We are very pleased to announce that Graven Hill, and a number of projects taking place on the site, have been shortlisted for this year’s Build It Awards.
Among the nominations include that of Best Custom Build Project or Model for Graven Hill itself.
Best Custom Build Project or Model
As the first project of its kind in the UK, Graven Hill is on a mission to shake-up the housing sector and provide an alternative to the standard housing options on offer. The objective is to make designing and building the perfect home an achievable reality, regardless of budget or ambitions.
Our truly innovative approach embraces the individuality and creativity of self-building, while streamlining the planning process. And for those who dream of achieving the flexibility of a self-build, without the commitment, our Custom Build option offers another route, ideal for those looking for more than a standard new build. What makes Graven Hill special is the flexibility and control you have when creating a home. Since the site was launched in 2014 it has gone from strength to strength.
There are currently approaching 200 residents living on site, with a community centre, school and even a local pub and business units planned for the future. Phase 1 is nearing completion and Phase 2 is scheduled for release in 2021, with new Custom Build Homes and Self-Build plots becoming available throughout each phase.
Best Off-Site Manufactured Home
For Marc and Laura Marsdale, self-building has allowed them to design a home that answers both their need for family-friendly space, and their desire to live in a home that reflects their personality. After finding a plot at Graven Hill, their dream home took the form of a timber frame structure clad in charred timber and Corten steel.
With a dramatic three-peaked roof giving the look of waves, this 5-bedroom property is anything but conventional. Boasting four bathrooms and an open-plan lounge/kitchen diner, perfect for entertaining friends and family, the home is as impressive indoors as it is from the outside.
From concept and design to manufacture and build, Facit Homes supported the Marsdales throughout their project. The engineered timber components were manufactured off-site and then delivered and assembled at Graven Hill to create the Facit Chassis. The robust and zero maintenance Facit Chassis provided Marc and Laura with unrivalled levels of creative freedom. As every Facit Chassis is designed using BIM (Building Information Modelling), it was possible to design every single component of the home before it was crafted. From specific window sizes and internal door portals to the plans for wiring and pipework. Facit’s ‘digital made real’ ability allowed the couple to plan the build to the nth degree, saving both time and money during the assembly. The couple could then bring in more complex designs, safe in the knowledge that the Facit Chassis could accommodate them while maintaining the quality and performance that they were looking for.
Other nominations
The Omotayo’s 4-bedroom detached home boasting clean lines and a bright airy feel has been nominated for Best Timber Frame Home, Designed by Damon Bell of A’Bear and Ball Architects, MBC Timberframe assisted Sam and Zakima throughout the project, initially welcoming them on a factory tour to meet the team and gain an insight into the production of timber frame properties,
Plot 153 at Graven Hill has also been nominated alongside Greenspace Architects for Best Architect or Designer for a Self-Build Project (sponsored by Kloeber) and Best SIPS Home. If you would like to have a look at the full shortlist for the Build It Awards 2020 in association with BuildStore, please visit the official Build It Awards website.
Voting for the three headline categories, Best Self-Build Home or Renovation, Best Self-Build Architect or Designer and Best Extension/Renovation Architect or Designer are open to a public vote here.
Recognising excellence across the board in self-build products, services, suppliers and projects, the winners of this year’s awards will be announced in a special ceremony on 27 November.