Why You Should Attend the National Self Build & Renovation Show in May
It looks like our lives have finally come back to normal after the last two difficult years. The first National Self Build & Renovation Show in 2022 attracted the highest number of visitors in the previous two years, and we hope this number will be improved at the May show! The NSBRC show is the ideal event to meet experts, see and test products in a spacious and relaxing setting and offers something for everyone, no matter what stage you are at with your project. There you will find tons of advice on finding a plot and arranging your finances, deciding on the best building method through to how you will heat your home.
The May show will take place on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th. Find out more and check out our top recommendations for the NSBRC show below!
The National Self Build & Renovation Show is a ticketed event. Tickets are free when booked in advance, or £12 per person at the door. You can get them here. The show’s opening hours are 9am-5pm.
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 several live demonstration zones at the show, where exhibitors will be presenting their products and services, including our Virtual Reality demonstration sessions at the ACA stand (stand no 55).

Build It Theatre
Build It Theatre will cover the key topics every self-builder needs to know, including: finding land, budgeting, planning, and the new government-backed ‘Help to Build’ scheme. Below you can see some of the most exciting events taking place at the Build It Theatre:
Cost of Living Surgery – NSBRC
Everyday – 10:00-10:45 and 14:00-14:45
A major concern for all of us is the cost of living and, in particular, rising energy bills. How can we mitigate against this in our homes? Join our ‘Cost of Living’ surgery as a range of experts explore the technologies and methods available to us, including; improving insulation, air source heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicles and more.
Funding Your Homebuilding Plans – Tom McSherry, BuildStore
Everyday – 11:00-11:45
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.
Help to Build: Equity Loan – Homes England
Everyday – 12:00-12:45
Join a surgery with Homes for England to learn about the new government-backed ‘Help to Build: Equity Loan’ and how this could help bring your dream custom or Self Build project plans to life.
Question Time: Battle of the Building Systems – Harvey Fremlin, NSBRC & Panel of Exhibitors
Everyday – 15:00-15:45
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.
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:
How to save energy and 0.5-tonne carbon every year from your hot water system – Halcyan
Friday – 11:30-11:55
Save energy, and protect the equipment and systems in your new home or extension with sustainable water treatment.
The Integrated Design Team – Allan Corfield Architects
Friday – 12:00-12:25
Jenny Chandela of Allan Corfield Architects discusses how to select your design team and when to engage them. An integrated design team is the first step to an efficient and streamlined project – from initial design through the completed build!
The time is now – Why choose a Renewable Ground Source Heat Pump? – Kensa Heat Pumps
Friday – 13:30-13:55
The shift to renewable heating is happening; fossil fuel systems such as gas boilers will no longer be an option for new-build homes from 2025. Making this the time to invest in ground source heating. Join Kensa as we explain ground-source heat pump technology, its long-term benefits, and why low-carbon heating is crucial to cutting emissions.
Underfloor Heating & Heat Pumps – Nu-Heat
Saturday – 11:00-11:25
Find out more about the benefits, considerations and options available to you when choosing underfloor heating and a heat pump for your home.
Building a low energy home using modern masonry construction – JUWO SmartWall
Saturday – 13:00-13:25
This talk will present the benefits that can be gained from masonry construction in meeting the new regulations.
Building a sustainable home – Honka
Saturday – 14:30-14:55
Honka Fusion Building System is set to challenge conventional building systems with sustainable, healthy living and ecological construction method. Honka Finland is an industry leader with over 85000 buildings, delivered into 50 countries since 1958.
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. ACA will be hosting Virtual Reality sessions at our stand no 55 which will show visitors the capabilities of VR and how it can help in the design process. You will be able to walk around and fully appreciate the external design and internal spaces of a virtual house in unbelievable 4K clarity!
The New Build Zone
Join the NSBRC experts for an in-depth, guided tour of the centre’s Educational Zones: the New Build Zone, which walks you through each key stage you’ll encounter in a Self Build, and our Renovation House – a dilapidated 1920s property showing the before/after of the home renovation process.
Our top 3 tips for making the most of your visit to the National Self Build & Renovation Show:
- Bring your plans, drawings and sketches – it will help the experts and exhibitors give you the best advice.
- Arrive early! There is a packed programme of talks, demos, case studies and tours. The show starts at 10am each day and you’ll want plenty of time to browse over 200 exhibitor displays.
- Don’t be shy to ask questions! Many experienced representatives will be on hand to answer your questions and offer support based on their experience.

EXHIBITORS
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre has over 200 permanent exhibitors, and many of them will be present at the show to provide expert advice to visitors. You will have a 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.
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
Our experts Jenny and Rachael will be available at our stand (no TV55) to speak to you about your project and demonstrate our renowned Virtual Reality system. The VR sessions will be at 10.30am and 2pm on both days of the show.
Jenny will also deliver a very interesting talk (12:00 noon on Friday at the Sovereign Theatre) on the role of the integrated design team, where she will discuss how to select your team and when to engage them. An integrated design team is the first step to an efficient and streamlined project – from initial design through to the completed build!
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
After a very good reception of our seminars, we have confirmed the next couple in the following months. The ‘How to self-build successfully’ seminars will take place on Saturday 9th July and Saturday 8th October at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre and be hosted by Jenny.
This one-day course gives you practical advice and guidance from a panel of established experts in their fields of expertise, ready to impart their knowledge and experience to you. The course registration costs £80 and includes lunch, refreshments, a full day of expert advice and opportunities for individual consultations.
SOME TOPICS THAT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINAR:
- Finding and assessing land
- Funding and protecting your project
- Your project team and the design process
- Project management and cost control
- Future homes standards and construction systems
- Renewable heating design
- MVHR design
OUR EXPERTS:
- Jenny Chandela – AC Architects – US Registered Architect
- Iga Panczyna – AC Architects – Passive House Designer
- David Gallagher – AC Structures – Structural Engineer
- Tom McSherry – BuildStore – Finance Expert
- James Bryden – CLPM – Project Management and Quantity Surveying
- Brian Singleton – ADM Systems – MVHR Expert
- David Hilton – Heat & Energy – Renewable Heating Expert
- Gareth Nicholas – NSBRC
To find out more about the event and the experts and to book your place, click the button below.
Visiting the National Self Build & Renovation Centre is beneficial for anyone who wants to build their dream home and should be in the calendar of every conscious self-builder who wants 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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