Sign up for the next workshop in the series, which will be led by architect and lecturer Urban Žunko.

A housing cooperative is not just a group of people sharing costs; It is a community that builds a space tailored to people. When we talk about planning a cooperative neighborhood, we are not just planning walls and roofs, but a framework for living. What key factors do we need to pay attention to in order for a neighborhood to become a home where people feel connected and safe?

Location selection: More than just square meters

Location is the foundation of any real estate project, but in cooperatives it has additional weight. We are looking for micro-locations that allow:

  • Accessibility: Proximity to public transport, bicycle paths and basic infrastructure (shops, schools, health centers).
  • Inclusion in the environment: A cooperative neighborhood should not be an “island”, but part of an existing neighborhood that enriches the local community.
  • Potential for development: Land that allows for phased construction or expansion is often the best long-term choice for cooperatives.

Architectural design: Adapted to the community

Architecture in cooperatives follows the needs of residents, not maximizing profits.

  • Flexibility: The apartments are designed in such a way that they can adapt to the needs of the family over time (e.g. transitional rooms, modularity).
  • Involvement: Members of the co-op are involved in the design process from the beginning, ensuring that the space actually reflects their lifestyles.

Common Areas: The Heart of Cooperative Life

Common areas are what distinguish a cooperative from a regular apartment block. This is where trust and neighborly help are built. When planning, we must not forget about:

  • Multifunctional spaces: From shared kitchens and dining areas for celebrations, to remote work spaces or children’s playrooms.
  • Outdoor gathering spaces: Communal gardens, atriums, or rooftop terraces promote contact between generations.
  • Commercial common areas: Communal laundries, repair shops or bicycle storage rooms reduce the need for private square metres and thus lower the price of housing.

Sustainable Building: Responsibility for the Future

For cooperatives, sustainability is not just a trend, but a way to reduce operating costs in the long term.

  • Energy efficiency: Passive construction, the use of heat pumps and solar power plants on roofs drastically reduce monthly heating and electricity costs.
  • Natural materials: The use of wood, natural fibre insulation and quality materials ensures a healthy living climate.
  • Circular economy: Planning with long-term maintenance in mind and easy recycling of materials at the end of a building’s life.

Building better together

Planning a cooperative neighborhood is a process that requires time, conversation, and vision. When architecture is combined with the idea of community, we get more than just apartments – we get spaces where people feel accepted and safe.

Participation is free, the number of places is limited – register as soon as possible!

Registration and information: epeka@epeka.si

Where? EPEKA Association, Tyrševa ulica 15, Maribor, at 4.30 p.m.

The EPEKA Youth Programme is co-financed by:  the Youth Office of the Republic of Slovenia and the Municipality of Maribor