New / Self Build Architectural Designer

Perhaps you are a builder who is looking to build a small development scheme of 1-10 houses, or perhaps you are an individual wishing to build your future home, either way we can help with the design and layout of your project, providing planning, building control and technical design assistance.

We can carry out a site appraisal of your plot for a new build. We can do this in advance of the land purchase or once you are in possession of land with or without permission to develop. Appraising land for building a home involves looking at aspects such as location, proximity of nearby buildings, flood risks, access onto the site, provisions of services, development potential, existing features of the site and legislation and planning policies that may apply.

Concept designs based on your brief can be executed and from this we can look at optimal layout options, ideal aspects to maximise sunlight, selection and use of materials, energy performance requirements, importance of thermal comfort, energy types available for heating and hot water, aesthetic preferences, specific living needs and your design choices.

Contact GO Architecture today to see how we can help with your new and self build project.

New / Self Build

Innovative and Sustainable Architectural Techniques for Self Build Homes

We have experience in designing and overseeing various house construction techniques, including traditional masonry cavity wall construction, timber frame construction, as well as modular panel construction, however we are always interested in learning new and innovative ways of building and are here to help you achieve your desired finished home whatever the chosen build method.

We prioritise energy efficiency and sustainable design and possess expertise in creating intricately insulated and advanced projects that significantly reduce energy consumption compared to buildings constructed to meet the bare minimum requirements of building regulations. While we can certainly adhere to the minimum standards mandated by building regulations, we believe that it is far more desirable to live in a home that demands less energy, especially considering the rising cost of energy.

In order to facilitate a seamless design process, we actively coordinate and collaborate with consultants at each stage. If necessary, we can initiate a formal tender process to select suitable builders, contractors, and tradespeople, while also supplying them with pertinent and comprehensive technical details. We are able to provide on site assistance during the construction stages and help ensure a smooth build process right up to completion.

How can we help?

We have experience of working on self build projects designed and built to Passivhaus standards and enjoy guiding and working with clients on their journey to help achieve an energy efficient and sustainable home.

The necessary documentation to apply for planning permission and building regulations approval can be produced by us to agreed timescales, liaising with you at critical points of the process.

Utilising building information modelling software enables us to create a digital 3D model of your home which can be interrogated to extract useful information on areas, measurements of specific parts and views of critical junctions.

We will liaise with energy consultants so that we can provide options of ways to limit energy consumption with the view to provide a sustainable home.

GO Architecture can work with you to carefully tailor the design to your personal preferences dependant on your budget, taste and style.

Start your new build project today with GO Architecture by booking a free consulation.

New / Self Build
New / Self Build

Our Latest New & Self Build Projects

Explore our latest new and self-build projects, showcasing innovative designs and expert craftsmanship.

From contemporary open-plan layouts to energy-efficient living spaces, see how we’ve helped bring our clients’ dream homes to life. Discover inspiration for your own new build project.

New / Self Build FAQs

Yes, we prioritise energy efficiency and sustainable design, using advanced insulation and innovative construction techniques to create homes with significantly reduced energy consumption. Take a look at our Passivhaus page for more information.

Yes, we can appraise your plot, assessing location, nearby buildings, flood risks, site access, services, development potential, existing features, and applicable planning policies.

There are many costs associated with any self build project. Some examples of what you might expect are listed below. The amounts can vary significantly depending on lots of factors and this is certainly not an exhaustive list:

  • Architectural
  • Builder costs – materials and labour
  • Building control
  • Building warranty
  • Electrician
  • Energy assessor
  • External works and Landscaping
  • Groundworker
  • Kit build design and install
  • Legal and conveyancing – As with purchasing any real estate a legal professional is required
  • Mortgage broker
  • Party wall surveyor
  • Planning application
  • Plumber
  • Purchase of land – The price of land will depend on key factors such as whether planning permission has already been obtained, its current use status, its location, its size/area and its geographic location.
  • Quantity surveyor
  • Renewables installer
  • Roofer
  • Searches
  • Structural engineer
  • Survey and reports to accompany the planning application
  • Utilities: Water, gas, electric, telecomms, mains drainage

The stages for a custom build and new build house generally follow the same route. However, the difference lies in the actual involvement and influence on the design and construction you can have, with custom build allowing for less control than self build, and new build, sold and bought by a developer, involving almost no control.

A section within the National Planning Policy Framework allows for new houses to be built within the countryside. There are certain circumstances with which an application may be approved. Also known as the ‘Country House Clause’, the basis of Paragraph 84 is that there is great emphasis on exceptional quality and approach to the design, as set out in the NPPF, paragraph 84 (criterion e) (December 2023)

The design is of exceptional quality, in that it:

  • is truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards in architecture, and would help to raise standards of design more generally in rural areas; and
  • would significantly enhance its immediate setting, and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.

Where this exception clause is to be exercised, there is a requirement to justify the proposal and how it deals with the requirements. In addition to the design, particular attention would be needed to apply innovative solutions, building techniques and sustainable principles. The site itself will play a crucial role as it would need to satisfy the isolated criteria and the site can play its role with how the building is designed based on the site’s topography and the surrounding features.

We can assist with the selection of suitable builders, suppliers and sub-contractors for your project.

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