The pioneering modular construction system that you can use to build your own home.
What is U-Build?
What is U-Build?
U-Build is a modular building system developed by Studio Bark. The system is made of flat pack wooden panels that are stacked and bolted to form the building, and can be taken apart and reused at the end of the building’s useful life.
U-Build is a single solution that is versatile, reusable, and democratic:
- With endless applications from furniture to office fit-outs, garden studios to entire homes
- Easy to construct using simple hand tools and no specialist skills
- A truly circular system, that can be deconstructed and reconstructed endlessly to evolve with changing needs
- Made using natural materials to reduce carbon impact
- Crafted from non-toxic, low VOC materials for healthy spaces
- Ready to specify with UK Building and Fire Regulation compliance
How was U-Build developed?
How Was U-Build Developed?
U-Build was created in 2016 by Studio Bark, in collaboration with Structure Workshop for structural engineering and Cut and Construct for testing. Originally designed for Box House, a pioneering self-build project featured on Grand Designs: The Street in 2017, the system was developed to make construction more accessible, sustainable, and user-friendly.
In 2020, U-Build became a not-for-profit company, dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to take control of their building projects. Since then, the system has gained widespread recognition, proving its versatility in a variety of applications - including garden studios, office fit-outs, gallery exhibitions, and even entire homes. With its modular, flat-pack approach, U-Build makes construction simple, sustainable, and achievable for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned builder or a complete beginner.
Building with U-Build
What Can I Build With U-Build?
We have completed countless projects using the U-Build construction system. The project will follow the same process as usual (find out more at our Bark Journey page), but we will guide you through the specialist aspects of using a CNC modular system with our expert knowledge of U-Build.
Modular New Build Homes
- Billingford - A low energy, two bedroom self-build home
- Box House - A two bedroom self-build home for first time buyers
- Nest House - An accessible eco-home built by students
U-Build Home Extensions
- Mill Lane - A sensitive roof extension to a cottage in Essex
- Meadow Road - A deep retrofit and extension of a Victorian villa in Tunbridge Wells
- Box Extension - A pre-planned extension of our first U-Build home
Commercial Fit-outs
- Sustainable Workspaces - A reconfigurable office fit-out at London's County Hall
- Boar Lane Studios - A pop-up arts space and retrofit in Leeds
Download our U-Build Commercial Fit-out Brochure
Garden Studios
- Manbey Pod - A garden textiles workshop self-built by the client
- RDLAC Garden Room - A live student build project that has had multiple lives
Testimonials
“A talented and dedicated team of young, ambitious architects who had the rare ability to understand exactly what we wanted from a home… It was a pleasure to work with them and I would recommend them to anyone wanting something distinctive and beautiful whilst allowing an appreciation for all your modern life demands.” Grand Designs Client (Box House)
Find out more
Where can I find out more about U-Build?
The success of U-Build led us to launch the product as it’s own company. The modular system is now sold for all sorts of purposes and clients from self-built tiny homes, to art exhibitions, furniture, and retail interiors. Visit the U-Build website to find out more, or speak to the U-Build team at info@u-build.org.
Want To Use U-Build For A Commercial Project?
If you're looking to use the U-Build Internal Partitions System or Acoustic Panels for a commercial project, download our brochure below for more information.
Download our U-Build Internal Partition Systems Brochure
To speak to our team about your project, contact the studio on (+44) 0207 993 4332 or info@studiobark.co.uk.
