Developer Hugr Homes and timber frame manufacturer Fleming Homes have joined forces to deliver Wellbank, a 50 home scheme in the Lake District National Park.
North-West based Hugr Homes is behind Wellbank, a 50-plot development on the edge of Bootle village in West Cumbria, backed by its private equity partner FNS. Currently Hugr is working to deliver infrastructure for the first 18 plots on the site.
As part of its aim to create an eco-friendly development of sustainable homes, it has partnered with Borders-based Fleming Homes, which brings more than 35 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of bespoke, timber frame homes.
Hugr believes that custom build is ideal for people who want to create their own home with minimal risk because it enables them to have control of the design and specification to suit them and their budget, while benefiting from the expertise of a developer.
Using a timber frame super structures is a good choice for this model, as the buildings are quick to erect, with the average four-bed family home wind and watertight in two to three weeks. As a modern method of construction (MMC) timber frame relies on offsite fabrication to exacting standards. This offers considerable efficiencies when it comes to managing build schedules as delays are minimised.
Wellbank is in the Lake District National Park, and will be one of the largest custom build schemes in the UK, with the exception of the 1,900 home Graven Hill with its 10 year lifespan. Both companies have been involved in the design process to create a range of houses and bungalows to suit the site, with buyers having multiple options to achieve their ideal home.
Joe Higginson, founder and managing director of Hugr Homes, said: “We were keen to work with a timber frame company to help the process for the buyers of plots at Wellbank and it was clear that Fleming Homes had the right product and the experience in this sector.
“The Fleming Homes team will provide guidance and expertise to plot buyers to help in the design and specification of their homes in this beautiful part of the Lake District National Park. Custom building your own home can seem a little more daunting than it really is, but we help to make the process as smooth as possible.
“If you buy a new home in the UK, your choice is limited to the designs the national house builders decide you should have, but with custom build, the buyer is in charge of room layouts, specifications and the green and smart elements to boost the eco credentials.
“It’s far more economical than many people believe and they may be surprised to find a custom-build option is well within their budget. It’s an option that is well-established across Europe and we want to see the UK catch up.”
Sarah Mathieson, managing director of Fleming Homes, said: “We both align on the idea of helping more people live in higher quality homes. What Fleming Homes is keen to do is open-up the possibility of self and custom-building as a real option to more people to achieve more low-carbon, energy efficient, quality homes.
“It’s about giving more choice for homeowners to live their lives in homes that meet their aspirations for living and in homes that are ultimately fit for the future.”
Images: Artform Architects
