Ladywell self-build community takes shape

Architect's plans for Ladywell self-build housing

The Guardian has a brilliant feature on the plans to create a new self-build community in Ladywell based on the ideas of architect Walter Segal, who inspired the creation of Walter's Way in Forest Hill. Writer Oliver Wainwright says:

On a site in Ladywell, the council has agreed to hand over the land on a long-term lease to the Rural Urban Synthesis Society (Russ), a community land trust (CLT) set up by Dayes, to develop 33 new homes for a mix of affordable tenures. Unlike the original Lewisham self-builds of the 80s, the Ladywell development will remain affordable in perpetuity, with rents linked to local incomes through the community land trust, which will retain a stake of at least 20% in each home.

The proposal includes five flats for social rent; two shared flats – each with three purpose-designed studios for young people unable to afford full market rents; 14 flats offered on a discounted shared-equity basis (the CLT’s stake will enable control of subsequent resales to people similarly in need); and 12 homes available shared-ownership, where residents buy a 25% share and can “earn” up to a further 12% ownership to reflect the sweat equity in building their homes.

The scheme is being designed by Architype, a practice set up as a co-operative in 1984 by architects Jon Broome and Bob Hayes, who both worked with Segal and have continued to develop his method in projects across the country. Their design, intended to be built to Passivhaus standards of energy efficiency, incorporates big terraces for shared gardens and food production, as well as a community hall and kitchen for community meetings, performances and childcare.

For the full article, click here. Thanks to Chris for the story.