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Our Favourite: New Build Homes on a Budget

This month Our Favourites is budget-friendly new build homes. These projects prove that great design doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. From clever layouts to smart material choices, these inspiring new build homes perfectly balance smart design and affordability.


Image credit: Rory Allen and Ian Chalk Architects

josh & Mami

Oak Tree House

“The simplified geometry and form of the timber frame construction, alongside sensible opening sizes, allow build costs to be minimised.”

“Subtle cladding details bring intrigue and interest to the facade whilst creative landscaping helps the home make the most of the modest sized garden.”

“The total cost is £335,000 for 82 m2 in Greenwich, which is quite impressive in 2023 completion for the new build in London.”

Ian Chalk Architects


alan

Shadow House

“There’s so much I love about this self-build micro house in London.”

“The creative use of level changes, lighting and every square millimetre of space make this house feel much larger than it truly is.”

“I also admire the perseverance of the architect couple who designed and built it. After a lengthy planning battle they got their hands dirty by doing much of the building work themselves on a tiny budget.”

Liddicoat & Goldhill website

Image credit: Keith Collie & Liddicoat & Goldhill

paul

Slate House

“This is an exemplary project that shows what can be achieved if the budget is kept front and centre throughout the design process.”

“This starts with the efficient building form and carefully placed and sized glazing and carries on through a tried and tested construction approach; an efficient use of materials and materials chosen carefully for their effectiveness, cost and longevity.”

“It’s incredible that the build was delivered for £1000/m2 up to a water tight, insulated and air-tight shell which the clients fitted out themselves.”

“It doesn’t feel like any quality has been lost to this reduced cost as the project was properly value engineered from the start..”

Elemental Solutions website


anna

Half of Eleven

“The costs have been kept down with the rectangular form of the building and simple details.”

“The single storey, long thin plan arrangement is very efficient which has meant that they have fit three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living space and an office area into 162m2, keeping overall costs down.”

“The form has also allowed for lots of glazing to the main living space making it feel really generous.”

Dualchas Architects

Image credit: David Barbour and Dualchas Architects

Image credit: Aidan McGrath and McGonigle McGrath Architects

henry

Lessans House

“The architect used deliberately simple details and construction methods that included cheap concrete blocks for the walls.”

“The finishes are really basic inside but give way to the extensive views through massive pieces of glazing.”

“The construction cost was less than £500k and equivalent to £1,425 per square metre.”

McGonigle McGrath Architects

Ready to build your dream home without spending millions?

Contact HEM Architects today and let’s create something amazing that’s on an affordable budget.