Peter had planned to undertake a cottage renovation project in Dorchester when he retired. However, the grounds of the property extended to 2.5 acres, and he realised there was an opportunity to build on the unused land.

Having spent many years living and working in Scandinavia, the Reads had fallen in love with timber frame houses. Peter said, “My main concern is energy efficiency and as timber frames are heated by just 12,000Kw hours per year compared to 30,000Kw that a traditional British home might need, they stay warm even in the harshest of climates”.

With the help and expertise of Potton, Peter decided to build three Shalford B barn style houses and four garages in the grounds of his house, set in a circle around a chestnut tree. Energy saving features included a sewage treatment plant for each house, power regulators to control the lighting and 98% efficient gas boilers.

Peter said “I’m such a strong advocate for timber frame and would absolutely recommend it. The speed of build is just staggering – each house took just 10 weeks to complete!”

“With Potton’s knowledge and expertise we could make modifications to the original design to fit our own needs – self build gives you so much freedom”.

Peter is so pleased with the finished result that he and his wife have decided to keep one of the new homes and live in it themselves!