Page 7 - C.A.L.L. #47 - Winter 2020/2021

Book review: Cohousing for Life

https://architecturenow.co.nz
By Abigail Hurst

Abigail Hurst finds Robin Allison’s thought-provoking account of her life and the design and
construction of the Earthsong eco-neighbourhood a frank and informative read.

The Earthsong ‘eco-neighbourhood’ was the first completed,

purpose-built cohousing project in New Zealand – a tremendous
feat, which was initiated and largely driven by architect Robin
Allison. Cohousing for Life, written by Allison, is a documentation
of her life and the 13-year design and construction phase of the
Rānui eco-neighbourhood (1995–2008). Alternating between
personal story and factual, ‘theme’-related chapters, Allison
weaves an engaging and informative read that captivates heart
and mind.

The book contains useful information, tools and reflections to

equip any person contemplating involvement with a similar
project themselves. However, it is primarily self-focused and does not detail other cohousing
projects or more-recent trends, such as coliving. Nor does it reference the history of
cohousing, aside from in the notes. Cohousing has seen a revival of interest in New Zealand
over the past five years, as more individuals and family units seek alternative modes of
property ownership in the wake of the widening divide between income and house prices.

While largely written for the ‘converted’ – those already interested in alternative models of
community living – Cohousing for Life does briefly target common doubts, arguing that, if
designed well, cohousing can provide both privacy and community, and autonomy and
cooperation, with the needs and rights of the individual balanced with those of the greater
collective. This principle aligns itself with that of permaculture – recognising underlying

patterns in nature and identifying the ways in which buildings can be part of, and care for,
these systems. Allison’s vision was based on this: to establish a cohousing neighbourhood that
serves as an example of environmental, social and educational sustainability, and which
ultimately contributes to the good of the planet.

A willingness to explore solutions at the edge of what is known led Allison and her team to
fulfil the Earthsong vision, truly the first of its kind in New Zealand. Beginning with her
childhood, we learn how the author set herself ambitious and admirable goals and, ultimately,
found her purpose in cohousing. This journey is documented with surprising frankness, and
the reader walks alongside Allison as she overcomes the trials of finding her place as a

woman working in Auckland and architecture in the late 1980s and ’90s while being a mother.
This proved to be just the beginning of the architect’s navigation of personal and
professional life, as her interest in sustainability and alternative modes of housing grew and
the Earthsong eco-neighbourhood began to form. Her involvement as part of the community

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