This article was first published in "Duurzaam gebouwd" on December 22, 2023. Duurzaam Gebouwd is the national comprehensive knowledge platform of the Netherlands for decision-makers within the construction and real estate sector focusing on sustainability. The original article is available in Dutch at the provided link here.

In just twelve weeks, something special has been achieved in Yerseke. There, 102 Ukrainian refugees are being housed in a new complex of flexible homes. Until recently, these were modular classrooms in Scandinavia, unused and waiting for a new purpose.

2022 is undeniably the year of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Netherlands has been involved in numerous ways, from arms deliveries and rising energy prices to the sheltering of refugees from Ukraine. In Yerseke (Reimerswaal municipality, Zeeland), a remarkable project has been realized for the latter. This month, Reboxd, an international supplier of flexible homes, is delivering accommodations that previously served as a school building. The temporary complex was sustainably built within twelve weeks using modular units that were sitting unused in fields in Scandinavia, waiting for their next destination. They were then converted into high-quality, movable homes.

Sustainability

As many sustainable materials as possible were used in the reused base modules. The units were converted into warm, safe, and comfortable homes in collaboration with local parties, which are also reusable. Almost all the individual parts of the original modules have been reused, including faucets and electrical outlets. Where necessary, improvements and replacements were made to create well-functioning and pleasant homes, all with minimal impact on resources and energy consumption.

The shell of the Reboxd homes consists of a laminated wood frame with stone wool insulation. The elements that were added, such as stairs and galleries, are mainly made of untreated Douglas fir wood. The flexible homes are situated around a communal courtyard with a shared space.

Reboxd also considered sustainable options for transport, especially since it involved transportation over a longer distance. Water transport is the most sustainable solution. Instead of a hundred trucks, one cargo ship was sufficient, resulting in less energy consumption and emissions. The ship was also brought as close as possible to the construction site.

The heating, lighting, and ventilation systems have all been renewed. Reboxd cites energy efficiency and the (limited) lifespan of the existing systems as the reasons. The homes are now heated with electric radiators. The lighting has been replaced with LED lighting, and the ventilation units and showerheads are (extra) energy-efficient. In the flexible homes, new kitchen appliances with an A++ energy label have been installed.

Reusability

In general, Reboxd homes are designed to be easily movable. Walls are constructed double, and installations between the modules are done with flexible connections. Vertical risers run along the outside, so there are no complex penetrations through the homes.

The dimensions and weight of the modules are such that they can be transported and placed using simple means. An expensive foundation is usually not needed, so when the homes are moved, as little residue as possible remains. Everything is aimed at being able to move the homes quickly and cost-efficiently.

The layout of the homes is chosen so that they can be inhabited by a family or a group. This is particularly important for emergency shelter. In terms of noise, the rooms are very well insulated from one another. Additionally, extra provisions have been made for fire safety to make the building suitable for multiple uses. The latter was also a requirement of the Reimerswaal municipality. The entire complex can later be moved and used in a different, more small-scale setup at multiple locations to house residents from Reimerswaal.

Temporary

These flexible homes now provide a temporary solution, mainly intended for Ukrainian women and children who currently cannot stay in their homeland. The complex will be inhabited by Ukrainians for a maximum of five years. Once they move on to permanent housing or can return to their homeland, the flexible homes can easily be transported to another location.

One of the residents, Arseniy, is grateful for the warm reception he and his compatriots have received: “Wonderful people in Yerseke!” Arseniy has his own office within the residential complex and serves as an intermediary and translator for the Ukrainians and the municipality.

Finally, José van Egmond, mayor of the Reimerswaal municipality, is very pleased with this achievement: “We are glad that we can offer all Ukrainian refugees, who have stayed at the camping site in Yerseke until now, a responsible, warm, and pleasant place to live with this quick housing solution from Reboxd in a very short time.