Architectural Blog:

Resubmission of a Self-Build Home in West Bridgford

Previously approved in 2023 the grant of planning approval is due to expire shortly, PD Architecture are therefore pleased to share the resubmission of a self-build home in West Bridgford — a carefully considered one-and-a-half storey, four-bedroom property designed to combine contemporary character with natural warmth. Located on a backland, landlocked site, the proposal has been carefully shaped to reflect the appearance and scale of a subordinate outbuilding and avoid any overlooking, helping it respond appropriately to its setting and minimise visual impact, while still delivering a high-quality and distinctive new dwelling.

The proposed home features a bold and refined external palette, with black timber cladding, a contrasting red brick plinth, and beautifully detailed oak windows, doors, and structural accents. This material combination creates a balanced architectural composition, blending dark, rustic textures with warm natural tones for a home that feels both modern and grounded in its setting.

A standout feature of the design is the use of charred timber cladding, inspired by the traditional Shou Sugi Ban (burnt timber) technique. This approach delivers a deep, textured black finish while also offering excellent durability, with increased resistance to rot, pests, and moss. Installed with shiplap cladding giving distinctive shadow lines and superior weather resistance, the cladding adds depth and rhythm to the elevations, enhancing the overall visual impact.

The warmth of the design is further emphasised through the use of natural oak for the window and door frames, alongside structural detailing such as support posts, eaves, brise soleil, and vertical cladding accents. These elements help celebrate the building’s structure while softening the darker tones of the exterior.

At ground level, the red brick plinth provides a strong visual base and a welcome contrast to the black cladding, preventing the lower portion of the building from appearing too heavy. Above, a slate grey tiled roof, punctuated with carefully positioned rooflights, completes the composition while bringing natural light into the upper floor accommodation.

This resubmission reflects a thoughtful approach to self-build design — combining robust materials, contemporary detailing, and a warm, tactile character to create a distinctive family home in West Bridgford.

About West Bridgford:

West Bridgford is an upmarket residential area with small parks and cosy pubs, plus major sporting venues along the River Trent. On match days, fans stream to the City Ground, home to Nottingham Forest Football Club, and to Trent Bridge, a quaint cricket ground hosting county games and England Test matches. Nearby, Holme Pierrepont National Watersports Centre has facilities for rowing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting

Architectural Design Brief:

PD Architecture were engaged to provide the architectural design service for this truly striking modern contemporary home in the heart of West Bridgford in Nottingham. With an emphasis on providing bags of kerb appeal, the design solution really delivers.

Location:
West Bridgford, Nottingham

Date
Summer 2023/Spring 2026

Clients
Self Build

Category
Self Build New Home

Area
Architecture in West Bridgford

Site
West Bridgford, Nottingham

Planning Authority
Rushcliffe Borough Council

PD Architecture is an Award Winning CIAT Chartered Architectural Practice, established by Paul Day BSc (Hons) MCIAT in 2004.

Specialised in residential developments our typical clients include homeowners, developers, self-builders & architects in Nottingham, Leicester and the surrounding areas.  We provide architectural designs for:

– home extensions
– self builds
– new build home designs
– residential estates

We also offer outsourcing and technical services for:

– architects in Nottingham
– architects in Leicester

. . .  in fact we have helped many architectural practices from around the east midlands

Please do contact us to find out what we can bring to your project, big or small, and, if you are new to our blog, please feel free to have a look around, view our Architectural Gallery and our Architectural Case Studies . . . or by all means navigate back to our homepage

PD Architecture . . . #designed4living
Offices in Nottingham and in Leicester

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