Hybrid oak and timber frame ideal for family home

OWNERS James & Caroline Sharp

PROJECT Self build

LOCATION Hampshire

SIZE 270m2 (plus 98m2 garage)

PROJECT COST £550,000

COST PER M2 £1,495

When Caroline and James Sharp learned of a local building plot for sale, the timing was far from perfect. They both worked full time, plus they had a young child and Caroline was pregnant with their second, but when they viewed the site they immediately saw its potential. Despite their busy lives, the pair decided to take the plunge and set out on a self build adventure.

The plot came with permission for a Georgian-style dwelling, but the couple were keen on an open-plan design. As part of their research, they visited the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), where they met bespoke timber frame specialist English Brothers.

“We were very impressed,” says James. “They showed us around their factory and even took us to see their own oak frame home.” English Brothers worked closely with the Sharps and Studio 4 Architects to shape the new plans. As oak is more expensive than a standard timber frame, a hybrid system enables the oak just to be used where it is on display – adding character whilst helping to keep costs down.

Caroline and James were both heavily involved throughout. They hired Matt Gothard from 3G Building and Construction as the main contractor, who shared project management with James. “The decision making can be time consuming and sometimes overwhelming,” says Caroline. “You don’t realise at the beginning quite how many choices there are for everything, from style of windows to light switches.”

Things on site progressed smoothly until they encountered a major issue with the feature apex glazing. Unfortunately, the installer had taken incorrect measurements, so when the glass arrived it didn’t fit – and the installer had since gone bust. With some clever detective work, they tracked down the manufacturer and reordered the glazing using their own measurements, installed carefully by Matt. The event added an extra £6,000 and several months to their project.

Fortunately, this was the only setback, and the couple are thrilled with their home. Featuring an impressive gallery landing, double height entrance, separate lounge for the kids, vaulted ceilings in bedrooms and exposed oak throughout, the space is cleverly laid out to meet the needs of the whole family. “It wasn’t ideal to undertake a project like this with a small child and a baby, but sometimes life presents you with an opportunity that’s too good to pass up,” says Caroline. “We would do it all again tomorrow!”

Full story online: www.self-build.co.uk/sharp