Timber neighbourhood “The Erven” wins major tender in Amsterdam region

Designed around four courtyards – or erven – named Ontspan (relax), Groei (grow), Maak (create) and Speel (play), the neighbourhood brings together homes, greenery and shared spaces into a cohesive living environment where nature, community and architecture coexist.

The project is developed by Timpaan and Blauwhoed, with White Arkitekter designing several of the buildings and supervising the architectural team composed of SeARCH, Space&Matter and Atlas Architects, while DS Landschapsarchitecten shape the overall landscape design. The team is supported by Merosch and other local partners.

“We are extremely pleased to be realising this wonderful project in our hometown. The region faces strong pressure on the housing market, and it is fantastic that we can add so many affordable homes in The Erven together with Blauwhoed,”
– Ingeborg de Jong, General Manager, Timpaan

The Erven is characterised by progressive, bio-based architecture. Buildings are constructed in cross-laminated timber (CLT) with timber-frame walls insulated using materials such as straw and wood fibre. Facades use natural and reused materials including wood, reed, hemp fibre, lime and recycled aluminium. Many roofs feature reed or timber shingles, while green roofs with solar panels contribute to biodiversity and local energy production.

Circular design principles run throughout the project: foundations use recycled concrete and gravel; structures are modular and adaptable; and each courtyard includes an “ecozolder” – an attic designed to support local bird and bat species. Mobility hubs will provide bike parking, parcel delivery and shared electric vehicles, further reducing the neighbourhood’s environmental footprint.

“The Erven demonstrates how the neighbourhoods of the future can be built with nature as a starting point – in timber, bio-based materials and with community at their heart. The design concept was inspired by local traditions, but reinterprets them in a contemporary way, where buildings, nature and people form a living ecosystem,”
– Oskar Norelius, Lead Architect and Office Director, White Arkitekter in Stockholm

When completed, The Erven will offer more than new homes: it will create a living, inclusive and circular neighbourhood where sustainable materials, social resilience and ecological values set the foundation for future growth.