The Eco House
Procurement Route
“The right procurement route sets the tone for the entire build. By clearly defining scope, responsibility, and programme from the outset, we reduce risk, protect quality, and stay in control of cost.”
— Oliver Steele-Perkins, Chartered Construction Manager
Traditional Procurement
We’re delivering The Eco House using a traditional procurement route, supported by a full professional team including architect, engineers, M&E, health & safety, and cost consultants. A main contractor is appointed for the full build, with early packages such as the basement works, being competitively tendered to specialists.
A supply-and-fit timber frame contractor has been secured for the superstructure, and the main contractor will then complete the envelope and internal fit-out. A full cost plan is being developed to guide budgets and tender returns, helping ensure quality and cost control from the outset.
Why This Step Matters
We’re taking a traditional procurement route for The Eco House, with a clearly defined scope and coordinated design responsibility across a full professional team. A main contractor has been appointed and is, working alongside an experienced design team that includes the architect, structural and civil engineers, M&E consultants, a health and safety advisor, and a cost consultant.
All of these professionals are accessible to those following the Plan It or Build It pathways inside the Homebuilding Essentials platform.
To manage risk and cost, the project is split into distinct packages. First, we are competitively tendering the basement works to three specialist contractors. This includes piling, reinforced concrete walls, waterproofing, and ground floor construction.
Cost Planning
Once the basement is complete, we’ll hand over to a pre-selected supply-and-install timber frame contractor for the superstructure. The main contractor will then resume works for the external envelope, including reclaimed yellow stock brickwork, vertical timber cladding, and a pre-weathered zinc roof.
Some elements of the build such as the timber frame and windows, are specified as named suppliers by the design team. This means particular products or systems are required to meet the design intent, performance targets, or aesthetic goals, and are included in the specification from the outset.
We are now preparing a cost plan to establish a baseline budget using current market rates. This will help guide both the client and the design team on financial expectations. A version of this same plan, stripped of pricing, will be issued to subcontractors and suppliers to ensure their works packages are based on a consistent set of information and specification details.
Planning a New Build?
Lets Get It Right from the Start
Building your own home is a major investment, and the early decisions matter most. If you’re planning a new build and want professional guidance on procurement, planning, and cost control, we can help.
Whether you're just starting out or already in the design phase, we offer structured support to make your build smoother, smarter, and less stressful.
Guided Pathways
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Plan It
Plan It equips you with the knowledge, tools, and structured processes to confidently design, budget, and prepare your homebuilding project, ensuring a smooth and well-managed build.
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Build It
Build It equips you with the expertise, guidance, and step-by-step processes to manage your construction project effectively, ensuring quality, cost control, and timely completion.
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Certify It
Certify It equips you with the knowledge and processes to navigate final inspections, compliance, and certification, ensuring your project is completed with the documentation needed to validate your investment.