Bindloss Dawes meticulously transforms a historic schoolhouse into a beautiful, sustainable unplugged family home, blending heritage with contemporary design
GEOMETRIC MARVEL: A SUSTAINABLE RETREAT ~ Studio Bark creates a striking off-grid property in Suffolk, showcasing geometric design
TOP 10 TIPS TO SLASH YOUR SELF-BUILD COSTS
Insights on procuring materials efficiently and cutting costs for your self-build project
THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF WOOD IN STAIRCASES
Why timber remains a top choice for staircase design, combining tradition and beauty COMBATTING WOODWORM ~ How to identify and manage woodworm infestations in agricultural building conversions
EDITORIAL: Rebecca Kemp rebecca@redhutmedia.com
PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISING: Sam Ball sam@redhutmedia.com
Jim Moore jim@redhutmedia.com
PRINT DESIGN MANAGER: Jack Witcomb jack@redhutmedia.com
DIGITAL DESIGN MANAGER: Matt Morse matt@redhutmedia.com
ACCOUNTS: Rachel Pike accounts@redhutmedia.com
PUBLISHER: Sam Ball sam@redhutmedia.com TERMS
Welcome Editor's
I-BUILD SEPTEMBER 2024
As the leaves begin to change and there's a crispness in the air, it’s the perfect time for winter walks – and for our September issue’s focus on wood. This month, we’re showcasing a plethora of wooden building details inside and outside of homes as well as interior design elements to inspire you on your homebuilding or renovating journey.
We begin with stunning western red cedar timber cladding, featured on a bold, geometric five-bedroom off-grid home in Suffolk, inspired by local timber frame buildings. On page 12 , the team from Studio Bark, the practice behind this beautiful design, shares the details and concept behind Water Farm.
Next, we shine a light on another architect-designed home, where timber cladding has been used to enhance the beauty of a listed property in Somerset. The Old School House has been sympathetically extended by Bindloss Dawes, creating a harmonious composition with the original building and offering the best views of the countryside. Turn to page 22 to learn more about this seamless blend of old and new.
Finally, Richard McLane, Design Director at Bisca Staircases, explains why the use of timeless timber is more popular than ever in staircase design. On page 32 , discover how and why self-builders and home renovators are incorporating timber in their staircases for truly outstanding results.
I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if you’re coming to the end of your self-build and would like us to feature your home as inspiration for other budding house-builders, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your self-build journey and would be keen for us to document your progress, do get in contact.
Rebecca
Rebecca Kemp Editor
GLASS EXCELLENCE
GLASS EXCELLENCE
With over 46 years’ experience and UK-wide coverage, Firman Glass aims to be your number one choice for commercial and industrial glass products.
Products
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As the school year begins, creating a dedicated workspace for your children is essential. Here, we explore stylish desks, chairs and accessories that transform bedrooms into productive, inspiring homework havens perfect for fostering creativity and focus.
Desired Designs: Corked in Style
From textured wallcoverings to stylish accessories, discover how the natural charm of cork adds warmth, texture, charm and eco-friendly appeal to any space.
September 2024
ADVISORY
Viewpoint
Learn how to save money on materials and streamline your project with essential tips for cutting self-build costs.
KBB
Plus Rooms explores why a black kitchen colour scheme is captivating homeowners and redefining design.
Renewable Technology
Viessmann Climate Solutions UK explains why heating systems are key to balancing efficiency, affordability and sustainability.
Water Management
Hudson Lambert from Dryzone shares expert advice on how to safeguard your property from traumatic damp using the right materials and strategies.
MATERIALS
Rural Retreat
Designed by Studio Bark in Suffolk, Water Farm is an exquisite, unique offgrid home five-bedroom home that combines bold geometric design with sustainability, inspired by traditional local timber frame buildings.
22
Impressive Innovation
Working closely with homeowner and Farrow & Ball Colour Curator Joa Studholme, Bindloss Dawes has masterfully extended a historic Old School House in Somerset, blending contemporary design with the heritage of the original 19th-century building.
Wood
Richard McLane, Design Director at Bisca, explores why timber remains a top choice in staircase design for both its aesthetic beauty and sustainability.
i-Build: Agricultural Building Conversions
Converting agricultural buildings into unique spaces can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential woodworm infestations. Learn how to spot and manage issues.
i-Scape: Sheds & Outbuildings
Tony Higginson, CoFounder of Vivid Green, shares his expert tips on how to design an amazing garden room and what you can expect to spend.
i-Nterior: Reading Nooks & Libraries
Transform your home into a literary haven with these simple tips from Sophie Smith from Zhoosh Paints for creating a home library or cosy reading nook. I-DEAS
Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns to ExCeL from 27 to 29th September.
The Flooring Show
Taking place from 15 to 17th September at Harrogate Convention Centre, The Flooring Show has expanded.
Grand Designs Live
Celebrate 25 years of Grand Designs at the Grand Designs Live home event this autumn in Birmingham.
Product Guide
The latest innovative products in the marketplace, designed with your build in mind.
As the school year begins, creating a dedicated workspace for your children is essential. Here, we explore stylish desks, chairs and accessories that transform bedrooms into productive, inspiring homework havens perfect for fostering creativity and focus.
As we enter a new school year, creating a welldesigned workspace is crucial for fostering productivity and creativity in your child’s room. Start with a functional desk that suits the space, paired with an ergonomic desk chair to ensure comfort during study sessions. Adding a stylish desk lamp will provide the perfect lighting for late-night reading or homework, reducing eye strain. Then, start to add interest to the space by incorporating a playful rug to
define the study area, making it an inviting spot. Add a fun pinboard for pinning up schedules, reminders or inspirational quotes, keeping your little ones organised and motivated. A playful poster can add a splash of colour and personal flair to the space and, for relaxation, a comfy beanbag offers a perfect spot for reading or unwinding after a long day at school. Finish the look with a decorative cushion to make the study area not only functional but also warm and cosy.
5.
7.
8.
9.
1. Moulin Roty Les Moustaches cat cushion, Moo Like A Monkey, £20
2. Oslo office chair in white PU leather with chrome legs, Furnicher, €119
3. Effie table lamp in pale green and white, där lighting group, £44.40
GoodHome Alara cork white modular room divider panel, B&Q, £75
Children’s desk in red, H&M, £69.99
Leo organiser, Werkhaus Design + Produktion, €44.90
10. Wooden shark ruler, Rex London, £3.95 YOURS
M aking Meadows
Making Meadows is an ecoconscious letter-writing paper, gift and stationery shop. Its writing paper, greeting cards, wrapping paper and unique stationery all start off from an original painting, inspired by the British countryside. Everything is designed and made in the UK in small batches from its Surrey studio.
Poster power
Posters add a vibrant touch to study spaces. Choose designs with motivational quotes, educational themes or your child's favourite characters to inspire creativity and keep them engaged and enthusiastic about what they're learning.
1. Children’s A4 writing paper with dinosaurs, £6
2. Children’s A4 writing paper with bugs, £6
3. Children’s A4 writing paper with safari animals, £6
4. Children’s A4 writing paper with safari jungle animals, £6
Consider investing in a high-quality desk chair?
Ergonomic chairs are essential for maintaining good posture and comfort during long study sessions. Look out for a chair with adjustable features like adaptable seat heights and armrests to ensure the chair grows with your child. Choosing a chair with a stylish design can also enhance the room’s overall aesthetic, making it both functional and inviting.
1. Circus monkey poster, Desenio, £15.95
2. Brookfield Zoo Illinois polar bear poster, Ink & Drop, £13.50 3. It’s a Good Day To Have A Good Day print, Pink Giraffe Print Co, £8
4. Pippi Longstocking Riding poster, Poster Store, from $8.48
CORKED IN STYLE
From textured wallcoverings to stylish accessories, discover how the natural charm of cork adds warmth, texture, charm and eco-friendly appeal to any space.
C ork with character
Hit The North is a Modernist-inspired cork wallpaper designed by Drew Millward. Featuring intricate, monochromatic designs influenced by west Yorkshire’s postindustrial landscape, it blends graphic art with Portuguese cork. www.themonkey puzzletree.com
Bloom with every pose
The Positive Company’s Mandala cork yoga mat combines ecofriendly cork and natural rubber for optimal grip, cushioning and durability. Ideal for regular or hot yoga, its antimicrobial surface wicks sweat and improves grip when wet. www.thepositive.co
Eco chic
Transform your space with Naturewall’s Cascais Natural cork wall tiles. Featuring a warm marble effect with organic patterns, the eco-friendly tiles are crafted from the regenerative bark of Portuguese trees, adding unique style and sustainability to interiors. www.naturewall.com
Sustainable style
LIGA’s cactus cork tray is crafted from sustainably-harvested cork. This material offers excellent thermal properties, is lightweight and impermeable. By preserving cork forests, LIGA supports climate balance and protects vital ecosystems. www.loveliga.com
Firm support
Warrior Addict’s cork yoga block is crafted from 100% sustainablysourced Portuguese cork. Naturally grippy and slightly denser for added support, it’s perfect for enhancing balance in any yoga or pilates practice, and it’s suitable for all skill levels. www.warrioraddict.com
Timeless texture
Real cork wallpaper adds character to any space with its natural, sustainable charm. At 134cm wide, it’s sold by the metre and easily applied with paste. Prized for its sound and heat insulation, it’s perfect for creating warm, quiet interiors. www.themonkey puzzletree.com
An award winning company with over 30 years experience offering Bespoke solutions for the domestic market across the South East. Including water supply, sewage treatment and renewable heating. Feasibility can usually be determined with a site postcode.
WATER SUPPLY & SOAKAWAY BOREHOLES & DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS
Independent water supply for irrigation or consumption*
Soakaways, drainage fields and other drainage solutions. Members of the WDA, we have been constructing boreholes across the South East since 1984 and aim to provide the highest quality cable -tool percussion-drilled borehole service available.
*subject to analysis and suitable filtration
RENEWABLE HEATING
Reduce heating bills by up to 50%
Groundwater can be used as a heat source for an Open-Loop
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We are a fully MCS accredited and award winning company who aim to provide the highest quality service available in South East England.
Customers can rely on our advice and flexibility to suit individual requirements
SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Bespoke or package options
Whether for domestic or commercial purposes, if there is no mains sewer connection a sewage treatment system may be the solution.
If you are not sure where to start contact us for an informal chat.
Our systems are designed to meet the needs of individual clients and comply with strict discharge legislation.
Servicing contracts are offered on all our installations.
Tim Phillips is a Senior Quantity Surveyor
Viewpoint Top 10 cost-saving tips for self-build projects
Quantity Surveyor (QS) Tim Phillips of Quantiv, and an expert at the Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, shares his tips for procuring materials cost effectively and making strong savings to reduce your self-build costs.
1 . Do your research
R esearch suppliers of all your materials thoroughly and obtain a minimum of four quotations from builders and suppliers. Interrogate them on lead times and delivery constraints.
2 . Standardise sizes to save
I nterrogate your build design to standardise sizes so you are not building bespoke, but can buy industry-standardsized materials. This will not only help you eliminate wastage, but bespoke items cost more and will also have longer lead times.
3 . Consider site conditions
C hoose your materials and method of construction according to the location and size of your site. Narrow roads, bridges, overhanging trees and the site’s terrain will all impact transportation and logistics costs.
4 . Forecast and verify costs
A sk your suppliers to forecast price increases for up to two or three years in advance and, once you’ve received their quotations, check their T&Cs and if their prices include VAT.
5 . Schedule material deliveries
B uild up a programme of sequential timings of when you require your materials to ensure their availability and avoid equipment and materials lying around unnecessarily for weeks or even months. Consider your storage management; where are you going to put your materials when they come to site?
6 . Inspect materials upon arrival
C heck for any damage to materials caused during transit and report it immediately.
7. Shop smart
I f your budget is very tight, look for materials online on platforms such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. Don’t buy all your materials and equipment from one builder’s merchant; split them up.
Also, when it comes to buying your kitchen, unbundle the kitchen quotation and buy from different places, i.e. kitchen carcasses/doors from your kitchen company, quartz/granite worktops from a local granite company; ask your carpenter to install the kitchen and buy your appliances from individual suppliers online. Across the board, this could save you as much as 30% from the original quotation.
8 . Take advantage of sales
Wait for the Bank Holiday sales. You could save between 30 to 40% on kitchens, tiling and appliances if you wait a few weeks to buy.
9 . Beware of seasonal price changes
W atch out for seasonal building. The price of items, such as decking, will be more expensive once the warm weather arrives.
1 0. Involve a quantity surveyor early
I nvolve a QS as early as possible in the process to provide an early cost advice (ECA) plan. For a nominal cost, from £450, a QS will save you considerably more than their fee in the long run. www.homebuildingshow.co.uk
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/pr-general-outlets
Photo by Thayran Melo on Unsplash
Studio Bark designs unique off-grid home with geometric roof in Suffolk
Bark has completed Water Farm, an off-grid home in Suffolk with a bold geometric timber design, inspired by local timber frame buildings.
Wa ter Farm was designed to nurture the needs of a young family of five, moving away from the city, with strong ties to the site and a desire for off-grid living. The result is an exciting, yet hyper-functional, five-bedroom off-grid home.
T he bold geometric timber-clad roof is the home’s defining feature. Born out of an early study into local timber frame buildings, it soon became its own entity, a powerful form that strikingly contrasts its natural surroundings.
T he clients approached Studio Bark with a dream for a ‘home for life’ on the family farm – rooted in decades of family history. At that time, they were living in Essex with
their three children and seeking the quality of life that rural Suffolk could offer whilst still being a reasonable train journey to London.
Located on the edge of Dedham Vale AONB, this Suffolk site features mature woodland and pasture with a westward slope and a central crest. The landscape is characterised by trees, hedgerows and two distinctive field oaks, offering picturesque views and glimpses of the Stour Valley through clearings.
D esigned to be both seen and enjoyed, the proposal takes advantage of the nearby public right of way, allowing the passersby to appreciate it as an architectural statement that enhances the scenic quality of the area.
C onstruction, design and landscape features
T he delivery of Water Farm followed a slightly unconventional procurement route compared to other projects usually undertaken by Studio Bark. As a Director of a bespoke lighting company, the client had experience coordinating large, complex projects, which fuelled their desire to deliver their dream family home. This resulted in Water Farm being led by the client working directly with the contractor as a design-and-build scheme.
F abric first
As with all of Studio Bark’s projects, Water Farm began with a fabric-first approach to the design with the aim of achieving a very high-performing building envelope utilising as many natural materials as possible in order to drive down both embodied and operational carbon. The use of natural materials also ensures that the building fabric remains breathable, aiding in its longevity but also taking into consideration that at the end of the building’s life, these materials can be easily recycled or suitably disposed of without causing further harm to the environment.
C onstruction
The ground floor of the building is arranged around the central courtyard or ‘lightwell’, offering visual connections between the various internal and external spaces while keeping the plan narrow enough to allow for excellent natural light and ventilation. Thresholds in the circulation around the central courtyard were created by incorporating single or double steps, which was also a response to the natural topography of the site. With these features in mind, the foundations needed to be carefully designed to maintain a continuous insulated layer, resulting in a fully insulated raft foundation. To add another layer of complexity, the design also looked to bring the external levels on some parts of the building to window cill height, bedding the home into the landscape whilst also creating a unique relationship between the internal spaces and surrounding meadow. The proposed primary structure aimed to use timber throughout. Working closely with the structural engineer, Structure Workshop, the complex, geometric form utilised glulam timbers to deal with the longer, load-bearing spans as well as the upper-floor cantilevers. On the two-storey part of the building, each truss is unique to accommodate the varying geometry of the roof structure. The single-storey part of the building used larger spanning timbers to create a vaulted roof in both the dining room and the kitchen.
D esigning out cold bridging is the basis of high-performing building envelopes, and Water Farm was no exception to this. By filling the timber frame with flexible wood fibre insulation and adding an additional layer of rigid wood fibre insulation on the outside, all cold bridging was eliminated. Where wood fibre insulation was not suitable, PIR insulation was specified, but this was kept to an absolute minimum. The notable benefit of using wood fibre over PIR, other than the obvious environmental ones, is that wood fibre and other natural insulating materials create a more effective thermal buffer, especially when considering a warming climate creates a more climate-resilient home.
E xternal material palette
As a practice, Studio Bark is constantly searching for unique, low-carbon materials and often finds itself forging relationships with material suppliers who have yet to release their products into the open market. With Water Farm, a key visual feature linking back to the locally-built character was the plinth. In wanting to minimise the use of concrete wherever possible, Studio Bark found a carbon-negative block developed by Lignacite, appropriately named the Carbon Buster that absorbs more CO2 than is released during its manufacture. These give the building a robust contemporary plinth contrasting the western red cedar timber cladding.
T he timber cladding was specified as UK-sourced western red cedar, chosen for its durability and silver aesthetic when naturally weathered. Detailed correctly, timber cladding – even on the more exposed roof plane – can withstand decades of seasonal changes.
F rom a distance, the silvered timber cladding creates a striking, monolithic form. When closer, the subtleties of the details become more apparent. A change in scale between the cladding width on the ground floor compared to the upper floors creates a distinction between the two parts of the building, again adding more visual weight to the ground floor and a more delicate, crafted finish to the bold, geometric roof.
R esponding to the sensitive context
F urther design considerations were required because the site bounds Dedham Vale Natural Landscape (formally Dedham Vale AONB).
Discussions with the local AONB officer allowed the design team to develop an appropriate response ensuring the proposal preserved and respected the sensitivity of the surrounding context. This was achieved by
ensuring the windows looking out to the natural landscape were kept to a minimum. This, in turn, informed the internal layout of the home. For those windows that faced the natural landscape, fixed external louvres were incorporated to help significantly reduce evening light spills. Other windows incorporate automated shutters that retract into the cladding zone, so during the day, natural light and ventilation fill the bedroom, and they are closed at night again to prevent excessive light spills.
L andscape enhancement
Although simple, the landscape strategy plays a key role in enhancing the existing site and bedding the home into its surroundings. Meeting the building’s edge, the surrounding meadow softens the transition from landscape to building, creating a direct connection with the surrounding scenery when circulating through the building. Simple pole fencing separates other areas of the site, in keeping with the adjacent farm aesthetic and allowing the family’s horses to be seen from the house and to wander in close proximity to the building.
W ater Farm is an example of a hugely ambitious true self-build project. The result is testament to the quality and commitment of the contractor, M Chisnall and Sons, and the client, who wanted to manage their own self-build project. The reward for the client is a home that meets the needs of a large family living in a rural location and one that they are all deeply connected with.
L ayout
Water Farm is a five-bedroom, twostorey home with a GIA of approximately 350m2 and a separate garage/office.
The client wanted spaces to be connected and to feel open whilst maintaining some separation from one another. The solution was a stepped ground floor arranged around a central courtyard. The courtyard provides cross ventilation and lots of natural light and also creates a layering of views through the house and to the landscape beyond. Where the ground floor is expressed and zoned through the stepped groundfloor slab, the first-floor rooms are characterised by the striking geometry of the roof, which gives each room a unique spatial character. The gable ends offer the two main bedrooms expansive views across the natural surroundings.
E nvironmental design
The building has been developed based on first principles of good environmental design, aiming to be a low-tech, but high-performance house.
S olar control
C areful positioning of glazing, either with overhangs or movable external shutters, provides control of solar gain in the summer.
P assive ventilation and natural daylight
T he central courtyard provides an incredible well of light and fresh air, which – twinned with high ceilings and openable windows in every aspect –provides excellent daylight and natural ventilation throughout the plan.
L ightweight versus heavyweight materials
T he building sits on a heavyweight plinth with heavyweight floors, increasing thermal mass potential and thermal control, whereas the lightweight timber frame above is hyper-insulated to reduce heat loss.
E
mbodied carbon and local materials
N atural materials have been specified throughout, many of which have been sourced locally.
O ff-grid systems
A large solar array (located on the studio roof) is twinned with highcapacity batteries and a groundsource heat pump, providing much of the building’s heating and energy demand for three seasons. This is backed up by a Midas Biofuel Generator for the cloudy winter months. A borehole with a filtration system provides off-grid drinking water and a high-performance Klargester Biodisc deals with the wastewater.
P lanning
W ater Farm was granted permission under Paragraph 79 (now Paragraph 84) of the National Planning Policy Framework, a policy that requires exceptional design quality for new homes in the open countryside.
T his project was a rewarding collaboration involving specialists from Rural Solutions (planning), Torc Ecology (environmental), Structure Workshop (engineering), Terra Firma (landscape), Create Consulting (highways) and Greenlight (arboricultural). The proposal underwent a rigorous design process, including two design review panel presentations.
T he multidisciplinary team ensured the design responded sensitively to the rural context, aiming to create an architecturally-significant structure. This project exemplifies how contemporary, sustainable architecture can enhance and integrate with its natural landscape. www.studiobark.co.uk
Bold and beautiful: The rise of the black kitchen
Here, kitchen extension specialist, Plus Rooms, shares insights into the rise of the black kitchen. The style is captivating homeowners with its dramatic flair and sophisticated allure.
Once relegated to traditional or industrial styles, black has transcended boundaries, becoming a versatile choice for contemporary, minimalist and even Scandinavian-inspired kitchens. A sleek, chic and innovative way to experiment with a daring colour scheme, and it’s not one to shy away from if your kitchen is on the smaller side.
W hy choose black as your kitchen colour scheme?
S ophistication and drama: Black exudes timeless elegance and creates a sense of drama, instantly making even the most basic kitchen design appear luxurious
Versatility: Black pairs beautifully with a wide range of colours, materials and finishes, allowing for personalisation and adaptation to various design styles
H ides imperfections: Black surfaces tend to show fingerprints and smudges less readily than lighter colours, making them a practical choice for busy households.
W ill black work in a small kitchen?
C ontrary to popular belief, dark colours, like black, can work wonders in small spaces.
R eceding effect: Black absorbs light, making the walls visibly recede and create an illusion of a larger space
F ocal point: Dark cabinets draw the eye inward, highlighting lighter elements like countertops and making the focus area seem bigger
C ontinuity: Dark cabinets paired with lighter countertops create a cohesive unit, minimising visual clutter and making the space feel more unified.
However, to make black work well in a smaller kitchen, it’s recommended to use some clever design considerations: B alance with light: Pair black cabinets with lighter countertops, splashbacks and flooring to create visual contrast and prevent the space from feeling cramped. If you want, you can also make your lower-level cabinets black while making the other level ones light.
E mbrace open shelving: Replace some upper cabinets with open shelves to create a more open feel and showcase lighter-coloured accents
S trategic lighting: Incorporate ample kitchen lighting, including task lighting and under-cabinet lighting, to brighten workspaces and visual depth.
B lack’s versatility allows you to create a variety of stunning colour palettes. Here are some inspiring ideas: Classic and timeless: Pair black cabinets with crisp white countertops and splashbacks for a timeless and sophisticated look. This high-contrast
combination creates a clean and dramatic aesthetic.
A w arm touch of wood: Introduce warmth and texture by incorporating wood elements like butcher block countertops, light wood open shelves or a breakfast bar
A touch of metal: Elevate your black kitchen with metallic accents. Brass hardware, lighting fixtures and cabinet pulls add a touch of luxury and warmth.
E mbrace earthy tones: For a grounding effect, pair black cabinets with countertops or splashbacks in earthy tones, like shades of brown, beige or green
P op of colour: Don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour for a touch of personality. Think jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue or a vibrant yellow for a touch of sunshine.
B lack isn’t limited to just cabinets. Here are some creative ways to incorporate it:
Black appliances: Stainless steel remains popular, but black appliances create a sleek and cohesive look, especially when paired with black cabinets
B lack backsplash: A black backsplash creates a dramatic backdrop for lighter-coloured countertops and adds depth to your kitchen
B lack kitchen island: If you don’t want to commit to all-black cabinets or walls, a black kitchen island is a solid, bold designer touch
B lack floors: Black flooring can add a touch of sophistication, especially in larger kitchens. Choose lightercoloured rugs to break up the black and add visual interest.
B lack accents: Incorporate black through hardware, lighting fixtures, bar stools or even a statement pendant light to add a touch of drama without overwhelming the space.
H ow black kitchens can be adapted to various design styles :
M odern minimalist: Black’s inherent sophistication aligns perfectly with modern minimalism. Embrace clean lines and uncluttered surfaces by opting for black cabinets with flat panel doors and sleek, minimalist hardware. Keep countertops and splashbacks light and simple, opting for materials like white quartz or polished concrete. Minimalist pendant lights and integrated downdraft ventilation complete the look, creating a streamlined and ultra-modern kitchen that exudes effortless style.
C ontemporary chic: Black kitchens can also be the heart of a contemporary kitchen dining space. Combine the drama of black cabinets with crisp white countertops and stainlesssteel appliances for a timeless and undeniably chic aesthetic. Incorporate a mix of textures for added visual interest. Play with glossy black cabinets paired with a honed marble
countertop, or choose textured Subway tiles for the backsplash. Stainlesssteel appliances with clean lines and integrated handles further elevate the contemporary feel.
I ndustrial edge: For a touch of industrial grit, black kitchens can be infused with raw and exposed elements. Pair black cabinets with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors and metallic accents like copper or gunmetal. Vintage-style pendant lighting fixtures with exposed filament bulbs and industrial-inspired bar stools complete the look. This combination creates a kitchen with a lived-in feel, perfect for those who crave a touch of urban edge in their culinary space.
Scandinavian noir: The clean lines and emphasis on functionality synonymous with Scandinavian design translate beautifully into black kitchens. Choose black cabinets in a matte finish to create a softer look and
balance them with light-wood flooring and countertops in light-wood tones or white Caesarstone. Pops of colour through accessories, like a vibrant throw rug or colourful tea towels displayed on open shelves, add a touch of personality without compromising the minimalist aesthetic.
Glamorous touch: Black kitchens can also embrace a touch of Hollywood glamour. Elevate the sophistication of black cabinets with luxurious touches like brass hardware, gold accents and statement lighting fixtures. Consider black cabinets with gold or brass pulls and knobs. A statement chandelier with cascading crystals adds a touch of opulence, while a backsplash in mirrored tiles further elevates the glamourous feel. This design approach is perfect for those who crave a kitchen that exudes luxury and drama www.plusrooms.co.uk
Bindloss Dawes extends historic listed Somerset schoolhouse for Farrow
& Ball colour curator
Bindloss Dawes has unveiled a remarkable transformation of Pitcombe’s Old School House, a Grade II-Listed property nestled within a picturesque valley in Somerset, combining original character with contemporary architecture.
Th e new timber extension showcases the dedication to craftsmanship of British architect firm Bindloss Dawes, known for its rigorous detailing and material compositions that balance city and country sensibilities, delivered in close collaboration with client, Farrow & Ball Colour Curator, Joa Studholme, and her husband Andrew.
T he 19th-century building was first built in 1864 as a local village school and was converted to a house in the 1940s. It was subsequently extended in the 1970s, but this resulted in a poorly planned bedroom wing that sat heavily and unsympathetically against the original building. Bindloss Dawes was commissioned in 2018 and during initial design work it became clear that the best solution would be to remove the flawed extension and start again.
D rawing inspiration from the original building, Bindloss Dawes has designed an all-timber addition that is both distinct and sensitive to the Old School House. By matching the massing and shape of the existing roof and following the plan of the original building, the new addition sits comfortably and naturally in its setting. However, the design is also unapologetically contemporary, combining clean lines, meticulous detailing and sustainable construction principles. The result is that the new extension celebrates the heritage of the original building and creates something that is bold and contemporary, resolving long-standing layout problems to create a well-balanced home.
The new extension is built from a highly insulated and costeffective timber frame structure, clad entirely in English sweet chestnut. Chestnut was chosen for its sustainability, stability and elegant grain, but also because of how it weathers, meaning that over the next few years the whole extension will slowly mellow into a light silvery grey, complementing the weathered local stone of the main house.
B indloss Dawes explored different designs for the timber cladding, testing vertical and horizontal compositions in models and maquettes. The result is a vertical, open arrangement at the roof and first-floor levels, allowing rainwater to pass through the cladding and drain away via hidden gutters. At ground level, the cladding is aligned horizontally with broader, closed boards that help to break up the scale and massing of the overall building.
Windows are an important element in the design of this extension, thoughtfully placed to create a harmonious composition with the original school house, as well as providing the best views of the countryside. On the upper floor of the extension, the primary bedroom has been designed as a serene retreat, with windows placed to offer panoramic views of the rolling hills. On the lower floor, each room has a different aspect, framing views up and down the valley and capturing sunlight at different times of the day.
A smaller, glazed building connects the old and new, composed of patinated galvanised steel doors that face up the valley. As well as linking the old building and new extension, this much-loved garden room provides the ideal space to access the garden and watch the setting sun. From the link building, the two floors of the new extension are accessed via a free-flowing staircase, illuminated by a high-level, east-facing window that catches the morning light. The lower sections of the floor and stair are constructed in microcement, while the upper portion is made from rough-sawn chestnut, referencing the external cladding.
B indloss Dawes has worked closely with the client to realise their design for the interior. Joa, a Farrow & Ball Colour Curator, had a clear vision for the colours that feature throughout the new spaces, carefully choosing hues to accentuate the lofty ceilings and complement their furniture. Artwork and personal belongings feature prominently throughout Joa and Andrew’s home, boldly influencing the style and theme of each room.
S ustainability has been a key consideration throughout the project, with the new extension boasting high levels of insulation to reduce heat loss. The thermal separation between the existing listed schoolhouse and the new building ensures that they can be heated independently, coinciding with daily use. Locally-sourced, sustainable timber has been specified for both the structure and external cladding, reducing embodied energy and harnessing the skills of local craftspeople.
T he extension to the Old School House stands as a testament to Bindloss Dawes’ continuous successful integration of contemporary design within historic settings. The project not only respects the heritage of the original building but enhances it, combining the architect’s contemporary design with that of its clients’, and resolving the long-term problems of the original building conversion, to create a home that will endure for years to come. Combining careful detailing and contemporary construction methods, the building is of its time, whilst being sensitive to its setting and context.
G eorge Dawes, Director at Bindloss Dawes, says: “Unlike suburban house extensions, the countryside often provides a wonderful opportunity to work with the full 360º of a building. The Old School House occupies a beautiful corner of Somerset, and so we wanted to capture the sun as it passes around the house, as well as enjoying the best views over the countryside.”
F awn Ma, Project Architect at Bindloss Dawes, adds: “The difficulty architects often face on a project like this is achieving quality of execution. We were lucky to work with skilled craftspeople and builders who shared our scrupulous attention to detail. In our view, this attitude is what really elevates a project and we are very grateful to Duncan and his building team for helping us to realise our vision.”
www.bindlossdawes.com
FACT FILE :
Location: Somerset
Project size: 120m 2
Construction began: April 2022
Completion: January 2023
Architect: Bindloss Dawes
Interior design: Bindloss Dawes
Design team: George Dawes and Fawn Ma
Structural engineer: Momentum
Contractor: Gregory Renovations
Photographer: Francesca Iovene
PRODUCTS
Paint: Farrow & Ball
Timber cladding: English Woodland Timber
Timber windows: Oakwright
Steel windows: Steel Window Service
Microcement: Andrew Cooke
The hybrid path towards heating decarbonisation
Hybrid systems that combine gas boilers and heat pumps are the fairest and most cost-effective solution to transition to a net-zero future and may be the best option for self-builds and home renovations, writes Christian Engelke, Technical Director of Viessmann Climate Solutions UK.
The focus on efficient solutions for heating homes and buildings has led to a Government and societal push towards heat pumps as the greener alternative to gas boilers. Indeed, if the self-build or home renovation that brings you to this magazine requires a new heating system, the likelihood is you’ve already discussed the possibility of installing a heat pump. If you are replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump, no doubt the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and its £7500 grant towards a heat pump installation, is an attractive prospect to consider.
W e present an alternative, which both supports the successful adoption of heat pumps and lowering of our carbon emissions in the UK, and self-builders’ and home renovators’ individual carbon footprint and pockets. Hybrid heating systems combine gas boilers and heat pumps, which can achieve the best of both worlds, particularly as we transition to all-electric heating.
A s many in the heating industry have commented, a rapid shift to heat pumps isn’t either practical or costeffective for a variety of reasons.
T he last Government’s Clean Heat Market Mechanism consultation set out proposals to support the development of the market in low-carbon heating appliances, in line with their target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028. The mechanism sees manufacturers obliged to meet annual credit targets. Failing to do so would result in fines of £3000 per missing credit.
W hile it’s good news that hybrid systems are considered within the proposals, the proposals set the credit value of pure heat pump systems at 1, and hybrids at just 0.5. That means a manufacturer will earn 1 credit for every heat pump installed, and 0.5 credits for each hybrid heat pump system installed that includes a gas boiler. As such, there is a significant incentive for manufacturers to push monobloc heat pumps and, as a consumer, it’s something to be aware of.
S hifting too quickly and exclusively to heat pumps has the potential to put supply chains at risk and result in rising costs for consumers. It is clear that there’s a high level of concern from the public of whether a heat pump can reliably replace gas heating systems, which they trust through experience to cover all their heating and hot water needs. Hybrid systems must, therefore, be incentivised as a practical bridging technology. To do so, a higher credit value of 0.8 is more reflective of the heating element split between the heat pump and the gas boiler in hybrid systems.
W hy 0.8 works
T his is not just our view. The Committee for Climate Change’s (CCC) modelling of heat decarbonisation pathways uses a split where a heat pump delivers 80% of the heating and hot water demand for a property within a hybrid system, while the boiler provides the remaining 20%. We believe the CCC recommendation of a credit weighting of 0.8 is the right direction to take.
T he following two heating load charts are taken from Viessmann’s technical guide for heat pumps and support the 80:20 model. Figure 1 shows an all-electric system, while figure 2 shows two different hybrid systems: The parallel operation system, where the boiler tops up the heat pump, and the alternative operation system, where
the heat pump switches off, and the gas boiler takes over when the flow temperature of the heat pump is insufficient to meet the total heat load of the home.
T hese two systems show that even in cases where the flow temperature of the heat pump is not sufficient to meet the heat loss of the home in all weathers and can only cover between 40 to 60% of the total heating output required, it still covers 80% of the annual heating load. For the parallel system, this rises to over 90%. Again, this supports a hybrid credit weighting of at least 0.8.
R educing CO 2 emissions
It is both relevant and interesting to compare the domestic heat picture with the energy transition in the automotive market, where hybrids were introduced as a bridging technology between combustion engines and electric vehicles (EVs). Consumers, particularly in the company vehicle market, were incentivised to adopt the hybrid option, which successfully drove uptake.
While hybrid vehicles produce more CO2 than EVs, they produce far fewer emissions than traditional combustion cars. This also applies to heating. Using energy prices from Ofgem, and based on a heat pump delivering 80% of the heating load, figures 3 and 4* show that a hybrid system costs £181 less per year than Viessmann’s popular Vitocal 150-A air-source heat pump and £39 less per year to run than a gas boiler. Yet it emits significantly less CO2 (65%). Supporting the adoption of hybrid heat pumps would be a marked step forward, both in terms of carbon and bill savings.
T here will be a future where all-electric systems will heat homes and buildings. But, to transition responsibly and affordably, gas boilers must remain firmly part of the mix for the foreseeable future to provide affordable and low-carbon energy to homes across the country. It is encouraging that the Labour Party’s manifesto contained hybrid-supporting pledges.
www.viessmann.co.uk :
*Calculations are based on a domestic property with a 9000kWh space heating and 2500kWh annual hot water requirement, where the system is run at a flow temperature of 45ºC. The heat pump capacity relative to heat loss is 80%. The hybrid system assumes all water heating is by the fossil-fuel boiler. Carbon emission factors are according to BRE SAP 10.2.
Fig ure 1: Using energy prices from Ofgem, and based on a heat pump delivering 80% of the heating load, a hybrid system costs £181 less per year than Viessmann’s popular Vitocal 150-A air-source heat pump and £39 less per year to run than a gas boiler *
Figure 2 : Based on a hybrid system where the heat pump delivers 80% of the heating load, a hybrid system generates 65% less CO 2 emissions than a gas boiler *
Figure 3 : Heating load charts for an all-electric heating system from Viessmann’s technical guide for heat pumps
Figure 4: Heating load charts for two different hybrid systems: The parallel operation system, where the boiler tops up the heat pump, and the alternative operation system, where the heat pump switches off, and the gas boiler takes over when the flow temperature of the heat pump is insufficient to meet the total heat load of the home. From Viessmann’s technical guide for heat pumps.
Fig ure 4
Fig ure 2
Fig ure 1
Fig ure 3
Preventing traumatic damp and minimising the damage
While a damp-proof course and repointing are on every self-builder’s mind as the first lines of defence against penetrating and rising damp, what happens when everything goes wrong and traumatic damp strikes? Hudson Lambert, Mould and Damp expert at Dryzone, investigates.
The term ‘traumatic damp’ was popularised by recent Government guidelines on the risks of damp and mould for landlords and covers dampness caused by water leaks. Water that enters the home from the outside environment, like leaking water from another building or flooding, can also cause traumatic damp.
C ommon causes of traumatic damp include:
Overflowing sinks, showers or baths
Broken pipes
Leaking water storage vessels
Broken heating or waste pipes.
Damp caused by leaks can be just as harmful as dampness caused by penetrating or rising damp. Too
much moisture is bad for every type of building material. It encourages black mould, which destroys painted and wallpapered walls, weakens plasterboard ceilings and causes dry rot that eats away at floorboards.
T hese defects are usually treated as separate and sometimes unpreventable issues, but a holistic approach to traumatic damp is the best way to keep buildings dry.
Protect your wallet and wellbeing by preventing damage before repairs are needed. Here’s a list of everything you need to do to ensure that traumatic damp doesn’t strike, and how to minimise the damage if it does.
D amp-resistant plaster
Gypsum plaster is popular in the UK as it provides an interior wall surface that’s
ready to decorate. It is quick drying on application and offers low thermal conductivity. However, gypsum plaster cracks easily and absorbs moisture like a sponge. Damp plaster spoils the entire wall and provides a breeding ground for black mould growth.
Breathable renovation plaster is a great alternative to gypsum plaster that ensures your home is protected should the worst happen. It allows walls to dry naturally and creates an insulating surface that is salt resistant, which can be a problem for damp walls.
I f you’re looking at plasterboard for a surface that can be immediately redecorated, apply a water-resistant cream to the bare masonry wall. It locks efflorescent salts away and creates a dry and breathable surface for your chosen finish.
F ortifying for flood protection
F looding is a stressful and disruptive event, no matter how prepared you are. Floodwater enters the home through vents, service entry points like utility pipes and porous masonry. Be forward thinking and use dampresistant building materials throughout your build to minimise flood damage and prevent traumatic damp.
O nce you’ve kitted out the interior with dampresistant plaster, it’s time to have a look at the external walls. Damaged exterior masonry joints behind gypsum-plastered internal walls are a recipe for dampness. Protect external walls by fixing cracks in the brickwork and repointing to a high standard using products like Stormdry Repointing Additive No. 2. Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream waterproofs brickwork, masonry, mortar and concrete with an invisible finish that’s been certified for 25 years of service. You may also want to install anti-flood airbricks that automatically close when flooded.
D on’t forget about below-ground defences. In the event of flooding, water can seep from below ground through floors and basements. Always ensure that a damp-proof membrane is installed. In case of damage or if a physical DPM is not feasible, install a remedial DPC, like Dryrod Damp-Proofing Rods.
C heck copper piping
C opper pipes are commonly used to transport water throughout your home for cleaning, drinking and heating. However, they are vulnerable to pinhole leaks and, like a slow puncture on a bicycle, a slow leak can go undetected for some time.
A s pinhole leaks only leak small amounts of water at a time and are often hidden behind walls and under baths, sinks and floors, it takes time for a defective copper pipe to create a noticeable damp problem. You’ll want to resolve the fault as quickly as possible to prevent rotten floorboards and mouldy walls.
Use your senses
A damp home smells musty and earthy. Use your sense of smell to isolate where the scent is strongest to zone in on the cause of traumatic damp. Listen carefully under sinks, baths and around boilers for dripping water. Keep an eye on the water bill and investigate any unusually high bills. Get a qualified plumber to carry out annual checks of your home plumbing system.
G et black mould gone
I f you don’t ensure your home is damp free, black mould will soon grow on walls and ceilings. Mould is harmful to home and health, and is capable of causing and worsening respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
B leach-based sprays from the supermarket clean the stain off your wall, but do nothing to deal with the mould itself. They are also water-based, which feeds the mould instead of getting rid of it. After cleaning walls with bleach spray, always make sure you follow it up with a biocidal cleaner. Biocides eliminate mould spores and the mould organism itself from the surface of walls and ceilings and keep them away with barrier protection.
Understanding and materials
T raumatic damp can be devastating. By being aware of the different ways that leaks can occur and ensuring you equip your home with the right materials, you can keep your home free from traumatic damp.
www.safeguardeurope.com/products/dryzonesystem
Timeless timber: Staircase design
One of the most versatile materials to use in construction and interior design, Richard McLane, Design Director at Bisca Staircases, explains why the use of timeless timber is more popular than ever.
Wo od has been used in building and architecture for over 10,000 years. As a material, it is useful, versatile, sustainable – if sourced from managed forests – and, last but not least, beautiful. As human beings, we have a natural affinity with wood, and studies continue to show how it induces calmness, reduces stress and enhances wellbeing.
W ood can be used for both structural and decorative applications in staircase design. The design process starts with the function of the staircase before turning to form and finishing. When a functional structure is visible as part of the final design, a solid hardwood, such as oak, can work well as it is both strong and pleasing to the eye. Alternatively, significant spans of structural elements can be made in steel and then laminated with timber on the surface, with a wide variety of colours, both soft and hard species, to choose from. Durable, strong, flexible and attractive, wood can be cut, shaped or bent to provide both structural and decorative elements.
M ost commonly wood is used for three elements in staircase design – treads and risers, balustrades and handrails. For treads and risers 50mm
or less, a solid hardwood works very well; huge treads in hand-carved green oak create a chunky, more rustic look, but it is important to understand there will be movement in the wood as it ‘lives on’ in its new home. Fissures and cracks may appear, but this is all part of a more natural look and feel you get from chunky timber pieces. An experienced designer will accommodate the movement. To achieve a look with a crisper feel, it is possible to fabricate stair treads with engineered wood.
B alustrades made in timber have to be fairly substantial in size to conform with Building Regulations – the balustrade must provide an adequate barrier of protection. Traditional staircases in period properties often have wood spindles made in softwood, painted or stained and sometimes featuring intricate or ornate detailing. For more contemporary stair designs using modern techniques and engineering, wood offers scope to be adventurous with shape and colour.
F or the tactile elements of a staircase, namely the handrail, wood really comes into its own. There is nothing more elegant than a perfectlyshaped round or oval profile handrail made in wood winding its way upwards
in a sinuous line – the crowning glory of any staircase design. The ability to carve, shape and turn timber, working with the natural grain patterns inherent in the wood, adds beauty and tactility to a staircase, especially as part of a continuous line finishing as a feature newel post.
T here are many different colouring and finishing options for wood – one to suit every interior style and scheme, traditional or modern. For treads, raising the grain to reveal a more textured surface will also reduce slip characteristics. Flaming, staining or adding colour to textured wood can further highlight the grain structure to make a beautiful feature.
One of the most attractive features of wood is its sustainability credentials. When trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as part of the natural process known as photosynthesis. The sequestered CO2 continues to be stored in the timber even when it is made into a product or a structure like a staircase. In this way, the use of wood positively impacts climate change – the more we use wood sourced from sustainable sources, such as FSC-certified timber, the more carbon is kept out of the atmosphere, helping to mitigate global warming.
Huge treads, hand carved from green oak
A further reason timber is gaining in popularity is that it is a material that can be recycled and repurposed. Requests to use sustainable materials in staircase design are now more common than not. Whether it is sourcing reclaimed wood barrels from an old vodka distillery or working with pieces customers have sourced themselves, repurposing timber adds a piece of history to the design, with a story to tell. Timber that has been reclaimed has a built-in patina, which can be hard to achieve when using new materials, and it can be a useful way to combine old and new in an interior. Using recycled wood also contributes to a circular economy, something both designers and customers are increasingly passionate about.
A brilliant example of reuse is the design and build of a staircase using old harbour props. A homeowner happened upon a substantial quantity of Greenheart timber on chance visit to a reclamation site and knew instinctively it was perfect for their staircase. The wood, used as harbour props for over 150 years, submerged in the old port, was full of character with visible fissures and cracks. Using the reclaimed timber as a starting point for the design, the staircase was a perfect fit for the converted barn it was commissioned for, where natural and repurposed materials took centre stage.
A nother stand-out staircase design centres around old lock gates sourced from the Canal & River Trust. With a brief to create a staircase that reflected the building’s past, an old barn, the design team created a free-floating helical staircase that sits in the middle of the open-plan living area. The large, rustic timber treads are supported by a slim, white-painted structure with a sweeping soffit. Beautifully rustic with movement showing from previous use, butterfly ties, made in bronze, were specially created to maintain the structural integrity of the treads. Each tread was hand crafted and finished to the exact shape and size required – a truly bespoke project.
www.bisca.co.uk
Treads in reclaimed harbour props
A staircase with timber treads made from recycled lock gates
Continuous treads and risers of walnut set within a timberveneer-clad balustrade
Identifying and dealing with woodworm in agricultural building conversions
Converting a former agricultural building such as a barn, stable or grain store for work, leisure or living purposes can be rewarding and deliver a truly unique space. However, if the original structure contains timber, then woodboring beetle infestation is a possibility you should be aware of, so that any damage or active infestation can be addressed early on in the project, says Nicholas Donnithorne FLS FRES, UK Technical Manager at Rentokil Property Care.
Wo odworm is a generic term used for the larvae of woodboring beetles that burrow into wood, causing damage to its structure over time, though the term is commonly used to describe the common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum). The larvae enjoy nothing more than chewing their way through items such as floorboards, staircases, roof timbers and joists, but can equally infest smaller wooden items such as tools and furniture. They can cause the wood they infest to become riddled with holes, weakening its structural integrity and weightbearing properties.
A gricultural buildings that come to the market for development have often been exposed to the elements, and this can contribute to factors that increase the risk of woodworm infestation such as high levels of moisture and fungal decay.
T he damper wood becomes, the easier it is for larvae to bore through and live in it. Woodworm is less of an issue in wood with a moisture content of less than 8 to 12%, making wooden items and structures with a typical moisture content of around 15% a perfect breeding ground for woodboring beetles.
I n most agricultural buildings where softwoods such as pine are present, common furniture beetle is normally the issue. However, where developers often hit issues after development is with timber frame buildings constructed of oak where there is or has been fungal decay. Water often runs down structural timbers into joints, providing perfect conditions for fungal decay and deathwatch beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum)
infestation. If this risk is not taken seriously and the timbers are not dried and treated as required, beetle emergence can occur many years after the property is completed. By that time, the infested timbers will often be buried behind studwork, making the problem difficult to address. What is even worse for occupants can be the large numbers of beetles emerging in the spring and the knocking from within the timbers as adult beetles communicate with each other. It should be noted that replacement green oak timbers can already have infestations of deathwatch beetle and powderpost beetle (Lyctus sp) brought in from the forest, and these can continue to develop in situ.
T here are five easy ways to spot an active infestation before it causes problems with your agricultural building conversion:
Tunnels and fresh exit holes in wood: Woodboring beetles leave wood upon maturity by tunnelling out of the timber, leaving small ‘flight holes’ in the surface. During ‘woodworm season’, it is not uncommon to notice these small, round holes (around 2mm) appearing in wood as adult beetles emerge – after which they can live for days or even months. These holes will look fresh, without paint or dust in the hole.
Bore dust (frass): Look out for small piles of frass around wooden surfaces, especially near flight holes. It is often spotted below the infested timber and, if found, it indicates that the woodboring beetle infestation is still active.
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
Weak and crumbling wood: If there are many tunnels and exit holes then it can cause wood to crumble, particularly around the edges of floorboards and roof joists. In the case of crumbling wood, the damaged section may need to be replaced.
Live adult beetles: Depending on the species, adult woodboring beetles typically emerge between April and September, so if spotted, they are a clear sign of an active infestation. Unfortunately, once they leave the timber, they will be looking to mate and start the whole process again.
Larvae: Woodworm larvae are rarely seen as they remain within the wood, but are small, fly, maggot-like larvae, curved in shape and usually a creamy white colour.
I f you are unsure how to identify or treat a woodworm infestation, it is best to seek professional help. A certificated surveyor can ensure that your agricultural building conversion has a tailor-made treatment plan guaranteeing any woodworm infested areas are targeted and treated. Typically, it is only possible to tell if there is an active infestation when damage to the wood has already occurred, so be sure to take immediate action. DIY products can help treat localised infestations and are suitable for smaller items, such as furniture. F or bigger and structural items, property care professionals have a range of treatments available. Early identification and gaining a full understanding of the extent of your woodworm issue is key to preventing it from developing into a more serious problem.
A lthough not the subject of this article, it is worth noting the problems caused by water-soluble salts, particularly nitrates from farm animal waste, that are common to agricultural buildings. As the building dries, these salts can disfigure surfaces and, being hygroscopic, will pull moisture into the masonry. There are ways of dealing with them during the development, such as lining the structure with a plastic membrane if this is acceptable. But if this is missed or left too late, it can become an expensive issue to remediate.
www.rentokil.co.uk/property-care
Photo by Arthur Franklin on Unsplash
How to create an amazing garden room and what it’s likely to cost you
The days of the humble shed or store-bought wooden summer house are gone and have now been replaced by chic garden rooms that answer to more than just a place to store things, says Tony Higginson, Co-Founder of Vivid Green.
Garden rooms can now house full gyms, offices, a social area or even an extra bedroom or games room.
Here’s my guide to creating an amazing garden room and how much it’s likely to cost you.
Work out how you’ll use it
Before undertaking your garden room project, you’ll need to decide what you want to use the space for. Is it to be a guest annexe? Will it work as your home office? A kids or teen hangout? Or an extra living and dining space?
Once you’ve worked out how you want to use the space, you’ll be ready to look at how you want the space to look and the permissions you’ll need.
S tyle and design
From beautiful cedar-clad designs with aluminium-framed bi-fold doors to contemporary rendered finishes, you can design your garden room as you would a newly-built home. If it’s built bespoke, as ours are at Vivid Green, there’s no awkward space too small or unusual space too hard to build around. We’ve even had to build around a tree before.
Bi-fold doors are a great addition; they really allow you to open the space up, making for great all-year-round use. They also come in a range of finishes and add to the room’s general aesthetic.
Choosing your flooring finishes is also key to great design. If you’re planning on having a patio in front of your garden room, running the same tiles, or colour of tile, inside and on through to the patio will create a real sense of depth and space. Porcelain tiles work well here as they work both inside and out.
A s your garden room will be in your garden, it’s worth considering choosing a colour palette that also reflects the garden. If your garden is mainly green, you may want to consider adding some vibrant colours to the interior of your garden room to really make it stand out. Equally, if you’re looking for a more seamless space that blends into your environment, picking green and beige tones will almost make the space disappear within the trees and bushes of the garden.
P ermissions and planning
O nce you know how you want the space to look and what you want to include, you’ll need to consider planning. You must apply for planning permission if you’re going to add a bedroom. The type of planning you’ll need will depend on what you will be using your garden room for. If you’re planning on adding a bedroom, you’ll need ancillary planning, which will cost around £1200, but this can differ depending on whether you do it yourself, use a professional and where you are in the country. If the space is to be used for anything other than a bedroom, it will usually fall under permitted development as long as it’s under 2.5m high (total height from the nearest adjacent ground) and not over 50% of your outside space.
L ongevity
A garden room is built to last. If looked after as you would your main home, it will last for generations. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure your garden space grows and evolves as your life does. You may want a cosy playroom right now, but in a few years, it might evolve to become a cool hangout space for your teenagers or even switch to an extra bedroom for when your parents come to stay.
It’s worth considering this when making semi-permanent decisions on design, like flooring, for example. While rubber or gym flooring may seem like a great idea now, temporary flooring (like gym matting) that can be laid on top of the actual floor and then taken up when needed may be the more practical choice.
Garden rooms offer so much potential to your home and often increase the value by up to 20%. A standard garden room will cost upwards of £20,000; this will be for a 6 to 8m2 bespoke-built space. If you’re looking for bells and whistles and a large space with an area for a swim spa or hot tub, you could be looking at around £50k+. We would always advise speaking to your garden room supplier to see what’s possible for your budget and their recommended options. You may have your heart set on a finish outside your budget, but more affordable alternatives could be new to the market. As with any renovation project, make a budget, work within your budget and work with a great company with great reviews.
How to create a home library or reading nook
If you’re a fan of reading (or even if you’re not), then a library is a wonderful addition to your home. Here, Sophie Smith, Founder of Zhoosh Paints, explains how to bring the charm of a library into your living space, no matter the size of your home.
While a whole room dedicated to books is the dream of many, space doesn’t always allow it in the modern home –but there are ways to create the look of a library in existing rooms.
A working library, for example, can feature shelving along one wall of your office filled with books, making your workspace an altogether more vibrant and multifunctional room. Lounges and dining rooms also provide the opportunity to create library walls, which can be filled with books, plants and ornaments to create that feeling of a library within another setting.
These all work really well from an aesthetic point of view, but if your home doesn’t have the space for a dedicated library or a full wall of bookshelves, there is a lovely alternative – the reading nook.
A reading nook takes the two main elements of a library – books and tranquillity – without taking up too much space. It can be anywhere in the home: A window seat, a landing or a corner of the living room. The key is to zone it slightly differently to everything around it, so that you can enjoy it properly without distractions.
Here are some simple tips:
Location
Your reading nook can be anywhere in your home – a bay window that has room for seating, a quiet corner in your lounge, the unused spot on your landing or the corner of a child’s room. Choose somewhere that is not a main thoroughfare: It’s harder to get lost in a good book if you have people walking past you all the time.
Comfort
You have to be comfortable. The aim is to while away the hours here, quietly reading, so it needs to be mindful and relaxing. A soft, welcoming chair is essential. Add cushions, pillows and a soft blanket, as well as the practical furniture needed: A small table for glasses and a drink or snacks and a footstool to spread out. A small woven basket or even a magazine rack can be used for extra reading materials.
Space
You don’t need much physical space for a reading nook, but you need to create a feeling of a space that is slightly detached from the rest of the room. A quick and very effective way to do this is to zone with paints. Choose the area that is going to be dedicated to reading and paint it in a different colour. Using a pencil, simply draw out a section on the wall – a square shape to surround a chair or a floor-to-ceiling block that differentiates from the main room. Cover the lines with masking tape, then paint within the tape with a roller, using contrasting paint. Darker colours will provide a cocoon-like feel, while brighter tones will lift an area and work brilliantly if you are near a window.
Atmosphere
A quite, serene atmosphere is required for true relaxation in your reading nook. Choose paint colours that make you feel calm. Blues and greens are particularly calming colours as they give a nod to nature. Opt for darker, richer tones if you
want to feel immersed or lighter shades for a clean and fresh feeling. You can add to the relaxed feeling by adding some biophilia. Plants are proven to help us feel better and caring for plants is a mindful act in itself. Larger plants can also add to that separate feeling that you have created with your paint colours, providing a screen from the rest of the room or chosen area. A candle will add to the cosy atmosphere and give a pleasant scent at all times.
Light
G ood lighting is key. This is why window seats make great reading nooks, providing natural light throughout the day. Lamps as opposed to downlights will deliver a more relaxed, cosy ambience in your reading nook. Consider adding an extendable lamp to your wall or placing a warm lamp on your small table, if you have one. A standing lamp is also a great option that adds privacy.
Shelving
While a wall of books is not always practical in a reading nook, you can still add some shelving to the space. Floating shelves are perfect as they can be small or large to fit the space available. Box shelves also provide the perfect spot for a couple of books and a small plant or ornament. Choose the materials that work for you. Wood is a natural choice as it complements the materials used in books, but something slim and contemporary will work just as well.
Above all, a reading nook should be cosy but uncluttered, welcoming but not messy. By keeping it simple, well lit and decorated with the right colours, you can create a little library in your home that is tailored to you – the perfect spot to get lost in a good book. www.zhooshpaints.com
30 years of London Homebuilding & Renovating Show reflect changing priorities for selfbuilders and renovators
Celebrating its 30th anniversary on 27 to 29th September at ExCeL, the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Gartec, will reflect the broader trends in sustainability, innovation and lifestyle preferences, driven by technological advancements and evolving societal values.
Visitors to the show will be able to upskill their knowledge of how the priorities of selfbuilders and renovators have evolved over the past three decades in several key areas: Sustainability and eco-
friendly design, technological advancements, design aesthetics and trends, regulatory changes and standards, community and collaboration, health and wellbeing, cultural and societal influences and resilience and adaptability.
The series of around 80 masterclasses and seminars available for visitors to attend at the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show include topics ranging from Designing and building homes in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty/ National Parks, A guide to VAT reclaim,’ ‘Futureproofing with a platform home lift,’ ‘A guide to planning permission for home extensions and conversions to Underfloor heating and heat pumps: Efficient low temperature heating for the home, Why choose aluminium for home renovations? and From old home to eco home.
With thousands of products and services presented by over 200 exhibitors, visitors will be able to discuss their projects with leading industry specialists and enjoy impartial one-to-one advice with a 15-minute expert consultation.
Michael Holmes, Director of Content at Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, says: “The rate of change within the self-build and renovation market has been accelerating exponentially, particularly with the development of AI and the falling cost of microprocessor chips. The next decade may see even more changes than the past 30 years. These trends will not only transform the way homes are built and renovated but also enhance the quality of life for those who inhabit them. So, it’s critical that tradespeople are up to date with the latest developments and improve their knowledge of the trends in this buoyant industry.”
In addition, the 30th London Homebuilding & Renovating Show is a market-leading showcase for exhibitors to present their innovations, products and services to an engaged and committed trade and consumer audience.
Nick Noble, Commercial and Events Director at Future PLC, says: “The 2024 London Show will reflect 30 years of evolution in the homebuilding and renovating sector for exhibitors and visitors alike. Companies and brands will have the opportunity to interact face to face with serious buyers who are genuinely interested in what they have to offer, delivering a strong return on investment.”
Three days, 300+ brands and 30% bigger: Why you need to visit The Flooring Show
Earlier this year, The Flooring Show announced its expansion into Hall Q, a decision that sees the show grow by 30%. Such growth is a testament to the strength of the flooring industry and cements the show as one of the UK’s largest and market-leading flooring trade events.
Open to retailers, contractors, fitters, architects, interior designers, specifiers and project managers, this is an unmissable event for anyone within the flooring industry. This year’s dates are set for 15 to 17th September at its much-loved home of the Harrogate Convention Centre, and with over 300 brands exhibiting, The Flooring Show is the ultimate destination for flooring professionals.
Find out more about what the show has to offer: 2024 exhibitor line up
The Flooring Show’s exhibitors span the breadth of the flooring industry, attracting manufacturers and suppliers of carpet, laminate, LVT, wood, vinyl, cork, grass, SPC as well as underlay,
adhesives, software, machinery and tools. The names that visitors know and love will be returning to support the three-day show, bringing with them new ranges across all types of flooring for the contract and retail markets. Suppliers include Abingdon Flooring, Adam Carpets, Associated Weavers, Ball & Young, Bostik, Cavalier Carpets, Cormar, COREtec Flooring, Kellars, Furlong Flooring, F Ball & Co., Hugh Mackay, Interfloor, Lifestyle, Likewise, Penthouse Carpets, Tarkett, Westex, Victoria Carpets & Design Floors, to name just a few.
Alongside the big names returning to the show, there are plenty of new names joining this year, including Floormart, Bjelin, T-Build Floors, Evolve Flooring, Fablon Fine Carpets & Rugs,
REGISTRATION
:
You can secure your complimentary passes by heading to The Flooring Show's website and completing the short form. This pass will give you fast-track access to the show and let you skip the queue on arrival.
Juvern, Peri UK, Floor Master, Tuftco, Rinos, Alsa Flooring, to name just a handful.
Design Spotlight
Located in the newly-accessed Hall Q, the Design Spotlight has been launched in response to the demand from architects, interior designers, property developers and specifiers in search of the most unique, design-oriented residential and contract flooring solutions on the market.
Fitter of the Year
This year, NICF’s Fitter of the Year Competition returns with a focus on carpets. The competition will take place over Sunday 15th and Monday 16th with the winner announced at 4pm on the Monday. They will receive a cheque for £2000, a trophy, great prizes, including a selection of tools, and one year’s free NICF Master Fitter membership.
Wool Trends Centre
Located in Hall C, meet with brands that put wool carpet at the forefront, including Westex Carpets, Adam Carpets, British Wool, Cavalier Carpets, Brintons, Axminster Carpets, Brockway Carpets, Penthouse Carpets and Ulster Carpets.
Demo Zone
The Demo Zone, run by the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) and supported by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers (NICF), is back in Hall B to impart more wisdom on the latest techniques and insights into working with the newest products on the market, via their live demonstrations across the three days of the show.
Celebrating 25 years of Grand Designs: The Grand Designs Live home event returns to Birmingham this autumn
Grand Designs Live, one of the UK’s leading home design and innovation exhibitions, returns to NEC Birmingham from 2nd October to 6th October 2024. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Grand Designs TV show, this year’s event promises to be a landmark occasion filled with expert advice and endless inspiration.
This year’s show will feature a huge variety of exhibitors spanning four different sectors: Build, kitchens and bathrooms, gardens and interiors, with expert guests hosting stage talks. The show will take place over nine days, including engaging talks led by renowned TV Broadcaster and Design Expert, Kevin McCloud.
With the Grand Designs TV show celebrating 25 years, iconic houses from its history will be showcased in a special feature at Grand Designs Live, Birmingham This unique edition of the exhibition will highlight the journey and development of these remarkable builds over the years. Returning more impressive and eco-conscious than
elements, allowing guests to visualise how design choices can transform a space.
With areas including a state-of-the-art kitchen, a tranquil living area and a garden oasis, attendees will gain inspiration for their own projects. Additionally, experts will be on hand to discuss the design decisions behind the house, emphasising the balance between aesthetics and sustainability.
Taking place over five days, visitors will be able to gain invaluable inspiration for their homes. You can expect to discover an array of specialists, ranging from architects to building suppliers, kitchen designers, bathroom designers and many more. In addition, you will find unique bespoke furnishings and designs alongside original pieces of artwork.
The show promises to be even more spectacular than ever before, offering something for everyone.
As the world’s focus shifts to creating more sustainable homes and a cleaner place to live, Grand Designs Live will be showcasing fascinating ways to make green living accessible for all.
Visitors will find eco-friendly project inspiration and the latest innovations to decarbonise their homes throughout the show. This year, the show has an array of incredible and cutting-edge exhibitors to elevate your home into an eco-masterpiece.
Every aspect of your home is covered, not only saving you money but also keeping your home futureproof and running efficiently.
ever, the centerpiece of this year’s event is the Grand House, an immersive experience showcasing a meticulously crafted residence that embodies the spirit of Grand Designs. This groundbreaking build features cutting-edge, lowcarbon and renewable energy technology, demonstrating how small yet impactful steps can make homes self-sufficient and carbon neutral.
Visitors can explore various rooms designed by renowned architects and interior designers, highlighting sustainable materials and innovative technologies that promote eco-friendly living. The Grand House offers interactive
Key features also include sustainability talks and workshop demos, celebrating the best conceptual and eco-friendly construction ideas. Grand Designs Live aims to encourage everyone to take simple, small steps towards making their home self-sufficient and carbon neutral.
Additional features
returning to this year’s show include:
Live Talks: Hear from an array of industry experts across three theatres where an exciting and engaging lineup of speakers will take centre stage each day
Ask an Expert: Discuss your build and renovation plans on a one-to-one basis with specialists in architecture, construction, finance and interior design
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre sponsored by Mainmark: Grand Designers from the past 25 years will be sharing their journeys and experiences working with Kevin McCloud on their dream builds
Kevin’s Green Heroes: The Green Heroes are back, featuring 10 brand-new innovators and three returning heroes: bioMATTERS, Mill and REVR Pty.
The fireplace evaluation. Gas, wood or electric?
An overview by Niall Deiraniya, General Manager of DRU Fires UK.
Autumn is a time of crisp, cool days and longer nights. There is no better feeling than returning from a vigorous walk and relaxing next to a warm fire.
Do you choose a gas fire, a wood-burning stove or an electric fire? Will you convert your existing chimney or select a fire that requires no chimney? Let’s consider the options.
G as fires
Gas heating will be here for the foreseeable future. It provides real flames, comfortable heating and high energy efficiency.
D RU has a range of gas fires that can be installed with or without a chimney, are suitable for modern or traditional homes and offer superior design and performance.
A good example is the DRU Maestro 75XTU Tall model, with its 1.3m-high, three-sided window. Not just a fire but an architectural feature that will make a dramatic statement in your home.
Wood-burning
fires and stoves
Wood stoves are a sustainable heating option with beautiful flames and generous heat.
DRU produces them under its Dik Geurts brand. They include the Ivar, which fits UK chimneys, and designer stoves like the Oval, for rural retreats or urban lofts.
The range also includes builtin models, including two-sided, three-sided and see-through tunnel fires.
E lectric fires
Today’s electric fires have evolved from functional appliances to models with impressive design and performance.
Consumers are turning to electric for its low-carbon footprint and compatibility with media walls, which also accommodate gas fires and wood stoves.
DRU Virtuo Evolve electric fires feature realistic flame images, authentic logs and glowing embers, all controlled by an app on your phone. There are no flue
connections and they can be used for heating or purely as decorative fires.
To choose the ideal fireplace for your project, visit a DRU dealer. They have a wide selection, in all fuel types on live display. They will advise you on the best option and offer full design and installation services
DRU Maestro 75XTU Tall gas fire
Dik Geurts Oval Legs wood stove
DRU Virtuo Evolve 130 electric fire
Natural stone or cast stone? That is the question posed to Toby Marlow, Building and Construction Director at Haddonstone
With a long and illustrious history, cast stone became a preferred building material in the 18th century when classically-inspired country houses were increasingly popular.
Of ten regarded as a superlative material, natural stone’s unrefined, organic composition, stability and appearance make it an established choice in the architectural industry. Yet sourcing and working with natural stone has its drawbacks, and architectural cast stone offers specifiers an easier-to-use, more cost-effective alternative.
N atural stone has been excavated from the ground via quarrying. Today, the most common natural stones that are extracted are limestone, marble, granite, slate, sandstone and travertine. Cast stone, by contrast, is a special type of reconstructed stone produced using a blend of limestone, pigments, additives, sand and cement.
H ere are some of the main benefits of specifying cast stone:
Appearance: High-quality cast stone has the appearance of natural stone and is almost impossible to distinguish from its quarried equivalent
Versatility: Because cast stone components are produced using moulds, almost any style and scale can be achieved
Cost: Like for like, in most cases, as a reconstituted material, cast stone is a far more competitively priced material than natural stone. The cost, therefore, not only decreases project risk but opens up a wider expanse of architectural possibilities.
Performance: With a minimum cube compressive strength of 3 MPa, cast stone can significantly withstand load and, if specifying wet cast stone, reinforcement can be added to produce structural loadbearing units
Durability: Cast stone weathers similarly to natural stone and has sound freeze/thaw resistance, so is easily able to withstand even the harshest of weather conditions. Also, there is no natural strata in cast stone which can be a weakness in natural stone.
Kent self-builder shields basement structure using Wykamol/Triton System solution
The product range offered by waterproofing and timber treatment specialist Triton Systems, part of the Wykamol Group, has proved to be the perfect fit for a Kent self-builder undertaking his first project in challenging ground conditions. He comments: “This is a new build on a sloping site, with a semi-basement built into the hillside, therefore requiring a reliable tanking system. Our architect recommended Wykamol Group, and the company’s technical design manager and area sales manager duly visited the site to discuss the appropriate specification.” The recommended solution is typical of Wykamol’s double indemnity approach, employing both tanking and internal drainage products, ensuring any water penetrating the structure is safely removed: In this case, by gravity rather than a sump pump.
Vent-Axia launches its new Passivhaus-certified LoCarbon Sentinel Econiq for new-build
Vhomes
ent-Axia has launched its first Passivhauscertified mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq. With the new Future Homes Standard looking set to reduce carbon emissions for new-build homes by a further 75 to 80% than current Building Regulations, the Sentinel Econiq is designed to provide low-carbon heat recovery ventilation for airtight, thermally-efficient, new-build dwellings, making it ideal for Passivhaus projects. The Sentinel Econiq offers exceptional efficiency, near-silent operation and complete controllability, providing excellent indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant comfort. Boasting excellent heat recovery and a specific electric power as low as 0.22Wh/m3, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq is now Passivhaus certified.
www.vent-axia.com
DIYers turn to CaberMDF to improve rather than move
West Fraser has identified some interesting trends reflecting British activity across its customer base. The manufacturer’s UK Marketing Manager, David Connacher, comments: “The high number of smaller orders for our CaberMDF being reported through our merchant stockists is, perhaps, linked to DIY improvements, and, in turn, reflects the fact it is expensive to move house. Many are instead deciding to improve or extend their existing properties, and they’re collectively buying a lot more MDF for various tasks.” The West Fraser range of high-performance board products covers every aspect of typical building projects: From erecting a hoarding using PrimedPlus to sheathing timber frame extensions or garden rooms with SterlingOSB Zero and tackling flooring or flat-roofing work using CaberFloor and CaberDek.
Brett Martin is pleased to announce that its Flat Glass Rooflights have recently secured BBA approval. An industry-recognised certification denoting the product’s quality, safety and reliability, Brett Martin is one of only a few UK rooflight suppliers that have obtained this certification. A modern alternative to the roof lantern, the Flat Glass Rooflight range offers a stylish means of bringing light into contemporary building designs. As well as more than 100 standard sizes, Brett Martin is now offering bespoke sizing and new colour options, meaning the Flat Glass Rooflight is fit for any refurbishment or new-build project. The Flat Glass square and rectangular rooflights in the range can now be coated in RAL 7016 grey and RAL 9005 black, in addition to the white that was previously available. The company’s recently launched Flat Glass Access Hatch is also available in the same colour options for applications where access is required.
Fujitsu launches new ‘soft black’ wall mount
u jitsu General Air Conditioning UK has added a new ‘softblack’ version to its AIRSTAGE wall mount range that can be connected to split and multi-split systems. Operating on lower GWP R32 refrigerant and available in capacities from 2 to 4.2kW, the new unit (model ASEH**KMCG-B) has a compact chassis depth of just 220mm, thanks to the design of its highdensity multipath heat exchanger. Built-in Wi-Fi capability makes it controllable via the AIRSTAGE Mobile app, with service and maintenance improved due to refrigerant cycle data being displayed on a compatible wired controller.
www.fujitsu-general.com/uk
sales@fgac.fujitsu-general.com
P C Henderson launches new internal folding system for room dividers and wardrobes
Sl iding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, is pleased to announce the launch of its new internal folding system – Huskyfold 30. Replacing the company’s original Husky Folding system, Huskyfold 30 brings with it many exciting new features to ensure high performance and easy installation. Suitable for folding room dividers and wardrobe doors weighing up to 30kg each, Huskyfold 30 is the perfect system to introduce flexible living in the home. When open, doors fold to one or both sides of the opening to adjoin two rooms and create an open space – perfect for entertaining. When closed, the doors act as a partition to create two intimate spaces. Designed with the installer in mind, Huskyfold 30 is perfect for both DIY projects and professional installations. The system features a spring-loaded top pivot and innovative hanger assembly to allow the doors to be hung quickly and easily.
Garador’s triedand-tested Carlton proves popular
With a classic design that suits many different styles of property, Garador’s Carlton up-and-over garage door is one of the most popular garage doors on the market. The Carlton offers exceptional value for money with a tried-and-tested design that’s both long lasting and low maintenance. Constructed from high-grade galvanised steel, the crisp vertical swage complements modern architecture but also sits well on traditional builds or garages in blocks. Garador’s Carlton comes in a choice of 20 standard colours and a wide range of sizes, including made to measure.
www.pchenderson.com
sales@pchenderson.com 0191 377 0701
Schlüter-DILEX-F movement joints redefining the tiling landscape
Adding to its well-established and diverse product range, Schlüter-Systems has developed the Schlüter-DILEX-F movement joint system to transform the appearance of tiled floors, completely changing the landscape in terms of visual impact: Replacing the discordant intrusion of conventional movement joints with a much more discrete and elegant alternative. An ideal solution for statement kitchens and connected dining or open-plan living space, DILEX-F presents a well-engineered set of fully compatible components designed to address a technically and aesthetically challenging task facing flooring and fit-out specialists in both residential and commercial scenarios. The effect is to skilfully overcome typical reservations about using movement joints.
