Inside this charred timber self-build in Wiltshire

When the clients, owners of an orthodontist practice in Wiltshire, first approached Footprint Architects, they were looking to extend their existing business space, which contained the family home as residential space above.

However, dreams of one day building a self-contained home on the site came to the fruition under the architects’ guidance instead, meaning they would soon embark on the ambitious build of this three-bedroom home.

Garden build

The site had some issues to contend with – not only is it in a local conservation area, it’s located on a flood plain, in an area of archaeological interest and on a site with numerous tree preservation orders.

The design of the building tackled each of these issues – the building is set back from the tree canopy; the elevated ground floor with ramps and terracing counteracts potential flood risks; while the two-storey building apes the concept of ancillary barn dwellings to offer a sensitive exterior solution for a new build in the conservation area.

Charred timber exterior

The use of sympathetic materials also helps to ground the ‘barn’ in the local area. A charred timber cladding offers a contemporary finish while also helping the building to disappear among the trees when viewed from neighbouring plots.

Pre-fabricated construction

The property was constructed using pre-fabricated timber SIP panels from SIPs Panels Ltd, allowing for speedy on-site building within 3 weeks – key not only to reduce the cost of the build, but also lessen the impact of it on the dental practice on site.

Modern interiors

Both the front and rear gardens on the property can be accessed from the kitchen area, through large glass doors which open up to create an indoor/outdoor living space in the warmer months.

Project details

Design team: Footprint Architects 
Lead architect: Mike Ford
Ground works: Smith Foster
Drainage: Peter Brett
Structural: R Elliot Associates Ltd
Landscape: KJF Consultancy Ltd
Consultants: Build Energy