cmu: I saw the numbers at the public presentation they held. Passive House air circulation and heat exchanger uses a tiny fraction of the energy a normal HVAC system would use -- it is this small expenditure of energy that makes the massive savings in net energy use possible. Energy costs are like 1/5 of standard building code construction.

Also, re:hygiene -- fresh air is circulated and filtered to a much higher quality than the air in a normal residential or commercial building. As a result it is cleaner and more hygienic than normal.

Posted by: Ainslie at May 29, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Co-Housing Building May Be 'Most Energy Efficient' in NYC

Does anyone know if they will have offerings that resemble a typical YMCA, or is this basically just a venue for track meets and basketball?

For example, will they have exercise machines as well (e.g. treadmills, ellipticals, bikes) or fitness classes? I'm assuming there is no pool, right?

Posted by: Ainslie at May 16, 2009 3:07 PM in response to Slope Armory Should be Ready for Action by '09

Smart move in my book. It's a buyer's market and there are tons of projects they can get for cheap. They seem uniquely positioned as a buyer that can deliver both cash and presales. The Times article made it sound like the seller was looking to get more than they paid at the height of the market. Good luck to them if they can find that...

Posted by: Ainslie at December 18, 2008 12:21 PM in response to Fort Greene Co-Housing Deal Falls Apart

I attended one of their meetings and they seem down to earth, neither hippie nor preachy. I can confirm that each unit will have its own kitchen, bathroom, etc.

I got interested in the cohousing movement because it's a great place to raise kids. You have both privacy and community. And access to great common space including courtyards, common hall, a restaurant-scale kitchen for special events (yes, with commercial dishwasher), workshops, bike racks, etc. Most of these communities are also very green.

Each unit is completely stand-alone but architecturally oriented to facilitate interaction with your neighbors (e.g. active spaces, such as kitchens, are oriented toward the courtyard.)

I suppose it's heaven or hell depending on whether you like your neighbors (as are most communities...) This group seems diverse and laid back with a lot of interesting members.

Posted by: Ainslie at August 15, 2008 11:55 AM in response to Brooklyn Co-Housing Moving Closer to Reality?