Marc, today's charrette was terrific. Thank you for your truly generous collaboration. You've caused me to turn a mental corner. Until recently, I thought that that to do really intelligent buildings, we'd need the right clients, the right engineers, and a premium budget. Thanks to you, I now believe that to do intelligent buildings all we need is INTELLIGENCE!—and the guts to ask the simple questions until we get the answers, and the courage of our convictions to persuade others...

We can do this and it will change things. You've empowered us. Thanks. –Ellen

Cobb Hill Cohousing

Architectural design: Jeff Schoellkopf Design

Integrated design consulting for a 22 unit plus Common House cohousing community. Founded by the late Donella Meadows, this community brought together an amazing group of people with a deep environmental ethic. Putting together two old Vermont farms, some of the residents raise sheep, tap a maple sugarbush, operate a CSA farm, and make cheese. Also on site is the Sustainability Institute, a think-do tank also founded by Meadows.

Features include a central high-efficiency, wood-fired boiler that supplies heat and hot water to the community; composting toilets in all the buildings; highly insulated construction (all homes are VT Energy Star rated); and healthy, non-toxic construction. Solar hot water and solar electric systems have been installed on some of the homes. Occupied 2001.

References:
Susan Sweitzer - 802 436-1277