Neuro-Inclusive Community Design:
Lessons from Sólheimar Ecovillage
By Charles Durrett, AIA
Available now for pre-order!
The second edition of One Life, Live It! is coming Fall 2025! Newly formatted and new insights from the groundbreaking neurodiverse community in Iceland. Pre-orders are now open—reserve your copy today and be among the first to revisit this inspiring story.
This book is an inspiring exploration of Sólheimar Ecovillage in Iceland, a pioneering community that embodies sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity.
Cohousing expert Charles Durrett delves into the unique aspects of this ecovillage of about 100 residents, 45 of whom include those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, who live and thrive alongside neighbors in a safe and enriching environment. Through rich storytelling and detailed first-person accounts, the book highlights the importance of creating communities that celebrate and support neurodiversity. Durrett presents Sólheimar as a model for how we can build neuro-inclusive spaces that respect and uplift every individual’s potential, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. The book offers practical insights into the design, the principles, and the practices that make Sólheimar a standout community for inclusive living. It challenges readers to rethink conventional approaches, advocating for environments where all people, regardless of their cognitive differences, can live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Durrett also presents case studies of four other neuro-inclusive communities, including Hertha Levefallesskab, WeBUILT (We Build Unique Independent Lives Together), Creative Living Community of CT, and L’Arche International Movement. With its focus on real-world solutions and its call to action, this book is both a guide and an inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of sustainability, community living, and neuro-inclusivity.
It will have a broad audience of architects, designers, occupational therapists, mental health professionals, housing developers, and practitioners in housing and social care, among others.
“Welcome to the extraordinary community of Sólheimar Ecovillage, where the mundane is transformed into the remarkable, and each resident has the opportunity to find their own right place within a rich variety of community, creativity, and connection. Situated in the heart of Iceland, individuals with diverse neurological backgrounds are offered a safe place where they are not merely embraced but are celebrated for their unique talents.
In this book, Chuck unveils the secrets to cultivating a dynamic, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to creatively, intellectually, and emotionally flourish. From the shared pleasures of communal dining to the profound impact of meaningful labor, Sólheimar embraces the essence of purpose-driven existence. This volume can serve as a guidebook for officials, architects, or relatives eager to delve into and draw inspiration from the stories of Sólheimar’s residents and founder. Their dedication, resourcefulness, and sometimes-quirky ways have provided insights into the power of acceptance, respect, and a sense of belonging on individual and collective levels―
illustrating how to transform these ideals into tangible realities. Please join on this journey of an eye-opening exploration into the potential of communal living. Together, let us imagine a future where every individual is encouraged and empowered to lead a life filled with purpose and significance.”
