Architect and Self Build Coach

protaHOMES is a Cambridge-based Architectural Practice and Consultancy that specialises in High Performance Self Build Homes. protaHOMES was founded by Architect and Self Build Coach, Oliver Murray, with the mission of making the process of building your own home easier. What makes us unique is that we provide self build coaching alongside our architectural services to help our clients progress through their self build journeys with clarity and confidence. If you are considering embarking on a high-performance self build, we invite you to book a free Getting Started Consultation by clicking the button below.

High-Performance

By 'high performance', we mean homes that are designed and specified to meet the rigorous performance criteria of the Passivhaus Building Standard, and which deliver high standards of comfort and health for their inhabitants, whilst also being good for the environment. If you are unfamiliar with Passivhaus, or unclear regarding the benefits, we invite you to download our 'Passivhaus Infosheet' which on a single page describes the key principles, features, advantages, and benefits.

Self Build

By 'self build', we mean that we work with people who want to commission the design and construction of their own home, and who are therefore inherently interested and invested in creating homes that are both beautiful and functional. We know that while many people would like to build their own home, they never take that first step, simply because they don’t know where to start. It is for this reason that we created the Self Build Starter Pack, with a selection of simple worksheets to help aspiring self builders get started with their self build journey.

HOMES

As architects, there are many types of buildings that we could turn our hand to, but homes are the most basic and fundamental of building typologies, and one that impacts all our lives. protaHOMES, as highlighted by the name of our practice, was founded to help people create homes that delight and enhance their quality of life. Please feel free to check out a selection of some of our projects by clicking the button below. Please click on the button below to learn more.

Clarity Review

At the start of your self build journey, it is fairly likely that; you have never been on this journey before; you only have a vague idea of your destination; you are unsure how to get there or which mode of transport to use; you don’t know how much it will cost or how long the journey will take; and you are feeling a little daunted and confused. While this is entirely understandable, it is also not ideal, and so we developed our Clarity Review to help you make some preparations, to clearly define where you are going and how to get there, before you set out on your journey.

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Passivhaus-Trust

Supporting custom and self build