Gamechanger

The Warren: sustainable living in a social, inclusive community

Image - residential community

The Warren

Facts

Mission:
Creating a sustainable, social housing community where community life is central and actively promoting how others can also develop and manage affordable, energy-positive housing together.

Fund: PDENH

Contributes to transition:
Circular transition

Contributes to transition:
Circular transition

Contributes to SDG(s):

 

The housing market in the Netherlands is under pressure: affordable housing is scarce, sustainability is a challenge and social cohesion is often overlooked. De Warren responds to this with an innovative housing concept that brings together sustainability, affordability and community. As the first housing cooperative developed entirely by residents in Amsterdam, De Warren offers 36 social and mid-rent homes to a diverse group of young residents.

This is how The Warren works

The Warren was designed, built and is managed by its own residents. The complex is energy-positive, built with circular and biobased materials and equipped with innovative installations for energy generation and storage. The residents live in a close-knit community where shared amenities and collaborations are central. The focus on community living not only reduces the ecological footprint, but also creates a strong social dynamic.

The impact

De Warren's innovative residential concept is having a lasting impact on the region and beyond:
● CO2 reduction: Thanks to energy-positive installations, a considerable amount of CO2 emissions are saved every year.
● Circular construction: building with bio-based and circular materials minimises the ecological impact of the construction process.
● Social inclusion: The community accommodates residents from diverse backgrounds and encourages mutual cooperation and social cohesion.

Collaboration and support

The development of De Warren is the result of intensive cooperation between residents, local contractors and knowledge partners. Financial support from the PDENH Fund, among others, played a crucial role in this. Thanks to this investment, the project could be realised within a few years and is now an inspiring example for future self-build and community initiatives in the Netherlands.

The Warren proves that sustainability, social commitment and affordability can go together in an innovative residential environment. The knowledge and experience gained during the project will be actively shared with other housing pioneers, so that the movement of sustainable, social and future-proof living can continue to grow.

 

Circular transition

Innovating in circularity

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October 5, 2026

The Warren proves that living and financing differently is possible

News
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