Self-builder's Day November 2025
Join us for a free in-person day for self-builders on Saturday 15th November 2025 at the NSBRC in Swindon! We’ve put together a great line up of experts who will provide invaluable advice about building with a structural timber frame.
We’ve got workshops and talks delving into every aspect of building with timber, from design considerations to material choices, advice on finance and eco heating systems.
We’re thrilled to welcome Leonie Wroe (@countrylifewithleonie) - a passionate self-builder and content creator with over 200K followers - who will share her first-hand experience of creating her stunning hybrid oak-frame home, completed in 2020. She’ll take us through the highlights of her self-build journey - from choosing design styles and making key decisions, to overcoming challenges during construction. Along the way, Leonie will share practical tips, creative solutions, and lessons learned, offering plenty of inspiration and ideas for anyone dreaming of building their own home.
AGENDA
Arrive 10.00am
10:15: Welcome and intro
10:20-11am: Designing your oak frame home with Ben Hancock-Parr, Architect at Carpenter Oak
11:00-11.30am: Self-Build Planning Advice with Mark Doodes, Director of Mark Doodes Planning
11.35-12:15pm: Building Dreams Together: Financing Oak Frame Homes with Carpenter Oak and BuildStore Mortgage Services with Tom McSherry from BuildStore
12:15-12:45pm: Lunch
12:45-1:25pm: A Self-Builders Journey with Leonie Wroe: Building an oak-frame family home in the countryside
1:30-2:15pm: HEAT PUMP VENTILATION: fresh air, heat recovery, instant heating, cooling & hot water, all in one! with Andrew Clapton from Total Home Environment - including a product demonstration at their permanent stand at the NSBRC
2:20-2:50pm: The build process - understanding the process for oak framed buildings from foundations through to glazing with Dan Wilson, Project Consultant at Carpenter Oak
3:00pm: Finish
Lunch will be provided and you will be able to book 1:to:1 consultations after the event between 3pm-5pm with the experts in attendance.
Please complete the form and we'll be back in touch to confirm your attendance.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
