National Self Build & Renovation Show – Preview
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre has been re-opened for visitors since April. During this time, the Centre has offered various courses and events helping self-builders and renovators to make the most of their projects. July brings the biggest event at the centre, the National Self Build & Renovation Show which will take place on 23-24 July.
The event coincides with ACA opening a stand at the centre where our talented architect Jenny will be running our Swindon office and meeting our clients in England. Read our preview article and check out our top recommendations for the NSBRC show!
The National Self Build & Renovation Show is a ticketed event. Tickets are free when booked in advance, or £12 per person on the door. You can get them here.

SEMINARS AT THE NSBRC SHOW
The National Self Build & Renovation Show will offer various seminars, one-to-one expert advice and case studies. The events will be split across two theatres: the Build It Theatre and the Sovereign Theatre. There will also be a couple of live demonstration zones at the show, where exhibitors will be presenting their products and services.

Build It Theatre
Build It Theatre will cover the key topics every self-builder needs to know. Below you can see some of the most exciting events taking place at the Build It Theatre:
The NSBRC Guide to Renovation Projects – Course Taster Session – David Hilton, NSBRC Expert
Friday at 10:00, Sunday at 15:00
NSBRC Technical Expert, David Hilton, delivers the Renovation Course. David is an authority in sustainable building & energy efficiency and in this session, he will cover some of the typical problems faced when tackling older properties.
Funding your homebuilding plans – Tom McSherry, BuildStore
Friday and Saturday at 11:00
The most successful homebuilding plans are those that have been planned well from the start and this means knowing your budget and understanding your borrowing options early on. BuildStore is the UK’s leading expert in homebuilding finance with access to a range of borrowing solutions, including exclusive mortgages.
Battle of Building Systems – Q&A
Friday at 13:00
Timber Frame or Brick & Block? Traditional Oak or Concrete Blocks? Build on site or in a factory? Find out everything you need to know about the various self-build building systems with our panel of experts. To be hosted by NSBRC Managing Director, Harvey Fremlin. Our senior technician, David will be representing ACA as a SIPS Expert.
Town Planning for Self-Builders – Mark Doodes Planning
Friday at 14:00
Mark will use his 20 years’ experience to give attendees insight into the planning process, your options and some pitfalls to avoid, ending the presentation with a Q&A session.
NSBRC Guide to Energy Efficiency – Course Taster Session – David Hilton, NSBRC Expert
Friday at 15:00, Saturday at 10:00
Join NSBRC Technical Expert David Hilton as he discusses why you should attend the Energy Efficiency course. This newly revised course has been designed specifically for Self Builders & Home Renovators and explores the latest options in heat and energy sources, both renewable and conventional systems.
Helping you heat your home – Q&A
Saturday at 13:00
Air Source Heat Pumps or Ground Source Heat Pumps? Electric Radiators or Infrared Radiators? Biomass Boilers or Gas Boilers? Discover everything you need to know about the different ways to heat your home with our panel of experts. To be hosted by NSBRC Technical Expert, David Hilton.
Sovereign Theatre
Sovereign will present a series of talks hosted by the exhibitors. Below you can see some of the most exciting events taking place at the Sovereign Theatre:
Taking Control with Timber Technology – Frame Technologies
Friday at 10:30
Frame Technologies designs, manufactures and installs bespoke structural timber systems for self-builders who are looking to create outstanding, energy-efficient homes. Providing a fully-flexible range of services, including full supply and erect or supply own packages, and engineered timber products and roof systems, its services span across self-build timber frame, timber technology, energy efficiency, technical processes and technical support.
Privacy & Light Control with Concealed Blinds in New Build Projects – Grants Blinds
Friday at 14:30
Inspirational case study examples showing what is possible when concealed blinds are considered early in a new build project. If you have the option to hide blinds, wires and side channels for blackout blinds, why wouldn’t you? Since 1982, Grants have provided architects, interior designers and their clients with inspiration, expertise and bespoke solutions, adding WOW to any project.
Underfloor Heating & Renewables – Nu-Heat
Friday at 15:00
Join Nu-Heat’s Self-Build Manager, Jo, to find out more about the benefits, considerations and options available to you when choosing a heat pump and underfloor heating for your home.
Smart Home Systems – Zone your Home
Saturday at 12:00
Smart Home systems, key considerations at the design stage for future proofing. How technologies such as data networking, lighting/heating/blind controls, and security can make your home work for you.
The Time is Now: Why Choose Renewable Heating? – Kensa Heat Pumps
Saturday at 13:00
The shift to renewable heating will happen sooner or later; fossil fuel heating systems such as gas boilers will not be an option for new-build homes from 2025. With the rewarding Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) coming to an end in March 2022, now is the time to invest in ground source heating. Join Steve Costello, as he explains ground source heat pump technology, its long-term benefits, and why low-carbon heating is crucial to cutting emissions.
Landscape Design For Self-Builders – some tips and some pitfalls to avoid – Rumbold Ayers
Saturday at 14:30
A quick gallop through some often-overlooked topics, from before you even buy a plot through planning permission to planting and project completion. External works are often not considered until late in a project, but planning from the beginning can help avoid some awkward pitfalls, save money and contribute to a successful outcome.
Live Demonstrations
There will be several live demonstration zones at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, where the exhibitors will be presenting their products and services. You can find some of them below:
Beco Wallform (ICF)
Friday at 11:00
Beco Wallform Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) is a fast and cost effective and suitable for all types of project. See how quickly and easily this building system can deliver a fully insulated wall construction.
Frame Technologies (TF)
Friday at 13:30
Frame Technologies show how building with Timber Frame can achieve anything from building regulations to Passivhaus standards.
VELFAC
Saturday at 12:30
An Introduction into VELFAC composite windows that bring together the best of both worlds; the durability and versatility of aluminium and the beauty and warmth of natural wood.
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
We are happy to announce that ACA are taking another big step in helping Self Builders in the UK – we are launching our own seminars!
‘How to Self Build successfully’, will take place at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, in Swindon and be hosted by industry expert Allan Corfield. The seminar will focus on educating visitors on all of the key areas of the Self Build journey and will take this Autumn. Read more and book your interest here.

EXHIBITORS
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre has over 250 permanent exhibitors, and many of them will be present at the show to provide expert advice to visitors. You will have the chance to learn about the various products and services they have to offer, and how they can benefit your project.
There will be exhibitors who specialise in construction, covering areas such as design, renewables, exteriors, interiors, financial services and many more.
CONSULTATIONS WITH EXPERTS
The National Self Build & Renovation Show will give you a unique opportunity to book a one-to-one slot with architects, planning experts, project managers, structural engineers and other specialists in the Professional Services Hub. This will provide you with a chance to discuss your project and learn what products and solutions will best meet your expectations.
If you are not sure what building system will be the best option for your project, you can book your 20-minute consultation slot with the SIPS, ICF, Oak Frame and Timber Frame experts. You can also see advice from a renewables specialist to find out what solutions will be best for your project.
The selected experts will be able to help you with:
- Architectural Design
- Planning
- Building Control
- Project Management
- Eco Design
- Heating Systems

VISIT OUR STAND AT THE SHOW
ACA are delighted to announce that we now have a permanent presence at the NSBRC, with Architect Jenny Chandela (US), who will be available on-site 3 days per week. Jenny is available for initial consultations and to demonstrate the renowned virtual reality system live in the NSBRC.
Jenny and David will be both available to answer any questions visitor have at the show, so if you are designing your home, then use this opportunity and come to our stand and let’s talk about making your self build dream come true. You will also get the opportunity to see the walkthrough of some houses we have designed in VR so you can see how it helps in shaping the vision of your future home.
AUDIO TOURS
The NSBRC team recorded audio tours so that you can enjoy a personal tour of their educational zones using your own smartphone or device.
The tours cover both the New Build zone and the Renovation House and each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
You can access the audio tours here. Alternatively, scan the QR codes (found at the start of each zone) with your smart phone’s camera.
Please remember to bring your own headphones!

A COVID SAFE EVENT
The NSBRC Show organisers have put in place special measures to ensure the centre and show safeguard the visitors, exhibitors and staff. They are working hard to ensure they comply with current guidelines and as such this show will be a little different from previous events. If you are bringing children please ensure they remain with you at all times.
Visiting the National Self Build & Renovation Centre is beneficial for every person who wants to build their dream home.
In addition, The National Self Build and Renovation Show provides even more value and should be in the calendar of every conscious self-builder who want to prepare thoroughly for what will be the biggest investment in their life.
The NSBRC is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 – 17:30, Sunday 10:00 – 16:30.
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon, SN5 8UB
For more information visit: www.nsbrc.co.uk.
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