What is Cohousing?
Cohousing is an innovative housing model that combines private homes with shared spaces to foster a strong sense of community. This approach to living emphasises collaboration, sustainability, and social interaction, creating a supportive environment for residents. As society becomes more focused on building connections and sustainable living, cohousing offers an appealing alternative to traditional housing.
At the same time, cohousing is emerging as the perfect accommodation for remote workers seeking more space for their partners or families to join them. It offers an ideal balance between privacy for focused work and the enjoyment of a supportive community. This innovative living arrangement is particularly appealing to professionals who value both their personal and professional lives. In this article, we will delve into the concept of cohousing, explore its various aspects, and focus on the model designed for remote workers to understand the benefits it offers.
What does Cohousing mean?
The concept of cohousing originated in Denmark in the 1960s and has since spread worldwide. It was developed as a response to the growing desire for a more community-oriented way of living, offering a middle ground between fully private homes and communal living. In a cohousing community, residents usually have their own fully equipped homes but share amenities and responsibilities, which helps foster a sense of belonging and cooperation.
Today, cohousing has evolved to include a model specifically designed for remote workers and their families. Unlike coliving spaces, which are typically intended for individual nomads, cohousing offers private, fully equipped apartments with their own kitchens and bathrooms. These private spaces are complemented by homely and spacious shared living areas within the same building, creating a “home better than home.”
Cohousing: a space where families live, work, and thrive together in shared spaces designed for community and comfort.
This modern take on cohousing is perfect for remote workers seeking more space and a balanced lifestyle. It provides the privacy needed for focused work and the opportunity to enjoy a community. This innovative living arrangement is ideal for professionals who value both their personal and professional lives, offering the perfect blend of independence and social interaction.
What is a cohousing community
A cohousing community is a group of private homes clustered around shared spaces. Each household has its own private residence, but the community also includes common areas that are collectively managed and maintained by the residents. These common spaces often include dining rooms, laundry facilities, gardens, and recreational areas, creating an environment that fosters social connections and collaborative living.
Cohousing communities are intentionally designed to encourage interaction among residents. Paths and common areas are strategically placed to facilitate spontaneous meetings and conversations. Regular community meals and events further strengthen the bonds between residents, promoting a sense of shared responsibility and support.
In addition to social benefits, cohousing communities often emphasise sustainability. Shared resources mean fewer individual purchases and reduced waste, and many cohousing developments include environmentally friendly features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and community gardens. These aspects make cohousing an attractive option for those looking to live more sustainably.
For remote workers, cohousing communities offer the added benefit of in-house workspaces. Residents can work comfortably from their own apartments or use shared coworking spaces within the building. This setup provides the flexibility to choose different work environments based on their needs while enjoying the support of a collaborative community.
Benefits of cohousing
Cohousing offers numerous benefits that enhance both personal and professional aspects of life. Here are some key advantages:
Social interaction
Cohousing fosters a strong sense of community and social support. Living in close proximity to others and participating in community activities helps residents build meaningful relationships and reduces feelings of isolation.
Shared resources
Cohousing communities reduce individual household costs and environmental impact by sharing resources. Residents benefit from amenities like communal living rooms, workspaces, and recreational areas. Weekly cleaning services, fresh towels and bed linens, and access to a washer and dryer are also included, making daily life more convenient and sustainable.
Privacy and focused work
Cohousing provides the perfect balance between community interaction and personal privacy. For remote workers, in-house workspaces and high-speed internet provide a comfortable and efficient work environment. Residents can choose to work from their own apartments or use shared coworking spaces within the building.
Enjoy privacy and productivity in a Cohousing environment.
Enhanced quality of life
The supportive environment of cohousing can lead to a higher quality of life. Residents often report increased happiness and well-being due to the strong social ties and sense of belonging that cohousing provides. The blend of private and communal spaces allows for a balanced lifestyle that supports both personal and professional growth.
Access to Amenities
Cohousing communities offer various amenities that make life more convenient and enjoyable. This may include:
- Cleaning services
- Linens and towels
- Access to washer & dryer
- Private bathroom
- Private kitchen
- In-house workspace
- High speed Internet
- Free 24/7 access to coworking spaces
What is senior Cohousing?
Unlike cohousing for nomadic workers, senior cohousing provides a specialised environment carefully designed to meet the unique needs of older adults. Unlike general cohousing communities that cater to a wide range of age groups, senior cohousing is specifically designed to facilitate ageing in place, maintain strong social connections and encourage an active lifestyle among its residents. This tailored approach ensures a supportive and enriching community atmosphere specifically designed for seniors seeking a fulfilling retirement experience.
Cohousing is a modern solution to evolving housing and community needs. By combining private residences with shared spaces and amenities, cohousing promotes a sense of belonging, sustainability and social interaction. If you are a nomadic worker in need of a co-housing environment in the Canary Islands, Repeople will help you find a balanced lifestyle that supports your personal and professional growth. Come and meet us!
