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Explore

Explore whether WikiHouse is right for your project

Before you start, do a quick check to see whether WikiHouse looks like an appropriate solution for your project based on what you want to build, and where.

Useful information

What types of project is it suitable for?

Frequently asked questions

Want help?

Ask us about your project

UK only

1

Outline design

Design your scheme and get planning consent

We recommend working with WikiHouse blocks as early as possible in the design process to make sure your design fits the WikiHouse system, and uses standard-size WikiHouse blocks wherever possible. This will save you time and money later.

You will need to makes sure your design meets the building regulations, and you may need to produce a set of drawings and documents to get planning consent for your project.

We recommend engaging an architect, project designer or a design and build company to design your scheme. In some cases you may also want to engage a quantity surveyor to estimate the cost of your design, although in the case of smaller projects your designer may be happy to help you do this.

Key responsibilities

• Make sure your design is within the structural rules of WikiHouse
• Get planning consent, if required.
• Make sure your design meets building regulations, if required.

Useful links

Download a 3D design kit

Read our guide for designers

Watch our 'WikiHouse design essentials' video

Want help?

We cannot be your project architect, but we do offer a range of support services to help you design and deliver your project. If you're not sure where to start, get in touch.
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2

Chassis design

Design your WikiHouse chassis

Next you'll need to create a detailed 3D model of your WikiHouse chassis (the raw structure), along with a cutting list, cutting files and an assembly manual.

If your design only uses standard WikiHouse blocks, or your project designer has worked with WikiHouse before, they may be able to do this themselves.

Alternatively, we can do it for you. We offer a full chassis design service, and we can also design new, custom blocks for you.

Useful information

Download blocks

Download a design kit

We can design your chassis

You can engage us to design your WikiHouse chassis. We will create a 3D model, cutting files and assembly manuals.
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3

Check

Get a structural engineer to check your design

In order to meet building regulations you will need a report from a qualified structural engineer.

If you already have a structural engineer, they may be able to do this.

Alternatively, we have a growing network of structural engineers who are already familiar with the WikiHouse system. Simpler projects may qualify for the new 'fast track' structural checking service, which has a lower fee. In other cases you will need to agree a custom fee with the engineer. Use our automated service to check whether your project is eligible for the fast track service.

Your structural engineer will also provide you with a set of loading requirements for the foundations.

Key responsibilities

• A qualified structural engineer must certify that the structure meets building regulations.

Useful information

Read our guide for structural engineers

Find a structural engineer

If your project is in the UK, USA or Netherlands, we can connect you with a WikiHouse structural engineer.

If your project is in a country where there aren't yet any WikiHouse engineers, you will need to find a structural engineer who is willing to work with the WikiHouse system. You can point them towards our guide for structural engineers, and we can work with them to help them understand the WikiHouse system.

4

Detail design

Specify and design the materials and fit-out

WikiHouse provides you with a structural 'chassis' for your building. You then have unlimited choice in the way you finish it: windows, exterior cladding materials, internal walls, linings, and services. It is important that these details are done right, so your project is weathertight and meets building regulations.

You may want to engage an architect or project designer to help you do this. In some cases you may also decide to engage other professionals, such as a building services engineer, although for smaller projects it is likely that the companies whose products you specify will be able to help you get the design and specification right.

Some builders or installers may also offer a full 'design and build' service.

Key responsibilities

• Your building must meet building regulations, for example in relation to fire resistance and energy performance.

Useful information

Read our guide for designers

Find a designer

We cannot be your project architect, but we might be able to help connect you with an architect or design and build company to help you detail design your project.

5

Manufacture

Find a manufacturer to make your blocks

Find a local CNC fabricator to cut and assemble your blocks. They can use our manufacturing guide and block assembly manuals.

We have a growing network of approved WikiHouse manufacturers. Send them your cutting list to request a quote.

Useful information

Read our guide for manufacturers

Want help?

We have a growing network of WikiHouse manufacturers.

Find a WikiHouse manufacturer

We can also help you find potential manufacturers and get quotes from them.

6

Site preparation

Install foundations and utilities

You should prepare your site before the WikiHouse blocks arrive. This includes installing foundations and utilities to a high level of accuracy.
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A structural engineer will be able to specify the foundations you need, although they may require a site survey first. Then you can usually engage a local building company to install them.

Alternatively, some specialist foundation companies offer a full service that will include surveying, installing and testing foundations.

Key responsibilities

• To meet building regulations, your foundations must be certified either by a qualified structural engineer or a foundations installation company.

Useful information

Read our guide for designers

Read our guide for installers

Find a foundations engineer

If your project is in the UK, USA or Netherlands, we can help connect you with a WikiHouse structural engineer or foundations engineer.

If your project is in a country where there aren't yet any WikiHouse engineers, you will need to find a foundations engineer or installer. You can point them towards our guides.

7

Assemble

Install your chassis

A WikiHouse chassis can usually be assembled in 1-4 days. Make sure that you or your builder have the right equipment, and a plan for how to assemble the chassis in a safe way, complying with all relevant health & safety legislation.

You or your builder can assemble the WikiHouse chassis yourselves, or, alternatively we also have a growing network of WikiHouse installers who can rapidly assemble your WikiHouse chassis for you.

Key responsibilities

• You must comply with all relevant Health & Safety regulations. This may include notifying authorities about the project.

Useful information

Read our guide for assemblers

Want help?

We can also help you find potential installers and get quotes from them.

8

Finish

Fit-out and complete your project

You can now install windows, external cladding, internal services, internal finishes and landscaping.

You might do some of this work yourself, have a single contractor who does it, or you might use different installers for different parts of the build. Some WikiHouse installers also provide a full project build service.

Once you have completed your project, please share your photos, stories, solutions and any suggestions for how we can improve the system. We'd also love to see any data you have about how much your project cost, and how your building performs over time.

Key responsibilities

• You must comply with all relevant Health & Safety regulations. This may include notifying authorities about the project.

• A building regulations inspector may have to visit and sign-off your project.

• If you need a warranty, your insurer may also want to inspect the building during the build process.

Next steps

Send us your feedback

Share photos of your project in the community

Want help?

If you have questions, or want some feedback or guidance on fitting out your project, get in touch.

If you're interested in any of these services, or you're wondering about whether WikiHouse is right for your project, get in touch.

Some parts of this process may vary slightly in different countries, due to different regulatory systems and whether there are already any WikiHouse designers, engineers, manufacturers or installers where you are, but the basic stages are the same everywhere.

The process

How to deliver your project using WikiHouse