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San Hermenegildo Coperative of cohousing
Published on 12 April 2019
Spain
Aragón
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About this good practice
In 2006, they got the idea of building a co-housing space adapted to their needs to be able to enjoy their retirement together and stay in their city. These retired developers realised that many of them had the same problem: they did not qualify for a public residence, but their pensions were not so generous as to afford a private residence.
Among all the forms of association offered by the regulatory framework, the non-profit Cooperative was chosen, as it was considered to be the most supportive and best suited to the philosophy of the project, enabling important decisions to be taken collectively by the General Assembly. Senior couples paid a membership to the cooperative, which then secured the loans, oversaw the 3-year construction process, and now acts as a landlord to the people wanting to live in the home.
The project evolved into a major apartments complex of 50 000m² which can welcome 240 people. The complex is divided into 3 wings which are adapted to 3 types of tenants: active (80 apartments), fragile (48 rooms) or dependant. The rooms for active people are fully-furnished flats equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom and a balcony. In the other wings, the rooms are more or less medicalised, but there is always the choice between a single and a double room. The complex also includes a cantina, laundry rooms, a medical centre, a hairdresser, a gymnasium and a conference room. When all the rooms are occupied, San Hermenegildo employs around 80-90 people.
Among all the forms of association offered by the regulatory framework, the non-profit Cooperative was chosen, as it was considered to be the most supportive and best suited to the philosophy of the project, enabling important decisions to be taken collectively by the General Assembly. Senior couples paid a membership to the cooperative, which then secured the loans, oversaw the 3-year construction process, and now acts as a landlord to the people wanting to live in the home.
The project evolved into a major apartments complex of 50 000m² which can welcome 240 people. The complex is divided into 3 wings which are adapted to 3 types of tenants: active (80 apartments), fragile (48 rooms) or dependant. The rooms for active people are fully-furnished flats equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom and a balcony. In the other wings, the rooms are more or less medicalised, but there is always the choice between a single and a double room. The complex also includes a cantina, laundry rooms, a medical centre, a hairdresser, a gymnasium and a conference room. When all the rooms are occupied, San Hermenegildo employs around 80-90 people.
Resources needed
The building cost in total 12,5 million € so the remaining investment needed was secured with a loan from the bank. To be profitable, San Hermenegildo needs to have at least 40 residents with needs and 80 active residents. All the benefits are reinvested into the improvement of services.
Evidence of success
It is a new model where the target group is at the same time the promoter, so they directly prepare a model tailored made to attend their interest. Is a model of success as the residence is working and more people is interested into being part of the cooperative or just a user.
It was the destination of the Kick-off meeting study visit in Teruel and it live up the expectations of the partners.
It was the destination of the Kick-off meeting study visit in Teruel and it live up the expectations of the partners.
Potential for learning or transfer
The veterans’ cooperative followed the model of a social company model while developing this project. 85% of all materials used come from the region with the exception having been made for geriatric instruments. The food is cooked in-house to avoid transport cost and a vegetable garden will be tended to by residents. Employees will be recruited locally, in cooperation with local associations to employ disabled and marginalised people. The cooperative has even engaged in a regional protocol, 113 SOS Teruel, to promote local employment. In addition, the veterans’ cooperative wishes for San Hermenegildo to become a cultural place in Teruel with conferences, concerts, etc.
Close attention to detail has been paid during the construction of this complex to accommodate the cooperative’s members’ needs. For instance, there is no A/C to avoid drafts in the rooms but instead, floor heating. Another example is the material used for the handrails in the corridors.
Close attention to detail has been paid during the construction of this complex to accommodate the cooperative’s members’ needs. For instance, there is no A/C to avoid drafts in the rooms but instead, floor heating. Another example is the material used for the handrails in the corridors.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Cooperativa de San Hermenegildo
Spain
Aragón
Contact
Project manager