Rijwoning

Rijwoning, also known as “row house” in English, refers to a type of terraced housing that is common in the Netherlands and other European countries. The term literally translates to “row dwelling,” describing a series of homes built in a continuous line, sharing side walls with adjacent units. The design emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to rapid urbanisation and the need for affordable, space‑efficient housing for the growing workforce.

Typical rijwoningen are narrow, two‑ or three‑storey structures with a uniform facade that often features decorative brickwork, sash windows, and a modestly pitched roof. Each unit usually has a separate entrance, and the interiors are arranged in a linear layout, with rooms aligned along a central hallway. In many Dutch cities, the front of the building faces the street while the rear opens onto a small courtyard or garden, providing limited private outdoor space.

Historically, rijwoningen were built by municipal authorities, private developers, or cooperative housing associations. They played a crucial role in providing decent living conditions for working‑class families, replacing older, more cramped courtyard houses. Over time, the architectural style has been preserved and, in some cases, modernised with energy‑efficient upgrades, while maintaining the historic streetscapes that characterise many Dutch towns.

Today, rijwoningen remain a prominent feature of the Dutch urban fabric. They are valued for their compact design, efficient use of land, and contribution to cohesive neighbourhood identity. Conservation efforts often focus on preserving original facades while adapting the interiors to contemporary standards of comfort and sustainability.