Building Smarter for Long Term Gains
Infrastructure, Affordability, and Energy Efficiency in Cohousing Projects
By Charles Durrett, Principal Architect, AIA // The Cohousing Company
Cohousing has long represented an inspiring model of intentional living—communities built on shared values, mutual support, and thoughtful design. But for many, the dream of living in a well-connected, energy-efficient neighborhood can feel out of reach due to cost and complexity. Like nearly everything in the housing sector, cohousing has been affected by rising construction prices, permitting hurdles, and the need for specialized knowledge. Yet, after seeing through the success of more than 55 cohousing communities, we know that affordability and sustainability aren’t just aspirations—they’re achievable outcomes when you approach it with the experience giving the insight of the small easily missed details that can mean major savings.
One of the key reasons costs inflate in a typical development is a lack of collaboration and foresight early in the design process. When an architect is inexperienced in cohousing-specific cost-saving strategies—budgets swell and opportunities for innovation are lost. Cohousing projects are rooted in the domain of fiscal responsibility driven by the residents themselves. In every project The Cohousing Company has ever worked on, groups have always made one thing clear: the project must be affordable. That mandate has allowed us to repeatedly build at significantly lower costs than the industry standard—up to $50 less per square foot. Take Nevada City Cohousing, for example: while developers quoted $150–$200 per square foot, we were able to build for $95. How? By utilizing 40 years of experience and group-led priorities, we can creatively problem-solve, with a practical approach to sustainable infrastructure.
Of course, the journey isn’t without challenges. Balancing energy-efficiency with affordability can mean making difficult decisions about materials, systems, or construction timelines. And not every project hits its budget targets—these projects that have gone over budget bring to light the need for realistic view between design goals and financial parameters. Still, the long-term benefits of efficient infrastructure make these efforts more than worthwhile. Energy efficiency and sustainability are not luxuries; they’re investments in long-term viability.
Energy efficiency and sustainability go far beyond simply investing in a few solar panels. The cohousing model itself supports sustainability through shared resources, while the construction must also facilitate it. Shared amenities like laundry facilities, gardens, tools, libraries, and even vehicles, they naturally reduce consumption and waste. Cohousing also fosters habits of mindful consumption and mutual support, encouraging residents to adopt and maintain energy-conscious behaviors.
While obvious tools like solar energy are a valuable tool, that is just one piece of a much larger puzzle when it comes to creating these environmentally responsible, cost-effective communities. Every new community increasingly adopting new strategies that address energy use, water conservation, waste reduction, and smart design from the ground up. They contribute innovations to the ecosystem of sustainable practices—creating a living database of infrastructure models and best practices that others can adapt and build upon.
To support projects navigating this balancing act, Charles Durrett has paired with the Cohousing Institute to teach a six-part online course starting July 10 focused on Affordability and Energy Efficiency in Cohousing. Future residents, architects, developers, or existing communities making changes for a lighter carbon footprint, this course will provide practical guidance, case studies of existing communities, and strategies that have been field-tested to help you bring your vision to life—within budget and with the planet in mind. Learn how we’ve built successful, lower-cost, high-functioning neighborhoods across the country—and how others can do the same.
