cohousing in the uk: how we can help

After attending the inspiring UK Cohousing Network event in London we have been reflecting on what cohousing is and how we can help get more cohousing built in the south west! 

Cohousing means different things for different people, and as a practice we have worked on a number of very different cohousing projects, from 53 affordable houses in Dorset with Bridport Cohousing Community Land Trust, to a private, low energy, low carbon project of four homes in Bristol’s green belt, and a tiny house cohousing project in Sea Mills with Tiny House Community Bristol.  

The majority of the projects we have worked on are ‘community led’. While we’ve seen firsthand the positive social and design outcomes when future residents control the process of designing and building, it was fascinating to learn more about the ‘developer led’ model of cohousing at the UKCN event, which seems more prevalent in the east of England.

We believe strongly in the social, environmental and economic benefits of cohousing in all its forms and want to see it become a mainstream idea. We think it could be relevant for almost anybody, whether you want lots of shared space, or more of your own private space; whether you want co-ownership or private equity in your own home; or whether you want consensus based group decision making or to outsource management to a company to provide. Cohousing in the UK could be as diverse as the people of this island, but in all cases is about creating an intentional community formed around some aspects of shared facilities and values. 

Are you interested in embarking on a cohousing project? get in touch! info@barefootarchitects.co.uk

by David Caldwell