Springhill Co-Housing
Springhill Co-housing is the first new build co-housing scheme in the UK. Based on the Danish model, co-housing is a form of collaborative housing that aims to create a real sense of community and achieve true social and environmental sustainability.
Like all co-housing communities, Springhill Community was intentionally formed. The scheme has been planned, owned and managed by the residents who share activities like cooking, eating together, childcare, gardening and administration.
Location
Stroud, UK
Area
Status
Completed
Year
2004
Client
Cohousing Company Ltd.
Springhill was the first in a programme of developments by the Cohousing Company Ltd, a housing developer with a progressive approach to design, the environment and new ways of living.
The residents of Springhill became equal directors of the company undertaking the development, and remain as directors of the company owning the freehold of the site. They each individually own the leasehold of their house or flat.
The project effectively falls outside the standard ways of housing provision in the UK being developed by neither a social landlord nor a private developer. It brings control of housing back to the residents, enabling them to develop and shape their own destiny, at the same time as building vibrant, strong, sustainable communities.
The scheme of 35 private houses and flats was designed with the full participation of the residents, and has achieved a sense of community not common in UK housing.
It's the future, and more people are recognising that.
David Michael, Resident
Vision
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Design
The project has developed a new housing typology, based on the principles of co-housing. This includes a whole site that is pedestrian and child friendly, with cars kept to one edge and an outdoor space that is shared and communal, with no private gardens. A shared common house is at the heart of the scheme, where meals are cooked and shared three evenings each week, together with other facilities including workshops and a playroom. Springhill also includes a car share scheme and bulk buying of organic food.
Expertise
Architype team
Ade Scholefield
Nathan Avard
Architype
Architype services
Architecture
Perform services
Project partners
Architect
Architype and Pat Borer (feasibility stage collaboration)
Landscape architect
Robert Bray
Contractor
Hodson Builders
Timber frame
The Adaptable Housing Company Ltd
Selected accolades
2006 Finalist in the ODPM ‘Sustainable Communities Award’
2006 Deputy Prime Ministers Award - Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Communities
Key data
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