Bridging communities: how HörnAnkerHaus is revitalising Kiel’s waterfront

Kiel’s waterfront has long been the city's heart, where ships set sail for Scandinavia and the Baltic, embedding a deep maritime spirit into its culture. Over the years, however, parts of the waterfront became disconnected, leaving urban revitalisation opportunities untapped. The HörnAnkerHaus project is contributing to transforming a historically significant yet underutilised area into a thriving, sustainable urban quarter where housing, community, and commerce converge.

Takeaways:

Property owners play a key role in urban sustainable transformation: HörnAnkerHaus demonstrates that property owners can be active, transformative players in urban regeneration. This collaboration between private entities and public objectives bridges the gap between economic viability and urban renewal, creating spaces that are both environmentally sustainable and economically accessible.
Transforming an underutilised space into a sustainable neighbourhood: The HörnAnkerHaus project showcases the immense potential of turning neglected or underused areas into vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods. By reimagining Kiel's waterfront, the project has successfully integrated green spaces, energy-efficient housing, and a smart transport network to breathe new life into the district.
Balancing sustainability with social values in urban development: HörnAnkerHaus stands as a prime example of how sustainability and social values can be woven into the fabric of urban development. By incorporating energy-efficient buildings, green roofs, and affordable housing options, the project proves that environmentally conscious initiatives do not have to come at the expense of social inclusion.

A vision for inclusive urban living

HörnAnkerHaus represents a novel approach to urban development, balancing history, sustainability, and economic viability. Spearheaded by Haus & Grund Kiel – a property owners’ association traditionally focused on providing legal, fiscal, and sustainability advice – this initiative marks a significant departure from its conventional role. By directly engaging in urban renewal, Haus & Grund Kiel is demonstrating that property owners’ representatives are not just market participants but active contributors to shaping the future of cities.

The project features a diverse housing model: a mix of privately financed and publicly subsidised apartments ensures that urban regeneration benefits a wide spectrum of residents. With 40% of the units publicly subsidised, HörnAnkerHaus embodies a commitment to social values.

Sustainability and smart urban planning

Sustainability is also at the core of the project. Built to the KfW-55 German energy efficiency standard, HörnAnkerHaus significantly reduces carbon emissions while ensuring long-term affordability for tenants through lower energy costs. The development integrates green roofs, energy-efficient insulation, and smart water management systems, setting a benchmark for future housing initiatives.

Mobility solutions are equally forward-thinking. The project is well connected to Kiel’s public transport network, with extensive bicycle parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and proximity to ferry services, promoting low-carbon commuting and a pedestrian-friendly environment.

Fostering a sense of belonging

Beyond housing, HörnAnkerHaus is designed to be a community hub. A green courtyard fosters interaction among residents, while retail and commercial spaces on the ground floor contribute to a vibrant neighbourhood. This mixed-use approach ensures that the area is not only residential but also a lively, integrated part of the city.

A blueprint for the future

HörnAnkerHaus is a clear example of how private property owners can play a transformative role in urban renewal. It challenges the notion that large-scale regeneration must be exclusively led by municipalities or institutional investors, showing instead that private but also collaborative initiatives – as some of the properties are sold to Haus & Grund local members – can meaningfully contribute to housing affordability, neighbourhood revitalisation, and sustainability.

“With this project, we wanted to demonstrate that property owners are not just passive landlords. They are key actors in building the future of our cities,” says Sönke Bergemann, Chairman of Haus & Grund Kiel. “By taking the lead, we show that private initiatives can align with public goals—providing quality housing, supporting communities, and driving sustainable growth.”