Suvana cohousing community continues to grow at Northstowe.

Suvana is a Buddhist-grounded cohousing group that will make its home at Northstowe, where TOWN is developing two neighbouring cohousing communities.

With half the homes now reserved, Suvana has been building its membership of ‘Cocreators’ and spreading the word through Buddhist networks across the UK. In July, members ran workshops and spoke about the project at Buddhafield Festival in Somerset, and they have a series of events at the Triratna Buddhist Order Convention in August. An introductory session at Norwich Buddhist Centre is planned for October.

The group regularly hosts in-person social gatherings, summer picnics and shared meals, giving existing and prospective members opportunities to meet and get to know one another. Suvana also runs regular online introductory sessions for anyone interested in finding out more. Members of the TOWN team join these sessions to talk through the plans for Northstowe, while Suvana members share their vision for the community and what it will be like to live there.

Suvana Cocreators visiting the Northstowe site.

The group describes Suvana as “open to anyone who wants to live by Buddhist values such as kindness, generosity and mindfulness.” It was established by people practising at Cambridge Buddhist Centre and has since grown to include a mix of practising Buddhists, their families and others who share these values.

At Northstowe, every household will have its own private home, alongside spaces designed for spending time together. Suvana’s Common House will include a large social space and terrace, communal kitchen and laundry, coworking space and a dedicated meditation room. The community will also have a large shared garden.

Suvana and The Hive will share some facilities, including a workshop and guest bedrooms, creating opportunities for connections between the two communities while allowing each to develop its own character. A car-free lane will run between them, connecting the shared spaces, gardens and homes.

The shared lane running between the Hive and Suvana cohousing communities.

The group is continuing to welcome new members, with homes still available. Find out more about Suvana, upcoming events and how to get involved below.