With several construction methods to choose from, how do you know which is right for your home? Here’s a rundown of the options, along with their strengths and things to consider

Build system choice depends on several factors, ranging from design flexibility to costs, speed of the construction, energy efficiency and how you’d like the work to be carried out. Which of these holds more weight is personal to you, but establishing where you stand on each element will help shape your build, making it easier to choose a construction method that’s suited to your needs. If you’re using an architect, they may help to point you in the right direction. But before finalising your decision, it’s a good idea to do your research on the different methods to fully understand how each fits with your goals. If you opt for the package home route, speaking to different suppliers can help give you some better insight on how their systems work. To give you a better idea of what’s on offer, here’s a guide to some of the main options:

OAK FRAME

Today’s oak frame builds deliver warmth and character alongside modern performance standards. Most oak specialists bundle together the manufacture and frame installation, as oak construction is a specialist skill. Many also offer a bespoke architectural service to ensure your design accounts for oak’s nuances from the ground up.

PROS Oak is carbon neutral, renewable and non-toxic, making it a strong sustainable choice for UK self builders. “All of our oak comes from PEFC certified forests in Europe,” says Fergus Stuart, design and project consultant at Carpenter Oak. Performance-wise, your frame will be encapsulated with insulating panels to deliver a highly energy efficient house shell, with standards such as Passivhaus achievable.

You’ll get unrivalled longevity, too. “Oak’s incredible durability means that, used in a rough-sawn state, it can last for centuries without requiring treatment. The interior will maintain a beautiful honey gold colour and the exterior will weather to a softer hue,” says Fergus.

The natural charm of oak offers an impactful design feature on its own. It can also lend itself to a range of appealing architectural features. “Squared timbers, intricate curves, roof, purlins, wind braces and rafters can all be achieved with an oak frame,” says Fergus. “Plus, modern timber engineering techniques allow seamless integration of materials like steel and glazing within an oak frame to create a completely different feel.” You are also at liberty to use as much or as little oak as you wish to fit your tastes and build budget.