Modular/ flat pack self build

[Asparagusluvva]

Hi, any architects on here? DP wanting to downsize and build smaller house on plot of current house. Initial thoughts are a kit/flat pack house , for finance and speed. An architect visited recently, who had the opinion that kit houses were inferior in quality and suggested a brick new build that would be twice the price. I've advised that he gets another architect to advise. Any thoughts on here ?

I’m not an architect but we are currently doing a self build using SIPs (structurally insulated panels). After planning permission etc, you go to the SIPs company and they will design and consult a structural engineer. After it has been designed, if you’re ready they can make the actual panels in 6 weeks and then it takes 2 weeks to erect. It’s not fully finished like some you see on tv - we are going to be brick cladding the panels and then need to do all internal work but as long as you have windows and roof ready to go then it is water tight very quickly. The benefits are the cost - half the price of a traditional build, the panels are insulated so environmentally and cost wise will be good in future (ours is A rated on EPC), and time. Maybe they are inferior quality I don’t know but you need to weigh up the risks and benefits. For us, the risks of the SIPs construction were outweighed by the cost because it would not have been worth doing in the build in a traditional building method because then it would have been worth far less than it cost us.

Don’t build what you can’t sell.

No idea if they’re cost effective but those Huf style houses come in a variety of sizes and designs.

Why not look at timber frame construction? It's used widely over North America. The materials are readily available from any merchant (sawn timber and sheet material), and you can build what you want to any design. Guessing you want a two bed single storey dwelling? You can also insulate to an extremely high standard and render or clad. It's also a fast build. With maintenance, it would have a 100 year life span (or more). Mortgage companies will lend on it too. You can tile the roof the standard way on a pitch, People go on about the wonders of brick, but it's cobblers and preference. Saying that, I'd still build a regular concrete pour trench foundation with brick up to DPC, and a subfloor made with ground bearing concrete or block and beam.

It an architect, though - just an enthusiastic self-builder.

Sorry, was trying to say, I'm not an architect!

This company look interesting: https://www.facit-homes.com/

Talk to studio bark about the ubuild system. We have a double height ubuild extension ( it's flat pack ply) and I'm absolutely evangelical about it. It's warm and wonderful to live in. They have been on grand designs with the system. It was really really good value.

An architect will be used to designing homes in either traditional construction methods, or very unusual ones (according to Grand Designs!)

For a small house, most floor plans won't be radically different, and prefab kit houses will allow you to tweak the design to suit your needs. These houses so have to confirm to building regs and are often passivhaus standards of energy efficiency, so I can't see why they would be an inferior build quality.

Probably the best thing is to go to one of the self build shows and speak to timber frame suppliers directly - you may not need an architect's input.

I am looking into extension options and I am seriously considering a timber frame extension onto our 1930s bungalow. I happened to see a carpenter on youtube doing an extension out of wood and i was intrigued by how well insulated it could be. And the speed at which it can go up. The fact that less trades would be involved. You can clad it in whatever you want; we would match it with the existing house by having brick bottom. And rendered the rest. We could have render board installed which I reckon is a lot quicker than brickwork.

One thing I wasn't sure about is insurance. But then surely it would have to pass building regs for structurally sound and fire regulations. And the fact that we have timber framed building 100s of years old still standing and I'm assuming still insured?

Kit houses are only inferior in quality if not property treated. Brick is costly, high energy and less energy efficient. - personally I'd go for similar SIPS panels, timber and straw.. etc.

Hi User37652 - I saw you message about the SIP self build and was wondering if I could get a bit more information on who you used etc as we are just going in for planning for an annex next to our main house for my elderly parents and time is against us hence thinking of having something like what you suggest. thanks again. Sending out to anyone else who can suggest any recommendations :-)