AshfordFOR

Custom and self-build properties have grown in popularity over recent years, equating to around 13,000 homes built per year, as they give homeowners the opportunity to build their dream homes. There are differences between custom and self-build projects.

Self-build is when an individual organises the design and construction of a home on a parcel of land that they own. Contrastingly, custom build refers to a developer led scheme where an individual can work with the developer to customise elements of the property to make the layout and design work for them. Typically self-build homes require a more hands-on approach by the homeowner, but it is believed only 10% of homeowners are actively involved in the construction process, instead opting to contract tradespeople.

There are often misconceptions that self-build properties are only an option for people with big budgets, but they are available for a wide range of price points, and developers are increasingly helping to facilitate this.

To encourage the number of custom and self-build homes in the UK housing market, the government passed the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, later amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

Ashford Borough Council is creating high quality temporary accommodation apartments for homeless people on an under-used car park on the edge of Ashford Town Centre continues to shine in prestigious awards schemes.

The council is delivering the project with ZED PODS, an award-winning British modular company, to design and build 23 high-quality, extremely energy efficient, factory-produced modular homes for the site. The last of the modules were delivered and installed last month and site work is continuing before the first occupants move in later this summer.

The Henwood TA scheme

The 23 units of short-stay apartments will be a stepping stone until individuals or households who have become homeless are able to move-on to more permanent accommodation. Not only will the scheme make savings for the council’s General Fund over the life of the project, homeless people staying there will enjoy better living conditions.

Scheme named Fortis House

Fortis House is derived from the close proximity to Martyrs’ Field and fits with the purpose of the accommodation, a place where people can find their feet again. So while it links to past events it’s also reflective of a secure place where people can build a new life for themselves.

Zero carbon homes These homes are highly-insulated and triple-glazed, with heat recovery ventilation and featuring 180 solar panels integrated into the roof. The fabric of the building is designed to create zero operational carbon homes with very low energy consumption and running costs. One of the benefits of using modular construction is that the disruption on site to surrounding residents and businesses during construction will be less than a traditional build.

Sense of community

The 23 self-contained homes are a mix of 13 one-bed, nine two-bed and one three-bed dwellings, to ensure a mix of individuals and families can be accommodated. This diversity will help foster a sense of community and makes the site easier to manage. There is a large enclosed communal garden and parking bays for 19 vehicles are included, including two disabled bays.

Custom build scheme in Ashford

Otium Lake, Pluckley

Designed by the award-winning Hollaway studio, Otium Lake will be a lakeside development of 31 bespoke homes in Pluckley. The 20-acre estate offers plenty of green space and is set within electric gates, making it a safe environment for its residents. The development benefits from a rural location without compromising on connectivity, only an hour from London from the nearby Pluckley train station.

Construction company Hibau’s vision is to create 25 tailor-made homes as part of the lakeside phase of the development. These properties will be unique, individually designed homes and will give people the opportunity to customise according to their exact requirements.

Learn more about Otium Lake: https://www.hibau.co.uk/

Self-build scheme in Ashford

Orchard Farm, Kennington

Located to the north of Ashford in Kennington, Orchard Farm is planning to be the first sustainable self-build community in Kent by enabling its future residents to build their own homes. People will be able to choose the layout and specification to ensure it is a house built for them. They will also get to choose the level of involvement that they have in the build and can choose to work with professionals if they wish. The serviced plots will have all the necessary infrastructure already in place such as roads, drainage and electricity.

The scheme is being brought forward by OFKL (Orchard Farm Kent Ltd), which is a partnership between Kent-based developer Urbanise and self-build experts from the Netherlands, Steenvlinder. The first 25 plots have been granted planning permission, with plans for around 115 homes on the site once complete.

Discover more about the development: www.orchardfarmkent.co.uk