Cohaus

Cohaus is a resident-led cohousing development in Grey Lynn, Auckland, conceived and delivered by the future occupants. The group’s stated mission was to create affordable, resource-efficient urban housing through self-design and collective financing, with an emphasis on long-term residency and neighbourly responsibility. The project presents itself as a practical response to Auckland’s housing affordability crisis and as an exemplar for alternative housing models in Aotearoa New Zealand. Timeline and recognition reported on the site include resource consent granted in December 2018, construction commencement in November 2019, full occupation progressively through 2020–2021 (residents moved in from May 2021; completion reported July 2021), and an architectural award for Studio Nord in June 2023. In June 2025 two former co-directors purchased a separate site in Grey Lynn and are developing a new cohousing proposal; contact for that initiative is provided. Definition and rationale: Cohaus frames cohousing as a process in which future residents collaboratively design, build and occupy housing that offers greater amenity through shared facilities, reduced profit margins and pooled resources. The model is positioned as producing more affordable, higher-quality housing than conventional commercial developments while supporting community interaction. The site references international precedents and resources for cohousing practice and theory. Site selection criteria and location: The group prioritized proximity to the central city, local centres and transit to enable low-car living; sufficient land area to accommodate a 12+ unit scheme and a generous north-facing courtyard; and land cost consistent with an internal affordability target (a guideline of approximately NZ$750k for a completed 70 m2 two‑bed unit). In 2017 the group acquired the former Fairleigh Lodge on the corner of Browning Street, Firth Road and Surrey Crescent, a site they describe as large for the area, well connected by bus routes and close to local amenities, schools and parks. Development form and shared assets: The consolidated scheme retains and re-sited a heritage villa (renovated into a 132 m2 three‑bed unit at 1 Browning St) and comprises a three-storey building on Surrey Crescent/Browning Street and a two‑storey block parallel to Firth Road. Buildings are arranged around a central north-facing courtyard with a common garden house. The completed development is described as twenty units in total (including the villa), ranging from one- to five‑bedrooms, with shared amenities such as a common room, guest bedroom, laundry, storage, secure bike parking and collectively owned vehicles. The group reports six shared cars and extensive bicycle storage to reduce private car ownership. Ground-floor units are street‑fronted with gardens, while upper and courtyard units are accessed via open passages. Household mix and contact: Residents span families to single occupants and report a shared commitment to community and environmental care. Cohaus indicates the development is currently full but maintains an inquiry list; contact is by email (cohaus.nz@gmail.com) and the site lists further cohousing resources and international examples for reference.