We’re self building our own house on Graven Hill, right next to TV’s Grand Designs: The Street. As we approach weathertight stage, editor Chris Bates takes a look at the journey so far, plus the key lessons we’ve learned along the way, and introduces our key partners

Chris Bates

Build It was the UK’s first self build magazine. When it was launched back in 1989, the goal was simple: to bring you the practical advice and inspiration you need to successfully create your dream home. Fast forward to 2019, and as we approach our 30th anniversary we’re taking this mission to the next level by building our own house and sharing the highs and lows with our readers.

We’re well underway with the main construction phase of our inspirational project, which is on the Graven Hill custom and self build site. But with the recent launch of Channel 4’s Grand Designs: The Street series, where Kevin McCloud follows the story of the first 10 self builders at Graven Hill, now seems like a great time to take stock of what we want to achieve with our Self Build Education House.

Why we’re building our own house

There are some wonderful show homes across the UK, and they’re well worth a visit if you’re planning a self build. But our project aims to go above and beyond: it will be an interactive education space that gives you a unique insight into what it takes to design and build a bespoke home.

Follow our journey online at buildit.co.uk/ourhouse Our aim is to inspire you to take on your own scheme. We want to demonstrate that you can achieve a wow factor home on a modest site with a realistic budget – and to highlight the implications of different choices you could make along the way. We’re tracking progress in granular detail each month in the magazine and online at www.buildit.co.uk/ourhouse. This in-depth coverage is sure to make a difference to the success of your own self build journey.

Once complete, you’ll be able to visit the Education House to experience the products and materials we’ve used firsthand. The finished home will feature cut-away sections that allow you to see into building’s fabric and understand how modern materials and components work together.