i-Build March 21

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FOCUS:

SELF-BUILDS

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RENOVATIONS

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EXTENSIONS

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CONVERSIONS

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DIY

COVER STORY

THE GUIDED TOUR: PECKHAM PALACE

M A R C H 21 - I S S U E 80

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Inspiring home renovator, Rose McDonnell, talks about the extensive transformation of her 1840s Victorian/Regency property, ‘Peckham Palace’

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDIES

INSPIRATION

MATERIALS

ADVISORY

COOL AND CONTEMPORARY

D R I V E WAY S OF DREAMS

ON-POINT PA R Q U E T

U P S TAI R S, D OW N S TAI R S

Bordered by trees and a small lake, Abbots Way creates feelings of ultimate relaxation

From design to materials, ensure every element of your drive is planned from the outset

Find the ideal laying pattern for your home and discover parquet’s timeless beauty

Top tips on finding the perfect staircase style for your self-build or renovation project

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ditor's Welcome

EDITORIAL: Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Hannah Woodger

hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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

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DIGITAL DESIGN MANAGER: Matt Morse

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SALES SUPPORT: Klare Porter

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PUBLISHER: Sam Ball

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Cover story:

After Rose and Rupert McDonnell’s second son was born, the pair realised they needed a house with more space.

I-BUILD MARCH 2021

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his month marks one whole year since our firstever national lockdown.

Throughout 2020, we were inspired by renovations, self-builds and modest DIY projects that have been swarming the internet and magazines. 12 months after lockdown 1.0 and not only are we seeing masses of self-builds and home renovations come to a completion, but we’re also witnessing a few new arrival announcements. With what’s been dubbed a ‘COVID baby boom’ expected for this year, many soonto-be and current self-builders, decorators and renovators are turning their thoughts to nursery designs. To celebrate, this month we’ve created a special spread that’s bursting with nursery ideas.

So, whether it’s your first, second or ninth born, if you’re expecting a boy or a girl – or perhaps even twins – you’ll find plenty of inspiration on pages 06-07.

Elsewhere in this month’s edition, we prove that size doesn’t really matter, and you don’t need to spend fortunes on a large existing structure with acres of land to create something impressive. In this edition’s Rural Retreat feature, we talk to Caroline

Palk from Ashton House Design about a small-scale renovation she undertook in Dartmoor. What was once a dilapidated outbuilding is now a guest annexe containing a studio suite with a bedroom, sitting room and shower room. Turn to page 14 to read the full story. Meanwhile, on page 26, home renovator Rose McDonnell talks to me about her recently-completed renovation that her son charmingly named ‘Peckham Palace’. In this interview, Rose explains how she and her husband, Rupert, weren’t the most popular neighbours on the street whilst extensive renovations were underway (they’re not the only ones to experience this, I’m sure!). Last but by no means least, AR Design Studio and The Myers Touch talk us through the awe-inspiring, ultra-contemporary design of Abbots Way, a stunning five-bedroom house that’s bordered by mature trees and a small lake. Get your Pinterest boards at the ready and turn to page 20 to be truly amazed.

Rebecca @ibuildmagazine

@ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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

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See page 26.

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March 2021 ADVISORY

INSPIRATION

06 08 18

Desired Designs: Expecting a New Arrival?

With announcements of new arrivals, what better way to celebrate the news than a spread bursting with nursery ideas?

Desired Designs: Barmy about Bridgerton?

If Netflix’s period drama has you lusting over ornate Regency-inspired interiors, this trend could look right at home in your space.

Lighting & Electricals We talk to Luke Thomas, Design Director of John Cullen Lighting, for his top 10 tips on choosing bespoke lighting for your self-build or renovation.

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Viewpoint

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Stairs & Balustrades

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I-DEAS

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i-nterior: Tiles

With a wealth of designs and styles to choose from on the market, it’s often hard to narrow down the tile that’s right for your home. This month, we talk to Abbas Youssefi, Director of Porcelain Superstore, to find out the key trends he’s seeing in the kitchen and bathroom.

Karen Curtin, MD at Graven Hill, talks us through the top five things every self-builder should know before starting their project.

There’s a lot to think about when choosing a feature staircase, so this month, we talked to Spiral UK’s Eric Nicholls to find out the questions you should be asking yourself.

Roofing & Insulation

In this article, Chris Knowles from Recticel Insulation looks at a few of the challenges involved with roof terrace insulation.

CASE STUDIES

12 20 26

MATERIALS

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i-DIY: Flooring

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i-Scape: Driveways

Just how suitable a flooring choice is parquet from a practical stance, and can it be fitted as a DIY project?

We spoke to Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Co., to find out.

Rural Retreat

Ashton House Design has just finished a small annexe renovation in Dartmoor.

We’ve had a chat with Founder, Caroline Palk, about the project.

Impressive Innovation

Abbots Way is a stunning five-bedroom house.

Bordered by mature trees and a small lake, this spectacular home creates a feeling of relaxation.

Urban Sanctuary

After Rose and Rupert McDonnell’s second son was born, the pair realised they needed a house with more space. Following a few disheartening searches, the McDonnells stumbled across ‘Peckham Palace’ and fell in love with the property.

NEWS/PRODUCT GUIDE

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Product Guide

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

The key to long-lasting kerb appeal is making sure you design a lowmaintenance driveway.

We’ve talked to Marshalls about the primary considerations for driveway designs.

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I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns

©CARPETRIGHT

EXPECTING A NEW ARRIVAL?

March is officially the start of the spring season, when we begin to witness brighter days and a new palette of colours from spring wildflowers commencing their annual bloom. As well as picturesque sceneries, the season also traditionally brings with it new life.

T

his March marks a whole year since the nation’s first lockdown. While recent articles have shown that annual birth rates have dipped following last year’s forecasts of a ‘COVID baby boom’, other sources, such as Mumsnet, have predicted a surge in early 2021 births following reported ‘lockdown pregnancies’. At i-Build, we, too, are witnessing announcements of new arrivals amongst our readers.

What better way to celebrate their news than a spread

I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

YOURS TO BUY

bursting with nursery ideas?

We’ve searched the internet for the most charming accessories for a child’s nursery. So, whether it’s your first, second or ninth born; if you’re expecting a boy or a girl – or perhaps even twins – you’ll find plenty of inspiration here to help you decide on a colour and a theme, as well as additional kitschy textiles and toys to give you something to really look forward to. So, have fun, get moodboarding and create your very own bedroom of dreams.

1. Bloomingville griffin rug, £25, Sweetpea & Willow 2. Moon and stars mobile, £29, Bobby Rabbit 3. Little Dutch Baby gym ocean mint, €49, TakaTomo.de 4. Cam Cam Copenhagen harlequin wardrobe in grey, £1199, Cuckooland 5. Sebra baby changing unit, £619.95, Cuckooland

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6. Obaby reclining glider chair and stool, £219.99, Bambini and Bo 7. Anti-roll mat terrazzo print, £28, Mama Shack 8. Sophie Allport Bears & Balloons fabric, £26 per metre 9. Vox spot cot bed in white and acacia, £320, Cuckooland 10. Sophie Allport bear soft toy, £16

DESIRED DESIGNS

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04 YOURS TO BUY

1. Little Dutch cuddle cloth, €11.90 2. Little Dutch activity spiral, €20.90 3. Little Dutch music mobile ocean blue with bracket, €59 4. Little Dutch motor skills loop, €18.90

HOT PRODUCT

Magical mobiles

TOP TIP

Add some fun to their rooms and help them fall asleep to the gentle, circular movements of these adorable mobiles. Simply hang above their cots and watch them gaze in wonder.

YOURS TO BUY

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3. Baby space felt mobile, £54.50, Beaumonde

2. Flying the skies hot air balloon mobile, $171.99, Yellow Octopus

4. Pehr baby mobile with felt swans, kinder räume

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Think about the functionality and flexibility of your nursery? Consider how you’ll use the space now and in the future as the years go by and your child grows up. Remember, this layout isn’t permanent, and as your baby gets older, they’ll require more and more room to bum shuffle, crawl and eventually walk as well as play and learn. Flexibility is key. After all, a baby won’t stay a baby forever!

I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns BARMY ABOUT BRIDGERTON? If the Netflix period drama has you lusting over ornate Regency-inspired interiors, this trend could look right at home in your new space.

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VIEWPOINT

K aren Curtin

is Managing Director at Graven Hill

The most important thing to remember is that designing a home is often dictated by the land; the site’s shape, size and terrain all have a part to play in deciding the end product.

I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

Viewpoint

Self-builders: f ive things you should know before you start Research from the Saffron Building Society reported a 144% increase in its self-build completions, compared to the same period in 2019.

Whether it’s first-time buyers looking to build their way onto the market or those embarking on large self-build and conversion projects, it’s clear people know what they want from their homes. Karen Curtin, Managing Director at Graven Hill – the UK’s largest self- and custombuild community – investigates further.

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reparation, location and a fully-serviced plot are the holy grail for self-builders. However, taking that first step doesn’t have to feel like a leap. So how can people ensure that they are in the best position to achieve their perfect home?

Councils must have sufficient ‘shovelready’ plots to meet this demand and have three years from signing up to ensure this, measured from the end of October each year.

1. Location, location, location

It’s no secret that securing planning permission can be a challenge for any self-build project. Those considering building their own home can expect a standard wait of up to 13 weeks.

However, with complex designs, unique locations and COVID-19-related delays, the process can take longer still; this is something that must be factored into any timescales to avoid a knock-on effect further down the line.

That being said, Cherwell District Council has set out to make the process slicker, using a Local Development Order, in the form of a ‘plot passport’ for every self-build plot. This details everything from the number of bedrooms, maximum gross internal area, and acceptable building materials, through to individual requirements such as parking spaces and bin storage. Having this information on hand allows planning applications to be fast-tracked, cutting the process down to just 28 days.

From magazines and mood boards to Pinterest and Instagram, most budding self-builders can’t wait to gather their inspiration and make the dream a reality. However, the project will remain a dream without a plot of land to build on.

The most important thing to remember is that designing a home is often dictated by the land; the site’s shape, size and terrain all have a part to play in deciding the end product. Often, self-builders will be forced to go back to the drawing board, to ensure their plans fit the land available within the desired location, as well as their budget.

To avoid this, prioritising the search for land is essential. A good first step is for self-builders to sign up to the Right to Build register in their local area. Created

by The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), the portal ensures people have easy access to their local Custom and Self Build Demand Register.

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2. The planning process can be a bit tricky

VIEWPOINT

3. Being covered is crucial

No matter the project size, it’s important that self-builders are covered on any unexpected events. A site survey can flag any potential issues such as clay soil, tree roots or sloping ground; therefore, giving prospective purchasers the information they need before making the big commitment.

After all, foundations are the second most expensive part of construction, so it’s wise to make sure groundworks are prioritised. From foundations to the build itself, there are many liabilities to consider.

Alternatively, some sites offer all-inone cover, as well as a warranty on the finished foundation. For example, Graven Hill, the self- and custombuild development in Bicester, offers a ‘Golden Brick’ package to simplify the process. By providing serviced plots with foundations that match the house design, pre-installed drainage and utilities, and even structural warranty on the foundations of the building, these packages can help save money and protect against unforeseen circumstances.

4. Preparation is essential but flexibility is important

As with any project, the key to success is in the preparation – the more thorough the planning process, the fewer nasty surprises will crop up.

However, it’s no secret that self-building also requires flexibility. With costs and timescales prone to change, keeping a firm focus on the end goal, as well as the purse strings, is essential to keeping the project on track.

To lighten the load of selfbuilding, many homebuilders opt to outsource a project manager. They can help coordinate efforts and take the pressure off, as they aren’t emotionally invested.

Others choose to be their own project manager and take charge, finding their own builders, contractors and architects. This is a truly hands-on experience that will require time, tenacity and determination to see it through. However, ask most self-builders, and they’ll say they have no regrets!

5. Self-building isn’t the only option

Despite all its advantages, self-building isn’t for everyone. It’s important to know that there are still ways to own a bespoke home, without having to do all the legwork. Custom-build new homes tick many of the same boxes, allowing buyers design flexibility and a high-quality finish, with more financial security.

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For those keen to future-proof their forever home, custom-build options allow buyers to address their personal requirements early in the process and tailor their properties to fit specific needs, both now and in the future.

There’s no doubt that the selfbuilding journey is a rewarding one, and the road to a truly unique home is evolving. However, budding selfbuilders mustn’t underestimate the steps needed to achieve their dream home – after all, it’ll be worth the effort.

www.gravenhill.co.uk I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

RURAL RETREAT

Size doesn’t matter This stunning annexe transformation in Devon’s picturesque Dartmoor certainly proves that you don’t need large structures to design and build something truly inspirational.

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Caroline’s Top Tip: “Ensure you get a good team around you and consult with professionals for anything you can’t tackle yourself.”

shton House Design, an interior design practice based in Ashburton, Devon, has recently completed this smallscale renovation project for a client in Dartmoor. What was once a dilapidated outbuilding is now a guest annexe containing a studio suite with a bedroom, sitting room and shower room. Here, we have a brief chat with Caroline Palk, Founder of Ashton House Design, about the extensive renovation.

RK: What style and age is the original building?

CP: It’s a stone-constructed 17th-century Gate Keeper’s Lodge in Devon.

RK: How did you retain the original building’s style?

CP: We used the original stone walls – some

of which were repaired and re-pointed where necessary. We sourced reclaimed Welsh slates in a smaller size than the originals to suit the smaller scale of the building and used complementary stone ridge tiles. The project’s fundamental aim was to provide ancillary self-contained guest accommodation (and a utility room).

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RK: How did you approach finalising your design brief?

CP: It was essential to retain the character, charm and quirk of the original building.

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

CP: Altogether, it was six weeks.

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

CP: The significant challenge was

working on the project during the first lockdown – as well as the non-stop rain!

RK: How did you approach material and product specification?

CP: As designers, we project managed

the renovation and worked with both an architect and a structural engineer.

The architect specified the building products for the main building structure, and we selected everything else – including all of the details within the compact shower room.

RK: Are there any particular materials you would recommend to others looking to renovate or self-build?

CP: Whether you’re renovating a period property or building a new home, take a look at architectural salvage yards – they’re a great source of inspiration for injecting added depth, originality and age of character to your project.

RURAL RENEWABLES RETREAT

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I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

RURAL RETREAT

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

CP: The project took six months –

which was one month longer than initially planned because of lockdown issues and a delay of products. It completed in July 2020. Our client was delighted with the transformation and moved in immediately!

RK: Please walk us through the finished space.

CP: The building’s stone walls were

all refurbished, and we replaced the roof – this helped the structure blend in with its surroundings. Significantly, we also dropped the floor level to achieve the necessary usable height. We also commissioned bespoke timber windows and doors, which were manufactured locally, to complement the building’s history. As well as the studio bedroom and sitting room, we created a compact shower room too (which is accessed via a sliding door to save on space). We also incorporated a utility room to the back of the annexe.

RK: How does the building respond to its surrounding landscape?

CP: The new bi-fold doors take full advantage of the pastoral outlook and country garden. The addition of a small, secluded terrace offers an outdoor space with privacy from the main house.

RK: What do you love most about the building?

CP: The surprise on arrival! It has a

beautiful, cosy interior with a modest and honest exterior. My favourite element is the open twin apex roof, which offers a full-height space in the living zone. This great height in a small area allowed us to introduce a trio of linen pendant shades, their scale and volume are impressive for such a compact space – achieving scale is always important. The further lowered ceiling above the bed then makes for a cosier sleeping area.

Images before and during the build

RK: Is there anything that you would have done differently?

CP: No, although a landscape gardener

to help with the exterior would have been helpful! On this occasion, we even did this ourselves – including watering in the freshly laid turf daily throughout some arid summer weeks. It’s been gratifying to transform an old and underused building into a functional and comfortable space that the owner will use all the time. We are already carrying out similar projects for new clients.

www.ashtonhousedesign.co.uk I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

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INSULATION STAIRS & BALUSTRADES

A solid steel spiral powder coated in classic iron grey, softened by oak treads and wrapped in glass balustrade to let light filter through all three floors of this home in St Mawes, Cornwall

This solid spiral in Dorset was made of steel for stability and then clad in timber and plastered board on-site

How to choose your own staircase

Decide on the type of staircase you want

Whilst your choice may be budget dependent, there are advantages and disadvantages to different types of stairs other than their aesthetic value.

There’s a lot to think about when choosing a feature staircase. Here, Eric Nicholls, Founder of Spiral UK – the bespoke staircase company – covers all aspects of staircase design to help you decide what would work best for you and your home.

Spiral staircases

S

Defined by steps that turn consistently around a central axis, the advantage is they make excellent use of space and can be fitted in almost any location. If you have a tall space to climb and limited floor space, they are usually the way to go with powder coating or cladding customised to match your home.

taircases may be functional, but that shouldn’t stop them being a feature. Instead, take the opportunity to create a centrepiece that really makes a statement. No doubt, you’ll use your main staircase every day, so don’t let it be an afterthought – take the time to think about how you will be using it and how it will influence the space it is to inhabit.

Top tip:

Curved or helical stairs

Getting a staircase expert involved early in a project can help you understand the length of time the staircase will take to design, manufacture and install. A bespoke staircase will take longer than a standard design and discussing price, design options and materials early on will save time later in the build. Crucially, you can plan structural requirements into the build as stability and strength of supporting walls and floors need to be considered before the house is built.

I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

Unlike spirals, helical designs do not anchor around a central point, instead curving through a space to dramatic effect.

Curved staircases can have the most wow factor, but they do come at a cost, as they tend to have more structural requirements.

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Floating helicals are a feat of engineering and take additional design work, but the end result is definitely worth it.

Straight stairs

The standard in homes across the country, but you can style them up to stand out with intricate finishing touches or high-end materials. Straight doesn’t have to be boring. Straight stairs can also be:

Dog-leg stairs

A straight stair with a landing to change direction, providing an opportunity to create focal features as an alternative to a spiral.

Spine beam steps

A central beam supports the underside of the steps, resulting in an open, airy feel that can be used in straight or helical designs that suits modern interiors.

They are fun to design as you have great flexibility of choice in build materials and finishes.

STAIRS & BALUSTRADES RENEWABLES

A bespoke helical-tostraight, contemporary but opulent marble stair in a listed Hampstead chapel

Tread:

Timber cantilevers like in this private new build in Devon are made from steel, coated in sound insulation and boxed in solid oak for a sleek but stable finish

Cantilever or floating stairs

This trend is staying strong through 2021 with steps only attached at one end so they appear to be floating.

The supporting structure is usually hidden in the wall – an impressive aesthetic for extra light to filter through.

Alternatively, choose closed treads to create a feature – a more solid floating stair seems to defy physics.

Concrete stairs

Poured and moulded according to the required shape, it’s a versatile material that can be inlaid with other materials such as metal or wood, and dyed or polished to create unique looks – however, do consider weight. It is robust and durable, so a good investment that will not rot, fade or warp over time with very little maintenance.

Inherently resistant to fire, they are also quiet with no creaks or echoes, improving soundproofing between floors.

Consider the design components

Manufacturers can often offer samples of materials or visits to their premises to see what is available – do you want the balustrade bolted or welded? How will the handrail feel clad in leather instead of wood?

A good company will discuss all options. Here is a guide so you know what they are talking about:

Balustrades:

A railing or wall comprising the balusters or uprights (vertical posts consisting of the barrier in guards and railings), and the handrail (‘the bit you hold’ to give stability and support whilst using a staircase).

The design can have a real impact, enabling the diffusion of light or creating privacy. Glass balustrades with stainless steel handrails are popular, however, timber-clad balustrades can be striking, especially on spiral or curved staircases. Spindle designs vary from traditional Georgian to cutting-edge shapes in alternating patterns. Alternatively, sheet metal and handrails can be inset or made in a range of hardwoods, mild or stainless steel and powder coated, and wrapped in materials like rope or leather or left natural.

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The horizontal part of a stair upon which people walk. The step comprises the tread, riser (the nearvertical spaces between one step and the next on the staircase), the nosing (the edge of the tread that protrudes over the riser beneath it) and the going (the horizontal distance between one step and the next measured from nosing to nosing).

Treads can be clad in almost any material to complement the flooring in your home. Popular choices are timber, stone, glass and concrete.

Consider how each will feel underfoot, how it will sound and how often it will be used – for example, carpet is soft, luxurious and quiet, but not very hard-wearing.

Stringer:

This is the housing on either side of a flight of stairs – into which the treads and risers are fixed. This varies depending on the type of stair you choose. It can be subtle or highlighted as part of the design, with an emerging trend being metallic zig-zag on cantilevered solid risers.

Contact an expert

Stairs must comply with complicated Building Regulations, with different rules applying for small private stair, private stair, small semi-public, semipublic and public. Most staircase specialists will have an excellent understanding of how to ensure your staircase meets building standards. Still, it is always worth ensuring they are complying (as not all do). The regulations are there to cover your safety, protection, accessibility and escape.

Have a look around for examples of stair designs that you like, get some measurements yourself or from your architect and have a bespoke maker put their experience to good use coming up with a costed solution to suit your home, with a free, noobligation quote.

www.spiral.uk.com I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

LIGHTING & ELECTRICALS

Tips for bespoke lighting for a self-build or renovation project This month, we have talked to Luke Thomas, Design Director of John Cullen Lighting, for his top 10 tips on choosing bespoke lighting for your self-build or renovation project.

1. Different lights for different jobs

3. Layer the lighting

A grid of downlights provides a flat and lifeless effect, so avoid this. Different layers of light will create a textured effect which gives depth and interest, creating a bespoke solution for the space.

A mix of ambient, accent and task lighting provides the best overall effects. Decorative lighting works really well to provide ambient lighting, especially if the light source is shaded so the effect is diffused. Accent lighting is often forgotten but adds immediate drama.

You can’t use the same light source for all applications around the house. Even with downlights, there are many different options available to provide a bespoke solution. Lumen output should be considered in order to provide the correct level of illumination. Beam angles and accessory lenses can help to shape and tailor the lighting effect for the intended purpose. Use wide beam angles for soft, subtle washes of light and narrow beams for sharp, accent light, ideal for a statue or vase of flowers.

4. Pick an appropriate colour temperature

2. Prevent glare

The home should provide a comfortable and relaxing environment but lighting with the wrong colour temperature, measured in kelvins (K), can destroy this, giving a feeling of being in a hospital or office.

2700K or warmer is a good colour temperature to aim for.

Glare can create discomfort and distraction. A baffled fitting will draw attention to the object being lit rather than the lights themselves, creating a more discreet and subtle lighting effect.

Baffles prevent direct line of sight to the light source.

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LIGHTING & ELECTRICALS

5. Plan ahead

The most effective lighting schemes work around the features in a space and how the client wants to use the space. This requires forethought and planning. Get the furniture layouts locked down at the design stage of the project, also try to confirm finishes as this can impact on how the light plays on surfaces. All these elements can dictate the best way to light the space so that we can maximise the impact and make it work for those who will be living there.

6. See true-to-life colours

The colours within fabrics and finishes, as well as the paints in artwork deserve to be seen in an accurate and true-to-life way. Artificial lighting can have a significant impact on how we depict those colours. This is different to colour temperature and usually measured on a scale called CRI (colour rendering index). The scale indicates how well a light source will render colours in relation to a perfect light source, such as natural daylight. Aim for 90CRI or above, or be prepared for a washedout, lifeless feeling in the room.

7. Hide the lights and reveal the room

You notice bad lighting – it stands out like a sore thumb. The John Cullen design philosophy is that the lighting should disappear into the background and go unnoticed, while subtly influencing your experience of the space. The main intention of architectural lighting design is to enhance the impact of the interiors and architecture using a discreet and considered approach. There is a set way of lighting a room. We find that lighting layouts are always unique to the client and the home.

8. Forget about grids of lights and symmetry

A grid of downlights does nothing for a room. Instead, try to focus light where you need it for a practical task or towards a feature which you would like to highlight. We design as much with light as we do with shadow – it is fascinating to see how we can use light to draw attention to one area of a room, while concealing another. Don’t be afraid to not light everything and remember that it is important where the light falls in a space and not where the light source is positioned.

9. Dim everything

Always give yourself the option to dim your lighting. You will be amazed by how dimming a light can totally transform the atmosphere in a room from bright and functional to soft and relaxing. This principle applies to all areas of the home, including

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bathrooms and kitchens. These are living spaces which need to adapt to our changing needs throughout the day. A bathroom should provide an invigorating atmosphere in the morning but at night it needs to transform into a spa-like environment.

10. Scene set

A step up from conventional dimming is scene-setting. A simple or more sophisticated lighting control system can provide the option of preset scene control in a room. Typically, four scenes are set in each area which are a combination of all the different circuits in the room at different dimmed levels to create certain “moods”. These moods can then be recalled at the touch of a button. This set-up is perfect for an open-plan area or for the whole house.

www.johncullenlighting.com I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

Thinking outside the box Abbots Way, the latest creation by AR Design Studio, is a stunning five-bedroom house. Bordered by mature trees and a small lake, this spectacular house creates feelings of ultimate relaxation and privacy. Its contemporary design juxtaposes superbly with its beautifully rural location on the south coast of England.

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he site is accessed via a private forest lane. Its overtly linear approach extends into the plot and creates the central conceptual axis. Perpendicular to the former, a second axis intersects and leads towards a hot tub and the lake. These axes are defined by timber paths and large stone walls that begin in the garden and run through the house and out the other side. The walls continue through the plot to link a further separate office and gym space at the bottom of the garden.

These dividing walls create four different garden experiences, the first of which is the entrance space. The second is a peaceful pebbled Japanese herb garden to the rear of the house linking the separate office. The third is a private enclosed wooded space dedicated to the kitchen and master bedroom above. The fourth is a large open expanse of tropical plants and lawn reaching down to the lake, reflecting the open-plan living space that looks over it.

A white box, sat on top of the axial walls, gives the upper sleeping floor a lightweight image and appears to be floating above the stone axes. It contains the five bedrooms, all with large glazed areas. This provides beautiful treetop views of the lake and surrounding woodland, creating a sense of being nestled amongst the tree canopy whilst lying in bed.

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The ground-floor living areas, nestled under the box and formed by the axis, are enclosed with large sliding glazed panels that provide a seamless link between the internal and external. The terrace further accentuates this, using a single style of floor tile inside that extends outside through flush thresholds to give a real sense of ‘inside/outside living’.

The moat surrounding the house provides a metaphoric sense of security between the outside world and the inner sanctum. Crossing it via a bridge to access the front door enables the owners to psychologically leave the outside world behind and enter into their retreat. The palette of materials used is modest and understated.

White and grey render adorns the floating box. Natural stone, inspired by a local 12th-century abbey that sets the vernacular for the area, is used for the walls that dominate the ground floor, providing rugged contrast. Dark floor tiles inside and out make the house’s experience that of a calm play between light and space without boundaries.

In this article, i-Build’s Editor, Rebecca Kemp, sits down with Andy Ramus, Director at AR Design Studio – the architect firm responsible for the design – and Keith Myers, Designer at The Myers Touch – the luxury kitchen remodeler – to find out more about the extensive project.

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Andy Ramus, Director at AR Design Studio

RK: Please tell us more about the plot.

AR: The site was set within a mature

wooded setting, inherently secluded and private, with the new design replacing an unremarkable 1950s bungalow. The site, therefore, had the potential to accommodate a new build of exceptional quality. Planning-wise, it took approximately two to three months for approval.

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

AR: Due to the site’s verdant character,

it was crucial for the build to interact seamlessly with its surroundings, bringing the outside in and vice versa. We ultimately used the design and material palette to achieve this connection and interaction between the building and its context.

IMPRESSIVE RENEWABLES INNOVATION

RK: Were any renewable systems installed?

AR: Yes, this was a vital aspect of the design.

The house is super-insulated to create a highly energy-efficient home, with underfloor heating providing warmth and large overhangs to reduce solar gain in the summer months.

RK: What advice would you offer to anyone looking to self-build?

AR: We highly advise thoroughly researching

the process early on and taking the time to find an architect with the right experience for your project type and who holds similar aspirations to what the client wants to achieve. It is also essential to be upfront about your budget to avoid disappointment and take steps to minimise risks, which can pay off in the long run – they can be costly. Such measures may include submitting a pre-application, undertaking the relevant reports, surveys, and site investigations.

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IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

Keith Myers, Designer at The Myers Touch

RK: Please talk us through the brief you received from Andy at AR Design Studio.

KM: We had a very interesting brief from AR Design. Andy had designed a conceptual layout for the space and was looking for a sleek white kitchen; but his client had proposed a shaker-style, green kitchen. Andy, however, felt the design didn’t work with the house’s architecture.

RK: How did you all agree on the final design?

KM: Our first meeting with the

client was going through their whole thought process surrounding the functionality, colour and style of their desired kitchen. Once discussions began, it became apparent that we could align a kitchen design that worked with the rest of the architecture and ground-floor layout to work together. In our first presentation, we worked with the client to explore and develop thoughts concerning the layout, colour and cabinetry style so that the kitchen fitted with the architecture and style of the building. We then worked closely with the architect to ensure that the final design was successful.

RK: Were there any unusual elements to this design?

KM: Interestingly, the client also

wanted a small back-of-house kitchen that included a stainlesssteel worktop, sink, dishwasher, utility cabinetry functions and central water supply. This ensured that they undertook the functional aspects at the rear of the house, behind closed doors. The client wanted a large island with seating, luxury appliances, storage, coffee machine, a Quooker tap and TV area in the central kitchen.

RK: Please talk us through the final design process.

KM: First, we designed the back-

of-house kitchen space to include the spec they had outlined. We then developed a big central island in Corian that met all their social and entertaining requirements and allowed space for bar stools.

Luxury appliance brand Gaggenau was the appliance of choice for the client. The TV and storage area was designed on the other side of the central kitchen, which was beautifully complemented by the internal brick wall. There was a real synergy and relationship between the building and the kitchen itself, which we felt was vital.

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IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

Andy’s advice: “It is...essential to be upfront about your budget to avoid disappointment and take steps to minimise risks, which can pay off in the long run – they can be costly. Such measures may include submitting a pre-application, undertaking the relevant reports, surveys, and site investigations.”

RK: Were there any complexities?

KM: We had to consider the extraction and storage level in the central kitchen, particularly the extraction above the hob. Their appliances created steam and smoke when in use; therefore, the extraction had to be very significant, so we included a custom-made full-length ABK extractor with two ducts running into a single motor.

RK: What made this project so successful?

KM: The design ethos was

to keep the kitchen as sleek and minimalist as possible, so we worked closely with the architects to keep to the overall design theme that the architect had visioned for the building. We must collaborate with the architect and other partners that are brought into the project, such as an interior designer, to ensure that both the building is working together with the kitchen and that the kitchen works with the building.

www.themyerstouch.co.uk www.ardesignstudio.co.uk

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ROOFING

Expert guidance for flat roof terrace insulation success Roof terraces are increasing in popularity as developers and homeowners look to optimise building space, particularly in densely-populated urban areas. Such features require specialist design considerations in terms of insulation to ensure a building’s overall thermal performance meets regulatory requirements. Chris Knowles, Business Manager (Vacuum Insulation Panels) at Recticel Insulation, one of the world’s leading PIR manufacturers, looks at the challenges involved with roof terrace insulation and highlights the benefits of a product that is designed to overcome such issues.

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ith suitable plots at a premium, an increasing number of property developments are being built with outdoor space to optimise available land. As such, keeping thresholds low through the innovation of ultra-thin insulation and waterproofing design is a growing challenge. The following guide provides some useful tips on dealing with roof terrace design issues, which you can overcome with VIPs (vacuum insulation panels). This super-slim solution offers maximum performance but at a much-reduced product thickness, thus overcoming threshold issues.

1. Prevention is better than cure, a saying that is particularly pertinent to house-building and renovation. In the case of roof terrace insulation, it means providing answers for some initial vital questions, such as how can specified U-values be achieved whilst working within insulation height restrictions? This is where standard PIR products fall short in terms of terrace installation

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performance. It generally means either compromising on U-value outcomes or compromising on drainage by installing channels or raising the low thresholds. VIP solutions are ideal for terraces and flat roofs as they deliver high thermal performance without the need for structural alterations. Working with a specialist roofing design team such as Recticel’s tapered roof insulation division, Gradient, will ensure the specified VIPs meet a project’s design, optimising performance, materials and cost.

2. Conduct a site survey. In many instances, the initial take-off drawing/ specification of a project will differ from the ‘reality’ on site. Therefore, it is always recommended to have a site survey carried out before ordering a VIP solution. Given that VIPs cannot be cut or altered on site, dimensions must be correct before order. This should also consider potential obstructions or openings, such as rooflight and drainage outlets, which would affect the layout of a vacuum insulation panel scheme.

RENEWABLES ROOFING

3. Use a protected VIP, as vacuum insulation panels are vulnerable to puncture. If this happens, the VIP’s insulation value will degrade to that of a conventional PIR material. A construction site could, therefore, pose problems for VIPs during their handling and installation.

The best solution is to utilise a product such as Recticel’s Deck-VQ, as the VIP is fully encapsulated within a highdensity PIR protective shell. This provides reassurance that the product can be easily installed by the contractor, with the knowledge that the VIP’s excellent thermal insulation value will be maintained.

4. Ensure the contractor is aware of the insulation technology used in a roof terrace scheme, particularly concerning VIPs. They need to be mindful that VIPs cannot be cut or modified on site, which is a complete shift of mindset from conventional insulation products.

5. Always use the design layout provided. By working with Gradient, a full project design package is supplied.

This will create a scheme layout in conjunction with the product delivery and ensure the quantity of material delivered is optimised to eliminate or reduce site waste. Therefore, the design scheme must be followed exactly to avoid installation difficulties and product shortfall.

Roof terracing can add muchneeded living space to a building, as well as increase its monetary value.

Although perhaps peripheral in terms of a property’s overall design, its thermal performance is as crucial as the other elements which make up a building’s fabric.

www.recticelinsulation.com

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URBAN SANCTUARY

The Self-Build Diaries: Rupert and Rose McDonnell

After Rupert and Rose McDonnell’s second son was born, the pair realised they needed a house with more space and a change of location to be close to an excellent primary school. The couple wanted to stay in the Peckham area; however, after they began viewing houses, Rupert and Rose soon realised that many homes within their budget were not quite right and relatively small. However, after a few disheartening searches, the McDonnells stumbled across ‘Peckham Palace’, and fell in love with the property. Here, Rose talks to i-Build’s Editor, Rebecca Kemp, about how she and her husband brought the home back to life and transformed it into the family home they were looking for.

@ ourpeckhampalace Follow this self-build story on Instagram

Add on a minimum of 20% in addition to what you think it will cost. Go with your gut and heart – you have to take risks, but it will be worth it! Trust your builders and architect – they are experts, and there are lots of good people out there. It can be fun if you find the right people to work with!

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RK: Had you always wanted to pursue your own project?

RM: Yes, I’ve always wanted to take on a

project; however, my husband certainly didn’t want to. Still, we knew we wanted this particular property. There were several offers on the house already, so we had to beg the estate agent for a viewing and immediately put in an offer. The need to have our desired home was more significant than the fear of the work involved!

RK: How and why did you choose this property to renovate?

RM: It’s in the ideal location for an

excellent local school, on a lovely road and close to the train station. It’s also full of character; detached with a large garden and drive, which is certainly hard to come by in London.

RK: What style and age is the original building?

RM: It’s an 1840s Victorian/Regency

property. It had been owned by a family for 70 years and was semi-detached, but the other half was bombed during the war in 1941.

RK: How did you combine the original building’s style with the extension?

RM: We had a clear vision that the front

of the house would retain and reinstate its original features, and the back of the house would be a more modern, open family

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living space. Our architects came up with the concept to build a new entrance to connect the two seamlessly.

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

RM: We love Scandi design and interiors

but equally love the character and charm of older homes. Combining living in London with small children and creating a family space for our extended family to visit was vital.

RK: How did you approach finalising your design brief ?

RM: We were very clear about what we

wanted downstairs with regards to function and style. Plenty of glass was a priority to create a biophilic design. We have two small boys and know nature is essential, but still want an urban lifestyle. Equally, we wanted to see what the architects could develop in terms of features and desired outcomes.

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

RM: We are in a conservation area,

and the house is logged as one of ‘special interest’. Our Architect, David Parsons, of Selencky Parsons (www.selenckyparsons. co.uk), recommended a pre-planning consultation to submit a design for feedback, which was very useful. At this point, we were fundamentally told what we couldn’t do and given some guidance on other options’ parameters.

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For example, we were trying to create a fifth bedroom upstairs with a firstfloor extension, which was not allowed.

We also added an entrance at the front. However, we were told that it wasn’t modern enough, so redesigned that. Doing this sped up the process, which meant that our final design was approved by mid-December 2018. We had our first meeting with Selencky Parsons at the end of May 2018 when our offer was accepted on the house. We finalised the purchase in mid-July 2018, so it was a bit of a risk to engage an architect, but it paid off timing-wise.

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

RM: We started the tender process for

a builder in November with the plans we submitted, keeping everything hopeful that we would get approval in December.

Our builders, Bright Tiger (www.brighttiger. co.uk), started at the beginning of February 2019. We knew the house was in a state of disrepair, and our plans included a full renovation and extension; however, we did discover many issues. The house was initially semi-detached and, as mentioned, the other side was bombed in 1941. We found that the external left wall was crumbling and, in fact, had been built as an internal wall! This meant we had to include concrete elbows as well as protection on the exterior wall. Also,

there’s a very close-knit community of neighbours around the house, and some were very resistant to change – that came with its challenges! For the builders, I think it would be placing the steel under the back of the house to hold it up to build the extension – I didn’t realise the gravity of this until I saw it happening. We also spent a considerable amount of our budget on doors and windows, so they needed to fit and arrive on time.

RK: Did you project manage the build yourself ?

RM: Yes, along with David, our Architect,

who we worked with from the very beginning. We started to look for an architect as we were purchasing the property and engaged them before we finalised the purchase – we knew the timing was essential for us. We couldn’t move into the property but needed to move fast. Our criteria was a local company that had completed interesting residential projects with good design.

The builders, Bright Tiger, were fantastic.

As part of the tender process, we ensured we spoke to previous clients and went to see completed projects. This confirmed we knew how they would work every week – they were super-organised, which we needed. This was a large project, and we didn’t want it to be too stressful – we both have jobs and, at the time, had a oneyear-old and a three-year-old.

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RK: How did you approach material and product specification?

RM: We visited Grand

Designs Live and relied on Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration. In the brief, we were clear that we wanted concrete, bare brick and lots of glass. We have a large garden that is not overlooked and took a biophilic approach to colour design.

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

RM: We love the sedum grass on the roof of our extension, the large frameless doors at the back with a clean threshold out to the garden. Our concrete floor is lovely, but there are flaws in it. Still, how it connects to the outside makes the space feel enormous. Pocket doors are fantastic space savers and can open and close spaces off in a flash – we love them and will undoubtedly integrate them into future builds. All of the downstairs has no radiators and underfloor heating.

RK: How long did the project take?

RM: From purchase to move-in, it was 15 months. We took risks along the way to push it forward and keep it moving and had to make decisions quickly. It also helped to have super-organised builders and an architect who felt equally passionate about the project.

RK: Did you remain within the original budget?

RM: Roughly. Although we went over

by about 15 to 20%, which came from some unexpected build costs. There were other additions too, but they were mostly down to interior design. Once the whole house was stripped back, we decided to add a bespoke smart home system for lighting, sound and security.

RK: How does the building respond to its surrounding landscape?

RM: The sedum roof works well with

the back as it is very green, with lots of trees. The modern entrance works well as there is a lot of beautiful architecture in the Peckham and Camberwell area. We maintained most of the original facade and had original features remade, e.g. the iron gates at the front, original bricks etc.

RK: What does the local community think of the refurbishment?

RM: We were very unpopular while

the work was happening! People don’t like change. However, now we do get a lot of nice compliments, and people regularly stop at the end of the drive and stare up at the house. The grandson of the family we bought it from also follows us on Instagram!

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

RM: Yes, and more! It feels fantastic

and has been remarkable considering the amount we now stay at home with the pandemic! We use the two spare rooms upstairs as offices and have enough space downstairs.

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

RM: Our washing machine and dryer are upstairs – I don’t understand why more homes are not like this! The flow of the space for family life works perfectly, and it’s what we envisaged and planned. I can cook and work in the kitchen and still keep an eye on the boys outside, or they can play in the playroom, which is just off the kitchen. The smart home is excellent – no radiators downstairs and, ultimately, more space.

RK: What’s your favourite room?

RM: The master bedroom and en-

suite. The area as a whole is such an unusual space and a complete haven.

You can lock yourself away and feel like you are in a different place entirely – it feels luxurious.

RK: Is there anything that you would have done differently?

RM: I designed the kitchen and

bathrooms, and I wish that I had more help. I do love the bathrooms, but they would probably be the first thing I would change – they could be better!

RK: Would you do the whole thing again?

RM: Yes. We would love to buy a plot of

land and design everything from scratch.

RK: What advice would you offer to others?

RM: Add on a minimum of 20% in

addition to what you think it will cost.

Go with your gut and heart – you have to take risks, but it will be worth it! Trust your builders and architect – they are experts, and there are many good people out there. It can be fun if you find the right people to work with!

@ ourpeckhampalace Follow this self-build story on Instagram

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I-DIY - FLOORING THE NATURAL WOOD FLOOR CO.

Oak-aged parquet ebony oiled

Oak-aged parquet ebony with an oiled finish

Following the pattern Parquet flooring is a popular choice, adding warmth and character to any room and with a timeless appeal that means there’s no danger of it going out of fashion. But just how suitable a flooring choice is it from a practical stance and can it be fitted as a DIY project? Here, we speak to Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Co., to find out.

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here are many advantages to parquet flooring, accounting for its popularity down the years. It is a classic choice that works across any style of property, from a contemporary urban bachelor pad through to a classic country cottage and everything in between. Engineered wood parquet boards are suitable for virtually any room in the home too, from the kitchen where it combines with other popular materials including stone and metal, to the living room to add character and warmth, through to the hallway for a grand entrance.

Engineered boards are suitable for humid areas such as kitchens and most bathrooms and can be installed on top of underfloor heating, so your parquet floor is as warm to walk on as it is to look at. That’s because an engineered board has up to 11 layers of plywood backing, with each layer glued at a 90º angle to the adjoining layer.

The top layer of a precious hardwood is then glued on top, resulting in a much more stable floor with negligible reduction in the lifespan of the floor and a robust construction.

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Injecting personality and character into large and small spaces alike, the trend for real wood flooring means parquet has never been so popular, bringing a timeless elegance to any room throughout the home. Creating an elegant and sophisticated look, the combination of colour, wood detailing and pattern that is possible with parquet make this a real statement floor.

The first task, of course, is to measure the space required for flooring, to ensure adequate materials are purchased. To do this, multiply the width by the length of a room as this will give you the area.

Then allow 5 to 10% on top of this for wastage – important when laying parquet woodblocks.

With your measurements taken care of, it’s then time to decide on a pattern, and this can be harder than it looks because there are lots of options available, all of them guaranteed to create striking results. Parquet wood block flooring can look stunning in small or intricately-shaped rooms such as entrance hallways or main living rooms with bay windows, protruding fireplaces, alcoves etc., the pattern follows the contours in the room and, with a border, can frame it making a real statement piece.

Herringbone

This is a classic laying pattern for parquet, with the blocks laid, so they interlock in a diagonal pattern.

Most commonly, the points of a herringbone pattern floor are laid parallel to a room’s longest wall, or towards the window. Traditional in style, this pattern is suited to wood with an aged look, so that it resembles reclaimed wood. To give the look a modern twist, there is no reason why different species of wood or different finishes can’t be combined, for a really striking impression.

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Oak-aged parquet flooring

Basketweave

Equally as traditional is basketweave parquet, which can be laid in several different styles. Each pattern has its own unique style and is ultimately down to individual preference and the size of the blocks being used.

Brickwork

For something a little more contemporary, brickwork and ladder-patterned parquet look particularly striking when chosen for long, narrow spaces such as entrance hallways.

Chevron

A timeless classic that never goes out of fashion, chevron parquet really looks the part when laid over large spaces.

Choose individual chevron blocks of standard sizes to lay one by one, or engineered chevron boards glued together in a row on a board for easier fitting.

The style of laying pattern chosen will depend on the setting, the size of the parquet, the species and grade of wood and even the finish. Go large with 600mm-sized blocks for a modern twist on a design classic or opt for an aged design to add extra character with a reclaimed effect. We always recommend that parquet is fully bonded to the subfloor with a flexible adhesive, as parquet woodblocks are not suitable to float or fix with nails and our best advice here is to seek advice from an experienced parquet fitter who will ensure you achieve the best results.

Once laid, a parquet floor will not only be timeless but should also last a long time, providing it is cared for and maintained appropriately. A combination of dry cleaning to remove dirt and dust particles and damp cleaning to protect it against scratches is really all that is needed for a lacquered or oiled floor. For weekly cleaning, a capful of correct concentrate mixed with water and applied with a damp mop will suffice, while to refresh the look and lustre annually, which is important in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, use a concentrated polish, again applied with water and a damp mop.

Oak parquet silver white oiled

If after many years of wear and tear your wood floor requires a refurb or you are updating your decor, resanding can make it good as new and a blank canvas for the latest colour trends. Local serious damage from deep scratches, dents or leaks can be rectified by removing the affected blocks and inserting a new one, whilst it requires an experienced specialist, it is possible.

Chosen well and with the right care, a parquet floor will look the part for many years; the most difficult decision will be in choosing which wood type and pattern to opt for.

www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

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I-NTERIOR -TILES PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE

Arlo Light porcelain tiles

Concorde Rose and White ceramic tiles

Tile trends that are hotting up in the kitchen and bathroom There’s an abundance of designs and styles to choose from when it comes to tiles – from colours and shapes to patterns and textures.

Here, we talk to Abbas Youssefi, Director at Porcelain Superstore, for some inspirational trends he’s seeing in the kitchen and bathroom.

Kitchen

The kitchen has long been considered the heart of the family home. And with openplan kitchens still at the top of most people’s wish lists, large flooring tiles reign supreme.

The beauty of a large tile is they help create a unified feeling throughout open-plan rooms, and truly capitalise on every inch of space – giving an almost palatial feel.

Material is key and fuss-free formats inspired by natural materials remain in demand, and are also credited with creating a warm, neutral backdrop in the heart of the home.

Concrete, wood and slateinspired porcelain tiles look just as great as the real thing but boast all the benefits of a modern tile; meaning they require minimal maintenance, are easily installed and are also compatible with underfloor heating.

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While kitchen flooring remains relatively classic, the same cannot be said for the walls, and we have seen an upturn in the number of homeowners who want to inject a little personality into their kitchens. After all, wall tiles in the kitchen need to be functional, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun.

Don’t get me wrong; there will always be a place for traditional kitchen tiles, such as your classic metro. But where these are used, homeowners are going to town with contrasting grouts to make the joints really pop, and are also getting pretty creative with laying patterns.

For example, the familiar brick layout often associated with the metro tile is being replaced by a vertical stack.

Shape-wise, more contemporary forms in a wider spectrum of colours are fast climbing the ranks, with chevrons top of the list. Chevron schemes

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allow homeowners to play with pattern without going all out.

However, it is colour and texture that are the big news in kitchen schemes.

Muted shades are giving way to richer, deeper tones – particularly emerald greens and dark blues – as homeowners strive to show off their personalities.

The sheer versatility of white means it will never completely go out of fashion, but we’re seeing homeowners pay closer attention to textured tiles as well as those with subtle marbling and shading throughout.

Bespoke finishes are always in demand, but often out of reach when it comes to cost. One of the biggest pieces of news in tiling in recent years has been the rise of the ‘mixed’ collection – a tile range comprising up to 70 individual tile designs and sold in boxes made up of 20 random tiles.

I-NTERIOR - TILES PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE

Fiesta ceramic tiles

Melange Almond porcelain tiles

It’s very unlikely any two orders will be the same, so homeowners can be sure their finished layout will be completely unique to their home.

One final kitchen trend I expect we’ll see on the rise in 2021, is smaller-scale renovations.

For many, 2020 was a tough year financially, and interior budgets may still be limited, which means I expect a lot of attention to be paid to smaller spaces, such as splashbacks.

Here, homeowners are going for really vibrant patterns and colours; this allows the rest of the space to remain relatively simple while adding a real punch of personality without breaking tight budgets.

Bathroom

There is nothing subtle about tile trends when it comes to the bathroom.

Patterned tiles are massive right now, and they are a way of taking a very functional room and truly upping the style stakes. And because the bathroom is a room that isn’t on show all of the time, homeowners feel more confident in experimenting here with bolder designs, more outlandish patterns and textured combinations.

Colour-wise, clinical grey is well on the way out, and in its place – as in the kitchen – there is a demand for deeper shades.

Rather surprising to some perhaps is the love of pink when it comes to bathroom styling.

Forget sugary shades more associated with Barbie – dusky pinks combine beautifully with standard white fixtures to create an elegant and sophisticated space. To cement the grown-up styling, add a plethora of luscious greenery for a preppy look that pops.

Midlake Grey porcelain tiles

We’re seeing a lot of homeowners combine tiles of different colours, shapes and sizes to really bring to life this often smallest of spaces.

Texture is a really smart way of adding interest and as well as luxe finishes such as mirror effects and marbling, we’re going to see a boom in more distressed, tactile tiles.

Tile designers and manufacturers are adopting more advanced techniques to really push the boundaries, and we’re increasingly seeing more collections combining a mixture of textures.

Overall, most homeowners have been working at home for a year and there is now a real desire to make their surroundings shine.

More people are investing in their space and creating a home that truly reflects their personality, rather than playing it safe, and it’s a trend that we are seeing increasingly across our social media channels as proud homeowners show off their finished projects.

Without doubt, homeowners are getting a lot braver in their tile choices and mixing different styles for a truly unique finish.

www.porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

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I-SCAPE -DRIVEWAYS MARSHALLS

Marshalls Fairstone Sawn Granite Setts

How to design your dream driveway Whether you’re creating a forever home or renovating to sell, kerb appeal is still an important factor when it comes to the exterior of a property. Creating a driveway that is not only practical in terms of access and space but that also complements the period and style of the house can seem a daunting task; but it needn’t be. The key to long-lasting kerb appeal is making sure you design a lowmaintenance driveway; choose the right drainage, materials and overall style and it will remain impressive long after the work is done. In this article, Marshalls takes a look at the key considerations when it comes to driveway design, and includes some tips to make sure you make the right choices.

Sub-base and drainage

The driveway sub-base and your approach to water management may not be the most exciting parts of your plan, but getting them right will save you time and money in the long-term.

The majority of the cost of groundwork is hidden beneath the surface; the structural layers that provide the functional robustness of the installed system. Cost analysis on pavements, for example, demonstrates that the surfacing element makes up just 20% of the total cost of the system. If you’re inexperienced, seek professional advice and consider using a contractor to do the job. If it requires some excavation, make sure no existing tree roots or services (water pipes, TV cables etc.) are going to be damaged during the process.

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Drainage design is another important factor in the initial plans; get it right and your drive will deal with water runoff efficiently and within the legal guidelines, get it wrong and you could end up with a sunken surface, pooling water and even a risk of flooding. The surface area of your driveway will dictate the size and design of the drainage you need. If you have a slope or incline towards the property, you need to make sure the drainage system is robust enough to take away the surface water and not allow it to undermine the house footings or structure of the house. Driveway legislation varies across the UK and in some cases you may need to seek planning permission, so make sure you understand what the local rules are. Permeable paving is a popular option and can often remove the need for planning permission. Those sold by reputable brands allow the

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water to drain straight back into the ground through your paving and sub base, saving the overloaded drainage systems in a sustainable way. Alternatively, recent innovations include stylish drainage systems, which can discreetly manage water, comply with legislation with no compromise on style.

Driveway design

It goes without saying that your design should reflect the space needed for the size of your property. There’s no set minimum width for a drive, but take into account the amount of vehicles you have next to each other and make sure car doors can open easily. Ensure your design gives you easy access from the highway to your driveway with little or no obstructions that might get knocked or damaged, and make sure it is wide enough to allow reversing into your drive from the road, if you need to.

I-SCAPE - DRIVEWAYS MARSHALLS

Marshalls Grassguard permeable paving

Marshalls Symphony Plus Porcelain driveway

Driveway planting is a great way to add privacy to the front of the house and create biodiversity. Evergreen and perennial plants and shrubs require the least work to stay looking great all year round, choose options that won’t send the roots into your new driveway and undermine the sub-base. If you have more than adequate space for cars, consider adding a lawn to bring some colour. Artificial grass is becoming increasingly common for front gardens, creating a lawn which looks good all year but requires very little work to keep it that way. Look for British-made options that have a low carbon footprint, and aim for a product which comes with a good guarantee against UV damage and filament loss.

Paving materials

There are an abundance of options when it comes to the surface of your driveway, and the colour and finish should be determined by the period and style of the property. When it comes to choosing a low-maintenance option, porcelain is a great choice for all garden projects, including driveways. Due to the manufacturing process, it absorbs very little water, meaning it has a good resistance to stains, frost and, to an extent, prevents moss and algae growth. Whilst porcelain requires less cleaning and weeding, it is also a durable paving choice, giving you the peace of mind that your outdoor space will stay looking good for a long time.

Porcelain paving comes in a range of colours and finishes and is particularly suited to contemporary homes.

Other low-maintenance options include concrete, which is engineered to be longlasting and durable and can be found in a range of finishes, including traditional cobbles and driveway setts.

Marshalls Argent paving

Mentioned earlier, permeable paving is a great sustainable option which helps combat issues of drainage and flooding and, therefore, reduces the risk of related issues further down the line. And, if you’re looking for an option that is sustainable and creates green space, there are products on the market that allow you to create a grass driveway. Not only is a grass driveway a permeable option, but it also makes an exciting feature and particularly lends itself to a guest parking area or other space where it will get occasional use.

In summary

Time spent planning your outdoor space is worthwhile, it’s the first thing people see when they arrive at your home, and it’s so much more than a practical space to park cars. If your focus is a low-maintenance space, then research all the materials and design options open to you, take the time to make your choices and seek expert advice where needed.

www.marshalls.co.uk

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LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: HD SERVICES

H.D. Services crowned winner of REA British Renewable Energy Pioneer Award

In its 15th year, the British Renewable Energy Awards hosted its 2020 awards evening as a virtual event on 26th January 2021.

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he event celebrated the ‘Best of British’ renewable energy and clean technology across 15 categories, highlighting the efforts and amazing achievements of many companies and organisations.

Mike Ramsden hosted the event this year and virtually presented H.D. Services with the Pioneer Award. Having not knowingly been nominated, the award came as a welcome surprise to the company – what better way to start off 2021 than being recognised for hard work and dedication towards renewable energy.

“We are delighted to have been nominated, shortlisted and then selected to win the Pioneer Award at the REA Awards 2020.

“The last 10 years have seen us develop our renewable heat option, starting from a belief that the water we regularly drill for can be used as a heat source. We are proud to be recognised as pioneers in our field and would like to thank the judges and the REA for their support,” commented Rebecca Taylor, Business Development & Compliance Manager at H.D. Services.

“This year could be a momentous one for our industry, with COP26 having the potential to be a watershed moment in our drive towards net-zero.

“What better way then to start 2021 than with a celebration of the brilliant work of so many organisations and individuals in our renewable energy and clean technology sectors.

“We have so much to be proud of as an industry, and these winners, and indeed all of our finalists, represent the very ‘Best of British’,” added Dr Nina Skorupska, CBE, Chief Executive of the REA, The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology.

ABOUT H.D. Services H.D. Services’ expertise in local geology, borehole engineering and water supply has provided numerous properties across the South East of England with a private water supply that has enabled them to produce a consistent supply of renewable energy and stay sustainable. Contact the team today to see if your home or business can benefit too.

www.hdservicesltd.co.uk 01494 792000 enquiries@thehdgroup.co.uk I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

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LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: DR. SCHUTZ | SIEGER

New-build home in Buckinghamshire features Sieger full glazing package This luxury new-build home in Buckinghamshire features a full glazing package from Sieger, including Sieger 120 bi-fold doors, slim casement windows, slim sliding doors and a Juliet Balcony with a casement door.

Dr. Schutz PU sealer - making longer lasting flooring

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omplete with a home gym and pool area, this high-end residential property is the ideal family home. With a combination of slim sliding glass doors and a large roof lantern, the kitchen and dining areas is flooded with natural light and provides uninterrupted views of the spacious garden.

Traditional English home architectural elements can be seen in the classic red brickwork chosen for the external building finishes. The interior design went in a more modern and minimalistic direction, with a monochrome colour scheme. The light colours used for the floor and internal building finishes combined with the natural light from the glazing creates an incredibly spacious area.

Flush thresholds and minimal framing on the sliding doors systems allows the interior and exterior spaces to be merged. With the doors open, the spaces become a large indoor-outdoor area, forging a strong connection between the home and the garden.

In the master bedroom on the upper floor, Schüco casement doors were fitted with a glass balustrade to create a modern Juliet balcony design. This allows high levels of ventilation for the upper floor and floods of natural light to flow into the bedroom.

Dr. Schutz, the German floor care company, offers PU Sealer, an innovative solution that quickly and easily transforms tired, damaged or old floors, at a fraction of the time and cost of an entire floor replacement.

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s well as renovating any floor with a fresh and lasting finish, PU Sealer offers added protection for flooring areas prone to high traffic. Such areas with a heavy foot volume tend to wear very quickly when they don’t have a hardwearing product applied. Not only can this cost money, but it can be a time-consuming issue to fix. By applying the PU Sealer, flooring can be kept in a great condition for many years.

The water-based, eco-friendly PU Sealer can be applied to most types of flooring, including vinyl, tiled and epoxy resin. Adding 40 microns of protective thickness to floors, PU Sealer extends the lifespan by up to six times and provides a lasting clear matt finish.

Thanks to the permanent sealing, it protects against friction and discolouration from chemical spillages.

Due to the product’s special water-based substance, the PU Sealer also reduces dirt adhesion and the time needed for day-to-day maintenance.

www.siegersystems.co.uk 01494 722882 sales@siegersystems.co.uk

www.drschutz.co.uk 01296 437827

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LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: KELLER KITCHENS, OMNIE, WALLBARN, OSMO

Get into the groove with Keller’s Black Cottage kitchen

K

eller Kitchens’ Sutton

door features a stunning

coarse grain timber veneer, shown here in a modern

Structured Lacquer in the NCS colour Black and a

slick vertical groove in each

centre. The warmth of timber guarantees its continued reign in the kitchen for eternity, and the material is now a serious

contender in the contemporary-style world too. Keller Kitchens leads the way with its modern, inviting Black Cottage design,

which includes the Sutton door. Boasting a tactile textured finish, formed from coarse timber veneer, the Sutton range is almost a slab door, except for

one distinctive detail: a

single vertical groove that bisects each frontal.

www.kellerkitchens.com +31 0164 285 106 info@kellerkitchens.com

OMNIE renewables warming trio of five-bed homes in Northamptonshire

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development of three detached, fivebedroom homes in the market town

of Raunds near Northampton is utilising renewable heat packages featuring air

source heat pumps, delivered by whole-

house systems specialist, OMNIE, part of the Ridgespear Group. The solution makes use of quiet running heat pumps positioned

Custom colour mixing with Osmo

at the rear of each home, with OMNIE’s

Staple underfloor heating system installed over Cellecta Tectris insulation on the ground-floor slabs with the manufacturer’s

versatile LowBoard panels and pipework serving the bedroom levels. The installation has been

carried out by the developer’s in-

house team, with OMNIE completing the commissioning work.

Country Colour just got even more exciting.

Along with the 19 standard colours Osmo offers, the exterior wood finish Country Colour is now available in over 2000 custom colours, which are made to order from your local Osmo dealer.

www.omnie.co.uk 01392 363605 projects@omnie.co.uk

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Build It Awards win for Wallbarn’s M-Tray

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o matter what finish you want to give your life – Osmo has the right colours. The best part is you get to choose: soft, warm or bold. Our do-it-yourself mixtures make it all really easy to create new colours.

Country Colour will bring out the best in wood surfaces in the home and garden.

What nature has invented we cannot make any better. This is why Osmo focuses on oil- and wax-based finishes that work naturally. The oil penetrates deep into the wood, protecting it from inside; the waxes form a microporous surface – allowing the wood to ‘breathe’.

At the same time, we pay attention to the right balance between good application properties and safety for you and your family: only quality oils and waxes are used. Not to forget, our production guarantees quality: the high content of colour pigments offers hiding power from the very first coat.

allbarn’s groundbreaking M-Tray

modular green roof

solution has scooped

a win at the prestigious

Build It Awards 2020, with judges naming it the

‘Best Roofing System or Product’. Richard Bacon MP, who introduced the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, announced the winners during a virtual ceremony on 27th November 2020, with Wallbarn winning one of the 25 top awards. He said of M-Tray:

“Green roofs are growing in popularity, helping to reduce the visual impact of a project and improving biodiversity. This system makes

installation easy for any hands-on self-builder.”

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www.wallbarn.com 0208 916 2222 sales@wallbarn.com

www.osmouk.com 01296 481220 sales@osmouk.com

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| G A S | M U LT I - F U E L | E L E C T R I C

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