build beautiful with Potton

ISSUE 01

WITH POTTON

DREAM • TAILOR • CREATE

YOUR SELF BUILD JOURNEY case study snapshots • calendar of events • self build academy

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

HARDIEPLANK® CLADDING. IMAGE © JAMES HARDIE/HUNDVEN CLEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY.

BE A UTIFULLY TAILO R ED

CORPORATE PROFILE WITH POTTON

Over the last 50 years, Potton has evolved from simply being a manufacturer of timber frame kits into a multifaceted business that offers real solutions to today’s generation of aspiring self-builders.

Customers can tailor their own home to be whatever they want it to be… a contemporary space for modern living, a period property oozing character or an energy efficient Passivhaus for a sustainable lifestyle.

WELCOME

DREAM • TAILOR • CREATE

A message from Potton’s Self Build Director Paul Newman 2014 marked our 50th year in business and to celebrate this momentous anniversary, we’ve launched buildbeautiful, our very own magazine.

Within these pages we bring you a taste of how the company has evolved from a supplier of timber frame homes to a diverse organisation at the forefront of the self-build industry (page 14-15). With our customers at the very heart of everything we do, our mission is simple; to provide you, as inspirational self-builders, the ‘tools’ to build your dream home.

We aim to educate through our Self Build Academy (page 8-9), inspire with an insight into a handful of the fantastic homes we’ve helped you to build, and guide you through your self-build dream and beyond (page 26 & 27).

Potton offers a full range of services such as in house architecture and design including planning and building regulation submissions; code assessment; insulation strategies and SAP assessments. These, together with self build project managers; financial and cost consultants; supplier and subcontractor partners provide Potton’s self-builders with a comprehensive support package if required.

Through its self-build show centre at St Neots, Potton gives aspiring self-builders the opportunity to see, feel and experience how their new home could look. It is the only facility of its kind in the UK and currently boasts four (soon to be five) fully finished homes of varying design – including the UK’s first Passivhaus show home coming in 2015.

There’s been lots for us to shout about in our golden anniversary year, not least our latest initiative, The Potton Insulation Service (page 3), so enjoy flicking through the pages of buildbeautiful and do feel free to contact us to see how we can help fulfil your self build dream.

For more ur details on o e tr n e c w sho

see page 22-23

Paul Newman Self Build Director

Potton’s Self Build Show

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The acquisition by Kingspan Group in 2006 - which has an unrivalled reputation throughout the construction industry - has bought many bonuses to Potton. The business provides timber frame and SIPs (structural insulated panels) solutions on multi-unit sites for some of the UKs largest developers and this experience is invaluable in the light of the recent self-build initiatives announced by the government - such as Custom Build to make the route to self-building easier.

It also allows Potton’s self-builders access to one of the best known names in sustainable building systems.

Potton is now very much positioned as a self-build service provider of choice, offering a full hand-holding service to help aspiring self-builders through the design and construction process to live the dream of self-build.

Now, it is often said that the success of an organisation is down to its employees and that’s certainly true of our staff at Potton. To mark our 50th anniversary, our dedicated team has taken on a host of challenges for charity (page 14-15)… thank you one and all!

IN THIS ISSUE

There is a dedicated product information centre and it is also the home of the acclaimed Potton Self Build Academy.

Centre, St Neots

CASE STUDY 1 | ANDY & CAROLE WHITEHOUSE

THE SOLUTION WAS QUITE LITERALLY ON THEIR DOORSTEP SELF BUILD ACADEMY

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NEWS & CHARITY

50 EVENTS TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS, A FEW ACHIEVEMENTS, STILL TO COME THIS YEAR...

AN INTRODUCTION TO SELF BUILD & EVENTS FOR 2015

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CASE STUDY 3 | CHRIS & ELLIE DAVIES

CASE STUDY 2 | BILL & ANGIE JENKINS

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CASE STUDY 4 | CHRISTINE HEAL & DAVID PEAKE

A LUXURY WATERFRONT RETREAT

HOME OF THEIR DREAMS

LIGHT, BRIGHT AND AIRY

MODEL Projects

HOT OFF THE PRESS POTTON INSULATION SERVICE LAUNCHED We are delighted to announce the launch our latest customer initiative - The Potton Insulation Service.

The service is designed to provide a full insulation assessment and strategy for all self builders - whether you’re building with Potton or not! We have applied our self build expertise, our architectural knowledge and insulation excellence to develop a service that addresses every element of your self build.

The strategy ensures the energy performance of your new home achieves your expectations, provides insulation advice and guidance from our in-house experts and includes a free condensation risk analysis and U value calculation for each element of your building.

The service also includes the completion of a SAP assessment (which is free at the point of sale of the insulation) and a complete insulation package to ensure that the building envelope conforms to the standards required.

Our expert advice will also ensure that your new home complies with Building Regulations and allows the Energy Performance Certificate to be issued on completion of your build.

We’ve developed The Potton Insulation Service in order to take the risk and effort away from specifying, quantifying and procuring the energy efficiency elements for your new home. Whether you’re a Potton customer or not, the service gives peace of mind that your insulation requirements are achieved, and critically, every aspect has been considered by the UK’s leading insulation experts.

Paul Newman, Self Build Director

Pas Ruggiero, who is building a 299m2, five bedroomed contemporary Potton home in Cambridgeshire, is one of the first customers to take advantage of The Potton Insulation Service. His innovative eco-efficient home is constructed from the Kingspan TEK® Building System, an off-site, prefabricated structural insulated panels (SIPs) system that provides a premium performance building envelope, as recommended

by Potton’s Insulation experts. In addition, our team recommended the use of Kingspan K3 insulation for the ground floor of Pas’s new home to ensure that the thermal performance is in line with the requirements of his energy performance targets.

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rmation The transfo sden of our Gran e m o Show h . e p a takes sh

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For more information speak to one of our team or take a look at www.potton.co.uk/insulation

POTTON’S SELF BUILD SHOW CENTRE

4 SELF BUILD DESIGNS BROUGHT TO LIFE IN ST NEOTS, CAMBRIDGESHIRE CASE STUDY 5 | PETER & JANE DOLBY

PETER AND JAYNE’S FOURTH NEW ADVENTURE GUIDE TO SELF BUILD

START YOUR SELF BUILD JOURNEY

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On the cover | Bill & Angie Jenkins, Surrey build beautiful our build

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CASE STUDY 01

THE SOLUTION WAS QUITE LITERALLY ON THEIR DOORSTEP...

Carole and Andy Whitehouse bought the house next-door and replaced it with an energy efficient, timber-framed cottage which took just five months to build.

&Carole Whitehouse

Andy

PROJECT FACTS

Location:

Bedfordshire Land Cost: Existing property

£225,000 Build Cost:

£240,000 Current Value:

£550,000

Finding an affordable building plot can prove a major hurdle for many prospective self-builders, but for Carole and Andy Whitehouse the solution was quite literally on their doorstep.

The couple had lived in their Bedfordshire home for 25 years and had extended and modernised the property, which stands on a quiet country lane backing onto fields.

“It was an old house and extremely high maintenance,” says Andy. “We loved the character, and living out in the countryside, but wanted somewhere more energy efficient and easier to maintain. When the tiny run-down cottage next-door came up for sale in 2010 we decided to buy it and apply for planning permission to replace it with a new home.”

“A friend of ours had built a large timberframed Potton house many years ago and we’d always liked it, so we didn’t really shop around,” says Andy. “We wanted something more modest, and chose to base our design on the company’s Caxton - a traditional cottage with sloping ceilings, an inglenook fireplace and exposed posts and beams.”

Carole and Andy visited the Potton Self Build Show Centre in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, where they were able to walk around the Caxton show house and get a real feel for the design. They then worked with Potton’s architect to adapt the 185 square metre property. “The fact that we could have whatever we wanted was a huge selling point,” says Andy.

Potton’s sales and design support was excellent throughout, and we were impressed by the flexibility of their timber frame system.”

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The couple had previously built two holiday homes for themselves in France, employing a project manager to oversee the work for them. This relatively handsoff approach worked well, and was something they wanted to replicate on the Bedfordshire build.

“I was working full time,” says Andy, a project manager for an engineering company, “but Carole is a semi-retired financial controller, and was able to spend time on site chasing up orders and liaising with our project manager, Shaun O’Connor. He was recommended to us by Potton and had built his own Potton house nearby, which we went to visit. We chose him because we liked him, and it was definitely the right decision - we simply couldn’t have built this house without him and he was able to recommend local subcontractors he’d used on his own build.”

Work began in September 2012 with the demolition of the ramshackle cottage. The site was cleared and new foundations were excavated. A block and beam floor was laid and Potton sent a team of men to erect the post and beam timber frame - creating a watertight shell in under three weeks.

Potton’s sales and design support was excellent throughout, and we were impressed by the flexibility of their timber frame system.

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G RO U N D F LO O R

F I R S T F LO O R

Top Tip

Keep a tight re in on the budget and a detailed spreadsheet of costs. Try to avoid paying da y rates as it’s better to get a fixed price for the job wherev er possible.

Potton supplied and installed the highly insulated external walling system, which has been rendered and painted a stone colour to contrast with the red brick plinth and handmade clay roof tiles. Carole and Andy are particularly pleased with the uneven finish and mottled colours of these tiles, which help to create an instantly aged appearance.

Energy efficiency was a high priority for the couple, who were keen to keep their fuel bills to a minimum. Underfloor heating has been installed throughout the two-storey house and is connected to an air source heat pump.

The same bricks which were used externally for the plinth and chimney have also been chosen to construct an impressive open fireplace in the sitting room, which was inspired by a design the couple saw in Potton’s Gransden show-house.

Carol and Andy moved into rented accommodation for a year, which placed a strict time limit on completing their new home and five months after work started on site the couple moved into their new home on 1st February 2013. “We probably should have waited another two or three weeks, but we didn’t want to renew the lease on our rental property, so we lived in the new house with the workmen finishing off around us,” says Andy.

Life in a brand new energy efficient house is a totally different experience for Andy and Carole to their property next-door.

“Everything in the new house was designed for ease of maintenance and we’ve already seen a big drop in our fuel bills,” Carole remarks.

“We may only have moved fifty metres along the road, and still enjoy the same country views, but this house feels a world away from our previous home.” build beautiful our build

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Bespoke glazing solutions in timber aluminium & composite Kloeber’s advanced glazing solutions are available in bespoke or set sizes, with exceptional insulating values, multi-point locking and low maintenance finishes. View our website for further details of our extensive product range. folding sliding doors sliding doors french doors single doors

windows shaped glazed screens entrance doors roof lights

Kloeber’s timber bifold doors and FunkyFront entrance doors are Secured by Design.

New showroom near Oxford opening soon, see website for details of all our showrooms. telephone

01487 740044

info@kloeber.co.uk www.kloeber.co.uk

FunkyFront entrance door systems

NOW IN ALUMINIUM

SELF BUILD ACADEMY

LOOKING TO SELF BUILD BUT UNSURE WHERE TO START?

What is self build?

How do I make the most of my plot?

Where do I start my build?

How do I plan, manage & control my build?

WHY THE SELF BUILD ACADEMY™?

Building your own home has always been the aspiration of the many but the realisation of the few. Why is this? We all love the idea of living in a home that we have designed and built, one that is going to stand the test of time, be warm and comfortable to live in and embrace the latest energy efficiency technologies. However, to achieve this dream, a degree of determination and tenacity together with an unshakeable belief that success is there for the taking are absolutely vital. A little help from your friends wouldn’t go amiss either, friends such as Potton!

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We now have 50 years’ experience in helping people to achieve their self-build dreams.

To celebrate this fact we decided to distil all this wealth of knowledge into one unbeatable source of learning. The result is our Self Build Academy™.

The aim of the academy is to provide guidance on every aspect of the self-build journey from “what’s it all about?” to “how do I reclaim my VAT!” and all points in between.

Currently there are four topics covered in a series of seminars and one day courses that will inspire and reassure, and ultimately give you the confidence to manage your own self-build adventure.

The academy shows our determination to be the self-build company of choice, and not just a timber frame supplier. Remember that the timber frame structure is just a single step on the journey, only Potton will walk with you all the way.

COMING UP IN 2015 CORE COURSES 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO SELF BUILD

How to Find Land

If you are considering self build and you’re searching for a plot, then this seminar provides an essential introduction to the process, covering key topics including Finding Land, Designing Your Home, Getting Planning Permission and How to Build. A factory tour and show centre visit is also included.

2 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR PLOT Ideal for those who have identified a building plot. Our experts can advise on the suitability of your site and suggest how we can tailor designs for the plot. This workshop will provide you with more detailed information on key topics so that you are better equipped to move to the next stage of your project.

3 HOW TO PLAN & START YOUR BUILD Our experts will talk you through the build options, how to manage the construction process and explain the information that needs to be available before you can get started. We will also cover the topics of planning and programming, health and safety, procurement along with budgeting and tools to control your costs. This workshop provides everything you need to know on how to get your build off to a positive start.

Green Build Day

My Energy Efficient Home

Creating the Look

4 HOW TO MANAGE, CONTROL, & COMPLETE YOUR BUILD Providing practical guidance about how to manage, control and complete the build process. We will explain the various roles and responsibilities during construction, managing the site, health and safety, communication and how to deal with challenges and problems that are likely to be experienced. You will learn what you need to know to complete the build and how to reclaim the VAT.

Networking Coffee Mornings

Pop up shows WWW.SELFBUILDACADEMY.CO.UK build beautiful our build

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CASE STUDY 02

A LUXURY WATERFRONT RETREAT...

When Bill and Angie Jenkins decided the home they’d lived in for

&Angie Jenkins

Bill

PROJECT FACTS

Location:

Surrey

Date of Build:

2012

Land Cost:

already owned Build Cost: (excluding demolition & landscaping)

£232,730 Valuation:

£999,950

the last ten years wasn’t the one they wanted to spend the next ten years in, but the idyllic riverside location in Staines was the only place they wanted to be, there was just one thing to do…

Demolish the old house, and build a new one in its place.

And just six months after the bulldozers started work, the couple were able to move into their beautifully tailored bespoke Potton home.

After a sixteen month search for a suitable selfbuild mortgage, which was finally sourced through BuildStore, the couple chose Potton to design and supply the timber frame for their dream home.

“The design had to be open plan with lots of cathedralstyle windows to take advantage of the panoramic river views, and it had to fit into our existing 135ft x 80ft plot, which was quite a challenge,” says Bill.

“We wanted any future purchaser to know the house was from a well known and respected company,” says Bill. “We went for both style and brand reputation. It’s like comparing Ford with Bentley. Potton is the Bentley” The couple used Potton’s bespoke design and planning service. “That was fabulous and really confirmed our decision to go with Potton. It even included all the planning costs regardless of how many applications were made.

“We got planning permission in just eight weeks and it was all down to Potton” says Bill.

They visited Potton’s show centre at St Neots twice, once before the build started and once again, half way through.

The first time, we wanted to get ideas about what we could do internally,” says Bill. “It was really useful. We

picked up ideas for things like bamboo flooring, heating and looked at different kinds of lighting systems.”

The couple moved out of their old home in March, and were able to stay with a neighbour throughout the build.

“We spent the next three months preparing the ground work ” says Bill. “It was heartbreaking. The weather was absolutely atrocious and one of the worst on record.

We knocked the old house down in absolutely perfect weather, it was around 20 degrees. But as soon as we began on the groundwork, it started raining and didn’t stop.

“We were digging out the ground, laying 120 tonnes of crushed concrete to form the base and it was just turning to liquid under our feet. But with a lot of hard work we managed it, despite the weather.”

“The frame arrived on June 6 and we moved in on September 20 for Bill’s birthday and properly on September 22, which was four days inside our objective of six months. I still can’t believe we did it,” says Angie.

“We used Potton approved contractors listed in their self build manual and Potton’s self build expert, Greg Rumbles was brilliant,” says Bill.

The home they achieved is breathtaking. The huge, open plan downstairs kitchen and living area looks straight out onto the river, with a snug to one side and a cloakroom and utility room near the front door.

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HARDIEPLANK® CLADDING. IMAGE © JAMES HARDIE/HUNDVEN CLEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY.

“The first thing you see when you walk into the house is the view of the water.

It’s stunning,” says Bill.

Looking back on the build, the couple say it’s been a phenomenal journey and they’ve enjoyed nearly every minute.

“We loved the experience of doing it and the excitement of coming home and seeing how it was progressing – some weeks nothing appeared to have changed – some days it’d all changed, “ says Bill.

“If you ask us to name our key moments – the biggest and most emotional moment was when the frame arrived and we saw Mr B Jenkins imprinted onto the timbers. Even though we’d spent all that time, energy and emotion on the ground work, it suddenly became real,” he adds.

“The best thing has been to turn our ambition into reality,” says Angie. “We designed this house, we haven’t had to compromise and we have a home that’s exactly what we want.

The best thing has been to turn our ambition into reality

G RO U N D F LO O R

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5

S S

Potton Swimathon Sponsored by Timber Construction, the Swimathon raised £300. Each team swam for 2 hours to see how many sets of 50 lengths they could do – a splashing time was had by all!

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50 EVENTS TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS

London to Paris Bike Ride

in business and looking back, the years have been peppered with major miles stones and outstanding achievements.

Since the company was founded in 1964, Potton has been at the forefront of self-build innovation, paving the way for the timber frame industry and facing business and economic challenges head on!

To mark our Golden Anniversary the Potton team decided to undertake its toughest challenge to date… 50 Events to Celebrate 50 Years, in a bid to raise £10,000 for charity – no mean feat!

We wanted to look back on 2014 as the year we, as a company, gave something back for the last fifty years, and achieve something great” said managing director, Mark Stevenson. “Our challenges this year have been great and I’m full of admiration and thanks for everyone who took part and all those who supported and sponsored us.

We’ve already smashed our target and have raised £16,572.50 to date. Money is going to a handful of local and national charities… Cancer Research UK, Save the Children, Sue Ryder, Leprosy Mission (Sandy Branch), MAGPAS and a local hospice in Poland.

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My Tri My Way Potton’s Helen Liddle completed her very own triathlon challenge in support of our 50th anniversary, by competing in a 50 mile run around the New Forest (finishing 2nd in the ladies race!), swimming 50km in four weeks and then… taking on our London to Paris Bike Ride – well done Helen!

50 Village Bike Ride

Potton supply tens of thousands of timber frame houses to local government.

1980s

On the 10th August, our very own Alan Dean, cycled around 50 villages in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire and raised over £100 in the process – Thanks Alan.

Potton’s portfolio expanded to include Georgian style Rectory designs.

1996

1960/70s

Potton introduce their first self build design - a Tudor-style home with exposed posts and beams, and inglenook fireplace, still hugely popular today.

1984

1964

Potton Timber Engineering Company founded.

1981

50 YEARS OF BEAUTIFULLY TAILORED DESIGNS

50 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING INNOVATION

Total raised £16,572.50!

Ten employees took on the 201 mile challenge to cycle from The London Eye to the Eiffel Tower in July. Taking in 50 villages along the way and completing the challenge in 50 hours, the team, comprising Justin Barker, Steve Brown, Steve Hooley, Lee Houghton, Helen Liddle, Rob Miller (Timber Constructions), Paul Newman, Steve O’Neil, Keith Roberts (Kingpan Insulation), Dan Walker and Mark Stevenson as support driver, raised an impressive £6,000!

Potton expand into the self build market, developing designs to suit modern day lifestyles and blend with architectural styles across the country. New BSI quality control system introduced to guarantee high standards.

Launch of cottage style homes appealing to both self builders and developers. Full architectural service introduced covering design, planning and building regulations.

1992

This year, Potton is celebrating 50 years

2003

BRA

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NEWS & CHARITY

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EV ENT

Potton open the UK’s first Self Build Show Centre and free self build seminars are launched.

The three new show homes offer unprecedented access to complete builds, with guided tours from our experts.

A new portfolio of self build barns launched, providing savings of up to 50% on the costs normally involved in converting a barn.

JUST A FEW OF OUR ‘GREAT’ ACHIEVEMENTS Still to come this year… we have two runners taking part in the St Neots Half Marathon, and are about to embark on our bouncing baby photo quiz – guess the member of staff – that should be fun but not for these pages though!

In addition to our fantastic events and the ones still to come, there have been ongoing initiatives in the office throughout the year all raising pounds for our chosen charities… The Biggest Loser – where we’ve actually lost a total 142.9 lbs between us; Jackie’s Cake Bakes, which is very naughty but nice and goes towards us putting the lost pounds back on; and Wear Pink Wednesday, if you don’t wear pink… “ You’re Fined!” To name but a few!

Charity Golf Day

Barn portfolio extended with a range of modern contemporary, energy efficient designs, one of which is available to view at our Self Build Show Centre in St Neots.

2007

Potton acquired by Kingspan Group Plc, opening up a whole new range of high performance building fabric and insulated panel systems.

2014

A range of contemporary homes incorporating yet more energy saving technologies, such as Logic, Logic+ and TEK premium performance insulation products.

2006

Potton awarded the UK Timber Frame Association’s own Q Mark and introduce ‘Potton-approved’ project managers and builders to provide self builders with yet more confidence.

2010/11

Potton Bespoke launched, offering a specialist service for those who require a completely one-off design.

2003

Potton support customers with finding funding for their build, offering an introduction to specialist self build finance providers, BuildStore.

2009

2008

1995

20 teams made up of Potton’s suppliers and contractors, supported our biggest charity event of the year. We were delighted on the day to be joined by representatives from Sue Ryder and Save the Children and raised an impressive £7716.40 to boot! A fun day of ‘serious’ golf, bacon butties and BBQ lunch was followed by an evening meal and prize giving. Roll on next year!

Potton use Kingspan technologies to build the first net zero carbon show home in the UK, a milestone for sustainable construction. Code Assessment service launched to help customers navigate the government’s Code for Sustainable Homes.

Potton launch the UK’s first Self Build Academy, a free service that gives you the know-how to bring your designs to life.

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CASE STUDY 03

HOME OF THEIR DREAMS After realising that they could live in a property that far exceeded what they could afford on the open market, and have their dream home too, Chris and Ellie Davies decided that self-building was their obvious route for their new home together.

&Ellie Davis

Chris

PROJECT FACTS

Location:

Bedfordshire Land Cost:

£240,000 Build Cost:

£260,000 Valuation:

£800,000

“Visiting Potton’s show homes at The National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon and Potton’s Self Build Centre in Cambridgeshire helped us a lot” said Chris.

“The new Barn show home at St Neots, with it’s energy efficient features, thoroughly inspired us and became the catalyst behind our own development. Whilst we didn’t want to replicate every feature within it, it helped us to understand what we did want for our own build.”

The couple worked closely with Potton’s Design and Planning team to create their new home.

“Looking at the options that were available to us and understanding the total flexibility of design was invaluable” said Ellie. “Neil Strong and the design team helped us turn our ‘wish-list’ into our dream home, with very little compromise.

“They were very patient whilst we explored different design ideas – we had to be 100% certain on our final plans.”

The land was bought from Chris’s father and formed part of the family livestock farm in Haynes. Although there were a few planning issues surrounding the project, with the help of an independent planning consultant, the plans for their dream home were eventually approved.

“There used to be a small worker’s cottage on the plot which we subsequently demolished to make way for our own Barn.

“Whilst planning policy supported a replacement

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dwelling on the site, we had to ensure that our proposed design complied with national and local requirements.

However, following pre-application discussions with Central Bedfordshire Council our proposed new home was considered not to have any adverse impact on the character and appearance of the countryside.”

As both Chris and Ellie were working full time they decided to employ a Project Manager to oversee their new build project. “Shaun O’Connor, one of Potton’s approved Project Managers, was absolutely fantastic” said Chris.

“He was knowledgeable, flexible, hard-working and diligent. Shaun oversaw all of the main works on our behalf and was empathetic and patient with us. More importantly he totally understood us and what we wanted to achieve.

“Building your own home is such an all-encompassing and personal project, it’s essential that you have someone that is prepared to listen to you, work with you and share your passion.

“Watching our new home take shape and knowing that we’d built it ourselves was, and still is, incredibly rewarding. Make no mistakes though, it’s hard work and comes with a lot of pressure, but it’s all worth it when you can sit back and enjoy all the details you’ve slaved over.”

They were very patient whilst we explored different design ideas - we had to be 100% certain on our final plans.

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To make things even more difficult for themselves, Chris and Ellie also planned their wedding and got married half way through the build.

Just six months after work started on their new home, Chris and Ellie moved into their new home, and now with their new baby girl born in June 2014, they can sit back and relax – until that is, their next self build project calls.

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As featured in the Potton Wickhambrook show barn

CASE STUDY 04

IT’S EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED!

Christine Heal and David Peake knew exactly what they wanted in their next home and felt the only solution to getting it would be to build the house themselves.

&

Christine Heal David Peake

PROJECT FACTS

Location:

Somerset Land Cost:

£190,000 Build Cost:

£410,000 Projected Value: circa

£500,000

So when the perfect spot came up for sale, they didn’t hesitate to buy it and start their self-build dream.

“We wanted to build our own home in order to get exactly what we wanted” said David. “And after visiting the Potton Self Build Show Centre in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, we loved the look and ‘feel’ of the Gransden so much, we knew that was the style we wanted to base our new home on.”

“We definitely wouldn’t have bought purely from a brochure, so to be able to walk around the show centre was perfect” said David. “The bonus for us was the complete flexibility in design with Potton and the fact that we could have anything and everything we wanted.”

The retired couple worked closely with Potton designer Sean Adams to adapt the Gransden, from Potton’s Heritage range, to their own specifications. “The house Sean designed for us fully reflected our requirements.

We wanted the house to have a traditional feel, whilst being light, bright and airy.”

Despite some planning issues, which were largely down to the site originally being home to a bungalow that had already been demolished by the previous owner, by the Summer of 2012 the couple were ready to start work on their long awaited project.

“Sean was instrumental in getting the project through Planning. In fact, he was very helpful throughout - even when we had queries about areas which weren’t in his remit” said David.

With planning finally in place, work got underway in September 2012. It took several weeks and a lot of hard work to clear the overgrowth on the neglected plot of land, which was on a hill overlooking the village. Access was tricky and several tonnes of earth had to be removed.

Once the foundations were laid, the couple’s new home began to really take shape and Potton’s construction team could get to work. “We were very impressed by the team who erected the timber frame” said David. “They worked long and hard through the hottest of summers to get the frame up in no time at all.”

“There were inevitably a few issues along the way however there were all resolved to our satisfaction.”

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The bonus for us was the complete flexibility in design with Potton and the fact that we could have anything and everything we wanted.

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After 14 months of hard work, David and Christine moved into their new home on November 13th 2013.

“We are absolutely delighted with the finished result and love our new home.

We really love the fireplaces, especially the inglenook, and appreciate the practical aspects that were incorporated in the design such as the drying area off the Boot Room and the large amount of storage space.”

“We learnt some valuable lessons on our self build journey, not least to choose your Project Manager very carefully - our independent PM did let us down - but that said and regardless of the stresses and strains along the way.

We’ve got exactly what we wanted in our new Potton home!”

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POTTON’S SELF BUILD SHOW CENTRE T: 01480 403285

SHOW

TUES - FRI: 9AM - 5PM SAT: 10AM - 4PM S

WICKHAMBROOK

CAXTON

GRANSDEN

Ultra-modern Passivhaus

COMING 2015

It’s all systems go at our Self Build Show Centre after planning permission was granted to build the UK’s first fully certified Passivhaus self build show home.

The contemporary new home will bring a different dimension to Potton by demonstrating the diversity of designs that can be produced with us, together with our expert capabilities within the low energy sector.

Working closely with architectural design consultants HTA Design and WARM, a low energy building consultancy, we will develop the ultimate in stylish 21st Century sustainable living Continuing with our leading tradition of innovation, Potton is also delighted to announce the launch of another new initiative - ‘Self Build Live’ – a series of ground-breaking events held throughout 2015 charting the build of this new Passivhaus show home.

We want to dispel the myths that Passivhaus design has to be ‘boxy and boring and our new show home will demonstrate to self builders the endless possibilities when building with Potton.

Building a Certified Passivhaus is technically challenging and the aim of Self Build Live is to educate and inform by unravelling the mysteries surrounding Passivhaus offering self builders a unique opportunity to follow the build in detail.

Paul Newman, Self Build Director

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T

MILCHESTER

C

E IM

MILL LANE, LITTLE PAXTON ST NEOTS, CAMBRIDGESHIRE PE19 1RG

RE OPENING

SELF BUILD SHOW CENTRE

T EN

Four of our stunning self build designs have been brought to life at the Potton Self Build Show Centre in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

We’re refurbishing our Gransden Show Home The 2,360 sq. ft Gransden from the heritage range is a wonderfully spacious four bedroomed family home that’s full of character. It boasts all the charm of yesteryear with exposed posts and beams and a huge inglenook fireplace.

We are currently in the process of renovating the Gransden show home and the renovating is due to complete early 2015.

Transforming the original kitchen...

Callerton have been designing kitchens for over 30 years and have a wealth of experience in the design, manufacture and project management of exciting and innovative kitchens to suit a broad range of styles and budgets.

When Callerton were tasked with refurbishing the kitchen in the Gransden there were various elements to consider.

James Herriot, Sales & Marketing Director, Callerton said “When designing the kitchen for Potton’s revamped Gransden showhouse at St Neots, it was important to ensure that it was not only sophisticated, but beautiful, functional and exciting. The furniture had to demonstrate the best of Callerton while working with the space and setting to provide a kitchen that not only suited the house, but also enabled use for live cookery demonstrations and events. This meant seating for a family had to be incorporated as well as plenty of storage, the correct appliances and a stage like environment for chefs to perform.”

Find out more about designing your kitchen at the right stage of your self build – Potton.co.uk/blog

Join us for the unveiling…

To stay up to date with the latest news and information and to receive an invitation to come and see the all-new gransden show house please register for Potton’s newsletter at Potton.co.uk

The Gransden is a beautiful house with its architectural design elements rooted firmly in English cottage style.

This heritage style home is still extremely popular with our customers, therefore we wanted to ensure sensitivity to the traditional elements when redesigning it. We wanted to retain and build on the beautiful and traditional elements to transform the whole house into a contemporary, warm space. The kitchen dining area has been redesigned to create an open-plan living space and a focal point to suit modern family living.

A neutral colour scheme combining organic tones throughout will enhance the sense of one area melding into the next whilst still allowing each room to have its own identity and function. The overriding theme running throughout the Gransden will be classically contemporary. This makeover will be a fantastic example of how a classic home can be subtly redeveloped whilst complementing its original features.

Fae Perkins, Marketing Manager

Meet our Show Centre Coordinators It’s great to see our visitors leave us feeling inspired, enthused and empowered. An afternoon spent at the show centre is often the catalyst for people to begin their self build journey but equally it provides a shot of encouragement for those who are well on their road to completing their projects.

HAYLEY WAKER

To be able to see, feel and walk round our show centre helps visitors to visualise exactly what they want from their new home - what finishes, heating system or glazing etc. We have Potton experts on hand - many of whom have built their own homes - to provide knowledge and know-how on every aspect a build project.

build beautiful

DENISE CANE

our build

WITH POTTON

build

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CASE STUDY 05

PETER AND JAYNE’S FOURTH NEW ADVENTURE

Peter and Jayne Dolby readily admit their addiction to Potton homes has been a driving force for nearly 20 years.

&Jayne Dolby

Peter

PROJECT FACTS

Location:

Hampton Vale, Peterborough Land Cost:

£150,000 Build Cost:

£300,000

(approximately)

Valuation:

£550,000

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The couple recently began their fourth Potton self-build house and love the challenge every project brings, despite the prospect of steering their current scheme, at Hampton Vale, Peterborough, through winter.

With the foundations now laid they are eagerly awaiting delivery of the vast timber frame that will form the skeleton of their biggest and best project to date - a contemporary, three-storey family home, with sustainable credentials.

“Among the advantages of a Potton home is the timber frame building system and the flexibility of the packages,” said Peter.

“Once the frame is up you begin to appreciate what your new home will look like. For people not used to building, it’s far simpler than viewing technical drawings. You can easily see if you need to make changes in the design at an early stage of the build.”

Since launching their first project in 1996 the Dolbys have forged a trusted bond with Potton. In fact, the couple’s sound advice is now supporting novice selfbuilders at Potton open days.

Location has been key for the Dolbys, creating high quality living with added value. Three years later they bought a plot a few miles down the road, as an ideal setting for a larger, four-bedroom, Arrington home.

During the 14-month build they lived in a caravan on site, enduring a terrible winter of endless mud and snow. To minimise costs, Peter again took on part of the labour.

We are thrilled by the design of this home and want it to be really special. We know that by using Potton it will be.

“We first saw Potton at an Ideal Homes exhibition and knew we could do it,” explained Jayne. “We moved in with my parents in Wilsthorpe, South Lincolnshire, having bought a plot of land in their garden to build a three-bedroom bungalow that would otherwise have been out of our reach.”

“Peter put in an hour on site before and after work and throughout weekends, with me helping out. Pipes to the utility room we had set up kept freezing, but the caravan itself was cosy - and fun!” recalled Jayne.

That first project proved an invaluable learning curve.

Peter, an industrial engineer, took on a hefty chunk of the work, including plumbing and carpentry. Within a year, a delighted Jayne was bathing their young son Tom in their brand new, Potton home bathroom.

Potton home number three was a bespoke project, incorporating a Grade II-listed, 18th Century dovecote. Working closely with Potton’s architects they developed a high-gabled, single-storey dwelling in keeping with the refurbished, stone original.

F RO N T E L E VAT I O N

R E A R E L E VAT I O N

“Our workmen called it the Angel of Wilsthorpe for its cruciform shape. It was a lovely beamed, vaulted property with four bedrooms, two en suites and a large kitchen,” said Jayne.

Problems with height regulation and a difficult neighbour piled on the pressure during the build, thankfully relieved by ongoing support from Potton.

“We were desperate and didn’t know what to do, but our architect came out at short notice and worked with the local council to find a solution that was even better than the original,” said Peter. “When you don’t have the know-how Potton provides expert help and a level of attention you would get from a good friend.”

The renovation of a three-bedroom 1950s house followed, but now Jayne and Peter are excited to be back with Potton, developing plans over the past year to get their latest home off the ground.

G RO U N D F LO O R Since launching their first project in 1996 the Dolbys have forged a trusted bond with Potton.

The modified, four-bedroom ‘Ashwell’ delivers low-maintenance living, with a stylish ground floor extension, underfloor heating, superb insulation and an impressive zinc roof.

“Having worked with Potton over such a long period it made sense to go with what they already knew and had faith in.” said Peter.

“Based on our sketches and discussions, Potton did the design, secured planning permission and provided the building regulations submission, as well as supplying and erecting the timber frame.

“We arrange contractors for the other work, with my input project managing the build, providing second fix carpentry and some plumbing, kitchen fitting, decorating and landscaping. Jayne, as always, will act as labourer and tidy up behind us!”

F I R S T F LO O R

While there’s no set date on completion, Jayne predicts they’ll be in

by Easter.

“We are thrilled by the design of this home and want it to be really special. We know that by using Potton it will be.”

build beautiful our build

S E C O N D F LO O R

Follow Peter and Jayne’s story in the next issue of , as their latest Potton home takes shape.

WITH POTTON

build beautiful

DREAM • TAILOR • CREATE

build beautiful our build

beautiful

WITH POTTON

build

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START YOUR SELF BUILD JOURNEY Any Potton self-builder will tell you that to build your own home is one of most fulfilling challenges of your life. The rewards are sweet, the sense of personal achievement is indescribable and the satisfaction of living in your dream home – designed and built by yourself is immeasurable.

However, those very same self-builders will also tell you that your self-build journey will be peppered with unexpected twists and turns requiring expert navigation. They will also say that without Potton’s guiding hand, supporting you from inception to completion of your project, your journey may not have been so smooth.

Whilst the route to achieving your perfect home is different for everyone, the fundamentals are the same. So, to help you turn your self-build dream into a reality and to ensure that your journey is as smooth as it can be, we’ve outlined a handful of essential steps to set you on your way.

Of course, there is much more help and guidance available from the Potton team or at www.potton.co.uk

1 Find a Plot of Land Without doubt, this is the most difficult part of building your own home. There are a number of routes you can take but you really need to do them all… at the same time. The key is to be tenacious and determined and don’t lose heart!

Subscribe to a plot listing service Scour the local papers Register your interest with estate agents Have a look on Google earth to identify any vacant plots Ask in the local shop or pub Put a wanted ad in the newsagents Walk around the local area - it’s surprising what you miss when you’re driving along!

Look on the Local Authority’s planning website for people who are applying for, or who have received, planning permission, they might be thinking of selling the plot and you may be able to get in there early.

Look at replacement dwelling opportunities or houses for sale with potential garden plots.

2 Get your Finances Sorted Funding will be needed at key stages to ensure the progress of the build. Traditional mortgage packages tend to release finance at the end of each stage but Potton can put you in touch with specialist providers offering mortgages that release the required monies at the start of each phase, which is crucial if you need finance to buy a plot of land.

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3 Set A Realistic Budget It is widely regarded that self-building is the most affordable and cost effective way of building a home - but don’t get carried away with that thought. A prepared budget is absolutely essential to keep control of your finances during the course of your build and taking a sensible, realistic approach at the outset is the key. Your budget should be made up of:

BUILD

£165,000 FEES, INSURANCE

£300k Budget

£6,000 CONTINGENCY

£9,000 BUILDING PLOT

£120,000 Including a contingency of 10% of your overall budget is wise. Potton will provide all the help you need to calculate some realistic figures to keep you on track.

ASK A POTTON EXPERT We are having some problems getting a mortgage for our back garden self build. Even though our current house is valued at £650,000 – which we don’t want to sell – and our plot is worth £250,000 (it has been valued by an estate agent) we are struggling to get a bank to agree to finance the build. What should we do, and who should we approach?

4 Understanding Planning Once you’ve found your plot of land and before you consider purchasing it you need to understand its exact planning permission status and the implications of it for building on the plot. For example, outline planning permission; no planning permission or detailed planning permission. If you chose to build with Potton, you can take

MARK STEVENSON Managing Director

advantage of our Planning Service which will navigate you through the complexities of local authority planning, building control, codes and standards and ensure the best possible chance of obtaining planning approval.

I am really keen to build my house using SIPs, but the thing putting me off is that I’ve been told it’s an inflexible system. Does this mean that as the build progresses, I will not be able to make changes to any design elements or details?

5 Design your Dream Your new home will represent your personality, aspirations and of course your budget. We recognised the component parts of your selfbuild dream and offer total design flexibility through the extensive range of the design options we offer. Whether you’ve fallen in love with one of our many house types but want to ‘design in’ your own elements or you have a totally blank canvas for one of our designers

PAUL NEWMAN Self Build Director

to create something truly bespoke, we have a product to fit you perfectly. We even have our own associate RIBA accredited architect if you require an architecturally designed home.

If you chose to build your home with Potton, you will have the choice of two routes, Potton Supported which gives the option to self-manage your build, have it independently project managed or employ an independent builder who provides a turnkey package.

Or Potton Build Service to take care of things on your behalf. This service can provide Potton Project Management and/or full or partial build services.

7 Getting your Home Built

Mortgage providers will generally insist that there is a 10 year structural warranty in place as part of their conditions for lending funds. In addition, if you decide to sell the house within 10 years of completion it will be much easier to do so if you have the warranty.

If you employ a package company to provide a turnkey service for you, BRENT ACKERMAN they would normally also provide the structural warranty. As they are Self Build Project Manager acting as a main contractor they will most likely be responsible for any defect in the building for the first two years. The structural warranty provider will then be responsible for any major structural defect in years three to ten.

Take advantage of the extensive list of additional services that

I need to hire a project manager to run my self build – I live about 150 miles away from the plot I’m building on. How do I find a suitable professional and what can I expect from them?

Potton offers to make your self-build journey as smooth as possible.

Our acclaimed Self Build Academy is designed to educate you at each stage of your build. From first-hand experience of ‘live builds’ at our pop-up events through to meeting both aspiring and seasoned self-builders at regular networking mornings… and much more!

And finally…

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Sit back, relax and enjoy your new home…

Regardless of build method, it is never good practice to change your design once work has started on site as it will inevitably lead to increased costs and delay completion. Having said that, alterations to all buildings, including those constructed from SIPs, can be made during construction. Changes to non-structural elements can normally be quickly and simply effected on site. Changes to structural items need to be checked by the engineer but most can be accommodated. Designs should ideally be refined before construction starts to make sure the build itself progresses as quickly and smoothly as possible.

I have been told to invest in a structural warranty for my self build, but if I employ a package company to take on a turnkey service, will this already be provided? Why do I need a warranty in addition to insurance?

6 Choose your Build Route

Visit www.SelfBuildAcademy.co.uk for courses and events

You should seek specialist ‘self build’ mortgage advice. Make sure your chosen provider is a credible organisation who understands the self-build landscape and knows how best to arrange the finance required for your personal circumstances. BuildStore is one such specialist in this field and deals with finance providers who understand the complexities of self build mortgages and the drawdown of the finance. Past experience has shown that high street banks cannot accommodate the uncertainty of ‘risk’ that self-build projects bring, preferring straight forward mortgage arrangements.

TOM ALLAN Self Build Consultant

Top Tip

Take advantag e of the extensive list of additional services that Po tton offers to make your self-build journey as sm ooth as possible.

If you are using architects to design your home, they may be able to offer a project management service or recommend someone who can.

If you are using a package company such as Potton, they will be able to put you in touch with a suitable project manager. Some will also be able to offer their own watertight project management service as part of their overall package.

I really like the idea of getting a package company to help me with my new build project. However, I don’t want to build anything from a ‘pattern book’ or similar. Do you know if I can create a bespoke design while still enlisting the help of a package company?

Indeed you can! For example, a package company such as Potton does provide house type brochures or ‘ideas books’ but also offers an in-house design service with an associated RIBA accredited architect.

From your blank canvas, they can provide a bespoke design, tailor made to suit your individual requirements and of course, your budget.

A word of warning though, this is usually only worthwhile if you already have a plot of land, as the constraints imposed by the size and shape etc. can have a significant effect on the design. build beautiful our build

WITH POTTON

build

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Beautifully tailored self build homes...

50

years...

Designing your home

of Beautifully Tailored

Obtaining planning

Completing your home

homes

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

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POTTON.CO.UK

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01767 676400

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SALES@POTTON.CO.UK BEAUTIFULLY TAILORED