Wij_land by Space&Matter Fosters Sustainable Community Living

Space&Matter created the wij_land housing in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2023. This self-build collective focuses on sustainable, community-oriented living. The design includes 26 varied homes and five communal spaces, promoting sharing, diversity, and sustainability.

Modern multi-story apartment building with glass facades, balconies, and street-level retail space.

Collective self-build living

Space&Matter conceived wij_land in Amsterdam as a collective self-build centered on sustainable, community-oriented living. Initiated by Mireille and Daniël, the project brings together a diverse group of residents with the aim of creating a climate-adapted residential building. Located in Centrumeiland, it houses 26 homes and five communal spaces.
Stylish modern living room with pendant lighting, striped rug, and comfortable furnishings.

Principles of sharing, diversity and sustainability

Residents share resources such as tools, cars and spaces, promoting sustainability and connection. The building conserves rainwater, uses solar panels and incorporates a ground-coupled heat exchanger for energy-efficient living. It features durable, low-maintenance materials. As a not-for-profit venture, it invests in high-quality materials and communal spaces.
Spacious, modern living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush sofa, and statement glass coffee table.

Diverse housing community

The group prioritizes diversity, offering homes from 52 to 130 square meters. This helps to accommodate varied residents, including young and old, large and small families. Sharing allows for reduced storage, making it affordable for people on entry-level and middle incomes. The resulting mini-society includes diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
Spacious modern apartment with large windows, concrete ceiling, and comfortable seating.

Co-creation Design Process

Space&Matter and Common City facilitated workshops to discuss design, sustainability and community living with future residents. A unique form of cohabitation was co-created, balancing privacy and collectivity. The design encourages informal gatherings and lively meetings in common spaces.
A modern, open-plan living space with concrete walls, a colorful patterned rug, and a large window overlooking the city.

Common spaces for social interaction

The residents developed five shared spaces, including a garden, a commercial area, a guest room and a roof terrace with an adjacent orange grove. These spaces promote social cohesion in Centrumeiland and are available for rent in the neighborhood, helping to maintain the building and reducing service costs.
A modern room with a glass brick wall and a person playing an upright piano.

Various and unique housing

Residents chose between housing types such as the maisonette with garden and the live-work studio, according to their needs. Individual preferences influenced the dimensions of the window frames, the edges of the façades, the balcony plans and the floor plans, giving rise to diverse homes that reflect the residents themselves.
Cozy living room with large window, wooden dining table, and bookshelves lining the walls.
A modern outdoor deck with wooden beams, glass railings, and stylish furnishings.
Cozy outdoor living space with potted plants, garden features, and modern architectural details.
Elevated walkway with metal railings and overhead structure, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Modern multi-story building with sleek, angular design and large windows.

Photography by Marcel van der Burg
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- by Matt Watts

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