... A FORUM TO STIMULATE DEBATE ... ... JUST ADD A COMMENT AT ANY ENTRY BELOW... ... FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOWN AND VALLEY ...

Sunday 31 August 2014

A solution to our housing problems: the tree house

Today the Observer carried several pieces on how being on low pay makes it impossible for young people to afford a place of their own:
One in three young workers on low pay | Society | The Observer
Low-paid Britain: 'People have had enough. It's soul destroying' | Society | The Observer

Of course, one way would be to stop obsessing about the 'housing ladder' - which is not a concern on the Continent:
Are we better off renting? | Money | The Observer
Futures Forum: Renting vs Buying in the South-West

An earlier piece looked at cheap solutions in the United States, where there are fewer housing regulations:
Futures Forum: On zoning, self-build and affordable housing ... relaxed planning laws in the United States

Without trying to be flippant, here's a gem of an alternative solution:

Treehouse by Peter Bahouth | Posted by CJWHO.com

Treehouse by Peter Bahouth | Posted by CJWHO.com

CJWHO ™ (Treehouse, Atlanta, USA by Peter Bahouth | via ...)

Self-build is being tried in Britain:
Futures Forum: Self-build
Futures Forum: Self-build: part two
Futures Forum: Self-build: latest government initiative
Futures Forum: Pitsea-Laindon ... or ... affordable and self-build housing on brownfield sites
Futures Forum: Innovative solutions to the lack of affordable housing....... self-build alternatives...

Although this is not the answer for everyone, self-build is still such an unusual way of providing a home in the UK - unlike in other parts of the world:
Futures Forum: The PassivHaus: cheaper than you think to build.... and only £20 annual heating bills.....
.
.
.

No comments: