Cohousing-L Mailing List: re: we are not using the european model in Solterra

[Steve Melamut (melamut]

------ Homes that are "clustered" with common walls between homes.

We are building 37 detached houses with 40 families (3 duplexes included). =
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We have reduced the size of the lots to 0.2 acres or less.  We have also=20
established a =93footprint=94 on each lot where homes may be built in order=
 to=20
insure solar access for each house.
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------ Homes that line an 8 foot wide pedestrian path-cars are parked away=
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from=20
the homes.

We will have a road on the outside of the community.  It is a private road =
so=20
we can limit its width and avoid putting in a curb.  Each house will have a=
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driveway.  Durham zoning requires each home to have at least one parking=20
space. =20
The commons paths are on a 40 foot wide swath but the actual foot path will=
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be narrower.  We wanted to keep the community as green as possible and=20
avoid cutting down existing trees where possible.
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------ A front lawn/front garden in varing depths-none greater than 12 foot=
 in=20
depth.

We had a problem with this.  Zoning requires at least an 8 ft setback. =20
Keeping solar access also increased some houses set backs.  We are=20
requiring clear access to the commons from each house.  We will not permit=
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any fences or shrubbery that will block it.  We are encouraging porches and=
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decks on the commons side.
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------ Private back yards.=20
It is there for each person to use as they choose.  Some people will probab=
ly=20
put in fences for their dogs, etc.  Others will build private gardens.  We =
are=20
building common basketball courts and play areas to encourage interaction,=
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minimize noise, and help keep the houses cool by minimizing the concrete=20
around each=20



We have read the literature.  However, we have chosen to try and modify it =
to=20
our lifestyles.  We are carefuly designing our common house and other=20
facilities to encourage interaction.  Our meetings are being run by=20
concensus, which helps develop a sense of community (because concensus=20
is hard to arrive at sometimes).

The european model works in Europe.  It is certainly appropriate to urban=
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environments where space is limited.  However, we are choosing to try=20
something a little different.  We wanted to make a commitment to solar=20
energy and  keep the option of detached housing. =20

There will be varying degrees of involvment in the community.  I think that=
 is=20
inevitable in a project of this size in the cultural environment we are bui=
lding=20
in.  Ask me in five years how it works.=20

Steve Melamut        =20
Solterra     Durham, NC

As always the information, politics, opinions even any misinformation above=
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is mine and all mine  - not necessarily that of the community.