Efficient and Contemporary Timber Frame Self Build in the Cotswolds

Deciding on a Timber Frame System

Though Chris and Jenny had gone out to tender on their build, any competent, local main contractors were too busy to take it on. So the burden of project management fell to Chris. As a retired director of education, he already had experience of managing large school projects – so he was confident he could run his own self build.

“We looked into a lot of local trades, checked out their work and made sure they met our standards,” says Chris. “Many of them knew other follow-on workers and could recommend people for our project.”

The couple had met Simon Orrells from Frame Technologies on a previous project and found him again at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon. “We were very keen to have something which didn’t cost much to run, was easy to maintain and was comfortable to live in,” says Chris. Choosing a timber frame system would be perfect for this.

“Frame Technologies had a timber frame system with options for better thermal performance. Plus we knew we got on with him and Simon really went above and beyond.” Frame Technologies adapted the Shepperds’ architect’s drawings into a viable timber frame home for their site.

Read More: Timber Frame: Pros & Cons of Building with Timber Systems

The cantilevered balconies feature glass balustrades and stretch out from beyond the upstairs bedrooms, overlooking the patio to give Chris and Jenny a constant outdoor connection

With the build team assembled, the couple were keen to get cracking. But the discovery of a large water main running directly through their plot meant the project was significantly delayed – it had to be diverted prior to any groundworks starting. They were able to clear the site and shift the enormous amount of clay soil in October 2018 – seven months after they had originally planned.

The Timber Frame House Takes Shape

The couple were renting a property nearby during the build and were on hand every day. “We made sure to get the site hut and toilet ready early – having heard stories of other builds the guys had been on,” says Chris. “We were around to muck in and make things available, as well as keep an eye on things,” adds Jenny.

This good relationship meant that trades would check in with the Shepperds regularly to ensure they were getting the details right, ultimately leading to a more straightforward build. If things had to be redone to match Chris and Jenny’s standards, they weren’t tearing whole walls down, just small sections of work.

Chris was particularly impressed by the foundations pour. “There was a lot of measuring and laser-pointing going on,” he says. “They had to be really accurate for the timber frame system, and they were!” Once the footings were poured, the Frame Technologies timber frame system was brought on site and erected in a matter of weeks. “It was so rewarding to see the frame go up,” says Jenny. “In an instant we went from a mess to a house.”

Velux rooflights pour sunshine into the gallery and walkway upstairs, as well as the kitchen below

Chris and Jenny had built a few sample walls of Cotswold stone in varying tones to present to the council. “The planners approved the lighter hue, which was the one we liked the best,” says Jenny. “We found a very good quarry to provide us with a mixture of stone in different shapes and sizes.”

To break up the stonework, the Shepperds picked a grey fibre cement cladding that looks like timber, but without the maintenance. “It was really easy to install ourselves – it just clipped onto the membrane on the timber frame,” says Chris.

A Brazilian slate roof is on top, with plenty of solar PV panels to generate electricity to power the home.

In the absence of a general builder or main contractor, Chris and Jenny took on a lot of manual labour on site. “It kept us fit and we lost some weight, but I’m not sure we’d recommend doing quite so much yourself!” says Jenny.

Read More: 10 Top Tips for Project Managing Your Self Build or Renovation

Designing a Comfortable House 

“We met heat and energy expert David Hilton at the NSBRC as well, and he was fantastic at pointing us in the right direction for things like our heat pump,” says Chris.

The kitchen is from Howdens and forms part of a lovely open-plan family space. Jenny was particularly keen to get a walk-in pantry. “The architect tried to convince me that a bigger utility would be a better use of space, but I fought him on it. I don’t live in the utility, but I do spend a lot of time in the kitchen and pantry,” she says.

The staircase by Kloepping TSS is a particular highlight for Chris. “I love the detail and craftsmanship that went into that feature,” he says. It incorporates a curved wall which was initially designed by the architect to run right through the house in Cotswold stone, but this was a bit too eccentric for the Shepperds. Instead, they’ve kept the basic principle and created a statement entrance.

The statement cantilevered staircase by Kloepping TSS is set against a curved wall for instant wow-factor

The stairs lead up to a galleried walkway, overlooking the kitchen and open-plan family zone. The double-height culinary area gives a real sense of light and space and linking the levels this way contributes to the lovely social feel of Chris and Jenny’s home. Cantilevered balconies, large triple-glazed windows and sliding doors help with the inside-out feel and allow the Shepperds to enjoy gorgeous views across the village.

Deciding on a staircase for your self build or renovation project? Read our guide on Staircase Costs 2023: What to Budget for the Best Stair Designs

Creating a Forever Home

A key part of the Shepperds’ design brief was a home that would have low running costs and keep them comfortable. Opting for a timber frame system with insulation built-in, plus packing in extra thermal protection has helped them achieve this goal.

“We ended up with three layers of insulation, and stuffed the house ourselves – the U-value of the walls is just 0.13W/m2K,” says Chris. “It’s brilliantly insulated up to Passivhaus standards – just without the certification. When the sun comes out, the house will be warm for the rest of the day. It’s cosy and comfortable.”

Having their master bedroom on a corner means that Chris and Jenny can enjoy glorious views out from multiple angles, including the cantilevered balcony

They’ve opted for a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system to provide a constant flow of fresh air, without needing to open windows and waste any heat. An air source heat pump (ASHP) warms water for their underfloor heating. Battery storage allows them to feed back energy generated by their solar PV array back to the grid, too, for further savings.

“The new batteries have significantly reduced our energy bills,” says Chris. “We plan to add another one soon.” Other eco-features include rainwater harvesting tanks in the garden that provide water for flushing toilets, so that they’re wasting as little as possible.

Learn More: 12 Ways to Save on Home Energy Bills

The five-bedroom house includes a downstairs WC and workshop, which could be converted into an ensuite bedroom if Chris and Jenny become less mobile in later years. While Jenny found the whole build process to be rather stressful, Chris had a more enjoyable time being hands-on with the work.

That said, the couple haven’t got any plans to build again. “We wanted a home that would suit us for the rest of our lives,” says Chris. “So it’s our forever house in that sense.”

The exterior blends heritage and contemporary styles seamlessly, with fibre cement cladding and Cotswold stone

More Inspiration: 30 of the Best Timber Frame Houses in the UK