Did you know Tuindorp Buiksloot was once called ‘Blauwe Zand’? That’s right this charming Amsterdam neighbourhood wasn’t always known by its current name. Built between 1930 and 1932 Tuindorp Buiksloot was a solution to Amsterdam’s desperate housing shortage. It’s located in Amsterdam-Noord a vibrant area north of the IJ river. The neighbourhood was carefully planned. It featured north-south oriented buildings. A central road the Waddenweg runs through it. This thoughtful design reflected the ideals of the time. It aimed to provide a better life for working-class families.
Tuindorp Buiksloot’s creation wasn’t without challenges. The land was originally farmland. It also housed industries like a shipyard and even a fireworks factory. Before construction could begin the land needed preparation. Sand was pumped in turning the area into a suitable building site. This explains the nickname ‘Blauwe Zand’ or Blue Sand. The colour of the sand used was indeed blue.
The construction of Tuindorp Buiksloot wasn’t solely in the hands of private housing associations. The city of Amsterdam also played a significant role. This ensured the allocation of new homes to those living in overcrowded and unsanitary inner-city areas which the municipality sought to redevelop. All the homes and shops in Tuindorp Buiksloot were to be rented out through the city’s housing service. Weekly rents ranged from 3.25 to 6.50 guilders. In exchange renters had a living room kitchen and two to five bedrooms.
The neighbourhood quickly became a symbol of community spirit. Large families from Amsterdam’s inner city moved here. Many came from the Jordaan a district where many buildings were deemed uninhabitable. The atmosphere was described as friendly and supportive. People helped each other. They demonstrated strong solidarity. However the tranquility of Tuindorp Buiksloot wasn’t without its disturbances. The neighbourhood had a reputation for being a ‘red’ neighbourhood politically left-leaning. This led to confrontations with the fascists from the NSB a far-right political party in the 1930s. These clashes even involved the NSB leader Anton Mussert.
These events prompted a change in 1937. The residents requested a name change from ‘Blauwe Zand’ to Tuindorp Buiksloot. They hoped this would improve their reputation and remove the stigma associated with the earlier conflicts. Today Tuindorp Buiksloot remains a unique residential area. It blends history social housing and a strong sense of community. Many houses are still social housing rentals. Yet a number are now privately owned. While the population has declined some residents have lived here for decades. Tuindorp Buiksloot’s story is a testament to the city’s ambition to provide affordable housing and the enduring strength of its community.