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.
