Lilac (Low Impact Living Affordable Community) is an innovative co-housing project located in Bramley, West Leeds, UK. Established in 2013, it consists of 20 eco-friendly households built using prefabricated straw bale panels. The project aims to provide affordable, sustainable housing while fostering a strong sense of community.
Lilac operates under a unique financial model called the Mutual Home Ownership Society (MHOS). This model ensures permanent affordability by linking housing costs to income rather than property values. Residents pay approximately 35% of their net income towards housing costs, building equity in the process.
The development features a mix of flats and houses, along with shared facilities such as a common house, gardens, and allotments. These communal spaces encourage interaction and support a low-impact lifestyle. The buildings are designed to be energy-efficient, incorporating solar panels, high insulation, and other eco-friendly features.
Lilac is more than just housing; it's a community-driven project where residents actively participate in decision-making and management. The project has gained recognition for its innovative approach to sustainable living and affordable housing, serving as a model for similar initiatives across the UK and beyond.
By combining environmental sustainability, affordability, and community living, Lilac offers a pioneering solution to contemporary housing challenges, demonstrating how collective action can create positive change in urban living.