Randesund Hageby

The year is 2002. A small firm has made a major investment. On a plot extending over more than 8.5 hectares, our intrepid investors have visited, planned, conceptualised and decided. They intend to build Norway's largest residential complex for seniors – a garden village that is the envy of the land, and a perfect example of gracious communal living for seniors. Aimed at folks whose children have flown the nest or whose family home is now dauntingly large for a couple or an individual, it also attracts those who want to remain socially active and engaged during their senior years.

A deliberate focus

In the mild and convivial South, as Norwegians often imagine this corner of the country to be, right on the doorstep of the regional centre, Kristiansand, the expansive grounds are being prepared for future development.

"There are a number of reasons why we made this commitment, but first and foremost we wanted to address loneliness among the elderly. We knew there would be a need for communal residences, and we wanted to achieve something that would enhance the quality of life for this age group. We recognised that the civic authorities were struggling, and demand would continue to grow. Most of us enjoy socialising and not being alone. Of course, we also saw a business opportunity," concedes Per Håkon Hansen in HSH Utvikling, the far-sighted builder behind the Kristiansand development.

Today there are more than 900,000 citizens over the age of 65 living in Norway. Never have there been so many seniors in the country. At the national level, over-65's make up more than 17 per cent of the population - and both the absolute number and proportion are expected to grow as we approach 2040. By then, there will be more than 1.4 million seniors in this category in Norway, reports from Statistics Norway show, representing almost 25 per cent of the population. "There is no doubt that there will be a large number of elderly people in the future. Today's 75-year-olds are much healthier than 20 years ago. More are surviving serious illness, and people live longer. In 2060, we anticipate that there will be four times as many over-90's as today," predicts Astri Syse, senior researcher at Statistics Norway.

"I want to applaud local councils who are already grasping this challenge. At the same time, many over-65's actually have the means to buy their own retirement nest. Even so, this change is easier to make in towns and conurbations – seniors living in rural districts face a tougher task to find a suitable flat. There are simply fewer available," she explains.

Energy economy and passive house design

In their search for inspiration for the senior village project, the investors toured like-minded developments in Denmark, where the idea of a residential community was even further refined.

"The Danes are good at this – they love to socialise. No doubt that is why they beat us to it! Our concept requires residents to be over 45 to buy a flat. In fact, most are over 60," says Hansen.

The project has adopted a concept known as Carré housing, where the residential units encircle a large communal area. This is typically a garden or park and whatever other functions residents prefer. The units are owner-occupier flats financed by private mortgage loans. Residents also pay monthly dues on behalf of the social functions.

Technically the units are thermally passive, which means low energy consumption. Newcomers used to traditional detached houses, will often find their electricity bills are significantly lower.

"Although our residents tend to worry very little about energy prices, everybody really loves our cosy, comfortable units. As professional builders, of course, we are also delighted that the best possible technologies are applied."