21st November 2024
SUVANA COHOUSING: SETTING THE VISION FOR A COMMUNITY GROUNDED IN BUDDHIST VALUES.
21st November 2024
SUVANA COHOUSING: SETTING THE VISION FOR A COMMUNITY GROUNDED IN BUDDHIST VALUES.
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In November, Suvana Cohousing, a group envisioning a cohousing community grounded in Buddhist values, gathered to define their vision for their future community in Northstowe.
This workshop follows a similar process undertaken by Northstowe Cohousing, the other cohousing group that will share TOWN’s development in Northstowe. While Suvana Cohousing and Northstowe Cohousing will form separate communities, there were lots of similarities in their visions, with shared priorities for spaces and facilities that could be used collaboratively once completed.
Participants at the Suvana Cohousing Brief-Setting Workshop.
The November workshop was a pivotal step in Suvana’s journey to create a community that reflects their values. Facilitated by TOWN, the session provided an opportunity for Suvana members to collaboratively shape the spaces, principles, and features of their future community.
Creating Shared Spaces with Purpose
During the workshop, members explored and ranked their priorities for both external shared spaces and internal communal facilities. Guided by their values of mindfulness, sustainability, and a deep connection with nature, Suvana’s vision emphasises uplifting, purposeful spaces that blend beauty and functionality.
Their priorities include:
- Spaces that reflect Buddhist values and inspire a connection to nature.
- Practical shared areas outside, including a ritual space and biodiverse wild areas.
- Functional needs such as plentiful secure bike storage, shared gardens and a greenhouse.
Common House and Internal Spaces
The Common House will serve as the heart of the community, offering inclusive and inviting spaces for residents. At the centre of Suvana’s vision is the shrine room, a peaceful, naturally lit space where the community can meditate together. Other proposed spaces include:
- A functional and welcoming kitchen connected to a large social dining space.
- Flexible guest rooms and co-working spaces, some of which could be shared with the neighbouring Northstowe Cohousing group.
- A dedicated workshop, shop/refill space, and laundry facilities.
Sustainable and Adaptable Homes
Suvana’s homes will prioritise energy efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability. The group discussed the importance of building to passivhaus standards, ensuring low maintenance costs, and future-proofing homes to support families and individuals at all stages of life. Features like maximising natural light and incorporating views of nature were also key considerations.
Looking Ahead
The Suvana workshop represents an important milestone in the development of Northstowe. By involving future residents in shaping the design brief, the resulting community will be informed by their collective values and needs.
The insights from both the Suvana Cohousing and Northstowe Cohousing workshops will now be distilled into a cohesive design brief by TOWN, setting the foundation for the formal co-design process starting in early 2025.
Find out more
To find out more about Suvana Cohousing visit www.suvana.org
