i-Build April 2020

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FOCUS:

UNDERFLOOR

HEATING

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FLOORING

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DRAINAGE

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BRICKS

&

BLOCKS

COVER STORY

A WONDROUS WATER TOWER TRANSFORMATION

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A P R I L 20 - I S S U E 69

CASE STUDIES

www.crossplatformmedia.co.uk

i-Build looks at the incredible conversion of a soaring water tower in High Garrett, which has an astonishing history of uses including a WWII prisoner-of-war camp

INSPIRATION

MATERIALS

ADVISORY

IDYLLIC CONVERSION IN ITALY

WORKING FROM HOME?

ANTI-CLIMB PAINT

MISTAKES TO AVOID

Take a guided tour around Le Marche's newly renovated 1930s Liberty Villa, 'Villa Veneto'

We've gathered our favourite industrial-inspired accessories to ensure your home office looks the part

Everything you need to know about specifying anticlimb paint as an anti-theft solution for your home

The five all-too-common errors that could kill your self-build project and how to overcome them

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E

ditor's Welcome

EDITORIAL: Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISING: Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Jim Moore

jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PRINT DESIGN MANAGER: Jack Witcomb

jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

DIGITAL DESIGN MANAGER: Matt Morse

matt@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Philip Coyle

philip@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

ACCOUNTS: Jackie Dearman

jackie@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

SALES SUPPORT: Klare Porter

klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PUBLISHER: Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope.

No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor's hands. In the absence of an agreement, the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Cross Platform Media Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Cover story:

i-Build looks at the incredible conversion of a soaring water tower in High Garrett, which has an astonishing history of uses including a WWII prisoner-of-war camp

I-BUILD APRIL 2020

I

want to open this issue firstly by wishing you all well. I do hope the consequences of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have not struck too hard; whether they be health-related or, indeed, financial. Amidst the neverending reports, conferences and concerns that seem to have spread across the nation following the COVID-19 outbreak, the team at i-Build have put their positive, creative minds together to bring you some joy and solace in this month's design pages.

We've looked at seasonal trends, working-from-home inspiration and wellbeing-focused schemes from Denmark to brighten up our pages.

Although it's looking highly unlikely that we'll be gathering around the table for an Easter feast this year; it doesn't mean we can't celebrate in our own way. On pages 06-07, we've looked at some charming Easter accessories that are sure to lighten up interiors. Whether you want to add these pieces to your online shopping basket or attempt to make your very own replicas, there's something for everyone. Meanwhile, on page 08, we've looked at an industrial trend for your home office. From deskchairs and tables to stationery and paperwork organisation, ensure

Editor's

your office is in order and looking stylish. Last but by no means least, we've wandered back a few years ago when magazines were adorned with the 'Hygge' scheme. Turn to page 10 of this month's issue to learn more about incorporating this theme into your home.

Elsewhere in this issue, we've taken Jon and Victoria Oakley back in time to 2017, when they purchased a landmark water tower and undertook an extensive renovation on the structure. With a genuinely intriguing past – including previous use as a prisoner-of-war camp and a secret communications hub during the Second World War – Jon and Victoria's home, which is now for sale, is truly awe-inspiring. Turn to page 16 to look around their home. Meanwhile, on page 22, we chat to the renovators who took on the arduous task of refurbishing an Italian villa that was previously owned by the former wife of Diego della Valle – the creator of the luxury brands Tods, Hogan and Fay.

Rebecca Rebecca Kemp Editor @ibuildmagazine

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

Download the i-Build app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search 'i-build'.

Picks

See page 16.

Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BZ 01622 232723 www.crossplatformmedia.co.uk

BLANCO i-Build takes a look at some of BLANCO UK's most popular innovative products that were on display at this year's KBB 3

KELLER For a sought-after sleek and seamless aesthetic in the kitchen, self-builders and home renovators turn to Keller Kitchens

MARMOX MARMOX Multiboards are being used in a majestic £5m mansion redevelopment project in Sutton Coldfield I-B U I L D/AP R/20

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The home of Self Build Custom Build & Renovation

National Self Build & Renovation Centre

April 2020 ADVISORY

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Viewpoint

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Drainage

This month, we've talked to Paul Smith at MyPlot to unearth the five common mistakes self-builders can avoid when embarking on their project.

Getting your site's drainage right the first time is imperative if you’re looking for optimum operability and to reduce the potential of drainage-related headaches. Here, we've talked to Lanes Group about the key elements to consider when installing your home's system.

I-DEAS

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I-DIY:

34

I-nterior:

Flooring In this two-part feature, Flooring Megastore’s Mark Canning talks you through his three-step process to purchasing your floor.

Meanwhile, BAL’s David Wilson provides you with a beginner’s guide on subfloor preparation.

Underfloor Heating A firm favourite for selfbuilders and home renovators, underfloor heating has peaked in popularity for its minimal aesthetics and performance.

Here’s what you need to know when opting for the sought-after heating solution for your home.

CASE STUDIES

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22

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Rural Retreat

First a prisoner-of-war camp, then a secret communications hub in WWII and now the enviable home of Jon and Victoria Oakley, there’s more than meets the eye at The Water Tower in Braintree, Essex.

Impressive Innovation

Despite the trauma at present, we highlight the true beauty of Italy through Le Marche’s 1930s Villa Veneto, which was once owned by the former wife of Diego della Valle – the creator of the luxury brands Tods, Hogan and Fay.

MATERIALS

Bricks &Blocks

Have you explored the benefits offered by aircrete blocks for your home’s construction?

Here, H+H looks at how the unique structures of these blocks have been helping self-builders meet energy efficiency targets in recent years.

INSPIRATION

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Desired Designs:

08

Desired Designs:

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Easter Inspo Even if we’re cooped up indoors this Easter, there’s plenty of accessories to take inspiration from in this month’s Desired Designs pages.

Working from home?

If furnishing your office has been on your arm’s-length to-do list for a little longer than intended, perhaps it’s time to start planning an office interior theme.

Style Guide: Hygge

It was the talk of the town in 2016, and now we’re confined to the four walls in our homes, we predict it’s going to make a comeback.

NEWS / PRODUCT GUIDE

Product Guide

I-Build rounds up the latest innovative products in the marketplace, designed with your self-build in mind.

MISC 38 Windows 39

Paints & Finishes

In a world of ever-evolving technological innovations protecting our homes, sometimes it pays to go back to basics. This month, we've explored how anticlimb paints can play a key role in your home's anti-theft setup.

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns

©The Contemporary Home

PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET With public Easter gatherings being cancelled left, right and centre, the majority of us cooped up indoors and holidaymaking looking remarkably precarious; it's probably time to add some Easter cheer to your online basket.

W

hether you're planning to spend this Easter by yourself or with your immediate family, we all need some joy injected into our lives following the global affairs over the past few months. From eggcups (minus the in-demand eggs, of course) and whimsical bunting to decorative eggs and Easter bunny-themed ceramics, there's something to inspire everyone. And, if you're unable to get your hands on any of these goodies; now's a great

I-B U I L D/AP R/20

YOURS TO BUY

1. Moss natural egg wreath, £20.00, The Contemporary Home

time to try your hand at DIY arts and crafts; particularly if you're looking for creative ways to inspire the kids while they're off on a prolonged Easter break.

Alternatively, if your self-build or home renovation project is nowhere near furnishing stage and 2020's too soon even to conjure an Easter-related design idea; we've tried to keep this month's picks as timeless as Easter accessories can be.

So, tear this page out and add it to your stockpile of seasonal interior accessories (you and I both know you have one!).

2. Pastel wood 'happy Easter' garland, 90cm, £12.00, Gisela Graham London

6. Felt bunny storage bag – medium (stone), £55, Bobby Rabbit 7. Lene Bjerre Vinnia Easter flowerpot – gold, £20, Sweetpea & Willow

3. Easter tree with gold eggs in hessian pot, £30, Ella James 8. Rabbit cake stand, £14, Marquis & Dawe 4. White ceramic bunny salt and pepper set, £9.00, Gisela 9. Ceramic egg tree Graham London decorations, £18, Beaumonde 5. Wooden blue and white Easter egg hunt arrow, £7.50, The Contemporary Home

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10. Lene Bjerre Serelle Easter bunny figurine – white, £20, Sweetpea & Willow

DESIRED DESIGNS

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02

YOURS TO BUY

1. Floral glass Easter egg decoration, set of three, £12.00 2. Set of four felt pastel Easter bunny decorations, £25.00 3. Pastel wood Easter decorations, box of nine, £5.00

T

OUR BRAND PICK

4. Set of six blue/white Easter egg decorations, £3.00

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04

he Contemporary Home

The Contemporary Home is a small, but perfectly formed, company based in a converted dairy on Hayling Island. The brand knows how much our beautiful environment enhances day-to-day lives.

The Contemporary Home's mission is to bring its love of easy home shopping and all things homely, nautical, unusual, unforgettable and fun to the greater public.

HOT PRODUCT

Deck the halls with meters of bunting...

Adorn your walls with decorative bunting; or use the below designs to inspire your own hand-made decorations. Tape them up around the dining table to spread some cheer when you're tucking into your Easter dinner.

YOURS TO BUY

1. Wooden carrot bunting – 'hoppy' Easter, Ginger Ray, £4.99

3. Rose gold pom-pom tail bunny bunting - 'hoppy' Easter, Ginger Ray, £4.99

2. Rose gold hoppy Easter bunting - 'hoppy' Easter, Ginger Ray, £4.99

4. Rose gold foiled bunny bunting - 'hoppy' Easter, Ginger Ray, £5.99

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TOP TIP

Take DIY to the next level and make your very own Easter wreath? Get the family creative with some pastel-coloured tissue paper, styrofoam eggs and outdoor branches! It's a great way to keep the kids busy and entertained during these testing times.

Plus, it will provide some much-needed joy to any household.

I-B U I L D/AP R/20

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns

SEE YOU IN MY OFFICE‌

With much attention being drawn to the prospects of working from home, i-Build has collated its favourite home office designs that are sure to make your wish list.

ŠMind the Gap

your C lear desk

your Control paperwork

for DIYers and

for decluttering

Designed specifically

If you are looking

professionals, these

solutions for your

hairpin legs will add

office, look no further

stability and Mid-

than these black

Century Modern style

wire storage baskets.

to any home. Available

Find paperwork at a

in twin- and triple-rod

glance, tame your

styles, the leg shape

magazine obsession

sits at a reclined angle.

and keep stationery

thehairpinleg

under control.

company.co.uk

vincentandbarn.co.uk

or the F stationery addict

ut of desk O space, out of mind

Whether you're a

Perfect for making an

highlighters or rulers;

in any space, with a

collector of pens, pencils,

industrial statement

keep them all stored

generous capacity

away neatly in the subtly

for storing post,

curved Brushfield Pen

documents and

Pot from Garden Trading.

papers, Cox & Cox's

It's a perfect finishing

mesh wall mounted

touch to keep your

storage box will serve

workspace clutter-free.

any workspace well.

gardentrading.co.uk

coxandcox.co.uk

some A dd biophilia

T ake a seat

Garden Trading's flexible

Eames iconic chairs, this

Bring the outdoors in with

Taking inspiration from

wall storage. From lining

ribbed short back chair

a row filled with indoor

has been built using all

plants to stationery and

aluminium hardware. The

supplies in the study;

backrest is supportive

why not mix and match

and contoured for

alternate sizes at different

comfort and the seat

heights to create a

foam cushioned and soft,

feature wall for plant pots

ideal when being used

and office accessories.

for long periods of time.

gardentrading.co.uk I-B U I L D/AP R/20

cultfurniture.com

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BRUNDLE

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A fire door is an essential part of a building’s passive fire protection system. A critical component of every fire door is the hardware on it.

At ZEROplus we have been independently fire testing door hardware for over 20 years, to be able today to offer an extensive range of tested products.

NATURAL OIL WOODSTAIN Osmo has the solution for all exterior wood surfaces!

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Seals Hinges Locks Euro Cylinders Lever Handles Door Closers Letter Plates

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

DESIRED DESIGNS

01

03

02 Hygge Given the current doom and gloom that's hitting the headlines, and with many of us confined to four walls, there are going to be many seeking home wellness solutions over the next few weeks. For those looking for an uplift, the hygge (pronounced 'hue-guh') style is an ideal interior look to brighten up blue days and encourage the sun's rays to shine through our windows.

More of a 'mood' – endorsed by the Danish – than a trend, hygge can be characterised in the home through pieces that augment cosiness and comfort to enhance the wellness of a property's owner. There are many ways you can follow the hygge style to uplift spirits through this challenging time. Here are a few ideas that i-Build's team have pulled together.

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1. www.wearthlondon.com 2. www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk 4. www.limelace.co.uk 5. www.thehairpinlegcompany.co.uk I-B U I L D/AP R/20

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3. www.wearthlondon.com 6. www.bohemiadesign.com

Unbeatable Quality at Unbeatable Prices www.ehbp.com 01424 838643

GARAGES • EXTENSIONS • GARDEN ROOMS & ORANGERIES • LEISURE BUILDINGS & POOL ENCLOSURES • STABLING

Celebrating 30 years of British Craftsmanship

E

nglish Heritage Buildings started with one man’s fascination with restoring oak frames in the late 70s; leading to the formation of our company and the manufacture of new oak frame buildings in 1990. This ignited a British revival in oak framing and since then we have led the way in oak frame manufacture.

With our dedication to continued improvement in both product quality and the service we provide, we became the first - and still the only - oak frame

manufacturer to achieve Q-Mark certification from BM TRADA. Our Green Oak Building System BSYS-006 is also recognised as a NHBC accepted MMC system.

With our vast experience and understanding of oak framing - carpentry, technical details, weathering and structural requirements - we have been producing oak frame buildings for three decades. From garages to extensions, garden rooms, leisure buildings and stabling, each building is tailored and

designed to your own specification and exclusively manufactured here in the UK. We deliver both across the country and export around the world.

By coupling traditional English craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, we will transform your dream project into a reality. Our precision, attention to detail and unparalleled quality sets us apart from the competition, leaving you with a beautiful and timeless addition to your home.

Recognised as a NHBC MMC accepted building system

Only oak frame company to achieve Q-Mark certification verified by BM TRADA

1968-2018 Celebrating 50 Years Traditional Joiners using modern machinery & techniques.

Makers of Hardwood and Accoya™ Windows, Doors and Staircases

COUNTRY COLOUR • The wood structure remains visible

Established in 1968, Croxford’s remain a family owned business committed to the finest quality craftsmanship which includes hand made hardwood doors, timber windows, staircases and bi-fold/patio doors.

You will find our work all over the UK. We supply for both commercial and private projects from the most modest new build/renovations to the most elegant of stately homes. Our timber doors and

• All colours can be mixed with each other • Weather-resistant and robust against small damages • Resistant to saliva and perspiration, suitable for children’s toys

windows not only look good and wear well, but with the option of traditional or modern hardware and highly efficient double glazed units they also help you save energy. Please call or visit our website for more information.

CROXFORD’S Joinery Manufacturers & Woodturners Est. 1968

Tel: 01484 850892 Web: www.croxfords.co.uk

www.osmouk.com

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

VIEWPOINT

Viewpoint

5 mistakes that could kill your self-build Anyone who has built their own home will know that from the moment you make the decision to go down the self-build route, you’ll be assailed by decisions. Big decisions, small decisions and just plain ‘matter-of-opinion’ decisions; there’s a lot to think about. It’s all too easy to make a mistake that could cost you dearly down the line – or even put paid to your self-build project altogether, says Paul Smith, Founder of the self-build plot listing and supplier directory, MyPlot.

P aul Smith is Founder of the self-build plot listing and supplier directory, MyPlot

W

hile I’m yet to hear of a self-build reaching completion without any bumps along the way, to give your self-build the best chance of success, there are several key pitfalls to avoid.

adequate, piling foundations will be needed, which are substantially more expensive.

It’s not unusual for self-build sites to be problematic, but it’s important to make the distinction between problematic and unsuitable.

1. Failing to look beneath the surface

2. Breaching planning policy

When you find the perfect self-build plot, it’s natural to fall in love with it – but don’t let your heart rule your head. While it may tick all the boxes on the surface – whether that’s a beautiful location with uninterrupted countryside views, great transport links or a cool suburban spot – it’s important to do the boring stuff too.

Thorough due diligence could uncover a multitude of sins.

A site isn’t a plot until it has planning permission, so be sure to do your research before purchasing. Not all plots will have planning permission but, even if they do, it’s important to take expert advice to ensure that you aren’t buying a dud and will actually be allowed to build the home of your dreams.

Another pitfall is neglecting to do a full ground survey, checking the condition of the soil and anything lurking beneath the surface. If standard strip foundations aren’t I-B U I L D/AP R/20

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When the all-important planning permission is received, it’s important to follow it to the letter. On finding the perfect plot, often following a lengthy search and perhaps a few non-starts, it’s tempting to steam ahead in your eagerness to get started. However, don’t fail to consider the permissions for the site – are there any conditions, for example? Are there any ancient wayleave agreements that haven’t been identified, or any rights of way?

These are the issues that can kill a self-build project before it has begun.

3. Running out of money

When a self-build isn’t managed properly, you’ll lose control of the budget very quickly. Self-builds rarely complete squarely on budget, so it’s vital to have a contingency fund in place. We usually recommend 20% of the overall cost.

With the best will in the world, there will be changes along the way, plus unexpected professional costs

VIEWPOINT

which can quickly add up. Appointing a project manager is the best way to avoid losing control of funds, but, where that isn’t possible, guard the budget fiercely. While obvious things will likely be on the radar, budget creep will come from the areas you least expect – for example, make sure you order the correct materials, and that they arrive on time; contractors will bill for time spent standing around unable to get started, which will see the project timeline extended.

4. Becoming embroiled in contractor disputes

When emotions are running high, it’s perhaps understandable that your patience may be a little more stretched than usual. When your composure slips and your temper flares, it’s important to keep your cool.

Bad feelings will not aid the project, so it’s important to make every effort to tackle annoyances early and honestly – a dispute with a contractor is a sure-fire way to delay a project and see costs spiral. Choosing a contractor at the outset that you get along well with can help to minimise these disagreements.

When disagreements extend beyond mere annoyances or difference of opinion – serious issues such as health and safety and professional

standards – it’s important to tackle it head-on and quickly. The potential repercussions are much more dangerous than a delayed project.

5. Don’t make assumptions

With any self-build, it’s vital to avoid making assumptions – having the right team in place will help you to do that, allowing you to benefit from years of experience to dodge black spots and potential pitfalls. Take utilities as an example – while utilities may be nearby, don’t assume you’ll be able to connect. It’s a common oversight with the potential to add hundreds of thousands to the budget.

Our advice to self-builders, particularly those embarking on their first project, is to build bulk into the budget for expert advice that will save you money in the long run by helping avoid major issues with the potential to sink your self-build.

Embarking on a self-build can be exciting and stressful in equal measure, but by slowing down and making sure you have all the facts, identifying any potential issues, selfbuilders stand the best chance of seeing their dream home completed on time and with minimal extension to the budget.

www.myplot.co.uk

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

BRICKS & BLOCKS

However, the component that actually supports the house is the inner wall, and the choice here is whether to use a timber structure or to build solid masonry walls using dense or lightweight blocks.

Building for now

Building a home for generations Jenny Smith-Andrews, Marketing Manager of aircrete block manufacturer H+H, considers the case for traditional building methods with a modern twist.

B

uilding a home begins with the load-bearing structure.

It’s not the bit that anyone will see when the house is finished, but deciding how to build the structure is probably the most significant choice you will make when designing your new home.

Since the 1950s, the most popular building method has been a cavity wall construction. The exterior walls consist of two “leaves” – the loadbearing inner leaf, a cavity (usually filled with insulation) and the exterior “leaf”, likely to be brick, but I-B U I L D/AP R/20

potentially also render or another cladding material. The exterior leaf plays no part in the structural stability of the home, and the choice of material is determined by the aesthetic you prefer.

The use of a cavity wall structure fulfils two purposes – the cavity provides a great barrier to weather (the solid brick walls of Edwardian properties can get very damp during prolonged periods of rain) and, when filled with insulation, gives the energy efficiency that is demanded by modern Building Regulations.

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Your focus when making the decision should be a combination of the immediate performance of the structure; its flexibility to allow changes over time and the durability to ensure your home keeps its resale value after many decades.

In terms of the immediate performance, you will be considering the need to meet Building Regulations and top of the list is thermal performance. Current Building Regulations demand high levels of thermal insulation from the external walls and are currently being revised to become even more demanding.

It is possible to meet the current energy efficiency requirements for new-build homes by “building in” energy efficiency into the structure of the house. To do this, you will need excellent levels of insulation and airtightness. It’s a challenging target, and every component you use in the build should be considered for its contribution towards energy efficiency.

Aircrete blocks are a good choice here for two reasons. Their unique structure traps tiny air bubbles throughout the block, providing built-in insulation, while airtightness is best achieved using a ThinJoint building method.

Thin-Joint construction, as its name implies, replaces traditional sand and cement mortar (typically giving a 10mm joint between blocks) with a special glue-like mortar that cures to give a much smaller joint, typically around 2mm. The result is an extremely airtight, thermally-efficient wall and is particularly appropriate if you are looking to build a Passivhaus-certified building.

BRICKS & BLOCKS

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT:

H+H Celcon Blocks were specified in Brian Green’s self-build project. His property was constructed with the aim of being as thermally-efficient as possible. Special attention was paid to detailing of the insulation, thermal bridging and envelope penetrations. Due to planning constraints, the build had to be sensitive to existing adjacent residential properties which are 200 to 400 years old.

On site, Thin-Joint has advantages for the building process too as it is a very quick method of wall building.

The special Thin-Joint mortar cures almost immediately, allowing a fullheight wall to be completed in a day.

Contractors also like the flexibility of aircrete blocks as they can be cut on site with a handsaw to accommodate the individual design details that so often characterise a self-build project.

Building for the future

Of course, you want a home that is comfortable and energy-efficient immediately, but you will also want to create a building that will last for generations. You should consider not only the declared design life of any building system but also the evidence available to provide reassurance that your home will last for over 100 years.

You are looking not only for reassurance that the structure will not warp, rot or burn but also to focus on how flexible it will be for the long term.

Your home will be perfect for you now, but it’s worth considering whether it could be altered in the future to meet the changing needs of your family or the next generation to live there.

As you won’t know what form that alteration might take, you need to understand how the structure could cope with an extension, changing the configuration of internal walls or adding more living space with a room in the roof.

With traditional building methods and recognised masonry materials, this is relatively straightforward to calculate, and a trip down any street of Victorian terraced houses will reveal just how much customisation happens over generations.

It’s much more difficult to calculate the impact of such re-working on a

frame-based structure.

Modular systems that are unique to a single provider may, in future decades, be difficult for builders to understand or interpret as they are unlikely to have the original drawings and design calculations. This might seem a distant issue but protecting the value of your home relies on ensuring that potential buyers have the freedom to put their own stamp on the building too.

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Being practical

And finally, there is a practical aspect: you will know already that financing a self-build project is no mean feat. During the build phase, when money (and particularly cash flow) will be tight, it makes sense to stagger the purchase of materials and time the expense for the moment when an individual product is needed on site.

Using readily-available standard materials, such as aircrete blocks that can be purchased and delivered at short notice from your local builders’ merchant, will help you accommodate unforeseen delays and adapt your build plan to cope with the unexpected.

www.lifetimehouse.co.uk I-B U I L D/AP R/20

RURAL RETREAT

The secretive tower of High Garrett

K

Jon and Victoria Oakley’s home, a former water tower – which served a prisonerof-war camp and doubled as a secret communications hub during the Second World War – is currently listed for sale via OnTheMarket. Here, i-Build talks to Jon and his Architect, James Furzer of architectural design practice JFD, about the extensive renovation process they went through to achieve the stunning, unique aesthetics the water tower boasts today.

nown simply as 'The Water Tower', the property is now a beautifully renovated five-storey family home with four en-suite bedrooms and a stunning newly-built ground floor extension. The original red brick structure in High Garrett near Braintree, Essex, started life as a water tower for an adjacent POW camp, which opened in 1938. Known as ‘78 Working Camp’, it was thought to have housed around 700 Italian and some German Second World War POWs and was the HQ for a number of other smaller prison camps in the area.

was a discovery made by Jon and Victoria, who in 2017 bought the derelict structure and its one-acre plot for £285,000. When the couple first started exploring their new purchase, they found four storeys of rooms filled with defunct wireless radios, switchboards and wiring – spaces the locals just thought were hollow.

Jon explained: “The floors were all concrete and there were hatches in each one for a ladder which ran the full height of the building. It wasn’t like they had just left the room, but the communications equipment was still wired and secured to the walls – although it was all rotten and rusty from exposure. We believe it was run by Marconi, the British company which pioneered wireless longdistance communication. We have had one or two finds in the garden down the years – US Air Force knives, forks, spoons and ink pots, as well as helmets and empty gas mask boxes.”

Enshrouded with secrecy

The tower has long been an iconic local landmark, but few residents of the area knew its secret – the structure doubled as a communications hub by sending early warning signals of enemy aircraft to Wethersfield, an American airbase around five miles away. That I-B U I L D/AP R/20

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RURAL RETREAT

When asked what inspired him to take on a renovation project of this scale, Jon replied: “Victoria and I are huge fans of home renovation and self-build programmes such as Grand Designs, and you see water tower homeowners pop up quite often on that series. We both had local businesses and used to drive past the derelict water tower on a daily basis.

We always questioned who owned it and if it was available to purchase. Then one day, amazingly, it came up for sale; however, at that stage, we weren’t in the financial position to buy it. In all honestly, I’m not too sure if it was sold then or if it was just taken off the market.

After driving past it every day – it was almost teasing us – it finally appeared on the market again, and we were lucky to have our offer accepted.”

A new lease of life

Once a pile of bricks and rubble, the garden is now a sweeping and well-kept lawn beneath the imposing tower, atop which Jon was able to add a top level which had been missing since the original water tank was removed after the war.

The fourth floor is clad in metal panels just like the originals, having been made by the same company, Braithwaite in Newport, which is thought to have built the water tank when the tower first went up in 1938. The new cladding had to be purposebuilt off site and lifted onto the tower with a 100-tonne crane.

Jon and Victoria have lived in the water tower with the two youngest of their four children for a year before deciding to put it on the market this year with the aim of downsizing.

Jon, who is semi-retired from his own automotive business customising supercars, said: “It’s right by the main road locally and everyone in the area has been able to see the building evolve over time.

We took a risk buying it, not knowing we would get planning permission. We have been able to save a local landmark that was derelict, disused and starting to deteriorate badly.”

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

RURAL RETREAT

FLOOR PLAN

1: 2:

FOURTH FLOOR

3:

THIRD FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

4:

6:

7:

5: 8:

GROUND FLOOR

1:

FIRST FLOOR

BEDROOM/

5:

HALL

6:

KITCHEN

7:

SITTING ROOM

8:

BEDROOM

DRESSING ROOM

6.76 X 5.51M

6.76 X 5.51M

2:

BEDROOM

6.76 X 5.51M

6.76 X 5.51M

3:

BEDROOM

6.76 X 5.51M

6.76 X 5.51M

4:

Old, meet new...

Jon’s Architect, James Furzer of architectural design practice JFD, succeeded in creating a complementary aesthetic for the building, as James explains: “Using a contrasting design aesthetic enabled the extension to complement the historic tower. A mix of contemporary forms and industrial materials were used to reflect the industrial use of the tower during its lifespan. We wished not only to create a beautiful home for Jon and Victoria but also to bring an historic I-B U I L D/AP R/20

PANTRY

6.76 X 5.51M

monument back from the past. The tower was in need of repair, under fear of being lost altogether.”

“James has been fantastic,” added Jon. “He’s young, and that’s what we wanted; someone with new ideas and knowledge of new technologies. If we did do anything again, without a doubt, we’d use him. In fact, I’ve passed his details on to a few friends too.”

“There was a long planning process and strategy required for the project,” continued James. “The Oakleys approached me with planning approval

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already in place for something much smaller and much more basic in design.

There had been several refusals to reinstate the tank. However, we were able to adopt the correct planning strategy and receive approval for not only a larger, more contemporary ground floor extension, but also the reinstatement of the water tank.”

The project itself took 15 months to complete from start to finish. This was longer than anticipated due to unforeseen elements such as the tower underpinning etc.

RURAL RETREAT

“Several challenges developed throughout the build,” continued James. “Working with an extremely old building, you are unsure of the existing stability of the structure. In fact, we had to underpin the entire existing tower as its stability had been compromised with its age. An entire new brick skin was built around the tower as the existing brickwork had deteriorated to such a poor state due to the extreme weather and poor maintenance that it had experienced.”

Material specification

“Material and product specification was a very detailed and interesting process,” explains James. “We intended to source as many local products, materials and contractors as possible.

Not only was this to keep the carbon footprint of the build to a minimum, but also to help pump finance back into the local community.

“Picking the correct materials was vital to the build to ensure that the tower’s heritage was not lost during the conversion – the extension aimed to complement and not detract from the tower itself. The reinstatement of the tank was a very exciting moment in the project. We were able to source the original manufacturer of the tank panels from when the tank was in situ during the war. Using some tank base panels found within the roof construction, we were able to research the panel moulding, pattern and shape, and isolate to a single, specific manufacturer. The manufacturer even created the panels using the original manufacturing process that was used during the war to add authenticity to the installation. Each bolt was installed by hand just as the original had been constructed.”

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

RURAL RETREAT

The finished article

The extension had been designed to complement the tower in a way that sees a conscious contrast in aesthetic. “Should the extension blend in and become blurred with the tower, it would not have been able to stand as such a monument. The contemporary design represents a clear separation from the tower’s historic past and future life. Minimal internal alterations took place within the tower, other than the removal of one wall on each floor to create more of a restoration as opposed to change of use,” added James.

“The local community feel that the extension is an improvement to the tower. The tower had been left to fall into disrepair and had become an eyesore. When the planning application was submitted, we, in fact, had letters of support from local residents.”

Jon added: “The finished space is everything we hoped it would be.

From a functionality point of view, the building is superb. Also, the views are brilliant. The scaffolding was up for a long time, so every time you looked out expecting this great view; it was obscured by the scaffolding! Once we were in and it eventually came down, we realised how far out we could actually see from high up in the tower.

“I must add, I think one of the great things for us was having the electric gates agreed. They’re in the same metal panels as the tank that’s on the top so it all ties in together and gives us the privacy from the main road.”

“I especially love the open-plan downstairs. It’s the first time we’ve been in a house that is entirely open-plan – it’s excellent – I feel it brings the family even more together.

“My wife; however, would argue that the best room is at the other end of the building – her dressing room. Housed inside the tank, one room is dedicated to shoes and handbags whilst the other is adorned in mirrors. The dressing room itself is 7m2 with two large 2m2 skylights, so the natural sunlight that shines through is brilliant. My daughter loves it too – it’s her Instagram room!”.

Top tips and advice

When asked if he’d offer advice to anyone looking to renovate or self-build, James said: “Surround yourself with a knowledgeable team. An architect or designer who shares the same vision as you, and builders that are capable of completing the tasks provided to a standard that you expect.”

Jon added: “Having learned the hard way, I’d say to put the job out there to as many builders as you can. I managed the project alongside James, which I thought worked really well.”

www.jamesfurzerdesign.com www.onthemarket.com I-B U I L D/AP R/20

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RURAL RETREAT

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

OPULENCE AND ELEGANCE: A HIDDEN GEM IN ITALY

Villa Veneto is an historic and elegant 1930s Liberty Villa laid out over four floors, covering some 4467ft2.

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home includes three terraces with breathtaking views and an underground Cantina cave that provides a quirky, atmospheric wine store for the villa’s owners. Once owned by the former wife of Diego della Valle – the creator of the luxury brands Tods, Hogan and Fay – the house hadn’t been lived in for several years when Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs and Michael Hobbs came across the property in March last year.

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IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

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n the lookout for their next renovation project, husband-and-wife team Dawn CavanaghHobbs and Michael Hobbs – who run fractional ownership property company, Appassionata – recognised the potential of Villa Veneto and undertook an extensive renovation project in earnest.

Here, i-Build’s Editor, Rebecca Kemp, talks to Dawn about the Hobbs’ decision to take on such an inspiring project and finds out more about her infatuation with the rolling hills and serene vistas of Italy’s Le Marche region.

RK: Talk us through your history of renovating properties?

D C-H: I started renovating properties in the early ‘80s back in the UK. My first project was a small terraced house in Nottingham – after that, I was hooked.

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RK: What inspired you to take on this project?

D C-H: I have always wanted to restore a Liberty-style villa, and as soon as I saw the property; it was love at first sight! I loved the ceiling height and the elegance, however, it was the spectacular views that clinched it for me.

RK: Why did you choose this property to renovate?

D C-H: This property wasn’t a huge challenge in comparison to the previous ones we had done in the past. The bones of the house were right, and it was very well built but hadn’t been lived in for many years.

RK: What was the vision and inspiration behind your new home?

D C-H: As soon as I walked into the property, I could instantly see what needed to be done…I see the finished project and then work backwards!

I always like to keep as many of the original features as possible and enhance the existing beauty, all while adding all the modern conveniences for 21st-century living.

All the bathrooms needed upgrading, and the kitchen area was knocked through to create a large free-flowing living space. The lower ground floor had never been used; this was where the majority of the money was spent.

Here, we created a bathroom, bedroom/study, games room and utility room.

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IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

RK: How did you approach finalising your design brief?

D C-H: It was in my head from day one, room by room – always considering clients.

RK: How long did it take to gain planning permission?

D C-H: Gaining planning permission in Italy is very dependent on each town comune. Luckily, Villa Veneto is in the heart of beautiful Medieval town, Lapedona, and this commune is a joy to work with. They really appreciate people investing in the restoration of these beautiful old buildings for future generations.

RK: And, what do the local community think of the refurbishment?

D C-H: The locals embraced the fact we were restoring and preserving such a beautiful property in the centre of this Medieval town. After the repointing and exterior painting, we planted brightly-coloured flowers on the terraces.

RK: Were there any challenging aspects to the project and build?

D C-H: A couple. Firstly, the underground wine cellar restoration was a challenge.

Dating back to the 13th century, we had crumbling brickwork and arches to replace and stabilise, and there was no floor to speak of – just soil and dirt. We also decided to install a spa on the top terrace, which was no easy feat when it needed to be lifted over 40m from the road below as the crane couldn’t fit along the narrow cobbled streets close to the property. Once in place, everyone agreed they had never seen such amazing views from a spa, with the sea over to the left and the mountains to the right.

RK: Did you project manage the build yourself?

D C-H: With the help of my son-in-law, Charlie, who’s a very capable and patient man and a vital member of the team.

I-B U I L D/AP R/20

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IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

RK: Did you work with an architect at any point in the process?

D C-H: I never use an architect, but always work closely with our wonderful engineer, Vitale Gristostomi.

He does the initial survey of the house and advises us throughout the restoration.

It’s a standing joke with him and our building team that I always want to knock at least one structural wall down!

RK: How did you approach material and product specification?

D C-H: In the early days, you have to do your homework when working in a different country. I asked around, spoke to the locals and listened to their recommendations. I am so lucky to be working in Italy where we have a wonderful selection of marble, stone and ‘Cotto’ (Italian brick tile).

I’m surrounded by artisans; I love working alongside them designing bespoke pieces for the houses.

RK: Are there any particular materials that you would recommend to others looking to renovate?

D C-H: I love the practicality of Venetian plaster for bathroom and shower areas, a natural waterproof product which gives a lovely, rich marble effect to the walls. If wax is reapplied every couple of years, this effect will last a lifetime.

RK: How long did the project take and was it the timeframe that you originally predicted?

D C-H: From start to finish, it took about 10 months. Over the years, I have learnt the Italian deadlines don’t quite match up to those in the UK; if you want something finished

by June I tell them the deadline is March – it works well! I visit the site daily and give lots of encouragement and compliments.

RK: Did you remain within the original budget?

D C-H: We came in slightly under budget…after spending the contingency!

The extra costs were for the scaffolding and repointing at the back of the house.

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

RK: Is the finished space everything that you hoped it would be?

D C-H: And more! Bringing an unloved home back to its original glory is so satisfying.

It’s a wonderful feeling when you walk through a finished project and close the front door with a smile on your face.

RK: What do you love most about the new home?

D C-H: It has to be the spectacular views from all three terraces. The mountains, sea and rolling hills. The view is the one thing you can’t change, and as they say ‘location, location, location’.

RK: Do you have a favourite room?

D C-H: The hallway; it’s the first room I saw and instantly fell in love with. I love the hand-painted design, the height of the ceiling and original tiled floor.

RK: And, finally, do you have any advice to others looking to renovate?

D C-H: Yes, make a list of all the essential work that needs to be done and get accurate costs… always add in a contingency and keep a careful and regular check on your expenses. I love to take lots of photos…before, during and after, it’s great to look back at the progress you’ve made.

I-B U I L D/AP R/20

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IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

The guided tour

Following Dawn and Michael’s renovation, Villa Veneto is now packed with traditional Italian features and quirky touches, from a marble fireplace and parquet flooring to original stone staircases and a handbuilt kitchen with Okite work surface and Ilve appliances.

The three double bedrooms include air conditioning, and the villa has three full bathrooms, including an ensuite for the master bedroom.

A smaller, fourth bedroom has been repurposed as a study and tasting room. There’s also a games room with a pool/ billiard table and a comfy snug/TV lounge.

The main, open-plan living space flows beautifully between the kitchen and the marble fireplace of the lounge area, which serves as the focal point of the room. Two marble-topped, gold leaf console tables sit either side of the fireplace, while a large, bespoke mirror hangs above it.

Meanwhile, two sofas sit between a hand-made square marble coffee table.

This level of elegance and attention to detail is reflected throughout the villa, from its antique lamps and fabulous chandeliers to velvet liberty chairs, hand-made tables and floaty silk curtains. On a practical note, Villa Veneto includes a laundry room with washer and dryer and a garage for owners’ storage.

Externally, the villa has three superb terraces. The main terrace features a BBQ, sun loungers, a comfortable outdoor sofa and a dining table with chairs. An automatic blind provides shade when needed, while the pergola outside the main bedroom features a variety of climbing plants to add some dappled shade. An automatic watering system feeds the flowering tubs. Meanwhile, the smaller terrace, which overlooks the piazza, has a bistro table and chairs, with tubs of colourful plants. The spacious roof terrace has a four-person spa and love seat. Spectacular 360° views encompass the sea, mountains and surrounding countryside.

www.appassionata.com

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

DRAINAGE

BEFORE YOU START BUILDING...

Ensure you opt for a drainage survey before works start on your site to avoid damage to underground utilities. In Lanarkshire, Scotland, part of a foundation pile from a housing development was unintentionally driven through a main sewer. In this case, the house-builder was lucky due to the steel and concrete foundation pile being cut out from 60m away without having to excavate. Then the pipe was lined again remotely to restore its structural integrity. For selfbuilders; however, this would have involved demolishing the house – and at great cost to them, as they will be charged to put the problem right.

Drain strain – and how to avoid it Making mistakes with a drainage system, mistakes that often only become apparent when the building is complete, can be painful and expensive. Richard Leigh, Development Director of drainage specialist Lanes Group, explains the steps that can be taken to avoid them.

A

Drainage systems should be self-cleansing. The force of the water through the system should be strong enough to carry waste out into main sewers. For this to happen, without the support of pumping systems, the pipes have to be installed at the right gradient to allow gravity to do its work.

A cross-connection in a drainage system occurs when a surface water and foul water drain are wrongly connected together. This can result in sewage being discharged into watercourses, a mistake that is surprisingly common. Another common mistake is to locate washing machines in garages and plumb them into surface water drains which may lead to wastewater flowing directly into watercourses.

The consequence will eventually be a prosecution by the Environment Agency and a lot of expense in fines, court costs and remedial action. Surface water that is wrongly channelled into foul drains can cause them to be overloaded, causing surcharging and sewer floods.

3. Correct backfill

5. Drainage design

drainage system is one of the first elements of a build programme for a new house – and it is one of the last elements you want to mess with once it is installed.

That is why every effort should be made to get things right the first time.

Substandard drainage systems can cause additional cost, annoyance and downright misery for property owners, sometimes for years.

of pipework to install. But our CCTV drainage surveys often find pipes are not the right size by the time they go into the ground.

Getting the size and capacity of drainage systems right is critical. If you do not, there is a greater risk of persistent blockages, sewer surcharging (which can cause flooding) and structural failure.

Six things to always get right when installing drains 1. Pipework sizing

When drains are installed, the trenches are backfilled with material. If the wrong material is used, or it is not properly distributed or compacted, the drainage pipes can settle over time, causing flat spots. These can result in blockages and sewer flooding. The only solution may be to excavate and re-bed pipes, which is very expensive.

The architect, civil engineer and surveyor should agree between them the correct type and diameter I-B U I L D/AP R/20

4. Avoid cross-connections

2. Pipe gradient

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Modern living standards and practices put drains under more pressure than ever before, leading to increased blockage risks. Yet, drainage systems are often installed with inadequate access points, via manholes and rodding points, making maintaining them more difficult.

DRAINAGE

Different types of pipes have different strengths and weaknesses. Plastic pipes need more bedding.

Clay pipes are more susceptible to root ingress.

Making the wrong initial choices can lead to problems later.

6. Construction quality

This is, perhaps, one of the biggest elements to get right. Badly installed drainage systems will perform badly. Wrongly fitted bends slow water flows, increasing blockage risks. Badly benched manholes create snagging points for waste material.

Poorly fitted pipes and connectors also result in snagging and open joints that allow root ingress.

Badly fitted manholes also allow debris to enter the drain lines, increasing the risk of blockages.

Four ways to make drainage maintenance pain-free

Getting these aspects of drain design and build right will prevent major drainage problems and costs later, whether it be weeks, a year or even 10 years. Other ways to ensure drainage maintenance is as stressfree as possible include:

1. Future-proof your drains

Make sure the drainage system has the correct hydraulic capacity to meet future demands, especially if you are planning further building work on the plot.

2. Make drains accessible

Installing a manhole costs money. When budgets are tight, it might look like a sensible saving. But, installing a manhole or rodding points now for hundreds of pounds could save thousands later.

3. Carry out a post-works drainage survey Whether you are installing the drainage system yourself or contracting a groundworks specialist to do the work, carrying out a post-works drainage survey is a very sensible move.

A drainage maintenance specialist has the equipment – most importantly, remote access to CCTV cameras – to examine the drainage system before further building makes remedial work difficult and expensive.

It is not uncommon for items like spikes and stakes to be mistakenly driven into newly installed pipes.

Concrete is regularly poured into pipes, either accidentally or deliberately.

Joints in a pipe can work loose because of poor bedding, or through the action of plant machinery being driven over it.

A CCTV drainage survey of both below- and above-ground pipes can establish the extent of problems, and the likely cause of them. While the work teams responsible are still on site and can be held to account. It is another cost. But one that pays dividends if it reveals something is wrong.

4. Record what you have installed Sewers associated with any new homes are adopted by water companies in a process known as a Section 104 Agreement. The property owner must demonstrate the pipes are properly installed and are in good working order. This is usually done by carrying out a CCTV drainage survey.

It makes sense to ensure this survey is as thorough as possible and is then kept as a record of the drainage system installed. This allows future maintenance issues to be understood and quickly shared with a drainage maintenance company. Costs and time taken to solve future drainage problems will then be greatly reduced.

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Make sure water treatment tanks meet regulations All this advice applies equally to off-mains sewage treatment systems, such as septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants.

In addition, it is important to ensure these off-mains systems meet the latest regulations.

For example, since 1st January 2020, regulations called ‘General Binding Rules: Small Sewage Discharge to the Ground’ have not allowed wastewater from a standard septic tank to be discharged directly into watercourses.

For new-build projects, this means the most likely option is to install a small sewage treatment plant that meets BS EN 12566. A septic tank can still be installed if wastewater is then fed into a drainage field that meets BS 6297:2007 or through another treatment process, for example, an ultraviolet filter.

Finally, when installing a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant, consider its location. Placing it close to a road where there is good access will make it easier for a drainage specialist to position a tanker to remove sludge waste and carry out tank cleaning.

www.lanesgroup.com I-B U I L D/AP R/20

I-DIY - FLOORING FLOORING MEGASTORE

About Mark Canning...

Mark has been ensconced in the flooring world since 1987, having worked for continental manufacturers and UK nationwide distributors.

Since 2006, Mark’s gone it alone and is now CoOwner and Founder of Flooring Megastore.

ITC’s CHABLIS – carpet

The three-step process to buying your next flooring Purchasing flooring is not an everyday task and as a result, can make you feel overwhelmed before even starting.

However, straightforward preparation beforehand will set you on the correct course and eliminate choice paralysis.

J2 Flooring Natural Timbers NT44 – LVT

TOP TIP:

Have any pets? Cats love a loop pile carpet and have a tendency to scratch their claws on them, so our advice would be to avoid loop pile carpet if you have a feline friend in residence, and darker flooring will show up animal hair more so bear that in mind too.

Busy households ought to consider hard/resilient flooring in the heaviest traffic areas of the home which tend to be the whole of downstairs; except lounge and dining rooms. Flooring such as luxury vinyl tile (LVT) – which is incredibly popular right now – better quality laminate flooring, highquality cushion vinyl, wood flooring, and so on, fit the bill, but the price ranges these products fall within span quite a range.

I-B U I L D/AP R/20

Step 1: How long am I likely to stay in the property?

Of course, none of us are absolutely certain of the answer, but a rough idea will help you set your budget for the project ahead. Generally, anything under five years would suggest it’s worth considering functional flooring, sitting in the mid to low price range of supplied and installed for £15 per m² and below.

Step 2: What is my budget?

This is always a tough one.

A good, honest, reputable retailer would want to know what budget you have to spend. Not to rip you off, but with literally thousands of potential products and designs at their disposal, they need to be able to sort the wheat from the chaff for your project. There’s no point showing you a fully loaded BMW 7 series, even though it’s a belter of a car, if your budget reaches a 2 series.

For you to make the flooring selection process efficient and painless, you need to get an overall budget for the completed installation in your mind before you start researching.

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Step 3: What type of project am I about to undertake?

Updating an existing home project Carpet

What traffic will your new floor be subjected to? On a regular basis, how many adults will walk across it? Any children? If so, ages of children play their part as the younger they are, the more likely staining will occur throughout the lifespan of the flooring.

To generalise, with young children in the house; say primary school age, most folks are better off selecting a robust mid- to low-budget category.

Once the children reach their teenage years, fewer accidents occur, and it becomes safer to consider better quality flooring.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)

When all things are considered, LVTs have near enough all the answers. Any LVT with a wear layer above 0.55mm will normally come with around a 15-year residential wear warranty and with a busy house, with lots of comings and goings and a menagerie to boot, tends to find LVTs the easiest to live with. Tough, durable, authentic looks, very low maintenance and waterproof, LVTs are also great at feeling warmer than ceramics and being quite thin, they are fabulous with underfloor heating.

I-DIY - FLOORING FLOORING MEGASTORE

Fibre Flooring’s Flatweave Classics Herringbone Lunar – carpet

Amtico’s Key Stone Kura DC310 – LVT

Wood flooring

Whether engineered or solid, wood flooring always looks fabulous but to retain this fabulous look, you do have to commit to more routine maintenance than any other flooring type.

No matter how careful you are, you will – without a doubt – at some stage, scratch or dent your wooden floor. For some people, this can be the end of their world, but general wear-and-tear does add an element of character to the floor, but there does come a point when remedial renovation will be needed from you.

Dogs can, and probably will, scratch a wooden floor. Kids and adults probably will walk in with something stuck to their shoe that scratches the surface and someone, in stilettos, will almost certainly decide it’s a great idea to pivot their heel on your very expensive floor; so be prepared for all these moments. In its defence; however, nothing comes close to the look, sound and feel of a real wooden floor.

TOP TIP:

Where possible, try to install a hard/resilient floor in heavy traffic areas. By doing so, your short-term investment should produce long-term pay off as a good quality resilient flooring that has been professionally installed should last years and years.

Whether you're selling your home or preparing it for rental, it’s probably best you opt for a mid- to low-priced underlay for carpet. When selling a property, underlay only needs to feel good during the selling process. With rentals, it’s likely every kind of spill will occur during the tenancy period, and odours will become trapped in the underlay no matter the quality, which, of course, means you are highly likely to need to replace the underlay for each incoming tenant.

Tapibel's New Worlds – carpet

Laminate flooring

Cheap laminate (often seen in the DIY sheds) doesn’t look authentic and lacks a good locking system, so we would recommend sticking with a major brand name that’s easily traceable and will come with long residential warranties.

A good quality laminate flooring not only looks believable but they are tough as old boots and will, despite folklore, perform for ages. A good quality laminate can be considered if you have dogs. Some now even have a guarantee for water resistance.

Cushion vinyl

Cushion vinyl offers great value and does have a good cross-section of designs.

For durability, we’d recommend a dense, compact foam back with a minimum wear layer of 0.3mm for heavy traffic areas. This structure is far less likely to puncture than soft, spongy foam.

Makeover project to help sell a property and replacing flooring for a rental property?

This one is slightly more tricky to advise on as it depends on the specification and location of the property in question.

Selling a home It is possible to freshen a property in readiness for an impending sale without spending a fortune. The most important point to consider here is to go neutral and avoid anything unique and individual to your personal taste. Remember, you’re doing this to sell your

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home and need it to appeal to the masses.

Right now, the in-vogue design to go for is hard/ resilient flooring (laminate, cushion vinyl, luxury vinyl tiles, wood flooring etc.) downstairs and carpet on the stairs, landing and

bedrooms. If your budget can stretch to hard flooring downstairs, go for a neutral, traditional oak plank design.

If you are selecting carpet, go beige or grey with no pattern. These options have the widest appeal amongst potential buyers of your home.

www.flooringmegastore.co.uk I-B U I L D/AP R/20

I-DIY - FLOORING BUILDING ADHESIVES LTD (BAL)

A beginner’s guide to subfloor preparation before tiling Before floor tiling begins, it is critical that subfloors are prepared properly. This means that they are level, sound, dry, free from deflection, dust and any other contaminants which may be considered barriers to adhesion, says David Wilson, UK Technical Services Manager at Building Adhesives Ltd (BAL).

I

t is important that any new structural concrete should be left to cure and dried in air for at least six weeks. Cure cementsand screeds for at least seven days, before drying in air for a further two weeks. A longer period of time will be required in poorer drying conditions or when heating the floor.

Ensure that any directto-earth sub-floors incorporate an effective damp-proof membrane. If you are laying tiles or slabs directly to the floor using tile adhesive, the maximum permitted deviation underneath a 2m straight edge resting on the floor should be 3mm (SR1).

A suitable smoothing and levelling floor compound can correct surface irregularities and, therefore, achieve SR1 on new and existing floors.

Available in one- or two-part forms, they are easily mixed and simple to apply; they find their own level giving a smooth finish for laying tiles or other floorcoverings.

There are a number of products on the market, each with different features, generally going from anything from 2mm up to 80mm in bed depth. In general, smoothing and levelling compounds are not designed to be used as a finished or wearing surface and will, therefore, require the application of a suitable floorcovering.

Smoothing and levelling compounds, can be used on a variety of substrates. However, when levelling timber floors, or screeds containing underfloor heating, use of fibre-reinforced products may be considered. Remember to check carefully with the manufacturer and any datasheets they produce to make sure they’re suitable for your subfloor.

The majority of subfloors will also need priming before levelling and tiling. Floors such as concrete, cement-sand screeds, anhydrite screeds, cement-sand screeds with underfloor heated screeds and suitably constructed suspended timber floors. Priming ensures good adhesion of the smoothing and levelling compound to the substrate.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when mixing (including water ratios etc.), ensuring that a lump-free mixture is achieved. Once the required consistency is achieved, pour the mix over the prepared substrate and spread to the required depth using a suitable steel finishing trowel or long-handled blade. Work the mixture well into the corners, edges and around projections. When you’ve finished spreading the mixture on the floor, pour some more mixture onto the floor and spread that out and blend it in with the previous area.

Always allow the smoothing and levelling compound to set before laying your finished floor surface.

Setting times can vary depending on your chosen product normally between four to 24 hours and is dependent upon your floor finish.

In wet areas, allow a minimum of 24 hours before waterproofing the levelled screed with a suitable tanking system.

If you are inexperienced in subfloor preparation, we always recommend seeking further assistance from the manufacturer, whether by phoning their technical team or getting someone to visit your site.

www.bal-adhesives.com I-B U I L D/AP R/20

32

NOTHING WA RMS BE T TER

WASH AND CARE Especially for wooden flooring!

• Highly effective cleaning and care concentrate with natural ingredients • For regular cleaning and care

• Highly recommended for flooring treated with Polyx®-Oil • Moisturising, will not dry out flooring

www.osmouk.com

Delivering Delivering Delivering Delivering Delivering Delivering Delivering

䢢GREEN BUILDINGS BUILDINGS 䢢GREEN 䢢GREEN 䢢GREEN BUILDINGS 䢢GREEN BUILDINGS 䢢GREEN 䢢GREEN BUILDINGS BUILDINGS

NATIONWIDE NATIONWIDE NATIONWIDE NATIONWIDE NATIONWIDE NATIONWIDE 䢢 䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵 NATIONWIDE 䢢 䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵 䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵 䢢 䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵 䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵 䢢 䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵 䢢 䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵 䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵 䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢 䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵䢢 䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵 䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵 䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵䢢 䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢 䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢 䣅䣃䣎䣎䢢䣗䣕䢢䣖䣑䢢䣆䣋䣕䣅䣗䣕䣕䢢䣛䣑䣗䣔䢢䣐䣇䣚䣖䢢䣒䣑䣌䣇䣅䣖䢢䣐䣑䣙䢢 䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵 䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢 䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢 䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵 䣅䣃䣎䣎䢢䣗䣕䢢䣖䣑䢢䣆䣋䣕䣅䣗䣕䣕䢢䣛䣑䣗䣔䢢䣐䣇䣚䣖䢢䣒䣑䣌䣇䣅䣖䢢䣐䣑䣙䢢 䣅䣃䣎䣎䢢䣗䣕䢢䣖䣑䢢䣆䣋䣕䣅䣗䣕䣕䢢䣛䣑䣗䣔䢢䣐䣇䣚䣖䢢䣒䣑䣌䣇䣅䣖䢢䣐䣑䣙䢢 䢢

w w w.v a r d e s t o v e s .c o m

䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢

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䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢

䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢

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䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢

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䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢

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䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢

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䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢䢢

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For more information or to view the full range of Varde woodburning stoves visit our website.

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iBuild_Varde_HPV_Mar20.indd 1

I-B U I L D/AP R/20 16/03/2020 11:21

I-NTERIOR - UNDERFLOOR HEATING RWC UK

Top tips to successfully plan your underfloor heating project As underfloor heating (UFH) becomes an increasingly popular choice for self-builders and homeowners, Nigel Sanger, Divisional Director Technical Support at RWC UK, explores the best practices to ensure a successful project.

A

ccording to the ‘Underfloor Heating Market by Component – Global Forecast 2023’, the demand for UFH is set to increase by 67% between 2016 and 2023. It comes as no surprise as UFH offers some clear benefits. Top of the list in today’s ecoconscious society is that UFH can heat a larger area at a lower temperature than radiators, offering energy efficiencies and reducing heating bills.

UFH is also ideal for homeowners looking to make a statement. By doing away with bulky radiators, there is more space for interior design, and room layouts are more flexible. Suitable for both open-plan areas and compact living where space is at a premium, UFH can also be paired with smart thermostats. This adds an even deeper level of personalisation, offering more control and the ability to tailor the heating to specific needs.

I-B U I L D/AP R/20

However, for those looking to tackle the project themselves, it pays to be aware of best practice around this technology, particularly when planning, designing, zoning and commissioning. By having these front of mind, UFH projects can run smoothly with less potential for delays, re-works and costly remedial action.

Designing and planning

Just as with any other project, planning is vital to ensure that the job runs smoothly – from having the materials ready, through to ordering enough pipe to ensure there are no delays when the installation has started.

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This is particularly true when mapping out UFH in the property. Pipework needs to be carefully measured so that enough materials are ordered.

Skipping the planning stage can cause project delays, underor over-ordering, and even compromising the performance of the system altogether.

For self-builders who may not have tackled UFH projects before, UFH suppliers – like JG Underfloor – have support teams in place who can help with the specification process, reducing the risks stated above and ensuring all the components needed are ordered. Our JG Underfloor website; for example, features an instant quote generator which will

I-NTERIOR - UNDERFLOOR HEATING RWC UK

From piping nightmare to pipe-dream

An important part of the installation process is to consider the pipework. It is best to use pipe that complements UFH installations. For example, the Layflat pipe from JG Speedfit lays flat and flexibly turns around the edges while creating pipe circuits, helping speed up the pipe laying process.

It’s also recommended to cover the pipes coming up to the manifold with conduit pipes, as they act as a protective sleeve, shielding pipes from accidental damages. The conduit also prevents excessive heat from building up in areas where pipes carrying hot water are close together, which can cause cracks and damage the floor.

Under pressure, the importance of testing

create a bill of materials from a simple project outline.

Heating controls and zoning your home

One of the benefits of UFH systems is the ability to create multi-zone systems controlled by individual thermostats, allowing different zones to be heated at different times and temperatures.

To do this successfully, it is critical that zones and positioning of thermostats are mapped out to match the occupant’s lifestyle, at the design stage. Doing so will ensure that the pipework layout and wiring centre will support the zones.

It’s also important to not cut corners with thermostats.

To save on capital and installation costs, it is not uncommon to see one thermostat controlling multiple zones, or one thermostat for the whole home/floor.

We recommend the use of individual thermostats for every zone to allow individual heating control for that area.

By controlling multiple rooms by one thermostat, rooms that are not in use will be heated when only specific areas need to be heated, and temperature of the room where the thermostat is located will influence the temperature in other rooms.

To realise long-term energy savings, it is advised to invest in thermostats for individual rooms and zones.

Following installation, it is vital that the system is put under a pressure test using water. A common misconception is that testing with air is enough. However, doing so will not allow the pipes to fully expand, simply because air can be compressed, while water can’t be. It is also important to make sure there aren’t any traces of air in the system, which can have a detrimental effect on how the system runs.

Best practice is to perform a pressure test at six-bar before flooring or screed is laid. This allows to check for leaks and ensures the pipes reach maximum expansion. Specifically, if you are using screed, maintaining the pressure until it has been fully laid and cured to prevent it from cracking later.

The best-laid plans

As the old saying goes, by failing to prepare, you prepare to fail. Whether you have overseen UFH projects before, or it is the first time that you’re considering this technology, it is always advisable to liaise with manufacturers to scope out your project and plan accordingly. By doing so, the project can be streamlined, costly errors are prevented, and installation challenges can be foreseen and overcome in advance.

www.jgunderfloor.co.uk

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I-B U I L D/AP R/20

PAINTS & FINISHES

Give burglary the slip: Why anti-climb paint is still an anti-theft solution In this article, i-Build talks to 130-year-old brand F.H. Brundle about how anti-climb paint can help keep your new home safe.

I-B U I L D/AP R/20

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PAINTS & FINISHES

To be effective, anti-climb paint has to be applied quite thickly – a layer that’s 2-3mm thick is best. It’s non-toxic, so it won’t hurt anyone who comes into contact with it – and the same goes for animals, too. However, if you have pets, be wary – cats, in particular, are natural climbers, and if they come into contact with it, it’ll take a lot of washing to get it out of their fur.

The legal aspect

I

t’s something everyone worries about, and everyone wants to prevent. Burglary costs British homeowners hundreds of millions of pounds a year – there were 417,000 in 2018-19 alone, costing an average of £3000 each – and causes a level of stress and upset it’s impossible to put a price on.

Understandably, that’s produced a whole industry for high-tech solutions designed to stop thieves in their tracks. But while sensors, cameras and state-of-the-art electronic locks can be very effective, so can a much older, simpler solution – anti-climb paint.

What is it?

Anti-climb paint does what it says on the tin.

It’s a paint you apply to key areas around your property to make it much more difficult for would-be intruders to gain entry. It’s non-toxic, petroleum-based – and, crucially, it doesn’t set.

That means it’s permanently slippery, making

it virtually impossible for thieves to scale walls, fences, roofs and any other surface it’s applied to. It also makes criminals easier to identify and apprehend – anti-climb paint stains clothes and skin, often allowing police to catch thieves quite literally red-handed.

How, and where?

Walls, roofs, drainpipes, guttering, ledges, lampposts and CCTV camera poles are all prime places to use anti-climb paint.

Burglars are nothing if not adaptable, and they’ll use any surface they can to gain access to a property.

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When using something like anticlimb paint, however, you have legal obligations that you need to be aware of. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act of 1984, homeowners have a duty of care towards people on their property – even if they’ve come uninvited. That means you have to take reasonable steps to ensure that even intruders aren’t harmed while in your home and garden – and while anti-climb paint itself isn’t harmful, there’s obviously potential for someone to try and scale a wall, get caught out by the paint and fall and hurt themselves.

You’re fulfilling your legal responsibilities if you put up clearly visible signs warning would-be intruders that there’s anti-climb paint on the property. That way, if they still try and gain access and injure themselves in the process, they do so at their own risk.

More generally, it’s advisable to only use anti-climb paint in high places – ideally, at least 2.4m off the ground.

A good rule of thumb is to use anticlimb paint anywhere that’s above head height.

How long does it last?

Quality anti-climb paint isn’t affected by weather and shifting temperatures and can last up to three years between applications.

www.fhbrundle.co.uk I-B U I L D/AP R/20

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: BLANCO | CIRCOFLO | MARMOX | OSMO

Brighten up your floor with Polyx-Oil Tints

BLANCO UK’s highlights at KBB 2020

K

BB 2020

showcased a

plethora of innovative

O

smo UK, the ecofriendly wood and finishes expert, expanded its renowned wood finish range, Polyx-Oil, by adding exciting colour tones to this market-leading range. Polyx-Oil Tints will bring a touch of elegance and glamour to any room. The range of protective wood finishes includes gold and silver tones which achieve a glitter finish, especially when the sun catches it. Other colours include white, honey, amber, terra, graphite and black. Based on the original Polyx-Oil product, it retains the natural beauty and character of the wood in a perfect way. Easy to use and apply, Polyx-Oil Tints are the ideal DIY product for customers who wish to introduce a subtle colour to the floor. The floor remains microporous and can be touched up to cover any abrasions without a problem. Apply one coat of PolyxOil Tints and a topcoat of Polyx-Oil clear and your new, improved and unique flooring is ready www.osmouk.com to show off.

01296 481220

products from BLANCO

UK: the pioneer in beautifully designed and engineered kitchen sinks and taps. There were product launches, demonstrations of the

Smart Tap portfolio, new literature with supporting POS initiatives, as well as live durability tests on BLANCO’s stone composite material,

SILGRANIT PuraDur. In particular, the stunning ETAGON multifunctional sink range shows why three is the magic number. Three working

levels create all the practicality to a sink and drainer in a compact bowl. Three materials are on offer in the ETAGON range – stainless

steel, 10 composite colours in SILGRANIT PuraDur and the beautifully luxurious ceramic in four colours.

www.blanco.co.uk 01923 635200

Circoflo systems and service impress West Yorkshire gas engineer

D

espite 40 years spent working

as a gas installer/gas manager,

Andy Neville, had never been involved with fitting or servicing underfloor

heating, but adding a new extension to his own home, and deciding traditional radiators just wouldn’t suit the space,

led him to making use of CircofloPro’s

sized-to-fit offering. CircofloPro provided a fully tailored

solution including on-site support. The package included

using both the FloFloor and CircoBoard systems, along with the necessary pipe lengths, manifolds, controls and other

fittings. Andy commented: “Circoflo provided room-specific kits along with the drawings. The

systems not only seem robust, but the results have been fantastic.”

www.circoflopro.co.uk 01392 360457 info@circoflo.co.uk

Multiboard features in Midlands mansion as marble backer-board

T

UV-PROTECTION OIL EXTRA

he redevelopment of a

large residential property

in Sutton Coldfield to create a

Perfectly protected against the sun.

£5m mansion is making use of Marmox Multiboard’s unique

The first clear UV protection for the outdoors!

benefits, both inside and out, featuring within the pool/spa

complex and then around a terraced patio area. As one of the

• UV resistant factor 12 in comparison to untreated wood

specialist package contractors on the project, West Midlands-

• For vertically structured exterior surfaces

based IMAC Joinery has installed more than 100 of the 600

x 1250mm Multiboards using the quick and reliable Marmox

• Very water and dirt resistant

against the concrete blockwork, offering an ideal substrate

• Resists the growth of algae, mildew and fungal attack

60mm dowels. The 10mm-thick boards are held securely

• Reduces wood swelling and shrinkage

for applying the marble tiles. The Marmox Multiboards are

• Microporous, breathable finish – doesn’t crack, peel, flake or blister

light to handle and easy to

cut, while still being able to

sustain substantial loadings, if required.

I-B U I L D/AP R/20

• No sanding necessary for future applications

www.marmox.co.uk 01634 835290 sales@marmox.co.uk

www.osmouk.com

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LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: VELUX | KELLER KITCHENS | ROMAN PRODUCTS | BLANCO

City Chic kitchen from Keller

K

eller’s City Chic kitchen has

been designed to give homes the popular urban, elegant look with the flexibility

to accommodate whatever size

family. The handleless GL2000 model gives a sleek and seamless appearance, creating a harmonious blend between cabinetry,

appliances and worktops. The wood patterned doors – pictured – offer the kitchen a warm feel and contrast with trendy chic black

accessories such as sinks, taps and black shelving, while the white marble worktop brings the whole look together. Keller’s cabinetry is available in a variety of colours from Comfort and Master collections so homeowners can

See the whole picture with launch of new VELUX STUDIO window

combine different shades to create a dream kitchen.

www.kellerkitchens.com info@kellerkitchens.com

Hemp at heart of low-carbon, lowrise building solution

Leading roof window manufacturer VELUX has launched its new STUDIO window, which is the first roof window to boast three sashes in one frame.

B

T

he innovative, one-frame design features two VELUX centre-pivot roof windows on either side of a fixed unit to bring in even more daylight and offer a wider, more impressive view.

By utilising a solar conversion kit, VELUX STUDIO can be remotely operated via VELUX INTEGRA technology, offering greater flexibility to homeowners who want better control of the indoor environment.

The VELUX STUDIO window offers a number of unique benefits to the trade, including: It’s easy to order as only one product code and one flashing package are required The innovative one-frame module follows a standard installation process so you can save time and get the job done in one day Having three glazing units in one integrated solution makes installing multiple windows a whole lot easier.

Grant Sneddon, Product Manager for VELUX, said: “We are ecstatic to be launching our new VELUX STUDIO window, a revolutionary product in the roof window market.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to innovate our offering to installers, merchants and homeowners so we can continue to be market leaders in providing roof window solutions that offer the best in daylight and ventilation capabilities and create healthier home environments. VELUX STUDIO does exactly that.

“In comparison to a similar triple combination VELUX roof window installation, VELUX STUDIO’s all-in-one mechanism provides a more cost-effective solution and brings in 23% more daylight.”

VELUX STUDIO is currently available in size FK06 (1837 x 1178mm), white-painted finish, double and triple glazed variants with slate or tile flashing kits that include all installation products – usually sold www.velux.co.uk/studio separately. Prices start 01592 778225 from £1017 excl. VAT. sales@velux.co.uk

uilding technology specialist, Roman

Products, introduced a

new versatile, low-energy, modular building system on the Magply stand at

Futurebuild in March. Named JÖ BLOX, the rapid build

system uses a hemp and foam resin core that can be produced in a range of bespoke designs. The JOBlox system is considered

ideal for the construction of garden rooms, extensions and highperformance homes, as well as for the erection of emergency

shelters in crisis zones. The version on display featured 12mm Magply MgO board for both faces to provide maximum fire resistance, with the overall

200mm wall width achieving Part L compliance.

www.jo-blox.com info@jo-blox.com

BLANCO brilliance at KBB 2020

K

BB 2020,

where visitors

immersed themselves in the latest trends

and developments

in the kitchen and bathroom industry, was a fantastic show for BLANCO UK. The team worked tirelessly in the months leading up to the event to prepare for the opportunity to showcase the impressive portfolio of sinks, taps, waste management

systems and lighting. Particularly exciting features on the stand included the bold and striking black SILGRANIT taps and sinks;

this brand new colour will soon be available for purchase and the preview was received exceptionally well. Also on display was the innovative Smart Tap portfolio which incorporates impressive technology to bring an extra touch of

simplicity to the kitchen.

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www.blanco.co.uk 01923 635200 I-B U I L D/AP R/20

The Millboard Way. It’s ingrained.

Detail. It’s in everything we do. It’s in everything we create. And it’s everything we are. In finding that elusive piece of beautiful weathered natural timber. In hand-moulding the perfect board, hand-finishing it and hand-painting it. In our mindset, our customer understanding and our reason for doing what we do. Beauty isn’t skin deep. It’s Millboard.

Experience the detail, order your free sample at millboard.co.uk I-B U I L D/AP R/20

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Live.Life.Outside.