An old sports field in the west of Amsterdam is the unassuming location of an experimental housing project that is helping young refugees integrate into Dutch society. Startblok Riekerhaven was developed by housing associations De Key and Socius Wonen and is home to 565 people aged between 18 and 27. Half of the residents are refugees who have been granted residence permits but the other half are young Dutch citizens in need of affordable housing.
These two groups live side by side in the project’s nine apartment blocks, which are made out of old shipping containers and split into studios and apartments. The community is managed by the residents, who are provided with support and counselling and are encouraged to participate in sports teams, language courses and cultural exchanges, which are funded through their rent.
Startblok’s affordable tenancies enable Dutch residents to work or study in an otherwise expensive city, while refugees also benefit from the opportunity to develop friendships and gain knowledge to help rebuild their lives.
The project is secure until 2026 when the lease on the council-owned land expires. However, the potential of the model has been recognised and similar long-term schemes are already in the pipeline.
