FAQs

land & planning

  • That depends on the type of building and how you plan to use it.

    If you’re intending to use one of our buildings as a self-contained permanent home, you will generally need full planning permission, even for our mobile or modular designs. This ensures that the building meets all relevant local policies, design standards, and community requirements.

    For other uses, like garden rooms, studios, home offices, or ancillary buildings, some may fall under Permitted Development Rights (PDR), meaning they might not require a full planning application. Our garden room range, for example, has been carefully designed to meet PDR guidelines where possible (see gardenrooms.wudl.co.uk for details).

    We have extensive experience in obtaining planning permission for a wide variety of projects, and we’re happy to guide you through the process. Our designs are often well received by planning departments thanks to their quality, sustainability credentials, and sensitive design approach.

    If you’re new to planning permission, the Planning Portal is a great place to start, and for self-builders, the Homebuilding & Renovating website offers some helpful guidance.

    If you’d like to discuss your specific project and its planning requirements, we’d be glad to help you navigate the process.

  • At the moment, we don’t directly sell land or building plots. However, we’re increasingly involved in Custom Build projects where serviced plots with planning permission are sold to individual homeowners — please see our Custom Build page for details on current opportunities.

    We also support initiatives like BuildStore’s PlotSearch and the National Custom & Self Build Association’s (NaCSBA) Right to Build campaign, which aim to make more plots available across the UK. You can find more information on our Land page.

    In the meantime, here are some useful resources to help you find a plot:

    • Plotfinder - from the publishers of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine

    • Perfect Plot - a family-run land retailer

    • Rightmove - select “land” under “Property type” on their search page

    It’s also a good idea to contact local estate agents and let them know you’re interested in vacant land, renovation projects, or properties that might be suitable for redevelopment.

    If you’d like to discuss your options or get advice on finding the right plot, we’d be happy to help.

  • Absolutely. While our main focus is on designing and supplying high-quality modular buildings, we can also support landowners through the entire development process, from masterplanning and site appraisals to marketing and project delivery.

    We’re happy to work with both individual landowners and developers to explore how best to bring a site forward, whether that’s for a single home or a larger Custom Build project. Our flexible, off-site building system can often be adapted to suit different planning contexts, but of course, each project is subject to local planning policies and regulations.

    We understand that there’s a strong demand for high-quality, sustainable homes, and that finding suitable land is often the biggest challenge. By working together, we can help unlock your site’s potential and bring much-needed homes to the market.

    If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your site, we’d love to start the conversation.

customised design & options

  • We’re an architecturally-based company, and we specialise in designing and supplying a versatile off-site building system. Think of it a bit like Lego… our modular building blocks can be assembled in different configurations to create a wide range of building types, from homes to community centres, offices, studios, and more.

    While we’re able to adapt our system to many different design requirements, there are some limits to what we can do, particularly with very large commercial buildings or highly specialised structures like hospitals or heavy industrial facilities, which often need different construction methods or materials.

    Our off-site system allows us to manufacture high-quality components in a controlled environment, which are then assembled on site by your chosen contractor. We have the architectural skills and design experience to help you get the best from the system, ensuring it meets your needs and complies with building regulations.

    If you’d like to talk through a specific project or building type, or explore how our system might work for you, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help!

  • 'Custom Build' homes are properties where individuals have significant input into the design and layout of their homes, but unlike traditional self-builds, the construction is managed by professionals. This approach allows homeowners to personalise their homes without the burden of managing the entire build process themselves.

    At Wudl, we fully support the Custom Build model. As an architecturally-led team, we specialise in designing and supplying modular, off-site manufactured building systems that can be tailored to each client’s needs. Our system is flexible and allows for a range of designs and finishes to suit different tastes and requirements.

    We also work with developers who want to implement Custom Build projects at scale. Our modular system can be adapted to provide a variety of home types within a development, giving future homeowners the opportunity to customise key aspects of their new homes.

    The importance of Custom Build homes has been highlighted in the Bacon Review, an independent report by Richard Bacon MP, which identifies Custom Build as a vital part of diversifying the housing market and helping to meet the UK’s housing needs. The report also recognises the important role of developer-led models in making Custom Build more accessible.

    If you’re a homeowner looking to personalise your home or a developer exploring Custom Build opportunities, please take a look at our dedicated page on this project type.

    Please visit our Custom Build homes page for more information…

  • Absolutely. We can design and supply high-quality annexes suited for extended family living.

    We can either build these to comply with full UK Building Regulations (which could potentially fall under Permitted Development rights and so full Planning Approval wouldn’t be required), or the project could be classed as a mobile home and therefore fall under the requirements of the Caravan Sites Act (“Caravan Act”), which can simplify planning requirements and potentially offer VAT advantages, making them a cost-effective and quicker solution.

    If the project is classed as being a mobile home, then we would build it in accordance with BS 3632:2023 – Residential park homes – Specification.


    Key Facts:

    • To qualify under the Caravan Act, the annexe must:

      • Be transportable (in one or two sections).

      • Fit within maximum dimensions: 20 m long × 6.8 m wide × 3.05 m high (internally).

      • Remain ancillary to the main house—used by family members, sharing facilities, and not a separate dwelling.

    • In addition, some Local Authorities may still require evidence or a lawful development certificate even if planning permission isn't needed under permitted development routes.

    Benefits:

    • Streamlined approvals—often avoids full planning applications.

    • VAT relief may apply if compliant.

    Rough Cost Guide:

    • Supply-only or basic annex kit: £30,000 - £50,000.

    • Complete turnkey annex (one-bedroom, including fit-out): from around £65,000 - this reflects our high-quality design, robust insulation, and compliance-led build.

    • Mid-range build costs typically fall between £60,000 - £120,000, depending on size, specification, and site conditions.

sustainability

  • Yes, they can do.

    Most of our homes can meet this very high standard, the only time they won’t is when triple glazing or MVHR isn’t included as options, some form of renewable energy isn’t used and when the floor area is much smaller than the surface area of the building. We find that when the home has a very large double height space, as fantastic as it is to have this height, the heating calculations sometimes don’t work in our favour.

    For a more detailed explanation about Passivhaus, please visit the BRE’s website.

  • Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our buildings are designed to be energy-efficient, low-carbon, and environmentally responsible from the ground up. Here are some of the key reasons why our buildings are sustainable:

    • Low-Carbon Materials: We prioritise renewable, recycled, and natural materials, such as engineered timber and wood fibre insulation, which store carbon rather than emit it.

    • Energy Efficiency: Our buildings are constructed to high standards of airtightness and insulation, helping to reduce heat loss and minimise energy bills. Many of our designs can meet or exceed Passivhaus standards.

    • Healthy Living and Working Spaces: We use materials that are low in harmful emissions, ensuring excellent indoor air quality. Our ventilation systems are designed to control humidity and reduce pollutants.

    • Adaptability: Our buildings are designed to be flexible and can be easily extended or adapted over time, meaning they can evolve with changing needs — reducing waste and prolonging their lifespan.

    • Responsible Manufacturing: Wherever possible, we source materials locally, support sustainable forestry practices, and reduce waste during manufacturing and construction.

    We also work closely with clients to ensure that each building is designed and built in a way that aligns with their specific sustainability goals, whether that’s achieving net-zero carbon, incorporating renewable energy, or using even more innovative materials.

    If you’d like to learn more about our sustainable building approach, or to discuss how we can tailor a building to your sustainability ambitions, please get in touch… we’d be delighted to help.

technical & construction

  • No, we don’t use SIPs… at least not in the conventional sense.

    Our building system is also made up of pre-insulated panels manufactured off-site, but unlike SIPs, we don’t sandwich rigid foam between two OSB boards. Instead, we use a breathable, vapour-open wall system that incorporates natural or recycled insulation materials such as wood fibre, hemp or sheep’s wool. This allows our buildings to better regulate moisture, improve indoor air quality, and reduce embodied carbon.

    While SIPs are widely used in off-site construction, we’ve developed a different approach that prioritises sustainability, long-term performance, and healthy building fabric, all without compromising on strength or energy efficiency.

    If you’d like to understand more about how our system works, and why we’ve chosen to move beyond SIPs, we’d be happy to share the details.

  • Our homes are designed and built as permanent structures, just like conventional brick-and-block homes. Modern timber frame construction is a well-established method in the UK, and with proper maintenance, these buildings have the same life expectancy as traditional masonry homes — typically 60 years or more, and often far longer.

    Timber frame structures have been used in the UK for centuries, with many examples lasting hundreds of years. Today’s engineered timber products, combined with modern design, protective finishes, and advanced construction techniques, make our buildings highly durable, energy-efficient, and robust.

    In addition, all our homes are designed to meet or exceed current building regulations, and they can be adapted, extended, or refurbished in the same way as any other permanent home. With good maintenance, our homes will remain comfortable and durable for generations to come.

  • Yes, our homes are mortgageable. They are designed and built using proven construction methods that comply with UK building regulations and standards. We use high-quality, durable materials and modern construction techniques that are well-established in the housing industry.

    Our homes typically come with warranties from recognised providers such as the NHBC (National House Building Council), LABC Warranty, or similar — these are widely accepted by mortgage lenders as a mark of quality and reliability. In addition, we work closely with local authorities and building control to ensure every home meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.

    As with any home, mortgageability can also depend on factors like the site, the lender’s criteria, and the buyer’s individual circumstances. If you’d like to discuss this in more detail, or if you need assistance providing information to your lender, please get in touch

  • All of our timber homes are designed and built to meet or exceed UK building regulations, which include rigorous fire safety requirements. Modern engineered timber structures are carefully detailed with fire-resistant measures such as high levels of insulation, protective linings (like fire-rated plasterboard), and other integrated fire barriers.

    In fact, timber can perform very well in a fire, unlike unprotected steel, which can quickly lose strength at high temperatures, timber chars at a predictable rate. This charring forms an insulating layer that protects the core of the wood and helps maintain the structure’s integrity for longer. We also incorporate features such as compartmentation (to slow the spread of fire) and robust escape routes to ensure occupant safety.

    Additionally, we work closely with local authorities and building control to ensure every project fully complies with fire safety legislation.

    If you’d like more detailed information, including references to fire tests or certifications, or to discuss this topic further, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help.

  • We design and manufacture the complete building system off-site in our factory, including the walls, floors, roof panels, and other key components. We purchase all the main materials and components for the building, ensuring consistent quality and high performance.

    However, we don’t directly assemble the buildings on site. Instead, the final assembly is carried out by an assembly contractor. This contractor is typically appointed under a JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) contract with an agreed fixed price and timescale. They are responsible for assembling the building on site, sourcing certain materials best purchased locally — mainly those required for foundations and ground works — as well as handling site preliminaries like site welfare, lifting equipment, tool hire, waste removal, and other logistical aspects.

    While we no longer assemble the buildings ourselves, we’ve done so in the past, so we have first-hand experience of what’s involved. We bring this practical knowledge into every project and work closely with the assembly contractors in a collaborative way, helping to ensure the build runs smoothly and meets our shared quality standards.

    If you’re interested in how this works, or you're a contractor who might like to be involved, you can find more information here: wudl.co.uk/assembly-contractors

costs & ordering

  • That’s a great (and very common) question, but one that doesn’t have a simple answer, as costs can vary significantly depending on many factors:

    • Scale & specification: Higher-end finishes, complex designs, Passivhaus-level performance, or bespoke layouts all increase cost.

    • Location & site conditions: Groundworks, access logistics, and regional contractor rates vary across the UK.

    • Number of units: Building multiple units in a project generally reduces the per-m² cost; a one-off home will be at the higher end of the range.

    As a rough benchmark:

    • Our typical finished modular or timber-frame buildings range between £1,500 and £2,900/m²

    • Budget kit or shell-only packages may be available from £300 to £1,500/m², but usually don’t include services, finishes, or site installation.

    Once we understand your specific needs, including site details, layout, and finish level, we can issue a fixed cost for supplying the building system. Assembly, groundworks, and site preliminaries are quoted separately, often via competitive tender or fixed-price contractor appointments.

    If you’d like to explore what your project might cost based on your vision and location, we’d be happy to work with you on an accurate estimate.

  • We always aim to keep our pricing as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but like all construction projects, there can be fluctuations, especially with materials costs, which can change unexpectedly due to market conditions.

    Once the full scope of your project has been determined, including the specific design, finishes, and any custom features… we’ll fix the cost of supplying the building itself. This means you can have confidence in the price of the main building package before you commit to proceed.

    Please note that while we supply the entire building, we don’t assemble it on site. Instead, if needed, we can help you tender or negotiate with an assembly contractor. The costs for assembly, groundworks, and site-specific works are separate, and they may vary depending on factors like the contractor’s pricing, the site conditions, and any additional works required.

    Fell free to give us a call if you would like to discuss this aspect further.

  • Yes, as with any building project, there are additional costs you should plan for beyond the cost of the building itself. Some are essential, while others help reduce risks or improve quality. If you’re spending upwards of £50,000, it’s crucial to ensure everything is done properly.

    Here are some of the most common additional costs to consider:

    • Site/plot of land: Usually the largest single cost.

    • Site clearance and preparation: Removing existing structures or vegetation and levelling the site ready for foundations.

    • Planning application: Includes professional fees (drawings, forms, design statements) and Local Planning Authority fees. A simple application might cost around £1,000, but complications can increase this.

    • Topographical site survey: Needed for accurate dimensions, levels, trees, drainage, etc.

    • Site investigation: Phase 1 (desk study) assesses risks; Phase 2 (intrusive survey) confirms ground conditions; Phases 3–4 (if needed) cover contamination and remediation.

    • Party Wall Act notice: Required if the building is on or near a boundary.

    • Ground gas protection: If radon or methane is present, protective measures will be needed.

    • Foundations and below-ground services design: Site-specific work, even with modular buildings.

    • Utility connections: Vary by site and services; even off-grid solutions require water and waste disposal.

    • Site insurance: Mandatory for UK construction sites.

    • Building inspections: Approved Inspectors check compliance with Building Regulations.

    • Structural warranty: Often required by mortgage lenders; otherwise optional for peace of mind.

    • Energy performance calculations: Needed to show compliance with Building Regulations.

    • Passivhaus Certification (optional): Additional cost for achieving stringent low-energy standards.

    • Airtightness test: Required for Passivhaus and increasingly for Building Regulations compliance.

    This isn’t an exhaustive list, and every project is unique, so it’s always best to seek tailored advice for your specific site and building.

    If you’d like to discuss any of these costs, or how they tie into the pricing accuracy and fixed building supply costs we offer… please get in touch. We’re always happy to help.

  • Possibly. We’re currently exploring the best way to manufacture and transport our buildings to other countries. At the moment, we’re not able to offer individual homes overseas, but for larger projects — typically five or more buildings — this becomes more viable.

    We’re committed to maintaining our high design and construction standards, and it’s obviously more complex to ensure these standards are met in other countries. We also need to consider alternative specifications and confirm that we comply with each country’s specific building codes and regulations.

    We’re actively working on these questions and hope to have more concrete answers soon. If you’d like to stay informed, please subscribe to our occasional newsletter — we’ll share updates as soon as we can.

  • To begin the process, we’ll need a few details from you, including information about your site (such as location, access, and any known planning history), as well as what kind of building you’re looking for. Even if you’re still early in your thinking, that’s fine, we can help shape the brief and advise on next steps.

    Soon, we’ll be launching a simple online form to help capture this information. But for now, just get in touch with whatever you have… a site plan, postcode, photos, or any planning documents are all useful starting points.

    We don’t build to other people’s designs. Our building system is based on a set of tried-and-tested configurations that allow for a degree of customisation, but it needs to follow our architectural logic and manufacturing approach. If you already have planning permission for a different design, we may still be able to help, but it might require a revised application or a “non-material amendment” (if minor), depending on the Local Planning Authority. In some cases, a fresh planning application may be necessary.

    We’ve designed the process to be as simple and supportive as possible. From the first enquiry to feasibility, planning, and delivery, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

    If you’re unsure whether your project is the right fit, or how to get things moving, we’re happy to talk it through. Just drop us a message and we’ll take it from there.

time-scales

  • Our buildings can be constructed relatively quickly, particularly on-site, where our panelised system allows for full assembly and a watertight shell within around a week. However, it’s the rest of the process that tends to take time, especially things like planning permission and ordering specialist components.

    Building a building takes time, and we often find that people leave things a little too late. While our system is designed for speed and efficiency, there are still key stages that need to be factored in.

    Using our off-site panelised method, we can typically manufacture the entire structural frame in as little as a week. However, components like doors and windows are made to order and usually come with a lead time of 10–12 weeks, as we don’t hold these in stock.

    Planning permission is another critical stage that can be time-consuming. In some cases, this can take several months, particularly if detailed designs need to be amended, surveys are required, or third-party approvals are involved.

    Once everything is in place, on-site assembly is fast. Our buildings are designed for efficient delivery and construction, and we oversee the process from start to finish to ensure both quality and speed.

    If you have a specific site or timeline in mind, we recommend getting in touch as early as possible, even if you're still in the early stages, so we can help you plan the most realistic and efficient route forward.