London-based architects Archio have completed eleven affordable homes at Citizens House, the first Community Land Trust (CLT) in London. Extensive collaboration with the local community led to the replacement of an underused garage site with a three-to-four-storey building facing a landscaped courtyard.
Staggered balconies and a wide walkway encourage residents to interact. A stepped profile responds to the surrounding buildings, with insets bringing light into the centre of the building.
Pale bricks are used externally, with solar panels on the roof and an external winding staircase. The building has been positioned to open up an existing pedestrian route, leading to a new shared public space.
The project was initiated by the local community in collaboration with Lewisham Citizens, Lewisham Council, and the Greater London Authority. The apartments are priced at 65% of their market value, and the prices will be linked to local incomes when resold, ensuring the apartments are permanently affordable. Photo French+Tye. Archio
