and more23. This area functions as the social heart of the community, where residents gather to
discuss different issues in person and collectively make group decisions (Figure 9). They engage not only in
physical meetings 24, but also in virtual sessions via social media platforms like WhatsApp, w encouraging
active participation rather than passive observation. In addition, in their WhatsApp group, residents exchange,
lend and borrow items, swiftly delivering them to the doorstep of fellow residents usually within a few
minutes. In this sustainable neighborhood, activities are orchestrated in a way, alongside space design, to
encourage residents to be active contributors rather than mere consumers. There are areas for both residents
and nonresidents to produce and showcase their goods and artwork. For example, they collectively purchase
products from biological farmers25 and local businesses. This involves them with rest of the city and make
their community even larger. This not only offers opportunities for farmers to vend their goods but also plays
a vital role in sustaining Schoonschip's commitment to locality, a primary goal of the project.
23
“Schoonship Amesterdam,” Dutch, January 9, 2022, https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/.
24
“Schoonship Amesterdam,” Dutch, January 9, 2022, https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/.
In workgroups the residents take care of issues like smart grid & energy, sanitation, shared mobility, ecology, water
quality and communication. Besides we have a party committee that facilitates all the meetings we organise.
25
“Schoonship Amesterdam,” Dutch, January 9, 2022, https://schoonschipamsterdam.org/en/.
8
Conclusion
Schoonschip emerges as a ground-breaking model for addressing the challenges posed by the housing crisis,
environmental sustainability, and community development. The paper has explored the economic,
environmental, and social aspects of this innovative urban housing project, shedding light on its complexities
and accomplishments.
Economically, Schoonschip faced challenges in terms of affordability, with construction costs exceeding
those of traditional housing on solid ground. However, the project's commitment to transparency in financial
matters, innovative financing through Triodosbank, and a shared urban plan with increased density
contributed to achieving a balance between cost and sustainability. The long-term investment in resilient,
flood-resistant floating houses, coupled with shared energy and water systems, reflects a strategic approach to
urban development.
Environmentally, Schoonschip stands out as a beacon of sustainability. The integration of renewable energy
sources, such as solar panels and heat pumps, along with a robust waste management system, showcases a
comprehensive commitment to eco-efficiency. The project's emphasis on circular building practices, locally
sourced materials, and sustainable transportation solutions further solidifies its dedication to minimizing
environmental impact.
Socially, Schoonschip's unique approach to community development sets it apart. The participatory nature of
the project, spanning over a decade, allowed for individual expression in design and the formation of a
closely-knit community. The emphasis on unity, shared resources, and collective decision-making fosters a
sense of belonging among residents. The communal spaces, both physical and virtual, encourage active
participation, creating a dynamic and interconnected neighborhood.
In essence, Schoonschip represents more than a housing solution; it symbolizes a transformative vision for
sustainable urban living. By successfully addressing economic challenges, implementing eco-efficient practices,
and fostering a strong sense of community, Schoonschip serves as an inspiring example for future
developments. This innovative project demonstrates that with visionary design, technological integration, and
community engagement, it is possible to create a harmonious and sustainable living environment that meets
the needs of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations.
9
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10
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