Self-build houses come in all shapes and sizes, according to the needs and means of those wanting to go down this adventurous route, and a certain site in Leicestershire typifies this diversity.

Rotherby Manor is a mixed site including custom-build plots where all the prospective homeowners shared the common goal of building an Oakwrights home to suit their lifestyles – whether that be opting for turnkey or self-managing their project.

One couple who opted for the latter was Jo Dallas and David Tew, who had spent two years looking for the ideal plot on which to build their dream home.

Project details

• Location Leicestershire
• House Self-build oak frame detached
• House size 250sq m
• Build cost Circa £1m
• Oak frame Oakwrights

Expert advice on the design

The couple decided to tailor the Teme Barn style from Oakwrights’ range rather than a completely bespoke design, customising it to suit their needs.

"It was the company’s frame designer, Sarah Connelly, who ensured we got what we wanted, even when we thought it wouldn’t work," says Jo. "She advised us on how to best utilise the interior spaces and was very astute in knowing where to add or lose the odd 50mm in a way that made a huge difference."

Stressing the importance of this collaboration, Sarah says, "To ensure a great end result I like to have a few meetings with clients during the 3D modelling stages, to better understand their needs for the use of each space and design tastes. Our collaboration plays a vital role in shaping a smarter layout and a more considered oak frame."

Before they made the final call to go ahead, the couple astutely tasked an independent architect to "sanity check" the design to ensure that all the things they had discussed and learnt about during that time had been incorporated and included in the best possible way.

Lifestyle needs

The changes that Jo and David made to the original Teme Barn design were considerable but they reflected their clear vision of what best suited their lifestyle, and were made with their future needs also in mind.

For example, they were very keen for the interior to be open plan but only on the condition that the design would allow for interior walls to be added at a later stage, should the couple eventually feel it necessary.

"This is our last and final home so the interior has been future-proofed in lots of ways," says Jo.

Another equally significant alteration was that of the building’s orientation to face southeast, which not only meant they had desirable views across fields, it maximised the effectiveness of the solar panels on the roof.

"It also reduced our solar gain to prevent overheating in summer, which was important, given that we have such an expanse of glass at the front," says David.

Beautiful and practical

As is typical with Oakwrights oak frame homes, the finished result has stunning visual impact and is a marriage of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary performance.

From the very beginning, the couple were determined to have an eco-friendly home and proudly say, "We have managed to achieve a near passive house with triple glazing, MVHR, an air source heat pump, solar panels with battery storage, rainwater harvesting, maximum insulation and airtightness of less than 1."

"We’re self-sufficient, energy-wise," continues David. "We have EV charging and even with running an electric car for the last 12 months, including over the winter period, we’ve had no electricity bills, which has worked out even better than either of us had hoped."

The success of the project is summed up by frame designer Sarah Connelly, "This beautiful oak frame house demonstrates how traditional timber craftsmanship can be integrated with contemporary design, creating a structure that is both durable and visually striking. The exposed oak frame delivers warmth and character, while the laser-cut helical stairs showcase the impact of contrasting materials."

As spectacular as the house is, after 18 months living here the couple admit to now slightly taking it for granted, "but every now and then, we’re reminded of how special it is when first-time visitors comment on its wow factor – inside and out," says Jo.

For more inspiration, take a look around this Arts and Crafts-style self-build in Surrey or this modern barn-style self-build in the Kent countryside.

During the 2020 lockdown, Anna and David Cross decided to seek out opportunities for a new home. Though they loved the property they had lived in for 20 years, the couple, who live with their two adult daughters, wanted a house they could future-proof and tailor to their needs for retirement.

At this stage, self-building wasn't on Anna and David's radar – their search began with the hunt for a property that could be adapted to their requirements. Having lived in Surrey for years, they didn't want to relocate. "We're fortunate to live in an area where there's lots of lovely Victorian and early 20th century housing stock, so we thought we'd purchase a property and adapt it," says Anna.

The couple gave themselves six months to track down the ideal opportunity which, disappointingly, didn't arise. "But our estate agent proposed a 1960s property that was ripe for demolition and a new build – on our favourite road," says Anna.

Project details

• Location Surrey
• Project Self-build detached
• House type Arts & Crafts style self-build
• House size 587 sq m
• Build cost Approx £2m
• Architect Roderick James Architects

Fine tuning the brief

With the chance to create a house from scratch, Anna and David – though excited – were somewhat overwhelmed with the amount of choice they faced.

"We're big consumers of property shows on TV," says Anna. "We almost like it too much, so I was nervous about bringing in lots of our favourite architectural styles and ending up with an odd-looking property that drew on too many aesthetics."

The couple's first move was to appoint Igloo, a design-and-build company, to project manage. Anna and David then set about searching for an architect who could assist them in distilling their ideas into a comprehensive plan.

After narrowing down their shortlist to two practices, the Crosses decided to go with Nick Wordie from Roderick James Architects. "He was the first architect who really understood the key to our brief – that we wanted a family home, not a show home – but a modern farmhouse with larger, functional spaces and no unnecessary grandeur," says Anna.

Nick worked closely with the couple over the course of several months to help develop their ideas, assisting them in the choice between two of their favourite styles – New England and Arts and Crafts.

Achieving planning consent

Getting planning permission was a lengthy process, as Anna and David were required to jump through a few extra hoops due to the property's location on a private estate.

"Having done our sketches and worked out our design strategy, there were two applications to submit – one to the district council and the other to the estate's residents' association," explains architect Nick Wordie. "Each body has its own guidebook of rules and planning policies, so we had to show we weren't overdeveloping the site."

Roderick James Architects worked closely with the team at Igloo during this phase – as the latter had already developed several houses on the estate, they were familiar with the additional stipulations.

To maximise the scheme's chance of success, the Crosses went through the pre-application process to gather any additional feedback that could help shape their design before submitting a formal application. Though it took some time, this diligent approach proved successful and the couple received planning consent in March 2022.

The dream team

Once construction began, Igloo took the lead in hiring subcontractors for each of the jobs on site. "All the consultants worked together seamlessly to ensure progress flowed without a hitch," says Nick. "From the landscape specialist to the interior designer, as well as Carpenter Oak who provided the oak frame, the whole team worked well in bringing Anna and David's vision to fruition."

This reflection also aligns with Anna and David's experience of the construction phase. "The whole team was on the same page," says Anna. "If a problem emerged, the focus shifted to how to fix it – there weren't any issues that proved insurmountable."

As they were still living in their family home just several streets away, the couple kept a close eye on progress and visited the site almost every day.

"When the slab was complete and we walked around the space, we wondered if the rooms were going to be big enough," says Anna. "Then, as the house started to come up out of the ground, we were able to see the spaces differently."

Finely crafted finish

The high level of detailing and craftsmanship meant that construction progress did fall behind schedule by six months or so. "We have lots of internal detailing we weren't willing to compromise on, so that did slow things down," says Anna.

However, it was during the later construction phases that their thorough approach really paid off. "We took a long time over the layout, poring over it in minute detail – including the creation of floorplans with scaled representations of our existing furniture," says Anna.

This strategy meant that as the build unfolded, the couple didn't need to make any changes. The resulting house delivers the warm and welcoming feel the Crosses had wished for.

"Downstairs, we use each of the rooms every single day – we didn't want any superfluous areas," says Anna. The kitchen, which sits at the centre of the ground floor, is Anna's favourite place. "I especially love my pantry as it's custom made for hiding away all the mess and muddle from cooking, ensuring the kitchen always looks gorgeous – it's a very happy space for me."

"This house really suits us – hopefully forever – but it was an all-encompassing focus for almost three years, so it's been nice to have some space now it's complete," she adds. For now, Anna, David and their two daughters can sit back and enjoy the results of the hard work they poured into the project.

"We thought about all the details for such a long time, so every detail that wasn't quite right about our old house is no longer present – in our new home, everything is easy and it's a pleasure to live here."

For more inspiration, take a look around this modern barn-style self-build in Kent's countryside or this extended west London home designed for family life.

The Grade II-listed property that Adrian and Amy Mole bought in a Kent village was in a derelict state, but from the start, the couple had a plan. "The house came with an acre or so of land and a large garage. Some of the land was inside the village curtilage and some was in the green belt," says Adrian, who is a semi-retired builder.

The couple restored and sold the house, but retained some of the land so that they could build their new home. Working with Emrys Architects, Adrian and Amy used local farm buildings as inspiration for the design of a self-build family home, which would have three sections, all connected via glazed links to allow light in and to frame views of the landscape.

"The plan included transforming the surrounding field into a meadow, ensuring the green belt character was preserved, while still giving the family the sense of a large private green space," explains Catriona Jones of Emrys Architects.

Project details

• Location Kent
• House type Detached new build
• Build route Architect, plus DIY and subcontractors
• Construction SIPS, zinc roof, basement
• Build cost £2,000sq m
• Build time January 2019 – December 2021
• Architect Emrys Architects

Getting hands-on

With years of experience in building, Adrian took the project management of their self-build in his stride. On site every day, Adrian managed a core team of two builders alongside numerous subcontractors, while also rolling up his sleeves to get hands-on – from digging out the basement to designing and fabricating the steel-framed internal doors, which he then had powder-coated by a local firm.

"I also did glasswork for refurbishments in a previous job," he explains. "You can get one-third off the price of glass when you order it directly from the manufacturer yourself, so we did that."

The basement was the longest phase of the project, yet it was something Adrian wanted to do, as it gave them 70sq m of extra space for the laundry, heat pump room and storage, as well as a studio for Amy’s clothing business. Adrian admits that it was the physicality of the job that was his biggest challenge.

Choosing the materials

Above ground, the buildings went up in just seven days, thanks to Adrian’s choice of SIPS (structural insulated panels) as the build system.

"It seemed a sensible way to go, even though it was more expensive," explains Adrian. Glazing is a significant part of this design, and the couple chose double glazing in aluminium framing.

Adrian used IQ Glass as he felt he needed specialists to supply the huge, glazed sliding doors. "In hindsight, we should have gone for triple glazing for the extra heat saving in winter."

In the glazed links between the three sections of the house, the windows are fixed, and for these, Adrian measured, ordered and fitted the glazing himself, saving, he estimates, around £30,000 of the final cost.

Other jobs Adrian tackled himself included the oak treads in a stunning staircase idea designed by Emrys Architects, and also the kitchen – although he sourced the cabinetry from Devol, he measured and fitted it himself. For the countertops, Amy selected a composite stone that looks like Carrara marble.

Going natural

When it came to the interiors, Amy was firmly in charge, choosing a neutral palette that frames the beautiful views from every window. Materials include timber, microcement, and lime-based plaster.

Not only are they sustainable choices, but they also echo the surrounding environment. One of the most significant choices was the flooring. They initially wanted concrete floors, "but after much debate, we decided to break it up with really wide wooden planks, for a warmer, less industrial feel in the living room and kitchen," says Amy. "We chose Chauncey’s oak floorboards for their warm and modern, yet still rustic, feel."

Elsewhere, microcement was used. Adrian sent one of his builders on a course to learn how to install the microcement, so they could do it themselves. A more unusual choice was a new product from Armourcoat, called Clime – a sustainable plaster made from clay and lime, mixed with marble.

Being self-coloured, it also doesn’t need painting. "We absolutely love the natural soft chalky look of this and have used the same colour throughout the house," says Adrian. "There are no pictures up, as we love the finish of the walls – second only to the views through the windows."

Lighting design was a major consideration, and Adrian and Amy both attended a workshop with a specialist lighting designer so they could get this exactly right. "We felt it was essential, both in the look of the lights themselves and also the ambience," says Adrian.

Underfloor investment

In such a contemporary home, it’s unsurprising that Adrian and Amy wanted to avoid radiators, choosing underfloor heating instead. This is a wet system, run off a ground-source heat pump.

Although more expensive than air-source and reliant on three 111m-deep bore holes, a ground-source heat pump is the more efficient of the two and so for those with ample land, it’s a great low-carbon, long-term choice to cut fuel bills.

"I was quoted £3,500 to bring in gas," says Adrian. The ground-source system cost £40,000, but I have the Renewable Heat Incentive, so over seven years we will get back £20,000."

The couple also chose to have a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system (MVHR) installed to complement the underfloor heating. "It keeps the house at a consistent 20 degrees, and we have outlets in every room," says Adrian.

The couple were able to keep costs down by going direct to the manufacturers – not only for the glass, but also for the steel used in the basement, which was manufactured locally.

The build could have been completed more quickly, but Adrian would occasionally have to take breaks from the build to work on other projects to keep their funds topped up.

Rural inspiration

The house was finished in December 2021 with the two outer buildings being clad in black-painted timber to reflect the nearby barns. The layout and orientation of the family’s home also make the most of the surrounding landscape.

At the rear, huge sliding glazed doors open out to the wildflower meadows and surrounding fields. Careful landscaping was central to the overall vision, with hard landscaping limited to just a few defined areas near the house for outside dining, socialising and parking.

As if building a stunning new home was not impressive enough, Adrian somehow achieved it all while dealing with his own medical challenges. "I needed a kidney transplant, so I would be hands-on during the day and doing dialysis at home in the evenings," he says.

But now that their home is complete, the couple and their daughter Emilia are enjoying their new modern-country lifestyle. "We love both the light and the views that we get to enjoy through all of the glazing," says Adrian. "From my office, I even have a view of a 12th-century church."

For more inspiration, take a look around this extended semi-detached home in London that's designed for flexible family living. Or, tour this converted Victorian chapel in Bristol city centre.

When Charlotte and Aron Cool were looking for a bigger house, it wasn’t the property itself that was the main priority, it was the need to stay in the same area of west London where their three children had grown up and gone to school.

Luckily, the couple found an elegant four-storey semi detached property around the corner, so it didn’t take them long to decide this was the house for them. And they weren’t deterred by knowing it would need converting from a house of multiple occupancy into a family home.

"Each of the four bedsits had a kitchenette and bedroom – removing these was quite a big job so we knew we’d need to involve an architect who could show us the possibilities," says Charlotte. "Coincidentally, while I was admiring a friend’s renovated duplex, she told me that her sister, Cany Ash, was the designer, so she was one of several architects we invited to submit plans."

Project details

• Location West London
• House Victorian semi-detached
• Size 2,400 sq ft
• Project Extension and renovation
• Build cost £750,000
• Architect Ash Sakula

Open to ideas

Apart from knowing the number of bedrooms and bathrooms they needed, Charlotte and Aron didn’t have rigid views on how the house should be reconfigured, but had put together a renovation ideas scrapbook that was more about the style and vibe of the house.

Of the architects shortlisted, it was Cany’s practice, Ash Sakula, that came up with ideas that particularly chimed with their own.

A major consideration had always been that the needs of the children, Iris, 18, Leon, 17, and Romilly, 13, had to be taken into account, including the requirement for each to have their own bedrooms.

"I remember Cany and her partner Robert telling us they also had three kids and how that had influenced the design of their own home, so we immediately felt they understood and empathised with us and our requirements," says Charlotte. "As children grow up, their needs change so any designs have to be flexible to cope with that."

Planning problems

Reconfiguring the two middle floors was a fairly straightforward process – more about taking down temporary partitions rather than any heavy structural work.

The most transformative aspect of the proposed renovation was at the rear where Cany had designed a full-width rear extension idea to replace a small kitchen block that had been previously added. But there was the odd issue with planning permission.

"We were keen to clad the exterior of the extension with Douglas fir, which is a material we used widely for the interior, but we were getting resistance from the planners. Luckily, Cany and her team did a great job in persuading the council to go with something that was a little bit different," says Charlotte.

Other planning issues involved features away from the actual house, including a protected tree in the front garden. A bigger and more costly obstacle was the wall that stretches the length of the 100-foot garden – and which forms the end garden wall for a number of houses running perpendicular to Charlotte and Aron’s. Being "slightly wonky" the wall was deemed to be in need of underpinning with concrete to a depth of two feet.

Design inspiration

Regarding the build project itself, it went more or less to plan and to schedule with the project management carried out by Ash Sakula. For Charlotte and Aron, having a kitchen that spanned the full width of the rear and looking out onto the garden wasn’t something they had originally envisaged – it was another architect’s brainwave.

"Like many London houses, the basement floor was only accessible by a dark, narrow back stair," says Cany. "We reorganised the plan so that from the front door you could see right through the house and walk straight ahead down a new staircase bringing you directly into a bespoke kitchen."

The result is a large partly double-height kitchen with a mass of worksurfaces, which benefits from the kind of abundant natural light that only two levels of glazing can offer. With slim, elegant wooden window frames, the outlook onto the garden is virtually unimpeded – and the views are even more impressive from the floating study area on the mezzanine above.

Another area that Charlotte and Aron are delighted with – and are grateful to Cany for – is their newly installed bedroom, en suite and dressing room on the top floor, including an enormous expanse of glass above the shower.

"Opening the shower on the top floor to the sky was something we had always wanted to do and these were the clients to see the Mediterranean glamour of that move," says Cany. "The skylight moves entirely aside on rails so there is this surreal feeling that the house has a courtyard albeit with a heated floor in what is really a modest shower room."

Garden transformed

Recycling also played its part in this project. "When we came here, the garden was an absolute mess and for some reason, there were about 150 old car tyres scattered around," says Charlotte.

"Aron’s father, who’s a gardener, was kind enough to come and totally transform the space, which included cleaning up old existing bricks and breeze blocks that were here, and using them to create a unique patio idea.

"For the six months before the build started he was sending us cuttings from the gardens he tended for 45 years on the Isle of Jura in the Hebrides. It’s lovely to think they now form the basis of our garden."

"I have to admit that in this house we’re not short of rooms to spread out in," concludes Charlotte, "but here in this new section, we can all be in different places – at the table, in the kitchen, watching TV, chilling on the sofa, working in the study – while still being connected. That’s one of the real achievements with this project."

For more inspiration, take a look around this converted chapel in Bristol city centre or see how this 'ugly ducking' home got a modern makeover with two timber clad extensions.

For prospective buyers, hearts can easily sink when looking at local property listings. Filmmaker Tim Brown couldn’t face the more affordable "boring" new builds, so he looked at the auction listings online and to his delight found a chapel, close to Bristol’s city centre. "The city has great energy and the property looked interesting," he recalls. "When I viewed it, it felt like something pretty special."

Although this was his first renovation, Tim grew up around his parents’ building projects. "They gave me a taste for it," he says. "Working in film is not a million miles from renovation – it’s all about ideas and teamwork."

Yet this chapel conversion would be a challenge for anyone, which probably explains why it had been abandoned for at least two decades. The chapel was unloved, yet Grade II-listed, and "I couldn’t have chosen anything more complicated," says Tim. "It was definitely a leap of faith."

Project details

• Location Bristol
• House type Converted Victorian chapel
• Size 155sq m
• Renovation cost £2,500sq m
• Contractors South West Contractors
• Architect Oxford Architects

Cutting out the rot

The building was in extremely poor condition despite being modernised in the late 20th century. There was no plumbing, electricity or heating and a lack of basic maintenance meant that the gutters had filled up and water had entered the structure.

The original Victorian floor tiles from the hall were stacked against the walls and the entire building was on the brink of dereliction. Although Tim had bought the chapel with planning permission, he didn’t like the plans and went to the original architect to have them redrawn.

Tim also commissioned a series of specialist surveys for lead paint, dampness and so on, as "there were a lot of unknowns". Unfortunately, one of those unknowns soon became a concern when Tim and his brother-in-law started to remove the decorative timber wall panelling.

"We found a chaos of dry rot and pigeon guano," he says. "It had gone right through the A-frames and the structural support was eaten away. I had to spend an extra £100,000, which was the worst thing about the whole project."

Unreliable contractors

Tim had selected a building firm through the tender process but after six months of little progress on the chapel, the builders walked off the project.

"That was a real low point. I was left sitting in a freezing building with no windows, no plan and £100k in."

Unbowed, Tim saw this as an opportunity to get the project moving. Taking seven months off work, he toiled with a small team of hand-picked specialists and subcontractors to make the building "habitable".

Tim’s first task – and biggest challenge – was treating or removing the rot and making the building structurally sound. Some of the replaced timbers were unusually curved hips and even the stonework was impacted where it adjoined individual wooden buttresses. Even just the struts that Tim hired to support the building during this process cost £10,000.

Getting hands-on

While this important structural work was being done by experts, Tim got his hands dirty scrubbing, repointing the stonework and stripping layers of lead paint from this unique 170-year old building.

He also sanded and reinstated the original wall panelling, which had become very dark over time. "I just wanted to take it back to the original colours," he says.

The chapel’s most striking original feature is, of course, the stained-glass windows. Tim had these carefully removed and each pane of glass re-leaded, a process that he thought would be slow, but which turned out to be one of the first parts of the building to be completed. "The original glass is beautiful, with largely geometric patterns," he says.

Once the building was structurally sound and ready for the first fix, Tim engaged a new building contractor; one he had talked to during the original tender process – this time with success.

A new start

"South West Contractors were angels," says Tim. Under their direction, the electrics, plumbing and heating were installed, the building was insulated and a new subfloor laid, with underfloor heating pipes incorporated.

With a reliable building firm finally in charge, Tim turned his attention to the interiors, which have been finished to the highest standards.

"For me, this was the most exciting part of the whole project," explains Tim, who created a 200-page document of ideas, plans and references for the job. "I didn’t want it to feel like a church. I wanted to respect the beauty and features of the building, but add things such as the mezzanine, the kitchen and the stairs, which are all modern and are a bridge between the two, fusing the different elements."

Tim designed the contemporary, yet sympathetic kitchen himself, as well as the bathroom layout and the striking metal, oak and glass staircase, which has exceptional detailing where the glass has been cut to follow the pattern of the steps.

The mezzanine, which is in the main hall, is the standout feature of the modernised building. By "floating" in the centre of this space, not only does it solve that common problem when converting chapels – namely installing a floor across the original windows – "it also breaks up the space and makes it feel more cosy downstairs," says Tim.

This level boasts one of the property’s three bedrooms and his home office. "It’s fun to make my work calls here," says Tim. "People ask if it’s a fake background."

Material difference

Tim’s choice of materials is central to his design decisions. Although he initially had concerns about including different timbers in one space, the pale maple of the kitchen cabinetry highlights the contemporary elements in that zone.

Here, granite and quartz also work well as natural materials used in a modern way, helping to bring old and new together.

"There’s lots of stone and woodwork in the building, including oak, maple and a pitch pine roof," he says. "But it comes together well – especially the lighter kitchen and the darkness of the roof."

Unsurprisingly, given his profession, Tim loves his new LED lighting system. "It can change colours and the effect is fantastic at night," he explains. "It can be moody with low lights and I can use it to highlight features."

Has this extreme introduction to renovation dampened Tim’s interest in doing up properties? Not a bit of it.

"I’m keen to do another," says Tim. "I chose the most complicated thing possible, but it is such a good way to learn – I feel like I’ve done another degree! I love working in film, but it doesn’t feel as tangible as working on a task like this, where I can see the results and feel the physicality of it. I love being here every day."

Want more inspiration? See how two timber-clad extensions transformed this family home in South Yorkshire. Or, take a tour of this modern eco-home in Berkshire that produces more energy than it uses.

After spotting an estate agent's advert for a three-bedroom 1930s Arts and Crafts-style detached dormer bungalow, requiring some general updating, Dave Rawlinson and Lucy Wesson went to view it and felt confident it could be a ‘doer upper’.

The couple were particularly drawn to the size and private aspect of the plot in the leafy suburb of Ranmoor in Sheffield, but there were practical problems to solve.

"The home was typically laid out but had odd-shaped rooms," says Dave. "Upstairs was disjointed and unusable due to the layout, with sloping roofs and features like chimneys and built-in wardrobes. The downstairs, although a good size, had a small kitchen that felt dark and cut off from the rest of the rooms."

Project details

• Location Ranmoor, South Yorkshire
• Property cost £724,000
• Build cost £1,900 sq m
• Extension size 60sq m
• Project Extending a 1930s detached house
• Architect HEM Architects

Help at hand

After buying the property, the couple enlisted the help of Alan MacDonald at HEM Architects with a view to extending it.

"The house was in an excellent neighbourhood on a lovely plot but it was certainly the 'ugly duckling' on the street," says Dave. "There wasn’t much of a rear garden so you couldn’t extend at the back, while extending at the front would definitely not be in keeping with the house’s character."

An important part of HEM Architects’ design strategy was to highlight the house’s original details, including the front door surround, decorative roof verges and original Rosemary tiles.

Plans were drawn up to enhance the cottage’s charm while contrasting it with two contemporary timber-clad extensions either side, taking cues from the Arts and Crafts style. The design utilised the two existing footprints.

The main bedroom would be built over the existing garage structure, with a sizeable floor-to-ceiling window to break down the appearance of the large elevation and make it look less ‘boxy’.

A new light and airy open-plan kitchen diner would be built where the old conservatory stood, with large sliding doors connecting the indoor space to the substantial garden. Above it, there would be a generous bedroom, en suite and balcony on the first floor.

Planning challenges

Hampered by a national lockdown, meetings with council planners were consigned to Zoom calls and the designs received some resistance. The planners’ opinion was that the developed house – with its Siberian larch timber cladding, steel structures and glazed ‘link’ – would have a negative impact on the conservation area.

They also argued that most of the neighbourhood’s homes were mainly made of stone and slate, and the proposed house would not be in keeping with the area. Heritage Consultant Andrew Whitham put forward the case that the house was set back on the plot and was not particularly visible from the road.

Following tense three-way discussions HEM Architects won planning approval on the first attempt with very few compromises.

Moving 'upstairs and downstairs'

The couple lived in the house throughout the renovation and both extensions were built concurrently.

"Everything was done in phases to suit the timeline," says Dave, who project managed the build. "It was essential for major processes, like installing the windows, to be done in one hit, so there was a lot of preparation and planning to get everything fitted at the same time."

Following the completion of the upper floor during winter 2021, the couple moved upstairs as downstairs was stripped down to its brickwork. That winter was a particularly testing time for them as Dave recalls.

"The old boiler had to be taken out and we didn’t have any heating at all. It was so frustrating that all our cast-iron radiators were all plumbed upstairs but the heating was not connected so we couldn’t use them!"

An upside of living in the house throughout their renovation was that there was a good communication of ideas with the different craftsmen. "Quite often we’d draw designs on the back of an envelope with the joiner, and it was a case of trial and error as we aimed to get things done," says Dave.

Although Dave and Lucy are very keen to state they "are in no way students of the Arts and Crafts movement", the architects encouraged them to utilise some of its details, including the need for individual craftsmanship throughout the build, inside and out.

The result was a house with improved usable space and a perfect balance of old and new. "HEM Architects’ well considered plans have given the house a new lease of life, plus the extra space we needed for ourselves and our children, Poppy and Oliver," says Lucy.

Thoughtful exterior

When approaching the home you can appreciate the ‘considered’ homage to the property’s exterior features, which have been carefully restored in keeping with its previous character.

For example, when the pebble-dashing was replaced with render, Dave’s instructions were for as much texture as possible to avoid a smooth, modern look. The reed green painted roof verges and the red Rosemary clay roof tiles, are examples of getting the external aesthetics right.

Dave drove past nearby homes with the joiner for inspiration on decorative timber details for the verges. Although replacing the original Rosemary tiles with a modern alternative would have been cheaper, it was important to keep them because it was felt that they were an important part of the home’s character.

As Dave explains: "Cleaning each of the existing Rosemary tiles by hand was labour intensive, but an important part of preserving our home’s cottage charm."

Eco achievements

The home now boasts solar PV with battery storage, while an air source heat pump provides the heating. Triple-glazed windows, external wall insulation and airtightness over and above the Building Regs ensures the house is always easy to heat.

The use of smart apps/tariffs ensures that energy will be used when the grid is greenest. The house holds the heat really well and the couple’s heating bills average out at £150 a month, which includes charging two electric cars .

One of the biggest factors in keeping the house warm is the triple-glazed windows fitted by 21Degrees. While the couple consider their eco-choices to be their best build decision, landscaping the garden was next best.

"Unfortunately, we neglected the original mature garden, with excavations and demolitions taking place around the site," says Lucy. "Employing a landscape gardener has ensured that we now enjoy a fabulous cottage garden with colour and interest throughout the season and lovely views from the house. It really makes our home complete, plus we have somewhere to install Dave’s self-made steel pergola!"

If you enjoyed this tour and want even more inspiration, explore this modern self-build in Berkshire that generates more electricity than it uses. Or, step inside this family home that was reimagined with a smart, low-waste extension.

After spending several years trawling estate agents in their search for a suitable place to build a new home, Fraser and Anne Harding came across their ideal site quite unexpectedly.

"We were out walking, close to where we lived, in Newbury, Berkshire, and saw a plot that had just come on the market," says Fraser. "It was ideally situated on one side of a park, adjoining a conservation area and on a tree-lined private road. As soon as we got home we made an offer, which proved successful."

The house that stood on the site was a 1960s chalet bungalow that was built in such a way that renovating it wasn’t an option. "It was a probate sale – the house was totally run-down and had been lived in since the 1960s by a man who had reached his nineties," says Fraser. "From the start, the house we envisaged building was high-spec and eco-friendly and for several reasons, including the configuration of the old house, we couldn’t have achieved it without demolishing it."

Project details

• Location Newbury, Berkshire
• Project Self-build detached
• House size 247sq m
• Build route Project managed with separate subcontractors
• Build cost £680,000
• Architects OB Architecture
• Photographer Brett Charles Photography

Finding an architect

When it came to choosing an architect, to do justice to their vision of a new-build that was "striking and modern", the couple decided not to restrict themselves to the immediate locality, instead opting to draw up a list of candidates from a wider radius – all of whom they found on the RIBA website.

"After trimming it down to a shortlist of three, we met each architect on site, and of those, Grant Freeman at OB Architecture impressed us the most."

Anne takes up the story: "We had a good idea of the type of house we wanted and as a visual starting point, we gave Grant a few magazine photos of houses we liked," she says.

"The main must-have aspect, though, was the need for an eco-friendly home with high insulation standards. We liked the first set of drawings that came back, and particularly loved the shape and external look of the house. However, we did a little bit of changing around internally, such as altering the position of the main staircase and the windows."

Visual priorities

As a generous amount of natural light was deemed vital for the couple, windows were a main consideration. "One of our top requirements was to get a lot of light into our kitchen as our last one was quite dark, so abundant glazing played a big part in that," says Fraser.

Equally important was having great views, and Grant accommodated this by orienting the house to give a clear south-facing outlook. "As the house adjoins a conservation area, we made sure the part of the house visible from the park was a narrow aspect, so as not to be seen as a big ugly block," says Anne.

The mature trees that had appealed to the Hardings also had their drawbacks. "Fundamentally, one of the biggest challenges was the proximity and impact of the large lime and beech trees, which, without clever engineering and design, would have resulted in an orientation for the house away from the principal views from the site," says Grant.

"The trees’ roots, which were protected by tree preservation orders, take up a lot of the site, so it took some clever designing to make it work."

Foundation complications

Having protected trees nearby meant the foundations had to be approached differently. Helical pile foundations were driven below the main root activity, supporting loads on beams placed above ground level, thereby avoiding the need to cut through significant root zones and avoiding soil compaction.

"Because the ground is clay, the piles also had to go down exceptionally deep," says Grant. "All of which meant extra cost, but luckily we knew about this early on in the planning process. The use of piles also allowed flexibility around the roots – trial pits were made in each designated location so if a root was found, the pile could be moved."

Having started the build in August 2019, the project was inevitably impacted by Covid – a particularly expensive period being the 10 weeks when the site sat idle, during which time the fixed costs, such as scaffold hire, still had to be met. Materials that came from abroad, such as windows from Austria, were subject to long delays.

The weather wasn’t their greatest ally, either – during a particularly stormy period in the autumn the ground floor became flooded due to window voids not having been sealed. "All very inconvenient but nothing that we couldn’t cope with," says a stoic Fraser.

Mission accomplished

Five years on, the couple are now happily ensconced in a house that, according to Grant, "is very much nestled within the site, and positioned and oriented to work to its constraints and opportunities."

The Hardings say they are completely satisfied that the brief for an eco-friendly home has been fully met, with a fabric-first approach that Fraser says is at the heart of any sustainable construction.

"The thermal properties of the house are actually slightly better than Passivhaus standard though we didn’t quite meet its required level of airtightness," says Fraser. "Also, to get certification you need to use specific materials, which come with a cost premium, for which we weren’t prepared to pay the considerably higher prices."

Importantly, Fraser and Anne have a home that is complete with air source heat pump, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, solar panels and battery storage, plus smart heating controls that offer heat optimisation based on factors such as weather and the price of electricity.

"While we’re not self sufficient during winter, we generate more energy over the year than we consume in heating and hot water, and in summer we export to the national grid," says Anne. "We also run an electric car off the power we generate."

Having built a house for the future, the couple take particular satisfaction in knowing that the untreated larch cladding that melds perfectly with its surroundings has ulterior eco benefits. "We often get compliments on it, which is great, especially knowing it won’t need replacing for another 40 years," says Fraser.

If you're looking for more inspiration, take a look at this low-waste extension in London, designed with the planet in mind. Or step inside this glass-box extension in Sheffield, which transformed a claustrophobic family home.

When the time came for Chris Newman and Nette Huntley to extend their Victorian terrace in 2022, the need for more space wasn’t their only driving force.

A shared passion for the issues of climate change and sustainability dictated all aspects of the project for the couple, who both work in eco-sympathetic industries.

The story began back in 2010 when Chris and Nette bought "a wreck of a house" in Peckham, south London. "Me and my dad, with some outside help, did a full eco renovation of it," says Chris. "It wasn’t very pretty, but we insulated it throughout, to a standard that was 50 per cent better than the required standards for a new build."

They also installed solar panels and a new boiler, and ended up winning a national award for 'eco renovation of the year’. The next 12 years were concentrated on raising a family. When they set out to continue with the project, the boys, Ralph and Ned, had reached their teens.

"We realised the configuration downstairs meant we were on top of each other, so drastic action had to be taken," says Chris. "Having a small garden meant we could only extend out so far, so we sought professional advice."

Project details

• Location South London
• Project Extension and remodelling
• House type Victorian terrace
• House size 187sq m
• Build cost £225,000
• Architects Proctor & Shaw

The right architect

To find the best architect for the job, Nette made a shortlist of local practices, but also did a lot of research on the sustainability credentials of each – whether they were genuinely committed to the environment or simply "greenwashing". After interviewing three candidates, they chose John Proctor from Proctor & Shaw.

"He was surprised when we told him we wanted to retain our perfectly good wooden floor, a kitchen that was only eight years old and all of the existing structural steelwork," says Chris. "After his initial scepticism about the extreme degree to which we wanted to reuse and recycle what we already had, he got quite excited at the prospect of the project."

John takes up the story: "Design-wise, the idea of keeping the steelwork was a wonderful example of how good design can respond to a given constraint," he says. "Keeping the steelwork meant a pitched roof and a tight spot in the plan with a low ceiling. This became an opportunity for a tiered rooftop allotment and a contrasting super tall ‘tower’ that gifted volumetric generosity to the space."

The build proceeds

"As far as existing materials were concerned, it was as much about must-keep features as must-have features," says Chris. "But there was no getting around the fact that we needed to create more space and we tasked John with that job."

With the challenge accepted, John came up with plans for a triple extension. Firstly, the existing side extension would be stripped back to floor finishes and steel frame – with rooflights retained for reuse – and the space remodelled with a highly insulated warm deck roof forming a new allotment garden.

Secondly, the small patio was infilled by adding double-storey space articulated with oversized windows, an oriel window framing views of the garden at ground-floor level and large high-level windows giving views to the sky and rooftop allotment. The third element was a new room at the bottom of the garden.

Recycling in action

The family had taken the brave decision to remain living on site while renovating, and luckily the build itself went as smoothly as they could have hoped for.

All helped by the fact that the builders were a "real delight to have around". "They were all super helpful and polite," says Chris.

Before the work started, Chris had taken the opportunity to switch over the heating system from a gas boiler to a heat pump, while retaining almost all of the original radiators, and the family were thankful for the efficiency of this system – especially given that it was a particularly cold winter.

"We were plyboarded into the middle part of the house and there was only one radiator downstairs, but thanks to the super-insulation that we’d installed all those years ago, we were fine," says Chris.

For a couple so opposed to wastefulness, a potential disaster was averted thanks to some creative thinking and flexibility. Through no fault of their own, a consignment of windows ordered directly from abroad arrived with the handles on the wrong side.

"To throw them away and have new ones delivered would have been a terrible waste of resources, not to mention the embodied energy cost," points out Chris.

"Two of them were just internal windows, so we simply installed them upside down to get the handles on the correct side. After we posted our dilemma on the local WhatsApp group, the other two windows found a new home with someone who was in the process of building a property in Devon."

Green spaces

Chris and Nette were nothing if not ambitious. Not quite content with all of the new space that they had created, for an added eco dimension, they hankered for more greenery, too.

As a result of this desire, all of the flat roofs had a variety of gardens installed on them – including the small allotment garden – providing habitats for wildlife, plus a space to collect rainwater for reuse.

"On top of the tower we put a brown roof with an 'occasional' pond that fills up when it rains, then naturally drains," says Chris. "It contains gravel and sedum and we leave it to just go wild. And on top of the garden extension, we have a sedum green roof."

With the boys growing up and no longer needing a square lawn to kick a ball around on, Chris worked with a designer to landscape the garden and incorporate paths, a pond and lots of borders and shrubs, finished off with a seat around the tree – created out of offcuts from the Accoya cladding that had been used on the exterior of the house.

"Thanks to the ingenuity of the architect, we’ve gone from a house with a single living space to one with three and a half living areas," says Chris. "Although he didn’t add that much square footage, John created tons of space as well as totally changing the dynamic of how the ground floor works. What he also did was add a ridiculous amount of light – it’s all so open and airy."

"Regarding the house as a whole, it’s no exaggeration to say the finished result has blown through our expectations," concludes Chris. "We’re so thankful for what has been achieved here."

Enjoyed this tour? Take a look around this family home in Sheffield which was completely transformed by a glass-box extension. Or, step inside this copper-clad eco-home that's shaped like 'origami'.

The stone-built house that David and Jenny Hewitt bought from new in 2016 was ideal – with a generous garden and a compact kitchen-diner, it had ample room for the professional couple.

That is, until Henry, now seven, and Rex, five, came on the scene and reached an age where space started to become more of an issue for the family.

Upsizing might have been an option had David and Jenny not loved the area so much, so instead, they decided that extending was the preferred way to go, with the plan being to relocate the kitchen from the front to the rear of the house.

"There was a particular spot in the garden, beside the existing garage, where it just made sense to extend as we wouldn’t lose much of the garden space that we tended to use regularly," says David.

Project details

• Location Worrall, Sheffield
• Age of property Detached stone-fronted house, built 2016
• Extension size 35sq m
• Project Single-storey kitchen extension
• Build cost £120,000
• Architects Brightman Clarke Architects

Moving forward

The couple spent time researching extension styles online, and after seeing several ‘glass-box’ extensions, they decided that this was the way they wanted to go, and so David put together a PowerPoint presentation of how and where they envisaged the new structure to be.

To find an architect’s firm they simply looked online and came across local practice, Brightman Clarke.

"We wanted to find someone who could come up with something a bit more interesting – and perhaps more technical – than the norm and needed a firm that didn’t lose all sense of proportion when it came to cost," says David. "And we struck lucky."

With costs in mind, the Hewitts stress the importance of dealing with architects who are both transparent and flexible in this respect, pointing out that with Brightman Clarke each stage of the process had a set cost and that at any time, they could have opted out and "parted as friends".

David says that as well as helping with the design side of the project, the practice also helped them with the tendering process. "Having someone beside you who has that wealth of experience and who can make sure that you’re comparing like with like, is invaluable," he says.

Addressing the issues

Project designer Jonathan Clarke acknowledges that from the outset there were a few obvious issues that needed addressing.

"The existing house had a kitchen at the front and the dining area was situated to the rear, yet it had limited visual and physical connection to the rear garden, creating a sense of isolation and claustrophobia," he says. "Meanwhile, a large separate lounge also felt disconnected from the garden, despite having French doors leading directly out into it."

As David explains: "Jonathan duly refined and changed some of the impractical suggestions we made and introduced his own ideas. For example, where the living room opens up to the back garden, he suggested replacing the poky white uPVC French windows with wide glazed doors that match the style of the extension and which now give the whole rear of the house a feeling of unity and connection to the outside."

Another means of creating a feeling of oneness was to remove the rear wall of the old kitchen-diner, which also had the benefit of allowing added light into the internal space.

It is perhaps testament to the knowledge and experience of Brightman Clarke that the project got through planning at the first attempt because, while it is only a modest-size extension, being so heavily glazed meant the design had to comply with strict regulations regarding the percentage of glass it could use.

"Other considerations included how to make the space cosy given the small amount of solid wall we had in there," says David.

But warmth – or lack of – certainly didn’t pose a problem thanks to Kingspan insulation being placed under the floor’s screed, which, paired with the underfloor heating, ensures the room is ideal for year-round use.

"The ceiling has a similarly high level of insulation, too," he adds. Thanks to contractors who regularly worked with Brightman Clarke, the build went smoothly, with only one hitch – the discovery of a huge manhole close to where the foundations were due to be laid.

"It was the kind of hole you could live in," laughs David, "and the size of it even took the structural engineer aback." Luckily the day was saved without much delay by a slight amendment to the design of the concrete raft.

Money well spent

With the whole process taking around a year from planning to completion, the Hewitts have no doubt that the extension was an investment worth making, and that as well as all the benefits the new interior space brings, they can take equal pride in its very considered external appearance.

Jonathan says: "While materials, such as the black timber, have been selected to respect the property’s rural location, a slim, flat roof cantilevers out over the extension, providing a modernist finish that offers shelter from high levels of solar gains, and enhances the transition between inside and outside spaces."

And the couple feel equally pleased with what they achieved a few feet away from the build, too.

"One of the areas we were able to save on time and cost was the garden," says David. "We realised it wouldn’t make sense to complete a new pristine extension, only for us to then start again on landscaping work, with the inevitable resulting mess," says David.

"So towards the end of the build, the contractors used the designer’s precise plans to level the lawn and create a paved seating area with pergola."

Such was the success of the project, there’s already another one in the pipeline. "Brightman Clarke are helping us with plans for a loft conversion," says David. "If it goes as smoothly as the extension has gone, we’ll all be happy."

Enjoyed this tour? Take a look around this copper-clad eco-home in Oxford or this ultra-modern self-build in Surrey.

Adrian James and Sarah Shekleton are the first to admit they have serendipity to thank for the incredible angular, patinated copper-clad house that stands on an elevated site, with its stunning views of central Oxford’s dreaming limestone spires.

After designing the award-winning home they had built and lived in since the late 1990s, architect Adrian was itching to do the same again but had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to present itself.

In 2016, Adrian had done a feasibility study for clients who were thinking of selling off a plot of land at the end of their extensive garden, and then heard no more.

Four years later, while out on one of their mid-lockdown walks, the couple happened to pass the very same plot, which still had not been built on. Sarah recalls that Adrian then turned to her and said, "If I could build a house anywhere, this would be my ideal spot."

Out of curiosity, they emailed the owner of the land when they got back home and a few days later received a reply. The developer who had planned to build on the land had pulled out that very same morning, and the owner asked Adrian and Sarah whether they would be interested in buying the plot. "The timing was so fortuitous that we felt it was just meant to be," says Sarah.

Project details

• Location Oxford
• Project Self-build contemporary detached
• House size 230 sq m
• Construction Timber frame
• Build cost £1.3m
• Architect Adrian James Architects

Completing the deal

Negotiations to buy the site began in February 2021 and completed in October 2022. The planning permission process was relatively straightforward, with good feedback from a pre-application leading to approval in June 2022.

"Having to go through a two-stage tender process saw the estimated cost of the project rise so we needed to do some modifications," says Adrian, "but we were able to maintain the key design elements along with our commitment to sustainability."

As an architect Adrian works in all styles and materials, and his approach is to let the nature of the plot dictate the type of house inhabiting it, and he felt this particular site lent itself to a material he particularly loves using – copper – and his vision depended on a highly innovative way of using it.

Striking shapes would ensure light and shade brought out the best in it. "The sculpted form of the house had to be achieved by using dramatically angled roof trusses – not on the roof, but hanging off the sides of the timber frame, which is a straightforward compact cuboid beneath the shell," he says.

Hidden functions

As spectacular as the shape of the house is – the folds of which Sarah refers to as being "like origami" – the ingenuity of the design lies largely in its functionality. "The peaks and facets of the form are shaped to carefully modulate sunlight," says Adrian.

He also points out that because the site slopes to the south, solar shading was necessary to protect the generous glazing from the sun in summer, when the house might overheat, but in such a way that it would allow in the low sunlight for solar gain during winter.

Another requisite when designing the building, was that the house should visually complement the landscape. The colour is such that the structure melds into the natural greens of its surroundings, with the verdigris hue suggesting it has been there for countless years, slowly mellowing under rain and sunshine.

"Actually the copper was pre-patinated," Sarah points out. "If we’d have left it to oxidise naturally, it would have taken decades to have attained this colour."

Carbon capture

The construction was trouble-free and finished on schedule thanks to the use of a timber frame and builders who proved "efficient and meticulous".

And in line with the couple’s environmental sensibilities, the structure of the house was built from a carbon-capturing material. The addition of structural insulated panels (SIPs) also made the house superbly insulated, thus reducing the need for space heating in winter, but any heating and hot water that is required is served by an eco-friendly air source heat pump.

Other eco credentials include a roof covered in an array of 37 solar PV panels that, thanks to battery storage, turn the house into a mini power station which, over the course of a year, produces a third more electricity than it consumes.

Adrian and Sarah are justifiably proud of the fact that the house is carbon neutral and over time should actually become carbon positive. All of which enables the couple to get the best out of a light-filled home that has an open-plan, lofty, double-height space at its heart.

Adrian describes the house’s interior as being pure and simple. "It’s all about the timeless Corbusian tenets of space, light and order, and the finish is crisp, bright and calm," he says.

A monolithic, tall brick wall was cleverly designed to add both tactility and thermal mass – thereby helping to regulate the temperature at the heart of the house – and it also serves as a staircase wall on one side and an oversized work of art on the other.

At one with nature

For all the beauty and pleasure that their home bestows on them, the pair say that it’s the house’s relationship to its natural surroundings – nestling within them rather than displacing them – that makes it so special.

"The garden is full of pollinating flora, and planting a range of native species in the hedge contributes to biodiversity," says Adrian. "A rainwater harvesting tank helps minimise use of precious water. And recently, we’ve added a beehive and welcomed a colony of bees to the garden."

Reinforcing her husband’s sentiments, Sarah describes what it’s like to live in this innovative house: "It’s wonderful how every day is elevated by being here. Lying in bed and watching dawn rise over Oxford, sitting at the table bathed in sunlight, coming out on the landing at night and seeing the space eerily bathed in moonlight through the double-height window… it’s magical. Then checking our solar panel meter on the app and finding we are generating megawatts is the icing on the cake!"

Enjoyed this tour? Take a look around this ultra-modern self-build in Surrey or this converted derelict tower in Cornwall.

Building a new home wasn’t particularly on the agenda for Nicola Robinson and David Carr when they started browsing online at various properties in their hometown of Woking.

But their interest was piqued when they came across a dilapidated 1940s bungalow on a road they had always liked, just a couple of miles out of the centre of town.

“David was away working in Athens at the time so I went out to view it and although the price seemed quite high for what it was, it was an obvious candidate for a rebuild project,” says Nicola. “It had been on the market for a long time and looking into it further, we found that it was on a green belt where possibilities for building a new home could be restricted.”

Project details

• Location Woking, Surrey
• Project Self-build detached
• Build route Construction contract
• Build cost £1.1m
• House size 268sq m
• Architect Kate Stoddart

Planning hurdles

Undeterred by the potential complications, the couple took planning advice to reassure themselves that the kind of self-build they wanted would be possible, and subsequently put in an offer, which was accepted.

But the process was far from plain sailing – the existing property was a bungalow and the planners were reluctant to accept anything of a greater height, even though the newer neighbouring houses had several storeys.

Finally, in February 2022, two and a half years after buying the plot, planning permission was granted after going to appeal. When initially looking for an architect, the pair were intent on finding a local firm and after meeting Kate Stoddart, they felt her style chimed with their own.

"She was with us from the start and it was Kate who recommended the planning consultants we used in the early stages," says Nicola. "We liked the fact that she was straightforward and didn’t try to make you feel she was dealing in mystic arts that you wouldn’t understand."

It also helped that Nicola and David had their own ideas about the style of home they wanted, namely "something contemporary and modern, not a pastiche of a period style," as David puts it. "Basically we were after a clean design that worked, and which maximised the light and the great views."

Another main requirement was for several living areas on the ground floor, each with the ability to interconnect.

Option for a design

The result of the collaboration was a two-storey house that is architecturally distinctive for its bold geometric form – a series of cuboids in dark brick and with vertical timber cladding.

"Its refined detailing has been designed to add a quiet elegance, plus it has generous proportions without being too dominant for its setting," says Kate Stoddart. "Compared to nearby traditional designs it really allows inhabitants to fully enjoy everything this green belt site has to offer."

Although Kate had presented her clients with plans in several other styles, the cuboid version was a unanimous choice, for practical as well as aesthetic reasons.

"With boxiness you get better upstairs space," says David. "You don’t have to make compromises around features such as dormer windows or because of awkward corners and walls. Also, the flat roof was the ideal way to make the most of the building’s height by providing opportunities for rooflights and adding further height to key areas, as well as concealing 20 solar PV panels."

Eco requirements

Sustainability is integral to the design, too, but achieving it wasn’t necessarily a straightforward process.

"From the start we’d decided we wanted an A rating for energy efficiency but after we began the project there was a change in the rules regarding how energy efficiencies are rated," says David.

"It made an A rating harder to attain but by tightening up on several aspects at the construction stage, we achieved it. A lot of it was about getting the airtightness right, which called for a bit more rigour upstairs, it being a timber structure."

Visible signs of the home’s eco credentials include the stunning polished concrete floor embedding wet underfloor heating, which is powered by an air source heat pump.

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) ensures year-round fresh air with minimal heat loss, while solar panels offset energy consumption, supporting low-carbon living.

"We were also going to have triple-glazed windows but we found a double-glazed option with similarly impressive solar gain qualities, with the added benefit of being more slimline," says Kate. "Unfortunately it’s not great for David’s attempt to grow tomatoes indoors as he says it cuts out the solar wavelengths needed for photosynthesis."

Interior style

It’s credit to Nicola and David’s own sense of style that the ground floor embraces flexible living, with a kitchen island and full-height sliding doors that open onto the garden.

Helping the indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly, this sense of continuity is created by paired metal-frame double doors facing each other across the hallway, which draw you across the main living areas.

In turn, the siting of the glass sliding doors onto the patio open up and allow free circulation across the internal and external spaces. Now firmly established in a home that exemplifies spatial clarity, craftsmanship and environmental responsibility, the couple give credit to both the architect and the builder for the end product.

"Marcus at Eight Building works with Kate a lot and between them they came up with many creative ways of achieving good results, saving us a good deal of money in the process," says David.

"One of the things we love most about this house is that when you stand back and look at it, whether from the front or the back, it has a lot of presence without being too big – that’s clever design," David concludes.

The design was a clearly a hit with our audience too, as the project scooped the Readers' Choice Award in the public vote for the 2025 Homebuilding & Renovating Awards.

For more inspiration, explore this converted substation tower in Cornwall with sweeping countryside views, or this Manhattan-inspired loft conversion in London.

"The uniqueness of the tower sold it to us," says Morveth Ward. "It was imposing and derelict, but we could visualise it done, and we were excited about the challenge of getting it there."

Standing 11m tall with a footprint of just 25sq m, the tower in question was built in 1910 from local granite and used as an electricity substation, yet the location adds the magic, as it is set on a high ridge in rural west Cornwall.

Here, the peninsula is so narrow that one can see both coasts simultaneously, providing a breathtaking view that was a big part of the substation’s appeal for the pair.

Project details

• Location West Cornwall
• House type Former stone electricity substation, built in 1910
• Construction method Extension is timber frame and timber clad
• Project cost £400,000
• Architect Jacob Down
• Interior design Trevolt Studio

Local connections

"We're very rooted here," says Abi, an interior designer. "Morveth grew up a few fields away, and we had been on the lookout for a project. We had asked the farmer five years previously to let us know if she ever wanted to sell."

And when she said she did, the couple threw everything they had at the project, selling their home, committing their savings and moving into a static caravan on site. Yet the size of this one-off challenge didn’t faze them.

"We’d done renovation projects before, but nothing on this scale," says Morveth. Abi agrees, saying, "It was before we had children, and it didn’t cross our minds as being daunting – on the contrary, it was exciting. We knew there would be hiccups, even if we planned it to perfection, and we agreed it could be stressful, but not worth getting upset about."

The pair say their confidence stemmed from knowing they had a great team and part of that team was their architect, Jacob Down, who was the natural choice.

"We’ve been best friends since school," says Morveth. "We’re so aligned, there is no stress and Jacob is super creative."

Jacob created new spaces in the existing tower across three levels (the top one is a mezzanine bedroom) and added a two-storey, larch-clad extension, set back and to the side.

A central, full-height lightwell ensures the heart of the building is naturally bright and frames the drama of the Cornish sky. A small porch to one side of the tower had to be removed and was replaced in the same style as the extension.

Additions with integrity

The new additions are deliberately contemporary designs, which contrast with the original building. They add valuable practical space for family life, but all without detracting from the original building.

Morveth and Abi’s choice of timber as the cladding for the extensions continues that concept of difference and contrast between the parts of the property.

"We never wanted it to match, as that felt dishonest," explains Abi. "We didn’t want to blur lines, either, as that would change the form of the tower and we wanted to keep the original prominent. While we discussed different materials that could be used, we felt the timber would weather-in well."

Differences of opinion

Getting planning permission for their vision took less than a year and, thankfully, was fairly stress-free as the couple had an agreement with the farmer that they would only purchase the land once planning had been awarded.

Agreeing on Building Regulations was a challenge, however, as the approach favoured by the local authority was to dry-line the original stone structure on the inside face and build out stud walls with traditional insulation to meet the required U-values.

Yet this didn’t fit with Morveth and Abi’s vision for sustainability and respect for the historic fabric of the building. Fortunately, the couple found a local company, Cornish Lime, which makes insulating lime render. As a natural material, the lime render meets the required U-value without losing space to new stud walls.

"We had to fight for that, but it was worth persevering," says Morveth. "Otherwise, we would have been left with square rooms, whereas now we can follow the line of the original walls, giving a more aesthetic and authentic feel."

The exterior walls also needed attention. Morveth worked with the building team to remove the cement between the granite blocks and repoint the tower with lime, allowing the home to breathe.

Local sourcing

The size and the potential unknowns of the project proved tricky, according to Morveth.

"Repointing was a huge job, but we knew we had to get that bit right and not rush it," he says.

Another sustainable measure that the couple took included drilling a borehole for water. "That was a great decision as the water quality is amazing," says Abi.

The couple also chose to have a ground-source heat pump. The former substation stands on a one-acre plot, so they had the space for the shallow, coil type. "We were looking for green alternatives," says Morveth. "GSHP manufacturer Kensa is here in Cornwall, so our system was built just 15 miles away, and it has proved to be a great choice for us."

Bringing local sourcing and sustainable principles to the interior design was Abi’s goal when she designed the finishes. She chose to use clay paint – including some self-mixed – so that there were "no horrible chemicals," and the kitchen cabinetry was hand-built in solid wood.

Abi also removed the old render to reveal red brick arches over the windows and doors. "I’d describe the style as modern rustic," says Abi. "I wanted to pay homage to the building and its fabric by enhancing the character and the sense of history. For example, we found some old switches, which we cleaned and installed as outside lights."

Looking ahead

With Morveth working as a labourer on site throughout the build and renovations, and the couple sharing project management responsibilities, Abi was able to focus on the interior design from the start.

Morveth credits her foresight. "I would constantly ask, 'Why are you buying this now?' but getting the right things when she saw them proved the right thing to do," he says. "It meant that as soon as the building work was completed, we were ready to go."

Despite the risks and challenges, the Wards – now a family of three, following the arrival of daughter Posy – are loving their life in this former substation. They are also passionate about the potential of disused heritage buildings as homes.

"There is so much room, with fantastic light," says Abi. Morveth agrees: "I love the sense of freedom the building gives," he says. "The elements, the big expanses, the feeling of space. It’s amazing how it opens up from the roof. This is an elevated plot, and from the top of the building, you feel like you are flying."

Enjoyed this house tour? You may also want to look around this Manhattan-inspired loft conversion in London or this extended London terrace with a flexible layout.

Harry and Joe bought their locally listed Victorian property in south-east London some three decades ago.

"The house was built in 1898, so we knew we’d eventually need to replace the roof," says Harry. "We thought we might as well take the opportunity to add convert the loft at the same time. That was the main driver for the project."

After doing some research into local design practices, the couple met with Neil Gaskin of Sketch Architects to discuss their ideas. "We had a vision and knew what we were looking for," says Joe. "We were inspired by New York loft apartments and wanted to capture the views across London."

Project details

• Location South-east London
• Project Loft conversion of Victorian property
• Build route Architect designed, project managed and engaged contractors
• Build cost £4,500sq m
• Build time 22 months
• Architectural designers Sketch Architects

Initial concept

Neil allocated Daniel Lewis to work with the couple on the project. "We always dealt with the same person, which made things easier," says Joe. "We struck up a very good working relationship with him and really felt that he wanted the best for us. Because of that, the design process was very collaborative."

The team at Sketch came up with an innovative idea; to fill the space between the home’s two distinctive roof pitches to create a large new loft. An open-plan living area, work space, versatile bedroom and bathroom would all be arranged throughout the new floorplan.

"To finish the rear of the loft, we chose a large, angled window, rather than a typical boxy dormer loft, which we were keen to avoid," explains Harry.

Planning hurdles

Due to the bold design, the planning permission process proved to be challenging.

"We made an initial application to the local authority, which was refused," says Harry. "Neil tried to address some of their concerns, further reducing the visual impact of some elements, but again planning permission was refused at local authority level."

Neil therefore decided to appeal the decision and, luckily, was successful. "Thanks to Neil’s perseverance, we finally managed to obtain consent after around 14 months," says Joe. "There was a real sense that we were all willing to bear with it and see the project through. A scheme like this requires a tenacious architect who listens and can bring a vision to reality."

Once consent was achieved, Sketch Architects approached three construction companies for quotes. After consideration, Summit Group Building Company was selected.

Work began in June 2022 with the most essential job – installing scaffolding around the historic property. "This included a 'tin-hat' that covered the whole roof," explains Joe.

"The scaffolding was huge – it was a bit shocking – but it meant that a lot of work was done outside, so the disturbance was far less than it could have been." The existing roof was then carefully dismantled.

Finding extra space

Next, the interior floor was taken apart board by board.

"To achieve the look and feeling of space we wanted, we thought we might need to lower the ceilings on the first floor, which we really wanted to avoid," says Harry. "Luckily, Neil found a way to work with some six to eight inches of wasted area below the floorboards."

This meant that the loft floor could be lowered, without affecting the height of the ceilings in the rooms below, resulting in a 2.8-metre-high ceiling in the new space. The new roof was then carefully built from above, meaning that few materials were brought up through the existing property.

In fact, Harry and Joe were able to live in the property during the build. The loft structure was crafted from steel and timber, both of which were craned into place. The huge panes of glass for the angled loft windows were also lifted in. Finally, the loft exterior was clad entirely in slate.

"Towards the end of the build, an opening was created between the floors, making space for a new, custom steel staircase," says Harry.

Of course, there were plenty of obstacles throughout the project.

"A key challenge was preserving the decorative ridge tiles that sit on the original roof," says Neil. "The planners asked that they either be retained or reinstated, but many of the originals broke during demolition. So, we had to source some reclaimed ones to match the style of the originals."

Manhattan calling

By April 2024, the project was complete. The new loft space spans the entire footprint of the house. Modern and bright, the huge glazed window frames allowed unobstructed views across the city.

At either side of the loft, the home’s original brick walls have been left exposed, providing a striking industrial touch that perfectly matches the glazing.

"When you’re in the garden, looking up, you can see the window, but it’s dark and almost blends into the roof," says Joe.

"That’s because the glass features a solar-control film to alleviate solar gain. Despite being daring, the loft is very sympathetic to our neighbours. It was important that from the roadside, no one would be able to tell what we’d done. We’ve managed that brilliantly."

Lessons learned

Taking a fabric-first approach, the loft was heavily insulated to create an energy-efficient, high-performing new structure. The owners learned plenty during the process, too.

"You need an architect to ensure that the proportions will work," says Harry. "Spatially, it’s important to get it right."

As for the best part of the process, the couple fondly remember climbing up a ladder to have a look inside the partially finished loft for the first time.

"Seeing the space opened up and getting a sense of just how much room we were gaining was amazing." says Joe. "We finally got to see the views of the city and the River Thames, too."

With its ultimate juxtaposition between old and new – classic London architecture and Manhattan’s distinctive industrial heritage – the loft is akin to a private apartment, set high above the city. Yet just down a staircase lies a historic Victorian house.

"It’s a unique combination," says Joe. "The loft provides a whole different experience to the house below."

Joe concludes, "It was an ambitious project for a loft conversion, but we certainly have achieved a very elegant alternative to the standard dormer."

For more ideas and inspiration, take a tour of this extended London terrace with a flexible internal layout. Or explore this barn-style self-build in East Suffolk with panoramic countryside views.

Tired of renting, Graeme Bulcraig began searching for a home he could make his own. Focusing on Hackney, north London, an area known for its Victorian terraced houses and converted flats, Graeme found a rare gem – a spacious, 1960s end-of-terrace with a generous-sized garden design.

"I was lucky to find this house," he says. "But I was in a good position as a cash buyer." The brick property was dated and tired, having been rented out to students.

"It was liveable but I knew I wanted to do a lot of work to it," says Graeme. Even with a budget of £300,000, most of the architects he approached struggled to make the numbers work.

"When I spoke to Nimtim Architects, they were immediately positive about what could be achieved," says Graeme. "I also liked that they were female-led. It could have ended up being a very masculine design, but they brought some playfulness to the project."

Project details

• Location Hackney, north London
• Project Rear extension, loft conversion and full renovation
• Build cost £353,050 (+VAT)
• Original property cost £800,000
• Architectural designers Nimtim Architects

Novel approach

Graeme worked with Nimtim’s Allie Mackinnon on the design. "The brief was open in a way," says Graeme. "I wanted thoughtful design; something unique. I really liked ply and the idea of having a simple palette of materials, to tie all the areas of the house together."

There were two concepts Graeme was keen on; fixed Crittall doors and a kitchen positioned at the heart of the house, within a bespoke pod. To visualise it, he built the entire thing in Lego.

Drawing on Graeme’s ideas, Allie proposed creating a flexible interior layout, with a moveable glass partition extending the full length of the ground floor. Instead of steel, the screen would be crafted from timber to bring warmth and softness to the space.

An L-shaped addition at the rear would make way for a new dining space, while a full-width loft dormer would house two new bedrooms, a flexible space and a family bathroom.

To increase the home’s thermal efficiency, new high-spec windows and doors would be installed, topped with custom concrete lintels. Inside, microcement, ply and clay would be paired with accents of burgundy. This colour would also finish the new glazing frames and front door.

Plans and pitfalls

The plans were submitted to Hackney Council, but the loft conversion was quickly refused – despite the fact it almost replicated the one next door.

"The volume of it was about one cubic metre over the limit," says Graeme. "It was a technicality and as a result, it had to be inset a bit, so it doesn’t quite reach the end of the house."

Allie also had to reduce the number of windows and the size of the rooflights. With these amendments made, planning was achieved.

Following the tender process, Graeme selected Griffon Construction for the job. "I found them on Houzz," says Graeme. "They had never really completed an architecture-led project, but they were keen and confident they could do the job."

Graeme moved into a friend’s house and work began in March 2022. However, while digging the foundations for the new extension, the builders came across an underground pipe.

"No one knew what it was," says Graeme. "There’s an old electricity substation at the back of the garden and after doing some research, I discovered there are high voltage electricity cables running underneath the property boundary. We had to involve a structural engineer and National Grid, and were told we couldn’t build over the pipe."

As a result, the shape of the extension had to be slightly altered. "We lost a bit of space and it was pretty stressful, working out how to deal with it," he recalls.

Model inspiration

Once sorted, 450mm wide mass concrete strip foundations were laid before the extension was built from steel beams and masonry. The rest of the house was stripped back, ready for the internal refurb.

"At one point, there was literally one floor and the walls left," says Graeme. The kitchen pod was crafted using Surface Matter’s Richlite, a recycled composite surface, while the kitchen itself was built from a standard Ikea carcass and finished with custom fronts.

"We took the LEGO model to Holte and they designed the kitchen based on it," says Graeme. "It saved a lot of money doing it that way."

Inevitably there were challenges along the way. "There were a number of building material shortages as a result of the pandemic," says architect Allie. "The Ukraine conflict also affected the availability of plywood. As a result, we switched to a poplar-core plywood veneer for all the home’s linings. We then selected solid ash timber for the sliding screen frame, staircase and flooring."

Luckily, Graeme’s careful planning and organisation meant he was able to order a lot of materials well in advance, storing them in his garden until needed.

Nimtim acted as contract administrator, visiting the site every fortnight, while Graeme took on project management duties, attending meetings almost every day. "Overall, it was a joy," says Graeme. "You hear horror stories, but I really enjoyed it."

Warm spectrum

Despite a few setbacks, the project was completed in just eight months. From the front, the 1960s property looks much the same, apart from the upgraded, burgundy-hued glazing and front door.

But head inside and you’ll discover a warm, rich palette of textures and tones. Grown-up spaces are paired with playful, flexible areas that are perfect for Graeme and his two children.

Graeme hasn’t ruled out tackling another project in the future, confessing that his favourite part of the process was the design stage.

"The fun part is choosing materials, thinking about what you could do and making moodboards," he says. "I really enjoyed the whole creative process."

Developing the brief

Allie Mackinnon of Nimtim Architects says, "The existing 1960s end-of-terrace had its own unique typology. It was simplistic in form and reminiscent of a child’s drawing of a house; complete with a distinctive front gable, a tall chimney pot, a front garden and a long path to the front door.

"Our ‘briefing game’ is a core tool that we use with clients to shape the brief in a more collaborative, playful way. During this process, we identified a desire for spaces that would be calming and restorative for adults to sit, alongside spaces that were playful and robust for children.

"Two distinct zones were created: an area of movement defined by hardwearing finishes such as ply, and a softer, more tactile zone defined by textural finishes, including textured natural plaster that creates warmth and diffused light."

Graeme is thrilled with the end result, calling the house "beautiful, light and calm" and continues, "It’s a real joy and I’m very fortunate to live here."

For more inspiration, browse this colourful extended home in north London or this barn-inspired self-build with panoramic countryside views.

When Annicka Locket and James Terry bought their manor farmhouse it came with a variety of outbuildings, the biggest of which was an old industrial barn.

"We used this building for all sorts of things, including as a play space – complete with climbing wall – for our kids," says Annicka.

But after several years the barn, which was constructed mainly of breeze blocks with a metal roof, began leaking and was demanding regular repairs, which prompted the couple to explore what they could do with it.

The next logical step was to commission a local architect who could help them develop their own ideas and who they knew could take them through each vital stage – design, planning permission and overseeing the build. Luckily, Annicka and James had already had dealings with Mole Architects and felt no need to look any further.

Project overview

• Location Saxmundham, East Suffolk
• Project Self-build
• Construction method Timber frame
• House size 225sq m
• House type Two-storey brick detached property
• Architectural designers Mole Architects

Following the footprint

The couple decided they wanted to use the barn’s footprint as the basis for a property they could rent out, but which could also provide their extended family with spill-over space from the main farmhouse – a place to gather in and enjoy together.

"Initially, we were looking for something interesting and funky – something a bit standout and modern – but as the architects scoped out our options we kept coming back to the materials that were on that plot of land," says Annicka. "As much as we wanted to push the envelope, the only things that were working were ideas that took from the language of the existing buildings."

While planning permission was obtained without too many new iterations needed, the fact that the intended building would be taller than the original one called for a revision.

A planning condition that the new building roof ridge could be no higher than the surrounding barn roofs meant there was a limit on the angle of the roof, the result being that the foundations had to be sunk lower to maintain comfortable internal ceiling heights.

"Although this was a constraint, it did help with bedding the building into the site," says project architect Susie Newman.

Time flexibility

One aspect of the project that Annicka says worked out particularly well was the fact that there wasn’t so much importance on having a strict deadline, with it being built partly as a rental.

"It made a difference for the builders and the build itself as there wasn’t the pressure of an immovable completion date – it was one less stress for all of us," she says. "We’ve had previous projects where our family, as well as the builders, have been under pressure to complete within a certain timescale."

Any hiccups to the build were purely Covid related. "Bricks became scarce and expensive – and so did the bricklayers," says Annicka. "Plus the cost of steel went up. All those market forces made life harder for us, but it was never an existential threat."

Interior layout

The initial inclinations for a slightly off-the-wall house design were ultimately turned on their head, as the most radical aspect of this building proved not to be the exterior aspect but the internal layout.

Thinking logically about how best this home could be enjoyed, the pair opted for a ‘topsy-turvy’ layout. "We realised it made sense to house the communal spaces on the top floor to maximise the views, while placing bedrooms on the ground floor," says Annicka.

"As dramatic as it would have felt to have been in a top-floor bedroom with vaulted ceilings and amazing countryside views, it seems such a waste for only two people to experience that."

When it came to the layout, the configuration of the rooms was determined by the fact that the house was going to be used both for hosting family and also for renting out.

"It was important to make the home fully accessible, particularly for wheelchair users as the client’s parents, one of whom is in a wheelchair, would be spending extended time in the house, too," says project architect Susie Newman.

"Rethinking the external layout and how cars moved around the site was also part of the brief, to avoid cars congesting the site and keeping them out of view."

Practical choices

"With its primary function as holiday accommodation in mind, the design needed to be robust and hard-wearing, and easy to maintain," says Susie.

"Part of the brief was to give it a light touch – for the interior we wanted a look that respected the character of the setting and farmhouse, and which felt part of the site. Undeniably, part of the beauty within is the way in which style elements have been shaped in a way that softens and complements the more practical necessities."

As with any home worth its salt, the kitchen design is at the heart. Here, a core clad in cherry wood, meticulously detailed and coordinated with the kitchen supplier and the joinery team, helps to divide the open-plan living space into defined zones – a kitchen and dining area to the east, a sitting area to the west and a snug to the north.

The rich red timber lining is wonderfully warm in tone, and hides much of the necessary equipment in the home, including a home lift, all the kitchen cabinets and living room media wall.

Moving all this equipment and kitchen to the centre of the plan has also allowed for very large windows either side of the living space that is uncluttered by TVs, kitchen cabinets and so on, making the space light and airy.

Led by experience

Annicka says that she and James credit most of the project’s success to Mole Architects.

"During design development it was definitely a two-way process but we were led by the architects' experience as well as their principles in so many areas – not least where eco considerations were involved," she explains.

"As a matter of best practice, they designed a low-energy home that performs to Passivhaus standards with triple glazing, a highly insulated external fabric as well as an air source heat pump (ASHP), mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and solar PV panels all integral to the home."

"Mole Architects’ challenge was to execute what they wanted in a way that was both practical and within budget," says Annicka. "They succeeded in that respect, and as a result we’re more than happy with the outcome."

For more inspiration, explore this colourful extended home in London that connects with its surroundings or this ultra-modern cottage that measures just three metres wide.

Professional writers Aurelie and Daniel Chambers bought a traditional Victorian terraced house in Hackney, north London, with a view to turning it into the perfect retreat for themselves and their two cats.

The property was liveable, but far from in keeping with the couple’s house design preferences – or their lifestyle. For starters, at the rear sat a leaky polycarbonate conservatory, while the home’s layout was disjointed and impractical.

The windows also didn’t do the property’s location justice. Located beside a Grade II-listed wall bordering a woodland park, the interior lacked real connection to the abundant nature right outside.

Project details

• Location Hackney, north London
• Project Side return extension and internal reconfiguration
• House size 120sq m
• Build cost £200,000
• Architectural designers Office S&M Architects

Expert help

Aurelie and Daniel called in the experts at Office S&M Architects to help them redesign the home, wanting to address its structural and functional shortcomings, while also making the most of the view.

The couple also wanted to create a multifunctional kitchen space where they could cook, dine, read and source inspiration from their environment. Architect Malin Bergman took the lead on the project, proposing a thoughtfully designed side return extension to replace the existing conservatory.

It would almost mimic the shape and scale of the addition and would accommodate a generous kitchen and dining area, with custom integrated reading nooks and playful features for the cats, including a climbing frame and scratch pole.

Malin also suggested reconfiguring the ground floor footprint to create an effortless flow between spaces. By rejigging the layout, space would also be made for a new cloakroom and utility room.

Finally, carefully positioned windows – including a circular rooflight – would frame picturesque views, enhancing the home’s connection with its surroundings, while simultaneously bringing lots of light into the interior.

Once the plans were set, they were submitted to Hackney Council for approval and permission was achieved in just 10 weeks. The project was then put out to tender and Magic Projects were taken on as contractors.

Work gets underway

Work began in the summer of 2023, with the demolition of the existing conservatory. Screw pile foundations were laid, not only to provide support to the addition, but to protect the roots of the ancient trees nearby, and the foundations of the historic arboretum wall.

The new curved extension idea was constructed from Douglas fir timber and lined with slimline windows. Within eight months, the project was complete. Aurelie and Daniel love how their newly refurbished home is a tranquil, pared-back oasis, where nature takes centre stage.

Externally, a mix of lilac tiles, Douglas fir and green framed glazing elements were chosen to reflect the shades of the changing seasons.

From the architect’s perspective, too, it’s been an undoubted success. "It’s been wonderful to incorporate so many natural materials and timbers into the house, allowing us to create a home that not only connects with its surroundings, but is made from it, too," says Malin. "The design celebrates the property’s natural context, while preserving its integrity."

Interior plans

For the finishing touches, a simple, stripped back palette of natural materials and colours has been used throughout the home. Douglas fir was selected as the unifying detail and used in many instances – from the bespoke joinery to the window frames and custom furniture.

Yellow wall tiles, pastel-blue cabinetry and red light fixtures add bold pops of colour, while raw terracotta kitchen floor tiles echo the earth of the forest floor.

Soft upholstered seating wraps around the dining and kitchen areas, paired with wall lights and a fold-out table, providing the perfect spot for reading and relaxing. A bespoke cat climbing frame finishes the space and features flexi areas for rest, including a bed – heated, of course.

Every aspect of the new extension has been designed to cater to both Aurelie and Daniel – and their cats.

If you enjoyed looking round this property, you may also want to check out this ultra-modern home in west Sussex which measures just three metres wide. Or, tour this charming Cotswold barn that was converted from a run-down cowshed.

When her mother became ill, Sandie Tozer left her new life in Australia and returned to West Sussex. "I set aside 18 months to be on this side of the globe," says Sandie. "So, I decided to tackle a project while I was here."

Priced out of bustling Brighton, Sandie expanded her search to Shoreham-by-Sea, a quiet coastal town a short distance along the coast.

There, she found a quirky and historic shipbuilder’s cottage in a probate sale. Dating back to the 1800s, the ultra-narrow home measured about 2.7m at the widest point and was arranged over three disjointed floors.

In need of significant modernisation, it featured an overly complex series of small, dark spaces, which lacked a feeling of connection between each other and the rear garden.

An enclosed patio to the rear, akin to a conservatory, further separated the house from the garden, while a former hairdressing salon occupied the basement. "It was stuck in a time warp, but I had a vision, and I had to have it," says Sandie.

Project details

• Location Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
• Project Rear extension and full renovation of an historic cottage
• House size 90sq m
• Property cost £275,000
• Built cost £128,025

Choosing an architect

Having completed numerous projects over the years, Sandie knew exactly who she wanted to work with on the redesign – William Tozer Associates.

"I think I’d spoken to William years ago to find out if we’re related," she says. "We’re not, but they had completed lots of nice historic renovations in London and I liked their work."

The firm’s senior associate, Tom Shelswell, worked with Sandie and proposed reconfiguring the interior floorplan, to make a feature of its length, and connect the house to the garden with a new glazed extension, designed to the same proportions as the existing conservatory.

Frameless floor-to-ceiling doors and new skylights would provide unobstructed external views, while inviting natural light to penetrate deep inside the house.

The basement salon would be turned into a private bedroom retreat, while the top floor would be reserved for Sandie – as a tranquil master suite with a bathroom.

Groundwork findings

The planning process proved simple and permission was achieved in the eight-week statutory timeframe.

The plans went out to tender and, with a tight budget, Sandie selected the contractor with the most reasonable quote.

She took on project management duties and rented a property for the duration of the build, hoping the builder’s four-month timeline was realistic. Work began in November 2021, with the removal of the old conservatory.

"The demolition uncovered existing footings that, while substantial, required reinforcement," says architect Tom Shelswell. "We reviewed the footings with the structural engineer and building control inspector and arranged a plan of remedial works to accommodate the new extension."

This resulted in a simplification of the groundworks, minimising costs and the impact on the neighbouring homes.

New mass concrete trench-fill foundations were added to the existing mass concrete foundations. Next, the extension was constructed from 21 steel columns, which were craned into place.

"Luckily, we had a back gate that led onto a private road," says Sandie. "Our wonderful neighbours allowed us to bring a crane down it."

With a 30m rear garden and an old two-metre flint wall to contend with, the builders had to carefully manoeuvre the steels into very small slots. The steel frame was infilled with blockwork cavity walls and a timber-frame and glazed flat roof. The exterior was then wrapped with timber and composite cladding.

Construction at the rear boundary was challenging, due to extensions on neighbouring properties.

"The new external walls had to be completed from above, working over the roof of the new extension," says Tom.

Internal challenges

The internal work proved just as challenging, with numerous level changes from the front door, down to the garden at the rear.

"The original house was constructed from Bungaroosh, which is used a lot in this part of England," says Sandie. "It’s a mixture of beach pebbles, flint gravel and cement. It’s like a cake mixture and is a nightmare to work with."

However, the home’s unusual walls proved beneficial in the basement. "We found layers and layers of plaster on the walls," says Sandie. "We chiselled it all back and gained probably 5cm of space each side. That meant a lot with the room being just 2.4m wide!"

The Bungaroosh was in poor condition throughout and sections required careful consideration by the structural engineer, to allow for the necessary new openings to connect the ground floor to the extension.

"Half-brick party walls in the roof required strengthening and fire-rating, to ensure adequate separation between the terraced houses," says Tom. Adding to the difficulties, the project was stalled by Covid and Sandie faced numerous unexpected costs.

"Everything shot up by 25%," says Sandie. To keep costs down as much as possible, Sandie was forced to finish certain jobs herself, including installing the kitchen.

"It was a really difficult time to do a project," says Sandie. "It involved a lot of blood, sweat and tears – and a lot of money. My main takeaway is, don’t do a project during a pandemic!"

Small but mighty

Due mainly to supply delays, the project ran over by about four months, but the wait was well worth it for Sandie.

The once awkward, dark and old-fashioned terrace has been transformed into a light, bright and free-flowing home, where every inch of space has been given a purpose.

Crisp white walls, clean lines and warm wood tones make for cosy, clutter-free rooms that feel streamlined and functional.

Sandie’s favourite part of the house is the kitchen. "The living room is small and cosy, but then the kitchen is this big, bright space. What it lacks in width, it makes up for in height," says Sandie.

"It’s a lovely place to commune with family. Being able to sit here, in the middle of a town, with long views and a quiet garden with wildlife running around is amazing."

Sandie is back and forth from Australia and loves returning to her private little oasis in the heart of Shoreham. "It’s so liveable," she says. "Everything has its place and function."

If you enjoyed touring this home, you might also like this charming barn conversion in the Cotswolds or this zero-carbon home built on a Devon eco-farm.

Set within a courtyard of listed buildings in the Cotswolds, this former cowshed was little more than a fragile shell when Louise Harvey and her partner, Dewi Ap-Thomas, decided to take it on. They were drawn to the quiet village setting and the idea of creating a retreat from their busy lives as lawyers in Liverpool, but the project came with some daunting challenges.

The Grade II-listed barn was divided into two distinct elements – a single-storey cowshed and a two-storey former bull pen with a hayloft above. These spaces had never been internally connected and were set on different levels, making any residential barn conversion far from straightforward.

"We’d built a house before from an old stable block, so we were aware of what we were taking on and we weren’t too intimidated when we first saw the old leaning building," says Louise. Design Storey Architects, an Oxford-based practice with a strong background in heritage projects, was duly commissioned to create a modest, practical home while retaining as much of the building’s historic fabric as possible.

Project details

• Location Gloucestershire
• Project Conversion of listed farm building
• House size 100sq m
• Purchase price £110,000
• Build cost £550,000
• Value £950,000+

Clever solutions

Planning permission and listed building consent had already been secured by the previous owner, but Dewi and Louise felt that a fresh approach to the renovation was required.

"Space was so limited, and the existing plans just wouldn’t have worked," says Louise. "If we’d have gone with those plans, we would have banged our heads going upstairs, so as a result we felt we needed to go back to the planners with some clever solutions."

A detailed measured survey captured thousands of points with lasers to ensure every corner of the building was utilised, and Design Storey resubmitted plans that addressed the challenges, including structural repairs and damp issues, while tailoring the design to suit Louise and Dewi’s brief.

The double-height stone bull pen now accommodates the main bedroom on the upper floor, where an en suite is tucked under the eaves, with the shower suspended over the stairs.

The architects’ vision of inserting a carefully detailed timber pod to contain the staircase not only unites both sides of the barn, resolving changes in levels and maximising headroom, but also forms a divider between bedrooms and bathrooms.

Respecting the past

Design Storey’s approach was to repair and retain existing materials wherever feasible. Cracks in the historic stone walls were stitched together using stainless-steel helical bars, weathered timber cladding was resurrected, and existing apertures reused, while large barn door openings have been discreetly glazed to keep the agricultural character intact.

A restrained palette of materials celebrates the building’s simplicity, with timber boarding and lime plaster sitting comfortably within the stone walls, which have been repointed.

Sustainability was a core focus, and the use of materials such as lime plaster, woodwall boards and sheep’s wool insulation all helped to blend with the barn’s historic fabric.

A collaborative process

The project’s success relied on teamwork, and Design Storey worked closely with the contractor, structural engineer and a supportive conservation officer.

Each step was informed by a careful balance between building regulations, conservation principles and the practical needs of a modern home.

Environmental considerations came under the spotlight, too. "We were required to commission a detailed bat survey, which involved a specialist company camping out overnight to capture their flight paths," says Louise. "We’ve installed various bat houses around the property based on the resulting recommendations."

Interior detailing

Louise had a strong vision for the interiors and sourced items such as the sanitaryware and tiles, with the architects designing layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as bringing together the various elements of interior design.

"During my lunch breaks I put together a Pinterest board – super-plain with white walls – nothing too fussy," says Louise.

"My aim was that I didn’t want anything to detract from the fabric of the building and I even took along a piece of stone to the flooring company when choosing the tiles, to make sure everything worked together."

Financing the project also presented challenges. "Work on the barn started after the pandemic, when labour and material costs were all becoming more expensive, and at one point we had to ask family to help bridge the gap between funding stages," says Louise.

"However, the high point was being part of such a harmonious team and receiving positive reactions from people in the village, including the former owner, who still sometimes pops in for a cup of tea."

Though modest in scale, the house nevertheless feels generous thanks to its intelligent layout and carefully judged materials. "We don’t need masses of rooms, because it’s just the two of us and our little dog," says Louise. "It's the perfect place for us to relax and spend time in the country."

For Louise and Dewi, the finished result is exactly what they had hoped for – it’s a calm, practical retreat with a neutral palette and stripped-back styling that honours the building’s past while working as a comfortable dwelling.

This gorgeous property won the Best Conversion category in the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2025, in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times. For more inspiration, take a tour of this zero-carbon oak frame home that's built on a Devon farm.

Professional farmers Susie Wren and Robert Wells bought their 200-acre livestock farm in Devon in 2021 after living in Africa for 40 years, where Robert had taken over his grandfather’s cattle ranch in his early twenties.

Having chosen to relocate to rural Devon, their goal was to develop organic farming initiatives and promote sustainable land husbandry and wellness in their local community. This was a dream move for the couple.

The only problem was that the farm came without a dwelling. The original farmhouse – a Georgian building located in the village of East Portlemouth in south Devon – was sold 60 years earlier, while the farm itself was owned by absentee landowners for many years.

Despite this, the farm did not lack beauty, consisting of a lattice of traditional Devon banks and hedgerows dating back hundreds of years. “These and the areas of woodland are natural shelters and are rich wildlife havens,” explains Susie.

Across the harbour inlet from Salcombe, East Portlemouth’s Village Farm is a certified organic livestock farm, with a strong focus on animal welfare, and self-sustaining practices. “Our rare breed pigs and poultry raised on Village Farm are a perfect complement to the closed system we try to achieve from complete sustainability,” says Susie.

The site also provides year-round grazing for Ruby Red cattle, (a traditional Devon breed) as well as Easycare sheep (which require minimal shepherding and veterinary care) over 220 acres of coastal grassland.

“With a mild climate, free-draining land and herbal pastures that grow throughout the year, our livestock live outside in all seasons,” says Susie.

Project details

• Location Devon
• House type Oak frame self-build (oak frame by Carpenter Oak)
• House size 180m²
• Build cost Approx £500,000
• Construction Natural and recycled materials

Building a home

In order to pursue their dream of developing the farm and setting up an Artisan Centre that would promote greater awareness of the personal and wider benefits of being within nature, the couple felt they needed to be able to live on site.

This drove the plans for an oak framed, 1.5-bedroom dwelling, which could act as a cosy home for the couple, enabling them to eventually live and work on the farm permanently.

In keeping with their overall ethos for the farm, their new home would need to reflect the rich heritage of sustainability, as well as be traditional to the area and their own farming practices.

The planning journey

Applying for planning permission on agricultural land has its own specific idiosyncratic process, so the couple enlisted the help of planning consultant Amanda Burden of Luscombe Maye, who heads up the Agriculture and Rural Planning Department based in Totnes.

“Since the dwelling is agriculturally tied we are required to undertake the application phase before full planning is achieved,” explains Susie. “This is a three-year process, where we have to demonstrate that we need to be working on the farm full time, in our case to manage the livestock.”

It must also include a business plan, which requires the farm to be in profit after the three-year process is completed. At the end of this process, full planning permission can be obtained and the couple will be free to make changes to the dwelling in order to make it a more permanent home.

The overall size of the house was also constrained by the number of labour units that the farm would support. “Because we are a livestock farm we can only support 1.5 full labour units throughout the year,” says Susie. “This determines the overall dimensions of the building footprint.”

Further planning requirements stipulated that the building had to be ‘within sight and sound of the livestock’. Although restrictive, the site has a lovely outlook across the estuary and across the countryside towards Dartmoor.

“Every field provides views towards the ever-changing moods of Dartmoor to the north and open seas to the south, so we feel very fortunate to be here,” says Susie.

To add to the already complicated process, the farm is in a National Landscape (formerly known as an AONB), which means there are more stringent guidelines than your average application. This did not put the couple off, however.

“We fully appreciate and support the need to protect this fragile landscape and therefore accept the need for care in our selection of materials and design,” says Susie.

Building style

In order to integrate the new home into the landscape in the most natural way possible, the couple decided on a sympathetic oak framed structure, with natural isolation materials and recycled Devon slate tiles for the roof, which were salvaged from another farm building.

“We were very fortunate to use wood that is local to Devon, as well as benefiting from the skilled craftsmen that are available locally,” notes Susie. “All the timber for the cladding, flooring, doors and staircase was sourced locally from sustainable hardwood wood lots, milled by a local specialist timber merchant and worked on site by local and resident carpenters."

“The entire process has been carried out by craftsmen, who are also valued friends, all of whom live within the community. Our local builder and celebrated artisan Adrian ‘Mad Dog’ Wotton, and a team of local craftsmen, constructed the house. They also built the Artisan Centre, with the farm café and farm shop, which has been embraced by locals and visitors to the area, making it a vibrant community hub."

Eco credentials

Planning regulations required the dwelling to be carbon neutral, which was already a given for the couple. “In fact, we were aiming for as close to carbon negative as possible, and we’ve gone as far as we can to achieve this,” says Susie.

Using local timber minimised transportation emissions and they also reused and repurposed materials found on site wherever possible.

For self-sustaining elements, they installed an air source heat pump, a borehole and filtration plant for their own water, and a sophisticated sewage system

Functional features

“Light and space were key in the interiors, particularly as it’s not a big space, while also providing comfort and quality,” says Susie. “My favourite part of the house is that it’s made from local materials and sustainable hardwoods. Working with local people who we know and who are dear to us meant that we were one big family and it was a lovely atmosphere while it was being built.”

Due to the fairly modest size of the home, the use of a covered outdoor space has complemented and expanded the overall living area.

“We put in a second request to the planners to add a veranda onto the outside of the front and rear of the house, which luckily they agreed to,” says Susie. “Our friends encouraged us as they knew, from our days living in Africa, about the importance of enjoying a ‘sundowner’ on the veranda before the day’s end.”

How to achieve airtightness in an oak frame self-build

Ben Hancock-Parr, in-house architect at Carpenter Oak, says, "Traditionally, oak-frame houses are made from unseasoned ‘green oak’. The oak beams will shrink slightly after construction, causing a small amount of movement in the frame.

"This is not a structural issue; the frame becomes stronger over time. But it’s important to ensure even small movement does not affect building airtightness with these two principles:

1. Wrapping the oak frame
"Traditionally brickwork, or ‘wattle and daub’, would simply be placed between the beams of the oak frame to form the external walls. Inevitably in buildings constructed in this way there is air leakage between the oak frame and the infill materials.

"Instead, the walls and roofs of our buildings wrap around the outside of the oak frame, so that the oak frame is kept warm and dry within an airtight building envelope. So we refer to the walls and roof as ‘the wrap’. In which the oak frame can move slightly without affecting it.

2. Membrane airtightness
"In modern timber buildings, an airtightness membrane is formed inside the walls and roof. It’s important to ensure the continuity of this membrane.

"In our houses, the membrane sits between the oak frame and ‘the wrap’ and it’s important to factor this in when programming in the various trades on site."

A triumphant finish

Acting as project manager herself, Susie lived on site in a shepherd’s hut for a large part of the build process so that she could be close by to oversee everything. “My husband was working abroad, but my daughter came back and forth to join me for weekends, which was fun,” Susie recalls.

“Overall, we were lucky that the process went smoothly and positively – very much as a result of the wonderful team involved. I would impress on everyone the benefits of using people you already have a relationship with where possible. It makes the process so much more flexible and enjoyable. My husband and I now live here most of our time, which allows us to conduct our duties on the farm,” says Susie.

The couple are now nearing the end of the aforementioned three-year process and the farm is operating in profit – giving Susie and Robert the option to make it their full-time permanent dwelling.

The couple also plan to use this additional time spent on site to grow their business and organise guided walks of their farm to teach people the value of traditional farming systems.

Susie concludes, “We’re very proud of our soils that are rich in microbiology and organic matter,” says Susie. “We want to show others the wildlife and environmental benefits of organic farming.”

This stunning property won the Best Green Home category in Homebuilding & Renovating's Awards 2024, in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times. For more inspiration, take a look around this homely oak-frame self-build in Monmouth, with its fantastic views of the countryside.

While living in Bristol, Chris and Ann Preston had been looking for a new home for a couple of years, with little success.

"We would come across either fantastic houses in dodgy locations or fabulous locations with a tiny cottage that had little scope for extending," says Chris. "But then we found a 200-year-old brick farmhouse with lots of oak beams, which was set in 60 acres of beautiful Monmouthshire countryside."

The couple’s original plan was to renovate and extend but when they commissioned a survey on the building, the results came as a blow – they were told they weren’t allowed to go near it as it was structurally unsafe.

They therefore made the case to the planners that the building was effectively a liability and that a new building such as this was a much more desirable option. "It was a bit of a battle, but the vote went in our favour," says Chris.

And this planning approval proved a blessing in another way – during demolition of the old property it was discovered that many of the oak beams were infested with death-watch beetle, which would have been incredibly costly to eradicate.

Project details

• Location Monmouth
• Project Self-build oak frame detached
• House size 310sq m
• Build cost £550,000

Design with a difference

When it came to the design, the new owners had already formed their own ideas about the look of the building, including certain must-have features.

"I can’t bear blandness," says Chris, "so it had to contain elements of interest. Also, we wanted a house that was easy to navigate, but 'broken plan' so that there were distinct areas rather than one large space."

After initially looking around for architects in South Wales the pair decided to go with Westworks, a practice located in Bristol, and the partnership proved to be a fruitful one.

"Our aim was to reflect the clients’ need for a contemporary home that was not run-of-the-mill," says Tansy Duncan, who was the architect in charge of the design and planning process. "This meant a sensitive approach to materiality that steered away from the concrete-and-glass aesthetic," she continues.

"They wanted a building that sat comfortably in the landscape while simultaneously offering a place from which to enjoy the spectacular views offered by the site. The response to the site had to reflect the articulation of the existing buildings and the old farmhouse."

Building with oak

Meanwhile, a visit to Oakwrights in 2019 cemented Chris and Ann’s inclination to use a post and beam oak frame, rather than the steel frame solutions they had been offered elsewhere.

The company’s frame designer, Julian Pilkington, takes up the story: "It immediately stood out and appealed to me as a project I wanted to work on – with its black charred 'shou sugi ban' design, it was at the upper end of contemporary-style projects that cross our desk here," he says. "Coupled with the gently sloping site, backing on to mature woodland, it had potential to be a truly unique project."

The project did meet certain challenges along the way, when in full design stage the pandemic struck and Oakwrights had to transfer to working and communicating online.

"Although we coped on the design development side, restrictions imposed on trades and suppliers meant the project had to take a pause in late 2020," says Julian. "Resuming again in 2022, with a new enthusiasm, the frame and Wrightwall encapsulation panels were erected in the glorious summer sunshine."

During the build, the couple lived in a static caravan nearby. "I then converted a tractor shed into a yoga studio which had a kitchenette and shower room added," says Chris, whose involvement in the actual build was restricted to some general management and answering any questions, all while renovating the outbuildings.

"I did design and build the solar screens, as these were an extra to the contract, and it was something I could manage, so I took that on at the end of the project," he says. "I think they are very successful."

Special touches

Building a house that was sympathetic to its surroundings was one of the primary considerations for Chris and Ann, and this is evident in various ways.

"The bricks we used were metric in size but were sourced from a company that specialises in producing vernacular bricks and even had the capability of matching them to existing ones," says Tansy.

"While we didn’t do that, we selected a brick that complemented the existing buildings on site. Also, the internal chimney is skinned using only the reclaimed bricks from the farmhouse, of which we saved as many as possible during demolition. There is also an original oak lintel installed within it."

But though many of the materials are traditional in their nature, this house is proudly 21st century. "We have MVHR and I never fail to sing its praises," says Chris. "I always got frustrated at the idea of putting a lot of effort into double glazing and sealing around the windows, and then having a trickle vent, which lets the cold air back in. Having MVHR gives you ventilation but without the downside."

The air source heat pump and MVHR provide most of the house’s heating load, which is supplemented by ground floor underfloor heating and a woodburner in winter for those colder days. The high-level windows vent the house and provide night-time cooling.

Spacial success

One of the aspects most loved by this house’s proud owners is the sense of light and space it affords them, with the flow of light being unimpeded thanks to glass balustrading throughout.

From the open-plan kitchen-diner to the light, bright sitting area, not to mention wow-factor rooms such as the under-eaves study space and conveniently placed ground-floor bedroom, this oak-filled home exudes warmth and homeliness.

Creating a focal point

Project architect Tansy Duncan says, "The main focus of the house is the central brick chimney, which was built on the footprint of the existing chimney. It anchors the new house to the history of the site and supports the green oak-tread staircase.

"It also provides storage, but more importantly, makes provision for a time when mobility may become an issue, as it can provide space for an accessible platform lift up to bedrooms on the first floor. And from an aesthetic view, it offers texture and character through its beautifully crafted surface of salvaged bricks from the old house. We were lucky to find such talented masons."

"We’re glad that we made the most of the space," says Chris. "You wouldn’t normally have the luxury of this much room in an ordinary property but we’ve lived here now for almost two years, and when we wake up in the morning, we get so much joy from the quantity and quality of space in and around the house."

If you enjoyed looking around this property, you might also like to tour this colourful 1970s terrace, which was transformed with a clever timber-frame extension. Or, take a look inside this future-proofed oak-frame house, converted from a barn.

After living in a compact flat in West Norwood, south London, Robyn and Mike Collins relocated to Brockley, where they could gain far more space for their money.

They purchased a characterless, draughty mid-century terrace house on the corner of a busy road. With leaky walls, dark, maze-like rooms and a serious lack of personality, the house needed work.

"It was liveable, but the layout was weird," explains Robyn. "It had a utility space in the middle that took up a lot of room, and a pillar in the centre of the living area." However, it offered plenty of promise, with a wide footprint and space at the back for an extension.

Project details

• Location Lewisham, south London
• Project Full renovation and extension of a 1950s home
• House size 98sq m
• Build cost £219,500

Grand plans

The couple lived in the house as it was for two years, while they saved up enough money to carry out a major house renovation. Their aim? To inject a bold, Miami-inspired aesthetic into the home’s beige rooms, while drawing in maximum natural light and improving the property’s thermal performance.

To search for the perfect designer, Robyn typed "playful local architect" into Pinterest. However, she had her eyes on one firm in particular.

"Office S&M Architects always use colour in unusual ways and do things that are a bit different," she says. "I was really drawn to that. We wanted the design to be surprising and to push the limits. We had faith that they would achieve that."

Designing joy

Working with the firm’s co-founder, Catrina Stewart, Robyn and Mike proffered a very unique reference for inspiration – a bakery in Glasgow.

"ARD Bakery makes the most incredible, Memphis-inspired cakes," says Robyn. An abundance of colour and shapes, these cakes can’t help but make you smile. "You can see the house as you come down the road, so we wanted it to be something that other people could enjoy; to bring a bit of joy to this little corner of south London."

Taking inspiration from ARD Bakery’s exciting creations, as well as American diners and digital art, Catrina designed a contemporary renovation that honoured the house’s 1950s origins, through the use of textured render, sharp and soft shapes and tiled detailing.

She suggested opening up the ground floor to merge previously isolated rooms into a spacious wraparound living area. A side extension would make space for a bright kitchen with large glazing elements, and a new curved wall would carve off a section of the space for a downstairs loo.

To address the home’s thermal issues, Catrina focused on improving the building’s fabric using Rockwool’s sustainable stone wool natural insulation and high-performance Velfac architectural glazing.

To work with the couple’s tight budget, the original windows upstairs would be retained. With sustainability in mind, the design would incorporate as many of the original materials as possible, too, such as the exterior shingles and pebbledash, which would be carefully restored and painted.

Finally, Catrina suggested wrapping the garden in an undulating fence idea. "The design process was highly collaborative and I really appreciated that," says Robyn. "It felt very respectful – we respected Catrina’s expertise and felt very led by her, but equally she listened to our ideas and what we wanted."

Management and materials

Once the plans were set, they were submitted to Lewisham Council and despite the home’s daring makeover, they were signed off within the standard 13 weeks.

"It was a very smooth process," says Robyn. "Lewisham Council are very open to doing bold things with housing; even their planning application package is very creative and beautifully designed. We ended up having no challenges to the design."

Catrina took on project management duties and organised the tender process. "We chose to use a chunk of our budget for this," says Robyn. "There were things we couldn’t do because of that, like the first-floor bathroom, but having someone experienced to manage the project was really important to us. We knew there could be a lot of obstacles, and felt reassured having Catrina on board to keep the project on track."

TW Space Conversion were chosen to tackle the work. "They came back with the most reasonable contract and after looking at their previous projects, we had faith they could do the job," says Robyn.

Work began in January 2023, with the construction of the rear extension. Built on concrete foundations, it was constructed from blockwork. Some of the interior walls of the home were removed, opening up the floorplan for the creation of a free-flowing, L-shaped living, dining and kitchen area.

Externally, the home was finished with pastel lilac render, complemented by mint-green drainage pipes, checkerboard tiles and a curved pink porch idea. The couple were able to live off-site during the project, staying with Mike’s mum, but they regularly dropped by to keep an eye on progress and were heavily involved in the selection of materials, finishes and colours.

Amazingly, Robyn and Mike admit the journey was smooth sailing. "It was a really positive experience," says Robyn. "We were expecting things to go wrong, or for it to be really stressful, but they didn’t and it wasn’t. We had a great three-way working relationship and tackled any issues together. Everyone was up for collective problem solving."

Spotlight on alternative to terrazzo

Keen to add playful pops both inside and out, Robyn and Mike chose a terrazzo-inspired surface for the kitchen worktops and backsplash – accents can also be found outside.

"We originally wanted to go with The Good Plastic Company, who makes sustainable surface materials using recycled plastics, but we needed something that could be exposed to heat," says Robyn. "We found Mirrl and sent them the colours we wanted. They quickly sent us a sample. It looked almost like confetti."

This solid surface material features a poplar plywood substrate, decorated with giant flecks of dried paint. A resin seals the top. The material is not only sustainable, but highly resilient, waterproof, food safe and repairable. Each sheet of Mirrl is one-of-a-kind and made to order, making this awesome detail completely unique to Robyn and Mike’s home.

Living in colour

The main elements of the house were finished in September 2023, after which Robyn and Mike got hands on with decorating. "We took it in turns in the evenings to come to the house and paint," says Robyn. "We chose all the colours ourselves – we have a keen eye for colours and how to balance them."

After saving up a while longer, the couple also asked TW Space Conversion to come back and renovate their upstairs bathroom. "They were happy for us to just give them a quick design on the back of a piece of paper and then they got on with it."

Today, the couple’s home is like a beacon on the street – calling out to those who wish to take in a true piece of property art. Everywhere you look you’ll spot something fun and interesting – from the zigzag marmoleum floor, to the terrazzo-inspired accents.

The latter of which is Robyn’s favourite part of the house. "The most rewarding moment of the project was coming to the house and seeing this bespoke material for the first time," says Robyn. "It was custom-made especially for us by Mirrl. The surface is one of the most joyful parts of the property."

The house doesn’t pretend to be grown up in any way and that’s exactly what Robyn and Mike were looking to achieve. "Interiors can be seen as quite stuffy, serious things. Our home sticks two fingers up to that," says Robyn.

As for tackling another project in the future, the couple are keen. Robyn concludes, "If we had the opportunity, we would do it all again as it was such a good experience and I loved the design process. I was in my element!"

This stunning property won the Best Interior category in the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2025, in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times. If you're keen to find more inspiration, check out this colourful 1970s terrace where a timber-frame extension helped enhance family life.

Jorge Morley-Smith and Carin Söderberg loved their 1970s townhouse in Sevenoaks, Kent, but the style of the three-storey house meant the ground floor was devoted to a garage and carport space, with the living areas on the floors above.

"We felt we wanted to create some ground-floor space that would be centred around the kitchen and which would allow us to access and connect with the garden," says Carin. "Also, we have two children, Elliot, 16, and Elsa, 14, and all three of our bedrooms were on the top floor, which felt a bit crowded."

When a house of the same style – but on a corner plot and with a bigger garden – across the road came up for sale, the couple immediately saw its potential for being extended. Around the same time, Carin, as a regular reader of Homebuilding & Renovating, was leafing through the pages of the magazine and loved the feel of an extension that architect James Dale had designed.

The article also mentioned he worked with a limited budget, and that he had a sensitivity towards the same type of 1970s houses. The couple duly contacted him and on their first meeting they told him what they needed, space-wise, and shared ideas about how they might achieve that.

Project details

• Location Sevenoaks, Kent
• Project Extension/renovation
• House type 1970s end of terrace
• Size of extension 25sq m
• Build route Self project-managed

The brief

"The clients’ brief called for a reimagining of the property, with one of the key points being the need for a flow to the house that made sense, with communal areas," says James. "On the ground floor, the focus was on creating a spacious kitchen and dining space, with connectivity to the garden. On the upper floors the brief asked for the creation of an additional bedroom, bathroom and dedicated office space."

"These houses offer a lot of flexibility in terms of how they’re built structurally and that afforded us the possibility of thinking about how we might change it to align with our vision," says Jorge. "And that vision included flipping the position of the staircases to enhance the internal flow and maximise the available space. We even toyed with the idea of a spiral staircase but decided it was impractical."

Underground problems

Planning permission for the project was approved on first application but before the build could commence, the discovery was made that the house had been built over a sewer, which delayed the start of construction by a couple of months. The biggest issue, however, was one of budget.

"The Ukraine invasion had just begun and suddenly the cost of materials went through the roof," says Jorge. "We had to take it month by month to see how far our money would take us."

The fact that the project was actually completed owes a lot to how hands-on the couple were during the build. Jorge carried out most of the carpentry, as well as kitchen installation, while Carin took on the decorating.

"Jorge also project-managed the build, which meant he had to quickly learn the necessary skills to enable him to understand the drawings and communicate effectively between the architects, engineers and builders," says Carin

Space in abundance

The couple are happy to credit James as the real mastermind of the transformation, which centred around increasing the size of the previous two-storey extension and converting the existing ground floor garage.

The effect was to maximise the space available within the property by bringing this area into the main house and adding a new shower room, music room and store for bikes, sports and outdoor equipment plus tools.

To create a stunning open-plan living space at the rear of the property, containing a new kitchen, pantry, dining and seating space, a striking new timber-framed element was added – this pavilion-type glazed structure delivers a bright, welcoming space with views out over the large garden surrounding the property. The new element seamlessly opens onto a rear terrace creating a welcoming indoor-outdoor living experience.

Family benefits

And it isn’t just the new aesthetically pleasing elements that have improved everyday life for the family.

"The renovation has provided the family with useful spaces they didn’t have before, such as a separate office and utility room while the kids have their own domain on the top floor, plus the room sizes are increased," says Carin. "I just think we’ve managed to create a generally lovely feel to the whole house, and it has a calm vibe."

There’s also a feeling of naturalness here that is largely down to the choice of materials. "When James first came to see us in our old house, he cottoned on to the fact that we had a lot of plywood furniture and he cleverly incorporated plywood features all around the house, which we love," says Jorge.

One of the more striking examples is the Kerto beamed ceiling in the kitchen-diner where its recessed squares create the perfect niches for the minimalist light fittings.

Material choices

Including sustainable solutions was also part of the couple’s ethos, hence underfloor heating was installed throughout the ground floor.

"Luckily we didn’t need to emphasise this aspect as it was driven by the architects," says Carin. "They care about the environment and it shows in the materials James designs with and the efficiency levels he strives for."

James himself clearly considers the project a resounding success: "The design has restructured the property, enhancing flow, functionality and character. As a result, it has given the family a home that celebrates the essence of the original architecture in a contemporary way, creating an environment that perfectly suits their evolving needs," he says.

From the architect

"Timber-framed extensions offer a unique blend of sustainability, craftsmanship and design flexibility, bringing a warmth and tactility that softens the transition between old and new, creating an inviting environment," says project architect James Dale.

"Structurally lightweight and strong, it allows for faster, cleaner construction and its adaptability makes it ideal for generous glazing and open-plan layouts. A timber frame also lends itself to reducing waste and improving build quality.

Visually exposed timber beams bring character and depth to interiors, celebrating the material’s grain and texture. The result here is a modern, sustainable extension that feels connected to nature while enhancing everyday living."

Spotlight on plywood

"The architect picked up on our love of plywood from bits of furniture in our previous house and ran with it for the entire design," says Carin. "We didn’t know that different types of plywood could work together but we embraced the rugged finish of the Kerto plywood structural beams and complemented it with matching spruce plywood for walls and ceilings, and birch plywood for the carpentry and joinery.

"Plywood is the perfect DIY material because you can get a good, natural timber finish without too much fuss. We used it extensively on cills, skirting and architraves, and on various bits of DIY joinery and Ikea hacks. As a result, we learned so much about this amazing material – where to source it, and how to cut and finish it."

"This self-build journey wasn’t without its challenges and it has taken two years of hard work and stress to complete," says Jorge. "But the outcome has been a triumph and the home we have ended up with delivers everything we wanted."

As a result of the homeowners’ hard work, this beautiful property won the Best Extension category in the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2025, in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times. If you enjoyed exploring this house, you might also like to take a tour of this reimagined 1970s bungalow that won Home of the Year.

A dilapidated barn in the grounds of John and Cat Frankitti’s home in Fife had long beckoned to be updated. The 18th-century stone building, where cattle drovers once rested, had no floor and cold stone walls, but the couple could see its potential, and they were desperate to bring it back to life before the elements destroyed it.

"Also, as we age and become 'crumbles', living in an old farmhouse with upstairs bedrooms and a downstairs bathroom becomes less appealing," says John. "So we realised that it was time to make a decision: we either had to move to a new property altogether or finally undertake the project we had often talked about and [convert] the barn into an eco-friendly, low-maintenance, single-storey home with easy access and lovely, relaxing views."

Although the couple had someone working on plans for the build, things were moving very slowly until they attended a homebuilding show in Edinburgh. "Persuaded by Cat, I reluctantly agreed to visit the Oakwrights stand and after engaging with project manager Iain Hendry, we soon had a potential solution to our problem brief."

The new plan would allow them to retain as much of the original building as possible – not the easiest of tasks given that the proposed oak frame would have to be dropped into the existing walls. "We also wanted an extension with as much glass as possible to overlook our neighbouring golf course – a combination of timber and glass was the answer as we knew this would blend comfortably with the old," says Cat.

Project details

• Location Fife, Scotland
• Build method Oak frame combined with existing stone construction
• House size 132sq m
• Project Croft barn conversion

Planning approved

In drawing up the plans, Andrew Hunter of Thomson Hunter Associates – Oakwrights'regional architects in Scotland – recognised the unique nature of the project.

"Being a historical building, it was important to retain as much of its original character as possible, while fitting the brief and making it suitable for use as a modern home," he says.

John and Cat say they were suitably impressed with Andrew’s initial plans, describing them as being "very close to the mark" and that they included aspects of the final build that they had not considered themselves.

"Andrew had more insight into what we were looking for than perhaps we had," says John, and with a few added design tweaks here and there the plans were soon finalised.

Obtaining planning permission for the build wasn’t entirely straightforward, though, as the property sits on the boundary of three local authorities. Plus, for a while the planners thought that the building should have been listed, but, thankfully, they backed down on this and planning was granted.

On realising they had enough funds to cover the project, the couple also commissioned an oak-frame garage to be built, complete with additional living quarters above. With construction barely underway, Covid hit and suddenly building materials became scarce and the oak due to be delivered from France was delayed.

Luckily, Oakwrights held the necessary oak required to build the garage, so what was almost an afterthought turned out to be the first part of the project to be built.

The cost of covid

It quickly became evident that a consequence of the pandemic was rapidly rising costs for materials, and for the Frankittis this was a concern.

"To Oakwrights’ credit, even though oak prices soared, they honoured the original contract we had with them and we paid exactly what we had agreed on," says Cat.

When the main building’s oak frame – designed by Sarah Connelly at Oakwrights – arrived in late 2020, construction could start in earnest with Iain Hendry managing the project, while John and Cat remained living in their farmhouse nearby.

The nature of the stone building meant the construction of the oak frame had to be approached differently to normal. "Because this building is far from square – more like a parallelogram – the frame had to be built from the inside, and then angled to fit within the walls," says John.

There were unexpected aspects, too. When the ground within the old croft was excavated with a view to laying raft foundations, the couple expected to find some sort of rubble foundations under the old stone walls, but there were none.

"We even thought we might unearth a few historical artefacts, but all we found was a glass bottle from the 1800s, which we’ve kept," says Cat.

Security concerns

By 2021, materials started becoming more available again and the influx of these had other unforeseen challenges for the build.

"We took delivery of 14 pallets of slate and we had so much value lying about the site that I realised I couldn’t join Cat on our planned holiday – I felt I needed to be around here to protect all of the on-site materials from potential theft."

Because the lockdown put a halt to John’s business as a design and exhibition contractor, rather than remain idle he was determined to put himself to good use by helping out wherever he could on the site.

"It was perhaps to Iain’s chagrin that I offered my services – I felt I was helping move things forward whereas he possibly thought I was just getting in the way," smiles John. "Either way, I did a fair amount of labouring when it came to the groundworks and the garden landscaping."

Eco credentials

The project was finally completed in early 2023 and John and Cat were able to move in shortly afterwards.

"This house is future-proofed to allow us to age disgracefully here, and we’re living the dream," says John. "We have a home that is very eco-friendly – although not a passive house, it incorporates an air-source heat pump and underfloor heating, it is highly insulated and has solar panels and Tesla batteries. The glass provides solar gain, and this was all part of the design process. In effect, we put more energy back into the grid than we use ourselves."

From the start, the Frankittis had said they wanted to retain as much of the old building as possible to keep the property’s character and they feel they have achieved that.

Spotlight on a frame with a difference

Sarah Connelly, frame designer at Oakwrights says, "This exciting historical building project to convert an old barn into a modern home involved the design and installation of a bespoke oak frame within an existing stone barn, where access was heavily restricted by the retained building fabric.

"The barn’s stone walls, approximately 600–700mm thick, remained intact throughout, which made it impossible to access the frame from outside for assembly or jointing. As a result, the installation strategy relied on removing the roof to enable the oak frame to be craned in to place from above.

"The oak frame was fully jointed and prefabricated off-site using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, with each component trial-assembled to confirm fit and alignment. Crucially, all joints were designed to be pegged up from the inside, as the solid stone walls prevented any access to the exterior faces of the frame once in place.

"This approach preserved the integrity of the existing stone walls, eliminated the need for invasive alterations, and allowed for a clean, accurate installation of the oak frame within the constrained internal space. The final build looks incredible with a fantastic mix of materials complementing one another."

"We’d like to think that anyone walking by wouldn’t just view it as a new build with stone added," says John, "but instead look at it as an old stone building with a new oak bit on it."

If you love this house and want more inspiration, take a look inside this couple’s oak-frame forever home in Ross-on-Wye, which was built completely from scratch. For practical tips and advice, read our expert guide to renovating a stone house.

For those embarking on the housebuilding process, pragmatism is thought to be among the most valuable qualities – and so it proved with one particular project in East Devon.

Having grown up in the county, Louise Williams had been looking to build a house there for about 10 years, so when she came across a 1920s detached property on the outskirts of a pretty coastal town – though she thought the existing house unviable – the large garden and exceptional views told her this was somewhere she could create a home tailored to her own needs and lifestyle.

The stunning result won the Best Self-Build category in the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2025, in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times. The judges described it as a "house that creates a sense of warmth through the carefully chosen materials that envelop this simple, traditional, yet contemporary form."

Project details

• Location East Devon
• Project Self-build detached
• Size of house 103sq m
• Build time 11 months

Early planning

When she met with architectural designer Vaughn Allington of New Space Architecture, Louise had already formed ideas of the type of house she had in mind to replace the existing one – namely a two-storey, three-bedroom home they jointly described as "Danish modern meets Devon longhouse".

"Louise was also keen that the new-build design should be led by the topography rather than doing extensive groundworks to meet the design," says Vaughn. "She was also keen to reuse what materials we could from the original house."

After several concept meetings between client and designer, with Louise very involved in the design process, planning was submitted and granted in August 2020. Following the completion of a technical design, a local contractor was selected and works duly began, starting with the demolition of the existing house.

At that point, Louise concluded that she would have to halt the build. "Due to the rising materials prices caused by Covid, it had become clear the build cost for the original design had become unfeasible once the builders’ detailed figures came in," she says.

"Circumstances had also changed during Covid and I no longer needed three bedrooms and a separate office. Instead of us compromising on the design, Vaughn and I agreed the best course of action would be to design something entirely different, simpler and smaller."

Material changes

As well as making greater financial sense, the redesign offered other practical benefits.

"The house that was demolished had been built very close to the older cottages on the perimeter of the original plot and was almost twice their height, overshadowing them," says Louise.

"The new smaller design followed the roofline of the neighbouring cottages and was stepped back away into the plot, so not visible when looking up the road. This also allowed the house bigger front and side gardens."

"After the demolition, it became clear that the number of terracotta roof tiles we’d salvaged wasn’t enough to cover the roof of the proposed new dwelling, so Louise opted for a Corten steel roof instead," says Vaughn.

The fact that there were a number of corrugated iron roofed agricultural buildings in the area meant there was no problem with planning permission. Delabole slate was chosen for the upper ground and first floor external walls as Louise had long admired them whenever she had seen them as hung tiles in Devon and Cornwall.

"We bought them unseen from a nearby reclamation yard and, luckily, they were in perfect condition," she says. Meanwhile, a combination of chert stone and clay brick add a new and slightly contemporary dimension to the look of the house.

Logistical problems

While full of praise for the experience and efficiency of the contractors, CW Build, Louise says there were still uncertain moments in the project, and one of these was during the laying of the polished concrete floor.

"Vaughn, CW Build and I made up the mix based on what we thought might look lighter and more terrazzo-like in colour and texture – real terrazzo was way out of my budget – and it was poured on spec," she says. "It was poured over the top of the underfloor heating so there was no room for error but, thankfully, it turned out really well."

The build itself wasn’t without its logistical problems. The site is on a sharp bend on a narrow, single-lane road at the end of a row of houses. The turning and manoeuvring of delivery vehicles was difficult and precluded the use of an off-site timber frame for the first floor, which is why it was stick built on site instead.

The build and plant took up most of the road frontage as well, meaning there was little space on site for the storage of materials.

From the architect

Vaughn Allington says, "I met Louise in 2019 and she had quite a strong view of what she wanted. She was always keen to knock down the existing structure and construct a new dwelling and was looking for quite a traditional-style, three-bedroom, detached home.

"She had a number of specific features that she wished to incorporate – such as a wide, shallow-pitch staircase, polished concrete and wide-plank oak floors, a rendered external finish, but with a softer ‘lime’ render finish achieved by not using metal beads, a spacious entrance hall, a compact kitchen and linear living accommodation. Louise was also keen that the new-build design was led by the topography rather than doing extensive groundworks to meet the design.

"The site was nestled inside the bend in the road on a hillside and, as such, posed a number of challenges – not only for the design, but also the build. The resulting form is that of a split-level ground floor allowing for a vaulted living space and partial first floor.

"This project is proof that a house does not need to be all about square feet – the selection of materials, planning of spaces and care in the build have all contributed to creating a real home."

Final thoughts

"While compact in terms of floor area, the tall ceiling in the living area gives a real sense of space," says Vaughn. "Another feature I try to introduce with my designs is that of being able to look out of windows in all four directions at some point in the dwelling.

"With this house, I particularly love the framed landscape view to the west. Although I’m biased, it felt like a home as soon as it was built, and while it’s more compact than originally planned, it still meets the original brief of ‘Danish modern meets Devon longhouse’."

Louise concurs: "It’s testament to the competence of the designer and builders that there was never a moment when I didn’t feel confident in this project. It’s exceeded all of my expectations."

If you enjoyed touring this property, check out this bright and airy oak-frame self-build or this riverside eco home built with local materials.

Seeing the warm, welcoming home that looks totally at one with nature in its hillside setting, it is hard to imagine it was once a 1970s bungalow that had little going for it. With a touch of understatement, Celia McCarthy describes the original property she bought with her husband, Keith, as "rather low-spec".

"It was very poorly insulated and certainly underperformed on the energy front," she says. This latter aspect was just one of the areas the couple wanted to improve when renovating the house, and a meeting with Chris Hawkins of Forgework Architects resulted in a renovation brief with terms such as "environmentally sympathetic", "energy efficient" and "pared-back".

The stunning results saw this innovative project win the Best Renovation category in the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2025, in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times. It then went on to win the coveted overall title of Home of the Year, with the judges describing the house as "breathtaking and heartwarming in equal measure".

Project details

• Location Bath, Somerset
• House type 1970s bungalow
• House size 230sq m
• Build cost £3,100sq m
• Architects Forgeworks Architects

The design brief

"We didn’t want a showcase house," says Celia, "we were after a home that would be futureproofed and which didn’t stray too far outside the existing footprint." Chris elaborates: "We came up with a design that was contemporary yet timeless, and which would mean reworking the bungalow, reusing as much of the existing fabric as possible, and transforming it into a modern lifetime home," he says.

"As well as improving the eco-performance, the renovation involved reconfiguring the layout and relocating the entrance, creating terraced outdoor spaces and optimising natural light."

Significantly, it had to remain as a bungalow. "For us, there wasn’t a particular attraction to single-level living, but there was a covenant on the property restricting it to one floor," says Celia. "Having been used to living in flats while in London, the idea of being on one level was fine as long as we could achieve a clever separation between the living and sleeping parts of the property."

Choosing cedar for the exterior cladding

A major influence on the appearance of the exterior was Keith’s desire to have a single material covering the whole building, so after considering a number of options – including black timber and Welsh slate – the pair decided on Canadian cedar shingles for cladding the house.

It’s a choice they are both glad to have made, but it came with complications once the build was underway. "The Ukraine conflict began two weeks into our build and the cost of materials increased exponentially," says Celia.

"I ordered the cedar shingles myself and each day I could see the cost of them rising at an alarming rate – not to mention the timber battens they were nailed onto, which doubled in price during the build. Another aspect we hadn’t considered was that installing shingles is an incredibly labour-intensive process – the roof, which we totally replaced, took about three times longer to cover than it would have if we’d chosen a material such as slate roofing."

Navigating the planning demands

Bearing in mind that the property is within a conservation area, planning permission for the project proved fairly straightforward.

"However, there were numerous ecological protection and wildlife enhancement conditions attached to the site," says Celia. "We had to include bird and bat boxes, hedgehog highways, tree protection and proof of biodiversity gain."

Consideration for the environment was demonstrated in other ways, too. The gabions that front the terrace garden are backfilled with material from the site, retaining as much waste from the project on site as possible and removing the need for it to be transported elsewhere, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the building.

"An added benefit of the gabions is that they provide a huge area of habitat for insects," says Celia. "Although, to our surprise, we were still required to install a bug hotel before we could get sign-off on the build!"

Meanwhile, the couple’s house boasts its own sustainability credentials, too. Under the cladding there is external insulation on all the walls, which bumps up the whole efficiency of the building.

"We removed the mains gas supply and instead use an air-source heat pump and an array of solar panels for our energy needs," says Celia. Installing the underfloor heating was a relatively simple process as the bungalow has a concrete base, so it was just a case of screeding throughout, incorporating the UFH.

Designing a practical layout

Celia, who runs her own company, Richardson Studio, combined her skills in interior design and interior architecture to help fine tune the interior layout Chris designed.

"Once he showed us the plans, with the living quarters at one end and the bedrooms at the other, I knew we’d made the right choice of architects – he clearly understood how we were going to live in this house," says Celia. "My role then was to drill down into the detail, requesting an extra door here and there for added privacy," she adds.

"I also realised we didn’t need the huge main ensuite bathroom that was down on the plans – instead, we split it into two, adding a second smaller bathroom that is accessed from the guest room."

Regarding the aesthetics, Celia felt the heavy retrofit could easily give the interior the clinical feel of a typical new build, so it was important to introduce both texture and colour, and the result is a home that exudes an air of fun and life.

"The wall colours all work well together, but there is still a sense of change as you walk from one space to another," she says. "I think design and interiors should evoke an emotion, and if they don’t, are they really achieving anything?"

"The kids absolutely loved the evolving process of the project, too. Being able to imagine it all the way from when it was just a building site until it was completely finished, and getting to put their own stamp on their rooms was key for them. Plus, having their friends complementing them on the house always helps."

Celia’s singular approach is perhaps most evident in the kitchen-diner where the self-designed units scream originality. The unique-looking cabinetry was made of band-sawn oak, which shows the saw marks on it.

"Oak veneer can look a bit too flat as a finish, whereas this cutting process has given the surfaces a lovely texture," says Celia. "The same type of texture can be seen on the oak floor in the lounge."

"When we approached this project we put a lot of thought into so many aspects that we care about," says Celia. "We see a lot of developments that are quite lifeless on the outside, which is why we incorporated gabions, grasses and particularly the cedar shingles – they were our must-have features."

From the architect

Chris Hawkins of Forgeworks Architects, says: "In Celia and Keith’s retrofit project, the use of Blue Label Canadian western red cedar shingles proved the statement material of the project. This sustainable natural material, traditionally associated with North American craftsmanship, offered us the opportunity to reimagine the house with a tactile, contemporary identity.

"The fine scale of the shingles helped to visually soften the building’s mass, breaking it down into a more relatable, human-scaled form. What sets these shingles apart is their flexibility – equally suited to both roof and wall applications, they allowed us to create a seamless, wrapped envelope.

This holistic treatment not only concealed an enhanced thermal blanket beneath, but also delivered a calm, monolithic appearance that feels both modern and timeless. The natural variation in tone and texture brings warmth and depth, making the house sit comfortably in it landscape while standing out as something thoughtfully considered.

"For homeowners seeking a sustainable, design-led material for renovation projects, western red cedar shingles offer a balance of character, durability and architectural clarity."

Celia concludes, "For us, buildings should be textural and living, rather than sanitised and dead, and I think that’s what we’ve achieved here."

If you enjoyed looking around this property, you might also like to see this couple’s bright and airy oak-frame house, which is fully energy self-sufficient, or this waterside eco home in Wiltshire that was built using local materials.

For Marian and John Nash, the dream of owning an oak-frame home began over 40 years ago – that’s when they came across a brochure on homebuilding and were captivated by an open-plan bungalow that featured in it.

"We always kept that and said to each other that one day we’d build an oak-frame home that felt just as special," says Marian. "The oakwork in it had been done by Carpenter Oak, so when the time came, we naturally approached them with a view to them doing the same for us."

The first stage of the process was meeting up with the company’s architect, Ben Hancock-Parr, and it was only when explaining their must-haves for the house, that they realised their tastes had changed since their original oak-frame infatuation.

Project details

• Location Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
• House type Chalet bungalow
• House size External floor area, 249sq m
• Build time 11 months
• Build cost £700,000 (excluding landscaping)

Double advantage

With this project, Marian and John had two big things going for them: first they knew they didn’t have to worry about finding a plot as the land at the back of their home had ample space for building.

Second, they seemed to have a kindred spirit in Ben, who displayed a good feel for what they wanted and incorporated every feature they said they required.

"He showed us 3D plans that really brought the design to life and provided practical benefits such as allowing us to see how the spaces would work with our furniture in place," says Marian.

"As a result, there were very few changes to his plans – which is saying something, as we’re quite fussy!"

For both architect and clients, it was important that the house should be unique yet sympathetic to its surroundings. "Like all Carpenter Oak houses, this property was designed with one eye on vernacular style," explains Ben.

"Generally, this fits with our clients’ desires and expectations, and results in homes that are contemporary while still sitting comfortably within their context."

Teething troubles

One of the few unexpected snags came at the design stage when it was discovered the house would need raft foundations because there were two huge willow trees close by, whose roots could have proved problematic.

"We had to dig a metre deep and infill with concrete and layers of limestone, which wasn’t a cheap process," says John.

As expected, the construction of the timber frame went smoothly, helped by Ben being on site to oversee the process. The fact the build took place during Covid could easily have led to more added expense but that wasn’t the case.

"While global prices of softwood were soaring, we were able to hold down the price of our oak frame as we have such a direct relationship with the sawmill and the foresters in France," says Ben. "Even today this means that the prices of our oak frames have not seen the same inflation as the rest of the construction industry."

Calling on experience

Because they were running a business at the same time, the Nashes made the wise decision to take on a local builder, Sam Chisnall, to act as main contractor and see the project through.

"Sam took away the aggravation of ordering materials and getting all the trades in at the right time," says John. "We were able to carry on living in our own house so we could be here on site at some point each day but without all the stress."

Although Covid resulted in inevitable delays regarding delivery of materials, as well as workforce complications, it brought a few precious positives.

"Before the build got underway I’d anticipated there would be no way to get the necessary machinery to the back of the house to do the landscaping," says John. "So I’d designed the garden area in advance and as luck would have it, during lockdown, and being at home anyway, I was able to spend each day working on the land. This resulted in the landscaping being finished ahead of the house – the opposite to how it normally works out."

Self-sufficient energy

Eleven months after breaking ground, Marian and John were able to move into their oak-frame bungalow that not only looks spectacular but performs efficiently, too.

"We have SIPs insulation, triple glazing, underfloor heating that is run by air source heat pumps and 16 solar panels installed on the stable roofs," says John. "Plus the power generated is stored in our five batteries, so we’re self sufficient."

Importantly, the couple have all the home comforts they need to provide a relaxed lifestyle – so relaxed that soon after moving in they decided to retire from their business and let their son take over.

"The design of the kitchen and dining area were the most important parts of the house to get right," says Marian. "Not only do we spend most of our time there, but it’s where guests congregate so it has to work."

Work it certainly did and they now have a lifestyle that’s even more sociable than before – with a house that’s perfectly designed to accommodate it. "We recently hosted my mother’s 100th birthday party and had a large gathering of family and friends round to celebrate," says John. "She was worried there wouldn’t be room for everyone but there was space to spare."

Developing your design with your architect in 3D

"It was clear from the start that Marian and John were experienced clients who had already self-built their previous home, and they were well prepared for their new project with a full set of hand-drawn plans by their previous architect.

"An important element that we were then able to add to the process was creating a 3D computer model of the design. This enabled Marian and John to really get a sense of what their new home was going to look like, and to explore the internal spaces. Unsurprisingly, when you do this there are always areas that you look at and think 'Could that be improved?'.

"Together with Marian and John we were able to optimise the design, including testing practical furniture layouts, and making the building more suited to open plan living to maximise the best possible views of the oak frame. I think even as experienced self-builders, Marian and John were surprised by how this extra layer of design input could deliver tangible improvements to their home."

For more oak frame inspiration, take a look inside this beautiful self-build in Ross-on-Wye, futureproofed as the owners' forever home. Or explore this detached new-build cottage in the Cotswolds, built using stone from a local quarry.

Chris Dann has an enduring passion for property and design. "I've always had a feeling for homes and space," he says. And that instinct came into play when he acquired a riverside plot in the heart of a Wiltshire town – land that he bought from his mother.

Despite the site being in the centre of a busy town and home to nothing more inspiring than old garages and informal parking, Chris's overtures to the local planning department over several years came to nothing.

The number of obstacles were significant; the site is in a conservation area surrounded by listed properties. Chris realised that something substantial would need to change to tip the scales on planning permission.

Project details

• Location Wiltshire
• Construction Timber frame with traditional masonry sections
• Size 287 sq m
• Build cost £780,000
• Build time 14 months

Planning success

That change came when Chris sold his home in Berkshire to escape the disruption of the government's HS2 high-speed railway project and moved in to a bungalow situated at the top of the lane leading to the site.

Having already bought the site from his mother he instructed local architect Rob Elkins of Artel 31 to design a property that would successfully achieve planning permission. Rob's response was a contemporary, yet sympathetic house design – one that gave a nod to the style of the neighbouring homes and which used locally sourced materials.

The application for this sophisticated addition to the surrounding conservation area gained permission on first application, thanks to the design's architectural merit and sensitivity to its surroundings.

"The planning department was hugely supportive of the design and it allowed us to push beyond the development boundary towards the river," says Rob.

From Chris's point of view, he needed a home with living spaces on one level and wide doors that would easily accommodate his mother's wheelchair whenever she visited. "Also, I had left all my antiques behind, and I was getting into modern," Chris explains. "I wanted some nice big spaces."

And big spaces certainly feature in Rob's design. The social and private areas of Chris's home are separate, yet are linked by an impressive sweeping central entrance, which has been roofed with turf and pierced with a contemporary chimney.

On the river side of the house, the social spaces are divided into a vaulted kitchen and living area with a glazed gable wall overlooking the garden.

On the other side of the entrance, the home has a two-storey structure and features the office, bedrooms and bathrooms with a beautiful view from the master bedroom across the river to the parkland beyond.

Thinking locally

Chris's home was quite a complex build, incorporating timber framing in the living areas as well as tieless glulam beams in the vaulted living room. There are areas of structural steel, too, most notably in the glazed gable wall, thanks to the size and weight of the glass panes.

The bedroom section is built mainly from traditional masonry, clad in local stone. Material choices were important in the build, with the emphasis on local stone and timber, selected for longevity without the need for pesticides or fungicides.

On such a sensitive site, it's not surprising that ecologically friendly tech is a feature, and with this in mind, Chris was able to exploit his home's riverside location.

"We originally planned a ground source heat pump, but the engineer suggested using the water instead, because it's better and cheaper," says Chris. This required an application to the Environment Agency (EA), which was granted without any issues.

Chris also installed solar photovoltaic panels to provide electricity that, he believes, "have halved my energy bill to £6 a day. When I eventually get a battery, that will save me more in the long run, too."

The property is highly insulated and also benefits from a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system. Outside, the green roof on the central section of the home looks good most of the time here in the rainy UK, although Chris still wishes he had invested in an irrigation system, as during periods of extreme heat it suffers. "It dies, then it comes back," he says.

Navigating limited access

One big challenge during the project was the plot's location at the end of an exceptionally narrow no-through road. During construction, large loads had to be transferred onto smaller vehicles and deliveries were made more frequently because of limited storage. "All that cost me an extra £7,000," says Chris.

When it came to managing the budget, he chose to divide his outlay into fixed costs, provisional costs and options, to give himself some room to manoeuvre on small changes throughout the build. Chris describes his approach to the project in general as being "enthusiastic but laid back". Nonetheless, he was engaged with the build throughout, looking at layouts, adding scale-sized furniture to the plans and choosing finishes.

While Chris had a clear vision for structure and materials, his wife Natalie brought the soul. Her interior design not only softened and elevated the interior but made each space deeply liveable.

"I wanted every room to feel calm, intentional, and genuinely ours," she explains. "This is a place that holds us, not just houses us."

Chris has enjoyed both the experience of self-building and living in the completed home. The vaulted living area with those enormous windows overlooking the garden is known by all as the 'boathouse', and it is where Chris tends to spend most of his time when he's at home.

"This is my favourite space, I like the way the glazed doors open up into the garden, he says. I love opening the doors to the garden and watching the light change throughout the day. But even more than that, I love the fact that this is a home that was built from partnership – one person laying the foundations, and the other shaping the life within. We say it all the time, 'Chris built the house - and Natalie made it our home.'"

Spotlight on building on a river bank

In addition to the conservation status of the area and the difficulty of vehicular access, Chris's plot also had the particular challenge of being situated on the banks of the River Avon. Despite the charm of having a river at the end of the garden, this naturally came with a heightened flood risk, meaning that Chris had to take several steps to mitigate the likelihood of his new project ending up underwater during extreme weather.

The first of these steps was to address the ground levels of the garden. The house is situated at the end of the plot furthest from the river, creating a long garden space between the two. Chris created a lower tier of garden close to the water, which is potential flood storage.

Guidance by the Environment Agency also requires that the house is set at a level 40% above the 1 in 100-year flood risk level, plus 300mm. This was a change to previous guidance and had to be incorporated into Rob's plans during the design process.

Apart from flooding, the risk posed by building close to the water also needed to be addressed. An attractive deck leads from the end of the house to the water, but rather than use concrete within the flood plain to create foundations, Chris opted for metal screw piles. These were dug by hand, to minimise risk to the established roots of trees in the garden.

Finally, with the permission of the Environment Agency, Chris was able to turn his proximity to the water to his advantage, by installing a water source heat pump to warm his home (via underfloor heating). As water transfers heat better than air, it's a far more efficient system than an air or ground source heat pump.

"My best build decision was to jump into bed with a great architect and embark on the design and build journey together," says Chris. "This meant that shapes and spaces were tweaked as the project progressed, thereby maximising the end result. We didn't have a long contract, just a simple A4 letter of engagement."

For more inspiration, take a tour of this charming Grade II-listed property in Cambridgeshire, made energy-efficient by its owners. Or, if you're looking for a more modern feel, check out the sea views from this contemporary three-storey bungalow in Cornwall.

Falling for the charms of an old property is a common tale, but perhaps less so when your own personal history is intertwined with it. But this was the case for Amanda and Warren East, who had regularly visited the beautiful Grade II*-listed building over the decades.

"We were living in the house opposite for 27 years," explains Amanda. "Ours was a 1970s 'box' and although we’d changed it a lot, it was not the most characterful of houses." Then their neighbours, who were both in their nineties, left the house to a college in Cambridge, who in turn decided to sell.

Amanda and Warren didn’t hesitate to snap it up. "In some ways we were bonkers – we were 59 and 60 at the time and the house needed a huge overhaul. There were burst pipes, rotten timbers, plasterwork that was beyond repair and a garden that needed a lot of attention," recalls Amanda. "It was perhaps slightly crazy to go for such a large house, but we didn’t want a developer building a housing estate right next to us."

Project details

• Location Cambridgeshire
• Project Renovation and extension
• Size 510sq m
• Total cost £1.7m

Layout changes

As well as the poor state of the property, its layout badly needed addressing. According to the project’s heritage architect, the building was probably originally two or three cottages joined together, meaning the previous owners had to pass through one room to access the next – as in a railway carriage.

Architect James Snell created a much more logical flow by removing a clunky 1950s extension and creating two modern box extensions. He also added a new hall with a full-height staircase and transformed the mostly unused dormer space in the roof to build two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

Contingency spend

With designs approved by the local planners, the couple could watch – and more importantly, contribute – as their renovation project unfolded. "As we lived over the road, we were able to visit the site every day, which was useful when things were uncovered and needed a different solution; with an old building, you really need to change things as you go along," says Amanda.

"The worst thing we found was the roof. We were told that it had been redone in the 1970s and so we thought it would be okay, but when we came to it, all the rafters had rotted at the bottom and the top, and all the old wood needed to be repaired," she adds.

"The planners insisted that all the timber already there had to be retained, even though it wasn’t performing a function, and we had to create a completely new structure around it. That used up all of our contingency in one go."

Blending old and new

However, the couple did uncover some more pleasant surprises, including a well in the kitchen area – now, a one-metre square piece of glass set into the kitchen floor allows this feature to remain on view. And the original beams, previously lost in a sea of dark red and green paintwork, could finally be stripped back and showcased.

"James advised us that it was best not to have too many colours going on – what he calls the 'muesli palette'," says Amanda. "I also took advice from a friend of mine who lived in a house with lots of beams. She suggested I choose one colour that didn’t fight with the wood – she was right."

There were two further strokes of luck. Amanda and Warren were able to prove that the original windows had been ripped out in the 1970s, so they could replace them with more sustainable hardwood alternatives. The planners also agreed that as there were old barns and outhouses on site, the couple could also erect a barn alongside their new swimming pool.

Improved energy performance

Amanda and Warren, both engineers, were also keen to future-proof the house as much as possible with renewable technologies and high levels of insulation. For this, they opted to internally insulate the external walls, using a breathable Celotex product.

"We knew from visiting the house previously that it was freezing in winter and its SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating would be dreadful," says Amanda. Now, with a ground source heat pump and underfloor heating serving the downstairs, and radiators upstairs, the couple find the house so warm they often need to turn the heating off.

"We love the warmth of it!" adds Amanda. "Our electricity generation from our solar panels is great and we also have Tesla batteries as storage."

Rainwater harvesting, used to water the garden, has been another boon. "But we are very low tech in other ways; we didn’t want any smart technology, such as light sensors," says Amanda.

The couple love the blend of old and new that they’ve achieved. "It is an old, characterful property that we have been able to bring into the 21st century with plenty of insulation and renewable technology," she says. "We had excellent architects and builders and we are delighted with our home."

For more inspiration, step inside this beautifully refurbished 1930s London house, transformed by its owners. Or, if you dream of a coastal home, take in the sea views from this three-storey Cornwall house that was converted from a bungalow.

Despite being in the market for a new home, David and Magali weren’t impressed with the Art Deco house they saw for sale just a few streets away from their own home in Forest Hill, south London. "We’d discounted the house in question completely based on how it looked from the outside," he says. "We thought we’d probably just buy a bigger version of the Victorian property we were currently living in."

It was only when the couple went to have a closer look that they decided there were positives in buying the property. "Our own house had practically no garden whereas this place had a big garden, and that changed my mind completely," says David. "We also realised that there was a lot we could do with the internal layout."

The couple and their two children moved straight in when they bought the house in March 2021. "We hadn’t initially decided what we wanted to do apart from knowing we wanted a kitchen extension," says David.

Project details

• Location Forest Hill, south London
• House type 1930s semi-detached
• Build time Eight months
• Build cost Approx £500,000

Formulating plans

Word of mouth led the couple to local architect, Hugo McCloud from 1200 Works. "I felt that he listened and was very flexible," says David. "He didn’t talk about controlling the whole process, unlike some architects we had spoken to – we went in with a fairly blank slate and in a way he read our minds."

The couple had never taken on a self-build project on this scale before and had never worked with an architect before. "We gave him our wish list and he knew our limitations, and what he came up with was a vision that was something that really made us happy," says David.

The final design featured a contemporary pitched rear extension featuring a new kitchen dining area with a hip-to-gable attic conversion that included an additional bedroom, bathroom and office.

Raising funds

One vital element in the process was finding ways of financing the project and to release funds the couple sold a one-bedroom rental flat they owned, as well as the three-bedroom property they were living in nearby. "We then had to wait for all that to clear before going ahead," says David.

Full planning permission was required and luckily this proved to be straightforward. There were many build precedents in the area, where renovations, extensions and attic conversions had taken place using similar contemporary forms and materials, so this strengthened the case.

Rough living

Work began in June 2022 and although the family opted to remain living in the house throughout the renovation, they did have to move out the following August while the old kitchen was demolished.

"When we moved back in, we had a working kitchen in the garage," says David. "We lived through the whole winter cooking in the garage as we had no heating and we spent the next six months doing this.

"To keep warm we bought three space heaters – one in the kids’ bedroom, one in our bedroom and one in the room we had installed a temporary shower in. Controlling the dust was another constant battle – the contractors put hazmat covers over the doorways as dust was constantly in the air. We had to duct tape them up whenever they fell off the doorways."

Complete overhaul

The main works involved the removal of a conservatory and a brick lean-to at the rear of the house, with the back wall partially demolished, propped up and a steel frame to the frontage inserted. The new blockwork and brick-clad extension was built onto this, five metres out into a new patio area and garden beyond. The white-facing brick also forms the main wall of the new kitchen and dining extension.

As well as the addition of a rear extension and loft conversion, the house was fully refurbished, which included installing underfloor heating and laying new engineered oak flooring. The first-floor renovation involved reconfiguring one of the two bedrooms to create a bigger room and a new bathroom was also installed.

The new loft conversion features a bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, shower room and study. "In the loft we created an office with a really cool corner window," says David. "It’s not openable, which has worked out great as this meant we could have a thinner frame and more streamlined window casement. We have a cantilever over it to support the roof so that the glass doesn’t take any weight. We really like these details."

High performance

Since moving back in, the family can’t believe the difference between the old and new house.

"The house is performing so much better in terms of energy efficiency," says David. "The insulation throughout has been upgraded, as have all the windows in the new extension and loft, which are now double glazed. The new wet underfloor heating system across the whole ground floor includes zoning to allow different areas to be heated.

"It’s also a great summer house – we love our big kitchen and connection to the garden," says David, who grew up in Texas and likes to cook outdoors. "I really love details such as the horizontal slot window behind the sink and the whole back line of the house with its large sliding doors opening directly onto the garden."

Spotlight on creating an exposed timber ceiling

Lance Wilson, chief executive officer, Corinth Contractors says, "The client wanted an exposed natural timber joist ceiling so to achieve the vaulted [ceiling] look we had to take measures to hide the cables and fixtures.

"We ran the cable as normal between the joists, installed battens along the timbers and then put plywood boarding in between the joists to hide the cables, brackets and bolts. The lights just pop out. To meet building control, the exposed timber ceiling had to be sealed with a fire-retardant varnish. We applied a clear varnish as the clients wanted the effect of the raw wood.

"The exposed steelwork also had to be painted with intumescent paint to make it fire resistant. The steelwork was made to order and the design stated that it shouldn’t look heavy. We had to be smart to keep the steel light yet able to take a lot of load."

Homeowner David says: "There is a gap around the plywood boarding in the ceiling and that is intentional. Wood isn’t perfectly straight so it’s difficult to make it perfectly line up. But if you leave a one-centimetre gap then the eye will never catch it, and it makes the lines around the plywood perfectly straight. The architect brought in these elements into the design and showed a great attention to detail."

David concludes, "All in all, it’s a great house to live in."

For more self-build inspiration, discover how one couple transformed a tiny bungalow into a modern three-storey house on Cornwall’s coastline. Or step inside this gorgeous oak-frame home in Ross-on-Wye, which the owners have future-proofed as their forever home.

As surprises go, a new home by the sea isn’t a bad one. In 2017 Ben and Ruth Prior, and their children, had been visiting the north Cornish coast for over a decade, renting homes each time.

"I just thought, 'Why don’t I buy one?’" says Ben, when he saw an older bungalow in their favourite village, one row back from the beach – the perfect place for a coastal home.

"I got the ball rolling without telling Ruth," says Ben. "She was somewhat shocked when I told her, but she loved it."

Project details

• Location Cornwall
• House type Concrete block, timber and steel frame
• House size 204sq m
• Build cost £1.3 million

Making decisions

Being a bungalow, the property was quite small, with just two bedrooms and a garage, and from the off, Ben realised it wouldn’t be big enough to accommodate the family long term.

However, he resisted starting the process of knocking it down and replacing it, not least because it would mean they wouldn’t be able to use the property for a year or more. As a result, the Prior family enjoyed spending time in the bungalow after refurbishing and redecorating it, but in time, future considerations became more pressing.

After buying the bungalow in 2017, the couple had gained planning permission to replace it, and when Ben read about architect Michael Tarring’s work in the national press, he contacted him.

"We met and we got on well," says Ben. The existing plans had been passed but were due to expire in 2020. As time went by and the family’s needs changed, the obvious choice was to ask Michael for a redesign of the replacement property, focusing on space and maximising the sea views.

"Height was important so that we would be able to see the sea," says Ben, "so I didn’t want a pitched roof; it was really all about the space." As a result, Michael designed a spectacular contemporary three-storey home with five bedrooms, and lots of glazing to create panoramic sea views from the top two floors.

Amended plans

Rather than begin a whole new planning application, Michael achieved the permission as an amendment to the existing plans. The newly proposed property was broadly similar to the previous design, as both were contemporary in style.

However, the new plans managed to reduce the ridge height and the footprint, thanks to the addition of the lower-ground floor. Also, the contemporary design responds to the varied and changing property styles seen all around this particular village, which has seen a boost in popularity in recent years.

"We used traditional materials but presented them in a contemporary way," says Michael, "and there is also a local precedent for extensive glazing."

As the sea views lie to the north, which is at the rear of the house, the windows to the south, plus rooflights, improve the quality of light internally. Meanwhile, frosted-glass windows and screened openings protect the surrounding neighbours’ privacy either side.

Eco considerations

Sustainability was also key for Ben and Ruth. In addition to wanting a highly insulated property constructed from low embodied-energy materials – that is, materials with a low carbon footprint – the couple also invested in modern eco-friendly technology.

In such an airtight building, it makes sense to have a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system to ensure stale air is expelled and fresh air constantly circulates. The property is primarily heated via an air source heat pump.

"There’s a woodburner in the living area but we never need to light it," says Ben. But one tweak was necessary – given that the property can sleep up to 10 people, they occasionally found the hot water required outstripped the supply the system could produce. "So I fitted a second tank with an immersion heater," says Ben.

Local skills

Living at a distance and with limited experience in building works, Ben and Ruth decided to hire a main contractor to run the build. After the tender process, the couple chose local firm Doyle and Whitley, whose background lay in boatbuilding. "They weren’t the cheapest quote," says Ben. "But I felt they were honest, and they could make anything."

Starting work in 2020 had, because of Covid, implications for rising costs. The Priors, however, were lucky. "The builders honoured the quote, despite the rises," says Ben. "They had bought the wood already and we just about got away with it."

Despite this, some costs did go up due in part, Ben admits, to their changes in specification. The couple added essential landscaping work to the garden, as it had previously been little more than an unusable slope. "I think we made sensible decisions; we didn’t go cheap, but we didn’t go crazy, either," says Ben.

The couple were happy with the contractors and, from the beginning, used local tradespeople and suppliers on principle. "We were keen to do this, even if we found it cheaper online," says Ben.

Another local business that benefited from the project was interior designer Claire Alderson of Pebble Design, who Ben and Ruth brought in when they struggled to decide on decorative finishes. "Claire was brilliant," says Ben. "She gave us three choices on everything and really sped up the process."

High point

For Ben, the best part of the project was seeing the view from the upper floors for the first time. "I was paranoid that we wouldn’t get the view,’ says Ben. "I had to be sure it would be worth what we had spent."

"The whole back of the house is glass and I love seeing people’s faces when they walk in," says Ben. "When the sun sets, you never get bored of it, especially with the waves crashing on the rocks."

Spotlight on building on a slope

Michael Tarring, project architect says, "Constructing a property on sloping ground brings several challenges to the building process, but at the same time provides great opportunities to what can be achieved.

"The existing house was a post-war detached bungalow, approximately 100sq m in size, located on a linear site between neighbouring properties. Due to its prime coastal location, the client wanted to maximise the site’s potential. By utilising the slope of the site and sinking the building into the landscape, a 304sq m contemporary new-build home was achieved within the planning constraints.

"The key to high-risk builds such as this is to ensure that great consideration and up-front planning is given to both the structural design, architectural detailing and the build process itself, while also ensuring a specialist groundworks contractor is appointed.

"Ground surveys are required to ensure the foundation and retaining wall designs are well suited to the local conditions, while it is beneficial for the above-ground structure to be efficient and lightweight.

"The resulting design was a hybrid structure of concrete retaining walls and masonry to the lower-ground floor, with a lightweight steel and timber structure for the ground and first floors. This allowed for the expansive openings and large spans."

Best build decision

"This has to be adding the games room on the lower-ground floor, leading out to the garden," says Ben. "It meant we could treat the garden as another 'room' and the extra space downstairs is perfect for the whole family. Another great decision was to invest in calling in the experts, such as the architect, builders and interior designer. They add value, save you money in the long run and provide you with peace of mind."

Now, with Ruth and Ben considering future retirement plans in the property, the whole family spends large parts of the year on the Cornish coast, enjoying their seaside home, the space and the magnificent views.

For more inspiration, take a look around this couple’s oak frame new build, which they designed as their forever home.

The motives for those who choose to embark on the self-build route are many and varied and for Dawn and Graham Hillier, the practicalities of everyday life were the main factor.

The couple were living in a big old farmhouse in Monmouthshire that was cold, draughty, uneconomical to run and increasingly becoming a challenge, particularly for Dawn, who has MS.

"We decided we wanted somewhere that combined character with all the benefits of a new, modern house," says Dawn. "Initially we didn’t have strong views on the type of property we wanted, but as soon as I went to visit an oak frame show home, that was it – there was no going back."

And Graham agrees, saying, "We instantly decided to look for ways we could build a bespoke home that would meet our future needs."

Project details

• Location Ross-on-Wye
• House type Oak frame detached house
• House size 250sq m
• Project Self-build with oak frame from Oakwrights

Finding suitable land

Despite wanting to stay in Wales, Dawn and Graham couldn’t find a suitable plot in their area, but also felt that their local planning authority were overly restrictive, so they widened their search and found a suitable semi-rural plot over the border in Herefordshire.

Although the land came with approved plans for a house, it wasn’t oak frame, so it would be back to the drawing board as far as planning was concerned.

"Consequently we approached Oakwrights, who were great to deal with," says Dawn. "They reassured us that although they have templates for houses, these could merely serve as a starting point for our design, and stressed to us that no two houses are the same."

Knowing they had the freedom to alter the plans allowed the couple to make changes that were fairly major, but also very considered, given they knew they were creating a home for life.

"The only restriction was our imagination and being aware of certain limitations," says Graham. "For example, the project architect had to point out that if we wanted the main living space much bigger than the norm, we couldn’t have a single span of oak, which made complete sense."

Other factors dictated the position of certain rooms in the house. Whereas a sunroom might normally be found at the rear of most houses, here the best views were at the front, so it was repositioned accordingly.

Access all areas

For practical purposes, the plans were tweaked to ensure they were achieving the "open, light and airy" home the pair had set their hearts on.

High on the must-have list was the requirement for plenty of space when moving around the house, including good access to kitchen worktops and generous doorways, particularly for the bathrooms.

Also with future needs in mind, the pair incorporated a home lift into the design, which came with its own considerations. "Initially I wanted the lift to be hidden behind closed doors, almost like a cupboard, but our daughters quite rightly pointed out that having a disability is nothing to be ashamed of, and as a result, the lift – we chose a stylish one – is on full view in the hallway," says Dawn.

Eco priorities

Knowing they were moving from an old inefficient home to one that had infinite possibilities was a major motivation for the couple to make it an eco-friendly house.

"It’s in our DNA to do the best we can, from a sustainability point of view," says Graham. "We didn’t go the whole hog and aim for Passivhaus standard, but we certainly wanted to go as far along that route as was possible within our budget. Aesthetics played a part, too – we didn’t want something that was totally efficient but unattractive to look at, so there had to be compromises.

"We were also keen to ensure the construction adhered to high levels of insulation and airtightness, which is precisely what Oakwrights achieve with their WrightWall panel system, which encases the frame," Graham continues.

The house’s other eco credentials include an air source heat pump, underfloor heating on the ground floor, solar panels with a back-up battery and an MVHR system.

Surprise discovery

While Oakwrights supplied and fitted the oak frame, together with the WrightWall and WrightRoof systems, the couple independently employed an excellent local builder, Gareth Bushnell, who they describe as "very high quality" and who acted as principal contractor on the build.

"We employed him initially to just build our garage but when he then told us he’d built his own home, we didn’t think twice about asking him to take the reins on this project," says Graham. "A big plus was the fact he had his own reliable team of tradesmen, including plumbers, carpenters, electricians and decorators, who proved equally meticulous."

For the duration of the build, the Hilliers stayed in rented accommodation a short drive away from the site, a benefit of which being that Graham could do daily site visits.

"We’re not experienced housebuilders, we’re more organised novices," he says, "but we were still very involved in the process. For example, we had to organise making sure the ground conditions were suitable for the crane and we were responsible for getting the scaffolding put up."

Achieving the dream result

Having lived in the house for over three years now, Dawn and Graham say there’s very little they would change, and one area they proclaim a particular success is the kitchen.

"All the houses we’ve ever moved into have had kitchens that weren’t to my taste, but which have been in perfectly good condition, so I could never justify getting rid of them," says Dawn. "Moving here has finally allowed me to design a kitchen that is ideal for cooking and socialising – as well as being very ergonomic – and we love it."

Best build decisions

"Designing and building our new home from scratch gave us the opportunity to really think about what we might need in the years ahead to make this our lifetime home," says Graham. "Installing a lift was a key part of future-proofing the house, which involved careful design of the stairs, hall and landing from the start. We don’t yet rely on the lift, but it has already come in handy!

"We’ve made sure the kitchen and bathrooms can accommodate a wheelchair if and when one is needed, with design features such as hide-and-slide oven doors and cantilever basins.

"We also opted for more kitchen drawers in the base units, as these are much easier to access than cupboards. Generally, we wanted a feeling of space and openness, and this lends itself to ease of access within and between the different rooms."

From the architect

Architect Craig Alexander for Oakwrights says: "Achieving the right balance of privacy, flow, and efficient circulation was key to the brief, and designing the circulation in this home was a real pleasure as well as an important part of the overall vision.

"The platform lift was carefully integrated into the oak frame structure – Graham and Dawn selected an attractive model that enhances the interior rather than detracting from it.

"The first-floor landing serves as a gallery, using the oak frame to bridge the two wings of the house while bringing in extra light and creating a sense of openness. A fully vaulted ceiling and generous rooflights add further drama and joy.

"At the centre is a bespoke, crafted staircase – a striking focal point from which the rest of the home flows, and needless to say, the oak structure plays a vital role in shaping these tactile, characterful spaces."

Dawn concludes, "All in all, we’ve lavished money as well as love on this house but as it’s our forever home, it’s a decision we don’t regret."

For more inspiration, see how two owners transformed a 1930s house into a bright and beautiful contemporary home.

Homeowners Loretta and David are used to the construction process – they built their own home in Derbyshire before moving to their Sheffield village 10 years ago. A few years after moving, however, they decided the house was too small for them so the hunt was on for a bigger place.

"When we found a 1930s detached house , we could have gone down the demolition route, but we thought there was something wasteful about knocking down a perfectly good house to build another in its place, so we decided to renovate and extend instead," says Loretta.

The primary focus of their brief was to create an energy-efficient home with open-plan living areas that connected to the rear garden.

Project info

• House type 1930s bay-fronted detached house
• Project Back-to-brick renovation, modernisation and extension
• Build route Main contractor plus independent suppliers
• Build cost Circa £1m including landscaping
• Current value circa £1.8m

Finding an architect

Chris Brightman of Brightman Clarke Architects came recommended and proved invaluable. "We chose our architect before we even chose the house," says Loretta. "From the start he was very responsive, full of good ideas and quick to turn things around – he just gets it.

"My husband David would play around with ideas on Google Sketchup and Chris could immediately tell him what worked and what didn’t, because he had a feel for what we wanted."

"The existing property was in a beautiful setting with fantastic gardens and the main concept of this proposal was to connect the internal spaces with the garden as much as possible," says Chris Brightman.

Making plans

Unsurprisingly, Loretta and David’s primary requirements from their new extension were more light and space, and having built a house previously, the pair had firm ideas about what they wanted – but they needed Chris to help them achieve that.

"The key was getting to know Loretta and David, how they saw themselves using the space and what was important to them," says Chris. "This, considered alongside the site orientation and context, helped determine the proposed layout.

"We did explore the possibility of building upwards instead of outwards, but with the exception of two bedrooms built over the garage – which we demolished and rebuilt – the build took place mainly at ground-floor level."

Design inspiration

Because the rear of the house is north-facing, the usual style of extension – running along the back – would fail to exploit natural daylight. "The solution was to punch out into the large back garden, which takes advantage of the late-afternoon sun," says Loretta.

"In terms of our brief to Chris about the style of the extension, we both like early-20th-century modern architecture, such as the Barcelona Pavilion, so that was a good starting point for the design."

Eco elements and efficiency

While space and light were, of course, two of the main objectives for the project, the need to incorporate renewable energy was also near the top of the must-have list. Having done their research, Loretta and David knew they wanted a ground source heat pump, and for this, they installed five 60m vertical boreholes in the garden but they were also aware of the need to insulate the existing period house to modern standards to make it practicable.

"We insulated internally, which is a great way to improve the efficiency of your home, but it is quite disruptive and only works well when you are carrying out a full house renovation and retrofitting as it requires the removal of all fixtures, fittings and skirting boards," Chris points out. "Careful detailing is also needed to avoid cold bridging."

And the house is proving a money saver, thanks to the eco-friendly features and energy saving tips. "Due to the combination of airtightness, insulation and effective glazing, the heating and hot water for the last 12 months has cost us around £1,400, which is far less than we’d pay for gas, particularly with energy price rises," says Loretta. "And that’s just one of the ways this home has repaid all our efforts."

Drawing on experience

While not hands-on with any actual building work, Loretta and David say they were heavily involved throughout with site meetings (often by video due to Covid restrictions), and were kept busy visiting window suppliers, as well as choosing kitchen and bathroom units and so on.

While claiming not to be particularly creative, Loretta designed the kitchen and bathroom layouts, but partly puts it down to previous experience. "On the last project, with certain interior aspects, I came away knowing I could have done it better, which gave me the drive and confidence to do my own thing here."

Another lesson learnt from their previous build was not to stagger projects. Instead of leaving the garden landscaping until the building work was done, they commissioned the landscaping at the same time.

The result

"On our last house, we got decision fatigue, so this time we were aware that if we didn’t do the garden alongside the build, we might either run out of enthusiasm or run out of money," says Loretta.

While the whole house enjoyed a renovation, the undoubted jewel of the project is the sleek modern extension with its floor-to-ceiling glazing that allows unhindered views of the garden.

"The interior is a good balance of light, space and glass," says Loretta, who designed the space zonally. "When our grown-up children are here, this is where we all gravitate to, yet we can still split off into different areas as and when we choose."

Loretta and David feel justly proud that the character of the original house has been maintained, including at the front, with its angular take on period bay windows – clad in the same charred timber as elsewhere.

"We love the cladding for the fact that it’s a natural material, as well as having a warm, yet contemporary feel. It hasn’t changed in appearance at all since we installed it – and where it got knocked by the builders a couple of times, we just burnt over it to blend it back in."

For more inspiration read how this couple replaced a small damp bungalow with an ultra-modern, efficient home.

Bidding for a small, damp bungalow at auction was probably reckless, according to the property’s co-owner Ben Humphrey. "We knew the council had already refused a previous planning application for two houses on the plot, but we went ahead and bought the property anyway," he admits.

"As first-time builders, we were rather naive and didn’t fully understand the issues involved in demolishing the semi-detached property and building on a tricky split-level site; otherwise, we may have been more wary."

When Ben and his wife, Anna, decided to leave London to move closer to family in Bedfordshire, they had spotted a small, two-bedroom bungalow on a good-sized plot of land. Their plans were to knock it down and replace it with a detached self-build home.

Project details

• Location Bedfordshire
• Project New build
• House type Detached, two-storey, four-bedroom, reverse-level house
• Size 220sqm plus 40sqm integral garage
• Build route Builder, subcontractors, DIY
• Build time 18 months
• Plot cost £165,000
• Build cost £670,000
• Value £1.25 million

A contemporary self build

"With hindsight, it was risky, as we didn’t want to renovate the run-down pebble-dashed bungalow," says Ben. "But, after renting in London for 10 years, we were excited by the possibility of building a house and starting a family."

The couple approached several architectural practices with their ideas, and eventually chose to work with Tye Architects, which is based in Bedfordshire, after admiring house designs on the renowned company’s website.

"The deciding factor was that Nicolas Tye gave us confidence he could design the contemporary self-build we wanted, which would also gain planning permission on our awkward site," says Anna.

The planning journey

"We read Homebuilding & Renovating magazine for inspiration," says Anna, "but our brief was purposefully vague, because we wanted to give our architect the freedom to come up with something unique and different. Fortunately, we have a lovely neighbour, who agreed to the idea of splitting the two traditional semi-detached bungalows."

Just one week before a decision was due, the council contacted Tye Architects to advise that permission would be refused for the proposed design. Standing close to the Grand Union Canal, the bungalows were believed to have once served as stabling for horses drawing the boats along the waterway, and the conservation officer felt these buildings should be protected.

"I’d made a model of our new house from foam board for the town planning application meeting, and we had gained their support," says Ben. "We then took the model with us to the council meeting, which our architect and planning consultant also attended, and after two hours of thrashing out various points they asked us to resubmit the plans with some small changes. It was a huge relief when the design was finally approved."

Unexpected delays

A building contractor was employed, and work began on site with careful demolition of the existing bungalow. Excavation at the rear created a lower-ground level, ensuring that the new house would still appear as a single-storey home from the road.

"We needed piled foundations and, once the slab had been poured, I noticed that it seemed higher than expected," says Ben. "The builders reassured me that everything was fine and continued to build our retaining wall and the ground floor of the house in reinforced concrete."

However, still convinced that the final ridge height was going to contravene conditions set by the planners, Ben once again approached the builders, who finally agreed with him. "We had a half-built house, but needed to submit another planning application, and the builders closed the site for three months while we waited for the outcome," says Ben.

Additional stress factors

"It was quite worrying," he continues, "as a couple of neighbours then objected to the new application, believing we had deliberately planned the finished height of the property all along to gain a larger house.

"Fortunately, permission for the new plan was granted, but then we had issues with the windows. This caused a significant delay, with the supplier eventually going bust. It meant we’d completed most of the first fix before our windows were even installed."

The couple lived with Anna’s parents during the project, and their first child was born while the original planning permission was being sought. "By the time we moved into our new house, our daughter was two and Anna was pregnant again with twins, so a lot had changed since our initial meeting with the architect, when it was just the two of us," says Ben.

Floorplans

"One aspect of the house that works well for a young family is that we used masonry, which reduces internal noise transference," Ben continues. "Even the upstairs partition walls are concrete block, and we have suspended beam and block concrete floors, with underfloor heating everywhere. You don’t hear people walking around upstairs, and it feels like a very quiet, energy-efficient and solid house."

For more inspiration, check out this transformation of a 1980s house into a modern eco family home.

Thorne Island, a Grade II* listed coastal fort built in the 1850s as part of the defences of Milford Haven, has been placed on the market for £3 million by Plotfinder.

Once a military stronghold guarding one of Britain’s largest natural harbours, the island later became a hotel before being converted into a family home.

Covering 2.49 acres, it provides restored living accommodation and self-sufficient energy systems in a highly secluded location, offering an ambitious housing project to those looking to renovate a house.

A military past with shifting uses

Constructed between 1852 and 1854, the fortress was one of a dozen designed to protect Pembroke Dock as part of “Palmerston’s Haven defences.”

After leaving military service, it became a hotel during the 20th century and eventually a private residence.

Few homes carry such a layered past – shifting from a Victorian naval stronghold to a place of leisure and now a self-sufficient family home – making Thorne Island unlike any other property on the market.

Living on a self-sufficient island

The fort now provides over 8,000sqft of accommodation, including five bedrooms, a large reception and dining hall, a kitchen with sea views, and a lookout converted into a glass-fronted office.

Courtyards, vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork sit alongside more modern additions such as a rooftop bar, lawned terraces and moorings.

Extensive work has made the property fully off-grid, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting, battery storage, and an air source heat pump providing sustainable heating.

How can you buy the former fortress?

Currently registered as both a family home and a hotel, the island offers scope for private or commercial use.

Thorne Island is offered for sale by private treaty at a guide price of £3 million.

Full particulars and details, as well as details on thousands of other properties and building plots, are now available on Plotfinder.

Noakes Cross Farm is a 14th-century Grade II-listed farmhouse in Essex that has undergone a sensitive renovation to adapt it for modern living.

Part of Fenn Wright’s Signature collection of distinctive homes, the project carefully balances rarely seen historic features with practical contemporary spaces.

The result is a property that perfectly blends medieval structure and detailing with light-filled, functional family living areas.

Preserving history while extending space

The renovation has maintained original elements such as exposed oak beams, timber frames, and a brick fireplace, keeping the architectural character intact.

At the same time, a contemporary extension was added to introduce open-plan living, higher ceilings, and large sliding doors that connect the interior to the gardens.

The work ensured that the building’s historic fabric was respected while accommodating the requirements of a modern family home.

Interior layout and functionality

Inside, the house was reconfigured to provide multiple reception spaces to make use of the home's 3,057 square feet of living space.

Other highlights include:

• A kitchen/dining/family room with marble work surfaces, a central kitchen island, integrated appliances, and a Quooker tap for instant boiling water
• Sliding doors that open onto the gardens
• A study with a second staircase, a utility room, and a boot room
• A principal suite with ensuite shower and a guest suite with vaulted ceilings, garden views, and its own ensuite
• Three additional double bedrooms and a bathroom with a freestanding cast-iron roll-top bath

Gardens, outbuildings, and outdoor adaptations

The property sits within approximately one acre of landscaped grounds, including formal gardens, lawns, a large pond, and raised vegetable beds.

Two triple-bay carports were retained and updated, with one including full attic trusses, allowing potential future conversion into a self-contained annexe.

Slate patios and paths were laid to create accessible outdoor spaces suitable for recreation and entertaining, integrating the garden with the extended living areas.

Bridging centuries in design

The renovation demonstrates how a historic building can be adapted for contemporary needs while keeping its original character intact.

Through careful planning and craftsmanship, the property now offers practical modern living within a structure that has stood for over 700 years.

Valued at £1.6 million by Fenn Wright, the home represents a considered combination of preservation, extension, and modern functionality.

Happy though they were in their previous home, homeowners Eilidh and Rob discovered that with a growing son and daughter, more space was needed and the detached property they found in the same Nottinghamshire village suited their needs better.

"We loved the plot and the feel of the house inside," says Eilidh. "It felt warm and inviting and gave us the space we were looking for, but it was clear that some reconfiguration would improve the flow."

Renovating the house was therefore on the cards for the family.

Project details

• Location Nottinghamshire
• House type Detached 1980s property
• House size 310sq m
• Project Renovation

Planning a new layout

The scope of the proposed renovation meant one of the couple’s first tasks was to enlist Jackson-Crane Architecture. "The owners approached us with a clear ambition – to transform a modest, extended house into a modern, sustainable family eco-home," says architect David Jackson-Crane.

"They wanted to rationalise the layout, create a better connection between the living spaces and the garden, and introduce more light throughout."

From the start, Eilidh had firm views on how the interior should be approached. "We chose David because he had a similar design aesthetic – we were on the same page regarding how we were going to use the interior space, including storage and the basic furniture layout," she says.

Working with professionals

"Luckily Jackson-Crane also had their own interiors specialist, Amandine Viant, who advised on the space and flow aspects and she proved equally invaluable during the process."

David and Amandine produced 3D visuals that allowed Eilidh and Rob to envisage the space and make confident decisions. The main revisions to the initial drawings occurred only where it was felt the space could be put to better use.

"For example, David had included plans for a double-height entrance space, which I know is a popular feature nowadays, but it would have meant sacrificing valuable storage space," says Eilidh.

Making changes

One of the key moves was shifting the entrance and repositioning the staircase, which helped unlock the layout and provided the chance to create an open, sociable living space at the back, and with it a greater connection to the garden.

"The lounge was originally a large room divided in two by a woodburner idea," says Eilidh. "We bricked up the semi-partitioning wall to create a smaller lounge space at the front of the house. Then we removed the wall to the kitchen/dining room to increase the size and added a sitting area at the back, creating a larger open-plan area.

"We reconfigured the downstairs, simplifying the layout to provide a smaller downstairs cloakroom and coat cupboard," continues Eilidh. "I highly recommend having a coat cupboard split into sections for each member of the family!"

Window arrangements were changed, too – sliding doors at the front of the house were replaced by windows, whereas the opposite took place at the rear, where large sliding doors now open out onto the patio from the games room.

Opting for renewables

One of the main considerations for the renovation was the heating. Being situated slightly out of the village, the house relied on an oil-fired boiler instead of mains gas, but Eilidh and Rob bought the house as a long-term home, so sustainability and energy efficiency were key priorities.

After researching renewable energy solutions they discovered that if they wanted to use a heat pump and therefore a low-temperature energy source, they had to properly insulate the house.

"It was important to us to go down the renewable energy route – we knew it was the right option for the house – but I think it was at that point we realised that it was going to be a bigger project than we’d originally envisaged," say Eilidh. With the house insulated internally, and underfloor heating installed throughout, the eco transformation began.

Further eco additions

A ground source heat pump was put in place, with a 180m borehole situated under the driveway. Not believing in half measures, Eilidh and Rob decided to install solar panels on a south-facing section of the roof, adding an even larger set of panels on the newly built carport. To optimise the energy they generate, they have also installed a storage battery, which also provides the electricity needed to charge their car.

The couple’s green credentials didn’t end there – they fitted an MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) system, along with triple-glazed windows and new front and back doors. All of this has massively reduced the couple's energy usage and bills as well as vastly improving the comfort levels within the house.

"Drainage around the house was also updated and we installed a rainwater harvester, which is buried in the driveway," says Eilidh. "Rainwater that runs off the roof is now collected in this underground tank and we use it to water the garden."

Exterior aspects

Reflecting the level of overhaul the interior of the house benefited from, the exterior was given its own makeover in the form of larch timber cladding. "We’ve left most of it untreated so that it will silver beautifully over time, while the remaining areas of cladding are in a black paint finish," says Eilidh.

To complete the project, the area around the house was landscaped with a new garden and patio at the back, which proved to be a lifesaver. "Certain aspects of the build that were out of our hands proved difficult, to say the least, but seeing the garden blossom before our eyes kept our spirits up," says Eilidh.

Floorplans

"Of course, once the house was complete, it was worth all the effort. After all, we knew we’d created a home that was tailor-made for us as a family," concludes Eilidh.

For more real-life house tours check out this restoration and extension of a dilapidated 1850s home.

Homeowners Alan and Suzy had a very specific brief for their architects: "To fix all the problems with our quirky old house without losing any of its magic, so that we could feel joy every time we arrived home," says Alan.

The three-bedroom Grade II-listed Victorian property stands in a National Landscape area (formerly known as an AONB), overlooking the harbour and The Cobb at Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Alan and Suzy had admired the unusual property and its spectacular setting for some time before purchasing it in 2009. They planned to sensitively restore and renovate the dilapidated building, dating from the 1850s, while improving its overall energy efficiency.

"There was no insulation, and we needed to put out buckets every time it rained," Suzy recalls. "Crucially, we couldn’t really enjoy the sea view from the house, which was a huge shame."

Project details

• Location Dorset
• Project Renovation and extension
• House type Semi-detached three-bedroom house
• Size Original house 150m², new extension 60m², outbuildings 110m²
• Build route Architect and builder
• Build time 12 months
• House cost £640,000 in 2009
• Build cost £490,000
• Value £1.6 million+

Finding inspiration

The couple spent 10 years living in the property, working away from home as designers during the week, before they embarked on the project. They wanted to wait for their retirement, when they would have enough time to devote to the ambitious renovation and side extension they had in mind.

Rak Architecture was appointed to fulfil the couple’s brief, and the architects soon discovered that a scullery had once stood at the side of the building, as depicted in a 1950s postcard.

"There was no insulation, and we needed to put out buckets every time it rained," Suzy recalls. "Crucially, we couldn’t really enjoy the sea view from the house, which was a huge shame."

A unique extension

"The design of the new extension was inspired by the idea of reincarnating the old scullery with a similar monopitch roofline on the same spot," explains project architect, Robert Keefe.

"Rather than having one large side extension, we designed a series of smaller spaces which remain subservient to the main house, creating areas for different moods and seasons," Robert says.

"There’s a bright, sunny kitchen-diner in the frameless glass link extension, and a cosier fireside snug in the masonry extension, both with views of the waves beyond."

Working with a listed building

Several challenges arose from buying a listed building, including linking the historic timber-framed house to the new structural glazed roof, and allowing for movement between old and new.

Liaising with conservation officers and specialists, Rak Architecture devised imaginative solutions that remained sympathetic to the craftsmanship of the original property.

The Lyme Regis Society also proved supportive, appreciating the research involved to enhance the older building in its important and historic setting, which serves as a backdrop for The Cobb.

Construction choices

Repair and restoration of the Victorian property involved relocating the staircase, reinstating features and materials, reroofing, rewiring and replumbing.

Several existing modern extensions were removed prior to the appointed builders, Mew Developments, starting work on constructing the new single-storey masonry structure and the glazed link that connects it to the main house.

"We used black mottled brick for the extension’s rear wall and internally to complement the new Welsh slate fish-scale cladding on the main house and extension exterior," says Suzy, who painstakingly cut and cleaned around five tons of slate.

A sustainable approach

"Reducing our energy consumption was important. We wrapped the old timber-framed house with breathable sheep’s wool insulation beneath the cladding," says Alan.

Thermally broken double glazing with solar-control coatings was installed, and heat from the sun on a typical winter’s day is enough to warm the new space without needing to turn on the underfloor heating.

There is nearly always a breeze on the coast and, in the summer, the sliding doors, casement windows and stable door can be opened to cool the glazed kitchen-diner naturally.

A solar diverter and 4kW solar PV panels, located beside the house, provide the equivalent of five months’ hot water annually, purely from solar energy. "We use wood from our land for the woodburning stove in the snug and grow much of our own food on an adjacent smallholding," explains Alan.

Floor plans

It is the detailing and high levels of craftsmanship that bring the design alive. "Extending the house has brought in the light, and completely transformed the way we live," says Suzy. "Not only can we enjoy the sea, but we watch the birds and clouds through the glazed roof. It feels as though we are part of the landscape."

For more real life inspiration, have a look at our narrow Victorian house renovation which enhanced the house without extending.

The infamous Grand Designs “Lighthouse” in North Devon has finally been sold, closing the book on one of British TV’s most dramatic property sagas.

The striking clifftop self-build home, officially known as Chesil Cliff House, became a national talking point after a decade-long build left its owner millions in debt and unable to move in.

Savills, who handled the sale, confirmed: “Savills marketed the property for sale between January and October 2024 which resulted in a sale being secured and completed in October 2024.”

The sale marks a turning point in a story that has fascinated - and at times shocked - viewers for more than a decade.

From £10 million to £5.25 million

Originally the Grand Designs Lighthouse was listed for £10 million, but the property’s asking price was cut almost in half to £5.25 million in early 2024.

The reduction followed the discovery of serious structural issues with an older driveway built in the 1960s, which serves the adjoining annexe, “The Eye.”

The collapsing edges made it unsafe to use and caused multiple sales to fall through. Owner Edward Short even considered borrowing £2 million to repair the drive before a buyer was found.

The ‘saddest ever’ Grand Designs episode

The Lighthouse’s story was first told on Grand Designs in what viewers dubbed the “saddest ever” episode.

Short began the ambitious project aiming to complete it in 18 months with a £1.8 million budget, but instead it stretched to 12 years, cost between £5.5 million and £6 million, and ultimately contributed to the breakdown of his marriage to Hazel.

The project sat idle for years before work resumed and was finally completed in 2023, though Short was never able to live there.

An architectural feat despite the chaos

Perched dramatically above the Devon coastline, Chesil Cliff House is anchored into the cliff face with panoramic views of Croyde Bay.

The three-acre estate includes a four-storey tower, five bedrooms, four reception rooms, a cinema, sauna, cellar, 60ft infinity pool, and a private beach cove, making it one of Grand Design's best houses.

Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud described the completed build as “a defiant monument to perseverance” and admitted he was “mystified” that Short had managed to finish it at all.

With the keys now in new hands, the sale finally closes the chapter on a saga that has gripped viewers, property watchers, and locals alike for more than a decade.

When David and his partner Jess first set eyes on their Victorian terraced house in Cambridge, they looked past its flaws to envisage what it could be with the right house renovation.

At just 3.6m wide, however, with an awkward layout and all the hallmarks of rental neglect, it was far from perfect. But having been an architect, David saw an opportunity to transform the compact space into a light-filled home that would perfectly suit the couple’s professional lifestyles.

Project details

• House type Two-storey Victorian terrace
• Location Cambridge
• Size 70sqm
• Project Room reconfiguring
• Build route Contractor engaged for each phase
• Construction Garden elevation reshaped with timber-framed zinc-covered roof
• Build time Undertaken in phases from spring 2013 to December 2020
• Build cost £114,000
• Current value Around £540,000

Approaching the compact footprint

Many architects see potential where others see problems, and for David, the appeal of a terraced home was less about reinventing the wheel and more about taking a considered approach within a well-worn typology.

'Cambridge is full of these types of terraced properties,’ he says. ‘So, it would be a stretch to say that this one had unique potential that I hadn’t seen elsewhere. However, the orientation really helped – we knew we could have morning light in the main bedroom and afternoon light in the west-facing garden.’

Although the house wasn’t listed, its position in a conservation area meant there were restrictions on what could be altered externally. Fortunately, securing planning permission was a straightforward process. Rather than chasing additional square footage, David focused on reconfiguring the interior to maximise space and improve natural light.

A phased approach

With the possibility of a new extension off the table, it soon became clear that renovating the house in one go wasn’t an option. Instead, David and Jess chose to tackle the work in stages, balancing their budget with logistics and the need to keep the space liveable throughout. Also, David was able to refine the design as the project progressed.

The first step was converting the loft into a storage space. Although never intended as a full living area, it freed up valuable square footage downstairs, making the later phases of the renovation easier to manage.

"That decision was partly budget-driven, but also a practical decision," David explains. "The house is so small, it was like playing Tetris, moving things around so we could still live here while the work was going on."

Relocating the rooms

The most significant change with renovating their terraced home came next, with the relocation of the bathroom. Previously on the ground floor between the original kitchen and the garden, it cut off views and blocked natural light.

"It really spoiled the flow of the house," says David. Moving it upstairs allowed for a brighter, more connected ground floor, setting the stage for further improvements.

With the bathroom out of the way, attention turned to the main bedroom. This was a relatively simple update focused on refining the materials used and the layout, while respecting the property’s original proportions.

Reimagining the kitchen

Despite common wisdom that bigger is better, the couple resisted the temptation to extend the kitchen area. "We didn’t actually need more space, and we didn’t want to eat into the garden," David explains. Instead, they focused on strengthening the connection between inside the house and outside.

A strategic decision was made to raise the roof in the former bathroom space, which was to become the expanded kitchen, and introduce as much glazing as possible to flood the new layout with natural light.

"As it’s a Victorian house, I never liked the idea of sliding or folding doors, as they can be heavy and clunky, especially for a relatively small opening," says David. "Instead, we chose timber French patio doors for a more sympathetic design."

David’s architectural eye can be seen throughout the finished home, and nowhere more so than in the bespoke joinery. Made from a combination of birch plywood and maple, these carefully crafted details help bring the whole project together. Designed by David and built by Law & Lewis Carpenters, the joinery reflects his belief that good design should be as practical as it is beautiful.

Clever storage ideas

One of the most ingenious interventions is in the bathroom, where David reimagined a standard partition wall as an opportunity for built-in storage. "It looks like just a wall at first glance, but there’s quite a lot going on to make it work," he explains.

By stepping the wall back in sections, he was able to integrate bookcases on the landing side of the wall and give more space to the bathroom, with cupboards sitting on a shelf, making the most of the compact footprint.

This attention to detail extends to even the smallest elements of the house. "I’ve always been interested in the Arts and Crafts movement," says David. "One of its principles is designing every aspect of a house down to the finest details.

"I didn’t go that far, but I did design unique elements, such as different-sized doorknobs and a white concrete house number plaque, which I cast myself."

Ground floor and first floor after

Ground floor and first floor before

Several years on, David and Jess still appreciate the transformation of their home. "Every morning we’d walk into the bright new space and think: 'Yes, this was absolutely worth it.' And it’s testament to the decisions we made that it’s still a joy to live in."

All of which goes to prove that thoughtful design doesn’t require major alterations or extra space. It’s the small, well-judged decisions that can truly make a home. For more inspiration, have a look at this oak frame dream home in Warwickshire.

In Bethnal Green, a garage conversion reflects a growing shift in sustainable architecture, by celebrating the use of recycled materials.

Designed by Featherstone Young, the 58m² property makes visible what most homes hide, placing materials like OSB, terrazzo tile offcuts, and natural linoleum front and centre.

The result is a sustainable space that champions function over flash with a rustic design that rewrites the aesthetics of urban living.

OSB used throughout the home's interiors

The most striking visual element in this eco home is oriented strand board (OSB), used throughout the walls and ceilings of the upper floor.

Usually relegated to subfloors or hidden behind plasterboard, OSB here is deliberately exposed, its dappled texture and layered composition to the interiors.

OSB is a type of engineered wood, made by compressing layers of wood shavings, strands and offcuts - often the byproducts of other forestry products - into large, durable sheets. Unlike more expensive plywood, OSB uses more of the tree and less selective cuts, making it more resource-efficient and sustainable.

By leaving the board raw and unpainted, the architects let the material “speak,” both visually and ethically. It’s a move that aligns with Featherstone Young’s wider approach - what they describe as “baggy space”: flexible, open areas that adapt to different uses over time, finished with everyday materials.

Offcut terrazzo and the joy of reuse

The home’s sustainability ethos continues in the brightly coloured bathroom, where the walls are lined with terrazzo tiles.

But rather than being custom-ordered, these tiles are offcuts - leftovers from a previous Featherstone Young project, given a new lease of life here.

Terrazzo is a composite material that traditionally combines stone chips in a cement or resin base. It was once considered utilitarian but has seen a design resurgence for its bold patterns and durability.

Recycling building materials adds another layer of narrative to the home. Each tile carries its own history, reframed within a different context - transforming what might have been discarded into a design feature.

Flooring made from linoleum

Underfoot, the house is lined with grey linoleum, an eco flooring choice that has quietly regained popularity in environmentally-conscious design circles.

Often confused with synthetic vinyl flooring, true linoleum is made from all-natural materials: linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and jute backing.

This material is not only biodegradable but also durable, warm to the touch, and has a distinctive, earthy scent. In this home, the linoleum provides a soft counterpoint to the more textured OSB surfaces.

Choosing linoleum over more common synthetic options demonstrates how sustainable choices can be both practical and sensorial. It supports the idea that sustainable living doesn’t have to be performative, it can simply be good design.

In a city like London, where space is scarce and architectural polish often reigns supreme, this home offers a quiet counter-narrative: one where materials matter not just for what they cost or how they look, but for the stories they tell and the resources they save.

The home is listed on The Modern House for £650,000.

The property that homeowners Heather and Chris discovered in the summer of 2017 was a mid-century detached house, on a very steep slope overlooking the beach, with only pedestrian access.

Pebble-dashed and constructed from substandard mundic concrete, it was damp and barely habitable, yet for them it was love at first sight. "As soon as you turn around, you get the whole jaw-dropping view. It took our breath away," says Heather.

The view for their self build is across one of Cornwall’s best surf beaches. It sits between two headlands where sightings of dolphins, basking sharks and seals in the bay are a common occurrence, while the village above the beach is a bustling place, popular with visitors and locals alike.

Project details

• Location West Cornwall
• House type Contemporary self-build
• House size 240sq m including garage and gym
• Build route Architect plus main contractor
• Construction Steel frame, timber cladding, zinc and green roof
• Build time Five years

Assembling a team

Heather and Chris knew the area well, as Chris grew up in the village and attended the local school where he has now returned to work part-time as a maths teacher.

They had bought a property nearby in 2008, collaborating with architect James Hurditch and building contractor (and Chris’s former school friend) Jonathan Manser to update it.

James and Jonathan were the natural choice for their expert opinions on the possibilities for this new project, which would turn out to be a complete demolition project, rather than the renovation the couple originally had in mind.

Setting out a plan

"Jonathan and I had a meeting on site before Heather and Chris even bought it," recalls James. "There was no vehicle access, and we had to consider if we could get a driveway up there."

A seismic survey revealed the hillside is granite, topped with up to 2m of fast-draining loam, held together by vegetation. They concluded the project was possible, but demolishing the existing house would be "monumental," says James.

The planning application process took two years, including a planning refusal – something Heather and Chris describe as "an endurance test". Eventually, however, the local authority granted permission for an extraordinary three-bedroom home, spread across two levels.

The plans included a large deck, garage and a unique cantilevered design that makes looking out from the living room feel like floating in the seascape itself.

Maximising the views

Chris and Heather’s brief to James was for an eco-friendly, energy-efficient home. Above all, it had to be light and take advantage of those stunning views. "We face north-west, and it can be very dark for two to three months of the year," says Heather.

James’s solution was to think about architectural glazing for light and views. As a result, rooflights drop light into the rear of the home. A triangular window at the apex of the kitchen fills the space with the morning sun and allows views up and across a carpet of greenery, while sliding doors onto the terrace face directly into the spectacular sunsets.

A large picture window at the end of the cantilevered section frames the beach views.

Challenges along the way

Getting to the finishing line was another test of endurance, with a build time of five years. It began with the construction of the driveway, which alone took two years to complete. There were various technical challenges to deal with, not least the volume of water coming off the hillside.

"There were several springs, including one behind the building, which was constantly flowing," says James, who was focused on avoiding hydrostatic pressure. The solutions included diverting the springs, building a water harvesting tank under the house and waterproofing the concrete, which has an additive – in layers, both inside and out.

The foundations were also a challenge. The need to keep the roofline low means the building is set down into the hillside. Channels were dug into the granite and retaining walls were cast into them, with a "toe" to anchor the structure to the granite. The primary structure, a galvanised steel frame, was then anchored back into the retaining wall.

Eco design elements

This steel frame was infilled with timber and heavily insulated to get good airtightness. As their home is close to Passivhaus standards, Heather and Chris decided to include a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system in their suite of ‘green’ technological solutions.

"You warm up the building and ventilate, but can recover 95% of the heat differential," says James. "You never have a damp interior again."

Other sustainable solutions include a ground source heat pump, which required several boreholes to be drilled on the site. This is complemented by solar photovoltaic panels on the roof, linked to a Tesla Powerwall battery to store the energy. "It’s very satisfying when the energy goes from the panels to the battery to our car," says Chris.

Material choices

Given the prominence of the building within the landscape and the community, the right material choices were fundamental to the design. "Granite is very traditional here for homes,’ says Chris. ‘But we also had a more contemporary brief."

Taking inspiration from buildings in the village, including the lifeboat station’s zinc roof, Heather and Chris decided on a "blackened" look. Ticking their boxes for aesthetic appeal and sustainability, zinc and charred timber cladding are modern, beautiful and work perfectly with the sections of green roof, where the building appears to merge into the hillside.

A cohesive scheme

Several of the design cues from the architectural plans are carried inside, most notably the blackened timber. This clads a pillar between the kitchen and the dining area that hides the heating controls. The couple had some help with the interiors from local designer Charlotte Hall.

"I thought interiors were all about colour, but Charlotte navigated us through decisions on sockets, switches, lighting options and the rest. She did our electrical layout design and was remarkable," says Heather.

As the couple closed in on the five-year mark, each step of the internal fit-out "felt like a minor triumph," says Heather, who praises the quality of the finish throughout, whether it was the oak floating stairs or the blackened detailing on the kitchen cabinetry. "All aspects required non-standard, bespoke solutions and a lot of creative thinking."

The floor plans

Once the building was completed in early 2024, the couple threw a party for everyone who had worked on it to celebrate and 70 people attended. "Our dream home took seven years and a small army of determined people," says Heather.

"The house has come back to life in its new form, and our life has already transformed beyond all imagining. We asked for beauty, and we asked for light and James gave them to us. Even in the darkest months, we have light from every angle and almost everyone comments on its beauty. The house is amazing, and we love living in it."

For more real life inspiration have a look at how this couple created their dream home on a dream plot in the Cotswolds.

With energy prices continuing to rise, many UK homeowners are searching for practical ways to lower their bills.

This weekend, OVO Energy is offering around 1.5 million customers six hours of free electricity, providing a timely opportunity to reduce usage costs.

It’s also a perfect moment to explore effective energy-saving tips that can help you make lasting savings beyond this limited offer.

Who’s eligible and what’s the offer?

From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June, OVO Energy customers on an eligible plan – fixed rate, dual-fuel, or standard variable – can receive two hours of free electricity each night between 9pm and 11pm. That adds up to six hours across the weekend.

To claim the deal, customers need to open the OVO Energy app and opt-in through the offer section before 9pm on each participating night.

The energy used during those windows will then be refunded as a bill credit, expected to appear by the end of August.

Why free electricity is being offered now

The offer is timed to match the summer festival season as part of OVO’s “Power Your Party” campaign, responding to research that shows nearly half of Brits missed out on live event tickets this year.

Designed to ease festival FOMO, it supports those who are choosing to watch performances from home instead of attending in person.

More broadly, energy providers are also under pressure to offer more value as customers grapple with the energy price cap and ongoing energy price rises.

This free power window also encourages the use of electricity during off-peak hours helping ease demand on the grid and reduce carbon emissions.

What else can you do to save on energy?

If you're eligible for this offer, it's a smart bonus, but it’s only part of the puzzle.

With bills still well above pre-crisis levels, taking control of your usage is essential.

For more insight into how and when to use electricity efficiently, especially during off-peak hours, it pays to stay informed.

Every small change counts, especially when combined with time-limited perks like this weekend’s free electricity offer.

Homeowners, Holly and François-Xavier, were renting in a conservation area of southwest London when they began looking for their first home.

"We weren’t necessarily hoping to buy on the same road, but this house came up for sale," says Holly. "It needed work, but was within our budget and had great potential."

The semi-detached Victorian house was liveable but old-fashioned, with a small, dark kitchen attached to an outdoor toilet building.

"We wanted to build an extension at the back and renovate internally, to add more space, open up the floor plan and create a generous family kitchen and dining area," says Holly. "We’d never had a garden before, so were keen to retain as much exterior space as possible."

Project details

• Project Extension and renovation of semi-detached Victorian house
• Build route Architect project managed with main contractor
• House size 172m²
• Kitchen size 40m²
• Project cost £414,150 including whole-house renovation
• Build time 10 months

Drawing up a design

To design the extension, Holly called in an old friend – award-winning architect Aurore Baulier of Atelier Baulier. "I’ve known Aurore since 2012, we used to work together," says Holly. "I trust her and she’s a total perfectionist, so I knew she was the right person for the job."

The design process was collaborative, with Aurore taking Holly and François-Xavier’s ideas into account. "She really thought about how the house would function," says Holly. "Female architects are great at considering how you’re actually going to use a space."

Taking inspiration from traditional French greenhouses, a nod to François-Xavier’s background, Aurore designed a 40m² rear and side return extension, to house a free-flowing kitchen and dining area.

The original kitchen window would be replaced with a doorway leading to a laundry room, which would sit broadly where the external WC was located. Aurore also proposed removing the wall between the stairwell and the living room, to open up the floor space and compensate for a narrow hallway. The rest of the house would be refurbished to enhance its thermal performance.

Planning permission

Despite the restrictions associated with conservation areas, the planning permission process proved straightforward, with approval achieved in just 10 weeks. "It was the start of Covid, so we missed the backlog," says Holly. "We submitted the plans immediately after getting the keys, so by July 2020, we had the green light."

The council requested only two amendments – the new rooflines couldn’t have traditional eaves and hanging gutters. Instead, the external walls needed to overshoot the line of the roof, with the gutters hidden behind a parapet.

Externally, the house had to match the existing aesthetic, so reclaimed London stock bricks were the only option. "We spent time reviewing what others on our street had done and that helped us establish what we’d be allowed to do," says Holly.

Starting the work

Once consent was sought, the couple set about hiring their contractor. Aurore recommended a team she works with regularly, John D Construction, and obtained quotes from two other firms, as well.

"We chose John D because Aurore knew and trusted them," says Holly. "We visited a project they had just finished and were impressed with the quality of their work."

Next, concrete strip foundations were installed to support the new walls, while a lime screed was poured internally, over a layer of compacted foam glass pebbles, laid atop the subsoil.

The rear and side return extensions were constructed from timber frame and wrapped in bricks. Wood fibre insulation was added throughout, while cork was utilised on the flat roof.

The kitchen itself was built by John D Construction from an Ikea shell and finished with bespoke, painted fronts, crafted by the company’s joiner. Custom Carrara marble worktops finish the space.

Interior design

Holly and Aurore worked together on the interior design, visiting showrooms and design fairs to source products and materials. They opted for a simple, natural palette, with the focus on quality and durability.

Quite remarkably, no major issues arose during the build. However, there is one element that the couple would prefer not to repeat – the concrete-effect floor. "We wanted to be more sustainable and avoid actual concrete, but the screed never fully dried," Holly says. "Even after about eight weeks, it still wasn’t set and a few air bubbles appeared in one corner."

The pair considered getting it fixed, but since that would involve digging up the entire kitchen floor and re-pouring the screed, they decided to live with it. A plastic-free, castor oil-based resin was laid over the top of the screed – a waterproof product that trapped the remaining moisture.

Overcoming challenges

However, the hardest part of the project came after Holly and François-Xavier moved in. "We wanted to cut costs by leaving our rental," says Holly. "We had a toddler and thought the work would be finished sooner than it was. We lived with the builders for about three months, with no kitchen. In hindsight, we should have cut costs elsewhere."

Despite these hiccups, the process of extending and refurbishing the house was relatively stress-free – something that Holly puts down to the project team. "Working with them really was the highlight for me," she says. Within 10 months, everything was finished.

A family-friendly space

The once cramped, dated kitchen has been replaced by a bright and functional family space, with ample storage and a large island for prepping and low-key dining. "We spend 80% of our time in the kitchen," Holly says.

"It’s a really lovely space." The new dining area – which opens to a lovely exterior patio – is perfect for family meals and larger gatherings. "It’s so special to be able to invite people over and we’re so lucky to have the space to seat everyone around the table."

The kitchen connects to a laundry room and beyond that, a WC. A direct extension of the kitchen, the laundry room boasts a sliding pocket door, enabling the space to be hidden away when appliances are running.

A walk-in pantry is tucked along the party wall, while an oak larder sits at the end of the island. The living room is connected to the dining room, thanks to glazed French doors, allowing the spaces to be closed off when needed. Finished in calming and fresh shades, the extension features natural timber, pale greens and powder pinks.

While happy with their new home, Holly hasn’t ruled out taking on another project in the future. "If you’d have asked me during the build, I’m not sure I would have said yes, but now I think we would – if we could work with Aurore again," says Holly. "She’s so organised and creative. She made this project possible."

For more inspiration read our real life story about a family who created a stunning riverside home in a flood risk area.

Having outgrown their previous home, homeowners Paul and Johanna made the decision to upscale in order to accommodate their growing family. Their last home was a similar self-build oak frame cottage, that held a huge emotional attachment for the family.

As well as a change in size, the couple felt they wanted to take the opportunity to create something light and open, that took advantage of the wonderful views of the surrounding nature.

As previous clients of Border Oak, Paul and Johanna had already built an oak-framed cottage not too far from the new custom-build site in North Herefordshire. “We loved the creative side of building our home – self-building has allowed us to create exactly what we need as a family and for the house to change as the children grow, too,” says Paul.

Starting the journey

For the couple, the start of their self-build journey was easy. “Border Oak has a regularly updated plot list on their website to choose from, most of which are ideal for their style of construction,” says Paul.

Going down this route took away from the stress of finding the plot, not to mention avoiding any potential pitfalls from planning permission restrictions. For Border Oak, however, the design and planning process was a complex and protracted one.

“A huge amount of care and thought went into each individual home, how they related to one another as well as how they assimilated into the historic street scene,” explains Merry Albright of Border Oak.

Designing a bespoke space

The bespoke custom-build plot being part of a group of plots meant that it was important that Paul and Johanna’s home worked harmoniously with the rest, while still giving the couple a level of creative control.

“A considered but adaptable palette
of materials and colours was specified across the scheme,
which gave everyone choices while still enabling the homes to work collectively,” says Merry.

“Each of the houses is distinct and unique but we felt it was important that every plot purchaser had the confidence of knowing that the house next door would be as beautiful as theirs and that there would be no surprises or clashes of design.”

Managing the build

While Border Oak still retained a ‘master planner’ role to protect each plot and supplied and constructed the oak frame, Paul and Johanna undertook project management duties. “We used local subcontractors for some of the work while also doing work ourselves,” says Paul.

“We had to source all the services 
and utilities ourselves in our previous self-build project, which was time-consuming and often frustrating. This plot had that all included, which freed up time for us to get involved in other tasks, including carpentry, guttering, drylining and decorating. Every hour we spent working stacked up and helped us keep within budget.”

A modern farmhouse aethetic

The house is deceptively simple and is inspired by the classical agricultural forms found across rural Herefordshire. “The floorplan maximises space, light and privacy and architectural interest is woven through, including vaulted ceilings and panelled walls,” says Merry Albright. “The oak and glass-fronted hall with a bridge landing way is really special and ties the home together along with the owner’s brilliant interior design.”

Interiors-wise the couple’s style goal was to create a natural and timeless look, with playful touches dotted about in the form of soft furnishings and pictures on the walls. “We’ve used an array of different textures and materials – both natural and modern,” says Paul. Rough-sawn timber was used to line internal partitions in places where Paul and Johanna chose contemporary fixtures and fittings.

“They work fantastically together and won’t date,” adds Paul. They went for a simple white for all the walls and natural limestone floors to help reflect light and promote that feeling of openness the couple craved.

Eco considerations

In terms of eco credentials, the strategy was to keep everything hyper-local. The green oak frame was handmade within a mile of the house. All the timber, which is the primary material used throughout the house, is FSC and PEFC-accredited.

“Being in a conservation area of the village meant solar panels on the roof were not an option,” says Paul. But the use of SIPs panels means the house is very effective for heat loss with an overall low-operational energy.

Clever landscaping around the home

The architecture of the surrounding landscape was just as important in the design process as the house itself and being
in a conservation area there were certain standards that needed to be met.

“We made promises to the landowner that the garden design would be as beautiful and well-considered as we could possibly make it, and that it would have the appearance of always having been there,” says Merry.

The trees are all British natives and include Acer campestre (Field Maple), Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorne), Quercus robur (English Oak), Ilex aquifolium (Holly) and Taxus baccata (Yew). They were supplied as mature specimens, with some as tall as 8m, which meant the garden looked well established almost immediately.

In addition to the carefully considered landscaping ideas, the couple wanted to further enhance their connection with nature by creating a nature pond in their private rear garden. The couple particularly love how the house and garden work together. “Glazed elevations look straight onto the garden, allowing us to watch the wildlife visiting the pond, and the trees and shrubs being at arm’s length is very therapeutic,” says Paul.

If you've been captivated by the idea of building a home using this construction technique have a look at our list of timber frame homes for more inspiration.

A recently completed family home in Cheshire East has been named both the RIBA North West Award winner and the region’s Building of the Year for 2025.

The project, known as Vestige and designed by Smith Young Architects, stands on the site of a deteriorating Edwardian house and incorporates elements of the original structure into a new layout.

What began as a conventional refurbishment developed into a more comprehensive design approach, shaped by considerations of reuse, adaptability and domestic scale.

We take a tour through the award-winning self-build property.

Designed to stand out

From the street, Vestige follows the rooflines and proportions of its Edwardian neighbours, using familiar tones and forms.

A rendered brick base and timber-clad upper storey form a contemporary elevation while maintaining a quiet presence. The architects reused the original foundations and incorporated recycled building materials.

“The solid base of the ground floor is in rough-rendered bricks salvaged from a smaller house that used to sit on the site,” the Smith Young Architects explained.

“The original foundations of this building were also reused, reducing the carbon footprint and saving money.”

A masterclass in thoughtful space-making

Internally, the layout is structured to create a range of spatial experiences within a compact footprint. A double-height entrance hall leads into a series of rooms that shift in scale and function.

“The rooms are well-proportioned, and the overall layout carefully devised to achieve a greater sense of space and contain a wide range of experiences, belying the building’s size,” the architects note.

The entrance hall includes a built-in bench, while a stair lined in timber connects the levels of the home.

“From the double-height top-lit entrance hall, wide enough to accommodate a bench to sit on when putting on your shoes, to the timber-lined stair detailed with all the care of a jewellery box, there is a surprise around every corner,” they add.

A walled courtyard sits behind the front façade, providing outdoor space that is sheltered from the street.

“The jury were pleasantly taken aback by the courtyard garden that is hidden behind a wall and fence to the front of the house”, said the architects.

Recycling, resourcefulness and the nine-square grid plan

The design is informed by a reinterpretation of the nine-square grid, providing structure while allowing flexibility in the layout.

“The project evolved into a journey of discovery and adaptation, an investigation into repurposing, recycling and resourcefulness,” said the architects.

The architects said the "spatial composition was directly influenced by the nine-square grid", which is a classic architectural layout based on dividing a floor plan into a 3x3 grid, creating nine equal squares.

The resulting scheme applies a formal discipline while accommodating varied functions and subtle transitions between spaces. Integrated joinery, hidden storage and sliding panels are employed throughout to make the home bigger as you travel throughout.

Vestige presents one possible response to the question of how suburban homes might evolve - balancing reuse with invention and order with adaptability.

This Passivhaus in the Somerset countryside includes several hidden features packed into it to make discoveries appear everywhere you look.

Beneath its minimalist facade lies a wealth of cleverly concealed features, from a hidden pantry to a secret cabin retreat whilst walk-in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms make the most of its single-storey layout.

We take a tour throughout this £2.15 million Passivhaus home set on four acres of secluded land.

Bedrooms that embrace the darkness for the 'perfect sleep environment'

In an age where natural light is often prized above all else, this Somerset home takes a different approach in its sleeping quarters.

Built with Passivhaus principles in 2019, the house is designed to work in harmony with its environment, and the bedrooms are no exception. Positioned along the north-easterly length of the house, they embrace a darker, cocoon-like ambience that promotes restful sleep and energy efficiency.

With charcoal-toned walls, deep-set windows and carefully placed skylights, the bedrooms offer a tranquil escape from the outside world. Strategic tilt-and-turn doors provide controlled natural light and open onto the surrounding gardens, and you'd be forgiven for not noticing the walk-in wardrobes and connecting en suite bathrooms.

"These spaces were designed with well-being in mind," says a representative from the estate agency marketing the property. "The muted tones and subdued lighting create the perfect sleep environment, while the energy-efficient design ensures comfort year-round."

Open-plan living kitchen with a hidden pantry

At the heart of the home lies an open-plan kitchen and dining space designed to balance both function and aesthetics.

The kitchen makes use of plywood joinery, topped with brushed stainless steel, while large rooflights flood the kitchen with natural light and the walk-in pantry provides a hidden storage space.

"The pantry is a game-changer," says the current homeowner. "It allows us to keep everyday essentials out of sight while maintaining a streamlined look in the kitchen. It’s one of those features you don’t realise you need until you have it."

Sliding glass doors open from the dining space to the rear decked terrace, extending the living area outdoors. The kitchen dining area is also fitted with underfloor heating and microcement flooring.

An off-grid hideaway

Beyond the main house, nestled within the property’s nearly four acres of rewilded meadows and orchards, lies a black timber-framed cabin designed to offer a self-contained retreat.

Facing out to the open countryside it serves as an idyllic guest house, private workspace, or even a potential holiday rental.

Inside, the one-bedroom cabin follows a simple open-plan design, with a compact kitchen and living space. A veranda provides rural views, while the carefully positioned structure shields occupants from prevailing winds.

"It’s a magical space," says the estate agent. "Whether you use it as a retreat for guests, a creative studio, or even as an income-generating rental, the possibilities are endless."

For those looking for a more compact alternative, the property also includes a Shepherd’s Hut, complete with a fold-out bed, hardwood floors and three phrase electricity.

A home that redefines rural living

With its commitment to sustainable design, seamless integration with the landscape, and carefully considered living spaces, this Somerset property is more than just a house, it’s a lifestyle statement.

From the atmospheric bedrooms and the meticulously designed kitchen to the self-sufficient cabin, every element of the home has been crafted to offer both comfort and functionality while maintaining an unwavering respect for the natural world.

You can enquire about this £2.15m countryside retreat on The Modern House website.

A businessman who built his dream home without planning permission has won a dramatic victory to save it – by transforming it into a tourist retreat.

Gareth Wilson’s, 45, luxury five-bedroom mansion in Ayrshire was facing demolition after authorities deemed it unsafe due to its location on a former coal mine.

However, after a legal battle invoking his human rights and a bold change of strategy, Wilson secured planning permission to keep the property standing – albeit with a new purpose.

Self-build mansion was said to be at 'risk of collapse'

Gareth Wilson built his five-bedroom sandstone home on Tennox Farm estate near Kilbirnie, Ayrshire, during the Covid-19 pandemic without securing planning permission from North Ayrshire Council.

Featuring a Spanish slate roof, a spiral staircase and a home spa, the mansion was a grand addition to his estate. However, his retrospective planning application was rejected in 2023 due to concerns about its location on a former coal mine.

The council argued that the house posed a "significant risk of collapse" due to shallow coal workings and transient mine gases beneath the structure. Consequently, Wilson was served with an enforcement notice to demolish the home.

Man claimed decision was against his 'human rights'

Wilson appealed the decision, taking his case to the Scottish Government, claiming the demolition order violated his human rights.

His legal representatives argued that enforcing the notice without extending the compliance period would be "contrary to the human rights" of Wilson and his family under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998, which protects the right to respect for private and family life.

Despite his plea, government reporter Fortune Gumbo ruled that the enforcement action did not infringe on Wilson’s human rights.

Even if an argument were made that it did, Gumbo stated that "on balance, [it] is outweighed by public interest objectives."

A surprising solution

Despite the ruling, Wilson found an alternative way to preserve his home. He successfully applied to convert the property into a tourist destination, complete with six-holiday lodges, additional vehicle access and walking trails.

North Ayrshire Council approved the new plans, stating the proposals would bring "economic benefits to the North Ayrshire economy through sustainable tourism".

The Coal Authority, which initially raised concerns over the site’s safety, did not object to the revised plans but requested further investigations into potential risks posed by former mining activity.

There were no other objections to the proposals meaning the house is allowed to stay as long as all safety checks are approved and it is used for the new purpose as a holiday retreat.

Fans of the hit TV show The Traitors might find a familiar sense of intrigue and grandeur within the walls of Carbisdale Castle.

Situated in the Scottish Highlands, this imposing mansion includes its own unique house style, with its labyrinthine hallways and commanding views, could easily serve as the backdrop for a high-stakes game of strategy and deception.

Currently on the market for £5 million, the property also comes with approved consents for new developments, including a clifftop spa. Let’s take a tour of this mysterious property.

A castle built for drama

Carbisdale Castle, constructed in 1905 for the Duchess of Sutherland, embodies the dramatic flair that viewers of The Traitors might associate with betrayal and hidden alliances.

The architecture, featuring crenellated parapets, secretive turrets, and a high square clock tower, evokes an atmosphere of mystery.

The castle’s grand interior, including a baroque-style entrance hall and a Tudor-inspired staircase, offers a stage-like setting for confrontations and revelations.

With over 41,000 square feet of space, including a billiard room, dining room, and extensive hallways, the property seems designed for shadowy meetings and hushed conversations.

Panoramic views for plotting

The castle is built on a high piece of land, giving it a commanding view over where the Rivers Oykel and Shin meet.

Its elevated position provides sweeping views of the surrounding Highlands, adding to its air of isolation and strategic importance.

The natural loch on the estate, surrounded by woodland, could serve as the ideal location for reflective moments – or secret pacts.

A place full of stories and possibilities

Carbisdale Castle’s storied history adds to its unique character. Originally built as part of a divorce settlement for the Duchess of Sutherland, the castle has hosted royalty, served as a youth hostel, and undergone extensive restoration.

Its walls seem to whisper tales from its varied past, offering an environment rich in intrigue and suspense – a setting perfectly suited for a story like The Traitors.

However, beyond its historical legacy, the castle’s future holds exciting potential, with approved consents in place for significant modern enhancements. However, these plans were not approved without drama themselves after police were called during one of the planning meetings.

Plans include developing the basement level to expand the usable space and creating a clifftop spa. You can view these plans for this property in more detail, or enquire about purchasing this property on the Plotfinder website.

After having looked after her elderly and infirm parents for many years, retired architect, Susi, was looking for a fresh start. Her current home wasn’t suitable for a renovation or remodel, so she decided to search for a site on which to build a new house.

“I wanted a home that was sustainable, comfortable and would look after me,” says Susi. The design therefore would need to be considerate of any future life changes which might impact Susi in the years to come.

Another huge want of Susi's was for her new home to achieve Passivhaus standards. A highly prized accolade, which would require an architect who was well-versed in designing to this standard.

Finding the perfect plot

“When I mentioned to some close friends that I wanted to do a self-build with space for a weaving studio, they told me they were interested in buying a property with existing planning permission for an ‘eco’ home on the site. So we entered into a parallel purchase.

"They bought the house, which I rented for the duration of the building programme, and then I bought the site from them. We all exchanged contracts and completed at the same time.”

The sloping site has views across rolling countryside, which Susi wanted to maximise without impacting on her neighbours' views. This was particularly important to her as the original design that had been granted planning permission had blocked these, but had been passed at appeal.

To overcome this, Susi, along with her friend and fellow retired architect, Marc Medland, designed a house where the roofline sits at the ground level of the neighbouring building.

“As the site already had permission for a house, there were no planning issues at all and the new proposal was welcomed by the neighbours,” she says.

Achieving Passivhaus standards

The duo designed the two-storey house – with an adjacent single-storey studio – taking it to the planning permission stage. “We saw the sloping site as a positive feature in that it gives the house environmental shelter and privacy and provides robust thermal protection,” says Susi. “Although the neighbours are quite close, it feels private and sits modestly into the hillside.”

Through her teaching at Sheffield University School of Architecture, Susi was familiar with HEM Architects and knew of their expertise in Passivhaus home design. She contacted director Paul Testa at an early stage before submitting the planning application to ensure that the design would be feasible for Passivhaus certification.

Following planning approval, she appointed them and JAM Structural Design to complete the project. “I was very much aware that the self-build project management was their remit and that something of this complexity was more than I would be able to commit to.”

Planning for the future

For Susi, it was essential that her eco house could be adapted to deal with any potential life changes such as diminishing mobility or care needs, so movement around the building is generous and gentle.

“The openings are wide as are the internal and external stairs, and the thresholds are level,” she says. “There is also an allocated area on the first floor that could take a lift, should it ever be required.”

The stone for the spine wall was sourced locally and was chosen to reference the dry stone walls that are so prominent in the area. Other raw materials include the precast concrete external walls, which are visible in the lower rooms of the house and in the studio, and the floors are a sealed concrete screed.

“I wanted the house to feel comfortable and welcoming so the finishes and colour are natural and warm,” says Susi.

Standout features

From the driveway, the house appears as an unassuming single-storey black box, but while modest in scale it is generous spatially. The main entrance is at first-floor level where there are two bedrooms, one of which is a multifunctional space. “It can also be used as a place to exhibit my work,” explains Susi.

The timber cladding is Siberian larch, which is charred using the process known as shou sugi ban. The house has been named Sort Trae, which means ‘Black Wood’ in Danish and is a reference to the Viking roots of the area.

Stairs lead down to the ground floor where the space opens up to reveal a large kitchen and dining area with a living area and study on the other side of a handcrafted sandstone spine that forms the centrepiece of the house.

Controlling the interior temperature

Thanks to the considered design, every room in the house reveals expansive valley views while being protected from the weather by the building’s high-performance envelope – the mass of the building absorbs and holds the heat, emitting it in the evening.

Triple-glazed windows and rooflights as well as deep reveals help to balance summer heat gain and winter losses. “The air test achieved an air change of 0.54 ACH (air changes per hour), which is well within the 0.6 ACH required to meet the Passivhaus Standard, ” says architect Paul Testa.

Overheating is reduced by means of internal blinds in the upper rooms and the house is naturally cross-ventilated. “The stairwell acts as a vertical stack, which pulls cool air up through the house to the north elevation and through the upper rooms,” Susi explains.

Tackling the weather conditions

“The site is exceptionally windy, so overheating has not proved to be an issue so far. During winter, when the external temperature is below freezing, but the sun is shining, the solar gain means that the internal temperature can reach 20 degrees with no heating.”

Both the house and studio successfully fulfilled the requirements for Passivhaus airtightness standards. “This was critical from the very start of the project and the builder pre-tested the building for any potential leaks before it was tested officially,” says Susi.

Obstacles along the way

The project ran fairly smoothly, considering it was carried out during Covid restrictions, with the only main delay at the beginning during the groundworks. “I was aware that lead times were likely to be longer than usual and made decisions regarding the procurement of materials in good time,” Susi explains.

“It was a wet and stormy winter, though, and this interrupted some of the work. On Boxing Day there was a gale-force wind and I found myself chasing slabs of insulation the size of mattresses down the driveway. Only when I’d finally managed to tie them down could I laugh about it!”

Another element of the house that proved somewhat of a challenge was the suspended precast concrete stair that is situated between the house and the weaving studio. Part of it forms a section of roof to the studio so it needed to be insulated and watertight as well as have Passivhaus ventilation.

“When it was being installed, by crane, it swung alarmingly over the roof of the neighbouring garage, but thankfully it slotted into space without a problem.”

“I would never change the experience of building my own home,” says Susi, adamantly. “It’s comfortable, hospitable, calm and beautiful – and it has my physical and mental wellbeing at its heart.”

If you're interested in building a similar project, our guide to what it's like to live in a Passivhaus home has some great insights on what to expect if you go down this route.

After searching for a house that met all their needs, Stephen and Helen Surtees came to the conclusion that to get just what they wanted, they would have to build their ideal home from scratch.

Their solution was to buy an dated 1970s two-bedroom bungalow in a South Yorkshire town, with a view to demolishing it and replacing it with a sustainable self build home that would sit sensitively in the surrounding conservation area.

But no journey comes without a few struggles along the way. Here, Stephen and Helen share the story of their epic build project.

Making plans for their dream space

“We wanted to keep it as a bungalow without it looking like a remodelled bungalow, and to achieve what we were after we knew we had to choose an architect who was right for the job – and we had someone in mind,” says Stephen. “About 10 years earlier we’d worked with Andy Thomas from local company Thread Architects and we liked the cut of his jib, so he was onboard from the start.”

“Stephen and Helen wanted a minimalist feel, and showed me pictures of Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion, stressing they wanted to be as far away as possible from a cottage feel,” says Andy.

“The couple chose a design from one of three maquette models I presented them with – luckily the planners also loved it, saying it was way above their expectations. The only sticking point was that the frontage had to be smaller than we had hoped.”

Dealing with building shortages

The demolition began in the first week of lockdown and, initially, was stop-start as the government guidelines for working were still unclear. After that, the only real hiccups were caused by material shortages towards the end of the build.

“Luckily the builder, Terry Huggett, had a good relationship with local suppliers but we did notice a gradual hike in prices,” says Helen. “We decided not to live on site so for the duration of the build we’d found a place to rent about 10 miles away, which we thought we’d only be renting for about a year – we ended up living there for three years!”

The Surtees say they can laugh now about the same old terms that they had to quickly acquaint themselves with because they came up time and time again – phrases such as ‘critical path’ and ‘force majeure’.

“But to be fair, it all went fairly smoothly, thanks in part to the fact that we all had regular meetings together – usually about how much money we had to find,” says Stephen, with a wry smile.

Making an entrance

With the build completed, all concerned were delighted with the quality and appearance of the finished house, which it was felt raised the standard of architecture in the area.

To the front, the house and front door use a limited palette of high-quality crafted materials to construct a bold and expressive entrance and front garden while maintaining a scale and structural style that sits comfortably with that of its neighbours.

To the rear, the house opens up into a series of spectacular contemporary internal and external living spaces that link to each other either directly or by the views created between them. This was Andy’s response to his clients’ wish for light and open-plan living as a contrast to their years of living in a dark barn.

An open-plan layout

The general layout has proved a spectacular success. The first living space stretches across the width of the rear of the house and contains the kitchen, dining and snug area. “We love the sunken aspect in the sitting area,” says Stephen. “We always knew we wanted open-plan living and lots of glass but this has exceeded our expectations.”

Meanwhile, the kitchen links externally to an upper terrace with a barbecue outdoor kitchen, with a purpose-built concrete worktop by a local company, Kelham Island Concrete.

From this terrace, steps guide you up over stepping stones across a pond to a separate garden room that provides the focal point for the sightline created through the house from the entrance to the garden.

Sustainable elements in the build

This house is about more than just looks – it has been built with substance at its heart. “To ensure the construction of the house is sustainable and thermally efficient, the external envelope is built using structurally insulated panels,” says Andy.

“These are finished in locally sourced ashlar Hampole fine limestone, robust buff brickwork to complement the stone, and natural slate to ensure the longevity of the home as well as creating a beautiful aesthetic.”

The owners also love knowing that their eco home is for life. “We like that it’s futureproofed in many respects, including home automation such as electric blinds, eco heating system, electric Velux windows and automatic motion sensor lighting,” says Helen.

Even better, it’s a home that’s efficient. “We know it is because even though we’ve had a log burner installed, it hasn’t been used yet,” Helen continues. “Upstairs we’ve got radiators but I doubt we’re ever going to switch them on.”

Helen says the amount of space they now have is perfect. “When we bought the old bungalow we could possibly have got permission for a home with more storeys if we’d really wanted to but we didn’t need a bigger house – we’ve ended up with a beautiful five-bedroom home that we’re happy with, and now we just want to enjoy it.”

For anyone looking to improve their existing bungalow our guide to bungalow renovation ideas is packed with plenty of advice to get you started.