Contemporary oak framed self build

When Patsy set her mind on building her own house, her mind was firmly set on a contemporary look. With help navigating the planning guidance, the sustainable house was constructed using oak frame and blockwork, large windows and low energy heating. 

Featuring an open-plan kitchen and spiral staircase leading to an undercroft, Patsy wanted a smart fire safety solution that would maintain a boutique modern style, allow her to retain the large open rooms with non-intrusive fire suppression system.

Retaining the clean contemporary lines and carefully selected mix of materials was key to delivering a successful project.

Because the kitchen features no extraction or ventilation, the client was recommended to install an Automist fire suppression system from Plumis.

Patsy’s new home was built with sustainability in mind, so installing the Plumis Automist systam made sense due to its low water usage (a tenth of conventional systems).

Space was limited on this project so Automist was ideal as it doesn’t need a tank because it connects directly to the domestic water supply.

The Smartscan Hydra system is perfect for the contemporary interior. The panels are more discreet than traditional systems and in the event of a fire the system automatically detects smoke and to identify and target the origin of a fire. The spray head then releases a fine water mist directly at the fire, removing heat and reducing the oxygen in the air  to suppress the fire.

We installed the SmartScan system and client is very happy with the outcome of their project. Patsy said: “After spending so much to build my own eco house, I wanted to make sure it was well protected – especially given it is made of oak – and in the event of a fire that the suppression system I did have in place, wouldn’t destroy the interiors. I was really impressed by the system’s ability to reduce water usage without compromising safety, which was one of my reasons for choosing the system.”

The simplicity of the system, along with the speed and ease of installation, also fitted in with Patsy’s 25-week build schedule – all completed safely, during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The house was subsequently awarded Spirit of Self Build and Readers’ Choice at The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2021.