Archive: Self-build on a Shoestring

Self-build on a Shoestring was a competition run by NaCSBA, looking for affordable and buildable ideas for owner-commissioned housing. The competition ran for several years, and last ran in 2017.

It was a creative way of generating ideas for affordable and buildable ideas for owner-commissioned housing.

We looked for cost-effective, green and beautiful designs. Selected entries were displayed at Grand Designs Live and the winners shared a £5,000 prize fund.

It was launched as part of National Custom & Self Build Week in May each year, with a September deadline prior to the winner’s ceremony at the Grand Designs Live event in Birmingham in October.

Competition details

This competition is open to all.
Your design must be capable of being customised to suit the owners – so you will need to show a number of internal layouts and provide a menu of finish or specification options.
The Starter Home should work as a standalone or terraced property, and might also be stacked to deliver a modest block of maisonettes or flats.
We want entrants to design a Starter Home that provides a reasonable living/dining area, kitchen, bathroom, study area and one or two bedrooms.
We are looking for cost-effective, beautiful and green designs.
Selected entries will be displayed at Grand Designs Live and the winners will share a £5,000 prize fund!