Sutton Courtney – Oxfordshire

Overview:

After struggling to find a suitable plot that met requirements for an easy-access home in an open-countryside landscape, the prospective self-builders eventually came across an existing bungalow in need of redevelopment. They decided that collaborating with a timber frame manufacturer who offered additional supportive services would best enable them to realise their dream home aspirations. As a family-owned business, Frame Technologies were appointed as the ideal construction partner to support them throughout their design and construction journey.

The Challenge:

As the homeowners did not have any self-build experience, they decided to work with a package home supplier to redevelop the existing bungalow. The self-builders selected Frame Technologies due to our extensive expertise in timber technology and making best use of space, as well as the comprehensive support offered by our family team. The self-builders were keen to adopt a hands-on approach in the project and arranged small gaps in the programme for overlap of trades. This helped to keep the site tidy as its access was restricted until completion.

Meeting The Brief:

The existing bungalow was in need of complete redevelopment to maximise the plot’s potential. Frame Technologies replaced the bungalow with a 240m2 two-storey home that enjoys a fresh, modern design.

The brief required us to maximise space on the first floor and avoid overlooking neighbouring properties. The self-build project resulted in a spacious family home that feels tucked away in tranquil countryside, though it has easy access to local Abingdon life. The self-build home reflects the true flexibility of timber frame and the one-stop-shop services that Frame Technologies offer.

Offsite Manufactured Timber Frame:

Taking advantage of Frame Technologies’ full design service, the homeowners commissioned us to take control of the building regulation drawings, SAPs, timber frame manufacture, erection and full insulation package. This enabled the homeowners to use one point of contact, avoiding any friction in their self-build journey and allowing them to buy with confidence.

Achieving The Optimum Performance:

The full insulation package uses Frame Technologies’ original TechVantage™ E system, which comprises a 140mm breathable panel of rigid polyurethane insulation. The panel is protected with a 9mm OSB outer sheathing, vapour control layer and plasterboard. Using the TechVantage™ E build solution enabled an overall U-value of 0.13 W/m2K. Maximising the design through a timber frame construction was key due to limited plot size. Additionally, using engineered roof solutions minimised wasted space to virtually zero.

Homeowner Comment:

“Working with Frame Technologies through design, delivery and installation enabled the timber frame element to deliver exactly what we needed as we were complete novices. The original roof design was complex and wasted a lot of space, but Frame Technologies came up with a design solution that enabled us to maintain 85% of the floor upstairs – which is exactly why we chose them. The frame arrived and the ground floor was erected on day one, even with all the deliveries arriving as well. It was complete ready for roofers in two and a half weeks. Working with Frame Technologies was certainly a team effort, and not only did we never feel that we couldn’t ask questions, we felt part of that team.”