Modern, energy-efficient self-constructed dwelling impresses judges, spotlighting reasons behind its accolade as a replacement for a 1980s structure.
In a picturesque corner of Hampshire, a self-build project by Nicola and her son, Lucca, has transformed an outdated 1980s infill detached house into a contemporary haven. The project, which began pre-pandemic, faced delays due to cancellations, rising material costs, and disruptions to the self-build schedule. However, the end result is a stunning testament to Nicola's vision and the benefits of using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in self-build projects.
Nicola, with a modern design in mind, deviated from traditional styles, linking the ground floor spaces with a stylish herringbone flooring. The exterior of the house features a mix of zinc, angled timber cladding, and red brick, creating a contemporary impression while paying homage to the original building.
The interior boasts a blend of natural materials and textures, introducing warmth to the contemporary space. The flooring throughout the house was chosen for both beauty and practicality, with polished concrete in the kitchen/dining/living room and oak chevron flooring elsewhere.
One of the most striking areas of the house is the kitchen, which provides a large socialising space with a generous dining area and full-width bifold doors. The kitchen was designed as a collaborative effort between Nicola, Will, and Naked Kitchens, with a central island serving as the focal point of the space.
The bathrooms have been designed to be generous in size with sleek fixtures and fittings for a modern look. Roof windows add to the feeling of light and space in the guest bedroom.
The house was built using SIPs (structural insulated panels) and includes Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) and underfloor heating for energy efficiency. This choice has resulted in a home that is approximately 50% more energy efficient than traditional timber-framed homes, translating to lower heating and cooling costs and a comfortable indoor environment year-round.
The SIPs also offer design flexibility, suitable for a wide range of architectural styles, from modern to traditional. This flexibility made SIPs adaptable to both new builds and renovations, such as Nicola’s project.
The property features an abundance of natural light through high ceilings with roof lights, large contemporary glazing, and glazed 'slots' around the house. The rear of the house makes the most of its garden views.
Nicola managed the project herself to save money on a main contractor, which allowed for higher-quality materials. She also handled the interior design of the house, creating a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and practicality.
The journey to create an efficient and modern self-build home for Nicola and Lucca began in a small, old cottage in Hampshire, where they needed more space. After finding a 1980s infill detached house sandwiched between two Georgian houses, they decided to knock it down and rebuild it exactly to their specifications, opting for SIPs builds for more effective use of internal spaces.
Brass light fittings in the kitchen-diner contrast beautifully with the black units and wood surfaces, adding a touch of elegance to the contemporary space. In the lounge, an abundance of light from two generous windows serves to emphasise the polished concrete fireplace that references the kitchen-diner floor.
This open-plan seating area benefits from views of the rear garden, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and entertainment. The house, with its energy efficiency, rapid construction, durability, sustainability, and design flexibility, is a testament to the benefits of SIPs in self-build projects and a beautiful home for Nicola and Lucca.
- The self-build project, initiated by Nicola and her son, Lucca, transformed an outdated 1980s house into a contemporary haven.
- In her modern design, Nicola deviated from traditional styles, linking the ground floor spaces with a stylish herringbone flooring.
- The exterior of the house features a mix of zinc, angled timber cladding, and red brick, creating a contemporary impression while paying homage to the original building.
- The interior boasts a blend of natural materials and textures, introducing warmth to the contemporary space.
- The house was built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and includes Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) and underfloor heating for energy efficiency.
- The SIPs offer design flexibility, suitable for a wide range of architectural styles, from modern to traditional.
- The house features an abundance of natural light through high ceilings with roof lights, large contemporary glazing, and glazed 'slots' around the house.
- The kitchen was designed as a collaborative effort between Nicola, her son, and Naked Kitchens, with a central island serving as the focal point of the space.
- The bathrooms have been designed to be generous in size with sleek fixtures and fittings for a modern look.
- Roof windows add to the feeling of light and space in the guest bedroom.
- Nicola managed the project herself to save money on a main contractor, which allowed for higher-quality materials.
- In the lounge, an abundance of light from two generous windows serves to emphasize the polished concrete fireplace that references the kitchen-diner floor.
- The journey to create an efficient and modern self-build home for Nicola and Lucca began in a small, old cottage in Hampshire, where they needed more space.
