Schoonschip is an innovative floating neighborhood in Amsterdam's Johan van Hasselt Canal, completed in 2020. This community-driven project aims to be Europe's most sustainable floating urban development, featuring 46 households across 30 water plots.
The neighborhood showcases a variety of sustainable technologies and practices. It boasts 516 solar panels, 30 heat pumps, and a smart grid system that allows residents to trade energy among themselves. The community also incorporates water treatment technologies and strives for local loop closure in resource management.
Schoonschip's design, led by Space&Matter, reflects the cohesion of its community. A connecting jetty facilitates social interactions while preserving water views for each home. The dwellings, designed by different architects, showcase diverse styles and materials while adhering to sustainability guidelines.
Beyond environmental sustainability, Schoonschip emphasizes social sustainability. Residents share mobility solutions, including electric cars and bikes, and work together on various aspects of community life. The project also serves as an open-source model, with residents actively sharing their knowledge and experiences to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.
As a prototype for resilient urban development, Schoonschip offers a unique response to climate change challenges, demonstrating how communities can create sustainable, self-sufficient living environments on water.