FRANK AND KERRY’S TOP TIPS


* Find an architect with knowledge of local


contractors and planning authorities, then follow their guidance.


* Using recommended contractors should help


you avoid the sort of rogue operators that might take a payment and then disappear.


* Design for yourself  in other words, a house that


suits your needs, current and future.


* Get your architect or quantity surveyor to


check invoices, then pay your contractors prompt- ly and in full  its always a good idea to get a reputation as a good payer.


* Don’t assume the fi nished value of your


self-build will equal what you spent on it.


“We wanted something that would largely look after itself with minimum maintenance and running costs, which is why we chose a Passivhaus home”


Thankfully, with all the challenges behind them, Frank and Kerry are now able to enjoy what they have created. “We love it,” says Kerry. “e defi nitely feel at home here and were so pleased that it’s all come together as we envisaged it. Every space is lovely and of course looking out onto the river is a joy.” Anchorages lower fl oor is host to an ensuite main bedroom, a second bedroom and a studio  all of which have access to a landscaped garden and have views of the Avon  plus a bathroom, a utility room and plant room. n the overhanging upper fl oor, facing the


river, there is a living room, terrace and kitchen/ dining space, while an offi ce, stairs, lobby and toilet occupy the area facing the road. Kerry says: “We wanted something that would largely look after itself with minimum maintenance and running costs, which is why we chose a Passivhaus home. We also wanted interesting architecture with our personal style. People who know us and our previous projects know immediately that this home is ours. It may be our fi rst assivhaus, but weve always been pushing the envelope using advanced and sustainable construction.


“It was always our plan to have the living space upstairs, and we have the kitchen/dining area that opens up onto a terrace so we can entertain/eat out there.


“And of course we have river views framed


by large windows across almost the whole south-facing aspect of the house. The solar gain is great, but when that is too much, there are external blinds and an awning for shading, while the overhang protects the lower fl oor.” The couple are also particularly proud of their bespoke timber staircase. Comprising two half


fl ights with a half landing in between, the upper half is open with two glulam beams and timber treads fi xed to that. A single pane of glass between two stainless steel posts forms the balustrade. Alternate steps of the lower half go under the upper half to create a display space.


Anchorage also boasts an eye catching fl oor- to-ceiling pivot door, with 3D wooden panels, which forms a stylish gateway between the living room and the rest of the open-space areas on the upper fl oor.


Another unique touch is the steel balustrade on the upper fl oor terrace outside the dining area. Fashioned by a local blacksmith, it is shaped to look like bulrushes to echo the river you see below it. Kerry reveals: “These features and just about everything else in the house have at least some design input from us, refl ecting our experience from previous projects.” Architect Tim, who did so much to ensure this self-build crossed the fi nish line despite the unwanted problems, is delighted his clients are happy. He says: “Anchorage celebrates the river position, making the most of the site. But it is also a Passivhaus that’s architecturally dynamic and proves that low-energy design doesn’t have to be boxy or boring.”


Anchorage certainly continues to win praise and admiration. Tim adds: “The project’s Larson truss system was a fi nalist in two categories at the Structural Timber Awards, and I recently took a small party of local planning authority staff and committee members to Anchorage to show them what’s possible with the Passivhaus approach in new homes. They were impressed.”


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