Housing

“The house of moderate cost is not only a major architectural problem, but the problem most difficult for architects . . . the chief obstacle to any real solution . . . is the fact that our people do not really know how to live.  They imagine their idiosyncrasies to be their ‘tastes,’ their prejudices to be their predilections, and their ignorance to be virtue – where any beauty of living is concerned.’

–Frank Lloyd Wright

Cohousing communities generally adopt one of two options for housing.  The majority of cohousing communities collectively construct shared walled units that offer a limited number of floor plans to the membership.  A few communities offer improved (with utilities and road access) vacant lots for which a member may design then construct a home that complies with that community’s housing design guidelines.  Both of these approaches have their own unique sets of problems as well as benefits.  An approach that may work for one community, may not work for another.  Ultimately, the membership must decide which of these approaches best suit their situation and their vision.  One thing is certain, regardless of the approach selected, designing and building a house in a cohousing community is unlike building anywhere else.

Since its inception, the membership of Hundredfold Farm has reviewed a tremendous number of types and approaches to housing.  Some, but not all, of the criteria used in our reviews include:

It is Hundredfold Farm’s intension to challenge the standard American attitude regarding housing.  A primary notion we challenge is the issue of space.  How large of a home do we really need?  Two of the cornerstone elements of the Hundredfold vision are Paring, reducing our ecological footprint; and Sharing, reducing our material needs by sharing resources.  With these ideas in mind, it was decided that houses at Hundredfold Farm shall have no more than 2,000 square feet of floor space.  Most families will find that with an efficient design, 2,000 square feet will more than meet their needs.  Additionally, by keeping our houses smaller, members will be more apt to make use of community structures, not be burdened by excessive mortgages, have more time for community and family, as well as assuring that the homes will remain attractive and affordable to those who will someday succeed the existing owner.

View Hundredfold Farm’s Housing Policy Document
Floor plan examples available on request

The membership has determined that the following housing option best supports our goals and our vision, as well as being best suited for our site:

Solar Strategies Passive Solar Design with Grid Interactive PV System

Solar Strategies has been a forerunner in the solar homebuilding industry since the late 1980’s.  Don Bradley, the president of Solar Strategies, has designed homes all over the country that use photovoltaic technology as a source of electrical power.  Solar Strategies is capable of designing and incorporating many innovative energy systems into their homes, such as inexpensive geothermal cooling and fresh air systems, heat pumps, domestic solar hot water systems, photovoltaic systems, etc.  Solar Strategies homes are manufactured indoors and therefore not subject to the vagaries of the weather.  They are made of the finest materials.  These standards are often unattainable in the site-built home.  The efficient manufacturing process results in savings for the owner.  Additionally, the owner saves on on-site labor costs, and there is minimal jobsite waste because the house can be set and covered in one day.  Solar Strategies can provide a completed home ready for occupancy, or a home that the owner can finish as time and finances allow.  Solar Strategies will also work with each homeowner to create a floor plan that suits the owner’s specific needs.

Here are some examples of Solar Strategies work:

What is a grid interactive PV system?

Included in the purchase price of a HFF home is the installation of a grid interactive photovoltaic (PV) system. At the time your house is delivered to the site, solar electric panels will be installed on your roof. These panels will be wired to a component cabinet located inside your home. This metal cabinet, which is about the size of a four-drawer bedroom dresser, contains storage batteries, an inverter that converts the solar panels’ direct current (DC) to household alternating current (AC), and a computer controller that continually monitors your energy needs. Your house will also be attached to the local utilities’ electric lines. Throughout the day the computer controller monitors your home’s energy consumption and energy generation. If your solar panels are generating more electricity than your home needs at that time, the excess is routed back though the utility distribution lines resulting in a discount on your energy bill. If your house isn’t generating enough, the computer controller allows enough in from the utility to make up the difference. If there is a blackout, the storage batteries will provide you with three days of backup for your critical equipment. The system is completely automated, and requires little to no oversight on your part.  Extra solar panels, wind generators, extra batteries, and the addition of a backup generator are all possibilities to consider.