Community Self Build gives people in housing need a chance to get good quality, affordable housing for themselves and their family by building it themselves. Often this process involves training in vocational skills, leading to improved work opportunities.

Projects are normally done in partnership with a Housing Association and homes are usually for rent or shared ownership - but usually with a right to buy at a discount which reflects the builder's efforts.

We have worked as architects, project managers and training consultants on a number of schemes across the north of England. We have acted as troubleshooters and trainers for others. Phil Bixby was author of two guides published by the Community Self Build Association.

Phil Bixby was also involved as training consultant in a number of local training and labour initiatives in the north, including the establishment of a local construction co-op in North Tyneside.

A group of twelve local families were involved in building their own homes, receiving training from a local training provider and working in partnership with Bradford & Northern Housing Association.

Timber frame construction was used with brick cladding, and the scheme was on site for approximately eighteen months.