Hands-on Home

Hands-on Home

Natallia Tanko

Lewisham, 2025

Shortlisted

Hands-on Home is a self-built transformation led by the homeowners, who took on the roles of client, designer, and contractor. Embracing their weekends, they extended and renovated their 1970s ground-floor flat over five years, balancing work and family life without financial strain. This hands-on approach became a way to embody their values, reflecting a commitment to a simpler, more authentic lifestyle. Their step-by-step process allowed them to adapt to evolving needs, experiment with materials, and celebrate the power of DIY. This heartfelt home represents a shared journey across three generations, with grandparents helping and kids learning along the way.

“We love that we took our time and didn’t rush, which allowed us to truly enjoy the process rather than racing to the finish. Doing it together as a family made us feel deeply connected and in love with every corner of our home, and now our kids are dreaming about building their own houses one day.”