Cohousing

What Is Cohousing?

Cohousing is a form of intentional community where residents actively participate in the design and operation of their neighborhood, balancing private dwellings with extensive shared facilities and social activities. It falls under the broader umbrella of Real Estate and community development. In a cohousing community, residents own their private homes, which typically include a kitchen, living area, and bedrooms, similar to conventional housing. However, these private homes are clustered around shared common areas, often featuring a "common house" with a large kitchen and dining room, laundry facilities, children's playrooms, and guest rooms¹⁶. Beyond the common house, shared outdoor spaces like gardens, courtyards, and pedestrian paths are designed to foster interaction among neighbors¹⁵. The residents of a cohousing community make collective decisions about the management and activities of their shared spaces, promoting a strong sense of community land trust and mutual support¹⁴. This model aims to create socially rich, intergenerational neighborhoods that offer both privacy and a vibrant social fabric.

History and Origin

The modern concept of cohousing originated in Denmark in the late 1960s. Dissatisfied with conventional housing models that they felt lacked sufficient community and support, groups of families began to envision a new way of living that prioritized social interaction and shared responsibilities¹³. A pivotal moment occurred in 1967 when Danish architect Jan Gudmand-Høyer published an article that sparked widespread interest in a collective living arrangement.¹² This interest led to the formation of the first modern cohousing community, Sættedammen, which was established in Hillerød, Denmark, in 1970.

¹⁰, ¹¹Sættedammen, comprising 27 families, pioneered the architectural and social principles that became hallmarks of cohousing, emphasizing resident participation in design and self-management. Th⁸, ⁹e success of Sættedammen and subsequent communities like Skråplanet (1973) solidified the "bofællesskab" (living community) model in Denmark, which was later translated to "cohousing" by American architects Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett. After⁷ studying numerous Danish communities in the 1980s, McCamant and Durrett introduced the concept to North America, leading to the development of the first U.S. cohousing community, Muir Commons in Davis, California, in 1991. The Danish model is still considered the "golden standard" for cohousing worldwide.

K⁶ey Takeaways

• Cohousing combines private homes with extensive shared facilities, fostering a balance between individual privacy and communal living.
• Residents are actively involved in the planning, design, and ongoing management of their community.
• The concept originated in Denmark in the late 1960s and was introduced to North America in the early 1990s.
• Shared meals, collective decision-making, and mutual support are common practices within cohousing communities.
• Cohousing aims to create socially connected, often intergenerational, neighborhoods.

Interpreting Cohousing

Cohousing is primarily interpreted as a lifestyle choice and a model for Urban planning and community design rather than a financial instrument with a direct formula or calculation. Its value is often assessed in terms of social capital, sustainability, and quality of life. For residents, it represents an investment in a supportive social network, shared resources, and a sense of belonging that can mitigate feelings of isolation. From ⁵a broader perspective, the prevalence and growth of cohousing communities can indicate a societal shift towards valuing collaboration and shared amenities in Housing market choices. While cohousing properties are typically owned and financed like traditional homes, their communal aspects influence aspects such as Property values and desirability for those seeking a specific type of social environment.

Hypothetical Example

Consider a group of 25 families and individuals looking to create a cohousing community called "Harmony Haven." They collectively purchase a parcel of land. Instead of building 25 separate, isolated homes, they decide on a design featuring 25 private residential units clustered around a central common house. Each private unit, while smaller than a standalone house, includes a full kitchen, living room, and bedrooms, offering complete independence.

The common house at Harmony Haven is equipped with a large commercial-grade kitchen, a dining hall capable of seating all residents for communal meals (often held 3-4 times a week), a children's play area, a workshop, and guest rooms for visitors. Shared outdoor spaces include vegetable gardens, a playground, and walking paths.

Financially, each household takes out a private Mortgage for their unit, and a separate proportional share of the common facilities' construction and ongoing maintenance costs. Decisions regarding shared spaces—such as meal rotations, garden upkeep, or common house renovations—are made through regular community meetings where each household has a voice, fostering a strong sense of Equity and shared responsibility. This model allows residents to enjoy the benefits of spacious common areas and shared responsibilities without sacrificing the privacy of their own homes.

Practical Applications

Cohousing finds practical applications primarily in residential development and social sustainability initiatives. These communities provide an alternative Homeownership model that counters the increasing social isolation experienced in many modern neighborhoods.

• Residential Development: Cohousing offers a unique product in the housing market, appealing to diverse demographics, including young families seeking built-in childcare support, single individuals desiring a strong social network, and seniors looking for mutual support as they age in place.
• Aff⁴ordable Housing Solutions: While not exclusively Affordable housing, some cohousing developments incorporate elements like shared resources and land-lease models that can reduce individual costs and promote long-term affordability.
• Sustainable Living: The emphasis on shared resources, collective gardening, and often smaller individual footprints can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing overall consumption and environmental impact.
• Community Building: Cohousing inherently builds social capital, fostering strong interpersonal relationships and mutual aid among residents. This collective approach to living can lead to a more resilient and supportive neighborhood environment.
• Legal Structures: Cohousing communities often operate under legal structures similar to a Homeowners association or a Cooperative, adapting these frameworks to suit their participatory governance model. The design and planning of such communities also present unique challenges for developers and planners.

Limit², ³ations and Criticisms

While cohousing offers many benefits, it also faces specific limitations and criticisms. One significant challenge is the inherent complexity of group decision-making. Since residents are actively involved in the design, development, and ongoing management of the community, achieving consensus among diverse individuals can be time-consuming and lead to delays or conflicts. This part¹icipatory process can be a barrier for individuals or groups without the time or inclination for extensive collaborative work.

Another limitation is the financial aspect. While shared resources can lead to long-term savings, the initial development costs can be high due to the specialized design and the often-lengthy process of group formation and land acquisition. Furthermore, securing financing can sometimes be more challenging than for conventional housing developments, as lenders may be less familiar with the cohousing model. Critics also point out that the self-selected nature of cohousing communities can lead to a lack of demographic Diversification, potentially creating insular groups rather than broadly integrated neighborhoods. Some communities may also struggle with the ongoing commitment required for communal activities, leading to burnout or a decline in participation over time. The American Planning Association highlights that planners and developers face hurdles in navigating zoning regulations and integrating these unique communities into existing urban fabrics [https://www.planning.org/publications/document/9079549/].

Cohousing vs. Intentional Community

While "cohousing" is a specific type of intentional community, the two terms are not interchangeable.

The main point of confusion often arises because both emphasize community and shared experiences. However, cohousing distinguishes itself by its specific architectural design (private homes plus shared facilities) and its focus on democratic, self-management by residents, without necessarily requiring shared economic models or adherence to a particular ideology beyond the desire for community [https://www.cohousing.org/what-is-cohousing/]. An Investment property within a cohousing context would still be a private residence, whereas an intentional community might involve a broader sharing of assets or even Capital gains from communal enterprises.

FAQs

How do I buy a home in a cohousing community?

Purchasing a home in a cohousing community typically involves buying a private unit that is part of the larger development. This process is similar to buying a traditional home, often requiring a Mortgage. However, potential residents usually go through an additional step of integrating with the existing community, participating in meetings, and understanding the community's governance and shared responsibilities before purchasing.

Are cohousing communities communes?

No, cohousing communities are distinct from communes. While both involve shared living, cohousing emphasizes private, self-sufficient homes for each household, along with shared facilities. Residents maintain their individual incomes and private lives. Communes, by contrast, often involve shared finances, a higher degree of shared living spaces, and sometimes a common ideology or religious belief system that governs all aspects of life.

What are the financial implications of living in cohousing?

Financially, living in cohousing often means paying a mortgage or rent for your private unit, plus a share of the costs for maintaining and operating the common facilities. These shared costs contribute to the upkeep of amenities like the common house, gardens, and shared utilities. While initial costs for some developments might be higher due to specialized construction, the long-term benefit can include shared tools, services, and bulk purchasing, potentially reducing overall living expenses compared to a conventional isolated home. This approach supports a form of Asset allocation towards community-oriented living.

Is cohousing only for older adults?

No, cohousing is not exclusively for older adults. While senior cohousing communities exist and are growing in popularity, many cohousing communities are intergenerational, welcoming individuals, couples, and families of all ages. The design and activities are often geared towards fostering connections across different age groups, benefiting both children and seniors through mutual support and interaction.