Search results for ""Author Charles Durrett""

A man's home is his castle. But demographic and economic changes have turned our castles into islands. How can we regain the elements of the traditional village - family, co-operation, community and a sense of belonging - within the context of 21st century life? This is an in-depth exploration of a uniquely rewarding type of housing which is perfect for anyone who values their independence but longs for more connection with those around them. Written by the award-winning team that wrote the original 'co-housing bible' and first brought co-housing to North America, this fully-illustrated manual combines nuts-and-bolts practical considerations and design ideas with extensive case studies of dozens of diverse communities in Europe and North America. Co-housing communities create unique opportunities for designing more sustainable lifestyles. Whether urban, suburban or rural; senior or intergenerational; retrofit or new, the authors show how the physical structures of co-housing communities lend themselves to a more efficient use of resources, and make everything from gardening to childcare to socialising easier. This book puts the 'neighbour' back into 'neighbourhood'; and, is an essential resource for anyone interested in more environmentally and socially sustainable living.

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This handbook is for seniors who embrace the challenges and opportunities of growing old by creating a community of neighbours and friends in shared co-housing. This book describes a supportive, independent future outside of retirement villages and institutions.

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Close to one million people are unhoused in the United States today. Millions and millions are ill—housed - people living in shanties or leaky, mouldy trailers. And millions more are mis—housed - in houses that are abusive in their loneliness, forlorn and empty at so many levels. We can do something about it. Actually, it’s low hanging fruit, should we choose to do something; impossible, if we do not. And it’s essential, not only for the wellbeing of the individual, but also for the wellbeing of the State, and the society. Current studies are overwhelmingly show that it is more cost effective, in terms of tax dollars earmarked for city, county, state, and federal governments, to house people than it is to just leave them outside. About $20k to $40k cheaper for each person per year. In the case of the unhoused, it also taxes our psyches and our emotions to see our neighbours sleeping on the sidewalk. It is difficult, if not impossible, to explain to our children and grandchildren how we Americans leave people outside in the cold — mentally challenged or not. Then, there is the moral issue. If you are motivated to get a new homeless housing project moving in your town, this book is the best place to start.

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Explore a groundbreaking and holistic new approach to designing community-first neighborhoods In Cohousing Communities: Designing for High-Functioning Neighborhoods, distinguished architect and affordable housing advocate Charles Durrett delivers a complete, start-to-finish guide for designing anything where the emphasis lies with the community. This book describes the consequential role that architecture and a healthy design process can play in the success of neighborhoods, churches, towns, and more. It’s an inspiring collection of ideas that prioritize high-functioning neighborhoods. In the book, the author draws on the success of hundreds of community-first projects to show readers how to design a project that addresses both timeless and modern challenges—from aging to climate change and racism—in its architecture and urban design. He compiles facts and concepts that are essential to the design of a high-functioning community, where people can participate in a way that reflects their values, improves their social connections, and retain their autonomy and privacy. Readers will also find: Ideas for town planning, street planning, and other town altering improvements Discussions of how developers can make better multifamily housing Explorations of how planners and politicians can make high-functioning neighborhoods a cornerstone of their community In-depth treatments of families who want to confirm that they’re choosing the right neighborhood Perfect for university students and professors who strive to see new ways to create neighborhoods, Cohousing Communities: Designing for High-Functioning Neighborhoods will also appeal to universities planning new neighborhoods for retired alumni or new housing for students and faculty. Praise for Charles Durrett and Cohousing Communities: “…Get and read Cohousing Communities… Read it from the front cover to the back cover. It’s The Bible of Cohousing. And, like The Bible, it needs to be STUDIED not just read. Mark it up w/ your questions. Highlight, underline, write in the margins, fold the corners… This way you will gather your understanding how building cohousing gets “done," create your pathway to “Getting It Built”… and, most importantly get everyone on the same page for working together.” -- Ann Zabaldo, Executive Director, Mid Atlantic Cohousing

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