Cohousing (“collaborative housing”) is a housing model that includes individually owned homes built alongside shared space. The intent is to combine the privacy and comfort of having your own home, with the community and social benefits of having close knit neighbours and shared amenities.

 

Cohousing projects are also planned, developed, and managed by the homeowners. For example, Radiance Cohousing was led by a group of people who pooled their resources, formed a development company, and worked together to manage the design and construction of their own homes.

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The number of cohousing projects in Canada is growing. Not only is it a repeatable development model, but it accommodates various household structures and provides community to those who are seeking it. It appeals to a diversity of people and fills a gap in the current housing market.

 

Why do we want to live this way?

 

Radiance Cohousing grew from a relatively simple idea: to create quality, custom homes that build community and respond to a changing climate. Cohousing allows us to live alongside supportive neighbours, while also providing us the privacy of our own homes.

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We incorporated Passivhaus principles into the design of our buildings. Our homes are quiet, meet high air quality standards, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce monthly utility payments. A large, shared courtyard allows us to garden and gather together. 

 

Overall, Radiance Cohousing offers us more than what we would get through the other housing options currently available in Saskatoon.

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Cohousing is becoming a more common style of living. 

 

Cohousing emerged in Denmark over 50 years ago and has been growing in popularity ever since. In North America alone, there have been over 120 cohousing developments completed, including Radiance Cohousing, Wolf Willow Cohousing, and Prairie Spruce Cohousing in Saskatchewan. Visit www.cohousing.ca for more information. 

 

Getting more out of where we live.

 

Living in cohousing allows us to gain more out of our homes. The shared space extends our living space; we’re provided with access to amenities such as a common house and large yard; we can easily borrow something or get a helping hand from one of our neighbours; and we can work on interesting projects together, socialize, and spend time with a great group of people. We benefit from an intergenerational community--from babies to seniors--that offers a family-friendly, pet-friendly, and plant-friendly environment. 

 

We have trusted neighbours. 

 

In a community where people know and trust their neighbours, there are plenty of opportunities to reduce the burdens of day-to-day living. For example, shared meals take place as little or as often as residents would like; yard work and condo maintenance is managed collectively; and neighbours can help out while you're away by collecting mail, looking after pets, and watering plants.

 

Living side by side.

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From the very beginning, we have prioritized inclusion, care, and respect. While small annoyances are unavoidable from time to time, they are greatly outweighed by the benefits of cohousing – we get to live in quality homes and form meaningful relationships with our neighbours through interesting conversations, shared activities, great homemade meals, and time spent in a beautiful yard.

 

Cohousing is a condo unlike other condos.

 

Radiance Cohousing is not a cooperative or communal housing; it is a Condominium Corporation. However, unlike a typical condo, construction and design were managed by the homeowners. Because of this, the final product is the result of decisions that were made through a highly collaborative and co-creative process, and reflects what residents felt would lead to a high quality of life.

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Want to learn more about cohousing? Visit the Canadian Cohousing Network's website.