Europe's Largest Floating Neighborhood Under Construction

At a time when European cities are trying to find solutions to housing shortages, this ambitious project represents an innovative approach to using urban resources.

Behind the concept is the Danish architectural firm MAST (Maritime Architecture Studio), working in collaboration with construction company BIK Bouw.

If all goes according to plan, the neighborhood will be located directly on the water, within a former industrial zone in Rotterdam, transforming a neglected space into a vibrant, sustainable community.

The project envisions the construction of one hundred affordable housing units, along with commercial facilities and a recreational marina. A special emphasis is placed on shared spaces, rooftop terraces, floating walkways, and lush vegetation throughout the neighborhood.

The buildings will be prefabricated off-site using cross-laminated timber and then placed on floating foundations. One of the project’s key features is mobility; the units can be moved if needed, for example, when leases expire. There are also plans for full integration with urban infrastructure. MAST has announced that the neighborhood will be accessible by both bicycles and boats and will be connected to Rotterdam’s existing cycling network.

Bridges at both ends of the harbor will provide access to bike parking, floating paths, and green areas. A navigable waterway will run through the entire site, allowing direct access from the city center to the new homes.

Sustainability is a central element of the project. Renderings show numerous solar panels, which will help reduce electricity consumption from the grid.

Additionally, in partnership with Scottish eco-engineers from Biomatrix, there are plans to install floating reed beds around the neighborhood. These will aid in natural water filtration, boost biodiversity, and create habitats for fish and other aquatic species.

The project was launched in response to a growing issue in the Netherlands—a housing shortage. The country plans to build one million new homes by 2030.

The lack of available building land presents an obstacle, which is why, according to MAST, alternative solutions like floating homes and new forms of urban reconstruction are becoming more common.

Although it is still unclear when the project will be completed, Spurve Haven is already drawing attention as a model of sustainable urban development that makes use of every available square meter, even those on water, reports Capital.