Client
Fairview Homes Property Limited (now Kinspire Homes)
Architects
OHA Architects
House Types
Multiple types of 3- and 4-bedroom houses
Timber Frame
140mm plus 175mm of insulation in the floor and 100mm in the walls
Joists
I-joists
U-value
0.19 W/m2K
Location
Allensmore, Herefordshire
Client
Fairview Homes Property Limited (now Kinspire Homes)
Architects
OHA Architects
House Types
Multiple types of 3- and 4-bedroom houses
Timber Frame
140mm plus 175mm of insulation in the floor and 100mm in the walls
Joists
I-joists
U-value
0.19 W/m2K
Location
Allensmore, Herefordshire
When Vinnie Griffith completed his first property renovation in 2017 little did he know the impact this would have on his immediate family. Within two years, his wife, Lydia, brother-in-law John Parker, and John’s wife, Phillipa had all quit their day jobs to join Vinnie in a new business venture.
Together, the couples own Fairview Homes Property Limited (now rebranded as Kinspire Homes, part of the Kinspire Group) in Herefordshire. Their ambition is to build high-quality homes using local labour, local suppliers and locally sourced materials, working within the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
Speaking onsite at Woodland Park, the company’s third new build development in Herefordshire, director, John Parker, said:
“We are still a young company, one that’s trying to stick to its principles, and I’m pleased to say we’re doing well. This is only our second multi-house development, but we’ve been quick to learn from our experiences at Rambler’s Park [Fairview Homes’ first multi-house development at Whitestone, near Hereford].”
One such lesson was the benefit of building with timber frame.
“We went into that first project knowing that it was going to be a winter build. Speed was critical if we were to stay on schedule and within budget. We needed the properties to be dry as soon as possible, this meant looking beyond traditional build methods.
“We quickly identified timber frame construction as the solution, having weighed it up against the time taken to build in traditional brick and block, cost of brickies etc. There are also a few timber frame companies in Herefordshire so we knew we could work with a local firm. We know of Taylor Lane from previous building experience in the area, and they were well-known to our architect, Jim Hicks from OHA Architects.”
Having successfully completed the three properties at Whitestone, the team turned their attention to a 1.5-acre plot on Cobhall Common, Allensmore just outside the City of Hereford.
“We received revised permission to build seven executive homes,” continues, John. “Unlike Rambler’s Park where we had just one house type, here we have a mix of three- and four-bed spacious properties.”
Once again, the couples decided to use timber frame construction.
“To be honest, it’s unlikely that we will go back to trad’ building. The speed and accuracy of timber frame has been extraordinary. The dimensions are pretty much spot on.”
This decision also coincided with yet another winter build.
“We started onsite at the end of October 2021 and as you can see now, we’re welcoming residents into the first two; we’re up to first fix in another two; and the remainder are all weather-tight, with roofs on. It’s hard to believe the speed at which we have gone through it. In fact, it could have been quicker, as local trades haven’t always been available, but the standard of workmanship is fantastic.”
Fairview Homes has utilised Taylor Lane’s 140mm timber frame kit, with I-Joists. The system achieves an external wall U-value of 0.19 W/m2K.
There is 175mm of insulation in the floor and 100mm in the walls. Each house boasts an air source heat pump and underfloor heating.
One of the key attributes which elevates a Fairview Homes property is the attention to detail, not least in the design of the houses.
One stand-out design was the property coined ‘modern cottage’ by John and the team.
To achieve this, Taylor Lane designed in sloping ceilings. This made for a more complicated roof structure, using stub trusses and loose rafters, and added five days to the erection time. Fairview Homes uses a gang of four local erectors, as recommended by Taylor Lane.
“We’re extremely proud of what we are doing at Fairview Homes Property,” continues John. “We even make a point of showing prospective buyers around when the properties are under construction. They can see the quality for themselves then, especially the timber frame which isn’t something you can see, normally.
“The site is now complete and all properties are sold. That kind of turnaround is only possible with modern methods of construction, like timber frame. Now it’s onto the next one, or two!”
In February 2023 Fairview Homes rebranded as Kinspire Homes, part of Kinspire Group.
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