The CLT project in the M4H area is designed for makers—people with a hands-on approach to life, who enjoy building with their own hands while being mindful of their environmental impact and committed to…
The CLT project in the M4H area is designed for makers—people with a hands-on approach to life, who enjoy building with their own hands while being mindful of their environmental impact and committed to a sustainable lifestyle. This project provides makers with a space where they can find like-minded companions in the community, creating and growing together.
The makers’ main request is a space to build homes according to their vision, while also having guidance along the way. Through the CLT, they have the opportunity to come together as a community and, by combining the strengths of each individual, thrive collectively. To support this vision, I introduced a system based on shipping containers—a sustainable, affordable (which goes in line with the goal of the CLT to create long-term affordable housing), and practical solution that offers a hands-on approach, allowing makers to channel their creativity and start building.
The mission
Is to establish a sustainable, community-centered housing model in the M4H district of Rotterdam through the Community Land Trust (CLT) framework. The project empowers a diverse group of makers—individuals and small businesses who creatively repurpose containers to construct their own living and working spaces.
This unique approach provides an affordable housing solution while encouraging residents to actively participate in shaping their environment. The development integrates essential community features, such as farm-to-table dining options, workshops focused on sustainability and self-sufficiency, and repair cafés where skills and resources are shared.
By fostering a collaborative atmosphere, the project not only promotes ecological responsibility but also builds a resilient social fabric, creating a thriving neighborhood that aligns with the values of its residents and the future of urban living.
Architecture
The M4H district, centered around the former Keilewerf 2 site, reflects a rich architectural and urban context rooted in its industrial past. The area is defined by warehouses, industrial structures, and open spaces that now host a growing creative community. It has become a vibrant hub for music, art, and urban gardening, attracting makers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Adjacent to the site, the Dakpark offers a green urban park, creating a symbolic link to the neighboring BoTu (Bospolder-Tussendijken) district. BoTu is known for its diverse population and strong community initiatives, adding social depth to the area.
This blend of industrial functionality and community-driven creativity forms the foundation for a transformative housing vision in the district.
Phase 0 | Occupying the Plot
The future residents and supporters begin occupying the plot. Initial discussions with the surrounding neighborhood and the municipality take place to introduce the concept of „Collective Growth“ and establish a collaborative foundation.
Phase 1 | Establishing Public Functions
Through shared experiences and exchanges, the first public functions emerge on the site. These not only serve the community but also generate the first revenues for the CLT project and strengthen connections with the neighborhood. (on the foundation of Keilewerf 2)
Phase 2 | Construction of the First Housing Units
With support from the existing infrastructure of the Keilewerf community, the construction of the first residential buildings is realized. A mix of private and shared living spaces is created, forming the foundation for a closely connected community. (& collecting money for the new foundations)
Phase 3 | Expanding the Community
Following the successful establishment and growth of the community, the construction of the second group of residential buildings is made possible. At the same time, the landscape design is refined to provide additional gathering spaces and open areas, further enhancing communal living.
volume
Two rectangular volumes are strategically positioned on the plot, with their alignment emphasizing a strong linear organization. This configuration defines a clear primary axis that guides movement and sets the spatial framework for the development.
form
The initial rectangular volumes are broken down into smaller, modular units. This segmentation introduces permeability, allowing for greater connectivity between different areas and creating a more dynamic and flexible spatial composition with open spaces and pathways.
hight
The building volumes are varied in height, resulting in a engaging silhouette. This height differentiation draws inspiration from the maximum stacking capacity of shipping containers in their original context, enhancing the vertical dimension of the design.
public functions
This design promotes interaction and opens the space for various activities. The public functions on the ground floor are divided into commercial spaces and areas dedicated to social impact, fostering both economic opportunities and community-oriented initiatives.
Container
The project involves the installation of 24 shipping containers per floor, per building, totaling 264 square meters per floor. Out of this, approximately 100 square meters are designated for communal use, creating shared spaces that encourage interaction and a sense of community among residents. Each floor features rows of two or three containers, allowing for flexible living arrangements and a variety of living sizes and configurations. This setup not only accommodates diverse lifestyles and family sizes but also supports the community’s evolving needs. For the entire area, a total of 864 shipping containers will be installed across multiple phases, culminating in 9,504 square meters of usable space overall.
By utilizing shipping containers, which are inherently robust and designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the high seas, a local product directly sourced from the Port of Rotterdam is used. This approach reduces transportation costs and environmental impact.
