Self-build Eco Timber Frame Bungalow in Central Hampshire
Despite building during a difficult period in 2023, the one overriding fact about the whole building experience, and one that I’m grateful for, is that we found SC4 to undertake the whole process, they were marvellous!
Our clients describe their experiences during the building of their new Eco Sustainable timber frame kit-home
After spending seventeen years in a bungalow on the outskirts of Winchester and then moving and spending five years in a new house, we decided to move back to a bungalow, as we are in our seventies and stairs have lost their appeal. So, when we got the opportunity to self-build an Eco Sustainable wooden bungalow with modern technology, it was an opportunity not to pass by.
When we approached SC4 Carpenters Ltd, we had already ordered a wooden bungalow based on a variation of a Scottish long house and built in SIPs. The original design was from a Scottish Architects practice, based in Skye and Glasgow, but although the manufacturer offers a full turnkey option they didn’t have any contractors in the south of England.
SC4 Carpenters Ltd was the ideal choice
I researched builders locally, many were too busy and couldn’t commit and most seemed to be traditional builders who were not familiar with what we wanted to build, or the technology we had in mind. Then I came across SC4’s website and arranged to meet SC4 Director, Conrad Hall, mainly because they were Carpenters and familiar with timberframe construction.
Talking to SC4 it was clear that SC4 Carpenters was the ideal choice. Conrad was very familiar with the construction and the technology as SC4 specialise in timber construction. Conrad had personal experience of the build process from both sides as he had built his family home in a similar vein. He was also helpful in advising the way forward through the planning process.
I felt confident that SC4 Carpenters Ltd were the best company for the job
After my first meeting with Conrad, discussing the build process, procedures and potential pitfalls, I felt confident that SC4 were the best company for the job. So when Conrad said SC4 would take the build on, we were really pleased.
SC4 were always available to oversee the build and solve any issues that arose - and site staff were approachable and conscientious
We couldn’t have chosen a more difficult time to build, with the hang over of Brexit and Covid just past and the onset of the war in Ukraine on the horizon. But by then we had sold our house and were in a rental quite near the site, so we were committed to move ahead. Material prices were escalating rapidly and Conrad went to a lot of trouble to come up with a costing for the build within our budget. For example, the house was originally to be clad in Siberian Larch, but due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the imposed sanctions on Russia, this was impossible to source and so the cladding was replaced with Thermopine.
We started the build on 1 March 2023, and the first two months were very very wet so the groundworks were difficult. However, both Conrad Hall and his fellow Director, Simon Griffiths (who was Project Manager for the build), were always available on site or at the end of the phone to see the build move forward and the foundations laid - ready for the kit to be delivered.
Delivery was the next problem to be overcome as the access onto site was restricted. Despite myself and Conrad sending numerous measurements and photographs to the SIPs/kit company, and stressing the need to split the load over smaller trucks, this went unheeded, and a very large delivery lorry was sent. This was immediately returned to Manchester to be unloaded and the kit was then sent on three smaller lorries.
Apart from that initial frustration the build moved on through the summer with the usual building hiccups, but Simon or Conrad were always around to deal with the unexpected and the SC4 guys on site where all really good, approachable and conscientious.
Build completed in just seven months - and our new home is everything we'd hoped for
We moved into our new energy efficient bungalow on schedule at the end of September, seven months from the start.
We are so pleased with the end result. Our new bungalow is warm, efficient, bright and spacious - everything we'd hoped for. Our home is all electric with ASHP, solar panels and battery, and an MVHR system. And it’s a really comfortable place to live.
But the one overriding fact about the whole building experience, and one that I’m grateful for, is that we found SC4 to undertake the whole process, they were marvellous.
Needless to say we won’t be moving again!
