For those who want to live self-determined within their own four walls, but do not want to forego the advantages of living in a community, the co-housing model of living is an option. A co-housing development is characterized by residents living in private apartments or houses and sharing other areas and spaces communally. Shared areas include, for example, a kitchen or dining room, but also other and larger community facilities such as a workshop or kindergarten, offices, a library or a home theater.
One of the most important guiding principles of co-housing is based on social interaction, exchange and neighborly help. Co-housing estates or plots of land are often purchased, planned and managed jointly by interested parties. The first co-housing projects were established in Denmark in the 1960s. In Germany, too, more and more housing projects are emerging, such as co-housing, but also multigenerational houses, eco-villages or so-called Transition Towns.
In addition to a strong social exchange, cohousing settlements also bring other advantages. Residents benefit from financial savings through the joint purchase of appliances, materials, etc., or through volume discounts. Likewise, aspects of sustainability, environmental protection and energy efficiency are considered in the planning and management of the settlements, for example through jointly used cars. Above all, people who like to make joint decisions, are actively involved in the community and seek social exchange will find a suitable place to live here.
Source: Futurium/Trendyone
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