HIGH POINT


When we had all our friends and family over for the first time for my wife’s birthday, and the ‘wow’ reaction I was getting from everyone. We love the house, but when something you’ve created is appreciated by other people, too – that takes it to another level. – Dheeraj Malik


life as a graphic designer back in India, so maybe this house has been a way for me to channel my creative side.”


He continues: “I made a 3D polystyrene model of how I wanted the house to be designed. Of course, I didn’t know anything about making it structurally sound – I went to the professionals about that – but the finished house looks exactly the same as that model.” One of those professionals was architect David Paynter, recommended because of his experience of working with insulated concrete form (ICF), which was the building system that Dheeraj decided to use for the Maliks’ new home.


Dheeraj says: “We came across ICF when we


were researching building technology. It was fine in terms of planning approval – at Graven Hill they’re open to a range of construction techniques. We talked to a contractor, viewed some properties built using ICF, and we quickly became convinced it suited our desire for open spaces and high ceilings.” As well as being impressed by the high


thermal insulation qualities of the 8 metre ICF blocks, being able to make use of offcuts ensured they kept site wastage to a minimum. Dheeraj also calculated the increased construction speed ICF allows would be better than a traditional brick and block method in delivering within his desired timescale. He was right. While the family rented nearby, building work began in September 2018 and the Maliks


april/may 2020


The couple were brave enough to take on the challenge of self-building with no previous experience


moved into their new home just seven months later in April 2019.


That was achieved despite the fact the ICF contractor went bust and Dheeraj had to hire the


www.sbhonline.co.uk 53


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