Overview of the Project and Its Vision
The article “Gemeinschaftlich wohnen (a3kultur)” is a guest contribution by architect Frank Lattke, published by the cultural platform a3kultur. It presents a detailed account of a new cooperative housing development in the western district of Augsburg, Germany, illustrating how communal and co‑operative building models can offer sustainable alternatives to conventional ownership and rental schemes. The piece is part of a broader editorial series that highlights innovative urban planning and architecture.
Sustainable Design Features
The development, situated on the former Sheridankaserne site, consists of 33 wooden‑frame apartments with a floor‑to‑ceiling height of 2.75 m, large windows, and south‑facing balconies. All units are barrier‑free, including a wheelchair‑accessible flat. The use of timber construction reduces embodied carbon compared with conventional masonry, while the generous glazing maximises natural light and passive heating. Communal facilities such as a shared reading room, bicycle workshop, and a small cultural shed further promote resource‑efficient living.
Community Structure and Demographics
The project is driven by several building cooperatives and co‑operatives, notably the Baugemeinschaft SheridanPark & Junia, WOGENAU, and wagnisSHARE. It accommodates a diverse resident mix—young families, couples, seniors, and single occupants—who actively participate in the planning phase, fostering early neighbourly connections. The cooperative model encourages collective decision‑making, shared responsibilities, and long‑term financial stability, reducing reliance on speculative market forces.
Planning, Management and Financing
Professional project management is provided by experienced project controllers and planners, ensuring robust economic planning and secure financing. The development benefits from a transparent concept‑allocation process initiated by the city of Augsburg in 2021, which awarded four plots to cooperative groups. This structured approach mitigates risk and supports the delivery of high‑quality, socially responsible housing.
Site Benefits and Urban Integration
The quarter features a spacious city park, strong local retail provision, and excellent transport links, enhancing livability and reducing car dependency. The layout includes semi‑private courtyards that blend public and private realms, encouraging spontaneous interaction while preserving personal space. Green spaces are integrated with low‑rise building blocks, contributing to biodiversity and climate resilience.
Key Statistics
- Year of completion for the first phase: 2025
- Total number of apartments: 33 (varied sizes)
- Construction material: timber (wooden‑frame)
- Floor‑to‑ceiling height: 2.75 m
- Communal amenities: 1 community room, 1 reading nook, bicycle workshop, cultural shed, guest apartment, and a commercial unit for an osteopathy practice
Relevance for Pan‑European Sustainable Housing
The Augsburg case exemplifies how cooperative ownership, timber construction, and integrated communal spaces can be scaled across Europe to address housing shortages while meeting climate targets. It demonstrates the feasibility of combining social cohesion with low‑carbon building practices, offering a replicable model for cities seeking resilient, inclusive neighbourhoods.