Living large while living small

[ This is part 2 of a 3-part blog on “design and community living” ]

Design process critical in creating cohousing communities, says American architect, Charles Durrett

Charles Durrett, who has lived in three cohousing communities over the past 25 years and has been involved in helping build 55, founded the term cohousing and was largely responsible for bringing the concept to North America. Cohousing developments feature individual units that members purchase, as well as large, shared indoor and outdoor spaces. Residents hold regular communal meals, make decisions by consensus, and have responsibilities around the building.

Watching decisions get made by consensus

During my summer at Nyland, I witnessed some big projects that required owner collaboration. A fierce June storm produced hail the size of golf balls and resulted in an enormous amount of damage—from breaking solar panels to busting out car windshields. All of the roofs for the 42 homes were damaged. Home owners had a meeting to make a unified decision on the many roof repairs. They even hired a manager to oversee the process.

“Fostering social relationships throughout the process, from the design to the live-in stage, and making sure the architectural design encourages interaction, are key elements in establishing cohousing.”

The tearing down of the rotting deck on the common house and rebuilding of a new deck was a well organized collaborative process. Occasional requests came via the Nyland email system, for strong backs to lift beams, haul out old wood, etc. It was interesting to see the deck being built from my work window, the concrete being poured, and watch residents stop by to chat with the workers.

Sustainability

Another big investment project—upgrading the electrical infrastructure near the carports—required a lot of research and consensus. The intent, to pull more energy from the solar panels, will enable more electric cars to power up. The agreement to move forward was finally passed and signed by owners during the July community meeting and will proceed to the next stage involving equipment choices and cost-sharing details. This project expressed the community’s vision of fostering sustainability.

Events and work days

Events are convenient to hold in the community house which has a large industrial-sized kitchen and space for feeding large groups. Seasonal land work days are held for residents to work together on the 40 acres to remove weeds or to care for the trees and landscaping. Participating helps me to learn, and meet the residents. It’s work, but fun!

That’s me and Denise making a large quantity of bruschetta for an event in the community house.