Individual self-build dwelling, Great Amwell, Ware
This project is an individual self-build dwelling, project-managed by the couple that owns the land. They have not applied for building regulation consent before, neither have they ever constructed a dwelling!
Jacqueline co-designed the house with support from architectural technicians and secured planning and building regulations consents. This lovely new home was constructed using modern methods of construction being constructed partly off-site.
The Build
The couple managed some of the main works through several substantive contracts comprising groundworks, timber frame, roof, first and second fix, and landscaping. Other items were procured and project managed separately including utilities, fire suppression, solar panels, and sanitary ware.
Building regulation approval was a smooth process both during the approval of full plans and thereafter. No major issues were raised at any of the inspections. Building Control advice was taken by the applicant on the size of soakaways, suitable materials to be used for the drive, height of the external ground level, and construction of the level threshold access. A commissioned building warranty involved additional and separate building inspections.
The staircase needed tweaking at the design stage to ensure head heights could be achieved. Potton technicians were extremely helpful in advising on this. The resultant one-off staircase design involved finding and working with a joiner and architectural metalworker neither of whom had worked together before on the client’s requirement. All were pleased with the final result.
A raft, block, and beam foundation were designed by the structural engineer to deal with trees and any unknown ground instability.
With the external foul water and surface, water drainage in progress to the front elevation building control requested that the surface water intersection be changed from a ‘T’ junction to a Y connection. This was to ensure that there was a good flow for the drainage and that it was roddable from the inspection chambers.
A long driveway was planned into the scheme. Building Control gave advice on suitable materials to achieve accessibility (Part M) and advised on width for fire tender entry.
HBC gave advice on fire protection and in April 2020 a fire suppression misting system was commissioned.
The results speak for themselves, a delightful tailored home that the owners can treasure for years. To complete their delight this home was awarded a ‘Highly Commended in the 2021 LABC awards!
Read more about Potton Self Build
Read more about the LABC awards winners 2021