For Frank and Hilda Griffin, aged 62 and 64, the journey to their dream home began on familiar ground. After inheriting a family property in the picturesque town of Ayr, the couple faced a choice: renovate the existing traditional structure or start from scratch.
“Our existing home was a traditional build - brick and block, fairly poorly insulated - so we were keen to explore the greener methods of construction available,” explains Frank, who brought his professional background in electrical engineering and project management to the build.
Ultimately, they decided to clear the land to capitalise on the location, building a sustainable, modern 250sqm chalet bungalow.
The Solution: Innovation meets personal support:
On the recommendation of a friend, the Griffins partnered with Kirkwood Timber Frame. They were supported throughout by Debbi Keatings, Kirkwood’s Self-Build Development Manager, who ensured their vision was translated into a practical, high-performance design.
“It has been a privilege to work with Frank and Hilda,” says Debbi. “The process began with a comprehensive consultation to ensure their ideas were carefully considered alongside their architect’s plans.”
Visibility through Kirkwood Timber Frame’s dedicated customer hub:
A standout feature of the Griffin’s experience was our Customer Hub. This digital platform provided the couple with a real-time snapshot of their build, including delivery dates and a complete archive of project documents.
Frank noted: “The communication has been excellent, and the addition of the customer hub meant that we were kept informed at every step of the process. When we had any queries, they were resolved with ease.”
Speed and precision on site:
The efficiency of the timber frame system allowed the structure to be erected with remarkable speed. For Hilda, a retired nurse, the transformation was almost overnight.
“I was on holiday when the structure was erected," Hilda recalls. "Frank was sending me regular updates, and I couldn’t believe how quickly it took shape!”
Frank added that this efficiency had financial benefits too: “The speed of build not only saved time but reduced costs in relation to the labour needed, allowing us to allocate resources and budget to other aspects of the home.”
The result
From the first discussion to the completion of the timber frame on-site, the process took less than nine months. The finished home features a spacious open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area and four bedrooms.
Hilda concludes: “We are so happy and settled in our new home and grateful to Debbi and the wider team for helping us throughout the process.”
Are you planning your own self-build journey?
Explore our self-build services or contact our Team to discuss your project: https://www.kirkwoodtimberframe.co.uk/services/self-build#enquire-today
