Our directory of design and build package home suppliers will give you a great starting point for your project, helping you to identify who’s out there and the level of service they offer. Take a look at the key below (repeated on every spread) to get a quick sense of the bolt-on options available.
The majority of these companies use conventional timber frame construction (marked with a brown house). Firms that principally use brick and block are signalled with a cream house symbol while those using some of the popular alternatives (such as green oak, structural insulated panels, insulating concrete formwork or straw bale) are marked with a pink house. Additional services – such as planning advice and project management – are also indicated on the key (see the standard digital version for the key).
This barn-style build is by Timber Innovations (
www.timberinnovations.co.uk)
A
Advanced Housing Systems
Shirley Holms, 4 South Park Drive, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, SL9 8JH
T: 020 7193 1461 advancedhousingsystems.co.uk
Offers custom-built homes to your specification via the company’s TotalBuild or ManagedBuild services. Specialises in closed-panel timber frame, but can also work with structural insulated panels (SIPs) or post-and-beam construction.
Allwood Timber Construction
Talewater Works, Talewater, Exeter, Devon, EX5 2RT
T: 01404 850977 www.allwoodtimber.co.uk
Manufactures and erects timber frame structures to your unique requirements, including the use of glulam beams to enable large spans and open-plan interior layouts. An in-house design service is available, or the company can work with your architect’s drawings.
Amvic Building Solutions
Amvic House, Unit 5 Linfit Court, Colliers Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, HD8 9WL
T: 0800 756 6399 www.amvicbuild.com
Provides a user-friendly ICF structural system that offers a swift build process for an energy-efficient home.
B
Baufritz (UK)
The Workplace, Oakington Road, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0QH
T: 01223 235632 www.baufritz.co.uk
Specialist provider of bespoke-designed, energy-efficient dwellings, delivered to you for a fixed price and on a preagreed timescale. Clients are invited to the company’s showroom in Germany to choose their fittings and finishes before the timber frame is manufactured.
Beattie Passive
Hethel Engineering Centre, Chapman Way, Hethel, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 8FB
T: 0845 644 9003 www.beattiepassive.com
Creates ultra-efficient homes via the company’s patented Passivhaus-certified system. Clients can choose from the firm’s range of stock designs or bring their own architect’s plans to the company. Contract options include supply-only, supply-anderect or project managed.
Beco Wallform
Albert Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 8HQ
T: 01652 653844 www.becowallform.co.uk
Provides an ICF system that facilitates swift build speeds and can achieve low U-values. The firm is able to recommend contractors working in your area.
Benchmark Self Build
Suite A5, Stargate Business Centre, Faraday Drive, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV15 5BA
T: 0800 060 7920 www.benchmarkselfbuild.co.uk
Builds unique homes tailored to your requirements. Clients can choose what level of service they require throughout the planning, design and construction stages of the project.
Benfield ATT
5-6 Castle Way, Severnbridge Industrial Estate, Caldicot, Monmouthshire, NP26 5YG
T: 01291 437050 www.benfieldattgroup.co.uk
Provides energy-efficient timber, SIPs and post-and-beam homes. Operating nationwide, the company can design and build your house from scratch, including joinery elements, or supply a kit of materials.
Benjamin Allen
Unit 18, More House, Farm Business Centre, Ditchling Road, Haywards Heath, RH17 7RE
T: 01444 817657 www.benjamin-allen.co.uk
Designs and builds timber frame homes. Clients can work with the in-house design team, choose from a selection of stock designs or use their own plans. The firm offers a complete substructure service, encompassing foundations and drainage, in addition to manufacture and assembly of the weathertight shell.
Better Faster Builder
66 Bagleys Lane, London, SW6 2BH
T: 020 3384 6955 www.betterfasterbuilder.com
Specialises in the design, manufacture and erection of energy-efficient timber frame homes. Clients can choose from the company’s range of stock designs or work with the company to create their own bespoke plans. SIPs structures and log cabin house designs are also available.
CLOSER LOOK: TRADITIONAL HOME WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST BY BECO WALLFORM
What 655m2 self-build home Where Lancashire Build method Insulating concrete formwork (ICF) and masonry Build cost £1,600,000 (£2,443 per m2) Package type Supply of ICF building components Package supplier Beco Wallform
When Lisa Dunnington purchased a derelict farm, complete with a rundown cottage and outbuildings, she had one goal: knock the structures down and replace them with a contemporary new home. Lisa commissioned local architect, Peter Bamber, to create the design. Many farmhouses in the surrounding area are built in render and stone, topped with slate roofs and complemented by stone barns. Peter chose to retain this pallet of materials, while adding a modern twist that would set the scheme apart.
The result is a spectacular property, with an estimated value of £2,500,000. It combines two masonry elements, namely a inner core of insulating concrete formwork (ICF) finished with stone cladding. The abode is split into three parts: the main barn-inspired building; a glazed link; and a white-rendered wing.The hillside plot didn’t provide the ideal site but it did offer great views and informed how the dwelling should be built. The plan was to create a semi-basement arrangement that would reduce the property’s visual impact.
With this in mind, Beco Wallform ICF was a smart choice as the structural system. Combining a permanent polystyrene formwork with an inner core of structural concrete, this is an extremely strong modern construction method that’s well suited to basement applications and above-ground works. It has enabled key internal features such as the open-plan kitchen-diner and living zone, as well as a spacious home cinema and gym.
ICF also offers good airtightness and high levels of in-built insulation – plus the concrete core provides an element of thermal mass, which helps to regulate internal temperatures and promote an even heating cycle.
So it ticked Lisa’s energy efficiency box, too. There’s also a ground source heat pump (GSHP) and a mechanical heat recovery system. As well as supplying the ICF building components, Beco provided construction support on-site, offering training and supervision as works were carried out.