The Sumatrahof in Leiden is the winner of the South Holland Affordable Housing Award 2025. Miriam van Dijk (real estate manager, Ons Doel) and Ianthe Mantingh (architect/director, Zijdekwartier architects) received the award during the South Holland Housing Conference from Deputy Anne Koning.
Sumatrahof is a residential complex where in 11 of the 82 homes, people aged 18 and older with mild intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can live independently. There is space for social interaction along the entire route from street to home, in the wide forecourt, the spacious entrance halls, the shared living room, in the sheltered inner courtyard, and on the wide galleries. Facilitating everyday contact is the basis of the design.
The jury unanimously chose this project. “In terms of size and scale, it fits perfectly with the location and the residents. The cohesive adaptation is focused on housing quality.” The jury praises “the team of people who have truly stretched themselves to turn a regular task - pleasant and affordable living - into a sustainable, special place for a community.”
Space for Meeting
“A suitable home for everyone is incredibly important, especially for this specific target group,” said Deputy Anne Koning. “At the Sumatrahof, there is space for meeting everywhere: from the wide forecourt and the spacious entrance halls to the shared living room. The daily contact between residents truly forms the basis of the design. A wonderful initiative! At the same time, I am proud of all the nominated projects. Although there can only be one winner, the other three examples also show how we are building together towards affordable, livable, and warm neighborhoods with space for everyone.”
With the Affordable Housing Award, we shine a light on municipalities, corporations, and builders who contribute to an affordable housing stock with their projects.
