Self-build Pioneers: John Greene

H&R: How do you feel about being a ‘H&R Pioneer’
JG: It’s a bit like being a page-three model! Seriously, I feel honoured to be considered a pioneer of the self-build industry.

H&R: What do you enjoy about your job?
JG: I like meeting people and playing a part in their dreams and aspirations. I also enjoy designing buildings which are both cost-effective and ecologically efficient.

H&R: Tell us one of your career highlights
JG: Once, we won a commission to build an English village in Japan, which went so well we ended up building three more. One was Shakespearean themed!

H&R: What’s your view of self-builders?
JG: I admire them greatly, though some do concern me in that they may have a naïve view of construction. However, we have a team of brilliant project managers to guide them and many self-builders have become friends.

H&R: What’s you house like?
JG: It’s a 15th century cruck frame barn which I saw someone taking down and fell in love with; so I relocated it to my orchard, and added on a contemporary annexe.

H&R: Do you prefer traditional or contemporary design?
JG: My own home is traditional building, but as I’ve become older I’ve moved towards contemporary architecture, and Border Oak is taking oak framing that way, too.

H&R: Are you inspired by anyone?
JG: Edwin Lutyens — he built very nice grand country houses, but with a modern twist.

H&R: What is your favourite pastime outside of self-build?
JG: Spoiling my grandchildren and skiing, but quite badly — I’ve broken my shoulder!

Border Oak Houses:

• A Converted Oak Barn
• A Three Bedroom Oak Framed Home
• An Oak Framed Cottage Built for Under £300,000

Further reading:

• How Green is Green Oak?
• The Evolution of Timber Frame
• A Guide to Self-build Construction Systems