Do we fit together?
We are a fairly large residential building where people from many nations live very freely. Most are 20-40 years old, the oldest are over 70. We have normal apartments, rooms in shared apartments (not just for students), home cinema, a great wellness area, a cafe with an integrated art and flea market and, above the city's rooftops, the Lounge floor with huge conservatory and roof terraces. Here is a very interesting 4-page essay by Norbert Paul about our overall concept...(However, we no longer have co-working and joint stores, but care and a cafe instead).
We are located right in Essen's pedestrian zone with countless restaurants, pubs, shops, cinemas, theaters... all around. University, main train station and various public transport stations are just a few minutes' walk away. Panoramic views of the city and professional planters all around the house for anyone who wants to try urban gardening to plant.
Unlike many other collaborative approaches, we don't have peer pressure, and financial contributions are recognized, as are organizing festivals, bike rides, theatre, tending planters, etc. This also makes the house attractive to people who don't have much time, but have a little more money. Whether something in the house is made possible because someone gets involved, or whether it becomes possible because someone pays the costs - both are equally accepted!
Press reviews:
Here are a few activities of current or former roommates:
Everything has advantages and disadvantages! No matter where you live, you always end up with some balance of pros and cons. Please decide whether our house offers the combination you like. More...(sorry, the document is a bit old)
You can find out more here.
Communication
Meeting of the house community
In odd months on the 1st Wednesday, in even months on the 1st Friday. Always at 7 p.m. But: You can also live in the GeKu-Haus without participating in community activities, or you can only participate occasionally. Diversity and freedom, no peer pressure!
mailing list
You will receive an invitation. Then make sure that you mailing lists
always write with the sender address with which you are registered. Otherwise it can take a long time before your mail is forwarded. and nplease ONLY use our mailing list if you really have something to say that interests EVERYONE.
Many residents are also active in a WhatsApp group. You will also receive an invitation to do so when you move in.
door intercom
Regardless of whether your visitor rings the doorbell at the front door or on the floor, contact is made automatically. Please press the wide gray button at the top right and ask the visitor to speak out loud: "Hello, who is there? Please speak out!". Then only press the blue door opener button if you know the guest!
Telephone
You can order a telephone connection from Telekom, etc. But you can also save these costs. Use cell phone, Skype, Sipgate or other Internet telephony services (free or almost free). Sipgate has been tested in-house and should work.
Please communicate respectfully!
Everyone is accepted as they are, but of course people know each other more in our house than is usual in normal houses. You can also quickly make contacts in our neighborhood. "Respect for those who think differently" is the key!
Guests
viewings
Of course, everyone takes friends through the house from time to time, and there are also occasional viewings for interested parties and one every 1st Friday of the month at 5 p.mpublic guided tour - registration not required, meeting point always in front of the house. Followed by social gatherings.
guests in common areas
If you are going to communal facilities with more than 5 guests, please announce this in advance in the mailing list so that not too many of us come with guests at the same time. Otherwise, spontaneous guests are of course also welcome, yesif it gets too narrow or too loud, please go to your apartment.
Celebrate
Our common areas are great for celebrations! Please announce it beforehand on the mailing list, and please accept that you can never have them exclusively. There can also be roommates in the room, but of course you decide whether they can celebrate with you. And don't forget to clean!
Cleanliness and waste disposal
1st stage: polluter pays principle
Please put your dishes in the dishwasher, clean your place again, leave the stove and pans tidy, empty the dishwasher, etc.. This is the only way we can avoid the costs exploding.
2nd stage: Paid cleaners
What is left behind is cleaned by paid cleaning staff at fixed intervals. This 2-stage principle guarantees sufficient cleanliness at acceptable costs.
waste sorting
You should participate, at least for cost reasons! Because we pay for the gray bin (residual waste) through the additional costs, while the yellow (green dot) and blue bin (waste paper) are free!
Miscellaneous
satellite connections
You can see everything on the internet. In addition, there is a satellite connection in most residential units, which will be provided at no extra charge until further notice.
livestock farming
Fish are ok ;-) and well-behaved furry friends are also welcome, but please ask beforehand.
Please do not smoke
Please only smoke on the terraces. And of course you can do whatever you want in your apartment anyway.
Very international
Not only our house is like that, but also the city of Essen, in which we are located! You will find yourself in the middle of the main train station, university, shopping centers and surrounded by authentic, owner-managed restaurants, pubs and shops from all over the world. Look here!
Sister project "Imperfect House"
8 minutes walk away you can use what is probably the largest creative center in the region. A former monastery where over 1000 active people from more than 30 countries pursue their projects almost free of charge. You too!More...
Much respect center and churches
In addition to the many Christian churches (especially the cross church) you can use a room of silence (for humanists, Buddhists,...) and Muslim prayer rooms 3 minutes' walk away or get to know initiatives that promote diversity and respect. More...
Thanks, Steffi, for the great photo of Einstein in front of the slide on the 5th floor!