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Ted Stevens, founder of NaCSBA, talks to us about his eco-home, 15 years after completion. He reflects on the lessons learnt and what he’d do diff erently
Ted Stevens began work on his self build house in 2003 and loves the light and space of the finished building
Can you tell us about your project?
It had been an ambition of mine to create my own place. I spent a lot of time planning with the architect how the spaces would work, the best arrangement, which materials to use etc. I’m on a hill with a great view from the upper level, so that’s where I have the main living area and balcony. Downstairs I’ve got two bedrooms and an office space. It was a simple scheme, with high ceilings and a curved zinc roof.
I built it in concrete, which reradiates the heat throughout the house to make the most of passive gain. It’s in a wooded area, so it’s clad in timber to complement the setting. The interiors have all been done quite economically because we had a tight budget, and I spent a lot on the windows and an expensive heat pump. I thought I’d done my homework. But 15 years later, you reflect on what you’ve created through more honest eyes. There’s certain things I wouldn’t do again.