Cambridge Cohousing

Cambridge Cohousing is an infill residential project consisting of 41 units of housing on a narrow 1.5-acre site between the street and a railroad track. The housing units range from large, 3-story townhouses to 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom flats. The project also includes communal facilities: a large kitchen, dining area, childcare and recreational facilities, a library, and shared gardens.

Overview

• Location: Cambridge, MA
• Building type(s): Multi-unit residential
• New construction
• 63,000 sq. feet (5,850 sq. meters)
• Project scope: multiple buildings
• Urban setting
• Completed January 1998
• Rating: Green Building Challenge

The GreenVillage Company and community participants focused primarily on site and transportation, energy, and material use, with a keen eye on indoor air quality, economics, and human health. The project is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America program.

• Owned and occupied by Cambridge Cohousing LP, Individual(s)
• Typically occupied by 80 people, 112 hours per person per week

As the development consists primarily of housing, it is in constant use.

Transportation benefits, Open space preservation, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Insulation levels, HVAC, Durability, C&D waste management, Natural ventilation, Ventilation effectiveness