Phoenix Community Housing held the event on July 8 for the Melfield Gardens development in Lewisham, which was attended by Goldsmiths, University of London staff, and co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Older People, Lord Richard Best.
The Passivhaus standard development consists of 30 affordable homes for people aged over 55, and two flats for Goldsmiths students.
The students are offered this accommodation at a lower cost in exchange for volunteering within the community.
Resident-led landlord, Phoenix Community Housing, said this development will “positively” improve the lives of older people, tackling loneliness and isolation, whilst also giving students the chance to contribute to their community.
Phoenix Community Housing chief executive, Denise Fowler, said: “Celebrating the completion of Melfield Gardens is a proud moment for both Phoenix and we think our sector too.
“The Passivhaus homes are the most sustainable homes we’ve ever built, and the intergenerational nature of the scheme will support our residents’ wellbeing and help them to thrive.
“Many of the residents who have moved into the new homes were previously living in larger Phoenix properties, with more bedrooms than they required, so this is freeing up homes for families who desperately need them.
“We’re excited to work with our residents to create a vibrant intergenerational community and make the most of this progressive scheme.”
The homes meet the Passivhaus standard, an internationally recognised sustainable building standard, which aims to tackle issues such as fuel poverty and climate change.
This standard means the homes have high levels of insulation, resulting in comfortable living conditions and lower energy bills.
Goldsmiths University of London staff have praised the development, calling it a “living example” of what can be achieved when the focus is placed on community and care in housing.
Professor Annabel Kiernan, deputy vice-chancellor of education and student experience at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “Melfield Gardens is more than bricks and mortar — it’s a living example of what can happen when we put imagination, community and care at the heart of housing.
“At Goldsmiths, we’re proud to be part of this bold new model in intergenerational living.
“It’s a place where students and neighbours learn from one another, support each other, and show what’s possible when we do things differently.”
Melfield Gardens forms part of Phoenix’s plans to deliver 200 homes by 2028.
