Self Build For Modern Family Living

Finding a plot online

In the end, locating the perfect patch of land came down to pure luck.

It was important to the couple to find a project that would make the most of its surroundings, and Suzie and Andy were eager to create a home that allowed them to feel a part of the countryside.

They sold their old house and, with Andy working in Dubai, Suzie turned to property website Rightmove to find something to invest in.

“I didn’t find the tired retirement dwelling that we were expecting, but the plot I came across – two acres in the middle of Surrey – was an instant yes,” she says.

The land they purchased had a rundown stable block on it, and was positioned within an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Their starting point was that they wanted a low-energy, sustainable home; it also needed to sit on the same footprint as the existing structure in order to meet planning restrictions in the protected countryside location.

Maximising rural views was also key: “We wanted an inside-outside house with lots of glazing,” says Andy. “Then, once we knew the building’s shape, the layout flowed from there.”

House planning

When they bought the property, it had basic planning permission to convert the stable into a single-storey dwelling, but for Andy this wasn’t enough.

“Because of my aspirations for an ultra-efficient home, a conversion project was never going to achieve high enough standards,” he says.

Getting more consent to build another floor would have taken time, and ended up hinging on two things: the couple would have to adhere to the permitted footprint to the millimetre; and they’d have to lower the property’s foundations in order to squeeze in an upper storey.

In total, Suzie and Andy spent the best part of three years working with planners from Waverley Council to get their bold ideas approved. This collaborative approach was important in achieving success.

“We demonstrated to the authorities that the quality of the stable block was so poor that it was better for all concerned to demolish it and build a new high-quality sustainable dwelling,” says Andy.

This finally yielded the green light that the couple needed to put their dream plans into action.

Sliding glazed doors sit opposite the front door in the entrance hall, allowing a view of the stunning surroundings as soon as you enter the house

Architectural flair

The new house has a U-shaped footprint and features double-height ceilings, an imposing gable and an innovative helical staircase, with a bridge that links both sides of the U.

Coming up with the design – with the help of architectural designer Tim Cherrill – was a labour of love for Andy.

“We knew how we lived, so the layout was very much built around that,” he says. “I had my own ideas, but as an engineer I tend to think in straight lines, so our designer added some flair, particularly in the entrance hall.”

Once they were finally in a position to break ground on the project, funding had
to be found. “The finances were difficult because we are ex-pats,” Suzie says.

In the end, continues Andy, “we found some lenders with help from BuildStore, but they had some fairly stringent conditions. For example, we had to change the method of construction to steel and masonry.”

With the concept taking shape, Andy knew that he’d need some help with the engineering aspects of the project. Conveniently, the couple’s son Tom was a newly-employed graduate engineer at London firm Davies Maguire, who suggested Andy pitch his plans to the firm’s directors.

“I must admit I feared it would be quite expensive, but they put a very strong proposition together,” says Andy.

“Then the director asked if I’d be happy with Tom working on the project.” His involvement became one of the most rewarding aspects of the build for the couple, and the rest of the family pitched in, too. “Tom, my daughter, Tom’s girlfriend… they’ve all lent a hand, and they all use the house if and when we’re away. It’s a superb place for entertaining,” says Andy.

The open-plan family kitchen-living area was designed to bring a flavour of Dubai to Surrey

Splitting the workload

The project team was completed by foreman Gordon Stevenson of JRB Construction, who Andy and Suzie cannot speak highly enough of.

Gordon ran the site on a day-to-day basis and JRB took on the bulk of the construction work as main contractors.

The couple decided to coordinate several elements of the build themselves, principally the glazing. This was a huge job for them, given the amount of glass in their home.

The installation was arranged so that Andy would be on leave and, most importantly, in the country. The pair say that being there to oversee such a large element of their home being fitted was a great moment.

When it came to innovation, Andy feels that the key is to be systematic. “I always start looking at the passive things,” he says.

“The facade was important. I know we’ve got a lot of glass but the insulation was essential. The high-performance solar control glazing prevents overheating.”

Additionally, two mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems, plus underfloor heating, maximise the property’s efficiency. There was already a gas supply, so Andy decided on a high-efficiency boiler.

He says the alternatives weren’t going to be the best fit for them: “We considered ground and air source heat pumps, but when we looked at the payback, it just wasn’t worth it.”

A contemporary yet comfortable home

The couple carefully designed the layout so that, despite the vast, open-plan spaces and contemporary finish, the house still has a warm and homely feel.

For example, their kitchen was inspired by a beautiful painting of Dubai that’s close to the couple’s heart. “We love it,” Suzie says of the space.

“The kitchen designer from Farnham Furnishers did a fantastic job of incorporating the artwork – he included it in his renders and used the same colour palette.”

The kitchen opens out onto a large family room that the couple love using, and while the staircase and the mezzanine are feats of engineering, they also connect inside and out, as per the pair’s original wish-list.

“We’ve got 3m-high windows and a glazed balustrade across that mezzanine, so you can sit up there and look through the large gable. We get some stunning views from upstairs as well as downstairs,” says Suzie.

“We’re very lucky to have the most magnificent walnut tree, which is framed by the gable window. It’s beautiful when it’s lit up at night.”

A smart home to entertain

The lighting was another element of the house that Andy and Suzie agonised over.

“We spent lots of time researching and finally settled on an automatic system for the interior. The outside illumination was equally important as we have so much glass. A remote system means we can change the ambience very easily. And of course we have solar lights everywhere.”

Andy says making his home smart was a huge attraction.

“I love the internet of things and the lights, heating, security systems and even the sprinklers can be controlled remotely when I’m away in Dubai.” His love of technology adds a luxury touch, too.

“We have a more formal sitting room, which has a projector and cinema screen hidden in the roof. That’s another of my favourite aspects.”

Outside, the couple were careful to ensure the landscaping complemented the surrounding woodland. To the south of the house lies an impressive formal garden with a large granite terrace, heated pool and outdoor entertaining space, ideal for family parties.

“The quality of the environment is so much better than our old family home, which was draughty, expensive to heat and required lots of maintenance,” says Suzie. Andy adds, “It’s a very easy home to live in, and I love that the views are always changing.”

Building a property from scratch is always an achievement, but for Andy and Suzie it has been something more intangible, too – this was an opportunity to work together with their grownup children and create something they can all be proud of.

The pair currently split their time between Dubai and the Surrey countryside, and when they’re not in the UK their son and daughter – who both live in London – take advantage of the house as an easy-to-reach luxury bolthole.

Andy sums up, “From my point of view, it’s been incredibly special being able to build a property with our son. The project has very much been a family affair.”