Introducing Cohousing

The modern housing dilemma

Traditional forms of housing in America no longer address the needs of many people. Things we once took for granted (family, community, a sense of belonging) must now be actively sought out.

What is Cohousing? Cohousing was pioneered in Denmark

during the 1970s and has been adapted in America to reestablish many of the advantages of traditional village and neighborhood living within the context of 21st century society.

Cohousing facilitates the creation of relationships that have been lost to sprawling suburban development and our hectic, commuting lifestyles.

What’s wrong with the suburbs?

Single family detached homes (67% of the American housing stock) were designed for the nuclear family with a working father, home-making mother and two to four kids.

Today this is rare as homes with two working adults and single parent households are increasingly common.

Surging prices have made home ownership impossible for many families.

Suburban living creates a need for individual ownership of everything, stretching budgets, creating debt and making it hard to save money.

Individual car ownership is practically required to get anywhere.

Commuting to work daily is expensive and time consuming, leaving less time for family interaction, relaxation, hobbies and friends.

Typical suburban subdivisions isolate us and discourage neighborly interaction. How many of us know our neighbors?

Subdivisions create a dangerous situation for playing children by transecting outdoor living spaces with roads and automobile traffic.

Concept of Cohousing

Think of Cohousing as a cooperative condominium complex

Size of the development ranges from 6 to 40 households with an ideal average between 15 and 20

May be developed around common lifestyles or interests

Association handles financial matters

Residents can be all owners or a combination of owners and renters

The Common House is the focus of daily social activity

What is it really?Cohousing is a different

approach to housing that facilitates:

Democratic principles A more practical and

affordable home life A more social

community environment A design and

construction approach that is better for our health and the planet.

What Cohousing is NOT:

A commune

Based on a particular ideology or religious faith

A “Gated Community”

A highly restrictive “planned community”

Decision Making Process

Consensus decision-making gives all residents a part in developing community character!

The Common House Possible Features:

Kitchen and dining area

Mail room Guest rooms Office space Child care Game rooms Craft shops Sauna / spa Laundry room Exercise room

Cohousing Opportunities Participate in the actual planning and design

of your home and community!

Share many common expenses and resources with your neighbors.

Save money on goods and services through cooperative purchasing deals.

Have more personal and family time

Participate in community activities

Improved Safety

Cars don’t drive through home areas

Strangers are recognized and approached

“It’s like Neighborhood Watch on steroids!”

Imagine this! Coming home from work to find-

Your children home from school and playing in a safe, stimulating environment with other children and adult supervision.

A home-cooked meal is prepared for you and your family at a very affordable price. You can relax and eat with your family and friends.

No washing dishes! You have time to socialize with friends and neighbors after dinner, read a book or work on a hobby.

Personal and family privacy is respected!

When you are all talked out you can retreat to the quiet and privacy of your own home.

Jystrup SavvaerketJystrep, Denmark

Glass covered pedestrian walkway for winter-time socializing!

Another Site Plan

A village square or a “commons” is a key design feature

Car traffic and parking are separate from living and recreation space

Getting Started Find others interested

Establish a core organizing group

Agree on general goals, location and financial expectations

Define the group structure and decision-making procedures

Going ForwardPrepare a development

plan

Define goals and priorities

Select financial consultants, architect, attorney, etc.

Identify potential sites Develop a design

program and financing strategy

Establish partnership or joint venture legal entity

Acquire site and establish project timeline

The Dream Takes Shape

Complete design Solicit & negotiate

construction bids Select contractor Secure financing Obtain building permits Break ground and

monitor work Complete resident-built

work and move in!!!

More information The Cohousing Network

www.cohousing .org

Fellowship for Intentional Communities

www.ic.org

COHOUSING A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves

By McCamant and DurrettTen Speed Press