Tania Gibson

Brill Home in Oxfordshire

After living in a leaky bungalow for five years, I decided it was time to build something new. I spent many hours researching traditional masonry construction and timber-frame kit houses, trying to decide which option would work best.

I chose a kit house because it could be erected quickly, offered strong environmental performance and suited my budget. The next question was: which kit-house company?

I then discovered HebHomes. I was drawn to its philosophy of taking inspiration from traditional buildings to create contemporary architecture, and I loved the open-plan living spaces, generous volumes and simple forms. The SIP construction also offered excellent energy efficiency. I thought that if these homes could withstand the weather of the Hebrides, they could certainly cope with our local climate.

After speaking to Alasdair, I decided HebHomes was the right company for my project.

As a construction novice, it was important to find a team that would support both my ambition and the practical process, particularly by being open and upfront about costs. HebHomes’ approach, experience and expertise gave me confidence that, even as a single parent with a full-time job, I could build a house.

First Steps

I began by selecting the house type and agreeing a few modifications. After gathering site-specific information on ground conditions, access, services and drainage, HebHomes prepared the documents for the planning application. Within a few weeks, I had consent for my new home. Once the technical drawings and specification were finalised and all approvals were in place, I was ready to build. HebHomes made this part of the process feel seamless.

Working with a Local Builder

I chose HebHomes’ Supply and Erect service and worked with a local Oxfordshire contractor to demolish the bungalow and construct the foundations. Before the kit was delivered, HebHomes checked the foundations to make sure everything was correct.

When the SIP panels arrived, they looked like an adult-sized Lego project. The HebHomes erection team worked hard for seven days, by which point the structure was standing with the windows and membranes installed. Stokenchurch Builders then completed the remaining work, from the underfloor heating to the bathrooms.

The project took approximately nine months. My only regret is not doing it sooner.

The Best Thing Ever Seen

We now have a brilliant, energy-efficient house with large windows, beautiful spaces and effortless open-plan living. The estate agent who had originally advised me against the project later described it as “the best thing I have seen in a long time”.

For anyone considering building a house, my advice is to build a HebHome—you will not be disappointed. We are incredibly proud of our home. Treat every challenge as an opportunity and go for it!

Tania Gibson, 2020

Read the full feature in Build It magazine.