Families moving into homes they designed and built themselves

Families are moving into homes they designed and built themselves with a community housing group. 

The new development in Church Grove, Ladywell, is the capital’s largest community-led self-build housing project.

The block of 36 homes, which has taken 15 years from conception to completion, was co-ordinated by Lewisham-based organisation, the Rural Urban Synthesis Society (RUSS) which was set up to address the lack of suitable affordable housing in the area. 

Volunteers organised by RUSS have driven all stages of the process, from acquiring land, raising funds, supervising architects and contractors, getting planning permission, and building and landscaping together.

The new homes are part of a community land trust, meaning they are owned by a non-profit organisation, which keeps them affordable. 

Units are offered in various sizes and tenures including full ownership, part rent-part- buy, London Living Rent, and social rent. Residents determine how their housing is managed with regular meetings in an on-site community space built by volunteers. 

Throught the process, RUSS has worked with the Greater London Authority, Lewisham council, the Cooperative Development Society, Triodos Bank, and Big Issue Invest. 

The principal architect is Shepherd Epstein Hunter, with contributions from Architype and Jon Broome Associates. 

RUSS volunteers, including future residents, co-designed the development, and occupants had the choice of self-building or self-finishing their homes. 

The building is also fitted with an air pollution sensor that will measure the effect of trees and plants on air quality in the area.  

The chairman of RUSS, Anurag Verma, said: “This has been a momentous and challenging project, but this community-led organisation has succeeded in creating a sustainable neighbourhood and unique housing model. 

“This shows what can be achieved when ordinary people work together with a shared vision and determination.”

A new public riverside garden and play area is being built as part of the project. It was made possible by a crowdfunding campaign and a grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust.

Pictured top: The new development in Church Grove, Ladywell (Picture: Andrea Vladova)