Mehr als Wohnen is a housing cooperative based in Zurich that functions as an innovation and learning platform for non-profit, cooperative housing development in Switzerland.6 Founded in 2007 by over 50 housing cooperatives in and around Zurich, the organization operates from its headquarters at Hagenholzstrasse 104b in Zurich's Leutschenbach district.23
The cooperative's primary mission centers on advancing cooperative housing models and demonstrating new approaches to affordable, community-oriented residential development.6 Its flagship project is the Hunziker Areal, a mixed-use urban development completed in 2014 that transformed a former industrial site into a vibrant neighborhood.5 This development comprises 373 residential units accommodating approximately 1,200 residents, 20 guest apartments, and 6,000 square meters of commercial space across 13 individual buildings.3 The residential offerings range from studios to satellite apartments, reflecting diverse housing needs within the community.
Beyond property management, Mehr als Wohnen operates as a knowledge-sharing platform, facilitating exchange among member cooperatives and promoting best practices in cooperative housing construction and management.6 The organization maintains active engagement with residents through community programs and digital platforms like FLINK, a communication tool available to residents and commercial tenants.1
The cooperative's work directly addresses affordable and sustainable housing challenges by demonstrating that cooperative ownership models can deliver economically accessible housing while fostering community participation and social cohesion. By combining residential, commercial, and community spaces, Mehr als Wohnen exemplifies integrated urban development that prioritizes long-term affordability and resident agency over profit maximization.