Graven Hill

The Education House

For 30 years, Build It magazine has supported self-builders across the UK, so to celebrate their anniversary they hit on a novel idea: building their own house. Graven Hill, dubbed the Education House, would be a living prototype for aspiring self-builders to visit and tour, gaining a better insight into the entire process, from start to finish.

Wow factor

Build It commissioned lapd Architects for the job, and selected a site at Graven Hill, Bicester – the largest self-build development in the UK, made famous by the Grand Designs TV special ‘The Street’. Tasked with delivering ‘wow’ factor on a budget, they selected an ICF (insulated concrete framework) construction system, and decided early on that timber cladding would be key to creating the architecturally-led contemporary finish they desired.

“The cladding was to be the hero, with the render in a supporting role.”

Clean, contemporary finish

Russwood SILA Select® Siberian Larch was the product of choice, laid in 70mm width rainscreen profile. SiOO:X treatment retains the natural beauty of the timber but allows for uniform weathering, whilst secret fixings of FassadenClip® and L-GoFix® A2 screws provide a clean, contemporary finish.

At the specification stage I flew up to visit the Russwood showroom in Newtonmore and I would highly recommend this to everyone. The knowledge and friendliness of their team and the huge range of products on display – and weathering in their outdoor display areas – was invaluable. Similarly, the after sales technical support was supportive and never patronising – so first class!