Resilient renovation : the architectural adaptation of the old suburbs for cohousing

Abstract

Change. Throughout our lives and throughout history we change and adapt. Whether to suit new times, new technologies or new ideas our lives and by extension our architecture has consistently been changing.

In this day and age we are more conscious than ever about the impact we as a species are having on the planet. Climate change and the depletion of resources are beginning to become ever more urgent problems and with them arises the need for changing how we live our lives, how we establish our architecture. Multitudes of different approaches to 'green' building and design have arisen, in addition to the scores of different communes and communities establishing alternative ways of living.

This projects takes one of the most successful and popular models of community, the cohousing system, and explore the ways in which it can be reconciled with our current suburban neighbourhoods. While Cohousing communities have been established in New Zealand there is no precedent for adapting an existing neighbourhood and existing homes to this system.

Traditionally Auckland's suburban housing over the past 100 years has been focused around isolated private backyards, street fronts dominated driveways and lawns, and geometric grids.

By distinct contrast, the cohousing system focuses on establishing a sense of community, a balance between public and private, and a balance between low consumption and high standards of living.

Through this project the basis of a new model of neighbourhood can be formed, taking the best of both worlds and developing one tailored to suit both the spatial, social and technical requirements of Auckland.

[Precedents such as Earthsong (Ranui, Auckland, New Zealand) and Pacifica Cohousing (Carrboro, North Caroline, USA mentioned]

Project site: Area bounded by Cameron Street, Rewiti Avenue and Lake Road in Takapuna, Auckland.