Useful information
Some inspiring self build projects
What is group self build?
BoxfordBuild works with local people who want to get involved in self building their own homes.
We help to overcome key barriers to facilitate low-cost group self build projects. The availability of finance for self build projects is a major issue, by acting as an enabler BoxfordBuild allows people with lower deposits to fund their own homes.
The complexity of the planning process and availability of affordable building plots are also a challenge. BoxfordBuild liaises with local councils, Housing Associations, landowners and developers to make self build plots available for group self builders, at an affordable price.
Self build is a great way to enable participants to develop a range of skills while creating their own home. It is important for first time self builders to work alongside a socially minded organization that understands the practicalities of the build process, while maximizing their involvement. Group self builds are a great way to create a supportive and integrated community to live in after the completion of the build.
Who we are:
Colin Vint - Land / Development
Colin moved to Suffolk three years ago to undertake his own self build project. Prior to starting BoxfordBuild he worked an Independent Mortgage Broker in London. He is also a business coach, helping people develop their social business models in London and Suffolk. See Colin's Linkedin profile.
“I have a real interest in using enterprise to solve social problems.”
“I’ve learnt that if you give people support, they are capable of rising to their challenges, empowering others in a similar situation to take action in their lives too.”
“Having built my own house, I understand the complexities involved and many rewards available. I’m passionate about making self build available to all, rather than just a small section of society.”
Ellie DeGory - Creative adviser
Ellie has worked to help people design and build their own homes through architectural practice for the last 15 year. Ellie is Director of EDRM, an architecture and design practice based in Ipswich. Ellie brings design skills, knowledge and expertise in the planning and building of homes to BoxfordBuild, as well as a great enthusiasm for self build.
Richard MacRae – Technical adviser
Richard is also a Director of EDRM and has 15 years of supporting people design and build their own homes. Richard started his working life as bricklayer and has remained 'hands on', undertaking several of his own extensive building projects. Through architectural practice and personal experience Richard has a wealth of technical and detailed design knowledge to bring to BoxfordBuild.
Useful links
Collective Custom Build is an amazing resource site designed to raise awareness about how people can build their homes together and what can be done to support them. They have also made a brilliant short animation film as an introduction to ‘what is’ and ‘why’ self build.
“ADDED VALUE: COLLECTIVE CUSTOM BUILD HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY, AFFORDABILITY, SOCIABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF HOUSING” Collective Custom Build
The National Custom & Self Build Association objectives are increase the number of people able to build and commission their own homes, and to raise the awareness of the self build and custom build sector
The Self Build Portal is a one stop shop for the would-be self builder, providing support, advice, inspiration and information on every aspect of building your own home.
The Self Build Central website provides greener information for the UK self builder.
BoxfordBuild works with local people who want to get involved in self building their own homes.
We help to overcome key barriers to facilitate low-cost group self build projects. The availability of finance for self build projects is a major issue, by acting as an enabler BoxfordBuild allows people with lower deposits to fund their own homes.
The complexity of the planning process and availability of affordable building plots are also a challenge. BoxfordBuild liaises with local councils, Housing Associations, landowners and developers to make self build plots available for group self builders, at an affordable price.
Self build is a great way to enable participants to develop a range of skills while creating their own home. It is important for first time self builders to work alongside a socially minded organization that understands the practicalities of the build process, while maximizing their involvement. Group self builds are a great way to create a supportive and integrated community to live in after the completion of the build.
Who we are:
Colin Vint - Land / Development
Colin moved to Suffolk three years ago to undertake his own self build project. Prior to starting BoxfordBuild he worked an Independent Mortgage Broker in London. He is also a business coach, helping people develop their social business models in London and Suffolk. See Colin's Linkedin profile.
“I have a real interest in using enterprise to solve social problems.”
“I’ve learnt that if you give people support, they are capable of rising to their challenges, empowering others in a similar situation to take action in their lives too.”
“Having built my own house, I understand the complexities involved and many rewards available. I’m passionate about making self build available to all, rather than just a small section of society.”
Ellie DeGory - Creative adviser
Ellie has worked to help people design and build their own homes through architectural practice for the last 15 year. Ellie is Director of EDRM, an architecture and design practice based in Ipswich. Ellie brings design skills, knowledge and expertise in the planning and building of homes to BoxfordBuild, as well as a great enthusiasm for self build.
Richard MacRae – Technical adviser
Richard is also a Director of EDRM and has 15 years of supporting people design and build their own homes. Richard started his working life as bricklayer and has remained 'hands on', undertaking several of his own extensive building projects. Through architectural practice and personal experience Richard has a wealth of technical and detailed design knowledge to bring to BoxfordBuild.
Useful links
Collective Custom Build is an amazing resource site designed to raise awareness about how people can build their homes together and what can be done to support them. They have also made a brilliant short animation film as an introduction to ‘what is’ and ‘why’ self build.
“ADDED VALUE: COLLECTIVE CUSTOM BUILD HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY, AFFORDABILITY, SOCIABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF HOUSING” Collective Custom Build
The National Custom & Self Build Association objectives are increase the number of people able to build and commission their own homes, and to raise the awareness of the self build and custom build sector
The Self Build Portal is a one stop shop for the would-be self builder, providing support, advice, inspiration and information on every aspect of building your own home.
The Self Build Central website provides greener information for the UK self builder.