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. Dubbed the Education House, it 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.
