De Fantasie
In 1982, the 'Ongewoon Wonen' competition was launched by the De Fantasie committee in Almere. The central theme was to design an experimental dwelling, without having to comply with current building regulations. Condition: no foundations were allowed. Ingenuity in terms of choice and use of materials, construction, design and living form were paramount. The emphasis was also on direct feasibility, so inventive use of materials and original constructions were given priority.
The ten prize-winners were allocated a plot of building land for five years....
In 1982, the 'Ongewoon Wonen' competition was launched by the De Fantasie committee in Almere. The central theme was to design an experimental dwelling, without having to comply with current building regulations. Condition: no foundations were allowed. Ingenuity in terms of choice and use of materials, construction, design and living form were paramount. The emphasis was also on direct feasibility, so inventive use of materials and original constructions were given priority.
The ten prize winners were given a plot of building land for five years by the Rijksdienst IJsselmeerpolders. After this period, the houses would have to be demolished again. It did not come to that. De Fantasie is considered an architectural gem, visited by visitors from home and abroad. The residents could therefore eventually acquire ownership of the land and live there permanently. Now, the little neighbourhood offers a wondrous sight with houses ranging from a kind of camping spot to a full-fledged villa. A number of residents have enlarged the property.
