Gemeinschaft B.R.O.T. Hernals is a Christian-inspired, community-led housing project in Vienna that combines integrative, communal living with shared spiritual and social activities.13 The name B.R.O.T. stands for Beten – Reden – Offensein – Teilen (Praying – Talking – Being open – Sharing), which expresses the core orientation of the community.123
The project is located in Geblergasse 78, 1170 Vienna, in the Hernals district, and operates as a non-profit association.238 The Gemeinschaft B.R.O.T. has existed as an association since 1987, and the first B.R.O.T. residential house in Hernals was completed around 1988–1990.1389 It is described as a generation-spanning residential community, bringing together adults and children, older and younger residents, and people in different social situations.9
The Hernals house includes around 25–27 dwellings, guest apartments, and extensive shared facilities such as community rooms, a chapel, and other spaces for events, group activities, and worship.39 The project aims to create a network of individual households “under one roof,” with an emphasis on self-organisation, mutual support, and the development of social ties beyond family relationships.79
Architecturally, the housing project was realised as a co-housing style building; sources name Ottokar Uhl as the main architect, with Franz Kuzmich, Martin Wurnig, and the Gemeinschaft B.R.O.T. Hernals itself involved in the architectural concept.78 Key figures associated with the community’s representation include spokespersons Maria Matern and Uta Lang, and various members who guide visits and public presentations of the project.37 In 2007, B.R.O.T. Hernals became part of the wider Verband „Gemeinschaft B.R.O.T.“ together with B.R.O.T. Kalksburg, extending its model of