Micro living has become the defining concept in real estate—and for good reason. It describes larger residential complexes that blend private living spaces with shared amenities. Behind this trend lies a fundamental shift in how people live: young professionals increasingly relocate for work and seek affordable, minimalist temporary homes in vibrant urban neighborhoods. They want spaces that are move-in ready, fully equipped, and foster community. The challenge is clear: as construction costs rise and available land shrinks, how do we create livable homes that balance quality with affordability? The answer lies in smart design. By consolidating shared facilities across multiple households and reducing individual unit footprints, developers can meaningfully lower construction and rental costs while improving returns—without sacrificing comfort or lifestyle.

As general contractor for Urban Living on Behringstraße in Ottensen—developed for i Live Group—Porr demonstrated one of its core strengths: delivering return-driven residential projects with maximum efficiency and schedule certainty, all while maintaining exceptional build quality. The nine-story building spans roughly 12,500 m² and provides 327 apartments, communal spaces, and secure parking for cars and bicycles in the basement. Designed by the award-winning firm AI+P Planung from Aalen, the building respectfully references Hamburg's architectural heritage: a striking red brick street façade paired with clean white plaster on the courtyard side. Each fully furnished apartment—ranging from 20 to 43 m²—comes with all-inclusive rent. Beyond the units, residents enjoy extensive shared amenities: a community manager who handles packages and events, a lounge with TV and table football, a shared kitchen and terrace, fitness facilities, sports areas, a laundromat, and rooftop beehives. The project's success stemmed from flexible planning and seamless coordination between Porr, the client's in-house planning team, and the architects. This integrated approach allowed the team to evaluate and implement technical improvements quickly, ultimately completing the project on schedule in 2020—despite tight site constraints and crane logistics challenges. The complex is now fully occupied.

www.porr.de

Photography Credits:

Porr

(Featured in CUBE Hamburg 02|22)