West clandon

A bespoke private residence for a high-end client,

Combining traditional oak framing with advanced SIPs panel construction. Completed in 2024.

Position:

Design / Technical Manager

About

The site originally contained a dated detached dwelling within a large garden plot. Planning permission was granted for redevelopment into two detached traditional English-style cottages, with the land subsequently divided and sold as two separate plots.

This project relates to Plot 2. Following purchase, the client secured amendments to the approved scheme to accommodate an oak frame structure with SIPs panel construction, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, an indoor swim spa, a lift, and high-end luxury internal finishes throughout.

Responsibilities

Responsible for managing and coordinating all architectural responsibilities from design through to project completion, including the delivery of detailed design and construction information for building approval and tendering, contractor engagement and tender assessment, and construction administration. This encompassed site inspections, quality control, management of variations, and coordination with consultants and contractors.

Tasks

Client liaison and expectation management: Actively listened to client requirements and aspirations, providing clear guidance to manage expectations and ensure informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Technical design problem-solving: Developed and coordinated technical solutions to translate client design concepts into buildable, well-resolved outcomes aligned with the chosen construction systems.
Regulatory and compliance review: Assessed proposed products and materials to ensure compliance with relevant planning conditions, Building Regulations, and the Construction Code.
Design compliance assurance: Ensured all client-led design requests complied with statutory requirements, building regulations, and industry standards prior to approval and implementation.
Cost awareness and budget guidance: Advised clients on cost implications of design decisions at key stages, enabling realistic budgeting and preventing late-stage cost escalation.
Project coordination and reporting: Held regular client meetings to report on progress, coordinate consultant input, and plan forthcoming decisions in line with the agreed build programme.
Technical compatibility checks: Reviewed and coordinated product and material selections to confirm full compatibility with the oak frame and SIPs panel construction systems.

Oak Frame and SIPs Panel Construction

Oak frame and SIPs panel construction is a building method that combines traditional timber framing with modern insulation technology.

Oak Frame

SIPS WALL PANELS

SIPS ROOF PANELS

A structural skeleton is made from large, durable oak beams, which provide strength, stability, and a visually appealing natural aesthetic. The spaces between the oak frame are then filled with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), which are prefabricated panels consisting of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two rigid boards, usually oriented strand board (OSB). This combination allows for excellent thermal performance, energy efficiency, and faster construction times compared to conventional building methods, while also maintaining the charm and character of exposed timber framing.

Ground Floor

First Floor

Front Elevation

Rear Elevation

Location Plans

Site Plan

External Works Layout

Technical Detailing

For this project, detailed technical drawings were essential in translating the bespoke oak frame and SIPs panel design into a buildable and well-coordinated construction package. They provided clear guidance on dimensions, materials, and junction details, ensuring alignment between consultants and contractors while minimising on-site errors. The drawings supported regulatory compliance, accurate cost control, and efficient delivery.

Electrical Layouts

Bathroom Layouts

During Construction

Skills Gained

Topic learnt: Developed a comprehensive understanding of delivering bespoke, high-end residential projects utilising oak frame and SIPs panel construction, from approval through to construction and handover.

Management skills: Strengthened project and client management skills through coordinating consultants, managing programme and costs, and guiding client decision-making while maintaining regulatory compliance and build quality.

Enhancement: Enhanced technical knowledge of energy-efficient building systems, specialist construction coordination, and high-end detailing, improving the ability to translate complex client requirements into compliant, buildable design solutions.

Achievement

Successfully coordinated amendments to the original planning approval to align with the client’s bespoke requirements while maintaining regulatory compliance and programme certainty. Identified and resolved technical coordination challenges between the oak frame and SIPs panel systems, improving build efficiency and reducing the risk of site delays. Introduced structured client decision-tracking and cost review processes, helping manage expectations, control expenditure, and avoid late-stage design changes. Delivered a high level of client satisfaction through clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and consistent progress reporting, resulting in positive feedback from both the client and project team.

In summary

This project involved the delivery of a high-end private client residence on Plot 2 of a redeveloped site, originally approved for two traditional English-style cottages. Following purchase of the plot, the client secured amendments to the original planning consent to accommodate a bespoke oak frame structure with SIPs panel construction. The scheme incorporated advanced energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, an indoor swim spa, a passenger lift, and luxury internal finishes throughout. The project required close coordination between client, consultants, and contractors to ensure regulatory compliance, technical compatibility, and cost control, resulting in a successfully completed bespoke dwelling delivered to a high standard in 2024.

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