Custom-built cottage completes in under a year for £350K, demonstrating the significant advantages of the self-build method.
Swapping their previous pad for a bigger canvas to accommodate their growing brood, Paul and Johanna embarked on an upscale journey. Their former abode was an oak-framed cottage that held sentimental value for the family. Instead, they planned to craft a light, open space capitalizing on picturesque nature views.
As delighted customers of Border Oak, Paul and Johanna had previously built an oak-framed cottage in North Herefordshire. "Self-building allowed us to create our family's ideal home, with the ability to adapt as our kids grow," Paul shares excitedly.
Commencing the Adventure
With a valuable past experience under their belt, the start of Paul and Johanna's new self-build odyssey was an effortless one. "Border Oak's regularly updated plot list took away the stress of finding the perfect plot, while ensuring there were no pitfalls from planning permission restrictions," Paul explains.
This choice, however, presented a complex and intricate design and planning phase for Border Oak, as every individual home needed to blend harmoniously with each other, without compromising the couple's creative control.
Merry Albright of Border Oak elaborates, "Beautiful homes, each distinct and unique, were developed, while providing every plot purchaser confidence that their house wouldn't be outshone by the ones next door."
Designing a Unique Haven
Due to all the plots being part of a group, it was essential that the couple's home successfully coexisted with its neighboring properties, while still granting them creative freedom. "A select blend of materials and colors was established across the entire scheme, offering a variety of options for personal choices while ensuring harmony," Merry says.
"We aimed for a level of unity without being monotonous," adds Paul.
Managing and Executing the Construction
Though Border Oak maintained control as the 'master planner' and supplied the oak frame, Paul and Johanna took on the role of project manager. They worked with local subcontractors and engaged in various tasks, such as carpentry, drywall installation, and decorating, to minimize costs while staying within budget.
"In our previous self-build, we were responsible for sourcing all services and utilities, a time-consuming and often frustrating process. With this custom-build plot, many of these services were already provided, freeing up more time for us to focus on other tasks," Paul shares.
A Modern LangSCape
Inspired by traditional agricultural forms found in Herefordshire, the house seamlessly blends space, light, privacy, and stylish architectural elements. Vaulted ceilings and paneled walls create architectural interest, with an impressive oak and glass-fronted hall featuring a bridge landing way, effortlessly tying the entire home together.
The couple sought to develop a natural, timeless aesthetic, incorporating various textures and materials for a look that wouldn't date. White walls and natural limestone floors helped balance the modern touches with the rustic element while promoting a feeling of openness.
Eco Considerations
Prioritizing the environment was crucial to the construction process. By focusing on sustainability, Paul and Johanna's oak-frame home maximized its eco-credentials. The green oak frame was handcrafted nearby, while all timber used throughout the house was sustainably-sourced and certified under FSC and PEFC standards.
Despite being located in a conservation area, the couple's frontage prevented the installation of solar panels on the roof, but the use of SIPs panels ensured the home was energy-efficient, keeping heating costs to a minimum.
Thoughtful Landscaping
In addition to designing an extraordinary home, the surrounding landscape played an integral part in the planning process. Since the project was located in a conservation area, stringent landscaping standards needed to be adhered to.
Merry explains, "The native trees were hand-picked to blend seamlessly with the surrounding area, giving the impression that they have always been part of the landscape." In addition to this meticulous approach, Paul and Johanna created a private rear garden with a nature pond, allowing them to further immerse themselves in nature.
If you've been inspired by oak-frame homes, be sure to check out our list of great timber frame house designs for more inspiration.
Additional Insights
- Sustainable Materials: As Paul and Johanna prioritized sustainability, using FSC- and PEFC-certified timber is essential in promoting responsible forestry practices. This commitment to sustainability contributes to the home's eco-credentials and minimizes the environmental impact of the construction process.
- Local Support: By using local subcontractors, Paul and Johanna not only supported the local economy but also gained invaluable insights into the construction process specific to their area. This collaboration made the build a more enjoyable experience while ensuring a high-quality end result.
- Neighborhood Harmony: The cooperation between plot purchasers served to create a cohesive neighborhood that respects and celebrates each homeowner's unique vision. This emphasis on harmony contributes to a more vibrant and diverse community, where individuality and aesthetics complement rather than compete with one another.
- Paul and Johanna's new home project required a harmonious design, as each plot was part of a group, balancing coexistence with creative freedom.
- Merry Albright from Border Oak was instrumental in establishing a blend of materials and colors across the entire scheme, offering variety while ensuring consistency.
- As project managers, Paul and Johanna collaborated with local subcontractors for tasks like carpentry, drywall installation, and decorating, keeping costs low and staying within budget.
- By sourcing and providing many services and utilities, the custom-build plot relieved the burden of time-consuming tasks in comparison to their previous self-build project.
- Influenced by traditional agriculture, the house design skillfully incorporated open spaces, light, privacy, and stylish architectural details like vaulted ceilings and paneled walls.
- To promote a timeless aesthetic, the couple combined modern elements with rustic textures and materials, resulting in a design that wouldn't date.
- In line with their commitment to the environment, Paul and Johanna prioritized sustainability, using green, handcrafted oak frames and sustainably-sourced timber.
- The surrounding landscape was equally important, with native trees selected to mimic the natural environment and a rear garden featuring a nature pond, enhancing their connection to nature within the conservation area.
