COHO
'COMMUNITY HOUSING':
AN EXPERIENCE FOR TUFTS STUDENTS
Like many recent graduates in the Boston area, Tufts students often face a rude awakening when they transition from university housing to their own apartments. The high rents and often substandard conditions of urban housing are challenging to navigate for young graduates.
To give their upperclassman an experiential education in living, Tufts University engaged Commodore Builders to build and renovate 15 residential houses to LEED Platinum level and nearly net-zero standards using Passive House techniques.
The multi-building project provided 141 beds for Juniors and Seniors; the houses allow students to become familiar with living outside a traditional dorm but remaining close to campus in exceptionally sustainable conditions. Students learn about managing a house and better understand their own agency in dealing with a landlord for the first time.
