What is cohousing?

Cohousing stands apart from other shared housing or communal living models.

Learn the the six characteristics that make up its unique structure and principles.

The true beauty of cohousing is best discovered through the wisdom of those who have shaped it.

Trust the visionary who quite literally wrote the book on the movement. Explore Charles Durrett’s books and media to uncover the transformative power of community, connection, and inspired living.

The Story of Cohousing

Though the word “cohousing” may be relatively new, it is not a new concept. Learn more about cohousing’s origins and how it came to North America.

Reshaping Communities with a Purpose

Our mission is to transform the concept of shared living into tangible realities where connection, collaboration, and sustainability take center stage. Find out more about our process that takes your vision to reality.

Our Dedication to Designing Housing for All

We are deeply committed to creating spaces that improve the lives of those who need care and consideration. Learn more about our mission to create spaces that are inclusive, supportive, and nurturing for everyone.

The Cohousing Company brings its expertise to architectural consulting, helping clients create vibrant, functional, and sustainable spaces.

Whether designing Accessory Dwelling Units to enhance housing options, enhancing cohousing communities to be affordable and energy-efficient, or crafting childcare centers that nurture both children and caregivers, we specialize in turning thoughtful design into thriving practical spaces that enrich the lives of those who call it home.

Teaching the principles of community architecture and participatory design.

Innovative solutions for affordable housing, mixed-use projects, public buildings, and institutional and educational infrastructures, are just a few of Charles Durrett’s teachings. Learn more about all the course adoptions we offer.

Learn: Affordable & Ecological Cohousing Design course

There is still time to reserve your spot today!

This eight-part seminar gives an in-depth look at how to create cohousing communities affordably and sustainably. Participants will learn to apply building practices that reduce long-term environmental impact while maintaining affordability.

Learn more

READ: Architectural record reviews what we can learn from solheimar Ecovillage

This article by Archectural Record does a beautiful job shining a light on Neuro-Inclusive Community Design, highlighting how thoughtful design has the power to support real human needs.

Read now

Listen: Aging with Pride: Redefining Home for LGBTQ+ Elders

with Margaret Roesch

In this episode, Charles Durrett sits down with Margaret Roesch, co-founder of Village Hearth Cohousing in Durham, North Carolina—the first LGBTQ+ cohousing community in the United States.

What began as a response to the fear of isolation in later life became a bold, community-driven journey to age with pride. Margaret shares how she helped bring Village Hearth to life from the ground up and why they chose to create a community for LGBTQ+ elders to live openly, safely, and connected with others.

Listen now