Despite the Build It Awards being a little different this year, the accolade of taking an award home remains the same.

We are pleased to announce our win for Best Timber Frame home at the Build It Awards 2020. Congratulations to The Omotayos on their award-winning home.

Beating seven other shortlisted entries to take home the award, The Omotayo’s win highlights the popularity of the timber frame construction method within the self-build community. Designed by A’Bear & Ball Architects, this stunning 4-bedroom home provides the Omotayo family with plenty of space to both relax and entertain, as well as reflecting their personal style perfectly.

Bolero Gardens - External
[Photo credit: Ralph Saull]
“What makes Graven Hill special is the flexibility and control you have when creating a home that fits your lifestyle and tastes. Sam and Zakima’s home is a textbook example of what imagination, drive, and a whole lot of passion can achieve.”

Karen Curtin, Managing Director, Graven Hill

A modern 4-bedroom detached timber frame home

Sam and Zakima Omotayo began their self-build search almost a decade ago. However, it wasn’t until they discovered Graven Hill that they found a plot that suited their needs in terms of size, cost and location. The result is a modern, 4-bedroom detached timber frame home, with three bathrooms and one reception room. All of which boast clean lines and a bright airy feel.

The flat roof and angular exterior add to the contemporary style of the home, with asymmetric detailing creating a unique and striking finish.

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. They were then supported by a project coordinator through the production of the structural engineering calculations as well as the design, manufacture, delivery and erection of their 140mm stud timber frame house. The build of the basic structure took just 10 days to complete, the speed and efficiency of the timber framed home was the primary attraction for Sam and Zakima. In just 10 weeks, the structural system was fully watertight, allowing the couple to introduce other elements of the build much quicker than alternative build routes.

A timber frame structure was certainly the best choice for us. The fact that the frame was crafted in a controlled factory environment meant we could be certain that the finish would be of the highest quality, giving us one less thing to worry about. Having the frame built offsite also led to less construction waste onsite, keeping the environment clearer for us and our neighbours at Graven Hill

Richard Bacon MP commented, “The judges felt this was a compact, modest home with a great floor plan and a lovely mix of external materials completed for a very good build cost. You can see how you’d live here very comfortably.”

As well as winning for Best Timber Frame, Graven Hill was also shortlisted for ‘Best Custom Build Project or Model’ and ‘Best Off-Site Manufactured Home’ in this year’s Build It Awards. If you missed the ceremony and would like to catch up on all the winners, please visit the Build It Awards website.