New build timber frame eco-house

Project type: Domestic

Build cost: £415, 000

Location: Dore Conservation Area, Sheffield, S17

Client: Confidential

Contractor: Rabjohn Construction and Turner Timber

Status: Completed 2019

Fees: Basic Package

Area cost: £1293 / m²

This project was an unexpected treat as it was from a repeat client, one of our first projects, whose house we extended. Peter and Jennifer originally extended their 1930’s semi-detached house in 2011 to create additional bedrooms and space for their growing family. However, the original house wasn’t as warm and comfortable as the newly, extended parts of the house. So, a few years later Peter and Jennifer then embarked on a ‘once in a lifetime’ project to create a new build timber frame eco-house. A sustainable, luxury, dream house suitable for all the family was high on the agenda. The house is located on a rare plot of unbuilt land nearby, in the desirable suburb of Dore Conservation Area, literally down [or rather up] the road. At 321m² / 3455 sq. ft. this is a large, luxury house, suitable for all of the family.

A relatively traditional external design was used, mainly as the site is in a Conservation Area. This meant the new house fitted in sympathetically with the neighbours. Underneath the conventional exterior is a super insulated, timber framed house, approaching PassivHaus standards. Splashes of contemporary design, advanced tech and modern materials also feature. The majority of the ground floor is a single, open plan space that combines the Kitchen + Dining + Lounge. Four large double bedrooms + a home cinema room + Work from Home space + an expansive double Garage were also slotted in.

Top quality materials have been used, such as split natural stone cladding from a local quarry, natural slate roofing, aluminium framed, triple glazed, windows and doors, natural stone paving, and timber flooring. Additional wow factors are the bespoke oak and glass staircase with floating bridge link above the double height Hallway. The made to measure ‘T’ shaped red kitchen island and worktops help create visual contrast. An extremely large slide and stack patio door, about 7 metres wide, was also introduced, that pushed the boundaries, the manufacturers couldn’t make them any wider!

The entire ground floor uses underfloor heating + a system of Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery [MVHR], helps supply fresh, clean air, all through the year. PV solar panels on the roof also help reduce electricity demand. The TRADA Timber Frame Construction technical design guide [the acknowledged ‘bible’ for timber frame] was used extensively to help ensure the house was designed and built properly.

Problems Solved:

Design co-ordination with the timber frame specialist and contractor to ensure everything fitted together just right without clashes + structural co-ordination for the extra wide patio door

What our customers say

Nathan delivered and provided a very thorough and detailed set of design drawings that made building our new house really easy and quick.

“We worked with Nathan several years ago on an extension to our old house and were really pleased with his services then. We had no hesitation using Nathan once more for our new build house project.

Again, Nathan delivered and provided a very thorough and detailed set of design drawings that made building our new house really easy and quick. All the information we needed was there + fully co-ordinated with the Structural Engineer’s design. As the house is timber framed certain elements needed to be designed and built in a special way and Nathan helped translate this with the designs.

We now have a super warm and safe house and our family all love living here. We often recommend Nathan’s services to other people embarking on a similar journey.”

Peter + Jennifer

If you’re bouncing around ideas…

… or if you’re ready to start your project or anything in between — please click the ‘Let’s talk’ button, send us a quick message and we’ll get back in touch soon to arrange your design consultation.