Cooperative housing 

The project follows a cooperative housing scheme, in which it is financed, developed, maintained and owned by the residents of the co-housing, creating an increased sense of ownership. About 7% of the Danish population live in a form of cooperative owned housing, accounting for one-third of the housing stock in Copenhagen. 

Habitability and Comfort 

• Area is optimised for a functional and pleasant low-density structure with its large, green common areas. 
• Creates a net positive whole life impact on ecological health, indoor and outdoor environmental quality. 

Community and Connectivity 

• Developed in close collaboration with its residents in initial programming, district planning, mediation with authorities and the detailed design. 
• Easy access to a private entrance yard on one side and a terrace towards the common meadow, where social mingling and liveliness is encouraged. 
• A common house for activities with communal kitchen, dining rooms, laundry rooms and extra rooms for the resident’s guests, saving space in the individual houses. 
• Close proximity to public transport and bike paths, with EV charging stations provided. 

Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change 

• Green rainwater system, preventing flooding throughout the area and creating a natural habitat for flora and fauna. 

Resource Efficiency and Circularity 

• Low CO2-footprint of 8,7kg CO2-equivalent/m2/year where the limit in Denmark in 2023 is 12. 
• Garden equipment and other sharable tools are provided and shared, reducing household clutter, need for storage spaces and excess waste. 
• Use of prefabricated local timber and heat-treated wood construction for improved durability to climate change impacts. 
• The limit decreases every second year, enabling the project to pass the Danish limits of 9kg CO2, equivalent/m2/year in 2027. 

Economic Accessibility 

• A homeowner purchases a share of their own unit, common house and common areas of the co-owned estate for an average cost of $234,000 USD (for 135m2). The rest of the estate is shared and rented, with a monthly rental cost of $1,092 USD. 
• Maintenance, social events and administration is done on a voluntary basis by residents to keep expenses down. 
• Prices of cooperative housing have not increased much since founded in 1975, meaning deposits and subsequent mortgage instalments are affordable even for those earning below the median income. 

Certification: 

DGNB building 

More information: 

https://urbanpower.dk/project/stavnsholt/ 

https://www.abf-rep.dk/om-os/about-abf/