Press Release deltaWonen

The new residents are already feeling right at home in Oosterenk and that should be celebrated. March 13, 2025 marked the grand opening of the 58 new flex housing units in this special place. We celebrated the living happiness of the new residents, culminating in the unveiling of the names of the housing complex and the communal meeting space.

The Crossing
De Oversteek, that's the name of the housing complex with the 58 flex homes in Oosterenk. The name was conceived and chosen by the residents themselves. "The name actually says it all: the Oversteek stands for crossing, taking steps and growing. Whether you crossed over from your parental home to this temporary flex home, crossed over from abroad or made the move from a care facility to your first independent home. Everyone is welcome. Here you can be yourself and grow at your own pace," said neighbors Mohamad and Peter. The housing complex is also adjacent to a nature reserve. The new bridge allows you to cross over to the green.

Living and living happiness come together
And that is what makes this place so special. Evert Leideman, managing director at deltaWonen: "As a housing corporation, we make an important contribution to happiness in society. We know that living happiness starts with a suitable home that is comfortable, safe and future-proof. We also know that living happiness increases when you live in a place that suits you. Where you can be yourself in harmony with your surroundings. Oosterenk is a wonderful example where living happiness comes together."

Community
De Oversteek is a diverse residential community. Here live young people who need some extra support, young people who support them (buddies), status holders and tenants who would like to make a positive contribution to their environment as "good neighbors." Together they build a place where everyone feels at home and supports each other. The youth project is guided by GewoonZes, Limor and Hart voor Zwolle.

The Lighthouse
In the center of the site is the meeting space, which was named The Lighthouse. This name is due to the color of the building and the light it gives in the dark. The "beacon" to find and meet each other. Martijn Sweitser, Director of Housing at deltaWonen: "Sometimes you just need someone to help you on your way. That could be a supervisor, a buddy or just a neighbor who greets you in the morning. By having a variety of residents in this neighborhood, we want to make sure everyone feels supported. A house is a place to live, but a home? You make that together. And that starts here, for example in the meeting space. Whether you come for a cup of coffee, play a game or just catch up, this space ensures that we continue to see each other."

Councilwoman Dorrit De Jong (Housing and Care) adds: "What makes this place special is the community of residents. This is not a row of houses where everyone closes their door behind them, but a place where neighbors know each other, help each other and build a pleasant living environment together. In Zwolle we do not only want to build houses, but also create communities. And you can see that developing very nicely here. In addition, I am of course proud of how quickly these flex homes have been built, very important in these times when so many people are looking for suitable housing."

58 flexible and sustainable homes
A total of 58 flex homes were built: 26 back-to-back homes designed by Startblock and 32 apartments designed by Finch Buildings and produced by van De Groot Vroomshoop. The design of the meeting space also came from Finch Buildings.
The homes are sustainable, as they are built with wood, and between 40 and 50 square meters in size. They are suitable for starters, singles or couples. The social housing units are self-contained units with their own kitchen, bathroom and toilet. They will remain here for at least 15 years. If necessary, they can then be moved temporarily or even permanently to another location so that they remain available for the rental market.

Oosterenk housing development plan
The flex homes are part of a larger housing plan. Alderman Gerdien Rots (Spatial Planning): "Oosterenk is an area with a lot of potential, and the completion of these flex homes is an important step. We are creating a new living environment where people can find a home. Eventually Oosterenk will grow into a lively neighborhood with 1,000 to 1,500 homes. And that is badly needed, because many people are looking for a home. With this development, we are not only betting on more housing, but also on a place where connection and living pleasure are central."

Watch below as neighbors Mohamad and Peter unveiled the name of the meeting space.