Hedgehog Self Build Co-op, Hogs Edge, Brighton
august 2009
Started in the late 1990s this development of ten timber frame houses is based on the Walter Segal approach to construction. They incorporate high levels of Warmcell insulation and benefit from south facing solar gain. The living roofs are of Sedum.
It may be worth keeping an eye on Eco Open Houses in case any of them are available to visit.
Architect: Robin Hillier of Architype
See also Forever Green
and here for some of the technical specification
Hi there
I saw the episode of Grand Designs that showcased your development and was very impressed, not onyl at the buildings themselves but at your individual efforts. I was wondering if the plans are available for these buildings. I intend to build my own home – particularly if I can get decent plans like the houses you built.
many thanks
Justin
Hi I have the same interest as justin and would like to see some of te plans or be pointe at a site wher i can get some
or indeed justin if ypu could help
thanks mike
Hi Justin, Hi Mike,
The houses were actually designed by an architects practice called Architype, mentioned above. This web site has nothing to do with them and nothing to do with Hedgehog housing Co-op.
Cheers
Bob
I recently watched a repeat of the Channel 4 ‘Grand Designs’ programme covering the Hedgehog Housing Co-op’s development at Brighton in the late 1990′s.
I was involved in a group self build housing project in Milton Keynes during 1987/89 and wonder if I could get more information on the Hedgehog Co-op, relating to how the ‘sweat equity’ benefited the co-op members and how things have subsequently been completed on site.
In my opinion, I think the TV programme fell a bit short of following the scheme to completion. It is my hope that the development will be re-visited by Grand Designs as it is particularly pertinent to the needs of today.
On our the self build we had to put in a minimum of 24 hours each weekend and up to 6 hours extra in the summer months, in addition to working full time in our day jobs. I would like to contact a representative of hedgehog Co-op, if possible, to share experiences. Could that be arranged? I can be contacted at stevegsmithmk@aol.com
Many thanks
Steve
In Australia I just saw Kevin’s update on the houses. Wonderful. I’d seen the other scheme where the work counted as a deposit to buy the finished house. I wish these people could have done this and hope one day they will be able to buy their beautiful homes. It does go to show how one man, Paul, could be passionate enough to get the whole scheme started and work through all problems to a satisfactory end.