The Grade II-listed property that Adrian and Amy Moll bought in the village of Kent was in a state of disrepair, but from the start, the couple had a plan. “The house came with an acre or so of land and a large garage. Some of the land was within the village and some was in the green belt,” says Adrian, a semi-retired builder.
The couple restored and sold the house, but kept some of the land so they could build their new home. Working with Emerys Architects, Adrian and Amy used local farm buildings as inspiration for a design. Self-creation The family home, which will consist of three sections, will all be connected by glazed links to allow light to enter views of the landscape.
“The scheme involved converting the surrounding area into a meadow, ensuring the character of the green belt was preserved, while giving the family the feeling of a large private green space,” explains Caitriona Jones of Emrys Architects.
Project details
- location Kent
- Type of house Separate new build
- make way Architects, plus DIY and subcontractors
- Construction SIPS, zinc roof, basement
- Build costs £2,000 sq m
- make time January 2019 – December 2021
- Architect Emrys Architects
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Get on hand
With years of building experience, Adrienne Project Management of their self-creation in their progress. On site every day, Adrian manages a core team of two builders alongside numerous subcontractors, while also rolling up his sleeves to get hands-on – from digging the cellar to designing and fabricating the steel-framed interior doors, which he then powder-coated by a local firm.
“I also did glasswork for renovations in a previous job,” he explains. “When you order the glass from the manufacturer yourself you can get up to one-third off the cost of the glass, so we did that.”
The basement was the longest phase of the project, yet Adrian wanted to do something, as he gave them 70 square meters of extra space for laundry, a heat pump room and storage, as well as a studio for Amy’s clothing business. Adrian admits that the physicality of the job was his biggest challenge.
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Selecting the material
Above ground, Adrian’s choice raised buildings in just seven days SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels) as a build system.
“It seemed like a sensible way to go, even though it was more expensive,” explains Adrian. Glazing is a significant part of the design, and the couple chose double glazing in aluminum framing.
Used Adrian IQ Glass Because he felt he needed specialists to supply him with large, shiny sliding doors. “In hindsight, we should have gone for triple glazing for extra heat savings in winter.”
In the glazed links between the three sections of the house, the windows are fixed, and for this, Adrian measured, ordered and fitted the glazing himself, saving, he estimates, around £30,000 on the final cost.
Other jobs that Adrian took on himself included the spectacular oak trades Staircase idea Designed by Emerys Architects, and the kitchen too – although he sourced the cabinetry DevolHe measured and fitted himself. For the countertops, Amy chose a composite stone that looks like Carrara marble.
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Become natural
When it came to the interior, Amy was firmly in charge, choosing a neutral palette that framed the beautiful views from every window. Materials include timber, microcement and Lime based plaster.
Not only are they sustainable choices, but they also resonate with the surrounding environment. One of the most notable choices was the flooring. They initially wanted a concrete floor, “but after much discussion, we decided to break it up with really wide wood planks, for a warmer, less industrial feel in the living room and kitchen,” Amy says. “We chose of Chauncey Oak floorboards give them a warm and modern, yet still rustic feel.”
elsewhere, Microcement was used. Adrian sent one of his builders on a course to learn how to install microcement, so they could do it themselves. A more unusual choice was the new product ArmorcoatCalled clime – a durable plaster made of clay and lime, mixed with marble.
Being self-colored, it also does not require painting. “We love its natural soft chalky look and used the same color throughout the house,” says Adrian. “There are no pictures, because we like the finish on the walls – second only to the views from the windows.”
Lighting design A key consideration, and both Adrian and Amy attended a workshop with an expert lighting designer to get this right. “We felt it was essential in the look of the lights and also in the atmosphere,” says Adrian.
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Underfloor investment
In such a contemporary home, it’s no surprise that Adrian and Amy wanted to avoid radiators, by choice Underfloor heating Instead this is a wet system, which relies on ground-source heat pumps.
Although more expensive than air-sourced and dependent on three 111 m-deep bore holes, the A Ground-source heat pumps This is the more efficient of the two and so for those with ample land, it is an excellent low-carbon, long-term choice to cut fuel bills.
“I was quoted £3,500 to get the gas,” says Adrian. A ground-source system costs £40,000, but I have it Promotion of renewable heatSo in seven years we’ll get £20,000 back.”
The couple also chose it Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system (MVHR) installed to supplement underfloor heating. “It keeps the house at a constant 20 degrees, and we have outlets in every room,” says Adrian.
The couple was able to cut costs by going direct to the manufacturers, not only for the glass, but also for the locally produced steel used in the cellar.
The build could have been completed more quickly, but Adrian would have to take occasional breaks from the build to work on other projects to keep his funds on top.
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Rural inspiration
The house was finished in December 2021 with two outbuildings covered up In blackened wood to reflect the nearby barn. The layout and orientation of the family home also makes the most of the surrounding landscape.
In the rear, wide Sliding glazed doors Open to wildflower meadows and surrounding fields. Careful landscaping was central to the overall vision, with hard landscaping limited to only a few designated areas for outdoor dining, socializing and parking.
As if building a stunning new home wasn’t impressive enough, Adrienne somehow achieved it all while dealing with her own medical challenges. “I needed a kidney transplant, so I would be on hand during the day and do dialysis at home in the evening,” he says.
But now that their home is complete, the couple and their daughter Emilia are enjoying their new modern-country lifestyle. “We love both the light and the views we get to enjoy through all the glazing,” says Adrian. “From my office, I also have a view of the 12th-century church.”
For more inspiration, take a look around An extended semi-detached house in London Designed for flexible family living. Or, visit this A converted Victorian chapel in Bristol center of the city.
