Southside CoHo

High Point, a garden community of the SHA

The ability to design where you live is probably one of the most attractive elements of cohousing.  Cookie-cutter “McMansions” have misguided our housing aspirations in this country, and in addition to perpetuating the isolation that has fragmented our communities, they are terribly wasteful of resources.  Did you know that in just the last 50 years, the average American household size has shrunk by ~30% while the average home size has more than doubled?  This is indicative of the waste and opulence that fuels global disparities.

In contrast to the entitled individualism that values privacy (and hence duplication) above all else, cohousing design typically focuses on a balance of private space and shared space that is more socially and environmentally sustainable than the typical single family home.  Individual housing units are “fully equipped” with their own kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living space, but shared common space allows for a scaling down of these features.  When a “common house” is available for shared use, you may be able to get by with 3 bedrooms instead of 4, 2 bathrooms instead of 3, and so on, depending on the size of your household.

In addition to shared space reducing the unnecessary duplication of private space, intentionally designed shared space creates opportunities for social interaction and community involvement.

Once again, here’s a list of things I’d like to see in the design of a small, urban cohousing project in South Seattle.  Feel free to make some suggestions of your own!

• A mix of structures reflecting a variety of household sizes: different spaces for families, couples, and singles would be ideal.
• Community garden: I’m terrible at growing things, but hopefully someone has a green thumb.
• Shared open/green space: a place for kids (and adults) to play would be great!
• A common house with guest facilities (for residents or neighbors in need)
• A common house with a workshop (shared tools) or space for creating art
• I must admit that I’m drawn to the clean, simple lines and green-building techniques of modern residential architecture, but that’s just me…