The more we reflect on the development of Vliervelden in Almere, the more we realize that it was — and still is — a truly unique project. Living in an (active) farmyard is against current laws and regulations in the Netherlands, but projects like this could help address some of the pressing challenges we face today: the nitrogen crisis, the agricultural transition, the housing shortage, desiccation and land subsidence, to name but a few.

Vliervelden is currently unique in the Netherlands for its combination of residential and agricultural activities on an active farm. However, its integrated approach could provide a model for other farms across the country. The Dutch agricultural sector faces significant challenges in the coming years, not least because of the nitrogen crisis. There is a growing number of vacant farms, additionally many farmers are looking to expand or transition to less intensive forms of agriculture to support nature conservation or reduce nitrogen emissions. However, financing these transitions (given the loss of land value, reduced income and investment required for conversion) is often a major hurdle. Beyond existing regulations, such as the existing red-for-red or red-for-green rule, there is not much that can be done. A redefinition of the role of the farm is needed, one that gives farmers the flexibility and opportunity to actively contribute to solutions.

We believe that one of the keys to meeting some of today’s challenges is an approach where the farm remains active and the residents become part of its dynamic, and of its living and working community. This integrated solution promotes a unique type of community, where the synergy between farming and residential life not only creates a new way of living, but also makes a positive contribution to pressing social issues.

Together with De Wijde Blik, H+N+S and Ruimtemaken, we are currently carrying out research by design with five farmers to explore the possibilities of their farm.

Through this research by design, we aim to demonstrate the spatial possibilities and potential of farm-based living and working communities and the transition in farmland design they entail. We believe it is crucial to envision the spatial potential of these communities and translate the synergy between farm work, residential life and farmland design into a new typology. Farm-based living and working communities are distinctly different from typical suburban housing developments, with their front gardens, fences, standardized storerooms, two-storey semi-detached houses sharing a roof, clustered parking spaces, streets and concrete curbs.

The research by design will explore new spatial frameworks for the development of farm-based living and working communities arising from the interaction between farm, dwelling and farmland design.