"Purchased at auction, a pair of dilapidated cottages became the foundation for a modern barn-style residence, revealing this ambitious couple's transformation journey"
Building a Modern Sustainable Home in the Heart of Wiltshire
For Antony and Jenni, embarking on a self-build project in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside was no ordinary endeavour. The journey, fraught with challenges, led them to a stunning contemporary home that seamlessly blends modern design with sustainability and respect for the local environment.
Their initial hurdle was navigating local planning regulations. Due to the Covid-19 response, delays in work starting on-site were inevitable. Moreover, the site included a pair of derelict workers' cottages, and the permission to replace them had lapsed. Overcoming these obstacles, they managed to get the lapsed permission reinstated for their self-build project.
The couple's new home, designed to resemble agricultural buildings in the area, sits amidst four acres of spectacular Wiltshire countryside. The charcoal finish of the new house complements its rural surroundings, while the materials used in its construction boast good sustainability credentials.
Faced with issues sourcing finishes for the project, they found a unique solution in 'rainforest' marble for their kitchen worktops and luxury fittings that resonate at the high end of the spectrum for their bathrooms. A visit to Wren Kitchens helped finalize their kitchen choices.
The house is being constructed around a steel frame, and the central staircase, designed by their architect, was constructed from Corten steel. Antony, having witnessed many projects first-hand over the years, took on the job of scorching all the external timber cladding to give it a rustic finish.
One of the standout features of the home is the loft bedroom, which boasts stunning views over the countryside and its own balcony space. This room, a testament to the couple's vision, encapsulates the harmony between contemporary design and the rural landscape.
Despite never having done a self-build before, Antony and Jenni lived on-site in a caravan during the build to keep costs down. Their determination to create a sustainable, modern home in the heart of Wiltshire was evident throughout the project.
In conclusion, building a self-build contemporary home in Wiltshire requires a thoughtful approach to planning, design, and project management. Engaging local architectural expertise familiar with Wiltshire and contemporary self-builds can help mitigate many of the issues that may arise, ensuring a smooth process and fulfilling design outcomes. Antony and Jenni's story serves as a testament to the rewards that come with perseverance and a shared vision.
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[1] The central staircase, a striking focal point, is built from Corten steel, giving it a rustic yet contemporary look [2].
[2] To guarantee a cohesive blend of modern design and sustainable features, Antony and Jenni collaborated closely with their chosen architect [1].
[3] With a home lifestyle in mind, the couple opted for solar panels on the roof to reduce their carbon footprint [2].
[4] To help manage their project budget effectively, they made thoughtful choices such as using 'rainforest' marble for their kitchen worktops, which added a touch of luxury without breaking the bank [1].
[5] Antony and Jenni engaged in extensive planning to ensure their home was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, with careful consideration given to door placement and window sizes [2].
[6] The home extension includes a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area, ideal for entertaining and hosting gatherings [1].
[7] The loft bedroom, set among the home's natural light-filled design, also includes a sleek and modern bathroom, equipped with luxury fixtures [2].
[8] Throughout the self-build project, the couple prioritized adaptability by designing space-efficient solutions through innovative home-and-garden ideas [1].
[9] When it comes to heating their modern sustainable home, they opted for an efficient system, ensuring a comfortable living environment for them and visitors alike [2].
