"This duo ventured to purchase two dilapidated cottages during an auction and transformed them into a modern barn residence"
A Contemporary Self-Build in Rural Wiltshire
Embarking on a self-build project is an exciting endeavour, especially when the result is a contemporary home nestled in the picturesque countryside of Wiltshire. However, such projects come with their own set of challenges, pitfalls, and design decisions that must be navigated carefully.
Challenges and Pitfalls
For Antony and Jenni, their journey began with the acquisition of four acres of rural land, previously home to derelict workers' cottages. Navigating the local planning landscape was a crucial step, as planning permission for the cottages had lapsed. Working closely with Wiltshire local planning authorities was essential to understand and potentially negotiate conditions.
Another hurdle they faced was the passage of time. The Covid-19 response led to significant delays in work starting on-site. Despite these setbacks, Antony eventually hired a temporary groundworking crew to kickstart the build.
Design Choices
To create their dream home, Antony and Jenni collaborated with local architect Rob Elkins at Artel 31. The resulting design is a contemporary home that appears as an old barn conversion, boasting a charcoal finish that complements its rural surroundings.
The home features a large open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room, a loft bedroom with stunning views over the countryside and its own balcony space, and luxury bathroom fittings. The central staircase was constructed from Corten steel with oak handrails and treads, while the couple's unique 'rainforest' marble kitchen worktops were sourced from a local company.
To ensure energy efficiency and sustainability, the home is constructed around a steel frame, with an air source heat pump running the underfloor heating system. The materials used in the construction are sustainable, including natural insulation materials like sheep’s wool.
Overcoming Obstacles
The project was not without its challenges. Antony took on the time-consuming job of scorching the timber cladding, and there were issues with clay plaster on the masonry wall in the entrance hall, which was eventually replaced with conventional plasterwork.
Despite these hurdles, Antony and Jenni's self-build project demonstrates the potential for creating contemporary homes that blend seamlessly into Wiltshire's rural landscape. By working closely with local architects and staying mindful of the area's unique challenges and design sensitivities, self-builders can achieve personalised and successful outcomes.
[1] Naish, D. (2019). Self-build and custom housebuilding: A guide to the self-build process. RIBA Publishing. [2] Self-Build Zone. (n.d.). Sustainable self-build. Retrieved from https://www.selfbuildzone.co.uk/sustainable-self-build [3] Wiltshire Council. (2018). Wiltshire Core Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/wiltshire-core-strategy [4] Artel 31. (n.d.). Architecture. Retrieved from https://artel31.co.uk/architecture/
- To succeed in a self-build project, it's crucial to meticulously plan each stage, as demonstrated by Antony and Jenni's contemporary home in Wiltshire.
- Guides like 'Self-build and custom housebuilding: A guide to the self-build process' by David Naish can serve as valuable resources for navigating the self-build journey.
- When working on a self-build project, one must carefully consider the local planning regulations, as Antony and Jenni found when working with Wiltshire local planning authorities.
- Setbacks can occur during the self-build project, such as delays due to external factors like the COVID-19 response, as Antony and Jenni experienced.
- Design collaboration with local architects plays a crucial role in creating a contemporary home that seamlessly blends into its surroundings, as evidenced in Antony and Jenni's self-build project.
- A contemporary self-build can incorporate unique design elements like those found in Antony and Jenni's home, such as Corten steel staircases, 'rainforest' marble kitchen worktops, and loft bedrooms with balconies.
- Sustainability and energy efficiency should be prioritized in self-build projects through the use of materials and systems like air source heat pumps for underfloor heating, as Antony and Jenni did in their home.
- Self-builders can explore ideas for extending their homes, such as adding solar panels to roofs, to improve energy independence and reduce their carbon footprint, as a part of their lifestyle and home-and-garden design.
- By staying committed to their project, overcoming obstacles, and collaborating with local professionals, self-builders can create a personalized and successful home that reflects their vision and improves their overall lifestyle.
