SONTE – project information

SONTE = exploratory study of the Terrassenhaussiedlung

The exploratory study aimed to develop a guiding vision and modernisation guide for the Terrassenhaussiedlung for the next 40 years.

The project was funded through the Smart Cities initiative of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology and the Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management.

An external research group implemented the project, comprising the following institutions and contact persons:

• Institute of Housing Research (project lead): DI Andrea Jany & Mag.a Christina Kelz-Flitsch
• Werkgruppe Graz: Architect DI Eugen Gross
• TU Graz / Institute of Buildings and Energy: DI Alexander Eberl
• Haus der Architectur Graz: DI Markus Bogensberger
• E-Mobil GmbH: MMag.a Christina Freitag
• StadtLABOR:  Mag.a(FH) Nana Pötsch
• Ecology and biology: Mag.a Karoline Kreimer-Hartmann

Andrea Jany	Christina Kelz-Flitsch	Eugen Gross
Alexander Eberl	Markus Bogensberger	Christina Freitag
Nana Pötsch	Karoline Kreimer-Hartmann

The residents’ association and property management supported the project.

Project content
In the 1960s, the Terrassenhaussiedlung was Styria’s first major housing project planned with the involvement of its future residents. This progressive approach by the Werkgruppe Graz architectural team created an internationally renowned residential development valued by its residents. After 40 years of use, SONTE revisited this participatory approach to develop a guiding vision for the next 40 years together with residents.

The vision included recommendations for modernising renewable energy, sustainable mobility, the use of green and open spaces, and communication among residents. Recommendations could also address any further topics that residents considered important.

Project process
The guiding vision was developed between March 2017 and February 2018 together with residents. The SONTE research group engaged residents through surveys, interviews, workshops and other activities. The outcome was a guiding vision for the renovation and development of the Terrassenhaussiedlung over the following 40 years, supporting value preservation for residents and owners.