Cohousing NZ - Expression of Interest

NelsonNZ

Tim Gummer — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 15:45:05 +0000

Nelson

NelsonNZ Cohousing is off to a strong start. Already established is a board, a large mailing list of interested parties, and committees for the various practical community building tasks. They see these steps as fundamental to the community building process which will carry them through the planning and building stages of the project.

One of NelsonNZ Cohousing’s first jobs is to clearly define their land needs based on their vision, to guide them in choosing suitable land. Nelson is a densely populated city, physically constrained by steep hills and the sea, so ideal land within the city is very scarce - and expensive. This urban area is practical for a cluster of small, affordable homes with some shared facilities in their initiative.

At this stage, NelsonNZ Cohousing envisage the customary common house and shared facilities include craft rooms, workshops, and facilities for children in the project. Gardens are high on the priority list, but being an urban community, they will be on a small scale. The community is more likely to establish strong relationships with the many organic producers and local food markets in the Nelson region.

Resident-owned businesses and energy self-sufficiency as far as possible, are already being considered. As an urban community, transport needs will be minimal.

NelsonNZ Cohousing feel fortunate to be able to draw from the experience of other cohousing projects. They feel that the time is right for broad adoption of cohousing formats, considering the need for genuinely affordable housing around the country.

Concept

Expression of Interest

Site Search

Group

Request group membership

Micro Summary

NelsonNZ Cohousing has a strong organisation in place for their affordable, collaborative housing initiative.

New Plymouth City

Developer — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 01:31:58 +0000

Taranaki

This group formed after several members attended Robin Allison's weekend cohousing workshop in mid-October in New Plymouth.

The group consists of 8-10 families and individuals who are keen to create a cohousing community in New Plymouth that is within walking/biking distance to the CBD. Several members of the group recently attended the quarterly tour at Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood in Auckland.

The group has been moving on to agreeing on a vision statement, communication agreements, membership criteria, meeting procedures and decision making.

Expression of Interest

Site Search

Open to New Members

Urban Auckland

Developer — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 23:06:13 +0000

Central Auckland

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.

Concept

Expression of Interest

Suspended

Open to New Members

Group

Request group membership

Micro Summary

Embracing density, multi-use spaces and neighbourhood permeability we are looking at new ways to achieve affordability, sustainability, and connection.