Cascade Cohousing was established in South Hobart, lutruwita/Tasmania, in 1992 and is recognised as the first cohousing development of its kind in Australia. It is situated at an altitude 180 metres above sea level at the base of kunanyi/Mt Wellington on Country belonging to the Muwinina people.
There is a mix of 14 private strata-titled small blocks and common property comprising --
- a Common House
- common land that incorporates privately managed exclusive use areas
- carparks
- vegetable terraces
- fruit trees
- a chicken run
- established and regenerating native forest
Cascade Cohousing espouses sustainable living by virtue of passive and active solar housing, bush regeneration areas, food growing, and community sharing of equipment and resources, including utilities.
The physical design and layout of the site, and the self-management structures in place, encourages a social and supportive environment for diverse households.
The Common House
A communally-owned building that includes a dining room (hall), a large and well-equipped kitchen, a children’s play area, guest and TV rooms, a laundry and bathroom. Located below is a workshop and storage space for a shared collection of tools and gardening/home maintenance equipment.
Common meals
A regular meals roster is established. Households and their guests are able to gather several times a week to share dinner in the Common House.
Working bees
Monthly working bees allow households to work together to maintain common property.
General meetings
Meetings are held on a regular basis for both strata title owners and residents to discuss and make decisions on topics and issues of relevance to the community.