Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it does. Over the last few years we have seen a significant increase in clients opting to build a home office, and our annexe offering provides the perfect solution.

A family home can often be a busy place, so whether you work full- or part-time, let this annexe design inspire an oak frame build that meets your exact needs.

Not always. There are several factors which we will take into consideration when we begin designing your annexe, these include your home and its location, alongside the size of your future build and your preferred position for it.

Here at Oakwrights, we pride ourselves in the flexibility and creativity of our designs, so if your annexe needs to be constructed under permitted development, we will work with you to create a build which adheres to these rights. Alternatively, we are always on hand to help and advise you with regards to the planning application process, and we can gain the relevant planning and create a Building Regulations package on your behalf.

Both actually. Our oak frame annexe offering, provides you with a template which you can use in its entirety or adapt to create a completely bespoke design, starting with a minimum of two bays.

Yes. Each oak frame annexe designed by our teams is unique to our clients’ visions, remaining warm in winter and cool in summer.

Exceptional levels of insulation and airtightness are the standout features, with interior comfort being the objective. Walls, floors and roofs have to achieve much better U-values, compared with a house that meets standard Building Regulations..

Doors and windows must also be designed with particular U-values and must be very airtight by preventing gaps and draughts.

These high levels of insulation and airtightness mean a house could use up to 90% less energy compared with a house that meets standard Building Regulations. This can significantly cut heating bills and improve comfort by eliminating cold spots and ensuring there is a constant supply of fresh air, while maintaining a constant temperature all year round. Our premium encapsulation system, WrightWall and WrightRoof Natural, already meets the rigorous Passivhaus standard in terms of U-values. Just like our oak frames, we can adapt your encapsulation design to suit your individual requirements, while it wraps seamlessly around your frame.

Realistically in the UK, some sort of heating source is advisable. However, very little heat that is generated will escape through the walls, floors and roofs as they are so well insulated. This means heating input required is minimal.

Achieving the standard means working to low ratios of internal volume and wall area; i.e. the more corners you have in a property, the higher the ratio. Passivhaus is therefore easier to achieve with simpler house shapes but you shouldn’t let that stop you! Here is the story behind how Andrew and Linda Burnett designed their dream certified oak frame Passivhaus in Worcestershire.

If you would like a more complex design, it is still possible to achieve the standard but you’d have to compensate with additional features such as better performing windows and more insulation. For further information, please visit the Passivhaus Trust.

The build costs are likely to be slightly more than an average self-build, but long term, you will save through much lower energy bills.

There are specialist organisations which have been approved to assess and issue Passivhaus certificates. They will follow a process involving an initial check during the design stages, and then a final assessment will be made based on the initial design and calculations, and evidence presented by way of comprehensive photographs of the build throughout the construction.

Here at Oakwrights, we have in-house Passivhaus specialists: Dr Pegah Behinaein, a Certified Passivhaus Consultant, and Craig Alexander, a Chartered Architect, alongside our Architectural Design team, to advise and help you to evolve your ideas for your Passivhaus design. To discuss your oak frame Passivhaus requirements, call 01432 353 353 or email enquiries@oakwrights.co.uk.

A granny annexe is an independent, self-contained living space nestled amongst your garden, or even attached to your home. The term ‘granny annexe’ arises from multigenerational living, where your parents or grandparents can adapt your annexe as their own home. 

You’re not limited to this purpose when designing your own outbuilding, though. Your annexe can be a multifunctional space that suits the younger members of your family, if you wish - or even use it for yourself!