PROPERTY OF THE MONTH The U-Build house
We’re all familiar with the concept of flat-pack furniture, but a whole home built out of plywood, and so simple it can be assembled with basic tools? Meet the U-Build house…
Invented by London architecture practice Studio Bark, the U-Build house is designed to offer an affordable hands-on housing solution, particularly for first-time buyers. The initial standalone U-Build house – there are other completed projects, including a loft extension, garden room and office ‘pods’ – was designed for two 20-somethings at the pioneering self-build site of Graven Hill, near Bicester in Oxfordshire. Earlier this year it was featured on The Street, a special Grand Designs Channel 4 series hosted by Kevin McCloud. The self-build cost £201,000, and, with the plot cost of £97,000, the owners spent less than £300,000 on their two-bedroom bespoke home.
Studio Bark architect Nick Newman says the problem with most flat-pack or modular homes is that they arrive fully finished, leaving no scope for the owners to get ‘hands-on’. ‘With U-Build, clients can be involved from the design stage and create what they want. Plus, when the panels arrive, they can be put together easily without the need for huge cranes and machinery, saving money and offering life skills along the way.’ He calls the concept ‘assisted self-build.’
U-Builds are made up of three different types of plywood – an energy-efficient compound made largely from recycled wood – on a frame that uses local timber. Each panel and element, such as the staircase and kitchen, is cut to
shape. Featuring a green roof/rain garden that harvests rainwater, photovoltaic solar panels that generate energy, and natural sheep’s wool insulation, the entire structure is designed to be permanent, with an indefinite shelf life. Along with the striking exterior cladding, treated and stained black for longevity, it’s clear there’s a guiding principle of sustainability running through the Graven
Hill enterprise, which hopes to eventually include 1,900 self-build and custom-built homes. Despite its modest materials and dimensions of just 95 square metres, the U-Build’s design is ambitious; the dining area is full-height and the staircase leads to a decked landing, which allows for views both down into the living room and out towards the surrounding countryside.
And, with future-proofing in mind, the U-Build system has been formulated to make reconfiguration possible and extending easy – perfect for when the owners’ requirements change. ‘Flexibility was an important aspect of the brief,’ says Nick Newman. ‘The U-Build offers some compelling advantages, allowing the house to grow with the owners in phases, and eradicating the need to move every few years as it can change in its design, too.’
Find out more about Studio Bark’s self-builds at u-build.org