Graven Hill self-build home wins Build It Award

Published by

Sam Pither

A self-build home in Bicester has won one of the most prestigious awards available to the self-build housing sector, a Build It Award.

Three of the homes at Graven Hill in Bicester were nominated for five accolades in four categories: Best Timber Framed Home, Best ICF Home, Best Off-site Manufactured Home and Best Eco-Home.

The award for Best Off-Site Manufactured Home went to James and Gemma Hooker’s Dan-Wood home, which utilises a turn-key timber frame with every component produced off-site and manufactured within 10 days of the finishing the design.

The entire home was then assembled and made waterproof in less than a week, leaving only the kitchen left to complete the entire project.

The fully electric property uses an air source heat pump to deliver 75 per cent of its heating for free from a natural resource, with strong insulation through SIPs panels keeping heating bills at a minimum. The structure has also been designed to maximise solar gain.

The award winners and representatives from Graven Hill being presented with the award

Gemma Davis, customer experience director at Graven Hill Village Development Company, said: “Working closely with a dedicated Dan-Wood designer, Gemma and James created an exceptional home with extraordinary design choices.

“The customisation inspiration came from online research and a love of Grand Designs, pairing natural materials with a unique, almost black finish which, coupled with the balcony, provides a contemporary and striking result.

“Ultimately, they have achieved a self-build dream with the speed and ease of an off-site manufacturing solution and we are delighted their fantastic home has secured this award, it is well-deserved.”

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.