Stunning Timber Frame Package Home Built on a Sloping Site in Kent

Hitting ground

Before the house was delivered, the couple coordinated the groundworks along with the concrete basement storey and foundations, which had to meet the exact levels and measurements for the timber frame to go on top. This stage happened during the Pandemic, but luckily the project wasn’t impacted by any Covid-related delays. “My friend has a plant hire company, so provided the machines for digging out the foundations, and a local farmer was able to take all the tonnes of chalk soil away and use it, meaning we didn’t need to pay for its disposal,” says Michael.

From this side, the house looks like a single-storey build, with the rest of the property built into the slope

A waterproof membrane (Knauf Katja Sprint) was specified by Meisterstueck, which was laid to cover the complete slab before the house panels arrived. All internal and external walls went over the top of it. “Meisterstueck’s team came over to mark it all out with levelling blocks ready for the walls to drop onto,” says Michael. “They arranged for scaffolding to be erected the week before the house arrived. There was also a plan for the accurate positioning of the crane, which was delivered the day before the shell – the house arrived on the back of four lorries and went up very quickly.”

The couple carried on living in their previous home while their new property was being built.  “We saw it all going up through our old kitchen window,” says Rachel. “We were amazed at the size of the timber frame elements when it came – our whole lounge wall was one single panel. It’s impressive to see it all slot into place.”

DIY fit-out

Once the watertight shell was in place, Michael and Rachel took over project management for the internal fit-out. “We had quite a bit to do – the wiring, plumbing and floor finishes. The ceilings were insulated, but not covered in plasterboard and the internal walls were clad in Fermacell, which required Fermacell Fine Surface Treatment before decoration,” says Michael.

All first fit socket and switch positions are cut out in the factory together with drawstrings for pulling the wires through. “Externally, Meisterstueck took care of the rendering and all the detailing for the timber, but we organised the Vastern Brimstone Ash heat treated cladding, which is working wonderfully and not curling,” he says.

The open plan kitchen/living/dining area benefits from glazed doors on one side overlooking the beautiful countryside with the doors on the other opening onto the balcony. Ample light fills the space, with white walls contributing to the sense of openness

Michael’s skills came into play, taking on lots of jobs himself as well as using local contacts to help along the way. “I knew a plumber and an electrician in the village helped us,” he says. “I was able to do bits like running the underfloor heating, helped by the plumber. We got someone registered to do the gas boiler and fit out the plant room.” Michael laid all the oak flooring and skirting, as well as installing the doors, which arrived with linings and ready to fit. “I’m pretty practical and I hope I’ve done it to a good standard,” he says.

The gas boiler (chosen because it was the cheapest option at the time) powers their underfloor heating and hot water – although the airtight house is ideal for a heat pump. All the groundwork is in place for solar panels at a later date, which would give the house an “A” energy rating. They benefit from a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system, too. “The building is so airtight (air permeability test result 0.8) that it warms up really quickly when we turn on the heating,” says Michael. “And even though we’ve got quite a bit of glass, the rooms don’t overheat in the summer.”

The couple chose a white, handleless kitchen scheme with dark grey worktops. Pops of red add to the scheme

The pair used local suppliers where possible, including for their kitchen, which Michael fitted, along with all the bathrooms. Going DIY on jobs saved them a fair bit of money. In terms of finances, the couple were in the fortunate position to fund their project with savings and borrowing from a relative in the early stages before they could sell their house the other end of the garden. The sale timing meant moving in before the new home was finished, but releasing the cash allowed them to afford the finishing touches they were after.

Although the living spaces and bedrooms are all on one storey, the entrance and garage are located in the basement level. So, with futureproofing in mind, they chose to install a lift, which rises up to the hallway overlooking the courtyard.

The open-plan living dining kitchen space is bright and airy

The couple regret not having a fully usable door on the end of the house, as they often use that entrance, where they chose not to have an external handle. “It was there to give access to the small patio,” says Rachel. “However, we find it very convenient to use as access to the outside and the shed and for unloading shopping etc. It would just be handier to be able to open it from outside occasionally. We could easily change the lock – we just haven’t got round to it.”

They also had to upgrade some doors to fire rated units after they realised the windows were just 10mm too narrow to meet fire regulations. “But we’re really pleased with our Deuren doors – they’re great quality,” says Michael.

Closer look Creating a futureproof home

With the entrance and garage in the basement, Michael and Rachel chose to install a lift so that they could carry on living in their home if either of them becomes unable to use the stairs. “It was a big investment at £30,000, but it has made our house usable for as long as possible,” says Rachel.

The stairs up from the entrance in the basement wrap around an in-built lift, which the couple included with future proofing in mind

There was a slight issue as it was designed in their floorplan to be freestanding, but they weren’t aware it needed to be supported by a frame. “We’ve got no complaints with the lift itself or the installation, but we weren’t warned this would be a problem – that was the only annoying thing in the whole project. But it was sorted by Cook Fabrications, who did other work for us,” says Michael.

Dream result

The Fountains are now enjoying the fruits of their labour, spending lots of time in their open-plan kitchen-living-dining space. Rooms are flooded with natural daylight thanks to ample floor-to-ceiling glazing, along with clerestory windows. They benefit from stunning views out across the countryside, with their closest neighbours being those living in their previous home.

The house features sections of timber cladding, which help soften the build’s architectural design

There are four bedrooms, a separate snug that’s a cosy retreat from the open layout and a courtyard balcony positioned between the living room and master bedroom. The floorplan has been designed to enable a separate wing with its own access if ever needed. “Our architects are pleased with the result,” says Rachel. “The yellow column on the front was their idea and it’s a great feature!”

Michael is now relaxing in his retirement, and even though he absolutely loved getting hands on with this build, they haven’t got plans to do another project. “If I was younger I’d do another self build with Meisterstueck, but this is our forever home now,” he says.

We learned

• Visiting the NSBRC (National Self Build and Renovation Centre) in Swindon was a great place to get ideas for suppliers and attend lectures on lots of different self build topics.
• Choosing offsite manufacture was a smooth process. We had a really great experience with Meisterstueck-Haus and their UK agent, Philip Monk, was always helpful.
• Getting hands on with the fit out isn’t for everyone, but if you’re competent and have the kind of contacts that can help you along the way, you’ll save lots of money. But if that’s not for you, make sure you know the full costings before you set off.
• You have to be patient when building a new house from scratch. It can be quite a few years from gathering ideas to getting planning permission and then all the way through to moving in.