A Comprehensive Guide to Inclusive Building Practices - ToegankelijkBouwen.nl - Netherlands

In recent years, the emphasis on creating accessible living spaces has intensified, addressing the pressing need for housing that accommodates individuals of all abilities. The websites toegankelijkbouwen.nl is a dedicated platform offering practical guidance to stakeholders in the built environment. 

The website aims to bridge the accessibility gap in the built environment, ensuring inclusivity for all. The website references the NEN 9120 standard that was published in 2025. The standard specifies accessibility requirements for buildings. The website itself is fully compliant with WCAG2.2.

Addressing the Accessibility Shortfall

Accessible housing has not always been standard, affecting approximately 2.5 million residents in the Netherlands. Persons with disabilities or chronic conditions have a need for inclusive design in the built environment. And combined with the growing wave of elderly citizens, there is an urgency to design and construct homes that cater to diverse needs. Toegankelijkbouwen.nl  serves as a practical guide for designing and building accessible homes and public buildings. The website is structured around seven foundational 'building blocks' that collectively form an inclusive construction process: 

1. The Three Principles of Accessible Building: This section looks at the fundamental concepts that underpin accessible design, ensuring that structures are usable by all individuals.
2. The Inclusive Construction Process: Guidance on integrating accessibility considerations throughout the construction lifecycle, from planning to execution.
3. Municipal Initiatives: Recommendations for local governments on promoting and implementing accessible building practices within their jurisdictions.
4. Role of Housing Corporations: Strategies for housing organizations to incorporate accessibility into their projects and policies.
5. Architect's Contributions: Insights into how architects can design spaces that are inherently accessible, fostering inclusivity from the blueprint stage.
6. Collaboration with Experts: Emphasizing the importance of working alongside accessibility advisors and individuals with lived experiences to inform design decisions.
7. Inspiration and Best Practices: Showcasing exemplary projects and case studies that highlight successful implementations of accessible design.

These building blocks assist various professionals within the construction chain, including architects, municipal planners, housing corporations, developers, accessibility advisors, and individuals with firsthand experience. By following these structured steps, stakeholders can effectively integrate accessibility into their projects, ensuring that new constructions meet the diverse needs of all users. 

NEN 9120 Standard

ToegankelijkBouwen.nl is designed to be used in conjunction with the NEN 9120 standard, which specifies accessibility requirements for buildings. This standard represents a significant advancement over previous regulations, offering clearer and more comprehensive guidelines. Developed collaboratively by consumer organizations, industry professionals, architects, housing corporations, and municipalities, NEN 9120 reflects a unified commitment to enhancing accessibility in the built environment.  

Collaborative Development and Support

Toegankelijkbouwen.nl is a website under responsibility of Ieder(in), the national network for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, in partnership with Cliëntenbelang Amsterdam and other relevant stakeholders. The project received funding from the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning. A diverse advisory group, comprising organizations and experts in construction, housing, and accessibility, contributed to the platform's development.

A Call to Action for the Construction Sector

ToegankelijkBouwen.nl extends an invitation to all professionals involved in the construction and housing sectors to embrace and implement its guidelines. By doing so, stakeholders can collectively address the accessibility deficit, ensuring that future developments are inclusive and accommodating to all members of society. The platform's resources are readily accessible, providing a valuable toolkit for those committed to fostering an inclusive built environment.

Conclusion

ToegankelijkBouwen.nl focus is on inclusivity in housing and construction. By offering structured guidance and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the platform plays a role in transforming the built environment to be accessible for all. As we move forward, embracing these guidelines will be instrumental in creating a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can find a home that meets their needs.

The guideline for accessible construction.

Disclaimer:
Accessible EU is not responsible for the accessibility of content provided by third parties.