Eigen Haard is a housing association founded in 1909 in Amsterdam, established by local merchants alarmed by deteriorating living conditions amid rapid population growth. The founders’ goal was to provide dignified, affordable housing for the city’s working class, reflecting a broader social movement catalyzed by the Dutch Housing Act of 1901. This act pushed for higher standards and public investment in housing at a time when many poor workers were housed in substandard, cramped quarters.
Eigen Haard became known for its ambitious social housing projects, notably commissioning architect Michel de Klerk to design the celebrated Het Schip apartment block in the Spaarndammerbuurt. Built between 1917 and 1920, Het Schip featured 102 apartments, a school, and a post office, embodying both social ideals and architectural innovation of the Amsterdam School movement. The project stood out for providing spacious, light-filled apartments, even at the lowest end of the income scale—a significant step up from prevailing norms.
Over decades, Eigen Haard has grown into one of the largest housing corporations in the Netherlands. As of recent years, it employs around 580 staff and manages tens of thousands of dwellings, primarily in Amsterdam and surrounding municipalities. Its activities now span housing development, maintenance, and urban regeneration, with ongoing projects in neighborhoods such as Bosleeuw Midden and Landlust. These initiatives focus on energy renovation, improved living standards, and responding to evolving social needs. Eigen Haard’s portfolio remains rooted in its original social mission, while adapting to new challenges in Amsterdam’s dynamic housing landscape.