The RUSS project at 12 Church Grove in Ladywell has been shaped by future residents from the start: co-designing the building, sharing ideas, defining principles, raising funds, building a community, advocating for CLTs, building the community hub… And now a group of future residents have picked up tools and materials to work on their own homes. In January 2023, building company ROOFF handed over five flats as ‘shells’ to be made into homes by the inhabitants themselves.
Each of the ‘shells’ consists of a watertight space, with doors and windows installed. Hollow voids and mysterious pipes are symbols of the opportunity, decisions and work to follow.
After the construction process, the next crucial step is ensuring that the space is thoroughly cleaned and ready for residents to move in. While the excitement of completing a project is palpable, the reality is that a post-construction clean-up requires careful attention to detail. Dust, debris, and leftover construction materials can linger, leaving a space far from livable. This is where professional cleaning services come in, making sure that the homes are not only visually appealing but also hygienic and safe for their new inhabitants.
To ensure the spaces are move-in ready, Crystal Cleaning Services offers expert post-construction cleaning. Their team understands the unique challenges that come with cleaning a newly built or renovated property. From the dust that settles in every corner to the final removal of construction debris, their professionals use advanced tools and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to deliver the highest standard of cleanliness. This includes deep-cleaning every surface, washing windows, sanitizing bathrooms, and ensuring that the air quality is fresh and breathable.
The first few weeks of the build have been focussed on plumbing and stud wall construction, realising the physical strength inherent to the process whilst comprehending the ongoing mental resilience.
On site, a new everyday language is emerging for the self-builders: wafer-head screws, kerdi board and more.
Learning through doing, the residents are adapting to new skills and experiencing the challenges of balancing work and caring for family with self-building their future homes.
We will be following the progress of the self-builders until the moment they move in.
Photography and text by Ella Stoneham-Bull: I feel honoured to be able to document the progress of the self build team throughout the creation of their homes. I will be attempting to capture both the physical development and challenges of on-site life at 12 Church Grove over the coming months.
