HOMEOWNERS Stephen and Helen Surtees
ARCHITECT Thread Architects
LOCATION Tickhill, Doncaster
PROJECT Contemporary self-build
BUILD COST £680,000
This new house was built to replace a rather boring 1970s bungalow that once stood on the site and is something of a masterclass in how to be both sympathetic and creative when it comes to house design.
Keen to acknowledge the scale and proportions of the neighbouring properties in this conservation area, the owners and architect worked with a pared-back palette of external materials that reflected the local area, at the same time as ensuring the new home made its presence known.
Internally, the spaces are open and bright and really demonstrate how to approach open-plan design well, incorporating clever ways of dividing the spaces and zoning them. “The expanses of glazing and multi-levelled landscaping scheme at the rear come as a delightful surprise,” remarks judge Natasha Brinsmead. “Impressively this house was a lockdown project — starting in March 2020 yet still completed in an impressive 17 months.”
HOMEOWNERS Jane and Tim Trounce
ARCHITECT Designscape Architects
LOCATION Bath PROJECT Contemporary self-build
BUILD COST Undisclosed
Jane and Tim battled everything from a steep sloping plot, materials shortages (due to Covid), poor workmanship, their building contractor walking off site, and their cladding company disappearing with a sizable chunk of their budget. But a new team was brought in and the resulting stylish self-build is testament to their tenacity and hard work. Their new home will be the envy of many, with its unending views across the Avon valley, finely crafted interiors and eco credentials. Their self-build journey should be an inspiration for those currently undergoing difficult projects — proof that there is a light, contemporary home at the end of the self-build tunnel.
HOMEOWNERS Russell and Madalina Woolley
ARCHITECT George & James Architects
LOCATION London
PROJECT Renovation
BUILD COST £102,000
IMAGE: MEGAN TAYLOR
Russell and Madalina’s Victorian home had already been extended to include a granny annexe on the other side of an internal courtyard, so remodelling this home for their growing family required working within the existing dimensions. When they saw the dark, warren-like layout on the lower floor, they could see it would be relatively easy to remove an internal wall to bring the home into the 21st century. “The internal re-fit is clean and well executed, with solid details which elevate the space, including pocket doors into the foyer and a wall of banquette seating with built-in storage in the dining area,” says judge Hugh Metcalf. The space revolves around the courtyard, the star of the show, bringing
