It’s that time of year again – the countdown to the annual Build It Awards ceremony on Friday 27th November is on. In the run-up to the event, our editorial team and the Awards judges have pored over all the readers’ homes showcased in the magazine over the last year. We’ve whittled them down to
The post Build It Awards: Vote for the Best Self Build Home or Renovation Project 2026 appeared first on Build It.
It’s that time of year again – the countdown to the annual Build It Awards ceremony on Friday 27th November is on. In the run-up to the event, our editorial team and the Awards judges have pored over all the readers’ homes showcased in the magazine over the last year. We’ve whittled them down to just six contenders, which are now in with a chance of winning Build It’s Best Self Build or Renovation Project 2026.
From a wow-factor riverside self build to an impressive deep energy retrofit, this year’s homes highlight what’s possible when you set your mind to the task of developing a bespoke house designed around your lifestyle and needs. Our selection includes dwellings that are finished to a broad spectrum of budgets, designs and styles, cherry picked from all over the country. What they have in common is the vision, ambition and hard work required by the homeowners who created them. Though each project is worthy of taking the top prize, there can only be one victor – so we need your help to decide which property comes out on top.
The winner is chosen 100% by you, our readers. This page provides a snapshot of what went into each of the projects, highlighting their standout triumphs. For more detail, click the buttons underneath each project to read their full stories and take a deep dive into the ins and outs of every scheme. Click here or on the button below to vote for your favourite project. Voting closes at 5pm on 5th November.
Nature-inspired Devon longhouse – Mike Cowen
Keen traveller and wildlife enthusiast Mike Cowen decided to trade in his busy urban lifestyle for one immersed in the beautiful Devon landscape. After a few months of searching for the perfect plot, he discovered a riverbank property several miles from Exeter – a dated prefab bungalow with no thought given to the layout, aesthetics or sensitive surrounding environment. Mike put in a pre-planning application to see if the local authority would support a demolish-and-rebuild scheme for his potential new home and received a positive response from the council.
Photo: Richard Downer
Once the sale was finalised, Mike delved into crafting the design of his new home. He appointed VESP Architects to develop plans for a house that’d sit harmoniously in the scenic rural location. “I’ve stayed in lots of eco lodges, so I wanted to recreate that feel,” says Mike. “I was keen to incorporate plenty of big openings and glass to bring the outdoors in.” Driven by a commitment to minimal environmental impact, the design features a simple, elongated form inspired by the traditional Devon longhouse, sitting lightly above the riverbank on stilts.
Photo: Richard Downer
Inside, Mike’s new home is split into two halves; the main living areas sit at one end of the house and bedrooms at the other, with a central entrance area acting as a transition. White-washed Douglas fir cladding from Millworks was used across the vaulted ceilings, providing a warm and natural feel without losing the crispness of the overall design.
| Owner | Mike Cowen |
| Project | Self build (Twin stud timber frame) |
| Location | Devon |
| Size | 160m² |
| Project cost | £923,000 |
| Cost per m² | £5,769 |
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The post Build It Awards: Vote for the Best Self Build Home or Renovation Project 2026 appeared first on Build It.