R-Affordables was established to create an ethical socially driven company, rolling out a new housing initiative based in Scotland. The company’s mission was to build houses whilst tackling inequality and lack of opportunity. This the company felt could be achieved by employing a core of skilled committed builders to work with, train and encourage ex-service personnel, people with past convictions, long term unemployed and those with disabilities. The homes they would build would be strong, light, spacious and energy-efficient, with a target core price starting at £120,000. A number of Oswinners have been living and working in Scotland building a house from start to finish. They learned many new skills and became part of the community where they were living. We are hoping to do a similar project in the local area of Northumberland.
“…ex-offenders and ex-service personnel could be given the opportunity to build a quality affordable house, filled with light, economical to run and using sustainable materials in an innovative way.”
Roderick James – Architect
The pilot house-build for this initiative has now been completed at Lochaline on the West coast of Scotland. RJA initiated and managed the construction at no charge and four ex-offenders nominated by the Oswin Project, were employed during the one year build programme. Three of the four are now in full time employment with other organisations, having been effectively unemployable until we created this opportunity for them.