In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, we often hear people talk about wanting a stronger sense of community. We see it in the headlines and feel it in our own lives—a deep-seated human need to belong, to connect, and to share our lives with others. But how do we move from wanting community to actually living it?
The answer, we believe, lies in thoughtful design. This conviction is so central to our identity that we named our company after it. Tomo stands for Together More—a constant reminder of our deeply held belief that our lives are fundamentally richer, more secure, and more joyful when we share them with others. This core belief is the guiding principle behind our work. Our focus is to create the physical framework for communities to flourish, designing spaces where people live truly with each other.
OUV Cohousing: A Case Study in Connection
A perfect example of this philosophy in action is our OUV Cohousing project on 41st and Main in Vancouver. This 12-unit development, created in partnership with the residents themselves, was designed from the ground up to make community living more accessible. We call it the "cohousing lite" model. This approach makes cohousing more accessible by directly addressing the most common barriers: the required financial investment and development know-how.
As the developer partner, we step in to manage the complexities of the process, which allows future residents to focus on building their community without the significant financial and logistical burdens of a traditional cohousing project.
But how does a building foster connection? It happens when the design itself creates opportunities for community to emerge. At OUV, this was achieved through a few key features:
The Common House: This is the heart of the community, a shared space with a kitchen and lounge that serves as a natural hub for planned weekly meals and spontaneous get-togethers.
Shared Amenities: Residents also share a courtyard, a garden, and laundry facilities, turning everyday tasks into opportunities for casual conversations.
Pathways that Connect: Even the circulation spaces are designed for interaction. Wide outdoor walkways and stairs feature "social nooks," transforming the journey to your front door into a chance for a friendly chat.
The Right Balance of Privacy: Crucially, each of the 12 units is a complete, private home. This allows residents to choose how they engage, ensuring a comfortable balance between personal space and community life.
These features are a direct reflection of the core principles for sociable design identified by our partners at Happy Cities. Their research shows that the happiest communities are places that prioritize six key elements:
1. Design for Social Interaction:
Creating spaces that encourage spontaneous encounters.
2. Enable Shared Activities:
Providing opportunities for people to do things together.
3. Ensure Controllable Interaction:
Allowing residents to choose their level of engagement.
4. Foster a Sense of Safety:
Making spaces feel secure and trustworthy.
5. Provide Access to Nature:
Integrating natural elements into the design
6. Create Comfort:
Designing pleasant and welcoming environments.
The success of this principle-based approach at OUV was confirmed by the Happy Cities post-occupancy study. Their findings directly linked these design choices to a profound positive impact on residents' lives, including deeper social bonds, reduced loneliness, a powerful sense of belonging, and a thriving culture of trust and sharing.
These numbers represent a fundamental shift in how people experience their daily lives. They tell the story of a neighbourhood where people feel seen, supported, and connected. Read the full Happy Cities report here.
Building for a Better Future, Together
The success of OUV Cohousing is a powerful testament to the idea that we are better when we are together. It shows that with intentional design—spaces that encourage spontaneous interaction, shared resources, and mutual support—we can build a future that is less about isolation and more about connection.
This is the future we are committed to building. One home, one community at a time.
Check out About Here's video on our project below
