i-build October 2019

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS October 19 Issue 63

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decorative accessories to help you get cosy this autumn

COVER STORY:

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

THE PERFECT FORMULA TO ACCURATELY VALUATE YOUR PLOT A CLOSER LOOK INTO THE HOMES OF TOMORROW

Internal courtyard brings a wealth of benefits to modern house renovation

SHINING EXAMPLE

FAUX APPEAL

ROOM TO GROW

Steel rainwater systems are the perfect addition to a renovated home

Five reasons why artificial grass can meet all your landscaping needs

Family turns to Facit Homes to design a new home in the location they love

+ SPECIAL FOCUS: l PAINTS, COATINGS & FINISHES l PROJECT SAFETY l I-BUILD

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Welcome Note

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

Editorial:

Hannah Woodger

hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print Design Manager:

Jack Witcomb

jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Digital Design Manager:

David Perry

david@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Production Assistant:

Philip Coyle

philip@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Accounts:

Jackie Dearman

jackie@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Sales Support & Administrator:

Klare Porter

klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Publisher:

Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Welcome

to the October issue of i-build In addition to the physical pressures of a selfbuild project (whoever said it was ever going to be easy?), financing your build is perhaps one of the biggest causes of worry and concern for many self-builders. From the very beginning of your project, it is advised to go through your anticipated spend with a fine toothcomb and realistically manage your expectations.

The first challenge that some self-builders encounter from the get-go is over-valuing a plot and preparing to pay more than the market value. When it seems like you’re happy to pay through the nose for that perfect plot, just take a moment to do the maths and double check you aren’t going to be compromising on other areas of your build.

To help with this particular conundrum, Mark Stevenson of Potton offers the perfect formula for calculating your ‘plot value’. For more information and guidance, turn to page 10.

Continuing the theme of finances, Protek Self Build discusses why getting your build cost

right when arranging self-build insurance cover on your project can make a huge difference to recovering from a serious loss. Turn to page 16 to find out more.

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 dream home as inspiration to other budding self-builders, then please don’t 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.

Hannah

hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk @ibuildmagazine

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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Editor’s picks Mendip Stoves comments on the latest technology for stoves: See page 41 How to transform your fireplace this autumn: See page 42 Redefine your roof with Eternit Slates: See page 43

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Cover story:

Architect duo Amanda Castro and Giovana Giosa, from Studio AG, have designed a stunning bright and airy space for a young professional couple in Brazil to enjoy.

See page 18.

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Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

October 2019

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In this issue: 10 12 16 18 22 24 4

Desired Designs

ON THE COVER

A look at the latest innovative products and styles for your new home.

Viewpoint

Urban Sanctuary

ON THE COVER

Anya and Robin’s young family needed more space but they didn’t want to leave the street they loved.

Instead, Facit Homes provided the ideal solution.

Contracts & Legalities

ON THE COVER

Protek Self Build discusses why getting your build cost right when arranging insurance cover can make a huge difference to recovering from a serious loss.

Impressive Innovation ON THE COVER

Architect duo Amanda Castro and Giovana Giosa, from Studio AG, have designed a stunning bright and airy space for a young professional couple in Brazil to enjoy.

i-build

Stuart McGinlay, Structural Waterproofing Designer at Wise Basement Systems, explains why approaching a self-build requires waterproofing consideration.

i-nterior

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26 28

ON THE COVER

Mark Stevenson, Managing Director of Potton, shares his comments on how to value a building plot and provides a formula for the valuation method.

Why aren’t more people using underfloor heating in their self-build projects? David Playfoot, Segment Manager at Uponor, explores further.

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i-scape ON THE COVER

For those who enjoy the appearance of grass, but not the maintenance that goes with it, artificial grass may offer a solution.

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

Rainwater Management ON THE COVER

Oundle House recently underwent a complete transformation, including the installation of Alumasc’s Infinity galvanised steel rainwater system, helping to create a stunning home.

Download the free app to your tablet or mobile. Search 'i-build'

20+

decorative accessories to help you get cosy this autumn

Lighting & Electricals ON THE COVER

Smart Energy GB along with a panel of experts consider the technology that will be used in the homes of tomorrow to provide smart, environmental solutions to every-day living.

Paints, Coatings & Finishes

The specification for Overhill Cottage, belonging to Steve and Barbara Hudson, included high levels of insulation, underfloor heating and several types of Earthborn breathable paint.

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Project Safety

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Homebuilding & Renovating Show Harrogate Preview

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Chris Pendrey, SHEQ Manager at Actavo Direct, offers a guide to construction safety for homebuilders.

The Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be w to Harrogate Convention Centre in November with practical advice, products and services.

Product Guide

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

October 19 Issue 63

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COVER STORY:

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

THE PERFECT FORMULA TO ACCURATELY VALUATE YOUR PLOT A CLOSER LOOK INTO THE HOMES OF TOMORROW

Internal courtyard brings a wealth of benefits to modern house renovation

SHINING EXAMPLE

FAUX APPEAL

ROOM TO GROW

Steel rainwater systems are the perfect addition to a renovated home

Five reasons why artificial grass can meet all your landscaping needs

Family turns to Facit Homes to design a new home in the location they love

+ SPECIAL FOCUS: l PAINTS, COATINGS & FINISHES l PROJECT SAFETY l I-BUILD

Subscriptions: You can subscribe to receive i-build each month free of charge at i-buildmagazine.com/subscribe

The wood burning stove perfected STOCKISTS THROUGHOUT THE UK CLEARVIEW SHOWROOMS Ludlow, Stow-on-the-Wold & Whitchurch Manufactured at More Works, Bishops Castle, Shropshire SY9 5GB Brochure Line 01588 650123 www.clearviewstoves.com

Desired Designs

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© Content by Terence Conran

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Autumnal retreat

In autumn months, you may enjoy blustery woodland walks or prefer to batten down the hatches with a warming log fire and hot chocolate.

How ever you choose to spend this season, your home can be transformed into a perfect autumnal, cosy retreat with just a handful of simple, but effective, furnishings.

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o create the perfect environment for autumn, your first consideration will be some kind of heat source.

You may have given this plenty of thought before you even began your self-build project. Woodburning stoves or open log fires are the go-to sources of heating – not only do they provide energy efficient heating all year round but aesthetically, they tick all the boxes. There are numerous suppliers on the market with products which suit a variety of needs. When it comes to colour and tone, reds, browns and oranges are instant ways to inject a sense of autumn into your interior scheme. These can be implemented using cushions and throws for instance. Woodland animals, tartan and earthy textures are widely accessible throughout high street and high-end home stores, but depending on your budget, you may want to think carefully about which items are worth the heftier price tags. Lastly, scents are a great way to fill your home with this loved season. Candles, wax melts and reed diffusers are inexpensive but highly effective to create that sought-after cosy scene.

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1 Rusty Red Woodland Fire Bowl Globe, £389, The Farthing

2 Lambswool Coral Parquet Throw, £109, Bronte By Moon

3 Studio Rug|Himba 2,

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£POA, Rug’Society

4 Matches Bottle,

£10.95, Annabel James

5 Camel Stewart Tartan Cushion, £39.95, Annabel James

6 Hedgerow Berries Reed Diffuser,

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£25, Sophie Allport

7 Small Square Basket, £45, Garden Trading

8 Elzora Chalk White Ceramic Candle, £10, Habitat

9 Deva Velvet Cushion in Rust, £59, Abode Living

10 Pheasant, Fox & Rabbit Doorstop Set, £54, Red Candy

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£89.99

2. Deer In The Forest Wall Sticker:

Black And Grey With Gold Birds, £119.99

3. Leafy Trees Wall Sticker: White With Orange Birds, £104.99

4. Urban Forest: White Trees With

Desired Designs

1. Winter Trees Wall Sticker White,

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Gold Birds, £104.99

4 2 3

Zazous

Zazous is an exciting lifestyle webstore specialising in striking large scale wall stickers and wallpaper murals, retro inspired vinyl flooring and quality reproductions of Eames and Panton style furniture.

i-build loves...

Autumn leaves Fill your home with zero-maintenance blooms and foliage this autumn for added warmth and colour.

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1. Artificial Blueberry And Pinecones Stem, Marquis & Dawe, £5 2. Artificial Eucalyptus Spray X3 Stems, AUDENZA, £25 3. X 3 Faux Pink Amaranthus Spray, AUDENZA, £24.95 4. Pink Faux Monstera Potted Plant, AUDENZA, £58

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Desired Designs

What’s in store?

Whether you want to have your prized possessions on show or tucked away out of sight, storage solutions should be vital items on your shopping list of furnishings. Here, i-build rounds up its favourite pieces for ultimate organisation.

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©Lime Lace

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Bed in a box

Vintage finish

The Alison Bed in a Box gives you the option of a sturdy spare bed that can then be folded away into a stylish upholstered box.

Brilliant for stashing stationery supplies, tidying away shoes or filling with fluffy towels next to the tub, the Mish Mesh storage solution is your flexible friend.

www.livingitup.co.uk

www.loaf.com

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2

Luxe storage

Versatile shelving

This set of two baskets is made from natural rattan. Longlasting and durable, Hadid’s a smart investment. It is finished with a soft grey wash to maximise its natural look.

www.johneadon.co.uk

The TRELLIS Shelving is a handcrafted modular shelving system which can be extended with the addition of extra uprights and arches.

www.made.com

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Chic solution The Henley sideboard brings a sense of space and light to any room. The shuttered doors and triangular legs provide an aesthetically pleasing sculpture. www.contentby terenceconran.co.uk

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Another level This unique coffee table opens up to create a multi-level table, great for resting your laptop on if you need to do some work or to serve up afternoon tea in style. www.cuckooland.com

Design with daylight, Ž design with VELUX Let VELUX help you design the most comfortable homes for your customers – flooded with daylight and fresh air.

From initial design to site handover, we will support you every step of the way.

Get in touch with us at velux.ie/housebuilders to discover how VELUX can provide a tailored solution for your business.

The highest burglary resistance class in the roof window market

Viewpoint

How to value a building plot

Mark Stevenson, Managing Director of Potton, shares his comments on how to value a building plot and provides a formula for the valuation method.

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hat the market will pay for a plot is highly variable. Good plots in prime locations are hard to come by and therefore when they hit the market, some will pay more in order to grasp the opportunity of building their own home.

The valuation process is highly sensitive to understanding the variables. Whilst we may all understand that different size houses, with differing architectural styles all have different values, knowing what could be approved and understanding the cost of building can be difficult to figure out which can significantly affect plot valuation.

It’s best to first understand the valuation method in a little more detail and how it applies in practice. The basic calculation, known as the residual valuation method is: Plot Value = end value – development costs – desired equity.

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The idea is that you establish what the proposed home when finished is worth and then progressively identify and deduct all the costs involved in designing and building the house. What’s left is a surplus which provides for the desired development profit or equity and of course what you need to buy the plot.

This is essentially its valuation. The calculation is simple but unfortunately is sensitive to many variables which is where valuation difficulties arise. The issues which should be carefully considered when calculating a plot value are:

End value

Plot valuations should always start with understanding the end value of what you intend to build. The trick here is working out what the plot will support and what the local planning authority (LPA) will approve. Once a clear vision of what’s possible has been

established, working out its end value is fairly straight forward; research the local market or ask an estate agent to value your proposals.

Development cost

These cover all the costs of building your home from professional fees to finishes and everything in between. Understanding what should be included and the level of cost involved is a challenge for even the most experienced self-builder. This is probably where builders have the advantage over selfbuilders as they have a better understanding and the experience necessary to identify and reduce building costs thereby increasing their profit of what they could potentially offer for the land. Things to consider here would include:

Design services

This covers the professional support you will require to ensure the house is designed in accordance with planning requirements and building regulations. To figure out what should be allowed, you have two principle choices: 1) Put together a wide ranging team of professionals and build up a cost 2) Work with a package company such as Potton who include most of the professional fees as part of their package.

Viewpoint

purcha

Left: What the market will pay for a plot is highly variable Above: Valuing a plot is all about figuring out the costs and then deducting these from the end value

Build costs

Identifying the expected build cost is possibly the most important part of calculating the plot valuation as it’s the biggest slice of the cake and most likely to suffer different views.

Ideally, build costs should be based on actual quotations but as this isn’t possible at the plot buying stage, alternative information must be used. You can use online cost calculators but be warned, these can be too generalised and probably overstate the build costs which will have a negative effect on the plot valuation.

Route to build

Depending upon your preferred route to build, it’s possible to reduce build cost thereby finding you can afford to pay more for the plot. Using a turnkey contractor may be the most convenient build route however, little things such as overheads and profits will increase costs negatively impacting on plot valuation.

Fees

There will be a plethora of fees that must be paid to be able to develop the plot. These will range from planning fees to surveys and investigations as well as taxes such as stamp duty and CIL (community infrastructure levy).

Allowances also need to be included for site

insurances and warranty provision. The selfbuilder has the advantage when it comes to fees as they are exempt from CIL which can cost tens of thousands.

Site abnormals

Broadly speaking, the cost of building the same home from one plot to another is the same – there are some regional cost differences, but this principle rings true. What changes from plot to plot are what’s known as the site abnormals, which are the costs associated with the specific issues unique to that plot. Examples of abnormals would be excessive foundations or expensive services connections or maybe dealing with on-site demolition or contamination etc.

Contingency

Valuing a plot is all about figuring out the costs and then deducting these from the end value.

Unfortunately, not every cost can be identified and therefore an allowance must be made for unforeseen costs which are known as a contingency. Generally speaking, contingency allowances should range between 5% and 10% of the construction cost, depending upon the complexity of the project and the due diligence you have done in understanding and dealing with potential plot problems.

Level of specification and individualism

The personalisation of a plot to increase the quality of the finish and functionality of a house can prove to be both a good and bad thing in terms of plot valuation. Always try to think about the impact of individualism and whether the features you crave really do add value or compromise the plot valuation by increasing costs.

Equity

This is the profit you expect to make from your efforts in developing the plot. Unfortunately, the level of equity is subjective and whilst some see this as essential (builders and the like), others really aren’t that interested in profitability as the opportunity to build a unique home is sufficient reward for the trouble involved. This means that those who are not concerned with profit will not deduct an allowance and consequently will pay more for the plot, driving up its value.

Now we’ve explained the plot valuation process, you can now get on with valuing your plot accordingly. Remember however, the unwritten rule of valuations is one of perspective and different people will have different objectives meaning plot valuation is not an exact science.

www.potton.co.uk

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Urban Sanctuary

A home for all the family

With Anya, Robin and their four boys fast outgrowing their house in North London, in order to stay in the area that was ideal for both school and work they decided to explore the option of demolishing it and building a new home on the same plot so didn’t have to leave the street they loved.

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oving locally would have incurred huge costs in stamp duty and although their site was relatively compact, there was precedent on the tree-lined street for a larger property to be built which would help justify the cost of the build. Having engaged a local architect to draw up some initial plans for a very complex brief, they began to lose confidence that the traditional house construction process would be able to deliver such a technically challenging project on time and on budget.

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Having found out about Facit Homes by word of mouth, they instantly liked the idea of a professional, technology-based company that would take responsibility for the entire project and offer increased clarity alongside reduced risk. “It was incredibly enjoyable, and at times fun, to realise this fantasy home that we had been dreaming of. Facit Homes buffered all the stress, making sure I was given choices rather than dead ends. The team is intelligent, quick to respond and always at the end of a phone line,� said Anya Arrow.

Urban Sanctuary Knowing that the site was within a Conservation Area, pre-application advice from the council established that Anya’s desired Georgian architectural style would not be acceptable to the planners amongst the mix of Edwardian and post-war stock, but suggested that the building should be of its time. Anya and Robin were amenable to a contemporary design that referenced the traditional vernacular but put a lot of importance on making sure it felt like ‘home’.

On the double-fronted elevation, the use of gable end pitched roofs and a modern take on bay windows combines reassuringly traditional elements with a contemporary look.

The ground floor is clad in hard-wearing, glass reinforced concrete panels detailed to look like cut stone, with a smooth render above giving a clean aesthetic.

Above left: The family now has all the space they need as the boys continue to grow Far left: Anya brought her own personal touch to the interiors, creating an elegant and warm family home Above: The use of gable end pitched roofs and a modern take on bay windows combines reassuringly traditional elements with a contemporary look

Increasing the gross internal area from 200m2 to 475m2, giving the family plenty more space, was a big challenge and meant digging out a basement and adding a third floor within the roof. Set back behind the gables, which help reduce the visual mass presented to the street, a geometrically complex flat roof cleverly appears providing more habitable space to the rear.

The digital manufacturing of the Facit Chassis allowed the homeowners to work the design in to the ideal form and still produce a super-insulated, high-performance building envelope. A high water table in the area meant that creating the basement required the use of steel sheet piles, driven in to the ground to retain the earth and keep out the water.

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Urban Sanctuary

Urban Sanctuary

Far left: To the rear is a large kitchen with full length bi-fold doors opening on to the garden Below far left: The kitchen is the hub of the home, a place for the kids to do their homework as well as for the family to cook and eat together Left: The first floor houses the master bedroom, with en-suite along with three large bedrooms, bathrooms and a study Below left: The basement houses a swimming pool for the kids to play in

Upon arrival, a generous double-height hallway greets you with a bespoke metal balustrade running up through the central staircase. To the rear is a large kitchen with full length bi-fold doors opening on to the garden. It is the hub of the home, a place for the kids to do their homework as well as for the family to cook and eat together.

A more formal dining area connects directly to the kitchen creating a light, open plan feel but can be closed off for more intimate occasions with full height pocket doors that slide out from the wall.

At the front, a tranquil sitting room runs down one side to the kitchen and is mirrored on the other side by a cosy TV room. All the main spaces flow in to one another, but are able to be separated off when the situation demands giving the family lots of flexibility. Finally, a side entrance for those with muddy boots opens on to an area with lots of storage for coats and a cloakroom.

The basement houses a swimming pool for the kids to play in, with a strip of walk-on rooflights above along one side bringing in natural light, and a hot tub for their parents to relax in. A secret stair leads directly up in to the garden, so the pool can be used to cool off in summer months. A gym, changing room, utility room and plant room (containing MVHR, air handling unit for the pool room, boiler and security system) complete the layout along with the all important wine fridges tucked under the stairs.

On the first floor is the master bedroom, with en-suite, dressing room and a balcony overlooking the garden, along with three large bedrooms, bathrooms and a study. Up on the top floor there are a further two en-suite bedrooms and lots of storage in the eaves spaces to the front.

The family now has all the space they need as the boys continue to grow, all within a low energy home that has been designed around their lifestyle. Anya brought her own personal touch to the interiors, creating an elegant and warm family home that they are all very much enjoying.

www.facit-homes.com

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Contracts & Legalities

Build cost: Getting it right for self-build insurance

In this article, Protek Self Build discusses why getting your build cost right when arranging self-build insurance cover on your project can make a huge difference to recovering from a serious loss.

Danger of under-insuring your self-build project

When completing a self-build insurance policy proposal form, your budget (the theoretical build cost) will be prevalent in your mind as it’s what you intend to build the project for. But beware, because this is when you need to think hard about what would happen if you are hit by a serious loss.

At Protek, we always ask the customer to provide us with a Professional Reinstatement Cost.

That is; the amount of money it would cost to professionally reinstate the project using a main contractor, should it be destroyed by a fire say two days prior to completion. The reason for this is simple; if the customer insures for their expected build cost, it will be a lot less than the cost of using a main contractor (that is the inherent attraction of self-build after all) and not enough to rebuild quickly from a major catastrophe.

Sadly this under-insurance problem doesn’t raise its head until a catastrophic loss hits, then the self-builder can quickly find themselves without sufficient funds to get the property rebuilt quickly using professionals. Instead they will be faced with the fact that costs have escalated during the build, they may have zero spare financial resources but will need to self-build the whole project again on a very limited budget.

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The problem is exasperated when the project involves an existing structure. A barn conversion will need cover for the professional reinstatement cost of the existing retained elements as well as all the new conversion works and these can be quite difficult to assess.

All these factors can put a huge strain on the self-builder, but are easily averted through professional assessment of the correct reinstatement cost.

How to work out the correct build cost for your sum insured

Your sum insured should be carefully chosen to reflect the gross cost of professional labour and materials together with the costs for site clearance, debris removal and professional fees. If you have a turnkey price from building contractor for your project this will be a good indicator on a new-build project, alternatively you could use a build cost calculator from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Before you use the calculator you’ll need to know your home’s external floor area for both upstairs and downstairs: this will give you the rebuilding cost per square metre. There are limits to using the rebuild cost calculator as it doesn’t work on every build method.

If there is an existing element forming part of your project, then this will need to be considered very carefully and it’s advisable to use a building surveyor who will be able to fully assess the hidden cost of rebuilding – especially if the property is listed.

In some situations a self-builder’s build cost could be as much as 30% cheaper than a professional reinstatement and while Protek Self Build cover provides an element of automatic increase in sum insured, this can be quickly wiped out as the project goes over budget. For this reason you should reassess your reinstatement cost regularly during the build.

In the grand scheme of things, the effect of reinstatement cost on the premium shouldn’t be your focus. If you suffer a loss and are found to be under-insured by say 50%, your claim can be reduced by 50% (being the amount of underinsurance) which could result in a bad situation becoming much worse.

It’s important to bear in mind that rebuild costs have absolutely nothing to do with the land value or the market value of a property upon completion. If your mortgage lender asks you to insure for the market value of the completed property, then it’s worth pulling them up on it.

Protek Self Build provides self-build insurance cover and 10-year structural warranty products to the self-build market.

www.protekselfbuild.co.uk

BUILDING TRULY BESPOKE TIMBER FRAMED HOMES SINCE 1929 Award-winning self-build specialists Insulation options from 0.10–0.18 W/m2K Nationwide architectural partners Oak framing options/oak hybrid systems Part or full project management optional FAST CONSTRUCTION

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Impressive Innovation

Here: This house was redesigned for a recently married couple, an architect and restaurant owner Below: A vertical green wall was created in the courtyard, bringing nature into the house Right: The architects selected large glass panels to be installed throughout

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Centre of attention

his house was redesigned for a recently married couple, an architect and restaurant owner, who enjoy hosting guests.

The main goal for the house was for it to fully integrate into the surrounding environment and gain amplitude, given that the original house was old, small, and segmented.

Perfect for entertaining

The redesigned space is bright and airy and includes an open plan kitchen and a garden, providing areas that can be enjoyed with friends.

The complete overhaul of the semi-detached house on both sides was possible through the elimination of the service corridor to integrate that

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Designed by the architect duo Amanda Castro and Giovana Giosa, from Studio AG, this house in SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil has been completely transformed to create an idyllic home with a unique light-filled courtyard at its core.

space into the new layout. Additionally, this called even more for light and ventilation to be integrated into the home through alternative sources. An inner courtyard was created to function as a light source, and, to further increase the amount of natural light, the eaves from the back of the house were removed.

Green living

A vertical green wall was created in the courtyard, bringing nature into the house, and the glass walkway installed on the upper level provides an opportunity for its enjoyment across both ground and upper floors. The overhaul of the original house required some structural reinforcements, and therefore a sequence of metal beams was installed postdemolition to support the old walls, all while revealing the original skeleton of the house.

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Impressive Innovation

Impressive Innovation

The architects comment: “Together with the clients, we decided to expose the new beams and highlight the juxtaposition of the original segmented floorplan and the newly-designed space.

“By re-conceptualising the vertical spaces in the house, we were able to transform the two bedrooms on the upper floor into two suites.”

Planning ahead

Amanda and Giovana continue: “There was no immediate need for an additional room, nonetheless we decided to plan ahead for that possibility. Thus, we left at the upper deck the infrastructure needed to be possibly reconfigured into a third suite. This was deemed viable through the existence of the courtyard, generating additional illuminated surfaces.

“To ensure optimal light and good ventilation, we selected large glass panels to be installed throughout with the front and inner courtyard forming a cross ventilation shaft, allowing for there to be generous air exchange across.”

Subtle colourways

“We chose a light colour scheme throughout the house in order for natural light to be reflected and to create a brighter ambiance throughout all areas of the home. We opted for tile floors on the ground floor in order to facilitate cleaning and maintenance,” adds the architect duo.

“The laundry, powder room, and pantry are clad with American oak in order to bring warmth to the room given that the rest of the home is light coloured and has smooth coatings.

“The interior design sought to explore different textures such as straw, steel, stone, wood, and vibrant fabrics, in order to counterbalance the minimalist architecture. Additionally, we prioritised the use of materials with thermal and acoustic insultation, in view of the high noise pollution in the area, and to create a microclimate in the middle of a bustling city center.”

www.studioag.arq

Top left: The interior design sought to explore different textures such as straw, steel, stone, wood, and vibrant fabrics Top right: An inner courtyard was created to function as a light source, and, to further increase the amount of natural light Right: Studio AG chose a light colour scheme throughout the house in order for natural light to be reflected Middle right: The overhaul of the original house required some structural reinforcements Far right: The redesigned space includes an open plan kitchen that can be enjoyed with friends

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Impressive Innovation

i-build

Leave waterproofing to the experts Stuart McGinlay, Structural Waterproofing Designer at Wise Basement Systems, explains why approaching a self-build requires waterproofing consideration.

O

ne couple in the West of Scotland had a dream: to build their own home and live in it. Mr & Mrs Smith found their spot by Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, tucked away in a scenic coastal area with a view of the famous Lighthouse and the Irish Sea in Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway.

They designed the house together, and wanted to be project managers, so they could closely oversee the build and ensure their personal touch ran throughout the stages of construction.

Self-building a home can often be costeffective, saving money over time – especially if you employ the contractors yourself. The Home Builders Federation estimates the average self-build home to be £146,000 if you employ builders (£84,000 if you can do the work without contractors).

House prices on the coast of Scotland can reach £342,346 according to a report by the Bank of Scotland last year, so if you have the time, the will and the way, then a self-build is an attractive option.

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Waterproofing is a must for any type of construction project, but if the plot of land is by the sea then unique jobs often become paramount to ensure the premises don’t have any issues with water ingress in their basement. For example, Mr & Mrs Smith’s self-build was in a hilly area where rain water would run down the bank, and of course an oceanic climate exposes a home to all of the elements.

The Stranraer job

The Chartered Institute of Building states that 75% of building failure is the result of water ingress – with failures leading to structural problems, mould, corrosion and other moisture-related issues such as dry rot. Managing this element of construction isn’t something the Smiths wanted to risk, so they called in the experts to look at what could be done to their property.

Wise Basement Systems offered full consultancy at each of the waterproofing stages for the client to sign off and fully guaranteed upon completion. External waterproofing and a drainage system was first required for the

standalone house, before an installation of what is called an ‘internal Type C Newton 500 system’.

Once the builders have built the house itself then Wise Basement Systems will return again to finish waterproofing the outer building.

What do I need to know?

The National House-Building Council (NHBC) consistently reviews its guidance and requirements around structural waterproofing.

Its published standards make it clear that any waterproofing project must include early input from a waterproofing design specialist.

There are three grades of protection when it comes to waterproofing, which are based on the intended use of the property. Homes typically fall into Grade 3 protection, which means they must maintain a completely dry environment with adequate ventilation.

This level of protection will ensure damp cannot penetrate the living area of the building.

It must always be remembered, that once a basement is water tight, any moisture created by occupancy needs removal by suitable ventilation, otherwise condensation can become an issue.

We always recommend getting a Property Care Association (PCA) qualified Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) involved in any new-build or conversion project. Not only is it the best way to minimise risk, but they will help you to understand the costs of waterproofing – which can represent a significant proportion of the total costs. This is particularly true if the property requires structural support to accept a new basement or update an existing basement.

i-build

Types of waterproofing

In any below ground space that falls into Grade 3 and/or high-risk environments, two different types of waterproofing systems are recommended, in-line with the NHBC’s Chapter 5.4 (2015) standard. The three types of waterproofing systems defined by BS8102:2009 ‘Code of Practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground’ are: Type A: This provides a barrier against groundwater and water ingress by surrounding the external walls, floor (and roof) with a waterproof material – literally creating a barrier between water and the structure. This can be applied either internally or externally to the concrete/masonry structure.

Type B: Relies upon the design and materials incorporated into the reinforced concrete structure itself. It is important that all joint detailing is robust and the concrete correctly compacted, as leaks later are very difficult to fix.

Type C: The masonry structure provides the primary resistance to water ingress. Type C systems use a cavity allowing groundwater seepage to reach the drain, while internal surfaces are protected by a cavity drain membrane, with all joints and junctions correctly lapped and sealed. It involves adequately disposing of water, either by gravity, or through a sump and pump to a suitable outlet. This must be designed with adequate access points for servicing and maintenance, and a one-way valve to prevent backflow.

When pumps are required it is recommended that two are installed, alongside battery backup and alarms, as the cost of flooding, should there be faults or power cuts, outweigh the expenditure and provide peace of mind.

Final words

Given the complexity of waterproofing a building, a design specialist should always be involved as early as possible. Getting the process wrong can lead to the building’s structural integrity being compromised and therefore cost you more in repair and damages later on in the building’s life. Best advice is to get in touch with a waterproofing expert at the earliest stage, which will then leave you free to get on with the exciting bit – the design and decor of your new space.

www.wisebasementsystems.com

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i-nterior

34% of people think underfloor heating is more expensive than radiators when in fact it can provide considerable longterm cost savings

The heat is on

Why aren’t more people using underfloor heating in their self-build projects? David Playfoot, Segment Manager at Uponor, explores further.

W

hen working on any self-build, renovation or extension project, ensuring that each room is kept at an optimal temperature at all times is a crucial consideration. This can be efficiently achieved by installing underfloor heating which not only ensures heat is evenly distributed, but can also reduce energy bills, add value to a property and provide more creative freedom due to an absence of radiators.

However, despite the benefits of underfloor heating, Uponor research revealed that two fifths of homeowners would not be able to confidently consider it as an option in their property as they’re too confused about the different products and

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systems available. With underfloor heating representing an ideal option within new builds or as part of an extension or renovation, David Playfoot, Segment Manager at Uponor, provides some of the much needed details.

Available options

“When working on a new build or extension project, the most efficient underfloor heating method is known as solid screed. This option involves installing pipework into the floor during the construction stage and must be included within the initial design plans. Once the pipes are in place, a fast-drying cement is added on top, creating a solid floor which can be finished with a wide range of flooring types.

“Some of the confusion surrounding underfloor heating arises when it comes to renovation projects. Our research, for example, found that 32% of homeowners mistakenly believe that the floors of a property must be excavated in order to have underfloor heating installed. However, if you are working on a renovation project where you want to avoid digging up the floor, there are low-profile underfloor heating solutions available which are only 15mm thick and can be fitted on top of existing screed in just three days.”

Common misconceptions

“As well as the confusion over which method is most suitable, a lack of accurate information and misinformation has led to a number of myths surrounding the use of underfloor heating. For example, our research revealed that 34% of people think underfloor heating is more expensive than radiators when in fact it can provide considerable

long-term cost savings. This is because underfloor heating gives the same heat output as radiators at a lower temperature, meaning running costs are often much lower.

And when coupled with renewable energies like air source heat pump the saving can be even bigger.

“Another common and incorrect myth surrounding underfloor heating is that it only works downstairs. In fact, wherever underfloor heating is required within a property, there is a system available to suit. While a system fitted within the screed is common and most appropriate for ground-floor rooms, thinner overlay systems are ideal for retro-fits and upper floor installations.”

i-nterior

Underfloor heating gives the same heat output as radiators at a lower temperature

Get the facts on underfloor heating

“As already mentioned, adding underfloor heating to a property can make it more energy efficient, easier to design and more comfortable to live in. It is, however, crucial to ensure that you select the right option for your project. Our research has highlighted that many people are reluctant to install underfloor heating due to a lack of knowledge and misinformation surrounding it. To help with this, we’ve created the Tea Break Guide to Underfloor Heating, a quick source of information detailing all the underfloor heating essentials in just a quick five minute read.”

www.uponor.co.uk/ufhguide

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i-scape

Left: One of the best things about artificial grass is how cheap and easy it is to clean Far left: Unlike real grass, fake grass doesn’t require watering in summer to stay looking lush

Save water in summer

Unlike real grass, fake grass doesn’t require watering in summer to stay looking lush, although you may need to give it the occasional hose down to wash away dust or, if you have pets, wee or poo. This makes it more ecofriendly than real grass lawns, especially when temperatures are soaring.

(Almost) no weeds

One of the reasons that plants are so prolific is that they can germinate in even the tightest spaces. However, the relatively shallow depth of artificial lawns makes it far more difficult for weeds to take hold, and far easier to remove when they do.

Look good all year round

Five reasons to invest in artificial grass For many garden owners, this year’s extreme weather conditions may be the final straw. Periods of intense sun interspersed with torrential downpours have caused lawns to experience an extreme growth spurt, meaning that maintaining a neat lawn has sometimes required more than one outing a week for the lawnmower.

W

hilst this increase in garden work could be seen by some as a good way to keep fit, for people who find mowing the lawn difficult, the thought of another summer of extra grass maintenance may be too much to bear.

While the nuclear solution would be simply to pave over the grass, this may not appeal to garden owners who enjoy the natural look and lush feel of a well-tended lawn. For those who enjoy the appearance of grass, but not the maintenance that goes with it, artificial grass may offer a solution to your turfing needs.

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In the past, fake grass carried with it the unfortunate stigma of associations with astroturf and greengrocers’ displays, but design and manufacturing changes in recent years have made enough of a difference to suggest that artificial lawns are worth a second look.

There are several benefits to artificial lawns: No more mowing

While fake grass does look extremely realistic, it doesn’t grow, which means those investing in an artificial lawn can finally put that old Flymo on eBay. Heavy use can leave it looking flat, but a quick brush with a stiff broom is enough to get the blades standing up straight again.

While heatwaves can leave lawns looking parched and scrubby, and long wet seasons can turn them into waterlogged bogs, artificial lawns are designed to maintain a smart appearance all year round.

Many types of fake grass are UV resistant, which means they keep their colour and do not fade in the sun. Furthermore, by employing infill materials such as silica sand as a substitute for soil, and with the inclusion of a drainage base beneath, artificial lawns allow water to soak away easily, preventing waterlogging.

Easy maintenance

One of the best things about artificial grass is how cheap and easy it is to clean. All you need is a plastic-toothed rake and a stiff broom to tidy up any garden rubbish such as leaves or twigs that collect on the surface. A quick rinse with a hose will wash away any dirt that the rain doesn’t take care of, and if you find a smelly patch left over from pet mess, a mix of baking powder and vinegar in water will banish it in short order.

Artificial grass is not for everyone, but for those who would rather leave the gardening to Monty Don, they are a great way to do away with laborious garden work while retaining a pleasant and natural-looking lawn.

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Rainwater Management

Oundle House underwent a complete transformation worth £1.5m, including the installation of Alumasc’s Infinity galvanised steel rainwater system

Alumasc provides the perfect finish

Steel is lightweight, will not crack or corrode

Oundle House started life as a pretty standard Peterborough home, with a basic render finish and failing white plastic guttering. It then underwent a complete transformation worth £1.5m, including the installation of Alumasc’s Infinity galvanised steel rainwater system, helping to create a truly stunning home.

T

he refurbishment project, which took a year to complete, involved a complete redesign of the original hipped roof which saw it transformed into a series of gable ends with six dormer windows. The challenge for contractors was to reconstruct these windows so that the new gutters and downpipes could be installed in between each one, funnelling rainwater down towards the glass canopy.

Looking to enhance the look of the property and create a real showstopper, homeowner Steven Kilby was looking for a unique finishing touch that would also complement the anthracite windows and cathedral board.

His materials supplier, Buildbase in Thrapston, recommended Alumasc’s lightweight and stylish Infinity steel rainwater products. Alumasc visited

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the site and provided product samples for Steven to choose from.

Steven explained: “Infinity steel gutters and downpipes provide the perfect finish to the project.

“There were a few challenges – one being the guttering from the six new dormers, which drain on to the glass roof – but with help from Alumasc we came up with a great looking and cost-effective solution.

“Alumasc’s steel rainwater products were simple to use and easy to install, and have a 15year product warranty, giving peace of mind. The end result is a contemporary and seamless look that I couldn’t be happier with. The steel blends in well with the overall design but also manages to contribute that little extra to the main features of the house. It looks amazing!

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Rainwater Management

“The service and support from Alumasc were excellent too – I can’t fault them,” he concluded.

Demand for Infinity Steel Rainwater is growing rapidly in commercial and domestic markets as specifiers, contractors and property developers realise the many leading attributes of a metal system in not only design and style, but performance too.

Steel is lightweight, will not crack or corrode, requires little maintenance and resists thermal expansion. Infinity Steel Rainwater also benefits from ‘Robust’ – a unique and innovative polyester colour coating system that consists of three layers of protection against UV rays, scratching, and general wear such as shrinking, cracking or colour fade.

Infinity is available ex-stock in plain galvanised steel or in polyester pre-coated black, anthracite, grey and white. Additional colours are available to order.

www.alumascwms.co.uk Top: Homeowner Steven Kilby was looking for a unique finishing touch that would also complement the anthracite windows Left: Infinity steel gutters and downpipes provide the perfect finish to the project

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With over 30 years experience, we offer bespoke solutions for the domestic market across the South East. Feasibility can usually be determined upon receipt of a site postcode.

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Lighting & Electricals

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The smart eco home of the future From smart bed sheets that can modify temperature, to colour, fabric and shape-changing AI furniture, experts reveal what the Smart E-Home of the future could look like.

E

xperts have come together to visualise what the smart eco home – the Smart E-Home – of the future could look like, complete with smart toilets, living rooms which transform colour, texture and shape via voice-command, community-based electric vehicle car-pooling and living kitchens with hydroponic fruit and veg gardens.

Smart Energy GB, Go Ultra Low and a panel of experts passionate about the environment, engineering, architecture, futurology and electric vehicles, met to discuss the technologies evolving now which could mean that these innovations become a reality in the not too distant future.

Key components include:

Bed sheets which can be different temperatures according to bed partners’ individual preferences Smart cushions and furniture which change colour, fabric and texture using augmented reality, reducing the need to replace them when you redecorate Hydroponic indoor gardens which, with efficient light use, will mean we’ll have fresh vegetables to harvest in our own kitchens – these could take up as much space as a wall cabinet or bookshelf An electric vehicle charging station and vehicle – one giant battery for your home and energy for neighbourhood usage, with neighbourhood carpooling providing an alternative to public transport Bathrooms which track your health statistics in real-time Toilets which turn waste into fuel

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2 Smart meters, which are the building blocks of a smart energy grid, are a key part of this future. They will provide the grid with information to add more capacity when needed, change our electricity consumption patterns and make it easier to add electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines and heat pumps to the energy system.

Smart Energy GB also commissioned research which reveals that 70% of adults would like a more eco-friendly home, but two in 10 (20%) don’t know how to go about it and over two thirds (67%) think it’s too expensive. Despite this, 83% of Brits are interested in new technology which would make their homes greener.

The poll of 2000 adults revealed that owning a composting bin and energy efficient whitegoods, and having a smart meter and a water efficient showerhead installed, are just some of the small steps the nation is already taking to create a more sustainable way of living.

Looking to the future, Brits predict the Smart E-Home would have a giant battery to store energy from the sun and include windows which adapt to light to keep your home hot or cold without the need for heating or air conditioning.

Others anticipate a life where we can live entirely on recycled rainwater, or even having micro-turbines in homes to help generate energy (27%).

Image 2: Experts have come together to visualise what the smart eco home – the Smart E-Home – of the future could look like

Lighting & Electricals

Image 1: Smart Energy GB, Go Ultra Low and a panel of experts passionate about the environment met to discuss the technologies evolving now

Image 3: In future homes, we’ll be able to use augmented reality and smart furniture made from reconfigurable materials Image 4: Hydroponics will grow fresh salad and herbs, reduce the number of trips to shops while improving our diet

3 Dr Ian Pearson, Futurologist, comments: “The future will give us richer lives with a lower environmental impact. It’s encouraging to see adults will prioritise reducing their energy demand via smart windows, solar panels and paints, and small wind energy harvesters, and then using smart meters to allow any extra energy to be sourced from renewables.”

1000 children were also surveyed and agree with the experts that the future holds toilets which turn waste into fuel. Some youngsters also predict glass domes to capture energy from sunlight and even people living underwater.

And whilst both adults and children think that this home won’t be a reality for another 23 years, it’s not actually that far off at all. The small steps we are taking now, such as requesting a smart meter from our energy suppliers, will pave the way for the future Smart E-Home.

Dr Ian Pearson continues: “Making homes greener certainly won’t mean making them low tech. With the Smart E-Home, it will be possible for us to entirely redecorate our homes without buying new fixtures or fittings. Instead we’ll use augmented reality and smart furniture made from reconfigurable materials. Our homes will use renewable energy, stored in home batteries, and will make our lives easier. Hydroponics, for example, will grow fresh salad and herbs, reduce the number of trips to shops while improving our diet.

Special LED lighting will provide the colours of light that plants prefer, avoiding waste, and of course smart meters can provide the energy for this lighting when it is cheapest.

4 Smart thinking

“We know electric transport will grow rapidly in popularity, especially now that EV charging points will be compulsory in new-build homes.

Smart meters and smart charging will support this transition, helping us charge EVs with cheaper, greener energy. There might even be instances where you could get paid to charge your car when the power system needs us to use more power. This often happens when there is too much renewable energy on the system.

“Smart has to mean smart to the environment, smart in using new technology, and smart in how we control it.”

Robert Cheesewright, Director of Corporate Affairs, Smart Energy GB, concludes: “Smart meters are bringing the future into our homes today. They’re the first step to being in control of our energy use, of saving money by using energy more efficiently, and helping to create a smart energy grid.

“A smart grid makes it easier for us to draw on and store electricity when it’s less in demand, and then use it again when scarce or more expensive later in the day. Together, smart meters and a smart grid help to create a cleaner, greener Britain.”

www.smartenergygb.org/en/smartliving/the-smart-e-home-of-2030

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Paints, Coatings & Finishes

Left: The modern kitchen is complemented by Claypaint in Donkey Ride on the walls and Marbles on the ceiling Below: The lighter walls in this bedroom use Little Rascal Claypaint; Secret Room provides the feature wall and St John brightens the ceiling

Helping self-builders’ sustainable spec Many self-builders set out to build as sustainably as possible. When it comes to paint, one company specialises in sustainable specification but goes beyond that to deliver excellent performance and aesthetics.

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arthborn uses carefully selected ingredients and technologically advanced manufacturing processes.

No oils or acrylics means high breathability and no toxic emissions. Breathability is important, as walls sealed with conventional acrylic based paints are susceptible to moisture damage.

Earthborn’s range includes interior and exterior paint, specialist finishes for interior wood and furniture, wallpaper paste and primers.

Its flagship product is Claypaint, an exciting alternative to emulsion, which provides a distinctive, ultra matt finish with great covering power and performance. Containing no oils or acrylics, Claypaint is virtually VOC free and does not give off any toxic emissions. That means it is safer for the health of building occupants as well as the environment. It is Ecolabel approved.

Overhill Cottage

Coming to terms with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is never going to be easy. But one thing Steve Hudson and his wife Barbara agreed on early was that they would need to move into a house enabling ease of movement for Steve’s wheelchair.

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The search took several years; very few properties are fully wheelchair friendly. Eventually, the couple found a rural property for demolition to make room for a new, purpose-designed home.

The specification for Overhill Cottage, in Cheshire, included high levels of insulation, an air source heat pump, underfloor heating and several types of Earthborn breathable paint.

Steve and Barbara specified Earthborn Claypaint for most walls, except those in the sitting room and hall for which they chose Lifestyle emulsion. And on all the woodwork they used white Eggshell.

Barbara said: “The Earthborn colour palette is fabulous. It inspired us to use around 15 different shades. Most rooms have their own colour theme, such as Sunday Stroll in the sitting room, to complement the landscape views from the patio doors.”

Steve added: “It’s the texture of Claypaint that’s particularly appealing. The experienced painters were very impressed with Claypaint’s covering power and the texture was quite a talking point with them.”

Aside from the aesthetics of Earthborn paints, their formulation benefits Barbara’s health. She developed skin allergies a few years ago and wanted a paint that would not trigger them off.

Earthborn paints are made without oils or acrylics, so they are virtually VOC free. That means they do not give off any toxic emissions and are much better for the health of building occupants as well as the environment.

It also means there are none of the strong smells associated with oil based paints, so Steve and Barbara could move into their new home more quickly after painting.

Other Earthborn products include:

Lifestyle – durable, washable emulsion

Eggshell No 17 – interior wood finish with a silk sheen Eco Chic – creamy, clay based furniture paint Ecopro Emulsions and Eggshell – high performance, low odour alternatives Ecopro silicate masonry system – hardwearing, weatherproof, breathable alternative to modern masonry paints and traditional limewash.

Earthborn has an outstanding colour palette.

Bespoke shades can be developed through its nationwide network of stockists.

www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

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Project Safety

Regularly vacuum dusty areas and even invest in a dust mask if you’re spending long periods in highly concentrated areas.

Plus, if you need to work through the winter, make sure to wear thermal underlayers and boots with proper grip. In windy and wet conditions, try to work with a partner who can watch over you and if weather conditions become too extreme, pack up for the day and wait for it to pass.

Visitor pass

Safety tips for homebuilding projects

The Government recently introduced changes to make self-builds more accessible. The plan is to increase new-build homes by 35%. With more people realising the benefits of self-build homes in affordability and customisation, Chris Pendrey, SHEQ Manager at Actavo Direct, offers a guide to construction safety for home-builders.

D

espite recent changes meaning all construction projects must now have a ‘principal contractor’ – including self-builds – many homebuilders still don’t focus on health and safety.

Self-builders who dip into projects as-andwhen often work in normal clothing, putting themselves in danger. For example, a loosefitting t-shirt can catch on powerful construction equipment, plus jewellery like watches and bracelets can also get caught on tools.

Remove all accessories before dealing with any equipment and keep clothes tight-fitting or tucked in to avoid injury.

Manage working conditions

If you’re spending long days on site, make sure you’ve got access to toilet and hot water facilities.

Dust and dirt can build up on construction sites and if you don’t clean your hands regularly, particularly before touching food, germs and bacteria can make you ill. If your home bathroom isn’t built yet, this may mean hiring a portaloo and making sure there’s a clean water supply.

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Home construction shouldn’t be treated any differently to a normal construction site – especially when it comes to visitors’ health.

Don’t let anyone enter the site of your home without proper protective gear and ensure to brief them on any potential risks if they need to walk through or access the site. Keep hard hats to hand and additional kit like hi-vis jackets and steel-toed boots should be worn by anyone who wants to take a look around.

Be aware of potential hazards, like objects falling or left lying around which could cause an incident. Attach netting above head height to catch any objects or loose materials that could fall and keep a checklist of all tools used and make sure they’re accounted for and kept in a safe place before you leave each day.

Eyes and ears

Vision and hearing damage are among the most common construction injuries, but people tend not to notice as the symptoms gradually increase over time.

Noises over 120 decibels can cause hearing damage and a standard power drill is likely to produce up to 130 decibels. Long days of drilling are tough on your ears so invest in protective headphones to block out noise. 85 decibels is the threshold to wear hearing protection.

Also, be aware basic work like sanding, cutting and dry sweeping can produce high concentrations of dust, which can cause breathing problems if inhaled. If you’re going to be working in particularly dusty areas for hours at a time, get a pair of goggles to protect your eyes.

Take your time

Top: Don’t let anyone enter the site of your home without proper protective gear

Research shows 92% of incidents are a result of workers not taking the time to do tasks properly.

Rushing construction is dangerous, but when working on your home project, the temptation can often be to get things done as quickly as possible.

Above: Research shows 92% of incidents are a result of workers not taking the time to do tasks properly

www.actavodirect.com

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Homebuilding & Renovating Show Harrogate Preview

Homebuilding show to re-build property ambitions

The popularity of self-build in the Northern region has hit at an all-time high, according to recent research by Insulation Express, with several cities in the region offering plots for between £128,000 and £388,000[1].

T

he journey from plot to pad can be plain sailing as the Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be returning to Harrogate Convention Centre from 1 to 3 November 2019 with practical advice, products and services to help consumers fulfil their property aspirations.

The event, sponsored by Korniche, a marketleading manufacturer of aluminium roof products, will grant visitors access to a wealth of industry know-how via 500+ advice sessions and 35+ free daily masterclasses on themes from myths on underfloor heating to choosing the right building contractor.

In addition, over 240+ exhibitors will showcase their latest products and services from an array of industries including architecture; design; financial topics; kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; lighting; heating; ventilation; planning permission and much more.

Regardless of the stage of a home improvement project, attendees can gain credible professional support and expertise on

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all things self-build and renovation over the three days. They will be able to find cutting-edge information on a wide range of topics including renovating, building your own home, extensions and conversions, eco and heating, doors and windows, and more, discussed extensively by experts at over 12 free daily seminars and 35 masterclasses.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art products and services from over 240 national and local brands. In addition, they will be able to engage with actual case studies on location to discover the most common challenges when embarking on a selfbuild project.

Home improvers who are eager to run their ideas past industry-leading property experts are encouraged to visit the Ask the Expert area inside The Advice Centre, sponsored

by Internorm, Europe’s leading windows and doors manufacturer. Experts include Director of Content and Product Development for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, Michael

Above left: Home improvers are encouraged to visit the Ask the Expert area inside The Advice Centre Above: Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art products and services from over 240 national and local brands

Holmes; Editorial Director of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, Jason Orme; Planning Expert Sally Tagg; Building Expert Bob Branscombe; and Self-Build Expert Allan Corfield.

This area will also house the Ask the Builder zone, where members of the Federation of Master Builders will dish out tips to visitors on hiring accredited construction workers. For those keen to find out more about the design, planning and construction process, the Ask the Architect area in The Advice Centre is an essential spot whereby chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) will offer tailored advice and support via one-on-one consultations.

A key stage of tackling a home improvement project is obtaining planning permission. Sally Tagg and her team of experts from Foxley Tagg will provide updated information on current regulations and laws and finding a logical path to deliver the outcome desired.

One-day tickets are £8 in advance or £12 on the door and two-day tickets are £12 in advance and £16 on the door (children under 16 go free).

www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/ harrogate [1] https://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/blog/uksbiggest-self-build-opportunities/

QUALITY DECKING & CLADDING

OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS

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www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 Round Wood | Newick Lane | Mayfield | East Sussex | TN20 6RG

ÖÖD HOUSES

Product Guide

Here: Choosing to use timber as a means to construct new homes is a significant step towards building more sustainably Below: English Brothers is not like most timber frame manufacturers – it only produces one-off bespoke timber frames

The perfect partner for your timber frame Timber frame is just one of many types of construction. However, it is arguably the most flexible, efficient and sustainable method. At English Brothers, the company takes those key benefits of timber frame construction and uses them to maximum advantage.

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imber frame specialist, English Brothers combines expertise and knowledge of self-build, the very latest design and engineering technology coupled with the benefit of good old-fashioned experience (you can’t buy that off the shelf) and tops it off with a large helping of customer service.

As a manufacturer, the company takes its environmental responsibility very seriously.

Choosing to use timber as a means to construct new homes is already a significant step towards building more sustainably that would otherwise be the case. It’s obvious why. Timber comes from trees, and as trees grow they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen at the same time. Plus, the more trees that are used the more that are planted, and the more CO2 is absorbed.

Apart from the environmental benefits, there are plenty of other reasons to use timber frame for your self-build project. The frame is an engineered product, carefully designed and

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manufactured to ensure it can be delivered, erected and made watertight and secure very quickly.

Your build programme is less likely to be affected by adverse weather conditions than traditional masonry construction so continuity is improved, and this means you are far more likely to move into your new home on time.

Overall construction time is reduced too, sometimes by up to two months but a more realistic expectation is one month.

Timber frame construction also allows you plenty of flexibility when it comes to thermal performance.

If you choose an English Brothers timber frame, not only do you have virtually an infinite choice when it comes to thermal performance, but you can also choose the type of insulation you want to use.

Then there’s the cost savings which are two-fold: overall budget savings and reduced running costs. Timber framed construction is almost always less expensive than other forms

of mainstream construction. You will also save money when it comes to heating your home.

Building with timber frame means you have lots of options when it comes to thermal performance, but even using a fairly standard insulated timber frame system you’ll achieve excellent u-values and airtightness meaning you’ll need to put less heat into your new home to keep it warm.

English Brothers is not like most timber frame manufacturers. It only produces one-off bespoke timber frames, so it has set up its factory to be flexible enough to meet the needs of its self-build clients rather than high outputs as demanded by the big developers.

By not conforming to the more commonly accepted principles of manufacturing it can quickly adapt to changes to specification and design. All of its timber frame panels are assembled by hand, by a very experienced team.

www.eb-bespoke.co.uk 01945 427985 customerservices@englishbrothers.co.uk

Product Guide

Technological advancements for stoves

Chris Baines, Managing Director of Mendip Stoves – the family run manufacturer of quality wood and multi-fuel stoves – comments on the latest technology for stoves.

Oak framed garage kits by Round Wood of Mayfield

If you’re looking for a traditional oak framed garage, you may want to consider the range of ‘Chippy’ kits offered by Round Wood of Mayfield.

Technology in stoves has moved towards greater efficiency in recent years.

Many stoves now have a sophisticated airwash system, where, once the fire is properly alight, preheated, secondary air is sourced from above the firebed, which ‘washes’ down the glass to provide the oxygen to keep the fire burning, which also has the effect of keeping the glass front clean.

Other stoves rely on tertiary air, which comes in at the back of the appliance, to re-ignite the remaining gas, which provides a much cleaner burn, with fewer emissions and a much higher efficiency.

A well insulated chamber means the firebox can burn at a higher temperature, again giving better combustion and the same eco-friendly credentials.

Finally, some stoves now come with catalytic converters – just like a car.

This honeycomb shaped metal, when up to temperature (approx. 200°C), will cause a chemical reaction, which converts the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, once again reducing particulates and unburnt carbon.

EcoDesign is a new standard, approved by European countries, including the UK, which is due to be implemented in 2022. However, many manufacturers, have pre-empted this standard, and now manufacture EcoDesign Ready stoves. These stoves have all been tested by an independent test laboratory, and will emit approximately 80% fewer particles than a stove manufactured 20 years ago, and approximately 90% fewer than an open fire. Along with burning very low (less than 20%) moisture wood, this will ensure that your stove is as eco-friendly as possible.

Finding the right frame to build an exciting new part of your home can be daunting but Chippy is a good place to start, as they offer set designs and give a good pricing indication.

They are also excellent value, available on short lead times and may be exempt from planning permission and building regulations.

The range comprises of 47 standard designs, from one to four bays, in a variety of roof profiles. Additional options of half-bays, log stores, and side aisles allow for most requirements to be catered for (although modifications are possible).

Prices start at just £2395 for a one-bay garage kit, including the 150mm oak post frame, as well as softwood studwork, rafters and weatherboard.

All buildings are traditionally crafted using curved braces and perfectly cut oak pegged, mortise and tenon joints. Only green oak is used, which contracts over time to provide further stability. Frames are pre-assembled in Round Wood’s workshop prior to dispatch to ensure fit and ease of build.

If you are looking to buy a ‘Chippy’ kit as part of a project and are a keen DIYer putting these kits together may be an appealing challenge. Alternatively, Round Wood of Mayfield’s qualified team offer groundwork, assembly, and roofing services for your one to four-bay garage.

Round Wood supplies Chippy products nationwide from its base just outside of Mayfield. In addition to oak framed buildings, the company offers hardwood decking, oak and walnut flooring, joinery products and garden features.

www.mendipstoves.co.uk info@eurostove.co.uk 01934 750500

www.oakframedgarages.co.uk sales@roundwood.com 01435 860260

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Product Guide

Here: Dik Geurts Ivar 8 wood stove Below: DRU Maestro 60/3 gas/ electric fire

How to transform your fireplace this autumn

Consumers are looking for ways to transform their existing fireplaces. And if they live in homes where there is no chimney, they are seeking solutions to create new fireplaces. Niall Deiraniya, General Manager of DRU Fires UK, explores further.

The passion for wood

Recently, wood has been the most popular choice for anyone installing a new fire or stove. It is a sustainable fuel and looks beautiful when it is burning.

A good example is the Dik Geurts Ivar, one of a series of compact stoves that will fit into an inglenook chimney or stand alone in many locations.

The Dik Geurts Modivar has a choice of log storage compartments and plinths to suit different styles of living space.

If you would prefer to install a wood fire, there are many models. The Dik Geurts Instyle/Prostyle series includes fires from 55cm to 1m wide.

The Spartherm range has single, two-sided, three-sided and tunnel versions. They also include electronic vertically sliding glass windows.

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The convenience of gas

Today’s gas fires generate a flame picture that is the equal of a real burning wood fire and are more energy efficient.

The Global by DRU range is available in a selection of sizes with conventional and balanced flue versions.

They also include the Global cavity wall gas fire, which fits inside the wall cavity.

The inspiration of design

The DRU Maestro range includes two-sided, three-sided and tunnel fires. They have a Dynamic Flame Burner, which creates high and dense flames.

The Maestro 60 is a gas fire with a unique ‘Summerlighting’ feature. You can switch it from gas to electric mode in the spring and summer.

Bioethanol – the green solution

An alternative fuel is bioethanol, an odourless, colourless liquid derived from renewable plants.

Bioethanol fires include built-in, table-top and freestanding models. The new Ebios Passo E bioethanol stove was recently voted Best Fireplace Suite (other fuels) at the Hearth & Home awards.

So, when transforming your fireplace this autumn do you convert the existing chimney or opt for a freestanding model? If you’re going to burn wood, how will you store it? If gas is your preferred option, do you want a classic fireplace or a contemporary model?

And finally, should you consider bioethanol?

Whatever your conclusion, you can create the fireplace of your dreams this autumn.

www.drufire.com 0161 793 8700

Manufactured to the same exacting standards as its award-winning bifold doors and sliding doors, IDSystems’ range of aluminium windows features the IDS300 slim, with incredibly narrow frames from just 59mm for opening windows and 33mm for fixed frames, and the hugely versatile IDS65 eco window which has the ability to create an almost infinite range of configurations. Available double glazed with minimal frame, the contemporary design of the IDS300 slim maximises the amount of glass, filling the rooms of your extension or self-build full of natural light. The IDS65 eco can be double or triple glazed and excels in its ability to create a consistent design approach, whatever the size and scale of the project.

idsystems.co.uk info@idsystems.co.uk 01603 258640

Achieve thermally efficient windows and retain character

Product Guide

IDSystems windows custom made to exact requirements

As a specialist in working with listed and period properties, Storm Windows can help you gain the benefits of modern glazing whilst preserving the character of your property. The company’s handcrafted bespoke secondary glazing is made to measure, virtually invisible, prevents draughts and provides noise insulation. Its unique system allows you to make your draughty windows thermally efficient without contravening listed building regulations. Spread the cost of the installation interest free over 12 months and enjoy a warmer, more thermally efficient home this winter. Contact Storm today for a free no obligation survey.

www.stormwindows.co.uk 01384 636365

Lumi-Plugin – the revolutionary fire safety downlight

Are you looking for stylish roof slates that are built to last? Eternit’s fibre cement slates help to create a unique exterior for your home, without compromising on performance. The Rivendale range is ideal for use on self build projects where a natural look is sought, as it combines modern technology with a traditional looking slate. It features a finely detailed surface and dressed edges and is available in striking Blue-Black and Cromleigh Graphite. The light weight and easy installation of Rivendale makes it perfect for all refurbishment projects.

Lumi-Plugin is a low energy, dimmable, LED downlight which is a ring of light in a recessed metal chassis. It has a hole in the middle to receive other components such as concealed fire sprinkler head, the world’s smallest mains powered, battery back-up, radio interlinked smoke alarm, the world’s smallest mains powered, battery back-up, radio interlinked heat alarm, 10-year battery powered CO alarm and PIR sensor. All of the above lights can have a three-hour emergency light battery connected to it. This unique product is designed to not only save lives but simplify and streamline your interior design.

www.eternit.co.uk 01283 501555

www.lumi-plugin.com info@lumi-plugin.com 0330 380 1329

Sustainable house benefits from copper rainwater system

Create a dream kitchen with Keller’s Terracotta Dreaming

Redefine your roof with Eternit Slates

If you are wanting a natural looking and ecofriendly rainwater system then copper gutters and down pipes from the Yeoman Rainguard range, as chosen by the owners of a charming detached residence in North Yorkshire, are the solution. Yeoman Rainguard 125 x 70mm copper half round gutters along with 80mm dia. downpipes were expertly fitted to the property by local contractor Robertson Building & Roofing of York. Over time the bright finish will darken through natural oxidisation to, eventually, a beautiful green patina. This attractive finish looks perfect against natural stone, timber and red brick facades.

www.rainguard.co.uk info@rainguard.co.uk 0113 279 5854

Keller’s latest creation, Terracotta Dreaming, offers homeowners the opportunity to enjoy an elegant kitchen with all manner of trendy accessories. The muted truffle shade offers a calming and relaxed feel; however, with plenty of colour options available from Keller, homeowners can choose a colour that suits their personality, should they desire something more bold and daring. The units can be fitted alongside each other to create a simple galley kitchen, perfect for showing off a kitchen in a smaller area, or fitted together as one big unit to create a kitchen island, ideal for those wanting to make the most of a larger space.

www.kellerkitchens.com info@kellerkitchens.com 0031 164 285 106

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