Fourways

Set in a scenic 0.7-acre plot in Cheshire, this energy-efficient home fits perfectly alongside the 18th century properties of the surrounding village.

After purchasing a plot hosting a dated property with an energy efficiency rating of E (44), self-builders, Stephen and Dawn made the decision to demolish the existing home and build a two storey, four-bed property to their ideal specifications.

They set an ambitious time frame of eight months to compete their home, so Stephen and Dawn required a construction method that was both energy-efficient and quick to build, so timber frame was the clear choice.

Impressed by Simon Orrells at Frame Technologies, the couple opted for Frame Technologies’ unique TechVantage™ S system, a closed panel system with factory-fitted insulation between the sheathing board and the wood fibre board.

With a period aesthetic for the exterior, the couple ensured the build of the property was in line with a modern, sustainable home, including: high levels of insulation and airtightness; an air source heat pump; underfloor heating throughout; a MVHR system; solar panels on the garage roof; a plant room to contain all the key utility systems and their controls.

The timber frame was erected in just 10 days, and the whole property was completed in 8.5 months, meeting their tight deadline.

The result is a stunning energy-efficient home that exceeds Build Regs and offers reduced energy bills for the lifetime of the house, while remaining in-keeping with its surroundings. The complete home achieved a U-value of 0.12W/m2K and an EPC rating of A (98). The couple has calculated that energy usage is significantly lower than in their previous brick-built home, which had a smaller footprint; with the property using 85% less energy through heating alone.

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