CoHousing
In so-called cohousing projects, like-minded people live together under one roof. As part of the project, the residents themselves design the rooms and shape the way they live together according to very specific ideas. They experiment with ecological construction methods and use fewer resources by sharing rooms, equipment and vehicles.
To plan and manage a cohousing project, those interested organise themselves in cooperatives or similar structures. In most cases, the property is purchased by the group and the individual flats within it are rented or sold to the residents at affordable prices. Through joint project planning, a bond can develop between the people involved that is solidified in the daily routine they experience together.
Projects and examples
Lilac, Leeds
On the site of a former school, the LILAC project (Low Impact Living Affordable Community) has created sustainable housing for 20 households. The houses are built from renewable materials such as wood and straw bales. Thanks to in-house solar systems, they are self-sufficient in electricity and heating. Residents share five washing machines in a communal laundry room and dozens of bicycles and cars. More information at: https://www.lilac.coop/
Spreefeld, Berlin
On the banks of the Spree, urban political activists have created a place that enables diverse forms of living and working and provides spaces that are accessible to the public. In the three residential buildings, 140 people live in cooperatively – and in some cases privately – owned flats. Some of the flats were planned as shared flats. The ground floors are home to workshops, co-working spaces and common areas that can also be used by the public. More information at: https://www.cohousing-berlin.de/de/projekte/spreefeld-berlin
Vinzi-Rast-mittendrin, Vienna
Emerging from the “Uni brennt” (“University Burning”) protests at the Vienna University of Technology, this unique housing project has developed in a vacant corner building right next to the university campus. Here, 13 students and 14 formerly homeless people live, learn and work under the same roof. The project’s own pub has established itself as a meeting place in the neighbourhood. More information at: https://www.vinzirast.at/projekte/vinzirast-mittendrin/
Vrijburcht, Amsterdam
Families, singles and senior citizens live here under one roof. The residential area is located on an artificially created island that is on a long lease from the city. In addition to the 52 privately-owned flats, the project provides some commercial space and assisted living for adolescents with minor mental disabilities.
Numerous working groups and volunteers organise activities for residents and visitors. More information at: https://righttobuildtoolkit.org.uk/case-studies/vrijburcht-amsterdam/#