thefoxesmaltings

Thank you. We are building to passivhaus principles, (PV, ASHP, UFH, Battery Store). There is no mains gas/drains and so we'll be using a sewage treatment plant. We've thought about other technology such as rainwater harvesting, but are thus far unconvinced. I'll be project managing the entire build myself with everything already budgeted. The aim is to 'simplify' getting the build to watertight stage by minimising the amount of companies and trades involved; groundworkers for foundation, package timber frame company for the superstructure, window & door supplier and roofing contractor. - Not awarded any tenders as yet, so any recommendations for all aspects would be appreciated. Our thought process is that once it is watertight, we can (somewhat) move in and tackle the rooms one by one with individual trades and DIY. Any help/advice appreciated.

Thank you.

Thank you. Yes, now the fun begins.

Haha! Not exact representatives...we're in our late twenties, so hopefully looking to avoid coffins for a little while, at least.

Everything was done through utilising a fantastic local architect - they have extensive knowledge of the local policies, National Planning Policy Framework and generally, have a extremely high track record of getting successful approvals. As part of the process, Design Review Panels were also used, (you should have one in your area..South...Midlands...North etc.). By taking impartial advice from a Design Panel on a Para79/80 design, and then working that into your overall submission to the local authority, you stand a much greater chance of approval as you're providing independant evidence that your design is "architecturally exceptional" etc al. As you know, every project is unique and there's no set formula for success. However, my first bit of advice would be to find a local architect in your area who: a) has a successful track record of approvals. b) knows how to get Paragraph 79/80 projects approved based on the NPPF. In our particular case, in the 18th century, there was a malthouse present on site, as evident through historical maps. This became disused over time and fell to ruin leaving little trace on site. - We focused on this historical context for our application as we are restoring the heritage of the site, through the form of a modernised residential dwelling, taking design cues from the malthouse. It then goes without saying that as part of Para79/80, for best chances of approval, the dwelling should be utilising renewable technologies, passivhaus principals etc al. If you've previously self built and project managed then the actual job and construction should be a walk in the park, it's getting the planning which is the tricky part.

Hi all, Hoping I could share some more detailed info of the project we're just embarking on and also request for some general self build advice from more experienced individuals. We're a couple in our late-twenties and have finally got into a position to undertake a self-build. The project is a Paragraph 79 approval in the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The goal is to reinstate the historical context of our site; where a malthouse was once present in the 18th century. The overall footprint is approx 400sqm and we are adopting passivhaus principals and eco technologies (PV, ASHP, UFH, Battery Store). There is no mains gas/drains and so we'll be using a sewage treatment plant. We've thought about other technology such as rainwater harvesting, but are thus far unconvinced. Enjoying reading through all the posts on here already - it's great to hear people recommending products, suppliers and also sharing DIY tips. I'll be project managing the entire build myself with everything already budgeted. The aim is to 'simplify' getting the build to watertight stage by minimising the amount of companies and trades involved; groundworkers for foundation, package timber frame company for the superstructure, window & door supplier and roofing contractor. - Not awarded any tenders as yet, so any recommendations for all aspects would be appreciated. Our thought process is that once it is watertight, we can (somewhat) move in and tackle the rooms one by one with individual trades and DIY. For anyone on Instagram, we've started to keep a diary of progress - https://www.instagram.com/thefoxesmaltings/ As a newbie self-builder, I've read 'The Housebuilders Bible', by Mark Brinkley, which I found fairly informative, particularly when it comes to the foundations and superstructure; of which we have no hands on experience with. Aside from that, I'm generally pretty hands on with experience in renovating. In addition to this, I'm looking for recommendations on accompanying books, resources and any individual pieces of advice which you think would help, and perhaps you wish you knew before starting your self build? Hopefully this doesn't sound like one of those Grand Designs episodes... Thanks. G

Thank you.

Hi everyone, Just a quick introduction to our project - we're doing our first self build and will be project managing ourselves. We've got lot's to learn as we go, and so would love to connect with others who are also along the journey or recently completed. If you're interested in following our journey, we're documenting everything on instagram which has plans and more; our profile is here: @thefoxesmaltings Below is a 3D render our architect produced of our project. If anyone has questions on any part of our process so far (securing planning in an AONB/Green belt etc.) feel free to ask and we'll help if we can.