An eco-friendly home for formerly homeless adults has been delivered through support from construction industry charity Crash.
The Stepping Stones accommodation project has been officially opened by Waltham Forest Churches Night Shelter (WFCNS).
The six-bedroom property in Leytonstone is a former run-down Victorian house which has been transformed into a sustainable home for individuals moving on from Branches, a nearby 27-bed hostel.
Designed by architect Cullinan Studio, the house has been retrofitted with the aim of meeting EnerPHit standards, applying Passivhaus design principles to reduce energy demand by 87%.
The residence will offer six to 12 months of tailored support to those not yet ready for independent living, helping them develop essential life skills in a stable environment.
With individual post boxes and electricity metres for each room, residents can practise paying and managing bills.
Each room is also equipped with its own fridge, and the communal kitchen with shared freezer allows residents to prepare their own food.
Joyce Saunders, WFCNS CEO, said: “Stepping Stones is an innovative ‘eco-nomical’ six-bed house providing second stage accommodation for people progressing from Branches hostel to independent living.
“The project was five years in the making. We could not have achieved our ambition without the generous support of Crash and its patrons.”
Crash’s corporate patrons include Arcadis, Bauder, British Gypsum, VolkerFitzpatrick, Geberit, Knauf, Kingspan, Genuit, Dalkia, Etex Superglass, and Dulux Decorator Centre, as well as supporters Gardiner & Theobald, Johnson Tiles, and Heckmondwike.
The total gift in kind value for the project was £161,648.75, including professional expertise, pro bono or discounted materials and a grant.
Gilbert Stowe, chair of trustees at WFCNS, said: “The professional support, advice and materials provided by Crash and their corporate patrons has been tremendous.
“Without it, the project would have taken significantly longer. We are eternally grateful.”
Trisha Pickersgill, Crash chief executive, added: “Crash is incredibly proud to support WFCNS in bringing this transformative vision to life.
“Thanks to the generosity of our corporate patrons, Stepping Stones will offer life-changing support in a space designed to promote wellbeing and dignity.”
