‘Custom build’ oak-framed homes development wins Actis-sponsored award

A small, bespoke development of individually designed oak-framed homes in rural Herefordshire has won the Actis- sponsored Self-Build Project of the Year category at the annual Structural Timber Awards.

The award was presented by Actis specification manager Amaret Chahal to oak frame specialists Oakwrights and landowner Kinsey Hern at a ceremony at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham this month.

Amaret, co-writer of one of Actis’ RIBA-approved CPDs, said the award recognised the natural, sustainable design of their creation, Webbs Meadow, a collection of 13 custom build oak frame homes in the village of Lyonshall.

A spokesperson from Oakwrights said: “The flexibility of this development allowed self-builders to adapt the design of their oak frame homes to fit their lifestyles and future needs.

 “Our design code is mindful of the character of Lyonshall and uses a material palette that is in-keeping with the local vernacular, whilst making each house personal. With the basic design concept in place, homebuyers have a varied selection of house styles to choose from and can still personalise each to meet their specific needs and preferences providing the broader design code is maintained.”.

Actis, which has sponsored the awards for a number of years, is keen to champion the work of designers who create individual, dramatic but, crucially, environmentally-friendly buildings.