Radiance Cohousing

Radiance Cohousing is a 9-unit housing complex situated in the heart of Saskatoon. It is Saskatchewan’s second completed cohousing project as well as the first cohousing development in Canada to pursue Passive House certification. This one-of-a-kind project is an outstanding achievement in our community that demonstrates what's possible in terms of sustainable housing in cold-climate settings. Construction was completed in Nov 2018.

What is Cohousing?
Cohousing (“collaborative housing”) is a housing model that includes individually owned homes built alongside shared space. The intent is to combine the privacy and comfort of having your own home, with the community and social benefits of having close knit neighbours and shared amenities. Cohousing projects are also planned, developed, and managed by the homeowners. For example, Radiance Cohousing was led by a diverse group of people who pooled their resources, formed a development company, and worked together to manage the design and construction of their own homes.

The number of cohousing projects in Canada is growing. Not only is it a repeatable development model, but it accommodates various household structures and provides community to those who are seeking it. It appeals to a diversity of people and fills a gap in the current housing market.

What is Passive House?
Passive House is an international building standard that is gaining traction in Canada and abroad. Hundreds of projects have been completed in North America alone, and the approach has been established as one of the most energy-efficient and economically viable design methods currently available. For example, the homes at Radiance Cohousing use 90% less space heating than regular Canadian homes and do not require furnaces. This is achieved through super insulation, air tightness, proper ventilation, and good quality south-facing windows.

Passive House buildings are quiet, meet high air quality standards, and maintain comfortable temperatures and humidity levels. They also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as provide a lower cost of living because monthly utility payments are so low.

Renewable Rides:
The members of Radiance Cohousing are thrilled to host the SES Solar Co-operative's largest solar array to date (the 126 solar panels generate 37.8 kilowatts of power), as well as one of the Saskatoon Carshare Co-operative’s (SCC) electric vehicles. The solar panels and shared electric car are provided through the Renewable Rides initiative, which is the first program of its kind in Canada that powers an electric car-share program with 100% solar energy. One of the SCC’s five new electric vehicles is parked in Radiance Cohousing’s visitor parking area and is available to any community member who joins the SCC.