In September 2023, Frances, Head of Community Partnering, and James, Senior Development Manager at TOWN, worked with Mole Architects to facilitate a co-design workshop with residents of Marmalade Lane. The workshop explored an unconventional concept in cohousing in the UK – high-density, apartment-led cohousing.

During the workshop, Mole shared initial thinking on a 6-8 storey courtyard block of around 150 homes, including a mix of private homes, cohousing and other shared amenities. Together, the group explored the opportunities and challenges of the approach, exploring the optimal locations of key amenities such as a Common House and other shared facilities. The group was also asked to think about what spaces could be shared with other residents and what should remain private to a cohousing group within the courtyard block such as laundry facilities and workspaces.

Insights gathered from this workshop will shape an ongoing feasibility study for the Hartree masterplan where TOWN, working alongside LandsecU+I, is the master developer and is keen to pursue cohousing as part of the early phases.