Laughton Lodge – a story of building a cohousing community by Mel Nock

Laughton Lodge – a story of building a cohousing community by Mel Nock

• 1.
  The Community Project 20years in search of community
• 2.
  The beginning
• 3.
  serendipity
• 4.
  1997 – LaughtonLodge
• 5.
  The first stages Legal Structure Feasibility FinancePurchase
• 6.
  So now youown 23 acres and some knackered old hospital buildings
• 7.
  Next Steps Professional team Design Planning Newbuilds Building contract
• 8.
  Time to review Contract prices  Have to make major cuts  But finally we are on site
• 9.
  The “E” team Dutymanagement system Financing – internal loans Pricing
• 10.
  So now youhave houses….
• 11.
  Time to buildcommunity….  Building community "We want to live in a community that provides a safe, welcoming, creative and precious environment to its residents, children and those from outside. One where everyone has a role and willingly contributes to the care of our children, each other, land, buildings and processes. A community that runs its business efficiently, wisely and responsibly, but above all knowing that there is a greater good in being and working together in community."
• 12.
  Structures  Consensus decisionmaking  Monthly main group meetings and a number of sub groups  Monthly “Busyday”  Nothing compulsory
• 13.
  Finances  Service charge Development charge  Utility charges  rents
• 14.
  Are we green?
• 15.
  Continuous reinvention
• 16.
  Endless possibilities Dance engage
• 17.
  Working together canbe challenging
• 18.
  And sometimes youjust want to pack your bags…
• 19.
  But there areendless opportunities to learn
• 20.
  To fulfil somefantasies
• 21.
  And make somedeeper connections