Mieke Elzenga
Ambassador
LiberTerra Geestmerambacht
Netherlands
Environmental
Rural Areas
Rural village
The innovation journey
LiberTerra, an eco-village of 10 relocatable tiny houses, promotes bio-based construction and sustainable living. In 2018, a group of environmentally conscious citizens initiated the project by identifying a promising site to lease in the Geestmerambacht nature reserve in Koedijk, and Heerhugowaard (Noord-Holland), in line with the circular economy policy of the province and municipality. After two years of planning, approval, and design, construction started in July 2020.
LiberTerra’s 1-hectare site includes ten houses and a knowledge centre, with house sizes ranging from 23 m² to 62 m². Built from natural and upcycled materials, many houses are off-grid and designed for easy relocation, and recycling waste streams. A permaculture garden with rainwater harvesting will encourage self-sufficient food production.
The innovation impact
Mieke Elzenga, a key figure from the beginning, now runs the LiberTerra Knowledge Centre with the community, helping other eco-villages to develop. The centre focuses on promoting the circular economy, bio-based construction, and eco-conscious minimalist living, raising awareness of climate challenges and training young people to become eco-champions.
They organise events such as gardening days, litter picking walks, seminars, and workshops, are open to their neighbours, volunteers, visitors and student interns, and actively work with Green Oasis, Ecolise and various organisations.Â