A different kind of living - RIBA Journal

September 18, 2015

This months RIBA Journal features an article on the co housing movement in the UK. Our Bridport Co housing scheme is featured. Check it out! 

Bridport Cohousing in West Dorset is a 34-unit scheme in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At least 40 percent of the homes will be offered as shared ownership or affordable rents by a housing association, which is also funding most the build. The cohousing group has a purchase option on 1.8ha as a community land trust at an agreed price if planning permission is obtained. Barefoot Architecture was commissioned after one of the members went to a house designed by director Sam Goss for his parents as part of an eco home open day. The design follows the contours of the land, with all buildings focused on the lower 0.8ha to protect views. The homes face south and are set in a cleverly managed watery landscape of swales and an amphitheatre that doubles as a sink in heavy rain. Residents put down a two percent deposit and if they pull out the money is returned to them once a new member joins. Owner-occupier homes will sell at 80 percent of market price, with the remaining 20 percent retained by Bridport Cohousing to ensure homes are not sold on the open market and remain affordable.