An eco-friendly new build in South West France

An eco-friendly new build in South West France

House Design - Front Comparison My Eco-Maison - House Front

Project Status & Timeline

Project Status: November 2024

PhaseCurrent Status

Planning & Design

The Planning & Design phase is complete.
This includes the land purchase, planning application and house design.

Construction

The Construction phase is work in progress.
In progress: Roofing panels, Exterior Cladding, Veranda.

Work completed to date includes...

Interior Design

The Interior Design phase is on-hold until the completion of the Construction phase.

Project Timeline...

Fitting the South Roof Panels
November 29, 2024

Fitting the Roof Panels – November 2024

All the roof panels are now in place, as the exterior build is finally nearing its conclusion...
November 29, 2024
Fitting the South Roof Panels
Building the Veranda – July 2024
July 12, 2024

Building the Veranda – July 2024

Work continues on the main structure for the veranda with some adjustments required to ensure the roof slats are positioned at the correct angle...
July 12, 2024
Building the Veranda – July 2024
Building the Veranda – June 2024
June 21, 2024

Building the Veranda – June 2024

Work continues on the main structure for the veranda...
June 21, 2024
Building the Veranda – June 2024
Building the Veranda
April 25, 2024

Building the Veranda - April 2024

Building the Veranda needs to be completed for the fitting of the roof panels to be completed...
April 25, 2024
Building the Veranda
Fitting the Roof Panels
April 16, 2024

Fitting the Roof Panels - April 2024

Fitting the roof panels... Precision is key - getting the first panel situated in the correct position is all-important to ensure the roof is covered in full.
April 16, 2024
Fitting the Roof Panels
Exterior Cladding
March 15, 2024

Exterior Cladding - March 2024

In between the February & March rain showers, work on the exterior cladding could finally begin...
March 15, 2024
Exterior Cladding
Decking Floor
January 29, 2024

Decking Floor – January 2024

Stage 3 - Floor Panels... The final floor panels are now in place...
January 29, 2024
Decking Floor
Decking Floor
December 22, 2023

Decking Floor - December 2023

Tony spent a few days on-site, hindered by the wet weather, adding the decking floor for the veranda...
December 22, 2023
Decking Floor
Cladding Panels Delivery 201223
December 22, 2023

Delivery Day - 22nd December 2023 - Cladding Panels

Taking note of a lesson learnt, Tony was on site to meet the cladding panels delivery. The delivery truck was unable to turn into the driveway...
December 22, 2023
Cladding Panels Delivery 201223
Decking Base
September 15, 2023

Decking Base - September 2023

Tony spent a few days on-site, building the base for the decking / veranda...
September 15, 2023
Decking Base
Deck Foundations
July 21, 2023

Deck Foundations - July 2023

Tony spent a few days on-site, placing the deck foundations that will support the decking that surrounds three sides of the house...
July 21, 2023
Deck Foundations
Exterior Cladding Preparation
June 23, 2023

Exterior Cladding Preparation - June 2023

The plan was to put in place the exterior cladding. We attached the support panels to the building in readiness for the late delivery of the cladding...
June 23, 2023
Exterior Cladding Preparation
Membrane Wrapping Refresh
December 20, 2022

Membrane Wrapping Refresh – December 2022

Just over 3 years on from (temporarily) closing the site, it's time to replace some of the membrane wrapping that the weather has damaged...
December 20, 2022
Membrane Wrapping Refresh
Patio Door Replacement
September 20, 2022

Patio Door Replacement - September 2022

Finally, an opportunity to replace the damaged patio doors. The weather has again taken its toll on the membrane wrapping...
September 20, 2022
Patio Door Replacement
Patio Door Installation
September 11, 2020

Patio Door Installation - 11th September 2020

Day 2 of fitting the patio doors...
September 11, 2020
Patio Door Installation
Patio Door Installation
September 10, 2020

Patio Door Installation - 10th September 2020

Tony returned to the site for a couple of days for the patio door installation only to find the storage pallet had blown over causing damage to the glass...
September 10, 2020
Patio Door Installation
Window Installation
April 28, 2020

Window Installation - April 2020

Window Installation - Tony was on-site for a couple of days to fit all of the windows...
April 28, 2020
Window Installation
Delivery Day - Windows
January 10, 2020

Delivery Day - 10th January 2020 - Windows

The windows and patio doors have arrived in readiness for fitting in Spring 2020...
January 10, 2020
Delivery Day - Windows
Groundworks Day 30
October 11, 2019

External Drainage - 10th & 11th October 2019

There are a lot of natural sources around this area and we decided that to protect the house from being water-logged...
October 11, 2019
Groundworks Day 30
Build Day 37
October 9, 2019

Membrane Wrapping Complete - 9th October 2019

I know I go on about this stuff but this membrane has made a big difference in weatherproofing buildings...
October 9, 2019
Build Day 37
Build Days 35-36
October 8, 2019

Membrane Wrapping - 7th & 8th October 2019

I plan to be in the USA over winter (it's too cold over here for me) so we are wrapping the house in a breathable roofing membrane to keep it weatherproof...
October 8, 2019
Build Days 35-36
Build Day 34
October 3, 2019

Membrane Wrapping Test - 3rd October 2019

So I was bored and decided to have a go at wrapping the house before Tony came on site...
October 3, 2019
Build Day 34
Build Day 33
September 4, 2019

Final Roof Panels (Nearly) - 2nd to 4th September 2019

We're nearly there. All but the final two roof panel sections are now in place. Unfortunately, there is a minor issue with fitting those final two sections...
September 4, 2019
Build Day 33
Build Day 30
August 30, 2019

More Roof Panels - 30th August 2019

Onto the last stretch of the main structural build. Three more sections were added to the roof...
August 30, 2019
Build Day 30
Build Day 29
August 26, 2019

Another Box Ticked - 26th August 2019

The final panels for the en-suite bathroom are in place; the internal walls are now complete.
August 26, 2019
Build Day 29
Build Day 28
August 22, 2019

Main Bedroom Walls - 22nd August 2019

The doorway and upper tier panels for the main bedroom are now in place.
August 22, 2019
Build Day 28
Build Day 27
August 21, 2019

Built-in Wardrobes - 20th & 21st August 2019

Effectively making use of the 'hallway' space between the two bedrooms, each bedroom has a built-in wardrobe.
August 21, 2019
Build Day 27
Build Day 25
August 19, 2019

Main Bathroom - 19th August 2019

Today Tony added the upper panels for the main bathroom, completing work on the internal walls for the bathroom and second bedroom.
August 19, 2019
Build Day 25
Build Day 24
August 16, 2019

Bathroom / Bedroom Two Walls - 13th & 16th August 2019

With Tony working on his own, it made more sense to make progress on the remaining internal walls.
August 16, 2019
Build Day 24
Build Day 22
August 7, 2019

More Roof Panels - 7th & 8th August 2019

A couple of days on-site for Tony, continuing with the process of piecing together an upper and lower roof panel...
August 7, 2019
Build Day 22
Build Day 20
July 25, 2019

The First Roof Panels - 25th July 2019

Last week's planning paid off - we created single sections (of upper & lower roof panels) which could be lifted and positioned before fixing in place...
July 25, 2019
Build Day 20
Build Day 18
July 23, 2019

Bathroom Walls - 23rd & 24th July 2019

This still gave us sufficient time to build the internal wall separating the bathroom / second bedroom...
July 23, 2019
Build Day 18
Planning the Roof Build
July 18, 2019

Planning the Roof Build - 18th July 2019

On Thursday I spent the day cleaning up and planning the roof build.
July 18, 2019
Planning the Roof Build
Build Day 17
July 17, 2019

South Top Tier - 17th July 2019

Today we finished the top tier of the south wall completing the main outer structure.
July 17, 2019
Build Day 17
Build Day 16
July 16, 2019

North Top Tier - 16th July 2019

We had to cut one of the spare panels that was delivered on Saturday to make two new panels...
July 16, 2019
Build Day 16
Build Day 15 - Spot the Difference
July 15, 2019

Spot the Difference -15th July 2019

We had a delivery on Saturday including new panels to get us over the north wall windows issue.
July 15, 2019
Build Day 15 - Spot the Difference
Fitting a Purlin Beam
July 15, 2019

Fitting a Purlin Beam - 15th July 2019 (Video)

Having fitted one purling beam quite easily we would video fitting a beam for your entertainment.
July 15, 2019
Fitting a Purlin Beam
Delivery Day 4
July 13, 2019

Delivery Day - 13th July 2019 - The Roof Panels

Delivery Day 4 - Saturday 13th July. The final pieces have arrived - the metal roof panels...
July 13, 2019
Delivery Day 4
Build Day 14
July 12, 2019

Rear Top Tier - 12th July 2019

We knew that we would have the same issues with this wall as with the opposite wall...
July 12, 2019
Build Day 14
Build Day 13
July 11, 2019

Front Top Tier - 10th & 11th July 2019

We erected the gable end of the west wall. The first issue we found was the pearling beam was only sitting on one 100 mm upright which did not look right...
July 11, 2019
Build Day 13
Build Day 11
July 9, 2019

Mind Your Head - 9th July 2019

Internal wall 1 - All edges are plumb and square but we have a difference in the panel height on the left-hand side of the main lintel...
July 9, 2019
Build Day 11
Build Day 10
July 8, 2019

Internal Walls - 8th July 2019

While we wait for the north wall fix to be delivered we crack on with putting up the first internal wall.
July 8, 2019
Build Day 10
Build Day 9
June 26, 2019

Ground Floor Rear (East) - 26th June 2019

East wall up to head height but we are going higher... It was really hot again today but we managed to get the east wall erected without issues.
June 26, 2019
Build Day 9
Build Day 8
June 25, 2019

Ground Floor South - 25th June 2019

Ground Floor South - The large openings are for patio doors leading off of the lounge and main bedroom...
June 25, 2019
Build Day 8
Build Day 7
June 24, 2019

Ground Floor Front (West) - 24th June 2019

After Friday's discovery of the bathroom window issue we changed direction and erected the west wall.
June 24, 2019
Build Day 7
Build Day 6
June 21, 2019

No Window to View the Rain - 21st June 2019

The drawings again didn't tie up with the original architects drawing...
June 21, 2019
Build Day 6
Build Day 5
June 20, 2019

The First Wall Panels - 20th June 2019

It took some time to figure out the framing locator plates but we had the corner secure and square.
June 20, 2019
Build Day 5
Build Day 4
June 19, 2019

Drilling Concrete Is Not Fun - 19th June 2019

Continued installing the base plate around the foundation.
June 19, 2019
Build Day 4
Build Day 3
June 17, 2019

Build Complications - 17th & 18th June 2019

First day of 'putting up the house'. We had a dry run at putting wall 2 together and it went well - no issues encountered but...
June 17, 2019
Build Day 3
Build Day 1
June 16, 2019

Pre-Build Preparation - 16th June 2019

With the structural blocks on site, it was time to get organised & ensure ALL the pieces had been delivered.
June 16, 2019
Build Day 1
Delivery Day 3
June 15, 2019

Delivery Day - 15th June 2019 - Main Structure

Delivery of the third & final load for the main structure of the house in readiness for the build start next week.
June 15, 2019
Delivery Day 3
Groundworks Day 28
June 13, 2019

Foundations - 13th June 2019

Following a bank holiday & more intermittent weather, Tony was finally able to complete the concrete slab.
June 13, 2019
Groundworks Day 28
Groundworks Day 26
June 4, 2019

Foundations - 4th June 2019

Tuesday 4th June | The final stage of the foundations - laying the concrete to complete the base.
June 4, 2019
Groundworks Day 26
Delivery Day 2
May 26, 2019

Delivery Day - 26th May 2019 - Main Structure

The second delivery of the 'building blocks' for the main structure of the house...
May 26, 2019
Delivery Day 2
Groundworks Day 25
May 22, 2019

Foundations - 22nd May 2019

A final day of work this week, in my absence, to add the last layer in readiness for the concrete topping next week.
May 22, 2019
Groundworks Day 25
Groundworks Day 23
May 20, 2019

Foundations - 20th May 2019

Rain held off all day and a lot progress made putting in the infill and completing the foundation wall.
May 20, 2019
Groundworks Day 23
Groundworks Day 22
May 16, 2019

Utilities and Pipework - 16th May 2019

Thursday 16th May - Pipework completed and sewer pipes all glued together, no going back.
May 16, 2019
Groundworks Day 22
Groundworks - Putting in Pipes
May 15, 2019

Putting in Pipework - 15th May 2019

Wednesday 15th May - Well today is my birthday but no rest for the wicked and a full day on site with Tony the builder putting in pipework...
May 15, 2019
Groundworks - Putting in Pipes
Groundworks Days 17 & 18
May 9, 2019

Foundations - 9th & 10th May 2019

Following the progress of setting the foundations prior to the main construction work.
May 9, 2019
Groundworks Days 17 & 18
Groundworks Days 15 & 16
May 6, 2019

Foundations - 6th & 7th May 2019

Following the progress of setting the foundations prior to the main construction work.
May 6, 2019
Groundworks Days 15 & 16
House Delivery Part 1 4th May
May 4, 2019

Delivery Day - 4th May 2019 - Main Structure

Delivery of the 'building blocks' for the main structure of the house... arriving via a van & trailer.
May 4, 2019
House Delivery Part 1 4th May
Groundworks Days 13 & 14
May 2, 2019

Foundations - 2nd & 3rd May 2019

Following the progress of setting the foundations prior to the main construction work.
May 2, 2019
Groundworks Days 13 & 14
Groundworks Day 11 & 12
April 29, 2019

Foundations - 29th & 30th April 2019

Following the progress of setting the foundations prior to the main construction work.
April 29, 2019
Groundworks Day 11 & 12
Groundworks Day 11
April 28, 2019

Digging the Foundations (Video)

A quick tour of the grounds the day before we start digging the foundations for the house.
April 28, 2019
Groundworks Day 11
Groundworks Days 9 & 10
April 19, 2019

Groundworks - 19th & 25th April 2019

Following the progress of clearing the grounds in readiness for the building works.
April 19, 2019
Groundworks Days 9 & 10
Groundworks Days 7 & 8
April 17, 2019

Groundworks - 17th & 18th April 2019

Following the progress of clearing the grounds in readiness for the building works.
April 17, 2019
Groundworks Days 7 & 8
Groundworks Days 5 & 6
April 15, 2019

Groundworks - 15th & 16th April 2019

Following the progress of clearing the grounds in readiness for the building works.
April 15, 2019
Groundworks Days 5 & 6
Groundworks Day 3 & 4
April 11, 2019

Groundworks - 11th & 12th April 2019

Following the progress of clearing the grounds in readiness for the building works.
April 11, 2019
Groundworks Day 3 & 4
Groundworks Days 1 & 2
April 9, 2019

Groundworks - 9th & 10th April 2019

Following the progress of clearing the grounds in readiness for the building works.
April 9, 2019
Groundworks Days 1 & 2
House Design
March 28, 2019

External Views & Internal Layout

An extract from the house design plans of the exterior views and internal layout.
March 28, 2019
House Design
Land Gallery--1
September 4, 2018

Land Gallery - September 2018

Land Gallery - A photo guide to the plot of land (pre-works) which is just under 1700 square metres / 0.4 acres.
September 4, 2018
Land Gallery--1
Selecting an Architect

Selecting an Architect

Selecting an Architect: To kick off the initial design phase I contacted three English-speaking architectural firms based in France with the following message...
Selecting an Architect

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