Projects

Angell Eco Self-Build Group

Filed under: Planning, Policy & Networks   

Project gives residents wings: Angell Eco Self-Build Group

A dynamic and culturally-diverse group of Angell Estate Residents, who understand the difficulty of finding affordable housing, are planning the construction of their own homes.

The 11 families (and 22 children) comprising the Angell Estate group are supported by the agency, Community Self-Build London. They plan to start building 11 eco-friendly houses in spring 2005, and are currently assessing residents' skills. They will start training this summer in everything from bricklaying and plumbing to tiling trades.

Sustainable community: An architect has committed to using construction materials with a high eco-rating. All the buildings will be constructed with timber frames, made of wood from sustainable forests. Within the house the eco-friendly theme continues.

Each house might include some or all of the following: solar panels on the roofs, solar or thermal heating, conservatory sun space with glass ceiling, plumbing that recovers rain water and recycles bathwater, and all kitchens will contain built- in recycling bins. Residents are also advocating under-floor heating, which would save on energy and therefore bills. 

As well as developing their building skills, the residents are learning to work together. They have all agreed to commit two-to-three evenings each week as well as their weekends when the building begins.

Initially, everyone will work on each others' homes. No one family can move into their house until everyone else has completed their own home — creating a built-in inncentive to help each other. They are hoping their efforts will help create a small sustainable community of neighbours.

Support / Funding: Community Self-Build Agency