Iqbal Johal
Sustainable
Self Build Homes
Church Grove, London
The Church Grove development in Lewisham is a landmark in community-led housing. Commissioned by the Rural Urban Synthesis Society (RUSS) and designed by Shepheard Epstein Hunter (SEH), the project set out to create a sustainable, resident-driven neighbourhood that delivers genuinely affordable homes.
With long-term resilience and community involvement at its core, Church Grove has become the largest completed self-build housing scheme in London — its durability and architectural character underpinned by the extensive use of galvanized steel.
Central to RUSS’s vision was the idea that residents should actively participate in both the design and construction of their homes. This collaborative process not only empowered the future occupants but also allowed for homes tailored to individual needs within a shared framework.
Working hand in hand with residents, the Local Planning Authority, and other stakeholders, Shepheard Epstein refined the masterplan, increasing the total number of homes from 33 to 36 and introducing a mix of one- to four-bedroom units. The scheme also includes shared facilities — a community hall, office space, and kitchen — designed to host everything from meetings and performances to childcare and social gatherings.
From Vision to Reality: Building Affordable Self Build Homes in London
While sustainability was a driving force, safety and durability were equally important. The original timber structure and cladding were revised in response to fire safety concerns, replaced with a carefully considered mix of materials including fibre cement and galvanized steel. This ensured that the development not only achieved low-carbon ambitions but also benefited from the robustness and longevity that hot dip galvanizing provides.
Across the site, galvanized steel became a defining material. From balustrades and Juliet balconies to access walkways, ramps, planter screens, and even the entire top-floor structure with its canopy, galvanizing was selected for its proven ability to withstand the elements with minimal maintenance. Its corrosion resistance and long lifespan make it an ideal choice for a community-led project where residents’ investment in time and resources demands enduring value.
Beyond performance, galvanizing also contributes to the architecture itself. The silvery tones of the steel complement the surrounding materials, lending texture, light, and a sense of permanence. As the surface naturally weathers, it will mellow into its urban context while continuing to protect the structure beneath. In this way, galvanized steel is not only a technical solution but also a unifying element — reinforcing the ethos of Church Grove as a development that combines sustainability, affordability, and beauty for the long term.
Project Gallery
Project Information
Architect: Shepherd Epstein Hunter
© Richard Chivers
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