This project is currently suspended.
It may be rebooted, in more favourable circumstances, or with a broader mix of membership, so feel free to declare interest, on that basis.
This concept, eschews the semi-rural ‘eco-village’ model, to embrace the vibrancy and sustainability offered by a compact urban form. Skillfully designed multi-use common facilities and sustainable transport choices will add both value and affordability. The project is currently suspended, but open to expressions of interest.
This vision has resonance with Melbourne’s The Commons or Auckland’s Ockham Daisy apartments, but will be cohousing, pure and undiluted.
Approach
Maximizing Resources: embracing car-sharing over ownership. Roof and/or vertical gardens, co-working space and shared utility spaces.
Multi-Purposing: A 'timeshared' public cafe / private common house; multi-use or foldaway furniture.
Affordability is realized via a smarter spatial design, minimal parking, repurposing a developer profit margin; and post-build efficiencies.
Building
Location in West Central Auckland – e.g. Kingsland/Morningside, Newton, Mount Eden, Mount Albert (Unitec Campus).
Site Design defining public, semi-public and residential spaces, without gating. Open space to encourage social interaction, possibly in atrium form, vertical and/or rooftop gardening. Flexible provision for future needs: garden plots, small business, outdoor gatherings.
Density Medium-High: Good spatial design with careful allocation of generous stud height, folding/multipurpose furniture and fittings, minimal car parking. 3-4 level dwellings.
Units: 12-20. Standard: 2-3 Bedroom with adaptable partitions. Special: Apartments for on-the-go students or workers.
Conversion of a light industrial building shell offers cost, zoning, and sustainability advantages.
Modular Construction based on prefabricated wooden panels - including bathroom and kitchen. Modular construction is faster, cheaper, more sustainable, and adaptable to future household requirements.
Community
Your Coho Neighbours are multi-generational. Coho residents of all age appreciate age integration, just as The Village Effect has highlighted extended longevity in genuinely multigenerational traditional communities.
The Wider-Neighborhood is engaged via cafe, car-share, teen space, makerspace, artisanal production or co-working space open days, selective access for community activities - mitigating a potential “gated village” effect.
Sustainability
Renewable Energy production via solar. Consumption minimized via natural lighting, thermal mass and batteries to buffer consumption, radiant water-cooled/heated system, and lifestyle savings. Full energy independance may be held over while costs reduce further.
Waste Minimization: Water consumption minimization, composting. Active transport options and lifestyle-based saving. Natural, renewable local materials. Drastically reduced construction waste.
Transport: Vehicle share: A small shared car pool, along with a mix of private and shared two wheeled options e.g. cargo bikes, ebikes, scooters. Public transport to be within comfortable cycle-able distance. Rejecting individual car parking reduces use, providing health, environment and affordability benefits.
Management Tools Intranet: forums, IM, facility bookings, billing, polling, meeting planning.
Economics
Affordability: Of the order of 25% less expensive than comparative terraced apartments, but with additonal value in common facilities.
Ownership: Mixed unit title, rent to buy and/or secure rental.
Getting There
Community Building via a robust series of workshops that will define requirements. Ultimately eligibility is self-selecting, subject to finance / rental / rent to own options.
Co-design process with architects using established coho methodologies. Limiting stylistic variations for cost effectiveness.
Project Management via contract project manager, with core team involvement, architect, energy consultant.
Timescale: 3-4 years.