UK Self-Build Homes: Construction & Energy Design

Designing a self build home is as daunting as it is rewarding, with an abundance of decisions being shoved in front of you.

From choosing the method of construction used to build the home, to the energy sources that will power it, it can all get a little overwhelming. Thankfully, you're not alone. At EPC, we design, supply, install, and service renewable energy sources for self builds, taking an enormous weight off your shoulders.

In this article, we'll run you through the possible construction methods, noting their individual pros and cons. We'll also highlight the renewable energy sources you can incorporate into your self build, helping you lower your carbon footprint and reduce your monthly energy bills.

Types of Self-Build Construction Methods

Building your own home isn’t as simple as picking a plot and laying down a few bricks. Instead, there are a handful of construction methods to choose from, each with their own positive and negative aspects. Choosing the right one for you is important; after all, it will affect the long-term performance of the home as well as short-term factors such as cost and build time. 

Here are the main self-build construction methods.

Brick and Block (Traditional Masonry)

Brick and block construction is a traditional construction method, involving the use of bricks and concrete blocks in a cavity wall system. The outer wall of the construction will consist of bricks, with the inner being concrete blocks. The cavity in between is filled with insulation. For maximum structural integrity, the construction is built on strong concrete foundations. 

Pros:

• Durability: Brick and block constructions are built to last, capable of withstanding extreme weather, fire, and rotting. 

• Energy efficiency: The insulation levels in brick and block constructions traps heat within the building, improving energy efficiency. 

• Low-maintenance: Brick and block constructions are low maintenance, which will save you money on repairs in the long run. 

Cons:

• Higher upfront costs: While you will be in line to make savings in the future, brick and block constructions are more expensive than most construction methods.

• Long build time: Because of the individual laying of bricks, brick and block constructions take a long time to build. 

• Complicated project: Skilled labour is required to build brick and block constructions. This will add to labour costs, further increasing the price of the method. 

Timber Frame Builds

Fitting your project into a shorter space of time is possible with timber frame construction. It involves creating a wooden frame, which will be filled with insulation and covered with cladding. This is a much quicker process than brick and block construction, and also leaves more flexibility for modifications and extensions in the future. However, as the frame is made from timber, it will be prone to moisture damage if maintenance isn’t carried out.

Pros:

• Fast building: Timber frame constructions can be built faster than brick and block projects.

• Energy efficiency: You can achieve excellent energy efficiency with timber frames, with airtight construction and the incorporation of good insulation.

• Design adaptability: Timber frame builds can easily be adapted and extended. Various forms of cladding can be used, and different building shapes can be created.

Cons:

• Susceptible to moisture damage: Without adequate maintenance, timber frames can be susceptible to moisture damage, causing rot and decay.

• Specialised techniques: Timber frame construction can be complex, requiring specialised skills and techniques to be used.

• Possible shrinkage: Timber can shrink and swell depending on the conditions it is exposed to. This can affect the stability of the frames.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are building materials used in residential, commercial, and self builds. They are a form of sandwich panel, meaning they contain insulation between two structural facings. Known for their long lifespans and consistent high performance levels, SIPs are becoming increasingly popular.

Pros:

• High-level energy efficiency: SIPs are high-performance materials, providing excellent insulation over long time periods. They are also airtight when installed correctly, making them a very efficient option for self builds. 

• Environmentally friendly: Compared to timber frames, SIPs use less wood in their manufacturing process. They’re also made from the wood of fast-growing trees.

• Reduced waste: SIPs can be pre-cut and numbered, giving you the exact quantity you need and minimising waste on the site.

Cons: 

• High upfront costs: With SIPs, you’re paying for quality. It’s a construction method that commands a high upfront cost.

• Ventilation issues: SIPs are airtight, which makes them more efficient. However, this can be an issue for ventilation, requiring you to fit mechanical ventilation systems for correct air exchange.

• Lack of modification: Unlike timber frame builds, SIPs don’t allow for easy modification further down the line.

Renewable Energy Solutions for Self Build Projects

A self build project starts as a blank slate, allowing you to optimise your construction for the future. This includes the integration of renewable energy, which will help you keep the running costs of your new home to a minimum. The earlier you incorporate renewables into your self build project, the better. This way, you can easily integrate the various energy sources with each other.

These sources include:

Heat pumps

A heat pump will take the heat from the outside air and transfer it into your self build. It will provide your new home with heating and hot water, saving you hundreds of pounds a year in the process. Heat pumps can be easily integrated with underfloor heating, another option to consider.

Underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is usually seen as a luxury addition to a self build project. However, when working alongside a heat pump, it's a cost-effective way to ensure even heat distribution across the home. Plus, underfloor heating systems are a lot simpler to install during the building of the home than they are retroactively.

Solar panels

Installing solar panels on a self build is a no-brainer. By converting sunlight into electricity, solar panels will reduce your reliance on the grid, saving you a considerable amount on your electricity bills each year.

Battery storage

With battery storage working alongside your solar panels, you can conserve the excess electricity the panels generate. This can be used at times of limited sunlight, such as the evenings or cloudy days. It will also be able to keep your home powered during electricity outages in your area.

MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery)

An MVHR system will continuously provide your self build with fresh, filtered air. It will also recover the heat from outgoing air, pre-heating the fresh air coming in. MVHR units are often a requirement for new builds, in order to meet ventilation standards.

Incorporating all of these renewable energy sources into your self build will revolutionise your living standards. They will help you reduce your carbon footprint to a minuscule level, while keeping your monthly bills as low as possible.