Cohousing is an alternative form of housing that is economical and better for the environment by reducing an individuals ecological footprint. People living in a cohousing community enjoy their privacy and the benefits of common facilities such as kitchens, dining rooms, laundry, pools, and various activity rooms. Some cohousing communities are more private by having their own home with living space and a kitchen but share laundry, outdoor space, and activity rooms such as a gym.
The first cohousing communities started in Denmark and maintain a socialist outlook on living. As the concept expanded into the world of architecture and planning communities in the United States began to form, the first was Muir Commons in Davis, California. Now there are cohousing communities all over the US and the world. New cohousing communities have the same socialistic motive and are enhanced by the benefits these communities offer such as a reduction in cost of living, consumption, and waste. Future planners with interested in sustainability should explore cohousing as an alternative housing option.
As I mentioned before cohousing has degrees of integration and sharing. Those with detached homes or typically clustered close together to preserve open space. CoHousing Partners uses green building materials and methods to make and orient each of the buildings in their cohousing communities.
In Grass Valley, California CoHousing Partners have developed a community to fit the needs of adults and families. There are different levels of integration and housing size. The community consists of the cohousing lodge for active adults, the inter-generational cohousing, and single-family lots with several acres of open space preserve along the creek. This project meets the various needs of people and families at different stages of their lives while maintaining a more sustainable lifestyle.
For more information visit the Cohousing Association of the Untied States.
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