What we plan
We envisage a vibrant living environment that enables and encourages connection and neighbourliness, honours privacy, and supports biodiversity.
We are a group of diverse individuals and families, a not-for-profit group who are planning to create a neighbourhood we will live in. The idea is to purchase urban land in New Plymouth large enough to build approximately 30 homes.
The Inspiring Earthsong Eco-neighbourhood in Ranui, Auckland
We aim to recreate many of the advantages of the traditional village such as enjoying both private and public spaces. We will have ownership of our own homes and share ownership of the communal spaces.
In addition to promoting social connection, the neighbourhood will be designed to the best practicable standards of environmental sustainability which will guide the layout and design of the buildings, choice of materials, landscaping and services.
Once the land is purchased, we will issue an open invitation to any who are interested in becoming members, with a view to purchasing a home in the community. As a group we will develop a plan for the whole property and for the houses and community spaces. All houses will be sold off the plans and 12 months after purchasing the land, we aim to have full membership so that construction can start immediately.
Private Homes
We envisage a vibrant living environment that enables and encourages connection and neighbourliness, honours privacy, and supports biodiversity.
We are a group of diverse individuals and families who have been working on this project for three years. We are a not-for-profit group who are planning to create a neighbourhood we will live in. The idea is to purchase urban land in New Plymouth large enough to build approximately 30 homes.
We aim to recreate many of the advantages of the traditional village such as enjoying both private and public spaces. We will have ownership of our own home and share ownership of the communal spaces.
In addition to promoting social connection, the neighbourhood will be designed to the best practicable standards of environmental sustainability which will guide the layout and design of the buildings, choice of materials, landscaping and services.
Once the land is purchased, we will issue an open invitation to any who are interested in becoming members, with a view to purchasing a home in the community. As a group we will develop a plan for the whole property and for the houses and community spaces. All houses will be sold off the plans and 12 months after purchasing the land, we aim to have full membership so that construction can start immediately.
Members will actively participate in the design of the houses. Other than variation in house size, configurations and building materials will be relatively uniform to keep costs down and give a pleasing design aesthetic to the neighbourhood.
NB There are indicative prices and subject to change.
Shared Space
We aim to recreate many of the advantages of the traditional village such as social contact, contact with nature and economic efficiency.
The design of the Ngāmotu Cohousing Neighbourhood will be inspired by Earthsong’s Eco-Neighbourhood.
While the physical design of a cohousing community provides private spaces, social contact is critical in a high-functioning community. That is why common facilities and spaces are valued features of a cohousing neighbourhood. In purchasing a house, each resident becomes a co-owner of all the shared spaces.
Most important of these is the Common House. This will be large enough for all residents to dine, celebrate and meet in. It will also have a community kitchen, lounge, children’s playroom, guest room and communal laundry.
Other shared facilities will include a workshop, bike shed, outdoor sitting and play areas, pathways, community garden and orchard. Cars will be confined to the edge of the site to create a pedestrian friendly neighbourhood designed for casual interaction and safe play for children.
On the wish list are water storage tanks, a natural swimming pool, teenager hangout space, office space, and a coffee machine in the Common House.
Expression of interest
Please contact us to express your interest in becoming a member of the New Plymouth Cohousing Community.
newplymouthcohousing.nz 