Different Building Systems Weekend - 12th - 13th Sep 2009

Are you contemplating a self build and are unsure whether to go for brick and block, timber frame, or something else entirely? Perhaps you’ve decided what material you’re going to build in but could do with more information? The Different Building Systems Weekend will give you the chance to learn about the various building systems available and hear from many who have already been through the self build process and are keen to pass on their wealth of tips and the benefit of their valuable experience.

Find out about the different building systems here

Drawings & Plans
Don’t forget to bring along your drawings and plans and speak to our BuildingAdvice experts who will help you decide which building system is for you. Limited spaces available so tel:01506 409 616 to book your place now.

8 x Life Size Exhibits
You will also have the chance to view 8 life-size exhibits of different building systems ‘up close and personal’ in our Educational Journey here at the Centre. Each system shows a combination of different materials chosen for their performance both on their own and as part of the overall system.

Frame Wise Tours
Frame Wise will be at the Centre during the event, giving tours of the timber-framed Wolseley Building, which they will have just erected.
The timber frame and roof will still be exposed at this point, so you'll be able to see more clearly how it is all put together and whether or not it would suit your own project. The experts from Frame Wise will be able to discuss your project with you and answer any questions you have regarding timber frame construction. You'll also be able to get advice from Wolseley on buying your materials. Find out more about the Wolseley Building

Partners
A variety of our Building System partners will be on-hand at the weekend to provide you with one-to-one advice on your project and their system. Find out more about our partners

Seminar & Workshops Timetable

Time	Seminar	More info
10.00 – 10.45	Walking Seminar	Mike Hardwick & John Capper
11.00 – 11.30	Buildstore Introduction	Mike Hardwick
11.30 – 11.45	Financing Your Project	BuildStore Finance
11.45 – 12.45	Building Systems Overview & Solutions	Mike Hardwick
12.45 – 13.00	Financing Your Project	BuildStore Finance
13.00 – 13.30	Case Study: Timber Frame	Self Builder
13.30 – 14.00	Case Study: SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels)	Self Builder
14.00 – 14.30	Case Study: Oak Frame	Self Builder
14.30 – 15.00	Case Study: Concrete Block (Sat) / Brick & Block (Sun)	Self Builder
15.00 – 15.30	Case Study: ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork)	Self Builder
15.30 – 16.00	Case Study: Steel Frame	Self Builder
16.15 – 17.00	Walking Seminar	Mike Hardwick & John Capper

Time	Workshop	More info
13.00 – 14.00	Building Systems	Mike Hardwick & John Capper
15.00 – 16.00	Building Systems	Mike Hardwick & John Capper

Seminars In Detail

BuildStore Introduction - Mike Hardwick
General welcome and introduction to the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, giving an essential overview of the key areas in which we can help and support you at every stage of your self build or renovation project.

Financing your Project - BuildStore
Getting the finances right is the difference between a smooth project and a potential nightmare. This short but useful talk by our Finance Advisor will ensure you have all the information you need to ensure your project gets off to the best possible start.

Building Systems Overview & Solutions - Mike Hardwick
When we think of how we build houses, chances are we think of bricks. In fact, traditional brick and block is just one way of building a home in the UK. There are many different systems available for the self-builder to choose from, including timber frame, Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF), Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Concrete. In this comprehensive, jargon-busting seminar, you will find out which modern building systems are available, how they work, their benefits and the relative costs of each, as well as which one is best for your project and budget.

Walking Seminars

Get to the Centre extra early or stay a little later to benefit from the Early or Late Bird Walking Seminar Tours through our Educational Journey Building Systems Exhibits. You will receive independent practical advice, guidance, hints & tips on the various building system types from our in-house experts. This is a golden opportunity to 'get up close and personal' with the eight different building types.

Case Studies

With six different case studies each day, you'll get great insights into the advantages and disadvantages of building with various systems.

Timber Frame - Ian & Bronwen Lebbon
Ian & Bronwen loved the location of their existing home (the village rectory) so much that they didn't want to move - instead they chose to build a timber-framed 'Rectory Home' by Potton in their spacious back garden! Hear how they got on with project managing the build themselves, what they particularly liked about using a timber frame and why they would choose timber frame over any other system if they had to build again - that said, they have no intention of doing so - wild horses wouldn't drag them away from such an idyllic spot!

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) - Provided by Lowfield Timber Frames on
behalf of Charles Simpson
Charles Simpson, a poultry farmer from Darliston, Shropshire, constructed his dream home in February 2008 after stumbling across SIPs (Structurally Insulated Panels) at a self build exhibition. The building reached a weather-proof state in an incredible 10 days, and now features Mechanical Ventilation, Heat Recovery and electric underfloor heating which all contribute to the extremely low running costs. Charles enjoyed the project so much he's already planning another one!

Oak Frame - Lee Manning
Lee Manning, Director of Carpenter Oak Ltd, wanted to demonstrate that oak - usually seen as a traditional building material - could also be utilised very successfully in a contemporary-style extension to his existing home. On a tight budget Lee built a beautiful, open plan space, with glazed walls providing a light and airy atmosphere and adding to the natural feel of the oak frame. Because of the sloping site and awkward access, the post and beam arrangement of peg jointed timbers provided a quick and elegant solution to Lee's needs, proving just how versatile traditional timber framing can be.

Concrete Block - Ted Stevens (Sat only)
Ted Stevens, a former journalist, built his dream home in 2003. The house uses a heavyweight concrete block and floor construction, and is then externally clad in oak. It won a commendation in the Civic Trust awards for its contemporary design and its sustainability credentials. A truly passionate self-builder, Ted is now the associate publisher of Build It magazine, and chairman of NaSBA, the National Self Build Association.

Brick & Block - Captain Wally Epton (Sun only)
Professional pilot Captain Wally Epton and wife Jan built their brick & block home in 2001, and have found it a superb place to live in since. However, as with so many self builders, Wally & Jan have caught the bug and are on the lookout for their next project, which they plan to use the same building system for. In addition to talking about why building in brick and block worked for them so well, Captain Epton will be revealing the rather unusual but interesting way he finally found their plot of land - whilst flying over the Bay of Biscay at 35,000 feet!

Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) - Richard & Lorraine Edwards
Richard and Lorraine Edwards are now in the final stages of their third self build - a two-storey bungalow on a sloping site, complete with an Insulated Concrete Formwork basement. Richard and Lorraine had always considered self-building, but never really thought the opportunity would arise. After a spinal injury in 1999 left Lorraine in a wheelchair, the couple realised that designing and building their own home would provide them with a house which would perfectly accommodate their needs.

The couple have configured their design to maximise the space and used a host of clever features to ensure it fits with Lorraine's needs. They have also included some energy-efficient and eco-friendly products and systems, including underfloor heating, triple glazed windows and external doors, a heat recovery system and rainwater harvesting.

Steel Frame - Mark Vincent
Whilst looking for a family home, Mark & Tracey Vincent stumbled across a property in their perfect area - unfortunately it was too small and in need of a fair amount of renovation. Undaunted, they bought the bungalow, using an impressive steel frame extension to add the extra space desired to turn the original dwelling into a fantastic family home.

Workshops In Detail

Building Systems
The workshop affords the ideal opportunity to gather together for a small group discussion. Visitors can speak openly about their own individual cases and share advice with others who might be in a very similar situation. This is the ideal opportunity for visitors to put their general questions to our Building Systems Advisers, Mike Hardwick and John Capper.

Experts

Architects:
Mike Milton & Roger Scully - Milton Architects Ltd (Sunday)
Formed in 2005 by experienced chartered architects, this flexible full service agency are passionate about design and working with you to ensure that you get the most from your money with minimum stress. Whether working with you to help develop your building brief or acting as your consultant working from concept to completion, they tailor their approach to suit your needs. In doing so, they have demonstrated a creative flair for delivering imaginative and contemporary solutions for their clients.

Architectural Technician:
Keith Bennett - Bennett Architectural Designs (Saturday)
Keith specialises in residential projects, whether it be New Build, Extensions and Refurbishments or Property Condition Surveys. He has a wealth of expertise in Planning, Listed Buildings and Building Regulations.

CAD Designer:
Cen Davies – Blueprint Planning Ltd
Cen is an experienced CAD designer who can bring your ideas to life. Aside from the standard design services, Cen is also able to turn 2D drawings into 3D images, helping you see the details of your planned home and get a clearer idea of how it will look once built.

Project Manager:
The Edwards Partnership
The Edwards Partnership are experienced project managers who will be able to advise on the schedule you’ll need to implement if you decide to project manage your build yourself. They will take into account the building system you are considering, advising you on cost and time management.

Building Control:
Local Authority Building Control
Once you’ve got your site, confirmed your plans, and got Planning Permission to build, then you’ll need to work with Building Control to check you are building to the correct standards. Their representatives at this event will be able to give impartial advice on your particular plans or ideas.

Self Build:
Mike Hardwick
Since completing his own self build project in 2002, Mike is now a self build enthusiast. As if to prove this point, he even went as far as to join the National Self Build & Renovation Centre team as our Specialist Self Build Adviser.

Building Systems:
Robin Batchelder
As the National Self Build & Renovation Centre’s Building Systems expert, Robin will be available for one-to-one meetings with visitors who would like to discuss their build in more detail.

Tim Doherty
Tim has worked for the last two years to set up and open the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. An accomplished self builder himself, Tim has worked for over 20 years with self build & renovation clients up and down the country, from small and elegant to large and stately and from first time buyers to retirement activists

Eco:
David Hilton
Here on a permanent basis as our eco expert, Dave will help you assess the environmental impact of the various systems you may be considering.

Design, Planning & Building Regs:
Neil Davey
Neilis one of Buildstore’s resident experts and as such is able to talk to you in-depth about the design process, gaining Planning Permission, and how to comply with Building Regulations throughout your project.

Partners

Beco Wallform	www.becowallform.co.uk	Building for the future using Insulated Concrete Formwork - a quick and practical method for building insulated structural walls for any type of building.
Frame Wise Ltd	www.framewiseltd.co.uk	With products manufactured from their fully automated factory in Presteigne, Frame Wise pride themselves in supplying the highest quality of bespoke thermally efficient, sustainable timber frame homes and extensions nationwide at very good value for money.
Hanse Haus GmbH	www.hanse-haus.co.uk	Hanse Haus GmbH are a leading German company in the field of bespoke, custom designed, low-energy homes, using innovative technology which incorporates future trends.
Hermcrest Concrete Ltd	www.hermcrestconcrete.co.uk	Hermcrest Concrete Products design and supply structural pre-cast concrete elements for the house builder. Their high quality, factory-made pre-cast elements can be used in virtually any situation in house building, with installation being particularly fast, simple, time-saving and cost-effective. It is a sustainable and alternative construction method to the traditional build from basement to roof - with an external thermal insulation composite system with rendering it provides a healthy and comfortable living climate whilst saving energy and being environmentally friendly.
Lowfield Timber Frames Ltd	www.lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk	Lowfield Timber Frames are specialist suppliers of timber frame, SIPS foundation and erection services. They provide a professional suite of products designed to make the building of your home a more pleasurable experience.
Masonry Homes Limited	www.masonryhomes.co.uk	The Masonry Alternative to Timber Frame. Masonry Homes Ltd provide the complete package build process to help you create your dream home from a basic sketch to a full design and build package. Bring your drawings or indeed your wish list and let them design your home with you. Even without a sketch, they can help you create the home of your dreams and price your home as part of the process.
Oakworth Homes	www.oakworthhomes.co.uk	Oakworth Homes - A complete Timber Frame solution offering everything from a simple timber frame through to more detailed service; architectural design and planning through to foundation construction, resulting in a wind and water-tight property.
Potton	www.potton.co.uk	The UK's leading self build package company with over 25 years' experience, Potton offers an impressive house design portfolio or a bespoke design service for timber framed homes.
Procter Caststone	www.caststoneuk.co.uk	Procter Caststone manufacture and supply high quality bespoke and standard cast stone products for building projects throughout the UK. With a variety of cast stone products used for a very wide range of residential, retail, religious, self build, ornamental and restoration applications, Procter Caststone can help you to select cast stone features to suit your project.
ThermoneX	www.thermonex.co.uk	The ThermoneX basement system utilises the latest concrete technology to build high-quality low-energy basements in a fraction of the time it takes to build traditionally. ThermoneX offers a full architectural, structural design and installation service.

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