Housing With our space concepts, you can create a comfortable facility that serves as a fully-fledged building.
A complete neighbourhood for Ukrainians in six months
Situated along the border of the Indische Buurt in Almere Buiten, we completed 211 two-room flats in six months, offering a safe home to some 500 displaced Ukrainians in need.
Completed and finished
The 211 flats consist of 452 modules spread over six buildings of three to four floors each. Every flat is about 36 m2 and has its own bathroom and kitchen.
Quality housing for displaced persons
Many Ukrainians have fled since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Some have sought refuge in the Netherlands, prompting the central government to issue mandatory instructions to all provinces to organise quality housing. Research conducted by the municipality of Almere led them to identify Pasar Malamstraat as the most suitable location for this purpose. Together with the housing associations De Alliantie and GoedeStede, they then commissioned the construction of at least 200 residential units. All to be completed in the shortest time possible.
A home away from home
In just six months, a whole new neighbourhood emerged on Pasar Malamstraat in Almere Buiten. To keep the quality high and the momentum going, our production facility in Oirschot manufactured ready-made flexible housing units. The 452 modules, spread over six buildings of three to four storeys each, were finished on site to create 211 two-bedroom flats. The flats are all about 36 m2 and come with their own kitchen and bathroom. The units were also ready to move into, thanks to the finished floors, painted fibreglass wallpaper, blinds and basic furniture. Approximately 500 Ukrainian displaced persons found their new home here in 2023.
More than just a home
Of course, the feeling of coming home starts with the surrounding neighbourhood. So, in addition to the residential buildings, Amsterdam-based Studio Selva also designed the outdoor spaces. The area between the residential buildings was landscaped with pathways and greenery. There is also a play area for children and plenty of parking spaces around the blocks. Residents will also have joint use of a number of shared facilities, such as a laundry room and common rooms for socialising and relaxing.
Adaptable for the future
The Pasar Malamstraat flexible housing units are designed to be used for 10 years. For the first three years – or as long as necessary – they will provide a safe haven for displaced Ukrainians. After that, the units will be converted to accommodate other people in need, such as those who have been waiting for social housing for a long time.
From the outside, there is little difference between modular buildings and traditional structures. In fact, it is actually impossible to distinguish between the appearance of modular flexible housing and traditional real estate. More and more architects are approaching VDL De Meeuw about flexible housing developments. Flexible housing and traditional real estate have to comply with the same requirements. In other words, both comply with the Dutch Environment Buildings Decree (Bbl).
The modules that come together to form the final building are produced in a controlled environment. This ensures a safe working environment with a high level of control over quality and minimal impact on the production process due to weather. This in turn prevents delays and failure costs, and increases control over the overall project. Speed and quality go hand in hand here.
After production, the modules are transported to the site. Once on site, these modules are connected to each other, to the electricity grid, to the sewerage, and so on, and the interior is finished according to the specifications agreed upon. At that point, the building is then commissioned and modified in the future according to any changing requirements.
Brochure
Flexible housing, always the space you need
Download the brochure here.
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