A Guide to Co-Housing Architecture Design

Co-housing is becoming increasingly popular as more Australians seek out accessible, cost-effective, and socially engaging ways to live. The demand for accessible and community-centric living means that the architectural design of co-housing is crucial. 

Co-living spaces must be functional, comfortable, centrally located, and suit various individuals’ needs and lifestyles. One of the main factors of co-housing is their sense of community – making the communal areas significant focal points for architects to consider when designing co-living spaces. 

An architecturally designed co-housing area must consider a range of principles and factors to ensure everyone can live comfortably. 

What is co-housing?

Co-housing is a structured communal living arrangement. People reside in private units, with shared communal areas to build a supportive community for all residents. Co-housing appeals to anybody who believes in sharing sustainable lifestyles in a community-centric space where they can get involved in community events and connect with others. Co-housing is also ideal for people who believe in protecting the environment and want to contribute by adopting a different lifestyle model. Most urban co-housing is located close to business districts and houses over 100 residents at a time. 

Co-housing provides a great solution to traditional apartment buildings. First of all, Co-housing spaces can be very economically convenient. In a shared space, residents use the same lights, mechanical ventilation, kitchen appliances, and even groceries to share – saving money and time. With a strong community, families can let their children play with other children in the co-housing space, easing them from their entertaining duties! 

How is co-housing property different from apartment blocks?

Co-housing properties and apartment blocks vastly differ in how each operate, the inclusions/utilities, but also, layout.

Under the Housing SEPP introduced to the NSW government in November 2021, co-housing must have at least six private rooms (although most have an average of 30 to 40) and be fully furnished with indoor and outdoor communal spaces for residents to use and enjoy. Co-housing spaces are generally large buildings that contain equipped units (with their own kitchen) or rooms. Co-housing buildings will have shared communal utility spaces, like laundries, professionally equipped kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, that are managed and maintained by the residents. 

Apartment blocks are buildings separated into apartments that may have some communal areas, like rooftops, but are not to bring residents together and build community. 

Guiding principles in co-housing architectural design

Design principles for co-housing mean that architects design spaces that are functional and aesthetic and stimulate the idea of sharing and creating a strong community. 

Balancing privacy and community

Balancing the community with privacy is crucial in the design of co-housing. Co-housing buildings need to be designed with the intention of encouraging social interaction in communal spaces. Doing so creates an environment where residents can seamlessly interact with others and build relationships. 

While communal spaces are one of the most defining features of co-housing buildings, privacy that is easily accessible is also crucial. Planning spatial, acoustic, and innovative shared area designs creates an environment where residents can balance their private moments with social encounters. 

Placement and design of communal spaces

Working with the layout and shape of the building, co-housing requires careful planning for all communal areas through convenient placement and multifunctional designs. Co-housing communal areas are designed to serve a variety of purposes, allowing residents to fulfil their needs at all times of the day. 

For example, central common areas are generally near high-traffic spaces, like the kitchen, bathrooms, and entrance. When these areas provide comfortable lounges and tables, people can enjoy meals straight from the kitchen, lounge around after a shower, or have a seat to put their shoes on before heading out simultaneously. 

Optimising space in private bedrooms/studios

Most units in a co-housing have a unique layout to avoid wasting space. This requires understanding the needs of residents in order to design spaces that feel spacious and functional at the same time.

Special considerations for architectural design in co-housing 

Co-housing is becoming increasingly popular in Sydney and Australia. Modern co-housing developments should include:

High-quality materials

Investing in high-quality utilities and materials will provide residents with more comfortable and sociable living experiences. Using high-quality materials in shared areas encourages residents to spend time in those spaces and interact with people. This includes using natural, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), low reflectivity, easy to clean, and highly durable materials. 

Smart technology 

Incorporating smart technology in communal and private areas can enhance the liveability and function of co-housing spaces. Smart Home Technology and Automation Technology increase functionality, maintain, and reduce the consumption of energy. 

Eco-friendly designs

Considering eco-friendly designs, like solar panels, Passivhaus (energy-efficient designed buildings), inverters (for ventilation systems), and optimising natural lighting and ventilation, can enhance co-housing spaces. Sustainability designs, like communal herb gardens, can promote more social interactions and a sense of community. 

Accessibility and Inclusivity 

Creating spaces that are accessible and inclusive to a diverse range of needs and abilities is an important factor when designing co-housing spaces. This can include designing for people with different needs, whether pregnancy, young families, elderly, and disability. Spaces can integrate wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, elevators, adjustable tables, and communal and private areas on the ground floor. 

What does the future hold for co-housing?

With the growing population and demand for housing increasing prices, the future for co-housing spaces is prosperous. Co-housing buildings provide residents with comfortable and functional homes in a high-demand area. This means that residents can make the lifestyle choice to move into a co-housing space in the area of their choice. 

Co-housing promotes a new way of life. For example, with the increase of remote and hybrid working, residents’ housing preferences have changed and are seeking more flexible and communal spaces to work. While the communal spaces in co-housing buildings are for socialising, they often include dedicated co-working spaces to focus and avoid travelling to the office. 

As co-housing grows more popular, architects and designers will be looking to provide new developments. Crush Architecture are Sydney’s leading sustainable architect – we have a special interest and experience in co-housing design and are excited to be a part of some of Sydney’s most exciting upcoming co-housing projects. To learn more about our co-housing architecture projects, get in touch with our team today.