A CoHousing project in Eltham…Participant Expression of Interest

Abstract

For the last few months, we have been collaborating with a Cohousing group interested in creating a project in and around Nillumbik and have secured a site in Eltham.
The project aims to deliver:
1. Long term stability & community for members
2. Around 25 homes for around 40 residents
3. Well-designed high-quality townhouses and apartments with high environmental performance. Targeting 7+ stars
4. A mix of dwelling sizes from 1 bed through to 4 beds
5. Multiple pathways to participation with at cost ownership being the focus but also incorporating affordable rental
6. Homes at cost (targeting a minimum 15% less than market value)
The vision for the project is:
• To follow the Danish model of CoHousing described in the book Creating Cohousing. This model has been successful in over 1,000 developments around the world, and places an emphasis on sustainability, village living and shared resources and affordability.
• Village living with an emphasis on shared common facilities and gardens to encourage community living and connection at all stages of life. This is not about shared housing or creating a commune. It is about creating private houses with shared facilities to achieve this goal.
• Intergenerational living bringing together singles, families, children and elders. Age diversity allows retirees looking to downsize to partner with younger family members to live in a community with each other. Another goal is to create an ideal environment for children to thrive, growing up with the community and other kids, and the ability for parents to share childcare responsibilities.
• A large common house that provides a shared space for group activities and kitchen/dining facilities for shared meals will be central to achieving the vision.
• A participatory design process that engages and seeds community spirit – facilitated community design process of the site, common facilities and private homes
Our target time frame for the project is to:
1. Establish the Collective in mid-2021
2. Acquire a site in 2021
3. 3.5 year development
4. Completion in 2024