BUILD IT

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HEART & SOUL: A heartfelt speech to the planning committee and some hard graft were key to Matt and Sarah Switzer's self-build project - which they've extended to achieve their ultimate dream home

HISTORIC BLEND: Architecture spans the centuries in this grade II listed house, which had a dysfunctional layout before Mark Camillin and Liam Denny resolved the problems by reconfiguring the floorplan and adding a multi-storey extension

SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT: Dene and Debbie Happell's ambitious contemporary design in the Trossachs National Park pleased the planners thanks to its sympathetic materials and sensitive location among the trees

CHANGE OF PLAN: Liz Hallam found herself taking on a self build in the Highlands after life took an unexpected turn. Her new home is a contemporary barn-style design with fabulous sea views

ON THE DOORSTEP: Royan and Helen Anthony had almost given up trying to find the perfect house, but building an oak frame home in their garden unexpectedly ticked all the boxes

JOINED-UP THINKING: Frances and Tom Edwards took a holistic approach to their self build, thinking outside the box to reduce risk and minimise project costs without compromising on design and comfort

BEST LAID PLANS: Steve and Janine Carney set out to build an oak frame home for themselves, but an objection from the planners - and a change of heart - turned the project into a sizeable annexe for Janine's parents instead

PERFECT FIT: Downsizing to a new oak frame cottage gave Bille-Jean and Mark Holden all the space they needed - and now they're mortgage-free

CONSIDERED APPROACH: Small steps and a measured design process helped first time self-builders, Ian and Sue Richardson, create their striking oak frame home

NEW AND IMPROVED: Two sizeable extensions and a reworked floorplan have transformed the Gardners' dated 1970s house into a light-filled family home

TROPICAL HOUSE: Sandra and Trevor Collin's design and renovation skills have transformed their 1980s home into  a modern light-filled oasis