Forgebank is an eco cohousing development consisting of 35 leasehold homes, shared buildings and riverside woodland habitat. The site is just outside Lancaster on the outskirts of the village of Halton and offers stunning views of the river Lune.
We aspire to be a cutting edge example of sustainable ‘eco’ design, for both living and working, with close links to the local community. The homes have achieved both Passivhaus and Code for Sustainable Homes level 6 certifications, and we benefit from many eco technologies such as heating from a central biomass/ solar system, and electricity from solar PV panels and a mini-hydro plant.
The project was planned and designed by the residents with architects Eco Arc and local building firm Whittles Construction. Residents, who are members of the management company – Lancaster Cohousing Ltd – actively participate in the day to day running of the community. Discussions are democratic and consensual. While we do have community agreements and policies, our ambition is to rely on trust, respect, friendship and understanding rather than rules and regulations.
Our Common House contains a communal kitchen and dining room where we cook vegan and vegetarian meals for each other several times a week. There are communal food stores, play areas, guest rooms, a bike shed and laundry.
We also operate a car club/ car sharing system.
