This Renovation Story highlights the Kleiburg project in Amsterdam’s Bijlmermeer, where NL Architects and XVW architectuur led one of Europe’s most ambitious residential refurbishments. Faced with a decaying 1970s slab building, the team embraced innovation over demolition by introducing the concept of the “Klusflat” or “DIY-flat.”

The architects stripped the structure to its essential elements, keeping the concrete framework, corridors, and facade elements, while offering buyers shell apartments ready for personal customization. This strategy drastically reduced renovation costs, making the homes accessible at affordable rent prices. It also empowered homeowners with the freedom to design their own spaces, fostering creativity and ownership.

The project minimized waste and preserved Bijlmermeer’s modernist heritage, transforming a neglected complex into a vibrant and functional living space. It redefined perceptions of the neighborhood, demonstrating how neglected structures can be reimagined to support both community and sustainability. Kleiburg serves as a model for how large-scale residential buildings across Europe can be renovated with limited resources. It shows that preservation and creative reuse can create meaningful, affordable housing while respecting the past and planning for the future.

Visit the website of NL Architects
Visit the webiste of XVW Architectuur