Nora Thorade

When we decided to join Heimatmole, we weren’t living in Hamburg yet. Moving to a new city is always about getting to know people, too. That’s what makes a project like Heimatmole so special – you get to know each other before you even move in. The planning phase involved lots of coordination and intense processes that we went through together, which helped everyone connect quickly. By the time people move in, there is already a sense of community. You don’t share your whole life with each other, but there’s a strong bond and a spirit of caring and kindness.

NT

Our life together at Heimatmole is our own definition of community. It starts with everyday encounters and the use of shared spaces – like the monthly club night – and extends to spontaneous support, whether it’s a missing litre of milk or help with childcare. But community doesn’t just happen on its own—it has to be worked for. It’s a constant process of negotiation, figuring out what we want and what makes everyone feel comfortable. By now, we’ve developed solid structures for communication and exchange.

NT

The "switch rooms" are great in that they allow residents to temporarily create a home office until, for instance, a child moves out and the apartment can be reorganised. Or take that third bedroom you won’t need for a few more years – there’s no need for a bigger apartment right away. That’s pretty wonderful, isn’t it?