big kitchen and dining for collaborative cookups and independence
underground movie / multi-use space
courtyard and small garden
some hikes from the door
minibus for communal trips
varied countryside with many attractions in surrounding areas
green spaces in village
address use and storage for nomads
Detractors š
quiet village
unremarkable larger town
most nature is 30mins drive and notable attractions are daytrips at 45mins+
ā station closed reopening 2029 10mins away, 2031 to door (but bus until)
no supermarket or restaurants (but close by bus/bike/train)
no river access (but short drive)
no winter sun in common spaces (but cool in summer)
small windows and low ceilings (but vaulted with interesting layout)
The primary draw of this property will be its good facilities and good outings ā not its immediate surroundings, nontheless the village has the absolute basics, small towns are close, and great variety can be found nearby for adventures large and small.
Driving is ~1h30 Nimes/Avignon, ~2h Montpellier/Marseille, 4h Barcelona. Good choice of low-cost airports. Despite actually decent transit, can be lengthy with several connections.
Local connections: typically 1h15 to Nimes with 35mins regular train from Nimes centre to the big town of AlĆØs, then 45mins bus (12/4/5/6pm); from 2029 20mins train to the local town then 10mins drive, and from 2031 30mins train (1h15) to the door
Rail
Paris just 3h to Nimes but with changes can become 7h total to the door; last departure currently midday, in future could be 2:45pm; with pickup or if overnighting (4h30 trains) with last departure 7:30pm arriving 10pm; with pickup 4pm departure arriving 9pm
Barcelona just 4h to Nimes, but only 9:30am with connection for 5pm arrival (6h+; reducing 2030, again 2034 and again when the high speed line is fully complete); with pickup (5h trains) last 3pm, if overnighting last 4:30pm
the interesting overnight stop is Nimes; once the railway reopens there should be a later train possibly only to the local small town in which case pickup would be offered from there (10mins)
Air
Nimes: 1h15 drive / 30mins bus; limited Ryanair, year round to Stansted, Brussels, plus seasonal to Luton, Dublin, Porto and Morocco
Marseille: 1h15 train and 10min bus; major lowcost hub covering Poland, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, ā¦
Montpellier: 2h drive / +2h bus and train; service to Lisbon
Carcassonne +2h30 bus and train; extensive Ryanir inc Portugal
Coach: from Barcelona, cost effective and time efficient, allowing late arrivals into Barcelona if you don't mind a night coach, albeit arriving a bit early at 5am, first train at 6am, but the local bus is not until 9am thus lots of killing time.
Climate
Almost no overcast days, but often partial cloud (beneficial in summer), about 9 days/month with some rain year round except Jul/Aug, and at least 6/days month clear. Currently summers see around 7 days hitting over 35Ā°C, but average below 32Ā°C and having a much lower nighttime temperature due to the valley geography, thus no problem for sleep. Chilly winters getting a very brief smattering of snow but also some hot days around 15Ā°.
Seasonality
High: 3.5 months Ā· May, June, July, early Aug
rates around 20% more than mid
Mid: 4 months Ā· Apr, end Aug, Sept, Oct, end Dec
AugāSept due to high temps and low water, would however be easily promoted making France appealing at a time when holiday bookings take over; end of Dec would also be included for a special 'cosy' two-week Christmas and NYE programme
Low: 2.5 months Ā· Mar, Nov, early Dec
rates around 50% off mid thus driving uptake at the edges and probably through the entire season; whilst not an adequate profit-driver there's value to build awareness; teams would always be favoured in this season
Closed: 2 months Ā· Jan, Feb
this period would only be available for team bookings, and possible extensions of prior or upcoming bookings if multiple; if adequate demand is built then could remain open
Activity plan
Adapted each week to the desires of those participatingā¦ (some would get swapped to accommodate weather)
Saturday for arrivals with the main family meal that night welcoming and introducing new arrivalsā
alternating Sundays
a daytrip to somewhere further away; would emphasise exploring attractions and culture (more sights less activities), such the Pont du Gard (giant roman aqueduct), the city of Nimes (roman arena), etc.; could be swapped with Saturday
a relaxed day with skill share / talk and lunch out
Monday morning the planning meeting for the upcoming week over (an early) family breakfast
an activity e.g. hike and splash to the gorges, and would also allow those not wanting to hike or for a shorter one, to be dropped off for swimming or other activities (kayak, lunch in town); either Saturdays after Les Vans market for the gorges, Genholac for up the mountain, or Sundays after Ales market optionally as a daytrip going towards the other bit of the Cevennes around Anduze or up the mountain, else summer markets at Pont d'Arc, LablachĆØre; in summer could instead start later and end with a stop and supper at a night market
at least every other day: power hike or mountain bike from door; alternating with a short drive to other locations and at different times
4 weekly family meals at the house: saturday supper with new arrivals, mon breakfast, tues lunch after morning market, friday lunch for goodbyes (might be swapped to thurs supper per schedules)
at least one restaurant outing alternating between casual such as before or after a hike, and dressing up for a good restaurant (there's 5 Michelin starred in 30mins drive)
2 weekly shopping trips, twice to local market and supermarkets (Tues @Ambroix, Fri @Ambroix organic, Thurs @Besseges); sometimes including coffee or lunch out; every few weeks would swap to or also do another market (notably Sun @Ales; Sat @Uzes or Genholac for variation)
movie night, game night depending upon whom is interested
if there's somebody to lead, yoga in the garden or on the river bank
other random actvities as proposed whether ad-hoc such as badminton in the garden, tennis nearby, or planned such as horse riding, cave visits, etc.
many opportunities to pop-out for coffee, pastries, lunch ā with whomever is around
ā Whilst the fixed moving day would be Saturday, those unable to arrive in time for the family supper that day, would instead be able to arrive on Friday the day before, staying in a pod for the extra night(s) as needed.
Sights & Surroundings
The village itself is tiny and should not be considered useful, nor is the immediate countryside lush, but the woods on the hills have good variation, and the wider area within easy reach offers great variety for activities, explorations and outings such as famous Roman ruins. Comprehensive details following.
Shopping would be to either of 2 neigbouring little towns; the village is however reasonably presentable, has the basics, and is also fine for a stroll.
At the door
bus stop, train stop 5mins walk
bakery; corner shop with basics
weekly market just couple of vans
pharmacy 10mins walk
building supplies 20mins walk
organic goats cheese and fruit farm 40mins walk
walks ā 30mins to castle mix of tracks, paths and scambling; 1h20 onwards to town; 1h30ā2h30 circuits on tracks with variations; various using bus, including 3h one-way across to next village with 30mins bus, or bus both ways to a small lake
moutain biking ā lots of easier mixed routes in multiple directions starting from closeby otherwise starting with a 200m climb: 45mins to the small lake; 1h45+ to Portes castle, climbing to 650m midway with several variations and continuing on to 1350m in 4h (or higher); electric MTB can be rented locally with delivery
local resident with very large board games collection
Saint Ambroix ā small with good services (3,500 people) and presentably characterful albeit a somewhat busy road through; downriver, just around bend
15mins bus, 20mins bike (via main road, else 30mins via track), 1h20 good hike; 5mins train (from 2031)
shortest turnaround 1h15 twice in morning, but not possible for lunch without hike there, nor evenings without hike back; min turnaround 1h15 2x morning, once evening
out 8:10, 10:30, 13:20, 16:40
back 9:30, 11:50, 12:45, 16:45, 18
3 weekly markets, food, organic, plus bricabrac
3 supermarkets, plus organic supermarket; 25mins bike (5ā15mins on a section of bigger road)
LIDL at bus stop, bigger ones 15ā20mins walk
coffee shop / tea room / cafe
a couple of good restos, brasseries, pizzieras, sushi
organic wood oven baker and a macaron shop
tennis courts and gym
Besseges ā small and unattractive but sometimes entertaining, occasional activities (2,500 people); upriver
25mins bike (via main road, 40mins via back lanes); 15mins drive/train (from 2031); not practical by bus as shortest turnaround is 2h15
weekly market with 2 additional during summers
small supermarket
several bakeries including a traditional natural one
2 good restos, 2 brasseries, 2 bar/cafes, pizziera
wine shop/gastro bar with occasional organic meals
at the old factory a burger joint, and micro-brewery
rock pools ā the windy and rocky little valley upriver has a few swimming spots and hikes; 20mins+ drive, 45mins+ bike
horse riding ā 20mins drive to several with options of long rides and river swimming
kayaking ā tame 15mins drive/bus+walk see below for better down the gorges
electric offroad scooter ā all around and all year; also by buggy
3 cave systems ā 20ā40mins drive, 1 with light shows and even being big enough to rather absurdly let you float around strapped below a helium dirigible
more (bigger) castles: the major old castle of Portes up the hill can be hiked to in 4h, shortended with bus part way or dropoff, by bike 1h+, drive 30mins; the still lived in Chateau d'Aujac with costumed tours, 30mins drive
cycling ā 25mins (on road) to a greenway, the via Ardeche with 3 branches for up to 4h one-way
all also offer kayaking, including under the Pont d'Arc even multi-day going down two gorges; also the Ceze gorge; option of SUP on a gentle section
the Chassezac, 30mins+ drive ā around the litle town of Les Vans with good swimming spots, great mossy tangled woods amongst eroded limestone along the top for hiking; (also possible 1h by bus but awkward early return)
hikes with escarpments climbing to 1400m (40mins+)
paragliding ā 30mins drive
Les Vans, 30mins drive / 1h10 bus x2, small quaint and classic with night market in the summers, close to river gorge
Ales (40,000 people)
35mins drive, 45mins bus, 30mins train (from 2031), moderately lively, best on market day but only occasionally as not interesting nor pretty
Genholac, 40mins drive, hillside quaint and classic
mine tour, 35mins drive or bus +30mins walk
Trapeze/circus cultural centre offering yoga, training climbing wall and combined activities such as mountain biking for beginners, even paragliding; 35mins drive
Daytrips ~1h
Probably once every 3 weeks there'd be a bigger outing to any of these, combined with a detour/activity around half way to break the journey both there and back, e.g. a restaurant and a hike.
Largentiere, hilly, touristy but classic; and Aubenas, a larger lively hilltop town slightly further with big park and old pedestrian centre, passing many other villages, ruins and the Pont d'Arc on the way
Uzes, pretty with a fabulous saturday market so would only ever be on Saturday
the famous Pont du Gard roman aqueduct, can be combined with a stop in Uzes and also possible with hot air baloon or kayak
Anduze, riverside with bambouseraie and steam train
Nimes, Roman ruins; 1h20, in future by train making it a more flexible or independent outing
1h drive to a lake up the mountain with summer beach, via ferrata, SUP/kayak, catamaran, windsurf; canyoning and caving is also possible close by however given the long drive plus a short one from the base these probably are not very likely
nordic skiing is possible on Mont Lozere in winter but at over 1h30 one way needs overnighting
Further afield (1h30ā2h) for possible overnight adventures or well planned with detours, brings Avignon, Montpellier, even Ventoux or the beaches, into reach ā coast is otherwise out of range, yet still possible as a two day trip for those who really want the variety, notably for summer festivals.
Events
In June in Besseges, a small DJ/electronic festival, and in Aug a 3-day Funk festival. In the summer there's many night markets and a few other minor distractions.
The Property
360mĀ² across 4 floors Ā· 10 rooms Ā· 5 pods Ā· max. 17 occupancy
150mĀ² outdoors across 3 spaces
It looks quite unbecoming ā yet has an interesting interior and shall be made quite notable with a mural. The rear will become a novel courtyard-terrace. The public embankment in front is decent and will be significantly improved with guerilla gardening.
Spaces
Exceptionally around 50% common spaces for purposeful live + work use, ensuring adequate room for everyone to get along and avoid frictions, even at full occupancy.
Offering multiple distinct space uses, having contrasting moods/activities/uses for each with distance between to isolate from each other.
Adaptability and moods
Focus coworking and library row desks and chaise-longue (feet-up sofa, with over lap desk); for quiet work and reading (may be repurposed for workshops)
Lounge and casual coworking both sofas/armchairs, and work chairs at a small shared desk: lively, alternating use between casual work (daytime) and social (evenings); chatting, music
Kitchen-dining casual banquette and chairs; chatting, music
Atrium relaxed escape space / party buffer
Underground vault den / boisterous; talks, movies, karaoke (gym)
Workplace researchers classify coworking and coliving as hybrid "Second-Third Places". Combining the informal, social atmosphere of a coffee shop [ideally] with the physical affordances of a workstation (proper surface height, supportive seating, power outlets).
It is widely acknowledged in research and from casual observation that less formal non-corporate working environments are much preferred, despite ergonomic drawbacks. Our space planning therefore provides both ergonomic and casual seating with informal surroundings, yet also addressing multiple moods.
The layout of the 1st floor lounge-coworking and kitchen-dining specifically allows those preferring a more casual environment (chatter, background music) to choose either ergonomic (desk and chair) or casual (sofas), whilst avoiding the not uncommon issue of people choosing to work with laptop stands from the dining table (even when there's ergo desks, but they're usually only in a quieter / formal space). Given the size of the dining table even this could be used but is undesireable, however would be for games. Those eating would not be isolated with openings between tyhe two rooms for communication and awareness, yet still also adequately separating activities.
The completely separated focus-coworking and library space permits quiet work, with no through foot traffic, and the callroom on another floor.
1st Ā· kitchen and dining Ā· interconnects with lounge-breakout Ā· opens to balcony
1st Ā· lounge and breakout Ā· interconnects with kitchen Ā· opens to stairs/atrium
ground Ā· focus-coworking and library Ā· opens to garden
1st/2nd exterior Ā· cave, atrium, courtyard
Common (170mĀ²)
ground floor Ā· quiet
focus coworking 50mĀ²
9 seats along desks, some towards wall, some with window view
3 chaise longue for working or reading
1 sofa nook
external
bikeshed
laundry
1st floor
kitchenādining 50mĀ² Ā· casual/lively
8m worktop divided into 3 workstations with 2 sinks, 6 hotplates (suitable for 6 doing prep simultaneously)
fridge-freezers (1 standard, 1 commercial)
tons of accessible shelving and storage
sharp knives
loungeācoworking 33mĀ² Ā· casual/lively
3 sofas
shared coworking desk with 4 seats
projector/TV (moved to cave once complete)
wood burner (future upgrade)
callroom
sauna
cave 25mĀ²++ vaulted Ā· movies/parties
Accommodation (170mĀ²)
10 bedrooms, 1 dormitory; 8 ensuites, 3 suitable for couples. See rates.
5 pods 24mĀ² room, shared bathrooms
2 basic 9mĀ², 140cm bed, shared bathrooms
2 plain 10mĀ², 140cm bed, ensuite (initially shared bathrooms)
rear terrace 35ā45mĀ² with BBQ and fountain; all day sun in summer with trellace and shading, in winter from late morning until after lunch
front garden 90mĀ² morning sun for laundry only rest shaded, suitable for yoga
front balcony 6mĀ² very narrow but spanning the full width of the building, would have comfy cushioned benches as a retreat for coffee from the kitchen or semi-outdoor work space
atrium 15mĀ² glazed courtyard with water feature; a transitionary space which in winter would be a semi-indoor space with glass roof, but in summer this would be part removed and part shaded instead
Walkthrough
3D renders are not final and merely indicative
Layouts
Ground Ā· coworking and shaded garden 1st Ā· living spaces 2nd Ā· bedrooms and courtyard 3rd Ā· bedrooms and pods
Notes
North rooms briefly get morning sunrise, top floor has partial outlook over trees to hillside. South afternoon sun, and on top floor having outlook over railway.
The kitchen is of course the hub of the house, interconnecting with the lounge having a small coworking table. To get to stairs and rooms the focus coworking and kitchen are entirely bypassed, but the lounge/coworking must be traversed; rooms have direct access to the rear courtyard, atrium, cave and sauna.
Whilst the rail track being so close at the back might be considered instrusive, it should not be, services will pass only 12x daily on new soldered rails with modern units, and the stop is only 300m away thus half the services will be coasting. And in any case having a train go by makes one feel better connected to the world. Inside the house it should be unnoticeable as the 1st floor is well below the track embankment and workspace completely cut off from it, so only minorly noticable from bedrooms with the morning service.
Improvements / Variants
If the property border with the neighbour is not the weird zigzag line through the middle of the rear cave and garden terrace, then the cave could be as much as 20m2 larger, and would be suitable for an additional space such as a gym, could possibly have a light well.
No common WCs, therefore everyone will have to use their own, and for those on the top floor this is quite a journey from the ground floor (3 flights of stairs, a room crossing, plus for some also a corridor). Will significantly increase foot traffic in the stairwell. A WC could potentially be added in place of the callroom, with that being moved further into the atrium, however its waste will cross the passage but the floor of the atrium could be raised with decking, nontheless not insignificant effort for just one WC. If implemented it would also be possible to place a washing machine in the storage space next to it, however this would need to be well isolated from the adjacent callroom.
to rectify the limited indoor sunlight, the plain room on the top floor (left of staircase) could become a library; the room would then get winter sun though would need a new bigger window of french door; this could be done anytime before the ensuite is installed; the missing room could be moved to the end of the kitchen opening off the lounge and would become a plus room, but more likely the room would simply be lost as the kitchen would have to be planned with the room from the start
a small 5m2 sun terrace could be added either with a door from the above library, or from the staircase; this would get sun quite a bit later than the main terrace
the front balcony could gain steps down, or even a ramp to the garden bypassing the interior stairs for direct access, also to the laundry space
No other colivings in this part of France popular for holidays, competing spaces are in the Alps (1, excellent reputations, and 1 in Switzerland), on the Cote d'Azur (2, average/non-aligned), and in the Pyrenees (2, 1 part-time tourist, 1 more intentional).
This property is fitout specifically for coliving whereas only one other coliving in the region has made the effort to renovate specifically for communal coliving use, and one partially. Given the high prices and demand for the Alps, this should fill the gap despite less awe inspiring nature than the Alps and Pyrenees.
Operations
Always present would be 2 staff receiving stipends and free accommodation, taking responsbilities of common space and room changeover cleaning, plus coordinating plans (weekly family meeting) and occasional driving for outings.
It is expected that the average stay will be one month, resulting in 2ā3 changeovers per week which is easily manageable. Initially short stays would be accepted without restriction, ultimately this would be reduced to only 1 room and pods.
The founder would be present essentially full-time during the initial phases (2 years) until adequate operations are established when he would stay part time to ensure staff training during changeover, or to fill-in when short. The founder's room is retained and is not included in earnings.
Minimum stay of 2 weeks with fixed arrival and departure days, avoiding hard-to-fill availability gaps whilst maximising occupancy. Alternate arrival and departure days would be permitted with temporary stay in a pod. Buses do not operate Sundays, therefore until the railway reopens changeover days would be Fridays or Saturdays (choice at booking; when a gap is created it will be used to facilitate cleaning scheduling, however not strictly necessary as with an average stay of 4 weeks only 2 rooms per week will need cleaning).
Surplus rooms and pods may be offered as free accommodation in the form of a residency programme, giving talks, etc.
Works
Phasing
Phase 1: preliminary Ā· closed
shared bathroom, pods, some basic rooms
common spaces (kitchen, lounge, workspace)
removal of interior stair
Phase 2: basic Ā· reduced opening
some ensuites/plus rooms
finishing common spaces (ex. sofas/chaise)
temporary cover for stairs
rear terrace
Phase 3: good Ā· regular opening
premium rooms, remaining ensuites
new staircases
other finishing e.g. plinthes, shelving, coffee bar
fitted banquette and sofas
heating and wood stoves, to open in low season
Phase 4: completion
prime rooms
atrium
cave
front garden
Potential: peak operation
no further works but once full reputation is acheived rates could be close to market best; at least 5 years after phase 3
Easily phased, commencing with only slightly more capital than acquisition. All works will be managed and contributed to by the founder whom has undertaken a couple of renovations in France, and will be accompanied by a seasoned renovator specialising in stone and wood works.
plumbing: 2 of the 3 shared bathrooms on the 3rd floor must be installed so that plumbing for the old on the 2nd (and pipes on 1st) can be removed
structural: ground vault reenforcement beam and wall removal
floors: 1st patching up
rooms: create 3 north rooms on 2nd
finishing: sandblasting/painting vaults
plumbing: kitchen connection
lintel: create a new opening connecting the first floor landing to the kitchen as the existing is too far into the room, partially blocking the existing with glass and wood
staircases: currently there's an internal staircase from 1st to 2nd which would be closed
staircases: the exterior steps in the rear passage need to be moved from the middle to the end to better correspond with those up, and to better utilise space, this does not inconvenience accesss as the old would remain until complete
staircases: the exterior steps from 2nd to the 3rd floor must be fully rebuilt
staircases: once the steps are formed into a new staircase from 1st to 3rd, the block would be walled and roofed as a complete stair well
plumbing: ensuites would not be initially planned, however 1 might be added just so that there's one on the 2nd floor
openings: swap 1st balcony door and window
staircases: ideally the steps from ground to 1st will be rebuilt for better angle and ease, however not urgent, plus would make access impossible without temporary access via balcony or temporary additional formwork
Specifications
Functional and pleasant, avoiding budget chipboard aesthetic, making an appealing place to return to. There'll be a few finishes that uplift, and things we won't skimp on are those that get used most, so solid wood kitchen surfaces and desks, good handles, hinges, taps, sockets, etc.
The building facade is ideal for a tasteful mural, thus an artist will be invited.
The vaulted cielings will probably be stripped of paint to show their colour, under which IR heating panels and lighting will be hung, along with fans.
Building
The new stairwell will become a feature though may take time to finish and seal with glass.
Most cabinetry will be bespoke, this optimises their function for frequent use and easy maintenance whilst also reducing costs.
Aluminium skirting will be used throughout for its resistance to scuffing, easy fitting and cost-effectiveness, plus the ability to incorporate strip lighting in places.
Kitchen-dining
A bespoke fitted banquette along the wall with a 4m+ dining table and chairs along the outer edge. Oak worktops. Shelving could be cheaper wood or even lacquered chipboard.
Ample fridge, and storage space on open shelving with removable wooden boxes, plastic containers in frdges. Simple reliable equipment such as stainless steel. 1 dishwasher could be adequate but an additional could be added. Ultimately tomette flooring (red hexagon clay tiles); provisionally a hotchpotch a cement patched tiles.
Lounge
Would use both convection heating on low which would thus also cover the kitchen, plus IR panels, ambient heat will transfer from the lounge as the door will generally be open. A circulation system could bring warmer air from the roof down.
A wood stove for winter ambience. Would not accommodate everyone somewhat tightly on sofas and armchairs around the wall, or more comfortably with beanbags as well, easily arranged for films on a large TV screen with surround sound. Enough open space for games on the floor and could also be used as a party room for some dancing, which being at the top end of the building away from most bedrooms on the opposite side would not be intrusive, same for the workspace. Outer walls will be insulated on the inside but only with thin woodfibre as not used throughout the day, for the same reason only double not triple glazing will be specified.
Focus workspace
Coworking desks giving ~1.2m per person, having simple adjustable chairs, plus many built-in USB-C (PD) sockets so adapters don't need to be dragged around nor clutter the place. Some standing desks will be possible. Some plants.
Should ultimately become wood flooring for ease of chair movement, however likely to be divided into both parquet for the far section and sisal for the first library section.
A wood stove could be added for winter ambience with chimney traversing the kitchen.
Bedrooms
Flooring will be seagrass, decorative in prime and premium. For improved acoustic damping walls will use 2x plasterboard plus wood fibre insultation, but not decoupled.
Bathrooms
Ensuites will use a sliding door minimising obstruction from a standard door. Sink in front of the door, with shower and toilet to left and right. 90cm deep, larger in prime units.
WCs will be equipped with a bidet nozzle/douche. Rooms will be grouped to share a water tank, boosted (as an upgrade) with instant heating elements, providing instant hot water plus coverage in case someone uses all the tank. Room allocations will be made to maximise use.
The shared bathrooms are completely separated, 1 having a bath and window.
Ambient environment
The cave will have small surround speakers and a subwoofer on a proper audio system (not silly home assistant speakers), allowing lively gatherings across the ground floor and onto the patio. A film could be being screened or lively game take place in the lounge and one would still able to work in the focus space or read quietly in the library.
It's good to have a healthy environment, and desireable to reduce exposure to microplastics (artficial fibres), VOCs (foam mattresses), artificial perfumes, electrosmog, etc. Simple steps can be taken even with budgetary constraints, such as using natural materials for flooring, natural mattresses (keeping a few foam ones for those with problems), wool duvets and blankets, and of course natural cleaning products.
Gentle lighting also has impact. Whilst office chairs could be an exception, they and sofas should be possible to easily re-cover with natural fabrics.
Tech
A professional system with multiple WiFi hotspots running on a dedicated power-over-ethernet backbone, using low power to reduce interference (and electrosmog). You'll be able to seamlessly roam around without loosing a connection or dropping a videocall. Somebody streaming video won't impact workspace bandwidth, plus the at-desk USB-C power will include an ethernet connection thus in most cases laptop users will be on a seamless wired connection without even being aware.
Internet connection as fibre.
We prefer local face to face interaction and as such activities and outings will be planned and written up on boards, however we shall also use a chat app to ensure everyone gets last-minute gathering and household notifications.
Heating and cooling
The house will be entirely electric, however attempts will be made to reduce resource use and consumption e.g. water tanks will be activated based on occupancy.
During low seasons, convection heaters will provide a base ambient temperature, whilst radiant infrared panels will be used to boost this in the kitchen and library. Bedrooms would only have convection.
A future upgrade could add ground-source, air-source or solar water heating to heat water before it reaches the hot water tanks to boost it, and possibly with a radiator circuit for the lounge and focus coworking instead of convection.
