A new housing complex, Merwijde, comprised of 148 temporary homes, has officially opened in Arnhem-Oost, Netherlands, providing housing for residents and asylum seekers with residence permits. The project aims to offer flexible living solutions for at least ten years, with the possibility of remaining longer or being dismantled for future construction or infrastructure expansion.
Istar Mohammud, a care worker, secured priority housing in the complex due to her organizational skills and ability to connect with other residents. She will act as a community facilitator, helping to integrate newcomers within the Merwijde complex.
The housing complex is part of a broader trend in the Netherlands, with permits issued for nearly 5,500 temporary new-build homes in 2024 alone. Over the past five years, the number of temporary housing units has consistently increased, with over 15,000 units now approved for placement.
Merwijde allocated a third of its flexible homes to new Dutch citizens, addressing the housing needs of status holders. Reza Al-Asvand, an Iranian native, expressed gratitude for finally having his own place after spending nine years in asylum seeker centers.
The design of Merwijde, featuring residential blocks arranged around a courtyard garden, encourages social interaction among residents. A shared pavilion is available for neighborhood activities, fostering a sense of community.
The project aims to balance the social dynamics of the Presikhaaf district by offering a mix of housing options and avoiding concentrating only the lowest social rental category. This approach seeks to create a more diverse and balanced community within the neighborhood.
The modular homes are constructed using durable materials, including cross-laminated timber, concrete floors, and steel staircases, ensuring quality and longevity. The units are built to meet stringent building standards, increasing their potential for long-term use, even if relocated.
The Dutch government is actively working to mitigate financial risks associated with temporary housing projects. Guarantee schemes, market analysis, and backup locations are being established to support the relocation or potential sale of flex homes.
The Merwijde project received significant financial support from the national government and the municipality of Arnhem. This support helped offset the higher cost of constructing relocatable homes compared to traditional housing association properties.
To foster social cohesion within Merwijde, the municipality has allocated funds for community-building initiatives. A social organization is assisting with resident activities, and a connecting resident is managing an app to facilitate communication and coordination.
Despite efforts to encourage interaction, initial observations suggest that some residents remain hesitant to engage in community activities. Organizations like Buddy to Buddy are working to bridge the gap and help residents connect with their neighbors.
The company that supplied the modular building blocks for Merwijde is experiencing increasing demand for its products, indicating a growing interest in flexible housing solutions. This trend suggests a positive outlook for the future of relocatable construction.
Research is underway to explore the possibility of offering mortgage guarantees for individuals purchasing relocatable homes. This initiative aims to make flex homes more accessible and contribute to the growth of affordable owner-occupied housing.
The distinction between relocatable and permanent homes is becoming increasingly blurred, with some flex homes being placed permanently from the outset. This reflects a growing acceptance and integration of flexible housing solutions within the broader housing market.