Salzburg, AUSTRIA – Consortium lead by SIR (Salzburger Institute for Regional Planning and Housing)
The Wir inHAUSer project in Salzburg, Austria, showcases how innovative and people-centered approaches can transform housing into a foundation for better, more sustainable lives. Through collaboration, inclusivity, and ambitious planning, the project has become a beacon of what is possible in the fight against energy poverty, housing inequality, and environmental degradation.
A holistic approach: unlocking multiple community benefits
The Wir inHAUSer project embraced a holistic urban planning approach, ensuring that renovations extended beyond mere physical upgrades to enhance residents’ well-being and quality of life. This comprehensive strategy allowed the benefits of renovation to be felt across multiple dimensions.
A key element of this approach was the integration of innovative design solutions. Buildings were upgraded with a focus on natural lighting, ventilation, and air quality, improving indoor comfort. Sound insulation enhancements minimised noise pollution from nearby train tracks, creating a more peaceful living environment. Accessibility was also prioritised, ensuring that all units were adapted to accommodate people living with disabilities.
To foster a stronger sense of community, the project introduced multi-functional spaces, including a new rooftop area designed as a communal gathering place. Thoughtful spatial and urban planning allowed for an increase in housing capacity from 75 to 99 units, achieving this expansion without compromising living standards.
The project’s commitment to climate resilience is reflected in its Klimaaktiv GOLD certification, a mark of its adherence to the highest sustainability standards. These upgrades ensure that the buildings are not only energy-efficient but also capable of withstanding future climate challenges.
By addressing social, environmental, and structural needs simultaneously, Wir inHAUSer exemplifies how a holistic approach can maximize the impact of urban transitions, creating vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities.
Strong social safeguards: Building Better Lives through cost-neutral renovations
At the heart of the Wir inHAUSer project’s success is its unwavering commitment to balancing ambitious renovations with affordability. Ensuring that housing remains accessible, particularly for low- and middle-income households, has been a priority, achieved through careful financial planning and robust social safeguards.
The project’s approach to cost-neutrality in rents is a testament to this commitment. Despite an extensive € 19 million renovation, rents remain affordable, with an increase of € 1 per square meter. This was made possible through subsidies from Salzburg’s housing program and innovative financial planning, allowing residents to benefit from sustainable housing improvements without facing displacement or economic hardship.
To further support affordability, targeted subsidies and grants played a crucial role. Leveraging Austria’s social housing framework alongside EU funding, the project successfully covered costs, emphasising the essential role of government and institutional support in transformative housing renovations.
Additionally, affordable energy solutions were implemented, with a shift to renewable energy sources that not only reduced carbon emissions, but also enhanced heating system efficiency. This lowered energy consumption and shielded residents from unpredictable energy costs.
These measures highlight the necessity of integrating strong social safeguards with ambitious renovation projects to ensure housing remains a pillar of stability and opportunity for all residents.
Supporting residents: temporary accommodation ensuring comfort throughout renovations
Renovations of this scale often pose significant disruptions to residents, but Wir inHAUSer transformed this challenge into an opportunity to showcase the power of community-driven solutions. By prioritising continuity, dignity, and active involvement, the project ensured that no resident was left behind during the transition.
A temporary housing network was established to support residents during the 18-month renovation period. Through a partnership with five social housing providers in Salzburg, all families were provided with secure temporary accommodations, preventing displacement and maintaining stability throughout the process.
The project also implemented a resident-centered relocation process, designed to prioritise the needs and preferences of tenants. Clear communication and tailored solutions minimised stress and created a sense of trust in the process.
Beyond relocation, collaborative planning played a crucial role in shaping the future of the housing complex. Tenants actively contributed to the design of their new homes, influencing floor plans, shared spaces, and key architectural decisions. This level of engagement fostered a sense of ownership, turning residents into partners in the project’s success.
By placing people at the heart of the transition, Wir inHAUSer demonstrates that ambitious housing initiatives can go beyond physical upgrades—they can uplift entire communities, ensuring that transformation is both inclusive and empowering.
A vision for the future of housing
The Wir inHAUSer project is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of housing policies that are ambitious, inclusive, and sustainable. By ensuring affordability, adopting a holistic approach to planning, and prioritising the well-being of residents, it has set a new standard for urban renovation projects.
As cities worldwide grapple with intersecting crises—climate, housing, and energy—Wir inHAUSer offers a replicable model for creating better lives for all. It calls on policymakers, urban planners, and communities to act boldly, ensuring that the transition to sustainable living leaves no one behind.
