Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: architects and developers

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Tuesday, November 18, 2003, at 10:13 AM, Racheli Gai wrote:

>  I keep wishing we had a REALLY GOOD
> local architect (not the "affordable" one chosen).  Every time my house
> overheats because of the shape/size/location of my South Windows (and 
> the
> lack of a sufficient overhang) - this thought comes to mind.
> Using a permaculture consultant (both to comment/advise on 
> architectural
> plans as well on site/land use) is something I highly recommend.
We were able to get a grant from HUD ($36,000?) for a green 
architecture consultant who worked with the developer and architect.

Green architecture was difficult all the way down the line, however, 
because so few of the subcontractors had any experience or 
understanding of the differences between their normal products and 
methods and those specified as green. Our project has essentially be 
built twice -- once the wrong way then ripped out and redone. We had 
several consultants overseeing various aspects of building.

It was a very complicated process with layers and layers of supervision 
but we did get an Energy Star rated project with 43 units and a large 
commonhouse started and finished in two years. It has taken another 
three years to work out all the kinks but we at least were moved in as 
we are working them out (leaking basement walls, drain spouts that 
don't quite drain, etc.),  The very first informational meeting was 
convened by Ann Zabaldo on October 5, 1998 (Founder's Day) and the 
first members moved in late November 2000 with everyone in by early 
spring 2001.

Ann had been contacted by a developer, Don Tucker, who had a option on 
a piece of property that he thought might be a good cohousing project. 
He had just heard about cohousing but had successfully built something 
like 35 multifamily dwellings, and Ann was then connected to Liberty 
Village and knew a lot about it.

Do we have a project that will go down in the annals of green 
architecture history or be placed on a tour of innovative interior 
desing? No, but we got built with affordable housing in a incredibly 
manageable length of time.

To hit the ground running with land identified, a developer in tow, and 
an experienced cohousing person right there was a fabulous way to get 
started. What we need as an association is a way to make this available 
to groups all over the country -- yes, the world, but I'm being 
conservative today.

Sharon
-----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org

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