Sponsored news item for the HebWeb
Friday, 21 August 2020
A Contemporary Home in the English Countryside
Stunning views, quiet road and peaceful surroundings. For many, living in the English countryside is the dream.
However, many country homes don’t quite offer the modern comforts that we have come to expect. For this reason, it is no surprise that building a contemporary home in the English countryside is coming more popular.
In this article, we explore the possibilities of creating a contemporary home in areas of the countryside, such as those around Hebden.
Appropriate Building
The first and most important thing to consider when exploring a contemporary home is understanding what type is home is appropriate for the area. This is both due to wanting to ensure that your home fits in naturally, as well as adhering to any laws around building.
For example, with Hebden Bridge being one of the UK’s most beautiful locations, it may be tricky to secure planning permission that doesn’t fit in with the look and feel of the area.
Barn Conversions
Converting a barn into a property is a great way to create a beautiful, contemporary home in the countryside. This is especially true when it comes to gaining planning permission since the building has likely already been present in the location for many years.
Adding a modern interior to a barn conversion can offer the best both worlds of a traditional building with a contemporary vibe. Although you may not be able to use all aspects of the original barn, depending on its condition, you will likely be able to use a considerable amount of the external materials, making this a cost-effective and sustainable option.
Since barns are often old and not built as human dwellings, their structural integrity can occasionally be questionable. This can lead to potential issues, costs and challenges when building. As barn conversions are incredibly popular, it can also be tricky to find a suitable site, often leading to premiums being paid for those that are available.
Underground Homes
An underground home is a novel alternative to a barn conversion.
Building your property into or under the ground is a good way to make the most the land you are building on, whilst maintaining a low profile. This is especially important in areas where the natural landscape is considered of national importance.
Underground homes have their challenges in terms of building a solid structure and ensuring issues like damp do not cause problems. However, it is also a great way to build a naturally well-insulated property and to make the most of the environment in a way which does not harm it.
Shipping Container Homes
Both commercial and domestic builders are now commonly using shipping containers in new builds. This is primarily due to the flexible and durable nature of the containers and how simple it can be to build houses from them. Reusing old shipping containers is also a good way to recycle materials that may have previously gone to scrap.
Although popular, gaining approval for a shipping container home in and around Hebden Bridge may be tricky, due to their industrial look. Shipping containers also need considerable reinforcement to make them safe and suitable properties.
Concrete Homes
Concrete offers a flexible, durable and sleek building material for a contemporary home. Although not traditionally considered as environmentally friendly, producers are constantly moving to more sustainable methods of production to meet strict standards. Concrete homes also offer considerable longevity, especially in cases where is it used in partnership with a reinforcing steel mesh.
Although not usually thought of as typical English countryside building material, concrete can be used subtly to match the environment. Combining an underground home with a concrete structure applies the best of both building types.
Building a contemporary home in the English countryside is certainly achievable. Yet, when doing so special time and attention should be given to ensuring any new building fits naturally with the surrounding area. The four examples of contemporary homes we give in this article are a good place to start when looking for inspiration.
Sponsored news item for the HebWeb