De Warren Cooperative Housing by Natrufied Architecture

Located on Centrumeiland in Amsterdam, De Warren is a pioneering example of collective, sustainable, and affordable urban living. Designed by Natrufied Architecture, this self-built cooperative housing complex introduces a new paradigm for social and ecological housing in the Netherlands.

A Model for Sustainable Urban Communities

Completed in 2023, De Warren spans 3,070 m² and accommodates 36 affordable and social rental apartments. It is the first self-initiated cooperative housing project in Amsterdam, designed and realized by its own residents in collaboration with the architects. More than just a housing solution, De Warren is a community-driven, energy-positive building with an impressive EPC of -0.16, representing a shift toward net-positive urban development.

Designing for Collectivity and Shared Living

The heart of De Warren lies in its commitment to collective living. Around 30% of the building—approximately 800 m²—is dedicated to shared spaces, fostering interaction, collaboration, and a sense of belonging among residents. These communal functions include:

• A large auditorium
• Multifunctional hall
• Co-working zones
• A music studio
• Children’s playroom
• Greenhouse and meditation room
• Shared kitchens and living spaces
• A rooftop terrace

These spaces are organized around the iconic ‘Machu Picchu’ staircase, which physically and socially connects all floors, making community interaction an integral part of daily life.

Reuse, Wood Construction, and Circular Materials

Sustainability is embedded in every material choice. The facade is clad in recycled Azobe wood, sourced from former retaining walls, while balcony screens use recycled Basralocus bollards. The structure is primarily composed of wooden columns and beams, and the façade, interior walls, and finishes altogether utilized 330 m³ of timber, storing over 300 tons of CO₂—the equivalent of two centuries of emissions from an average Dutch car.

Rainwater from the polder roof is reused to irrigate nature-inclusive planters, supporting biodiversity. The facade’s rough, untreated surfaces express both durability and environmental consciousness, eliminating the need for chemical treatments or regular maintenance.

Energy Innovation and Independence

Rejecting conventional energy grids, De Warren employs a closed-loop geothermal system. Due to soft soil conditions, deep 30-meter foundation piles were required—these were ingeniously converted into energy piles, acting as a geothermal heat source. Coupled with heat pumps and PV panels, the system provides year-round heating and cooling, making the building largely energy self-sufficient.

Designed for Longevity and Flexibility

The internal structure emphasizes long-term adaptability. Built with a modular wood frame system, the floor plans can be easily reconfigured over time. Each grid bay includes at least one services shaft, allowing for decentralized ventilation and flexible MEP layouts, ensuring that the building remains resilient to future spatial and technological needs.

De Warren exemplifies a sustainable, socially inclusive architecture rooted in cooperation, self-organization, and ecological intelligence. It is not just a housing project, but a blueprint for future-proof urban living.