Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: 12 Unit Cohousing - Too Small?

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

One example of building for a smaller community is the Tiny House Villages for 
the homeless in Seattle. 

This addresses the issue of “Can we do it economically?” rather than is it 
still cohousing. It’s a model that would support a cluster of homes around a 
commons rather than a common house. A primary importance of the common house is 
having an area where everyone can socialize together, share the functions of 
daily life, and provide a space that replaces the largeness in nuclear spaces. 

All well and good to have a complete building with utilities, walls, etc., but 
the distinctive importance is having a place to expand and assemble as equals 
in designated community space. It struck me when I saw the pictures of these 
villages that a large outdoor deck could serve a similar purpose. it can be 
built DYI, easily maintained, and improved as economically feasible. Add a 
shed, a workshop, a canopy, etc.

I think the deck struck me because it is an intentionally created space that 
connects homes — it isn’t an empty space between them. It could also be a green 
but being designed is important. An empty lot is wonderful but a park-like 
space with areas for washing cars and dogs, outdoor cooking, tricycle riding, 
and staying mudless designates the area as a functional space, not just an open 
space.

There is more here:

https://sustainablecohousing.org/tiny-house-villages-in-seattle/

Sharon
——— 
Sharon Villines
http://sustainablecohousing.org
sustainablecohousing [at] groups.io
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