Residential Contractors Recognise Benefits of Cohousing

Are Cohousing Communities a Solution to Overcome Isolation and Loneliness?

Social isolation and loneliness have been a hot topic in recent years, and are increasingly being recognised as public health concerns. The impact of loneliness on health has been likened to that of smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and it is said to be worse than obesity, among other sobering facts. However, with cohousing predicted to become more prevalent, residential contractors can play a key role in preventing or mitigating this problem.

What is Cohousing?

Cohousing is an approach to creating an intentional community of private homes clustered around shared public space. It consists of people with shared values coming together and building a neighbourhood that promotes social connection and collaboration.

Cohousing originated in Denmark in the late 60s and it has become popular across Europe and North America. Cohousing communities often share the following features:

  • They are built in a way that will enable contact between residents so as to create a sense of community.
  • They consist of private homes as well as extensive communal facilities like dining areas, leisure spaces, laundry rooms and sitting areas where residents can meet and interact.
  • Residents are the decision-makers and are involved in the planning process, maintenance, policy design for the community and other operational duties.
  • Cohousing communities promote collaborative activities such as support networks, gardening, cooking, and dining together.

How Cohousing Can Overcome Social Isolation and Loneliness

The social isolation and loneliness problem can be traced back to the industrial age and the resulting mass urban immigration. During this period, countless people left their families and friends and relocated to places filled with other individuals. As these cities evolved into major economic hubs with time, it accelerated this movement leading to an ideological shift towards individualism and the rise of social isolation and loneliness.

Cohousing is an efficient antidote to this problem as it offers a viable alternative to traditional housing models that unlocks a range of social benefits such as a strong social network, social interaction and the development of meaningful relationships. This does not just help mitigate or prevent loneliness, but it can also help promote wider well-being.

The good news is that a growing number of these developments are being delivered in the UK now with residential contractors becoming more experienced with the needs of their Cohousing clients and the industry more aware of the benefits of designing this type of community.

Jerram Falkus- Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation Through Architecture

Looking for residential contractors to help with your cohousing projects?

Look no further than Jerram Falkus. We are an experienced and reputable construction company that has successfully completed cohousing residential projects such as Cannock Mill Cohousing. As a family-run business, we understand and appreciate the importance of belonging to a community and we incorporate this value in our residential projects. Get in touch with us for more information.

 

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