Creating a characterful self-build

Self-builds don’t need to be characterless, futuristic boxes. If you’re wondering how to achieve charm and character in your new construction, we have some self-build inspiration to share.

Build an oak-frame home

An oak frame home can provide instant character and a real statement. The frame can be exposed internally and externally and is normally built off-site, and delivered to site where it can be swiftly assembled. Combined with SIPs, oak frame homes can also offer impressive airtightness.

First-time self-builder Lucy Newton wanted to build a “modern rustic home” and that’s exactly what was achieved in Mulberry House, situated in 50 acres of remote farmland in North Yorkshire. The land is owned by Lucy’s family and has been since it was handed down from her grandfather and great grandfather.

Her and husband Sam opted for a two-storey oak frame home, which offers traditional character. Inside, the oak frame is a real crowd-pleaser, admired by anyone entering their home. The oak extends throughout the open plan ground floor and up to the three bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor – the large window in the living room extends through to the bedroom with exposed beams in the roof.

“We knew that oak frame is quite popular, and we really loved the aesthetic. When we saw the frame finally go up it changed everything for us. What an amazing feeling. It was a high point in our project,” says Lucy.

The kitchen floor is paved in a relic grey limestone giving a modern country house feel to their ‘barn’ style conversion. Touches of this modern barn conversion can be seen from the high ceilings in the kitchen to the modern grey anthracite bifold doors, which open out into the garden.

Choose a timber frame self-build

Timber frame construction is continuously growing in popularity with self-builders across the UK. This kind of frame provides a wide range of design options - from a traditional brick-faced look to the wooden Scandinavian finish. The longevity of this build method is indicated through the timber frame homes that have stood for centuries. Sustainable, affordable, attractive and speedy to erect – timber framed homes come in a range of designs and systems which can suit your style. Scotframe is a great place to start on the manufacture and delivery of your timber structure.
 

Seek inspiration from architecture

An era or style is often a huge source of inspiration for self-builders.

Upside Down House is a mid-century modernist gem in the Peak District. Self-builder Hannah Pike was inspired by National Trust House, The Homewood, a modernist luxurious family villa in Surrey designed by architect Patrick Gwynne and completed in 1938.

“I was so inspired by this modernist/brutalist architecture, and I loved the idea of the living room as a separate ‘quarter’ upstairs with light flooding the property,” explains Hannah.

Hannah’s self-build features an impressive grand entrance into a home with nods to mid-century modernist style with a Scandinavian twist. A well-considered Nordic noir design pervades the construction connecting the land outside with the moody, thoughtful interiors. HARO cork flooring is used through the two-storey property, which rejects a conventional layout.

The front door on the north elevation creates the wow-factor – as do the large panels of Saint-Gobain Planitherm glass, which feature throughout the home, chosen for its highest performance in terms of energy efficiency and daylight. Inside, the wow-factor continues with an entrance hall flooded with natural light, high ceilings and sharp lines.

Embrace the Georgian era

Georgian style homes are a popular choice with self-builders - exuding a timeless elegance and simplicity.

Georgian architecture is a style that was dominant during 1714 to 1837. Modern Georgian self-builds, like Folly Farmhouse, take inspiration from the elegant architecture of the time. The couple’s vision was to build an “old style Georgian farmhouse with a modern twist” to blend into the surrounding countryside and that’s exactly what they achieved.

Elements of the Georgian style pervade their home from the eye-catching front door, large windows, a simple, boxy style of architecture, and the impressively large hallway.