It’s easy, they say to build your own home using the Segal method. And you can even go on a course this August to find out just how easy it can be.

Walter Segal has two streets named after him in Lewisham and is the only architect ever to receive this honour in Britain. Walters Way is one of them - the other is Segal Close, site of the first Segal self-build scheme.

Why? Pioneered by Walter Segal, now sadly dead, the Segal home building method is one of the simplest, most economical, adaptable and environmentally friendly methods of building available.

Today architectural students visit the original homes, studying, photographing and taking notes about these houses. Normally one is open to the public one day each year as part of the Civic Trust Open House Scheme.

The build is based on traditional timber frame methods, modified and updated to make use of the standard materials available from most builders merchants today. It makes building your own home a possibility for anyone, even those with no previous building or DIY experience.

The lightweight method of construction enables people of all ages and abilities, both men and women, to build together.

What’s more, the method is especially suitable for sites that are steeply sloping or with poor quality ground conditions, plots that are otherwise ignored by traditional builders.

As well as using lightweight materials the build is a dry method of construction which eliminates the need for wet trades such as bricklaying and plastering. The result is a lightweight, adaptable, ecologically sound building, designed to the individual requirements of the self builder within normal building and planning controls.

The method

• Simple to build and adaptable to changing family circumstances.
• Individually designed to the occupant's specific requirements.
• A building method which eliminates the need for specialist wet trades.
• Especially suitable for sites that are steeply sloping or with poor quality ground conditions.
• Can be erected with minimum damage to the surrounding landscape.
• Can be built of environmentally friendly materials.
• Very energy efficient, with National Heat Efficiency Rating of 9.8 out of 10, and projected heating bills of £50 per year for a three-bedroom house.
• Can be covered by a 30 year defects liability warranty.

The Walter Segal Self Build Trust helps people to build their own homes and community buildings. Their services are available to everyone, especially those in housing need or on low incomes, including local authorities, housing associations and any other body interested in building.

The trust offers information on:

• Group Building & Training.
• Land Acquisition.
• Skills Training.
• Finance and Funding Models.
• Building Methods & Technical Issues.
• Professional Services.
• Contract management.
• Completed, current and proposed self build schemes.
• Housing, community and other self-help groups.
• Building your own Community Building.
• Experienced Architects and Contract Managers.
• Other organisations involved in issues of self build, training, environment and employment.

A practical course

A practical course for groups who want to get hands-on experience of building a real construction using eco-friendly timber building methods runs on 8 ­ 10 August 2003. The course will cover:

• An introduction to measuring and taking dimensions.
• Making a detailed building specification.
• Taking levels.
• Making and erecting frames.
• Inserting bracing and joists.
• The construction of a roof, external walls, windows and doors.
• An introduction to installing services e.g. water, electricity.

Further details can be obtained on www.segalselfbuild.co.uk but take note, participants will be building an actual construction outside during this course so will need all-weather clothes and strong footwear.