Cohousing: what is it and how does it work?
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“Cohousing is an intentional community, formed by people who decide to live in the same physical environment, in which the land, buildings and other existing improvements constitute means of integration and coexistence among all residents, allowing and promoting an intense community life, but without preventing each resident from having a private family life.” Charles Durrett
You've probably seen cohousing in some classic American movie. But did you know that they also exist here in Brazil?
They were created with a focus on an incredible and revolutionary concept of sharing and sustainable attitudes. Many people still don't know about this model, much less its advantages. But don't think that this means that they are rarely seen or sought after by tenants.
In fact, several studies have already proven this trend!
As an example, there is a study carried out by the Credit Protection Service (SPC Brasil) and the National Confederation of Shopkeepers ( CNDL ) on collaborative consumption in the country.
In the survey, around 63% of Brazilians said they had already lived in a cohousing or that they could easily adapt to this lifestyle. After all, its residents can easily see the incredible advantages of these environments.
They involve not only social issues, but also economic and environmental ones - concepts that have been gaining enormous discussion and concern around the world!
How about learning a little more about these homes and their benefits? Follow us in this text and discover everything about cohousing, how it works and some of the greatest examples of these homes in Brazil.
See the topics that will be covered:
- What is cohousing?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a cohousing?
- Is cohousing the same thing as coliving?
- What are the cohousings in Brazil?
- Is there cohousing in São Paulo?
- The world's most famous cohousings.
Let's get started!
What is cohousing?
Cohousing is a shared housing model that is very similar to and even confused with coliving . However, it has quite obvious differences.
It is very similar to a small private village, made up of similar houses. On the same plot of land or area, each resident has their own residence, but shares all the internal and external spaces of the place.
This includes everything from the laundry room and kitchen to the garden, leisure areas and many others.
Cohousing emerged in Denmark in the 1960s. Today, it has spread and can be seen in many countries, always aiming at this collaborative and healthy lifestyle. If we had to summarize its main characteristics, these would be the main ones:
- Architecture: the houses are built with the aim of providing greater proximity between people. Typically, a cohousing village has between 20 and 40 houses, facing each other and without walls separating them;
- Own home: each resident has their own individual home;
- Living together: all other tasks such as cooking and washing clothes, or even leisure activities are carried out in shared spaces on the land.
- Environment: cohousing is concerned with sustainability. Therefore, it encourages this practice among its residents - through the use of bicycles, preference for public transport, among many other actions.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a cohousing?
Like any housing model, cohousing has its advantages and disadvantages. Not everyone can adapt to this style, so you need to be completely in agreement with its principles and have an open mind.
Therefore, we have separated the main advantages and disadvantages below so that you can carefully analyze them before moving. See:
Advantages of cohousing
Many cohousing properties are strategically located in important parts of the city, which is definitely a huge advantage. They can be close to public transport stations or even major avenues, which makes getting around much easier.
Especially if we take into account that many of the tenants of this housing model are younger people, who need this easy access to go to study or work.
Another advantage of cohousing is the time-saving benefits of a collaborative lifestyle. By sharing common areas, residents can help each other and share tasks such as cleaning and garden maintenance. This way, no one will feel overwhelmed.
In terms of finances, cohousing is much more economical than other types of housing, which is also very attractive! After all, who doesn't want to save a little money to spend on travel, outings or other activities?
Because the space is shared, water and energy consumption tends to be lower. This is because the houses are usually built with materials that have a low environmental impact. Another key point is saving time! Everyone can spend less time keeping the house clean and tidy, since the activities are shared by everyone. As a result, cohousing provides a more sustainable lifestyle with a lower environmental impact.
Finally, cohousing encourages a huge amount of networking. You will be living with people of different ages, habits and customs, with whom you can get along and create incredible bonds!
Disadvantages of cohousing
Every coin has two sides, and cohousing is no different.
By far, its main disadvantage is the lack of privacy. Even though each person has their own home, the common spaces will be shared between everyone. From the more open spaces to the kitchen and laundry.
It is a completely collaborative lifestyle, where all residents value sharing. So, if you are one of those who prefer to have your own space, you may not adapt very well to this lifestyle.
Is cohousing the same thing as coliving?
We already know that the answer is no! It is common for many to confuse these models, especially since they both advocate a collaborative lifestyle. But make no mistake, this is just one thing they have in common among important differences between them.
While in cohousing each resident has their own home, coliving is different. Its proposal is that tenants share the same property, whether an apartment or a house.
Each person will have their own fully furnished room with or without a bathroom (depending on the property). However, just like in cohousing, they will share common spaces such as the kitchen, laundry room and even leisure areas such as the gym.
Financially, both are more affordable models. So much so that coliving is much more sought after among students, people who need to move constantly due to work or, especially, those who are moving for the first time.
Coincidentally, coliving also emerged in Denmark, more specifically in 1972. The first property built, called Saettedammen, housed 35 families!
Each one had their own space and shared common spaces. In addition, other activities were encouraged, such as parties, events and even community meals.
If you want to know more about coliving, we have a complete text on our blog with everything you need to know! To read it, just click on the following link: Coliving: learn how shared housing works.
What are the cohousings in Brazil?
In Brazil, cohousing began to gain traction through architect Lilian Lubochinski, founder of the consultancy Cohousing Brasil.
Their independent and close-knit homes have several common areas, such as a library and laundry rooms. They also have a kitchen and a communal dining area for those who wish to socialize.
Although they are not yet so numerous, there are some examples of cohousing projects that deserve to be highlighted. Check them out:
Gaia Connection - Belo Horizonte
Conexão Gaia, located in Belo Horizonte, was created with the aim of building a new way of living together. Each person lives in their own home, but shares common spaces, maintaining collaborative and collective coexistence.
The movement began in 2017 with the help of Lubochinski, when they held the first Introduction to Cohousing Meeting in BH. Still in formation, its members meet frequently to discuss the future of this cohousing.
According to its founder, the project is based on the principles of synchronicity, attitude, planned and organized work. All with purpose and cooperation. In addition, she also manages Cohousing Minas, a virtual space dedicated to the same objective.
On their Facebook and Instagram pages, they are always sharing the project's news and achievements, as well as the means of contact for those who want to take part and contribute.
Are there cohousings in São Paulo?
Yes, there is! In fact, in a city that is very famous for its quality of life and a university that is highly renowned throughout the country.
Senior Cohousing Vila ConViver
Located in the Jardim Alto neighborhood of Cidade Universitária, in Campinas, Vila ConViver Senior Cohousing was created especially for UNICAMP professors. More specifically, those who are already retired or over 50 years old and about to retire.
After visiting several housing models for the elderly in Brazil and around the world, they saw cohousing as the best solution for what they were looking for.
To provide this collaborative and sustainable lifestyle, some important points that the homes should have were defined. They were:
- Reflect and transform: The proposal was to bring retired teachers and those who are close to retirement. The idea was to stimulate the creation of a new world.
- Social architecture : The model should incorporate the latest advances in the fields of psychology, geriatrics, gerontology, anthropology and sociology. In this way, it would contribute to a longer, safer and higher quality life.
- Reality of aging: Cohousing should focus on the opportunity to live a new stage of life in an extremely rich way in terms of experiences and community relationships. As a consequence, avoiding the dangers of isolation that can lead to depression and other health problems.
In an interview with Viva à Longevidade , retired teacher Dione Lucchesi said she was extremely happy with the result.
“What motivated me to join the Vila ConViver project was the fact that I saw a different way of life there. It wasn’t about building a condominium, but about changing relationships between people. And that gave me a zest for life, because we are at a time when these things are not valued,” he said.
Today, the village has 66 residents. Furthermore, there are plans to build 42 houses with 100 m² and another four with 50 m².
The most famous cohousings in the world
In other countries, cohousing is already a more concrete concept. There are several communities spread around the world that have already achieved great success. Check out a special list that we have put together:
Trabensol - Madrid, Spain
The Trabensol community in Madrid was the first to be created in Spain in 2013. To this day, it stands out as one of the most important and famous when we talk about cohousing.
The non-profit project was developed to make this collaborative housing for the elderly a reality. Its principles are based on the involvement of friendly people who have made solidarity, cooperation, mutual aid and a welcoming spirit the central values of their coexistence.
With around 80 residents, they are organized into several committees to follow the collaborative purpose of their homes. From economics to gardening, each group is responsible for developing activities open to everyone.
The Cohousing Company - United States
Remember the American architect Charles Durrett that we mentioned at the beginning of the text? Together with other consultants and experts, they formed one of the largest centers specialized in this housing model: the Cohousing Company .
They have a strong and unwavering commitment to sustainability. In their constructions, they use numerous more economical materials that cause less impact on the environment.
The company has designed around 50 communities in the United States. Among them, Muir Commons in Davis, California, was the first to be developed and featured in the most renowned American newspapers.
Durrett's work is incredible and has earned him numerous awards throughout his career. Here are some of the most important ones:
- World Habitat Award, presented by the United Nations;
- Silver Achievement Award for Active Adult Community by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 50+ Housing Council;
- Silver Energy Value Housing Award, from NAHB.
Mosaic Village Cohousing - Calgary
Mosaic Village Cohousing in Calgary, Canada, is geared toward people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. It has a diverse group of residents, from seniors to couples and young adults.
The complex has a complete infrastructure with everything its residents need, from a public library to banks, doctors, dentists and other health clinics.
In addition, the neighborhood in which it is located is close to some of the largest hospitals and health centers in the city. In addition to the various leisure options that are also found nearby, such as parks, trails, shopping malls and recreational facilities.
On their website , you can learn more about the community, available services, and even inspiring stories from its residents. It's worth checking out!
Conclusion
Cohousing is an incredible housing model! Its sense of collaboration and interaction between residents is inspiring and very beneficial for all its members.
The examples we see around the world should serve as support for this model to become a reality in Brazil. Fortunately, we already have projects underway that can serve as an impetus for others to be created.
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