Seeking a bespoke home that suited their lifestyle, Helen and Neil embarked upon their self-build journey in 2019 when they purchased a property that had belonged to family.

Having previously lived in and liked the area, Brookmans Park, a village in Hertfordshire situated just outside of the M25 with convenient railway services into London, when the opportunity arose to buy a house within walking distance of local shops and the train station, the couple seized it.

Apart from the location, the biggest attraction of the property was the size of the plot and the scope to build something great on it. The purchase was relatively straightforward, and once complete the couple put their proposal to the planning authorities.

Permission was received within a few months, with the lack of difficulties and speedy consent due to the fact the pair had a pre-planning application meeting to ascertain whether what they were intending would likely get approval.

The design they would have originally liked to submit was unfavourably looked upon and so they proceeded with an alternative plan that was more in keeping with the rest of the surrounding architecture. As a result, the swift positive decision saved them both time and money.

Visiting a homebuilding exhibition in London, the pair picked up brochures from the Scandia-Hus stand. Following this initial contact, they visited the company’s head office and show homes in East Grinstead.

The couple were impressed with the quality of the builds, along with the excellent customer service, and so feeling that the firm could provide them with what they were looking for, they proceeded to employ Scandia to construct and project manage their self-build.

Helen and Neil felt that with no knowledge of the industry, the managed build route would be the most appropriate option for them. The seemingly endless choices available when creating a home can become overwhelming, so having an experienced Project Manager and full support of the Site Manager and build team at Scandia to guide them in their decision-making was extremely beneficial to the couple.

Scandia’s airtight timber frame incorporates high levels of insulation and triple glazing as standard, and this has been coupled with an air source heat pump to create an energy-efficient and eco-friendly new home.

The symmetrical front elevation is aesthetically pleasing with a contemporary finish of white render, grey brick detailing and stone tiles framing the entrance. The hallway is filled with light as a result of the two-storey glazing that creates a surround to the modern front door.

Inside features clean lines and an uncluttered appearance, the décor is neutral with shades of grey throughout. The sleek and sociable kitchen is central to the L-shaped open plan layout with the sizeable island creating a focal point in the room.

The beautiful outlook to the garden, with mature trees lining the boundary, has been taken advantage of with large, shaped windows in the gables and bi-fold doors leading out onto the patio from the living and dining spaces. The master bedroom also benefits from a balcony that enjoys elevated views of the surrounding greenery.

Neil has a fine collection of racing cars, so an impressive garage has been constructed in the back garden to display the vehicles. The couple have added insulation, underfloor heating, a kitchen and shower room to future-proof the building should they decide to apply for a change of use in the future.

Finishing the external space was the couple’s biggest challenge, extending the project’s completion date by an additional year. They are now settled in their new home but say they would self-build again if they ever got the chance.

If you are looking for a contemporary design for your self-build, some of our similar styles include The Florence and The Truro.