The neighbours who self-built a pair of spectacular semis

It’s amazing what can happen when good neighbours become good friends. For Niccola Swan and Philip and Penny Wright it has resulted in a stunning addition to the architectural landscape in Wharfedale.They pooled resources to construct a pair of contemporary, energy-efficient properties that are a world away from average semis.

Philip and Niccola with their homes, which are a mirror image of each other. Pic: Bruce Rollinson

Big decision

“It was a big decision and very emotional because of the circumstances,” says Niccola. “It was a pretty house and it had been our family home for 20 years and held a lot of memories but it had never really worked properly. It didn’t flow and it was not energy efficient.”Philip came up with a plan for two houses that are almost a mirror image of each other and give the illusion of being one home.Unlike traditional semis, there is a curved wall that allows privacy and the properties’ front doors are set apart from each other.Bradford Council planning department was impressed with the discreet, energy-efficient building that represented a fine example of 21st century architecture and new materials.It also accepted the reasoning that two semis were acceptable as the old house had also contained two homes – the main house and a granny annexe.

Planning success

Permission to build was granted and the council also agreed that the new semis did not have to be on the same footprint as the old house, though the overall size of the new-build had to be similar to its predecessor.“The planners understood that the old house was right up to the roadside and that rebuilding further down the garden was a good idea,” says Philip.“The size restriction wasn’t an issue. It was enough for two semis, though the bedrooms are quite small so we could have plenty of living space.”After permission was granted, the Wrights sold their own home and moved into Niccola’s house while the new-builds were being constructed.This meant that Philip was on site and could oversee the project and be on hand to make decisions.Construction took just six months and went smoothly thanks to Philip’s planning and trusted local builder Ken Horton, who was the main contractor.

Philip and Penny's light-filled kitchen area. Pic: Bruce Rollinson

Green building

The renowned Green Building Company in Huddersfield supplied the mechanical heat recovery and ventilation system, along with the triple-glazed windows and the doors.The build came in on time and on budget. The semis cost £250,000 each to build and that cost includes the fixtures and fittings, such as the bathrooms and kitchens.The construction is a timber frame, which cuts down on time and cost. The front of the houses facing the road have a heavier stone skin to reduce the sound of traffic, while the rear, looking onto a south-facing garden, features large areas of glazing and timber cladding.The main roof is zinc and the section of flat roof that tops the single-storey living room is green. The latter helps with water drainage and is wildlife-friendly.“We chose zinc because we had a shallow pitch on the roof and wanted something contemporary plus zinc is long-lasting,” says Philip.Both properties have underfloor heating throughout and there is a large, open-plan living space, a utility room and a loo, along with a bedroom and en-suite on the ground floor so the homes are future-proofed for old age.Upstairs are three bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, a house bathroom and an ensuite.

The sitting area in the open plan living space in Philip and Penny's semi. Pic: Bruce Rollinson

Energy efficient

The air tightness and energy efficiency is excellent, which is why the owners opted for mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems that take stale air and moisture out and replace it with filtered, warmed fresh air.he decor suits their own tastes and lifestyles with Philip and Penny’s semi revealing his love of designing and making everything from furniture to lighting, along with their shared interest in collecting art.Philip has since built a garden office in the grounds, along with a workshop, where he enjoys designing and making. The glorious garden is Penny’s domain and is wildlife friendly.

Philip's garden studio and workshop with planting by Penny. Pic: Bruce Rollinson

“Philip and Penny involved me and my two sons every step of the way but I knew that the house would be beautiful and it is. It feels like a safe haven, it’s warm and comfortable and it works incredibly well,” says Niccola.Philip adds: “Every architect dreams of building their own home. I’m so pleased I got the opportunity to do it. It has changed the way we live for the better.”The Green Building Store, Huddersfield, www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk

Views onto garden through the triple glazed glass from The Green Building Store. Pic: Bruce Rollinson