Co-Living

As we continue to explore new ideas within the rental typology, we engaged Vancouver-based MA+HG Architects to explore co-living. Co-Living means reducing personal private space in exchange for more shared public space. They conceptualized a 150 home concept for us.

Strategies

The project identified areas of the home that are more easily shared and combined those areas to form a series of shared spaces throughout the development. The basic concept is that for the same cost, a tenant that would traditionally have lived in a 550sf private home, now lives in a 400sf private home and shares a combination of larger spaces including kitchen, dining, lounge, laundry, work, etc.

This not only provides more space, but increases opportunities for connection and community.

Site Planning

Utilizing “dual aspect” unit design allows small spaces to function better and develops internal outdoor circulation spaces adding more light, air, porosity and gathering spaces to the residential experience.

Unit Planning

Private homes are small but efficient with the understanding that many of the social spaces of a home are now part of a shared amenity system. Thinking about livability from a holistic perspective also builds a greater appreciation for neighbours and community.

Sense of Place

The resulting design provides obvious social spaces and a community vibrancy that is just not possible within a more traditional design.

Urban Design

Overall building massing has been broken down to improve porosity and views. This also lessens the overall building impact at a neighbourhood level making increases in height and decreases in setbacks more of a possibility.

Conclusions

This conceptual projects breaks a number of rules. Some are real rules set out by municipal planning and zoning bylaws. Others are more akin to social norms that still need time to consider. Without developing this project to this level of detail, we would not have been able to utilize it for discussion purposes.

So please, discuss.