Exceptional ‘para 55’ modular timber home
Blurring the distinction between architecture and landscape, Burfield House was built using a pioneering U-Build modular system by Studio Bark that provides a new benchmark for environmentally conscious building.
Burfield House
When a local couple inherited a picturesque streamside meadow surrounded by mature trees near Billingford, they envisioned a highly-sustainable home that would blend seamlessly with the natural environment. They approached our team with a self-build dream that would require planning approval under Paragraph 55, reserved only for designs that are truly outstanding or innovative and significantly enhance their setting.
A new modular building system.
The construction relied on Studio Bark's groundbreaking U-Build system, made up of solid plywood flat pack panels that are stacked and bolted to create a robust, resilient and cost-effective building. Manufactured off-site through computer aided cutting, this approach minimises waste through efficient 'nesting' of parts and uses a 300mm repeating grid that fits perfectly on standard plywood sheets.
The modular system was new to our team, but we quickly developed an efficient strategy to erect the timber cassettes. Keeping materials dry through changeable weather was a challenge, so we installed a scaffold roof that protected the building during assembly throughout the seasons.
Sustainable design throughout.
Beyond the innovative structural approach, sustainable principles define every element of Burfield House. The walls are insulated with natural sheep's wool and photovoltaic panels are discretely positioned on the roof. An air source heat pump provides efficient heating, supplemented by underfloor heating throughout the ground floor.
The property blends effortlessly with its surroundings.
The external red cedar timber cladding has matured to a soft weathered grey, while sedum roofing matches the beautiful wild grasses covering the plot. Its contemporary geometric form is punctuated by bold windows of varied shapes and sizes, creating a home that only looks better as it ages.
Innovation within budget.
Despite its unique nature and pioneering construction methods, Burfield House was completed within a modest budget and tight time constraints, demonstrating that it’s possible to complete interesting and sustainable buildings within reasonable cost.
“We chose Grocott and Murfit to build our pioneering, sustainable home because they offer a wealth of expertise at every level. Throughout the duration of our build, they showed a natural professionalism and genuine work ethic. We were so lucky to find the talented craftsmen our timber frame design required, and the customer service has continued to be superb since completion. Grocott and Murfit are exceptional builders!” CLAIRE BRAHIMI, CLIENT
“Our team like to push boundaries with innovative techniques and are always open to learning new practices. It’s fantastic to work so collaboratively with architects and the clients, who were extremely hands-on. We enjoyed working on this small project knowing that it’s going to have an even smaller environmental impact.” DANIEL GROCOTT, DIRECTOR
Burfield House meets the high standards set for a ‘para 55’ project, allowing this truly outstanding design to be built in the open Norfolk countryside.
