Marmalade Lane, Cambridge

• Architect: Mole Architects
• Developer: TOWN / Trivselhus
• Contractor: Coulson Building Group
• Local authority: South Cambridge District council 

Co-housing refers to a form of housing privately instigated and managed by residents. While it has made tentative inroads into the UK housing market thus far, there are three reasons why Marmalade could finally mark something of a turning point for the fledgling sector. First, the scheme was commissioned and enabled by the local authority on former public land. In doing so, it represents an interesting example of how co-housing, traditionally perceived as a private enterprise, can be facilitated and perhaps expanded by local authority input. Secondly, Marmalade Lane includes several custom-build elements, with some residents being able to choose features such as internal layouts and elevational finishes. This principle builds on the individual choice central to the co-housing ethos. And finally, as Marmalade Lane is one of the first UK co-housing schemes of a significant scale, it forms a unique first-time attempt to develop a specific co-housing architectural response to conventional design challenges such as streets, permeability and the interaction between public and private realm.

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