Here you can read about Visitors of the Centre who have been inspired by the resources at the NSBRC, be it our popular National Self Build and Renovation Shows, or the array of Training Courses and Workshops run throughout the year, many have gone on to successfully complete a construction project. Why not take a look and see how the NSBRC can help you with your project?
Kilmory House, Peter Neville
With NSBRC Partner, Total Home Environment
Retired house builder Peter Neville drew on 30 years’ experience to create his own energy-efficient timber-frame home in Reading, thoughtfully designed around its hillside setting, spectacular views and future needs.
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David's Story - A future-proofed home with solar panels and a heat pump
With NSBRC Partner, Good Energy
David lives in a three-storey home in Bristol. Wanting to make his home greener and cheaper to run, he chose NSBRC Partner, Good Energy, to install an air source heat pump, a 7.5 kWp solar array and a Tesla Powerwall 3 in 2025. Now, we’re sharing his experience.
Meadowcroft - Mike & Jo Lawrence
Meadowcroft showcases the remarkable 115-day journey from breaking ground to completion of an ultra-low-carbon self-build home, delivering net-negative carbon performance, exceptional energy efficiency and minimal running costs - all at a comparable cost to a traditional build.
Tapco Roofing | TapcoSlate roof system
From inspiration to installation: How one NSBRC visit helped shape a high-performance home.
When Emma and Simon Candy began planning their contemporary self build home in rural Scotland, they wanted every element of the project to combine sustainability, performance and design quality. One of the key decisions centred around the roof - specifically, how to maximise solar energy generation while maintaining the appearance of a traditional slate finish.
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English Brothers - Henley House
Henley House is part of English Brothers’ Traditional Builds collection - a showcase of precision-engineered timber frame homes inspired by Britain’s architectural heritage.
Set within landscaped grounds in Henley-on-Thames, this impressive self build by Liina and Kevin Beard shows how classic design and modern construction can work hand in hand.
Influenced by Georgian architecture, the home features high ceilings, large timber windows, and a strong sense of balance and symmetry, creating a property that feels both elegant and welcoming.
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Fleming Homes - Timber Frame Self Build in Oxton
When Nicky and Gavin met in Colchester, they couldn’t have imagined that their life together would be filled with a series of renovations and self-builds. Yet, just completing their fifth Fleming Homes self-build, they are still driven by the same motivation: a love for the self-build journey.
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Guy & Susan Hargreaves
Guy and Susan Hargreaves, based in Oxford, undertook a major renovation and extension of their mid-terrace home (originally built in 1906), achieving Passivhaus EnerPHit certification through multiple retrofitting methods, blending modern sustainability with traditional townscape character.
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