The Box House, a pioneering example of sustainable self-build construction, stands before you. This two-bedroom home, built with innovative U-Build blocks, was completed in 2017 and was featured on the Channel 4 show Grand Designs: The Street in 2019.
Built by first-time buyers Chris and Roxie, the Box House was one of the first ten homes built on the Graven Hill development in Bicester. It was created as part of Studio Bark’s “No Building As Usual” programme, aimed at bridging the gap between architecture and construction.
The U-Build system was designed for accessibility. Flat-packed plywood boxes are stacked and bolted together to form the house, a simple, yet strong, construction method. Studio Bark’s architects designed the home, and Chris and Roxie worked with a team of students to actually build it. They even lived in a nearby campsite made from reclaimed materials during the construction!
The Box House is more than a sustainable home, it’s a testament to innovation and community spirit. It demonstrated that a house can be built quickly and efficiently, and that sustainable materials can be just as beautiful as traditional ones. The Box House is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, skill, and a little bit of ingenuity.