Citizens House

by Archio

Client London CLT

Award RIBA London Award 2025 and RIBA London Client of the Year (sponsored by Equitone)

The award winner tells us: "Citizens House emerged from a local campaign to establish community land trust (CLT) homes on surplus council land, marking the completion of London’s first purpose-built cross-laminated timber (also CLT) homes. Priced at 65% of the neighbourhood’s market value, all the flats are classified as affordable, with one-bed homes at £215,000 and two-beds at £272,500, with prices linked to local wages and held in trust in perpetuity.

Archio was chosen through a public workshop by residents and community members. Following a collaborative co-design process, a three-to-four-storey building was created overlooking a landscaped courtyard. The design fosters community cohesion, with staggered balconies and wide rear walkways promoting interaction among residents and providing play space for children."

The jury says: "A generous entrance leads through a covered passage, past a pram and bike store, to the external staircase that provides access to upper-floor apartments. Offset balconies provide sun and rain protection to the staggered south-facing windows of the floors below, creating a playful elevation. Internally, the homes are bright and flexible, with floor-to-ceiling windows, large balconies, and filled with natural light. The two-bed homes include extra-wide entrance halls, allowing for a dedicated space to work from home. Care has been taken in the proportions and detailing, including setting balconies in alignment with brick banding. The resulting elevations are subtle, harmonious and elegant."

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal

Contractor Rooff

Landscape architect Kinnear Landscape

Landscape architect ADL

Project management BPM Project Management

Planning consultant CMA Planning

Structural engineer Price and Myers

Structural engineer Stantec

Building control SOCOTEC

Quantity surveyor/cost consultant Ian Sayer

Gross internal area 653m²