Common Woods Housing by Space&Matter: A Sustainable Housing Community in the Heart of the Forest

In the tranquil forests of the Netherlands, the renowned architectural studio Space&Matter has designed a remarkable housing development called Common Woods. Located on the edge of the historic Nimmerdor Forest in Amersfoort, this innovative residential complex features a series of timber houses that seamlessly blend with the surrounding natural landscape. The project includes a variety of housing types, from apartments to semi-detached homes and independent villas, offering 56 units across 15 rectangular blocks.

The unique design of Common Woods is not just a tribute to modern architecture but also a celebration of nature and sustainable living. The housing units are integrated into the forest environment, creating what the architects refer to as "forest rooms" or "boskamers," which are intimate forested spaces surrounding the buildings. The design seeks to provide residents with the feeling of living within a forest, with the buildings organically spread across the site and connected by winding pathways and open green spaces.

A Masterplan That Connects Architecture and Nature

The masterplan of Common Woods is not based on a rigid grid, but instead, the buildings are arranged in clusters that allow the surrounding forest to flow into the development. The spatial layout is designed to embrace the forest and its natural features, providing an experience that goes beyond traditional urban living. As Bas van Bentum, the artistic director of Space&Matter, explained: “The invisible boundaries of the site allow the forest to flow deeply into the design, forming intimate forest rooms around the buildings.”

At the center of the development lies a communal green space, a place for residents to come together and engage in daily communal life. Here, the community can interact, plant herbs in the greenhouse, or simply relax among the trees. The central green space, often referred to as the "heart" of the neighborhood, serves as a focal point where people can meet, socialize, and engage with their surroundings in a natural, open setting.

Sustainability and Timber Construction: A Modern Approach to Housing

Space&Matter's use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) for the construction of the buildings is a key feature of this project. CLT is a sustainable building material that provides excellent insulation, strength, and durability, making it an ideal choice for eco-friendly housing developments. Each block of Common Woods is based on a modular design, which the architects describe as a “family of buildings.” These blocks are not identical but share a common design language, creating a cohesive yet diverse appearance across the entire development.

On the street-facing side of the complex, the blocks have a more formal, stepped rhythm, offering a sense of privacy and separation from the surrounding urban environment. On the side facing the internal pathways and green spaces, the buildings are enhanced with balconies and large windows that frame stunning views of the forest. The inclusion of expansive glazing ensures that the residents can experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape from within their homes, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors.

Living in Harmony with Nature: The Role of Outdoor Spaces

The relationship between the buildings and the landscape is vital to the design of Common Woods. Sliding glass doors connect the timber blocks to the surrounding natural environment, allowing for a continuous flow between the interior and the exterior. Each apartment is also linked by external steel decks, providing additional outdoor space for each level. These decks serve as private balconies or terraces where residents can enjoy the fresh air and the calming presence of the forest.

For the landscaping design, Space&Matter collaborated with DELVA Landscape Architecture, a local studio known for its sustainable and nature-inspired designs. Together, they created a series of lush grasslands, planted pots, seating areas, and a central greenhouse, where residents can grow their own plants and herbs. The integration of green spaces is crucial to the project’s overall concept of communal living in harmony with nature.

A Blend of Urban and Natural Elements

The design of Common Woods is a perfect blend of urbanity and nature. The individual blocks, though designed as compact buildings, are seamlessly integrated into the surrounding forested landscape. The architectural form is characterized by the careful breakup of building volumes, ensuring that the compact villas and apartment blocks do not overwhelm the environment. Instead, the design creates a smooth transition from the dense forest to the more urban surroundings, making it a harmonious blend of city life and natural beauty.

The exterior of the buildings features a mix of colors, including earthy reds, smoky blacks, and sandy creams, intended to evoke the colors of tree bark and the forest floor, while contrasting with the green canopy of the surrounding trees. This careful attention to color and materiality ensures that the buildings blend into the forest without detracting from the natural beauty of the site.

Inside, the use of exposed timber and white-painted walls creates bright, airy interiors. The larger homes feature double-height living and dining areas at the corners of the buildings, with full-height glazing that allows for panoramic views of the surrounding forest. This design approach enhances the sense of space, light, and openness, creating an inviting atmosphere for residents.

Promoting Communal Living in the Forest

The architects at Space&Matter have designed Common Woods to foster a sense of community among its residents. The communal spaces, including the central green area and shared greenhouse, encourage interaction between neighbors. The design of the balconies and terraces further promotes this sense of shared space, creating a subtle boundary between public and private spaces that supports communal living.

“The terraces and balconies bring the internal landscape to life, creating layered thresholds between public and private spaces that activate and support communal life within the environment,” said Van Bentum. This emphasis on communal living is a central theme throughout the design, as it reflects a growing interest in creating spaces that encourage social interaction, sustainability, and a deeper connection with nature.

A Sustainable Future for Housing in the Netherlands

Common Woods is a testament to the potential of sustainable architecture and design. By using CLT as the primary building material and integrating green spaces throughout the development, Space&Matter has created a housing community that respects and enhances its natural surroundings. The project exemplifies a modern approach to housing, where environmental sustainability, community living, and design innovation come together in harmony.

For Space&Matter, this project represents a step forward in their mission to create homes that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and connected to the environment. With increasing concerns about urban sprawl, environmental degradation, and the need for more eco-friendly housing options, Common Woods provides a model for future housing developments that prioritize the well-being of both residents and the planet.

Conclusion: A New Era of Sustainable Housing

Common Woods is a remarkable achievement in architectural design, blending the beauty of nature with the functionality of modern living. By creating a housing development that feels like it is part of the forest, Space&Matter has redefined the way we think about urban living. The use of sustainable materials, thoughtful integration of green spaces, and the emphasis on communal living make this project a shining example of how architecture can help us live more harmoniously with the natural world.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an architecture lover, or someone looking for a sustainable housing solution, Common Woods is a project worth admiring. It is a vision of the future, where homes are not just buildings but integral parts of the natural environment.