Ecology Building Society has launched a new range of mortgages designed for homes built using modern methods of construction (MMC), ideal for self and custom builders.
Its new Off-site Build products have four initial modular manufacturers signed, including Agile Homes (garden room, below), HebHomes (night image below), nHouse Commercial and R. House (main picture), with more to follow.
A long-standing NaCSBA member, Ecology Building Society specialises in mortgages that support energy efficient homes and better building, with over 40 year’s of experience in the market.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) refers to systems that are manufactured offsite in a factory, and they can involve a range of approaches, such is insulated concrete formwork or timber frame. In this case the new products are for panel-based modular manufacturers offering whole home systems.
These systems use panellised units that are made off-site in the factory before being assembled on-site. It is a system that can easily create an energy-efficient home, with significantly quicker construction times, improved and more consistent build quality and a lower carbon footprint achieved by reducing transport emissions, using more sustainable building materials and reducing construction waste.
Self and custom builders can choose an arrears payment product, or, for the first time, an advanced payment mortgage secured against the panels while they are being manufactured in the factory. Ecology believes this will make it easier for more people to access mortgage finance for such MMC builds.
House building is going to become more sustainable as government now recognises the urgent need to reduce the carbon impact of house building. It wants new homes to reduce their carbon emissions by 75% by 2025.
Gareth Griffiths, Ecology’s Chief Executive said: “Decarbonising our homes is key to meeting our net-zero ambitions. Now, more than ever, it’s important that lenders play an active role in incentivising green building and helping to reduce energy bills.
“We hope that our new mortgages will help scale-up modern methods of construction to deliver more homes built to higher energy-efficiency standards.
“The introduction of the ‘advanced payment’ mortgage option is an exciting first for Ecology, making energy efficient off-site build homes more accessible for those borrowers who may require up-front funding.
“Our innovative approach, to secure our lending, in advance, on the modular panels while they are in the factory, has the potential to be a game-changer, helping to realise the environmental benefits of off-site construction, which will be critical in the fight against climate change.”
Glatthaar UK’s Starwalls are precast retaining walls that offer a great solution on a self build project. The precast concrete walls are clad with natural stone – eliminating the need for onsite cladding – and are positioned in-situ using concrete foundations, with the potential to reach up to three meters.
As well as offering a quick-to-erect boundary wall treatment, the factory-made walls are ideal for stabilising sloping sites, which are often a feature on self build plots as the perfect flat plot becomes harder to find.
Starwalls are the brainchild of prefabricated-basement specialist Glatthaar, who found that several of their clients wanted to use them on their site, where traditional labour-intensive landscaping elements threatened to slow the process down. Not only was this due to the time it took to do the work, but also in the struggle to find available trades to take on the job.
In addition, Glatthaar say that its Starwall product bridges the gap between the visual appeal of traditional stone-built walls with the structural strength that is normally delivered by reinforced concrete retaining walls, offering a blend of beauty and practicality.
As with everything on a build project, planning ahead is vital as the panels are manufactured in Germany and shipped to the UK, a lead time that needs factoring in. However, concrete foundations can be prepared in advance, allowing for speedy on site erection – and once cured, the walls can be backfilled to create the finished look.
Careful planning can strengthen the finished look of the home, with the materials of the build and its hard landscaping helping the new home to fit in its setting.
As well as retaining walls, the Starwall system can be used to create areas of drama and landscaping features such as screening walls for privacy.
Many people source land for their project that needs work to ensure the build is structurally safe. This may be due to uneven ground, a sloping site or other stability issues, such as back-filled land, and the landscaping costs associated with such work must be realistically factored in as part of the overall budget. Make sure you check with your architect and surveyor what is need upfront, so that no nasty surprises catch you out part way through.
On such sites, failure to create retaining walls as part of the self build risks movement during or after project completion, which can cause significant damage and may invalidate your warranty if the up-front works turn out to have been skimped on.
Equally, builds that factor in a basement also need careful planning in the management of any excavations, especially where lowered courtyards offer a source of light. This is where using a reputable company, like Glatthaar UK, can pay dividends, as they bring a wealth of experience to your project in relation to ensure that all works are robust and fit for purpose, as well as what works from a design perspective. Glatthaar also offers a range of pre-cast modular basements, ideal for work spaces or plant rooms, and can advise on costs and suitability on your project.
Community-driven individual and collective self-build developer Steenvlinder has acquired a 20% equity stake in Custom Build Homes (CBH), to create a partnership to grow more opportunities to bring sites forward nationally.
Both companies have a track record in delivering multi-plot sites, with Steenvlinder bringing in its experience of self build in The Netherlands.
The investment creates a strategic partnership that demonstrates the two companies’ commitment to diversifying the UK’s growing custom and self-build housing sector, while making the process more accessible to more people.
Founded in The Netherlands in 2015, Steenvlinder expanded into the UK in 2021, with the new partnership a reflection of its desire to see more opportunities emerge. It currently working on two sites in Kent and another in Birmingham.
Find out more about the projects that are live on its website,
Based in Edinburgh, Custom Build Homes works to delivery mult-plot custom build sites across the UK, with sites either live or in development in Hertfordshire, East Sussex, Edinburgh, Oxfordshire, York and Kent. Custom Build Homes also manages UK’s national customer demand database, The Right to Build Register.
Find out which CBH sites are live on its projects page.
Hans Sparreboom, Steenvlinder Founder & CEO and Custom Build Homes Board Member, said, “While the ambition to increase the number of homes is important, the social ambition to make custom and self build more accessible will diversify the UK’s housing market with the development of better designed homes for happier homeowners and more vibrant communities.
“I am excited we are partnering with Custom Build Homes. Our experience, model, and openness towards self-building in The Netherlands will complement CBH’s knowledge and pragmatism towards navigating the UK market. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve by working together.”
Tom Connor, Founder & CEO at CBH, added, “We are pleased and excited to have such an experienced, forward-thinking, and socially driven developer like Steenvlinder as a shareholder and board member.
“Their continental approach to development and placemaking through custom and self build has enabled them to grow quickly in The Netherlands, and their openness to share and coach means we are sure to find plenty of opportunities to collaborate in the UK going forward.”
Image: the Custom Build Homes and Steenvlinder teams
The island community of Raasay is welcoming the start of a new development that offers much needed local housing, with a start on a site of five community-led and five affordable self build plots. The combination of house types and tenures offers a solution to housing for rural communities that could be replicated elsewhere.
With support from the Communities Housing Trust, the Raasay Development Trust is leading the project and will ultimately manage the three community-owned homes for affordable rent, with the other two community homes available for social rent with Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association.
The remaining five affordable self-build plots will be discounted with the Rural Housing Burden, which is unique to Scotland, which guarantees affordability in perpetuity as it controls future sales linked to the local community. The plots are also smaller than open-market plots, which also helps with affordability.
The community-owned site was purchased by the Trust with funding from the Scottish Land Fund in 2020, with further key funding from the Scottish Government’s Rural & Islands Housing Fund, and Ecology Building Society, who may also be able to provide mortgages for the self-build homes.
Like many rural communities, Raasay has seen an increase in demand for affordable housing, and this solution provide valuable new homes to meet this need, for people with a link or need to live on the island.
Anyone interested in the plots should register with the Communities Housing Trust, with the Raasay Development Trust managing the allocations process, and the Trust also recommends those in housing need to register with the Highland Housing Register.
Chair of Raasay Development Trust, Iain Hector Ross, said: “Raasay has a clear and present need for new affordable housing stock to meet the growing demand from young islanders choosing to stay and others wanting to move to the island for increasing work opportunities.
“We are fortunate that the island is enjoying an era of growing economic confidence and opportunity, where young people now see a long-term future for themselves here. Quality housing is vital to support that future and we hope that the delivery of these new homes is just the first step towards providing every young islander with an affordable option.”
Jon Lee, community housing lead at Ecology Building Society, said: “We’re excited once again to work alongside the other funders to support this development on Raasay. Providing funding for affordable, energy efficient, community-led housing and to encourage sustainable self-build particularly chimes with our mission to build a greener society.”
Image: Raasay Development Trust director Ali MacInnes marks the start on site
Land promoter Leaper Land has resubmitted a planning application to Wokingham Borough Council for its Hurst site of 33 custom build homes. It is calling on anyone interested in building locally to offer their support for the initiative, which is providing valuable opportunities for anyone wanting input into their home.
How you can support Leaper Land’s Hurst application:
Leaper Land submitted the original planning application for the site at Broadcommon Road, late in 2022, but this was refused, largely on the basis of unsustainable development in the countryside, but also sited insufficient affordable homes.
As part of the new outline application Leaper Land has increased the amount of affordable homes from 40% (as required by Wokingham’s local plan) to 50%.
It has also proposed that 25% of the affordable homes will be discount open market custom and self build – meaning that people who might not otherwise be able to afford to build can access the plots. In addition, it is also looking into how the initial residents for other affordable home types can have a say in how their home is finished.
Other changes have involved replacing a proposed block of flats with more typical terraces and semi-detached homes, all of which overlook an enlarged public open space.
When it comes to planning your custom or self build, factoring in an interior designer can pay dividends, ensuring the interior of your home doesn’t become an afterthought that you regret.
Anyone working to create their dream home will spend a long term planning the build, and there’s a myriad of build and design decisions to be made, but interiors often get overlooked as budget constraints kick in. Too often with self builds you see a fantastic vision delivered by a builder or architect, but the interiors don’t reflect the design quality of the build.
Typical mistakes are a lack of planning around window treatments and lighting, as well as a failure to factor in SMART home tech into the design. Furniture from previous homes can look lost in the new setting, and colour, pattern and texture can seem intimidating in a pristine build.
But employing an interior design company can guarantee an incredibly bespoke and beautiful design for your property to give it the finish it deserves. Costs may be an issue, but if you factor them in from the start it won’t come as something to be sacrificed at the end when money is tight.
Budgeting for an interior designer also ensure that any SMART home features, such as Lutron lighting, Sonos speakers or different heating systems all work in conjunction with the completed design.
We spoke to professional interior designer and NaCSBA member Katie Malik Design Studio for the key considerations in working with a specialist.
Working with an interior design company ensures a sophisticated level of professionalism teamed with competent project management.
While designers and their client often bond over their big ideas for a blank space, an interior design professional will be able to:
A reputable interior design studio will have exceptional taste and be up to date with the latest in interior trends. This characteristic combined with their experience to create an incredible and exciting design for your property.
Whilst private clients may have designs in mind for creating interiors, working with a reputable interior design professional can ensure the design and execution of a breathtaking creation.
Employing an interior design professional can ensure that your project is managed to an impeccable standard and that the components of the design work in harmony to ensure optimum functionality of each space.
Using design software enables professionals to:
In addition, interior design companies also come with excellent lists of tradesmen and innovative design technology providers. The team will know who is the best in the business to deliver the ambitions of the project.
Katie says, “Katie Malik Studio has overcome a range of challenges when working with a diverse range of properties and the design plans of the owners. Thorough our knowledge of the industry, the latest trends and our close network of trusted tradesmen we work to bring a project to life.
Using an interior design studio does come with a cost attached, but it will be an investment in your home that will pay dividends for years to come as you enjoy living and working in a space tailored to your needs. It can be very easy to become overwhelmed with the prospect of interiors, but working with an interior designer brings creative and cohesive solutions that can save a lot of money, time and stress in getting it right the first time round.”
Credits: Design by Katie Malik Studio, images by Maciek Platek Food & Interior Photography.
Scotland is leading the way in the UK with a trailblazing piece of legislation that requires all new homes to meet a new Scottish passive standard by 2024, including owner-commissioned or self build homes.
Similar to the Passivhaus Standard, the new regulations set a minimum standard for environmental design standards, meaning all new build homes must meet set levels of airtightness, insulation and energy standards.
Doing this will offer a better lived experience for residents, delivering high levels of thermal performance and energy efficiency that should help manage energy costs, as well as meet wider climate challenges.
The change is set out in the new Domestic Building Environmental Standards Bill, and it is expected that secondary legislation will be passed in Scotland to ensure the standard is being me by 2024.
Alex Rowley MSP introduced the change through a private member’s bill calling for all new housing to meet Passivhaus standard, or a Scottish equivalent, a direct response to the Scottish Climate Assembly Recommendations for Action around homes.
Jon Bootland, CEO, Passivhaus Trust said, “It is a truly forward-thinking approach by the Scottish Government and a positive response to the 2021 Scottish Climate Assembly recommendations.
“They are to be applauded for taking this crucial step towards meeting their Net Zero/ Climate Emergency goals. Now we must ensure that the Bill is well developed and implemented to deliver the greatest impact on the actual performance of new homes in Scotland.”
For anyone looking for land, Potton has a range of plots available to make the process easier. Searching for land remains one of the most significant barriers to anyone wishing to self build, but more and more companies are now bringing on multi-plot sites where custom or self build is an option.
Potton has a range of both types of plot options available, as do other NaCSBA members, such as Hugr Homes’ Wellbank site in Cumbria.
Typically on such sites you custom build, where you engage with an enabler already associated with the site to build out your home, with various options for customisation on a site by site basis. But on some multi-plot sites you can self build, so it is worth talking to the promoter about the route available on a development.
For self building on such sites you may have the freedom to commission your own home for the plot, although you will have to meet some preset requirements. These are typically set out on a development level in the design code, and a plot level in the Plot Passport.
Just north of Swindon, Tadpole Garden Village is an award winning Crest Nicholson development, that includes 14 plots of land. Buyers can customise the Potton custom build home that is agreed for each site. Plots are currently all reserved, but it’s always worth registering your interest as buyers sometimes fail to proceed – meaning the plot returns to the market.
Set in a village near Maidenhead, Kent, this development includes nine plots, in a range of sizes, where buyers can custom build. Potton will work with the buyers in the design and construction of the home, which contractor Northchurch Homes will then provide a fixed-price for the build of the turnkey home – meaning they build the entire house. Buyers have complete control of the internal layout and specification.
You can expect more sites like these to come forward over 2023, including in Norfolk, Kent, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Sussex, Worcester, Essex and Bedfordshire.
The beauty of such multi-plot sites is that they come with certainty that a house can be built from a planning point of view, with services and wider infrastructure, like roads, in place.
Potton also offers a range of training opportunities, including dedicated Ask the Experts sessions where you can get help and advice about your project – whatever stage you are at.
Visit its Self Build Academy for details, including of its next events in January, at both the Potton Show Centre in Cambridgeshire and the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon.
Custom Build Homes has secured outline planning permission at Cross Nursery in Goffs Oak, Hertfordshire for 14 detached homes that can be customised to buyer’s choices. Coming to the market in 2023, the development includes a range of house and serviced-plot sizes.
The company secured outline permission with the help of planning consultants Tetlow King Planning on the site of a derelict former horticultural nursery site in a semi-rural location in the Hertfordshire Green Belt.
The plots are laid out in an attractive landscape, and come with permission for “blank canvas” homes that are fully customisable, with buyers having freedom of choice around room layout, interior fixtures and fittings and green utilities. There is also the opportunity to build in greater affordability by using “sweat equity”, whereby owners can take part in their home’s completions.
The application at Cross Nursery was approved in compliance with Broxbourne Borough Council’s supportive local planning policies, which enables suitably designed custom and self-build housing to come forward on former nursery sites in the borough. This is despite being classified as inappropriate development under Government Green Belt policy.
In making the planning case Custom Build Homes worked closely with Tetlow King to present a strong demand, viability and design-led case, with BuildStore and Custom Build Homes’ demand data being an important part of the planning arguments.
Custom Build Homes praised the officers at Broxbourne Borough Council for their positive and consistent engagement on the Cross Nursery site, with Mario Wolf, Director of Planning at Custom Build Homes saying: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for our customisable homes range on this challenging green belt site.
“As a specialist enabler of custom build housing, we work closely with our landowner clients and local authorities to design high quality housing communities which maximise value and are sensitive to their local context.”
Find your self build register on the Self Build Portal.
South Gloucestershire Council has announced the availability of six self build plots within the Charfield Gardens development, close to the market town of Wotton-under-Edge (Planning reference PT16/6924/O). The six self build plots have been launched as part of a ‘percentage policy’ scheme that requires developers to sell at least 5% of plots on residential and mixed-use sites to self and custom builders (applied on sites over 100 homes).
The size of each plot at Charfield Gardens ranges from 220m² to 254m² and are priced from £125,000. The plots are on the larger Barratt Homes development in Charfield Village, which includes permission for 121 residences and a retail unit, as well as public open space, play areas, allotments, and an orchard.
The six self build plots come with utilities, including foul and surface water drainage, water, gas, electric and telecom. Purchasers must submit a full planning application, outlining the appearance of the build, as well as outline proposals for landscaping, scale and layout.
Planning applications must be aligned with the wider design of the site, as well as the individual Plot Passport, which is a simple and succinct summary of the design parameters for a given plot.
This welcome move makes sets the council apart as a great example of a local authority working to support those people on its self build register.
Image by Mastersenaiper from Pixabay
