Co-Housing Gutenberg: Integrated Sector Coupling for Shared Living, Energy, and Mobility

A novel low-temperature district heating network at the settlement level will be implemented using ring trench collectors and decentralized heat pumps. This concept is further supported by photovoltaic systems and intelligent load management, targeting a reduction in per capita energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. The participatory approach includes dynamic simulations, comprehensive monitoring, and an innovative financing model that actively involves the residents in decision-making.

Initial situation / motivation

In Austria, rural housing predominantly consists of single-family homes, leading to high land, energy, and resource consumption as well as social isolation. Rising energy prices and construction costs further increase the demand for innovative, community-oriented living models.

The "CoHoGutenberg" project addresses these challenges by establishing a new form of collaborative housing in the rural community of Gutenberg, Styria. The project is based on sufficiency principles and an integrated energy concept, aiming not only to provide affordable living space but also to reduce CO₂ emissions and promote sustainable resource use.

Contents and objectives

The project aims to develop a scalable and forward-looking co-housing model that enhances social cohesion and integrates energy-efficient, community-operated infrastructures. Central to the concept is the first-time use of a ring trench collector within a low-temperature district heating network at the settlement level.

By combining photovoltaic systems, decentralized heat pumps, community farming, and shared mobility solutions, the project targets a reduction in per capita energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional single-family homes.

Additionally, a participatory financing and operational model will be established to actively involve residents in decision-making, thereby ensuring both social integration and long-term economic sustainability.

Methodological approach

The project is implemented in several phases. During the planning and tendering phase detailed architectural designs and system dimensions for the low-energy network are developed and evaluated using dynamic simulations to optimize energy efficiency.

This process is carried out in close cooperation with residents, municipal representatives, and experts from architecture, energy technology, and social sciences. The construction phase involves the full implementation of all building measures, including the installation of the innovative low-energy network, photovoltaic systems, and decentralized heat pumps.

Concurrently, comprehensive monitoring of technical performance and social interactions is conducted to enable real-time system adjustments.

Expected Results

Key technical outcomes are anticipated as follows:

• The project demonstrates a low-temperature district heating system using ring trench collectors and decentralized heat pumps
• Integration of photovoltaic system along with intelligent load management ensures a stable, cost-effective, and demand-oriented energy supply.
• Continuous monitoring and dynamic simulations enable real-time adjustments, ensuring optimal performance and generating reliable reference data for future projects.
• The technical model is validated as a pioneering solution that can serve as a benchmark for the expansion of climate-neutral settlements in Austria and beyond.

Project management

Franz Klamler - Gemeinde Gutenberg

Project or cooperation partners

• DI Dr. Tobias Weiss - AEE - Institut für Nachhaltige Technologien
• Thomas Wieczorek - Schwarz Platzer Architekten ZT GmbH
• DI Rafael Bramreiter - EnergieZukunft WEIZplus eGen
• Ing. Arne Komposch - Ringgrabenkollektor, RGK Services e.U
• Elisabeth Leitner - Elisabeth Leitner

Franz Klamler
Amtsleiter
Gemeinde Gutenberg
Dorfplatz 2
A-8164 Gutenberg