Crafting a modern family haven

Robert Hirschfield Architects' (RHA) brief for Vine House was to create “a house where everything has its place” whilst keeping in mind three young children whose use of the home would change over time. In short, RHA was asked to design a great family home that would, in part, have a lovely open-plan feel to it but also provide defined spaces that could be closed off.

The house is located in the leafy Hampstead Garden Suburb, north of Hampstead Heath. It is a detached home built in the 1930s with an air of countryside village vernacular in the Arts & Crafts style, typical of the location and time. RHA arrived at the design after careful consultation with the client to ascertain their ambitions for the house, which were quite specific from the outset after having lived there for some time prior to commissioning the work. RHA’s response was to celebrate the home’s design as an authentic interpretation of the area’s traditional Arts & Crafts style, redefining the aspirations for suburban architecture. It required sensitive restoration as part of a full house renovation.

RHA arrived at an extensive yet sensitive proposal to reconfigure the interior and extend the house to tailor the plan to the client’s needs. Externally, the practice worked closely with the local conservation authority – the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust – to respect the subtleties and original character of the house, which the client was also partial to.

Join us as Robert Hirschfield himself takes us on a captivating journey through the intricacies of crafting the newly-envisioned Vine House.

Were there any challenging aspects of the project?

The main challenge externally was in connection with circulation. The front door and entrance hall were rethought as a formal point of entry, whilst a new side entrance was created for busy day-to-day use by the family. The latter included the removal of the rickety old garage and its replacement with a new side extension. This was concealed behind the facade of the original to form a secondary entrance that houses a boot/utility room with plenty of space for all three children and their school bags. Good natural light was also achieved overhead using a frameless roof light.

Working on existing houses, such as this, requires a reactive attitude to the various ‘unknowns’, which generally arise in areas where they are ‘unseen’. On several occasions, we had to adapt the detailed design to the peculiarities of the existing building as it was stripped back before the new interventions were built.

Detailing the new extension to give the appearance externally that it was a garage that had ‘always been there’ also presented an interesting challenge that we enjoyed overcoming.

H ow did you approach material and product specifications?

Since the whole property required sensitive restoration as part of a full house renovation, the design and materials were carefully orchestrated to create a series of spaces that best serve the family’s needs while still maintaining an elegant appearance.

It was essential to the client that the house continued to pay homage to the design principles of the Arts & Crafts movement, focusing on the central entrance hall from which internal spaces are organised and, in turn, lead to the garden beyond. Using a vernacular palette of materials, the design celebrates the style of properties prevalent within the conservation area whilst providing for the contemporary needs of a growing family. We also worked with Shaadee Asekour Interiors on the project.

C an you provide us with an overview of the final touches applied to both the interior and exterior spaces of Vine House?

Externally, the traditional material palette of brick, render, timber and clay tiles were all restored or cleaned, including an intricately-carved detailing of grape vines to the front gable, which led to the project’s name ‘Vine House’.

Timber parquet was laid across the entire ground floor and, together with dark-panelled walls, lend a feeling of grandeur. Whilst marble details in the kitchen and bathrooms bring a timeless quality to the spaces.

H ow does the building respond to its surrounding landscape?

V iews of the large landscaped rear garden play an essential part in experiencing the house and its position in the context of the Garden Suburb movement. There is an enjoyable view of the garden that greets you immediately on entry through the front door, which is important to visually and physically connect the inside of the house with the garden.

S imilarly, all the principal rooms in the house, such as the kitchen, living room and master bedroom, all face the garden. In doing so, they celebrate the home as an authentic interpretation of the area’s traditional Arts & Crafts style and redefine the aspirations for suburban architecture.

W hat do you love most about the project?

T he large open-plan kitchen and dining area is a real highlight as it runs the full depth of the house. Equally, the bar in the living room is exquisitely designed in collaboration with Fowler & Co using American black walnut with a Carrara marble worktop. It even houses a secret TV behind slatted tambour doors.

W hat’s your favourite room?

T o the south end of the ground floor, a new and spacious kitchen and dining area was formed across the full depth of the house, with aspects from both the front and the rear looking onto the garden. A generously-proportioned new Shaker-style kitchen, including a large island, was located at the garden end, with the open-plan space also accommodating a large dining table at the front of the house and glazed double doors leading from the hall. This is now the home’s main space both for the family’s day-to-day use and when entertaining. A desk was also included in the kitchen area to enable working from home and children’s studying.

T o achieve this, the previous cellular arrangement of the kitchen, dining room, cloakroom and utility room were all knocked through together. Rationalising excess space from the existing hall enabled the cloakroom to be relocated to a more central position on the ground floor, whilst the utility room was moved out into a new purpose-built extension.

I s the finished space everything that you hoped it would be?

Our clients have best summed this up: “Robert and his team worked with us to incorporate all our requirements and designed a house to perfectly suit our family needs, ensuring optimum functionality of every inch of precious space. With meticulous and careful detailing, RHA ensured a smooth road with the planning applications as well as with the tender process, and selection of contractors and suppliers.

“RHA’s involvement from concept to completion has resulted in an incredible transformation, and we are now thoroughly enjoying being back in our lovely home. It really is difficult to put into words how much joy we are taking from the house, and the more time we spend here, the more we like and appreciate it for the way it is designed.” www.roberthirschfield.com

Four reasons you should choose low-E glass

Ac cording to the UK Government, 18% of heat loss within a house occurs through windows, and the process happens twice as fast with single-glazed windows. However, in 1975, low-emissivity glass (low-E for short) was developed as a solution to the poor insulation in UK housing stock. Low-E glass is a type of energyefficient glass that is meant to prevent heat from escaping through your windows and into the cold outdoors.

H ow does low-E glass work?

L ow-E glass is a form of energyefficient glass that is meant to prevent heat from escaping through your windows and into the cold outdoors. The glass has improved solar and thermal performance properties, achieved by applying a low-emissivity coating to the glass. This minimises the amount of UV and infrared light passing through the glass while maintaining the amount of visible light transmitted. Low-E glass has a microscopic layer that minimises heat transmission and returns internal heat to the room. As a result, low-E-coated glass keeps your home warmer by reflecting a higher proportion of the heat back into it, and it can keep you cooler by reflecting solar thermal energy from outside.

W hy should I use low-E

glass in my home?

1 . Low-E glass has advanced insulating properties

L ow-E glass is renowned for its superior insulation capabilities thanks to its low-emissivity film. This layer outperforms standard uncoated glass by providing enhanced insulation, ensuring a warmer home during harsh winters and a cooler setting during blazing summers. By combining a soft-coat low-E film is an integral part of an insulated glass unit (IGU) with remarkable insulating potential when combined with other insulating technologies, resulting in doubleglazed units that can achieve an impressive U-value.

T he exceptional insulation provided by low-E glass translates into realworld benefits. It helps maintain a consistently warm interior, reducing the need for frequent adjustments to the thermostat, which can lead to a spike in energy costs. With the added warmth from low-E glass during the colder months, conflicts over temperature settings within the household can be minimised, promoting a more comfortable and enjoyable living environment.

2 . Low-E glass can create a cooler home

S imilar to how low-E glass reflects heat back into the house, it also contributes to lower solar gain characteristics and reflects solar thermal energy away from your home. When combined with a tint, low-E coating is often referred to as ‘solar glass’ and can achieve an impressive solar heat gain coefficient (g-value). This means that 86% of solar thermal energy is reflected away from your home, creating a cool and comfortable indoor environment during the summer – a significant benefit of low-E glass.

W hen it comes to the positioning of low-E glass on a window, the cavity surface of the outer pane and the cavity surface of the inner pane deliver equally effective thermal transmittance. However, it is generally recommended to apply low-E glass on the inner pane, which is the industry standard. This choice impacts the optical effects of the window and is the industry standard.

3 . Low-E glass offers UV protection

L ow-E glass acts as a protective barrier against UV rays that enter your house. This feature is especially important for protecting your furniture because UV rays are known for bleaching and fading carpets, drapes and furnishings over time, resulting in a loss of their original colour and brightness. You may easily minimise the effects of infrared and UV rays by installing low-E glass into your windows, keeping the integrity and beauty of your interior decor.

While low-E glass effectively filters out harmful UV rays, it still allows plenty of natural light to fill your living area. You can enjoy the advantages of a brighter, welllit house without sacrificing the protection given by low-E glass. This perfect mix of UV protection and light transmission creates a pleasant and visually appealing atmosphere where the interior is protected from harmful rays while basking in natural sunshine.

4 . Low-E glass can reduce your energy bills

I nstalling low-E glass in your home can significantly boost its energy efficiency, potentially saving you up to 20% on your heating bills each year. This is because low-E glass outperforms ordinary double glazing in terms of heat loss and heat transmission, ensuring that your house stays warm throughout the colder months. Because of the greater insulation properties, your heating system can run more effectively, requiring less energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

B y reducing your heating bills, you are also lowering your total energy use. This reduction in energy usage immediately leads to a lower carbon footprint since fewer greenhouse gas emissions are produced. Adopting energy-efficient technologies, such as low-E glass, actively contributes to climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability.

C onsider choosing low-E glass today

The benefits of low-E glass are clear, with its exceptional ability to reflect heat in such a way that it is helpful throughout the year while also protecting your furnishings from UV rays and perhaps decreasing your home’s carbon emissions and energy bills. By choosing low-E glass, homeowners not only enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing energy usage and carbon emissions. With its multiple advantages, low-E glass is a valuable investment for creating a more comfortable, sustainable and cost-effective home.

www.carlenglass.ie

Georgian mewshouse transformed

Architect firm Studio Bua and interior designer Eliská Design have collaborated to transform a nondescript Georgian mews house in central London into a luxurious home, perfect for parties and entertaining. Located in a private mews in the Belgravia conservation area, the house had good bones but lacked personality. It also had no outdoor space, one of the client’s key requirements.

When Bua and Eliská were approached, the house was inverted, with a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor and the kitchen above. While it had three bedrooms, it lacked living and entertainment space. The first step was to flip the scheme, positioning the dining area and kitchen on the ground floor and adding a roof terrace for outdoor entertaining. Internally, the property has been fully refurbished. The new scheme features a bespoke kitchen, a dark-lacquered cocktail bar and an elegant home office. All the joinery throughout the house is bespoke, tailor made to suit the client’s needs.

Mark Smyth, Co-Founder of Studio Bua, comments: “When our client purchased the house, all the living accommodation was squeezed into the first floor, with bedrooms above and below. These cramped living quarters didn’t suit their needs, so we moved the kitchen and dining to the ground floor, creating a welcoming entrance hall. This freed up the first floor for a generous reception room, a separate study and the all-important cocktail bar. By creating very different spaces for entertaining across three levels, the house feels much larger than the floorplan suggests.”

Previously, the house had suffered from a bland 1990s magnolia redecoration, which caused it to lose all its Georgian splendour. The client, a leading light in the finance world and a keen art collector, wanted to revive the house to make it feel unique and add plenty of entertainment areas. The client was moving from a significantly larger house, so it was imperative to keep the same sense of grandeur in their new home. She also wanted the house to have traditional elements but not feel old fashioned. Working around her existing furniture,

Bua and Eliksá encouraged a mix of contemporary and traditional pieces that support each other and work together to elevate themselves into statement pieces.

Eliská Sapera, Founder of Eliská Design, explains: “The inspiration for this interior project was to have a timeless space with a mix of antique and contemporary furniture and artefacts to reflect the client’s taste. A feeling of understated luxury with beautiful fabrics and unique pieces.”

Bua successfully navigated the City of Westminster’s planning process and negotiated a licence for alteration with the Grosvenor Estate to secure permission for the large roof terrace and facade alterations. The facade has been remodelled and redecorated. This included the removal of three sash windows and the installation of French doors with 40cm-deep cast-iron Juliette balconies on the middle floor. A new front door replaces the existing overtly Victorian door, which was not in keeping with the Georgian property. The black fittings are all dark bronze to tie in with the new balconies. The facade colours, navy on the ground floor and pale blue above, were chosen from Grosvenor Estate’s approved colour scheme.

Planning dictated that the existing garage could not be changed into a habitable space. Instead, the space has been transformed into a multifunctional area that doubles as a private pilates studio and a covered outdoor entertaining area for bad weather. An Oka coffee table, designed to look like an ornate column capital, is flanked by garden chairs with cushions covered in Perzina Citron fabric by William Yeoward to add sophisticated pops of colour.

The front door opens onto a new dining area with the kitchen on the left, a top-lit stair with solid oak treads and banister straight ahead, and a door serving the garage to the right. The entire ground floor has been beautifully done, with oversized parquet flooring that follows the curves of the wall and gives the space a modern look. Traditional detailing, such as the cornicing, has been reintroduced to reinstate period features. www.studiobua.com

Period panelling adorns the walls, and replica antique mirrors help to make the space feel bigger. Statement 1940s wall lights sourced from Guinevere Antiques, originally from the Colisée de Roubaix in Paris, elevate the room and add opulence. The dining area and new kitchen can be separated by closing the panelled doors to hide preparation while entertaining. The kitchen, which was previously a bathroom, includes compact joinery and pocket doors to hide toasters and coffee machines.

The Obsidian Blue cabinets have nickel fittings and mesh doors that tie in with the house’s exterior colour scheme. The kitchen surfaces are topped with lemurian blue granite with dramatic flecks of colour.

The kitchen detailing is echoed in the study on the first floor. Here, the cabinets are painted a pale taupe. Display shelving is interspersed with mesh doors to hide TV units, with printers and office paraphernalia hidden in cupboards below. The parquet flooring matches the floor below. The study links to the main reception room but also sits comfortably as its own room.

Across the landing is a custom-built cocktail bar that uses antique mirror and dark green joinery designed to fit the client’s glass and barware. A new lacquer tray from Paolo Moschino and crystal barware by Eliská complete the space. A WC decorated with Moooi extinct animal wallpaper is tucked away next to the bar. More custom joinery, this time housing handtowels, sits on either side of the Kast concrete sink.

The main reception room features an existing fireplace that has been carefully integrated into the new scheme. New furniture was selected to complement the client’s existing pieces. Light pours into the room through the new French doors while semi-sheer curtains made from luxurious cashmere-mix Rubelli fabric brighten the space. Red cushions covered with Rubelli and Robert Langford fabrics adorn the sofas and add a touch of regality.

While the bedrooms on the second floor have been left untouched, the bathrooms have been elevated. The master en suite now features beautiful Dover white marble and classic fittings to feel modern but appropriate to the age of the house. The guest bathroom features dramatic primavera green marble and a bespoke vanity unit. Both bathrooms include wooden bowls and dishes from Robert Langford.

Topping things off is the new roof terrace, which provides much-needed garden space and dramatic views of Westminster. A new, sweeping staircase serves the terrace, accessed via a large, automated sliding rooflight. The black-painted metal railings tie in with the fittings on the facade and have been kept simple to stay in keeping with the property. Strategic planting offers privacy from neighbours. The client’s garden furniture has been elevated with cushions covered with Dominique Kieffer fabric by Rubelli.

Illuminate your kitchen

Though often referred to as a ‘finishing touch’, considering lighting at the start of a project will ensure a level of illumination that’s both stylish and practical, says Chris Dance, Showroom Manager at InHouse Inspired Room Design.

Including lighting specification at the design stage avoids the need for additional cabling and prevents loose wires affecting the overall look of a beautiful kitchen design. A good starting point is to check how many optics are recommended for the size of the room. Then, investigate the different types of lighting that can be used to achieve this.

L ayer lighting

W ith open-plan living ever popular in modern interior design, it’s important to have a range of lighting options to highlight certain areas throughout the day. Aside from traditional ceiling lights, hanging statement lights, table and floor lamps, built-in lighting and lighting strips can all be used to layer lighting. By turning layers on and off, different moods can be created to alter the atmosphere for varying times and occasions.

C olour and strength

M odern lighting is now available in an assortment of colour temperatures and strengths. Each can bring a unique look and feel to a room.

C ool lights suit contemporary and urban styles, whereas warm lights create a softer look, perfect for more traditional designs. Colour-changing LED strips are also available, with vibrant colours introducing a distinct style to a kitchen. No need to stick to just one type, though. By selecting a range of colours and strengths through different lighting options, you can change the mood through different combinations at any given time.

An important tip is to consider how colours change with the type of lighting used. For example, blue kitchen cabinets may appear black in artificial lighting. This is another reason to consider lighting at the start of a project and quiz your designer on these details.

Task lighting or ambient lighting? How about both?

T here are numerous lighting options for kitchens that cast either direct light for prepping and cooking food or indirect lighting to set the mood — often both.

S potlights are practical for food preparation. Built-in spotlights placed underneath wall units give much-needed light to worktops often shaded by the cabinetry above them. Slice and dice without the fear of chopping something you shouldn’t due to poor lighting. There are also tilting options to direct light exactly where it’s needed.

T hose who want a minimalist look can opt for an LED strip instead, a functional and stylish addition to contemporary kitchen designs. Once the cooking is done and the entertaining begins, under-cabinet lights can be left on when the main lights are turned off to create a perfect ambience for the evening.

D ifferent lights bring your dreams to life

A kitchen designer’s job is to bring your vision to life. You might be someone who loves natural foliage, and a clever idea could be to bring the outside in with a herb garden. Energy-efficient lights are key as the lights will need to be on for long hours each day to ensure healthy plant growth. LED and plasma lights are ideal. Choose full-colour spectrum options to mimic natural sunlight, essential for herbs to produce the oils needed for distinctive flavours.

I f you love minimalism, handleless designs will benefit from adding lighting underneath the worktop ledge to illuminate grip ledges and open doors and drawers with ease.

I f you like stocking up your cabinets, don’t forget the insides of cupboards and drawers, too. Discretely-concealed lighting can illuminate every corner, ensuring food items, pots and pans and cutlery and crockery alike can be found quickly and easily.

F or those who are night owls, sensor-controlled plinth lighting installed underneath floor units can light the way for midnight snackers. Plinth lighting is also excellent for low-level lighting in the evening, especially important with open-plan living.

L ighting to highlight

C lever lighting design also creates focal points in a kitchen. Open shelving is brilliant for displaying mugs and crockery and is the perfect place for showcasing plants, personal items and muchloved cookbooks. Give items the attention they deserve by illuminating shelving, creating a beautiful play of light on the wall.

M aking use of the space above a kitchen island, a hanging pendant light makes a notable statement piece and can be particularly useful when prepping food. Pendant lights can also be hung over dining tables, which are great when entertaining friends and family at a dinner party.

A n alternative statement piece could come in the form of an extractor. No longer restricted to the classic wall-hung design, extractors are now available to go in ceilings, hang over kitchen islands and can even be built into units. Each style brings unique lighting options to suit individual tastes. www.inhouseltd.co.uk

F or culinary masters who want to keep ingredients within easy reach but don’t want cluttered worksurfaces, clever storage options combined with backlighting could be the answer. Magnetic knife boards, spice racks, kitchen roll holders or a place to hang glasses; everything can be kept at hand, just as it would in a professional kitchen. This style lends itself to great backlighting, highlighting all the kitchen necessities. Installing a dimmer function can transform backlighting from functional to atmospheric in an instant.

T hese are some options to demonstrate how lighting plays an important role in successful kitchen design. From creating just the right ambience, highlighting and showcasing personal possessions, to fitting in with your lifestyle, lighting should never be an afterthought when planning your dream kitchen.

A natural choice: Enhancing character with timber designed to last

Opting to use wood for your windows, decking or facade can elevate the appearance of your property, complementing the design by adding character and charm. Aesthetics often play a leading role in the design of self-build projects, so within this article, Mike Lewis, Technical Sales Manager for Accoya, explains how using wood rather than man-made products can create a unique, eye-catching final product full of character.

Th ere are many benefits to embarking on a self-build project. One of the main attractions is the fact that you will be in the driver’s seat when it comes to designing your home –meaning that you will be in control of all the decisions that get the project off the ground. The beauty of selfbuild projects is that they begin as a blank canvas and are curated specifically with personal wants and needs in mind. However, it is essential for self-builders to be armed with all of the information they need to make the right decisions for them.

Material choice is one of the biggest considerations for self-builders. Given the creative freedom and opportunity to create a completely bespoke home, people are often guided by aesthetics.

But it is also important to ensure that the materials selected provide a marriage between beauty and performance.

O pting for wood, as opposed to man-made counterparts, can be a great option to enhance the aesthetic appearance of your home. Choosing to use wood for your windows, decking or facade gives the ultimate classic touch, elevating the appearance of your property and complementing the design by adding character and charm. Whether you are seeking inspiration from period properties or crafting a contemporary home – wood is a great option to add character.

O n top of this, incorporating wood can play a pivotal role in the value and desirability of a property. Not only does it provide stunning aesthetics, but advances in wood technology now mean that timber is incredibly durable, too. With the rising cost of living and changes to our climate, energy-efficient windows and doors can help to reduce energy bills, enhance comfort and minimise environmental impact, making them a sound investment for any homeowner.

Wood or man-made?

Man-made materials are a popular choice in self-build projects. Popularised in the late 1980s, uPVC window frames have become the go-to option for many modern houses. This is because many people believe that uPVC has a lot of properties that natural materials could lack. It is rigid, low maintenance and – crucially – highly stable. However, natural products, such as timber, can provide the same benefits.

I n addition to the fact that wood is aesthetically pleasing due to the variation in types, colours and grains, it also has numerous performance benefits. In recent years, self-builders have become increasingly aware of the benefits of using wood and some stunning examples of windows, decking and facades have begun appearing in the market and gained the attention of RIBA’s award schemes. This is because wooden products are now more durable, stable and long lasting than ever before, rivalling the benefits of other modern materials.

A solid performance

O ne key concern that often crops up for people considering using wood is the potential upkeep it might need. Being a natural material, it is true that some woods can shrink or swell over time when exposed to various weather conditions. This, in turn, could cause paint to wear, which would then need sanding and painting to restore it to its former glory.

But, as is the case with most things, investing in high-performing wood could see self-builders reaping huge benefits in the long term. Wood, like plastic, can vary in terms of performance, from the cheapest softwood, which can lack durability, all the way to more durable hardwoods. Most timber windows are made using hardwoods such as sapele. Hardwood window frames could be expected to last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Of course, this would depend on the exposure of the window, the climate or even the durability of the wood, which can vary. But paying slightly more for a higher calibre would offset this.

I nnovations in timber

I n recent years, a timber product, Accoya, has been used more widely for external joinery as it is specially processed to form a product that is consistently durable, stable and reliable. This is particularly important in countering one of the primary challenges posed to any building material, the UK’s wet – and often unpredictable – climate. However, Accoya’s superior rot resistance makes it a desirable choice for applications where durability and performance in outdoor environments are crucial.

W herever you are building in the UK, anybody embarking on a self-build project needs the assurance that the materials they choose can weather any storm and can hold up just as well in the sun. While some homeowners have historically been concerned that wooden windows could rot or swell, advances in technology now mean that wooden frames are able to endure rain or shine without impacting performance. For example, windows made from Accoya wood remain durable even in the harshest weather conditions, and the wood is warranted for up to 50 years. This means that they are designed to last a lifetime, and making the investment now could mean that homeowners will never need to replace their windows again.

A more sustainable option

S ustainability has a huge hand in guiding modern self-build projects, as many self-builders look to source elements that make homes greener, more comfortable and cheaper to run. Investing in high-performance wood that is easy to maintain makes it a more sustainable option, particularly when compared to fossilbased materials such as uPVC. Not only is wood natural, renewable and biodegradable, but it is also a better insulator than plastic or metal, which means it is highly energy efficient, making it a great choice for reducing your carbon footprint.

C hoosing the right material for you when creating your home is a hugely important task, and there are many options to consider. When stuck between wood or man-made, wood really takes the edge. You can’t beat the classic aesthetic that wood delivers. Whether you’re looking to build a traditional home with sash windows or hoping to achieve a biophilic or Scandi design, wood is the best way to bring character and charm to your self-build project. And when wood is designed to last a lifetime while providing multiple performance benefits and high sustainability credentials – it’s surely a no brainer.

W hilst it’s true that upfront costs might be slightly higher, it is an investment that will undoubtedly pay off. Plus, as self-builders tend to stay in their homes longer than most, why not insure yourself with windows that are made to last a lifetime?

Creating cooler roofs: The antidote to summer heatwaves?

As rising temperatures and record-breaking heatwaves become more frequent in the UK, Nick Fisher, Director of Sales and Customer Service from home and self-build online retail destination Good Build Superstore, looks at some of the ‘cool’ roofing materials that are available to help create comfortable conditions all year round.

We all know that a poorly-designed and -constructed roof can be a weak spot in the building envelope, allowing heat to escape and fuel bills to rise. While our initial concerns might be around heat retention during colder winters, it’s not the only environmental issue we have to contend with. The 2021 report from the Committee on Climate Change also highlighted the risk of overheating in terms of damaging effects on both wellbeing and the structural integrity of buildings.

With rising temperatures and hotter spells becoming more frequent, there is a very real need to keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Here are just a few ideas on how to keep your cool on your next project.

C onsider your covering

A cooler roof is essentially one that will better reflect sunlight and absorb less heat. Choosing lighter-coloured roofing materials is a good place to start, but other materials that work well in high temperatures are clay and terracotta tiles. These materials will reflect rather than absorb heat from the sun and are widely used in warmer climates – the Latin meaning of terracotta itself is ‘baked earth’.

M etal roofing materials can also help reflect heat, even when specified in dark colours, which is why they are so often chosen for large commercial projects. They can work well on residential schemes, too, although the higher cost and noise from heavy rainfall can be an issue.

F lat roofs on sheds, garages and outbuildings are also likely to absorb heat, making them hot and stuffy when the temperature starts to rise. A quick and easy fix on bituminous roofs is the use of solar reflective paint, which not only reduces heat gain but provides a robust waterproof finish.

R eflect on your insulation choice

I nsulation is usually top of the list when the aim is to reduce heat loss, but it can also play an important role in reducing overheating. In much the same way as insulation prevents heat from escaping from inside a property, insulation also acts as a barrier to prevent the heat from the sun from penetrating the roof. This is particularly important in loft conversions, where spaces can become unbearably hot. Multifoil insulation is a good choice as it is both highly reflective and efficient, helping to keep the interior cool and comfortable.

A greener way

N ot only will the right type of insulation help in heat regulation, but you’ll also experience environmental benefits. Good-quality, well-maintained loft insulation will help reduce your carbon footprint as well as remove the need for air conditioning units and, therefore, potential chemicals being released into the atmosphere.

F or even more eco-friendly benefits, you can explore insulation materials created from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, or natural alternatives, like sheep’s wool or hemp.

E mbrace nature

A s well as helping to reduce overheating, you can also save energy in more ways than one by choosing a roofing material that has been specifically designed to work in sunny conditions. As effective as solar roofing panels can be in generating sustainable energy, excessive heat can actually reduce performance, and they aren’t really intended to have any cooling effect. Green nature roofs, on the other hand, can significantly help reduce heat gain on individual properties. By covering a roof with plants and flowers, the surface is naturally shaded and, as well as reflecting light, the vegetation helps to retain moisture from rainwater. By choosing the right combination of plants, a green roof can also provide thermal efficiency in the winter months and good acoustic insulation, but it’s important to keep it hydrated to prevent it from drying out and dying in prolonged hot or dry periods.

L etting the light in

With loft conversions and extensions on the rise as people look to make the most of their usable living space, so is the use of rooflights and skylights. Often, loft spaces are already highly insulated, so one of the biggest concerns lies in installing roof lights in a converted space which could lead to overheating.

Fortunately, there are a number of solutions available to help reduce overheating, including the use of blackout blinds, shutters and special awnings, which can prevent the build up of heat on glass. Such features can also limit the glare from the sun, which is an important consideration if the room is to be used as a home office, for example.

There are also different types of glazing available that can aid climate control, and professional advice can be sought around energy efficiency and compliance with the relevant Building Regulations.

R ising temperatures don’t have to lead to rising stress levels or costs as long as you keep a cool head. At Good Build Superstore, we offer a wide range of roofing products and accessories and a knowledgeable customer service team who are on hand to help with all aspects of a project from start to finish, whatever the weather. www.goodbuilds.co.uk

Bright ideas: Choosing the right lights and fittings for your front garden

From heightening safety and security to enhancing kerb appeal, illuminating the front of a property requires careful planning and consideration. In this article, Katie Georgeson from 4lite discusses how to approach this very specific type of lighting installation.

Ou tdoor lighting plays a significant role in enhancing the beauty and functionality of a front garden space. Whether in a newbuild project or a property renovation, its purpose is multi-faceted and so requires careful design and consideration.

To anyone embarking on an outdoor lighting project at the front of their property, we’d suggest beginning by giving real thought to the function of the lighting installation. Most commonly, illumination is needed to provide improved safety and security, so individuals should pay specific attention to these factors. Lighting pathways, steps and entrances help with wayfinding and can prevent accidents by reducing the risk of tripping or falling. Well-lit areas are also a real deterrent for potential intruders and will help to enhance home security.

Another function of lighting at the front of a property is to increase kerb appeal. Properly-designed lighting adds visual interest, making it more attractive and welcoming. By highlighting architectural features, trees, shrubs and other focal points, you can create a stunning night-time aesthetic that complements the overall design of your home.

Moving beyond this, another function of front garden illumination is that it makes the space usable after dark. Well-placed lighting helps to direct visitors to the front door and to create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests in the evenings.

Once the main aims and objectives of the lighting installation have been outlined, the next step is to consider the placement and positioning of the luminaires themselves. Properly-positioned lighting will highlight the best features of the outside space, whilst poorly-positioned lighting will have the opposite effect.

B egin by considering focal points and any features you want to draw attention to. For example, functional elements, such as doorways or paths, will require light alongside decorative features such as trees or water features.

Perhaps surprisingly, front door illumination is something many self-builders overlook when installing lighting at the front of a property. Crucially important, it not only helps to create a first impression of the home but guides visitors to the entranceway. Wall lights, bulkheads, pendants or outdoor lanterns are all great options around the front door area and are available in a wide range of traditional and contemporary styles.

The path or walkway to the front door is also a key area to illuminate. Again, it helps to guide visitors to the home and is also essential for safety. Path lights should be placed evenly on both sides of the path and direct light in a downward direction. If there are steps or different levels in height, make sure these are well lit to minimise trips and falls. Similarly, features such as low walls, ponds or areas with a sudden drop should be lit to ensure that visitors can make their way safely around your home. Bollard lighting, ground lights and wall lights are all great options for these areas.

As well as being functional, lighting in the front garden should also be decorative and used effectively to highlight design features, such as the building’s architecture or striking trees and plants. For example, uplights installed at the base of a tree are a great way to highlight natural elements, whilst ground lights or floodlights can be used to effectively illuminate the facade of the home. www.4liteuk.com

Colour temperature is also something to consider at this stage. The lighting hue chosen will have a keen impact on the overall ambience created. If you want to achieve something that feels cosy and intimate, then soft, warm-toned lights are a must, or brighter lamps can be chosen for a more vibrant and energetic feel.

When it comes to choosing light fittings themselves, there are a number of considerations to take into account. We are living in an era of sky-high energy bills and environmental concerns, so the energyefficiency ratings and controllability of products are key. To overcome these issues, make sure you explore the latest technologies available and integrate them within your installations. Technology such as smart lighting systems are ideal, enabling you to programme and automate every single detail so that energy is used only where and when it is needed. Solarpowered luminaires could also be an effective costsaving option, or fittings with motion or presence and absence detection sensors work well for spaces where light isn’t required constantly after dark, but security is of concern.

P roduct durability is another key consideration when it comes to outdoor lighting. Products should be built to withstand the elements, so make sure you opt for fittings that have high IP ratings and are made from corrosion-proof materials. W hatever products and systems you opt for, mounting height, spacing and distance are all important factors when it comes to final installation. To avoid glare and causing unnecessary light pollution, it’s important that luminaires are angled away from the line of sight and, where possible, are screened from view by plants, shrubs, boulders and objects. The light produced by the fitting should be seen rather than the fitting itself.

O verall, as with any outdoor lighting project, the key to success is to remember that less is most certainly more when it comes to illuminating the front of a property. Just because you can illuminate the entire space doesn’t mean you should and will not achieve a desirable look.

EnerPHit: Turning ordinary homes into the extraordinary

If you love where you live and want to radically reduce your energy bills, make your home more comfortable and help tackle the climate crisis, then undertaking a Passivhaus retrofit (EnerPHit) could be for you.

Th e last few years of lockdown and the energy bill crisis have woken us all up to the impact of draughty and leaky homes on our quality of life, health and wellbeing. Passivhaus is an international building standard that dramatically reduces buildings’ heating energy requirements while also creating excellent indoor comfort levels.

The building physics behind Passivhaus can be applied to any building – although it is often more challenging for existing buildings where the orientation, structure, shape and amount of glazing are already predetermined. To address this, the Passivhaus standard offers a retrofit standard called EnerPHit, which takes these constraints into account and relaxes criteria to reflect this.

E nerPHit is still a very demanding standard and will typically result in a building that outperforms a new-build property both in terms of energy and comfort. Like the Passivhaus standard for new builds, it includes requirements for high levels of insulation, airtight fabric, high-performance windows and doors, reduced thermal bridges and mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR).

T he Passivhaus retrofit approach can be applied to homes and buildings from all eras and construction types. This year’s UK Passivhaus Awards 2023 included four finalists in the residential retrofit category, showcasing the variety and versatility of the EnerPHit approach.

A ‘70s mid-terrace townhouse, a derelict barn, a suburban detached house and a ‘60s Modernist concrete London home were all given the Passivhaus retrofit treatment to become certified EnerPHit (or EnerPHit Plus *) projects, achieving proven long-term comfort and energy savings.

T he retrofit strategies included a mix of using external or internal wall insulation to provide continuity of thermal insulation around the existing homes. The barn conversion was achieved using an insulated timber-frame box within the stone building. As well as the fabricfirst Passivhaus elements, the shortlisted projects added renewable energy generation to their homes, with three of the four projects shortlisted achieving EnerPHit Plus * certification, which means that the homes produce as much energy as occupants consume, with the energy generated coming from renewable sources and providing enough energy to operate the building throughout the whole year.

I nterestingly, the winning project in the residential retrofit category is also the UK’s first certified phased EnerPHit project. Stepby-step EnerPHit is a route to certification that offers a staged approach to retrofit undertaken in several phases over time to help with budgeting and enable occupants to continue living in a property while the work is being carried out.

Bowman’s Lea EnerPHit

W inner in the 2023 UK Passivhaus Awards residential retrofit category

A phased retrofit of a three-storey ‘70s midterrace townhouse, Bowman’s Lea is the UK’s first certified step-by-step EnerPHit, providing a valuable model for a more gradual approach to deep retrofit. Meticulously selfbuilt, the retrofit utilises bio-based materials where possible, such as cork internal wall insulation. Knowledge transfer has been a huge part of the retrofit, helping to spark local neighbourhood retrofits. Open days have enabled people to see first hand what a low-energy retrofit entails. The focus on engagement and sharing has inspired six neighbours to also retrofit their homes and influenced the wider local community, including the setting up of Retrofit Action For Tomorrow, which helps schools to undertake deep retrofits.

Harpenden EnerPHit Plus

S hortlisted in the 2023 UK Passivhaus

Awards residential retrofit category

A suburban ‘70s detached four-bed in a conservation area has been revived by an EnerPHit Plus upgrade, slashing fuel bills. Striving for a Passivhaus retrofit was driven by ambitious and environmentally-conscious clients who were keen to give their Hertfordshire property a new lease on life through a holistic retrofit and, in the process, use their experiences to increase awareness among others. The project utilises a fabric-first approach to drive down energy demand but also includes additional renewable energy generation to achieve the EnerPHit Plus certification.

Modernist EnerPHit Plus

S hortlisted in the 2023 UK Passivhaus

Awards residential retrofit category

O riginally designed by Architect Michael Blackstock in the ‘60s, the ‘Modernist’ concrete London townhouse has undergone an EnerPHit Plus retrofit makeover. Passivhaus retrofit standards were implemented to allow the home to face the challenges of the future and futureproof the house against rising energy bills.

The house needed extensive repair works addressing air leakages and damp, but the client was keen to retain many of the

Modernist – shortlisted original features of the Modernist ‘60s aesthetic. The ambitious project strived to maintain the existing structure to extend the building’s life by another 100 years while also combining the original design aesthetic with a contemporary approach.

Shepherds Barn

EnerPHit Plus

S hortlisted in the 2023 UK Passivhaus Awards residential retrofit category

N estled in a valley in County Durham, Shepherds Barn is an ultra-low-energy barn conversion and retrofit. The North East’s first certified EnerPHit project, it achieves an impressive airtightness result of 0.18 ACH @ 50 Pa. An airtight timber-frame structure was built inside the original stone barn building allowing the project to achieve the EnerPHit standard. The project has since been re-certified to EnerPHit Plus certification status in February 2022, after extra renewable energy capacity was added. C hallenges on the project included working within the constraints of the existing barn building, issues around planning, structural instability and moisture issues, all had to be addressed. www.passivhaustrust.org.uk

Brett Martin’s stunning new roof lantern puts safety first

A new roof lantern from daylight systems manufacturer Brett Martin will enhance the quality of any space and shares many of the same highperformance features as the glass rooflight range for the domestic market.

Av ailable in both a four-pane Contemporary and six-pane Classic style, the new aluminium lantern has been designed to maximise light transmission by engineering slim glazing bar profiles whilst maintaining excellent physical and energy-efficiency performance. Brett Martin is a strong advocate for user safety, so the new lantern’s glazing features laminated inner panes, providing a level of safety not usually available as standard in this market.

T he only safe choice for overhead glazing, laminated inner panes offer enhanced protection for those below from falling glass in the event of accidental breakage. The National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers (NARM) and the Advisory Committee for Roofsafety (ACR) both recommend that the inner pane should always be laminated glass as the safest recommended rooflight option.

S ales Director, Tony Isaac, explains the significance of the launch: “We are already a major player in the domestic market with our flat-glass rooflights, but we realise our customer base uses both flat-glass and lantern-style rooflights. Our new product meets the installer’s need for easy watertight installation with precision aluminium castings and extrusions, enabling rapid onsite glazing. Practicality is key to our users, who want to get on to and off of sites efficiently, so our total package for the new lantern addresses all the issues they regularly encounter on the job.

“ The installation requires no silicon other than on the kerb, and the design of the lantern’s components has removed the need to access the frame from below. Therefore, the assembly can be completed from the roof, a definite installer-friendly feature”.

Guardian Building Systems

Th e Guardian roof lantern is the newest addition to Guardian Building System’s exciting product portfolio and combines leading thermal performance with quick, easy installation. The elegant, minimalistic design is the perfect solution to creating lighter and more spaciousfeeling home spaces whilst also cutting the need for electric lighting. Made from machine-finished aluminium, it is strong and robust yet incredibly lightweight, ensuring it can safely be installed on any roof or home extension. Every roof lantern is first manufactured by one of the dedicated, certified fabricators in the company’s network and prepared for a smooth and pain-free installation. Taking less than 60 minutes to be constructed, the Guardian roof lantern uses impressive GUARD-Lock technology to secure and strengthen the structure. This unique ‘click-fit’ rafter system not only helps to allow the bars to lock in place easily, but alongside the immovable top cap and anti-tamper rafter screws, it further bolsters the roof lantern’s security.

4lite Unveils New Outdoor Lighting Range

Ti cking all the boxes when it comes to outdoor lighting, Marinus is a brandnew collection of stylish coordinating fittings from leading lighting manufacturer 4lite. A stunning option outside homes, patios and in garden areas, the range includes a trio of directional, bi-directional and spike light fixtures, ideal for illuminating doorways, walls, stairs and other design features. Simplistic and cylindrical in design, Marinus has a modern aesthetic and is available in both stainless-steel and anthracite grey finishes. Marinus features a ‘halo glass’ design, with a ring of glass on the inner edging, which gives a halo effect to the light distribution. What’s more, all products in the collection are manufactured from a marine-grade, corrosion-proof stainless steel, meaning they won’t degrade or rust when exposed to the elements, and all products have been salt spray tested to 96 hours. All the coordinating products within the Marinus range are GU10 compatible, allowing them to be upgraded to smart lighting.

unveils sleek and elegant roof lantern www.4liteuk.com sales@4liteuk.com

Wooden monochrome mill renovated with Osmo Country Colour

In the heart of Cambridgeshire lies Smock Tower Mill, a stunning restoration project that has been standing since the early 19th century. Now owned and home to a talented boatbuilder, the restored Smock Tower Mill is the result of years of hard work and dedication, finished in a monochrome colour scheme with bold red highlights using the highest quality exterior wood finish, Osmo Country Colour.

As a shipwright, the owner’s passion sent him all over Europe, where he gained valuable transferable knowledge and experience to allow him to confidently transition to millwrighting and then to renovate the once-derelict mill back to its former glory.

T he mill owner explained: “The mill will be the first in the UK to produce electricity. It’s the only village in the UK to have two working mills opposite each other and is one of only three of its type left in existence in the UK!”

A longside two fellow shipwrights, the three of them strived to not only achieve a home but also a working mill. However, there were no parts for old mills anymore, and every part that needed to be repaired or replaced had to be made from scratch. Successfully, patterns were borrowed from other similar mills, and so, with a lot of research, they managed to build the complicated mill back to working order.

“ As you can imagine, traditional windmills are time consuming to build and equally to maintain,” the mill owner continues. “This requires a high-quality, natural paint that weathers well and allows the wood to breathe without peeling and splitting. The icing on the cake with Osmo is that it ticked all these boxes and, importantly, doesn’t require sanding between coats. This cuts maintenance time dramatically, therefore, cuts costs by 50%, which puts Osmo in a class of its own.”

W hite 2101 and Charcoal 2703 were the two main colours chosen for the mill from the Osmo Country Colour range, which created a striking monochrome style on the exterior wood. As a feature, the fantails were finished in Signal Red 2311, adding character and personality to the roof of the windmill. Soon, the main sails will be completed and installed onto the mill to complete the project, which will also be finished in White 2101.

The mill owner comments: “We will be using Osmo on all this work and any future projects. We’re also recommending Osmo to the local authorities that undertake work for other millwirghts.”

T o add contrast to the large mill, the secondary building had its front-facing cladding finished using a clear Osmo UV-Protection Oil. As one of the most popular exterior wood finishes within the Osmo range, UV-Protection Oil not only enhances the natural wood colour and grain but will provide the mill with excellent durability and maintenance advantages. This gave the mill owner and other future builders living this unique way of life comfort and peace of mind for years to come.