Housing and more, Hoyerswerda

The project

The “Lebensräume” housing cooperative has roughly 8,000 flats. It has set itself the goal not only of improving the living and housing conditions of the cooperative’s members, but of enhancing the services on offer to others in the neighbourhood. With its approach, the cooperative actively addresses the challenges facing eastern German regions in light of demographic change – among them, dwindling populations and increasing isolation, particularly among older people.

Approach

An exhibition and visitor centre is open to cooperative members, and also to others who live nearby.

Exhibits on show

• Kitchen equipment designed to save space and effort
• Accessible/level-access sanitary fittings
• Electronically-controlled features such as lighting and heating
• Combined walk-in bath and shower, with access door and water-tight seal
• Home alert system
• Improved balcony accessibility

The equipment and features are simple, easy to use, practical and efficient. They demonstrate that technology for the elderly can equally be of benefit to young families and children. As the domestic technology used is especially designed for installation in existing buildings and housing stock, it forms a key component of “assisted living at home”, enabling the best possible mix of independence, familiarity and the necessary degree of help and support.