As part of the PED StepWise consortium meeting in Vienna, participants visited the HausWirtschaft, an innovative cooperative housing and working project that showcases new approaches to sustainable urban living. The tour was guided by Petra Hendrich from realitylab, who gave insights into the vision and daily life within HausWirtschaft.
Opened in 2023 and awarded the New European Bauhaus Prize in 2025, the HausWirtschaft combines residential, commercial, and community spaces under one roof. The building includes apartments, guest rooms, shared workspaces, and businesses such as a yoga studio and kindergarten.
In the video, Petra Hendrich explains how the concept especially supports small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing flexible workspaces and shared infrastructure. Many people who work there also live in the building, creating strong connections between living and working. A key focus of HausWirtschaft is community. Shared terraces, a communal kitchen, cultural spaces, and a food cooperative encourage interaction and collaboration among residents and workers.
The project also integrates sustainable energy solutions, including district heating and cooling as well as a dedicated rooftop photovoltaic system, demonstrating a holistic approach to future-oriented urban development.
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