i-build December 2017

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS December 17 Issue 41

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

20 +

ARE YOU AWARE OF THE LEGISLATION SURROUNDING SEPTIC TANKS?

Achromatic tones of grey for a neutral and organic decor

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOUR WINDOW DRESSING – TOP ADVICE FROM GEORGE CLARKE

COVER STORY:

CATHEDRAL-LIKE PROPORTIONS A dilapidated Grade II Listed barn has been transformed into a stunning minimal home with towering ceilings and an open-plan identity

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AN ORGANIC LANGUAGE

BRICK

BY BRICK

GET SMART

Italian contemporary home opens up to stunning Alpine panoramas

Herefordshire selfbuild is harmonised with its rural surroundings

Smart technology is helping one Oxford family to make the most of their home

SPECIAL FOCUS:

l ROOF TILES

l IRONMONGERY

l LIGHTING

ULTRA SLIM SLIDING PATIO DOORS, BIFOLDING DOORS AND CONTEMPORARY ROOF LANTERNS Allow natural light to flood into your home with our range of slim-line contemporary roof lanterns, aluminium sliding patio doors and bifold doors complete with solar control double glazing.

High specification products designed to add the WOW factor to any home at affordable prices.

sales@foldingdoors2u.co.uk

01621 834123

www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk

Welcome to the December issue of i-build

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Editor:

Welcome Note

i-build Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Editorial Assistant:

Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Sarah Croft

sarahcroft@mixedmediainfo.com Print Design Manager:

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jack@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Design Manager:

David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com Production Assistant:

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sofia@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts:

Charlie Ivy

charlie@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA T: 01622 873229 F: 01622 320020

The twelfth month of the year has finally arrived and for many self-builders, this Christmas will be the first spent embellishing their new home's decor with festive trimmings and seasonal accessories. Whether you're opting for a traditional Christmas theme or a more contemporary take, there's an abundance of wintertime decorations on the market. Turn to pages eight and 10 of this month's issue for Paige Smith's festive finds.

Elsewhere in this issue, we catch up with London-based Architect David Nossiter, who worked with Jeremy and Hannah Witt on their stunning barn conversion in the quaint village of Assington. The couple had worked with David on an extension for their previous semidetached Victorian home and when the couple decided to tackle another home-building project, they approached David with their grand plans. What originally started out as a self-build project, turned into a renovation master plan.

To find out more about Jeremy and Hannah's project and hear the story from David's point of view, turn to page 18.

Moving on to page 24, this month i-build travels to the scenic mountainous Italian town, Sondrio, where an outstanding one-storey contemporary

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build rests below the peaks of Sondrio's highreaching mountains. Designed by Damilano Studio Architects, this exquisite build provides its homeowners with priceless views of the rocky landscape. Talking to both the homeowner and architect, i-build has delved deep into the minds of both parties revealing the inspiration and concept behind this striking home.

On behalf of the team at i-build, I would like to wish you all a wonderful and joyous Christmas, whether you're spending it in your recentlycompleted home or you're about to embark on a new project. I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if you’re coming to the end of your selfbuild 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

Editor rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

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Editor’s picks Terms and Conditions:

The Listed Property Show unveils an exciting announcement, a very honest review of FEIN's straight grinder, and a UK-based supplier gains Passivhaus accreditation: See page 50

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Cover story: David Nossiter talks through the ins and outs of Jeremy and Hannah Witt's barn conversion in the idyllic village of Assington.

See page 18.

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Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

December 2017

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36

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48

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42

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In this issue: 12 14 16 18 24 30

Desired Designs

ON THE COVER

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

Doors & Windows

ON THE COVER

In collaboration with Hillarys, George Clarke has been tasked to create three separate window dressings for three very different architectural styles.

Viewpoint

Has your self-build site been issued with a contaminated land planning condition? Colin Hiscock of Your Environment explains all you need to know.

Contracts & Legalities

Steve Mansour at CRL gives self-builders, home renovators and new-build homeowners an insight into the longevity of a new structure.

Rural Retreat

ON THE COVER

ON THE COVER

ON THE COVER

Nestled at the foot of Sondrio’s spectacular mountains, Villa Geef is the contemporary masterpiece of Architect Duilio Damilano.

Home Automation ON THE COVER

Loxone proves that a house really can have a brain with its smart home installation for an organic home in the peaceful grounds of a Grade II Listed property in Oxfordshire.

IN THIS ISSUE:

legislation? If not, you’re not alone according to drain specialist Lanes for Drains.

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

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

20 +

ARE YOU AWARE OF THE LEGISLATION SURROUNDING SEPTIC TANKS?

Achromatic tones of grey for a neutral and organic decor

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOUR WINDOW DRESSING – TOP ADVICE FROM GEORGE CLARKE

& Blocks 36 Bricks Authentic, traditionally handmade bricks have been used for a stunning barn-style self-build in Canon Pyon, Herefordshire.

COVER STORY:

CATHEDRAL-LIKE PROPORTIONS

& Extensions 40 Conservatories The celestial design of a kitchen extension in the Lake District has been enhanced by 45º corner bi-folding doors.

42 i-build Is choosing the right roof tile for your project ON THE COVER

proving difficult? Turn to page 42 for inspiration from the roofing industry.

46 i-nterior In search of high-quality, reliable products for a ON THE COVER

Architect David Nossiter talks exclusively to i-build about the conversion of Jeremy and Hannah Witt’s new home, Church Hill Barn.

Impressive Innovation

Management 34 Water As a self-builder, are you aware of the septic tank

December 17 Issue 41

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A dilapidated Grade II Listed barn has been transformed into a stunning minimal home with towering ceilings and an open-plan identity

+

AN ORGANIC LANGUAGE

BRICK

BY BRICK

Italian contemporary home opens up to stunning Alpine panoramas

Herefordshire selfbuild is harmonised with its rural surroundings

SPECIAL FOCUS:

l ROOF TILES

l IRONMONGERY

GET SMART Smart technology is helping one Oxford family to make the most of their home

l LIGHTING

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

duo of two-storey homes, Roger Stretton chose high-quality ironmongery and doorsets for the interior of these self-builds.

48 i-scape External lighting can transform a home from a ON THE COVER

mere silhouette lurking in the shadows into a show-stopping illuminated form. Here, i-build lists its favourite lighting styles.

Guide 50 Product i-build rounds up the latest innovative products in the marketplace, designed with your self-build in mind.

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Desired Designs

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Grey matters If you’re tired of magnolia walls, it might be time to try decorating with the super-chic and totally modern often perceived moody shade, grey.

T

his neutral colour isn’t going anywhere and is the perfect alternative to dull taupe, beige and ivory. Grey is modern and edgy yet timeless and classic. This colour will be a flawless addition to any room in your self-build, it has the power to make a living room look sophisticated, a kitchen to look contemporary, a bathroom to look stylish and a bedroom to look elegant. In colour psychology, grey represents peace and balance; it is calm and safe, practical, simple and reliable making it the faultless backdrop for any decor style. A grey sofa, for example, is an ideal accessory in this hue as it promises to work with brightly-coloured walls without distracting attention from the true focal point, but will also add some depth and contrast to monochromatic surroundings. Lighter, softer shades have a more feminine feel while the darker, heavier shades have a stronger, more masculine effect. Pair several shades of grey together to achieve a more complex, layered effect.

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1. Concept Deckenlampe Sterne, TakaTomo, €54.95

2. Floating Feathers canvas, Beach Lane, £55

3. Toshi shelving unit,

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Atkin and Thyme, £579

4. Udine table lamp,

dar lighting group, £96

5. Grey round stool, iDecorate, $5725

6. Doris armchair, Essential Home, £POA

7. Empire shaped shade, Besselink & Jones, £274

8. Mid-Century Turner table lamp, DelightFULL, £POA

9. Hammer & Thread Delta

ottoman stool, Upcycle Studio, $159

10. Tretton bed, MY Furniture, £489.99

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1. The Chiswick bed collection, £1325

2. Ritzy pouffe brass – small, £82

3. Authentic feather Vita Eos – large light grey, £192

4. Library chaise longue,

Desired Designs

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£1380

4 2 3

Sweetpea & Willow London-based luxury furniture and accessories boutique Sweetpea & Willow started up over 10 years ago. The company has an array of furniture perfect for any selfbuild – lighting, cushions, armoires, beds, sofas, chairs and garden furniture to name but a few. With the company’s style always evolving, there promises to be a constant flow of new objects to help enrich your home.

Charming chairs

i-build loves...

1. Luxe Daley upholstered dining chair, Modish Living, £549

The right chair can completely transform the feel of an interior and this selection of grey seats promise to be the perfect addition to your self-build.

2. Kariss smoke grey upholstered chair, MY Furniture, £84.99

3. Eichholtz Camden loveseat, Sweetpea & Willow, £495

4. Doris armchair, Essential Home, £POA

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Desired Designs

Wish it could be Christmas every day?

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about making your self-build a little festive. Christmas accessories are snow joke, but we’re sure ‘yule’ love what we’ve found.

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Cute and quaint

Chic tableware

These quaint decorations are the ideal way to dress the home in a festive fashion.

An adorable addition to your traditional decorations, these handmade pieces will add some personality to your home during the festive season and are suitable for trimming the tree or decorating packages.

Handmade in dark grey with white lines, this porcelain tableware is bound to be a show-stopper during your Christmas banquet. The great thing about these pieces is they don’t need to be saved for just the festive season – they will look stunning throughout the year.

(www.pignut.it)

(www.dishesonly.com)

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A novel idea

Not so conventional

Instead of purchasing a new advent calendar for every Christmas season, how about updating to a modern model.

This product combines two Christmas-time traditions into one product. It is a modern Christmas tree with ornaments, which will look good in your home all year round. (www.beandliv.com)

A little something for the less traditional self-builder, this stunning Christmas star ‘tree’ would make the perfect focal point during festivities. The decorations are available in white, copper and brass and each comes with a leather hanger and the best bit is no pesky pine needles! (www.norsu.com.au)

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Gorgeous and golden

Handmade festive delights

Adorn your tree with these three charming patterned Christmas baubles in warm white and dusted in matt gold glitter. These decorations will add a touch of glamour to your tree and really make a statement.

These embroidered cushions are an ideal way to dress any room for the Christmas season.

The perfect complement to your sofa, these accessories are beautifully handmade and add a pop of joyful colour to your seating areas.

(www.brissi.com)

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(www.pignut.co.uk)

Aluminium

Eyebrow

Traditional and modern gutters, pipes and hoppers come in a comprehensive range of aesthetic styles, materials and colours to suit all buildings and budgets.

Sub-brow

We have a style to match yours

For more information please call 0113 279 5854 or email info@rainguard.co.uk

GRP

Cast Iron

Copper, Zinc & Stainless Steel

w w w. r a i n g u a r d . c o . u k 9

Desired Designs

Star-struck Six hand-picked pieces that prove stars aren't just a Christmas accessory.

Image ©Lime Lace

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Star light, star bright

Fun and functional

The Cannonball light pendant is the perfect explosion of luxury. Inspired by the boldness of a star, this pendant lamp came to reinvent what Mid-Century modern design is. With its unique shape, this exquisite lamp is handmade in brass and features a gold-plated finish.

Proving this trend isn’t just for indoors, this attractive doormat will look great in or outside the door of any self-build. Not only will it stop any muddy footprints ruining the flooring of your new self-build, it will also add a touch of glamour.

(www.delightfull.eu)

(www.gardentrading.com)

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Star-studded storage

Tealight trio

Contain your chaos in these star covered canvas storage boxes. Perfect as a toybox in a child’s room or a stylish storage solution, these modern storage boxes will be an eye-catching addition to your self-build.

This set of three star-shaped wooden tealight holders would be a great addition to any home.

Stained with a dark wood finish made from fir and plywood, they are a subtle nod to the star trend without being too attention-grabbing.

Perfect as a centrepiece on a dining table all year round.

(www.design-3000.de)

(www.homesanctuary.co.uk)

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Wooden and wonderful

Simple and stylish

The neutral colour of this wooden star ornament means it will look perfect in any self-build interior. Hang it on a wall or have it freestanding on a shelf. If you're feeling brave, why not paint it a bold colour and have it as a focal piece that’ll have everyone talking.

The simple yet beautiful design of this star candleholder means this decorative piece looks fantastic either individually or in a group setting. Because the holder is black, any colour candle will look exquisite and add a touch of sophistication to any room.

(www.dobbies.com)

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(www.shabby-diele.de)

T: 01622 790 356 W: flooringmegastore.co.uk

Doors & Windows

How to create amazing windows with George Clarke and Hillarys Architect and TV Presenter George Clarke knows a thing or two about the quirks of styling all kinds of period properties; from Victorian and MidCentury to cutting-edge and contemporary. With this in mind, Hillarys, a UK-leading supplier of made-to-measure window dressings, challenged George to create amazing windows in three architecturally different, but quintessentially British homes, including his own.

H

ere, he offers his solutions to some of the common issues faced when deciding on which window dressings to choose including privacy, and how to dress wide, bay, and increasingly popular, Crittall windows.

Make sure you set and stick to objectives How to decide on the right style, fabric, colour or window treatments in your home is a

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tough decision and can make or break the look of a room. Be clear about whether your window dressing is a purely design-focused move, or if it's about a more beneficial aspect such as light control, privacy or heat insulation before you even start looking at options. Then stick to your objective. Otherwise, you’ll end up with something that might look good but doesn’t do the job you wanted it to do. And when you think about it, this is actually a great tip for pretty much everything you try to achieve in the home.”

Doors & Windows

How do I make wide windows look aesthetically pleasing in an urban environment?

I live in a 1960s London townhouse which has been adapted from a number of small rooms on the ground floor to be fully open-plan living. One of my favourite things about these houses is the big, wide expanse of windows that give you fantastic views out. Like me, many of us live in built-up areas, where houses overlook each other and passers-by can see in. Wide windows only exacerbate the problem. Sheer roller blinds offer a solution, with the light fabric creating a veil-like effect. The beauty of these is that they still let in that lovely diffused light while giving the privacy that you might need at certain times of the day.

How do I improve my heat insulation?

Heat escapes through windows – even more so through wide ones. So it pays to add extra layers of insulation at wide windows to help keep the warmth inside.

Having made-to-measure curtains will help to achieve this and also change the acoustics in a room, making it feel that little bit more intimate and cosy.

What can I do if I don’t have space for curtains?

In my son’s bedroom, I’ve done something quite unusual.

Because it’s not a big space and the windows are full width, it was difficult to get curtains in here without blocking out too much of the light. So instead, we’ve doubled up on blinds. A white roller blind provides privacy, teamed with a blackout Roman blind that does the job of curtains but in a more space-efficient way. Layering up two different types of blinds works brilliantly for a space like this.

How to dress Crittall windows The current trends for open-plan living and the industrial look have seen a surge of interest in Crittall windows. They’re often associated with the Art Deco period of the 1930s, but their history actually stretches back to the Victorian era.

Their continued success only proves great design never goes out of fashion. The delicate, thin lines of the steel frame have an industrial but very smart feel. The real appeal though is how Crittall windows allow a space to be zoned or divided and create a real sense of continuity between the living and outside areas. Some people worry that they look a bit too tough, too hard and a bit cold.

Beautiful lined curtains add a splash of colour and privacy when needed as well as that extra bit of insulation to keep a room cosy over winter and soften the look of the frame while still showing it off.

So the most important thing to think about when you’re dressing Crittalls is to extend the track as far and as wide as it can go so the curtains can be pushed back to maintain the integrity of the Crittall frame. You don’t want to hide it.

How to dress a bay window While it’s a delight to have original period features, they can prove to be decorative challenges. Bay windows are big and beautiful and will open up a home far more than a normal window. There’s more glass on show and the shape projects across three planes. This lets in so much sought-after sunlight and offers excellent views up and down the street – it’s why bay windows are so popular.

But it’s these benefits that are also the downsides of bay windows. Sometimes the sunlight coming in will be too much and sometimes privacy will be an issue because of people being able to look in from all angles.

My favourite way to dress a bay window is with shutters.

For a start, choosing made-to-measure shutters means each panel is designed to fit each section of the window. The result is something tailored to your home that looks very special.

With shutters, you can adjust each of the panels individually to let more or less light come into your home or for privacy reasons. Obviously, you can throw shutters wide open to really take advantage of a bay window’s perks or fully close them too.

You can adjust the shutters in each panel to change the amount of light coming in and the privacy available. And, with custom colour options available, you can find the exact shade that goes with your room.

Top left: Lined curtains at a Crittall window add a splash of colour, privacy when needed, that extra bit of insulation to keep a room cosy over winter and soften the look of the frame while still showing it off Far left: George’s favourite way to dress a bay window is with shutters. You can adjust the shutters in each panel to change the amount of light coming in and the privacy available.

Top: In his own 1960s home, George enjoys the sense of privacy granted by the Acacia Ice Roller blinds and the way they filter the light. And at night, he loves closing the Bardot Grey Charcoal curtains to create a more intimate and cosy space.

Above: Even when fully open, curtains fitted at this full-width window would block part of the view and the light. Instead, George doubled up with blinds.

The Acacia Ice Roller blind offers privacy while still letting in a lovely diffused light and the Tetbury Charcoal Roman blind does the job of curtains, but in a more space-efficient way.

www.hillarys.co.uk

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Viewpoint

Assessing the risk The contaminated land regime in the UK is set out in a number of documents which outline a framework – or process flow, if you like. Much like assessing a risk in health and safety, the overarching theme is risk assessment. It’s exactly the same as a health and safety risk assessment, only the risk comes from another source – potential contamination in the ground, writes Colin Hiscock, Director of Your Environment.

T

he logical progression for this would be to take a soil sample in every single new-build house to ensure that there is no contamination. However, this would be extremely expensive and a disproportionate view to take bearing in mind that 70% of new development is on greenfield sites. Instead, the process of assessing whether contaminated land will affect your property is dictated by the planning system.

Each local planning authority has a contaminated land officer who will be able to advise on the planning application. These officers are often very experienced and have a vast amount of local knowledge. Therefore, their decision to put a contaminated land planning condition on a consent is borne from a mixture of local knowledge and experience of what type of facilities are potentially contaminative.

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The conditions are phrased differently depending on what local authority you are with.

However, they are always in the same vein and normally include three or four separate conditions. These conditions usually take the form of the following stages in the contaminated land assessment process:

Stage 1: Desktop study Stage 2: Site investigation Stage 3: Remediation (this includes provision of a remediation strategy normally) Validation and verification.

Stage 4:

During the whole process, the keystone document is the desktop study. This provides the baseline assumption as to whether the site is contaminated or not. It also provides the geology, historical mapping and other important information.

The key part of the desktop study is the Conceptual Site Model (CSM) – essentially a risk assessment geared primarily to contaminated land, gas and groundwater risks. This model is carried through the whole process right through to stage 4 and is updated at every stage.

This model assesses the risks from potential sources (such as tanks) to potential receptors (for example; small children living in the house) via a pollutant pathway – e.g. ingestion. Let’s say, for example, that there is lead (potentially very toxic) in the ground and you were to grow tomatoes on your site and then someone proceeded to eat these contaminated tomatoes. This would lead to a person having lead poisoning. However, if the linkage is broken then there is no risk. The aim of the staged process is to prove that this link either doesn’t exist or has been removed.

Viewpoint Top left: Each local planning authority has a contaminated land officer who will be able to advise on the planning application Left: A Site Investigation builds on the information obtained in the desktop study Above: The process of assessing whether contaminated land will affect your property is dictated by the planning system Here: A desktop study provides the baseline assumption as to whether the site is contaminated or not

From our experience, in most cases, the desktop study is sufficient as we find that no further action is required and the conditions are discharged. However, there are times when a Site Investigation (SI) is required which can potentially lead to remediation and validation.

A Site Investigation builds on the information obtained in the desktop study. The whole approach is scientific in nature; the desktop study is a theoretical document that says “we might have contamination here because it used to be a petrol filling station”. The Site Investigation takes this theory and aims to prove or disprove it.

This is the time where the local authority needs to be involved. It’s important to gain early regulator buy-in. They will provide comment on the desktop study and sometimes require further works to be added to the scope of the SI. The scope of the SI is dependent on the outcome of the desktop study and can range from simple trial pits with chemical sampling of soils only, to the installation of boreholes to monitor for gas and groundwater contamination. The results from the SI are then collated into a report (including the data from the desktop study and the initial risk assessment) which builds on the CSM further and provides either an assessment of additional works required (remediation) or concludes that the pollutant pathway has been broken or doesn’t exist in the first place.

Our aim, as a consultant, is to guide our clients through this process and provide the liaison between the planners, science, warranty companies and, most importantly, our client.

www.yourenvironment.org

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Contracts & Legalities

Left: 2017 has seen the specification for new-build properties become lengthier and stricter, which may partly be due to the increasingly rigorous Building Regulations

How long should newbuild homes last?

Here Steve Mansour, Chief Executive Officer at CRL, gives selfbuilders, home renovators and new-build homeowners an insight into the longevity of the average new-build home.

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hen looking at structural longevity, it’s difficult to look past well-known historical buildings that are not only largely structurally secure, but also prove a point about how long a structure can withstand the elements. Take the Palace of Versailles as an example. It has been standing since the 17th century and to all intents and purposes, the main chateau building remains essentially intact. So why do we assume that residential houses on a much smaller scale should be any different?

The question of how long a property should last is often debated in the construction industry. In 1992, it was suggested that newbuild properties should have at least a 60-year lifespan. However, just 25 years on, the Local Government Association (LGA) has stated that new-build homes should last at least 2000 years.

This is quite an increase; in fact, 33 times more; and considering that new houses are needed immediately, raises the question: what should the lifespan of a residential property really be?

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When answering this question, it’s important to look at the issue of demand versus quality, particularly in relation to new builds and developments. The continued housing shortage in the UK has led to an urgent demand for new homes but, ultimately, these homes need to be built with the long-term future in mind if they are to address the housing crisis.

The recent report by the LGA states that one in 10 purchasers of new homes were not happy with the overall quality of the build, and a further one in six would not recommend their construction developer to a friend. So the lifespan of a new build is surely being brought into question too.

Considering that most areas of the UK have more homes built before 1930 than any other period, the suggestion is that build quality has declined over recent years due to cost implications and quantity of builds. However, there are inevitably going to be a small number of cases where there are issues, especially when building tens of thousands of any product, let alone something as complex as a house. Builders don’t have the luxury that those in retail do; to recall a product if there are issues.

Anomalies aside, there are high standards that must be met. New-build properties must meet very strict building criteria to pass all regulations and achieve a 10-year structural warranty certificate. Structural warranty is in place to make sure all new-build properties uphold a high level of quality, ensuring a good standard of build and, importantly, longevity.

In addition, 2017 has seen the specification for new-build properties become lengthier and stricter, which may partly be due to the increasingly rigorous Building Regulations. As a result, those involved in new builds are constantly conducting assessments at every stage of the process; from measurements and materials used, to assessing the potential outcome of every decision at every step of the build. So, it’s unclear why, considering all these checks, regulations and processes, consumer faith is lacking. Buying a house should fill a consumer with excitement and possibility, not trepidation and nervousness in case of flaws.

There is also the question of lifetime versus commodity to consider. Research from the Land Registry shows that the average duration of home ownership in England has decreased since the core of the recession in 2010. Consumers are moving more often and are looking for a property that suits their style, as well as one that meets their needs. Considering the number of properties that are being refurbished, it is worth asking the question of whether houses built now are going to be stylistically irrelevant in one millennia, let alone two.

The focus now needs to be on the construction of a high amount of quality new homes with efficient structures that will last several lifetimes.

Alongside this, developers need to communicate the strict processes in place before a property is handed over, so consumers can be sure they’re getting a quality return on investment, rather than a building that will crumble at the first challenge.

Ultimately, a house doesn’t need to last 2000 years; but the construction industry needs to drive structurally-sound properties that inspire confidence in the consumer. Developers must work to best practice, to drive the quality of newbuild homes and guarantee properties last as long as possible.

www.c-r-l.com

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Rural Retreat All images ©Steve Lancefield

Church Hill Barn dates back to the 1800s and, unlike the conventional structure of many other barns found in the UK, this one was somewhat unusual

The build, entitled Church Hill Barn, stands on the edge of Assington village

Cathedral out of the city Having previously tackled an extension on Jeremy and Hannah Witt’s Victorian semi-detached home, Architect David Nossiter was delighted when the pair informed him of their next venture.

T

he Witt’s former extension project was undertaken by London-based David Nossiter Architects and, having builtup a close relationship with the two, David himself was called back in to talk through Jeremy and Hannah’s plans for their next home-building scheme.

“Jeremy is always in search of a new project,” explains David, “it’s what he enjoys doing. Initially, he contacted me with an interest in undertaking a self-build project, however, after extensive research; Jeremy’s concept of self-building reconstructed into a renovation master plan.

“While the two were exploring the area for their ideal plot, they noticed there were many barns up for sale and their objective soon made a U-turn.

I started to attend viewings with Jeremy; visiting various plots and helping him select the right one

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for both him and Hannah. He would send me details of potential properties and we would travel up together to investigate possible sites.”

The perfect opportunity After much consideration, Jeremy and Hannah eventually set their hearts on a dilapidated Grade II Listed barn in Assington – a charming village situated on the border of Essex and Suffolk, just four miles south-east of the market town Sudbury.

The build, entitled Church Hill Barn, stands on the edge of Assington village bordering a field home to rare breed cattle. “There is a covenant on this field,” David explains. “It cannot be built on, and this was particularly beneficial for Jeremy and Hannah as this guaranteed that this scenic view was theirs permanently and there will never be a possibility for anyone to build on it.”

Rural Retreat

After much consideration, Jeremy and Hannah eventually set their hearts on a dilapidated Grade II Listed barn in Assington

GROUND FLOOR PLAN (PROPOSED)

KEY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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Rooflight Mezzanine level – room 12 - phase 2 (above) Dressing area – room 07 U/Side beam

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Kitchen – room 09

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Bedroom library – room 16

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Sitting room – room 11

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U/Side wall plate Dining room – room 10

Plaster finish Glazing Drylining Larder Entrance hallway – room 01

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Rural Retreat

Church Hill Barn dates back to the 1800s and, unlike the conventional structure of many other barns found in the UK, this one was somewhat unusual. “Most barns are constructed with a timber frame to form a main space, often with aisles and a central bay housing a pair of large doors,” comments David. “However, this particular barn was entirely contrary to traditional form. The structure is mostly of brick forming a cruciform plan with a series of rooms at each corner all under one roof. The idea for this arrangement emerged with the model farm movement around the turn of the nineteenth century; when farming methods were trying to increase efficiencies. The local squire who originally owned the farm built Church Hill Barn to follow this movement and house various farming methods and animals under one roof. In the early nineteenth century, brick seemed the logical material to use.”

Towering heights Church Hill Barn has an impressive footprint; the site boasts a zone covering 2670m2 while the barn itself is spread across 564m2. David compares the barn to a cathedral with its towering ceiling height and open space. “The barn is very large and we wanted to preserve that quality when undertaking the renovation,” he explains.

“Originally, the roof timbers were visible and we ensured that these were still clear even with the new roof in place. We also kept the original red bricks of the internal walls. This all really dictated that we were actually going to do as little as possible to the structure of the barn; turning it into the house that both Jeremy and Hannah required; without changing it too much.”

Having worked with David on an earlier project, Jeremy and Hannah were both aware of David’s architectural style as he was of theirs.

“Jeremy is fond of contemporary architecture,” says David. “He sought something that was both modern and energy-efficient – he was also keen to use local craftsmen for the build.”

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Planning permission Jeremy and Hannah purchased the site with planning permission, as David elaborates: “The barn had permission to turn it into a house. It had been granted this originally, however, no one bought it. The landowners realised that as it stood; two buildings located in what is now the courtyard and in an extremely poor state of repair limited the scope for outside space.

With this in mind, the landowners approached the planners for approval to take down these two buildings to allow for more external space.

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Rural Retreat

The application was successful, however, it came with the condition that the materials from these two buildings were re-used. Jeremy and Hannah purchased the site with this permission. The approved design was for a very traditional, vernacular residential property; with leaded windows and the space divided up into lots of cellular rooms. This, however, wasn’t what we wanted at all – minimal spaces, large expanses of glazing and a very open-plan identity is what Jeremy and Hannah required from this build.

“So, although we had planning permission in place to remodel the barn into a house, we had to go back to the planners again. It actually worked in our favour as we had continual discussions throughout the build surrounding various aspects. We went back to the planners with different ‘packages’ – for example, windows, demolitions, new openings, the roof – and each time we came to carry out a section on the barn, we had a meeting with them. They were very much on side.”

These phased applications allowed for Jeremy to continue working on site. “We applied for planning permission in packages just before work was scheduled to start,” David explains. “The first package was for the roof, we then went on to apply for windows and travel around the build in a methodical manner.”

Overcoming complexities 1: Originally, the roof timbers were visible and David ensured that these were still clear even with the new roof in place 2: The ceilings reach approximately 8m tall yet it always feels warm when you’re inside the space and never draughty 3: David compares the barn to a cathedral with its towering ceiling height and open space 4: Church Hill Barn has an impressive footprint; the site boasts a zone covering 2670m2 while the barn itself is spread across 564m2 5: The original red bricks of the internal structure were kept

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The roof proved problematic for all parties concerned in the renovation of Church Hill Barn. “The pair were living in a caravan whilst we were undertaking works and, with the infamous British climate, the weather was poor. The roof accommodated several holes and water was cascading through the barn,” recalls David. “There was a lot of pressure to renew the roof but, at the same time – because we wanted to keep the roof timbers in place – we had to raise the height of the roof. We, therefore, had to reapproach the planning department to gain planning permission for this aspect – and this took much longer than expected.

“While we were tackling roof issues, Jeremy was under pressure to start repair works, however, as Church Hill Barn has a listed status; we needed to ensure that the roof was repaired as a priority. Due to its vast size, this turned out to be a substantial portion of the work – in itself, it took several months to complete. After the roof was finished, the barn started to dry out and we could start repairing rotten internal timbers.”

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Rural Retreat

After the roof was complete, the barn started to dry out and rotten internal timbers could start to be repaired

Budgeting David continues: “Whilst we had a fairly healthy budget, the project was so large that price per m2 didn’t go anywhere. Jeremy undertook much of the work himself and asked family members and friends to help out. We had to keep costs down, but at the same time there were certain elements that Jeremy wanted – for example, he wanted concrete floors and high-quality windows. And, by making it open-plan, it meant that we didn’t have as many walls. Both Jeremy and I were keen to avoid using wet plastering trades where we could.

That led us to plywood; we’d seen other projects where they had used OSB boards – these looked good in photographs, however, in reality, it’s not an everyday finish that would appeal to all. So, the next alternative was birch plywood; which was a little more expensive yet not overpriced.

“Externally, to one side of the barn; there’s a walled courtyard, enclosed by a very old wall and to the opposite side; there are fields. The barn had large openings and what we’ve tried to achieve in this design is to link these openings so that you can see straight through the barn across to the fields. For example, in the shower room, we have included a small opening that presents a second framed view out to the fields.”

Meeting Jeremy’s energy efficiency requirements, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system was specified for Church Hill Barn.

“I think this system is very good,” comments David. “It’s a little bit of an investment, but it does keep energy bills down and it works in the vast space. The ceilings reach approximately

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Minimal spaces, large expanses of glazing and a very open-plan identity is what Jeremy and Hannah required from the build

8m tall yet it always feels warm when you’re inside the space and never draughty. I think it’s important for self-builders and home renovators to think about this aspect of a home. Sometimes you do have to spend a little more money than anticipated. Many may want a few key commodities that are of a good quality and expensive but they have to determine what those are.”

The final result Although they didn’t actually have a finite deadline, Jeremy and Hannah aimed to have the project completed by the summer and it was. After two years living on site in a caravan, they were pleased

to have a permanent roof over their heads. Of course, when they moved in there were still a few minor sections to complete but, with a project of this scale, there would always be something to do; other phases to work on at a later date.

When asked what the local community thought of Church Hill Barn, David enthused: “They really like it. Some people in the village used to work at the barn when it was operating and, having been derelict for quite some time, the community are really pleased that it’s been renovated. Jeremy and Hannah have even hosted local village events at the barn.”

www.davidnossiter.com

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Impressive Innovation

Priceless views Villa Geef is one of Damilano Studio Architects’ most recent residential projects. Nestled in the charming town of Sondrio, Italy, this exquisite build replaces an area that was once used as a break-out space for employees of a nearby electric company. Here, i-build talks to Villa Geef’s homeowner and Principal Architect of Damilano Studio Architects – Duilio Damilano himself.

The homeowner:

What inspired you to embark on your own project?

Our passion and interest in contemporary architecture triggered the inception of this project. We looked to designers such as American-German Architect Mies van der Rohe and American-Austrian Architect Richard Neutra to inspire the design of Villa Geef. Looking through architectural photographs from various internet sources of structures from these two notable architects motivated the modern aesthetics of our new home.

What were your requirements for Villa Geef?

At the time, we lived in a three-storey house, however, we wanted a single-floor home with open spaces to the garden; a big part of this project was to bring the outdoors in.

The main focus surrounded the living area; we required large, bright spaces with uninterrupted

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views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. Other necessities were large bedrooms for our children, as well as a kitchen where we could dine and take in the views of the garden. We also wanted a small guesthouse so we could invite our relatives and friends over for lunches during the holidays.

Were there any challenging aspects of the project and build?

The ground on which the house is built contained poor soil, therefore, we had to recover the substrate under the foundations with crushed rocks and stones. We also had to waterproof the entire foundation due to underground waters nearby.

Did you project manage the build yourself?

No, we needed someone expert and professional advice to handle the whole project and construction. The team of architects have followed us throughout the entire process – from

Impressive Innovation project inception and realisation all the way down to the internal choice of furnishings. We approached material and product selection with the help of our designer’s specifications, all the while using local materials.

Did you install any renewable systems?

Yes, the underfloor heating and cooling system is supported by a geothermal energy generator, supplemented by solar panels for hot water and photovoltaic panels for power generation. The interior spaces enjoy an air exchange system. The house’s energy system is supported by solar photovoltaic panels.

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

If we exclude the time for approval for the masterplan, the timescale for the design was

extremely short; one month for the preliminary project – one month required for municipal permit requests – and one month for the executive project.

Can you describe the interior and exterior finished space?

The interior spaces are very practical, bright and open up out onto the garden, which is very relaxing.

The house is divided into three blocks, one to live in during the day (kitchen, living and dining spaces), one for the evenings and homework, and one for our children.

Externally, the plot integrates well with the garden and the daily living space. While internally, the area is separated by a sleeping space – our daughters’ rooms are also separate areas.

The guesthouse and garage are disparate elements. Moving outside, the garden has a large patio for dining outdoors which is complemented by a water fountain.

Top left: The furnishings within the garden have been minimised, and local stone was used for the paths Top right: The house is divided into three blocks – one to live during the day, one for the evenings and homework, and one for the children Left: Villa Geef’s homeowners sought a single-floor home with open spaces to the garden Above: Nestled in the charming town of Sondrio, Italy, this exquisite build replaces an area that was once used as a break-out space for employees of a nearby electric company

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Impressive Innovation

How does Villa Geef respond to its surrounding landscape?

Is there anything that you would have done differently?

The new house fits seamlessly into the area without being invasive despite the dimension and stylistic diversity relating to the surrounding houses. I think the build has considerably improved the entire area, enhancing the neighbouring environment which had been abandoned and degraded.

Some elements are very beautiful, however, they’re ever so slightly too delicate – such as the smooth walnut floor. Perhaps the garage could be a little bigger.

What does the local community think of your property?

The neighbours seem all pleasantly satisfied.

With the area available, there was an opportunity to build a multi-storey, wider house, however, we made a non-invasive choice with this single-storey design.

What’s your favourite thing about your new home?

The brightness and scenic views are the things we appreciate most about Villa Geef. Dining while taking in the wide views of the mountains is priceless.

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What was your vision for the landscaping and how have you achieved this?

The garden has been conceived as an open space in front of the house – many plants have been preserved prior to the new construction.

Most plants are native and are strategically placed to mask some unpleasant buildings and ensure maximum privacy inside.

We selected some plants and shrubs that have been recommended by our gardener. The garden is very relaxing with plenty of space. We find that it fits well with the surrounding context.

The furnishings within the garden have been minimised, and we used local stone for the paths. A water mirror with a small waterfall echoes the sound of water from the nearby valley – making the atmosphere very tranquil.

Impressive Innovation What advice would you offer to anyone looking to self-build?

Choose a professional and experienced design team that will follow you on every aspect of your design.

The architect:

How would you describe the design of Villa Geef?

Minimal with some aspects of local and natural materials that make it softer, allowing the build to seamlessly blend into the surrounding environment.

The overall plan for Villa Geef is quite flexible and freeflowing. Was this minimalism part of the brief?

Yes. The home is very fluid and clearly divided into two areas: the living area and the sleeping quarters. In the sleeping area, there's a private section devoted to the main bedroom. And, the guest quarters are separated from the residential section by a patio.

This was not a specific request, however, the homeowners has a requirement surrounding functionality and the distribution was designed by us.

Top left: The entire foundation had to be waterproofed due to underground waters nearby Top right: The timescale for the build was extremely short; one month for the preliminary project – one month required for municipal permit requests – and one month for the main project Left: The interior spaces are very practical, bright and open up out onto the garden Above: The home is very fluid and clearly divided into two areas: the living area and the sleeping quarters Middle: The new house fits seamlessly into the area without being invasive

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Impressive Innovation

1 The concept of a single-storey building is also a design choice. The house is on one level for both comfort and respect for the surrounding landscape.

You have made use of multiple materials for the facade. Could you talk us through the different material treatments and textures seen throughout Villa Geef?

Glass, wood, stone and plaster. These are the four materials that repeat both externally and internally and are the ‘guiding thread’ of this project.

The colour palette chosen is rather neutral. How do you then bring colour into a project like this?

Through colour, we tried to highlight the opaque parts of the glass windows, therefore, we chose white and stone. Dark colours are injected for pure aesthetic pleasure.

How did you approach designing the decor?

Much is related to instinct. Paintings were already owned by the homeowner and we have made a gallery-like area resulting in a unique space.

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How can we see Damilano Studio Architects’ design philosophy in the Villa Geef residence?

Minimalism in the purity of the lines and the organic concept in the choice of materials. The project is inspired by the mountainous region of Sondrio which is surrounded by vineyards.

What were the architectural and design challenges of the project?

It was the idea of creating a horizontal building without altering the surrounding landscape – both from the outside and the inside.

How involved were your clients in the design process?

Only in terms of living needs. Our client approached us because they knew of our published works and loved the minimal architecture. We have led them from the severity of minimalism to a more organic language.

4 1: The interior spaces enjoy an air exchange system 2: Dark colours are injected for pure aesthetic pleasure 3: The house is on one level for both comfort and respect for the surrounding landscape 4: Villa Geef is one of Damilano Studio

www.damilanostudio.com

Architects’ most recent residential projects

Impressive Innovation

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3

6 5 5: The client approached Duilio because they knew of his published works and loved the minimal architecture 6: Through colour, Duilio tried to highlight the opaque parts in comparison to the glass windows 7: A gallery-like area has been created with paintings 8: Duilio has led the client from the severity of minimalism to a more organic language

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Home Automation

If I only had a brain...

This striking energy-efficient home is quietly nestled in the peaceful grounds of a Grade II Listed property in South Oxfordshire. A small stream curls around the front of the property, giving it a sense of tranquillity and separation from the main house.

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mbarking on this self-build, James Barrett – Loxone Partner and Director of Ashbrook Homes – was excited by the opportunity to create a unique smart home for his own family.

that take you out onto the decking, overlooking the stream. There is a larger master walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, complete with bath and separate shower. The last room at the end of the building is a working office.

A smart home for the whole family

The power of nature

As the building is dug into a hill, there is only one side of natural light and this means that most of the home is only one room deep.

The living and kitchen area is open-plan with a small staircase leading off to the kids’ snug and playroom. Along the lower corridor are the three bedrooms that each have their own small en-suite and walk-in wardrobe that is nestled neatly up against the rear retaining wall. The master bedroom has its own sliding glass doors

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A rooftop garden with natural wood decking and a glass balustrade help this home to stay true to its surroundings. Solar panels have been wellplaced along the rooftop garden to harness the power of the sun.

In addition to the photovoltaics, this energyefficient home features underground and zoned heating controlled by the Loxone Smart Home system. This intelligent energy management means the temperature of each room automatically adjusts to suit the way the family uses their home.

Below left: The build features a smart burglar alarm that ties in with the multi-room audio, playing loud music and flashing lights to deter burglars Below: This energy-efficient home features underground and zoned heating controlled by the Loxone Smart Home system

Home Automation

Left: A small stream curls around the front of the property, giving it a sense of tranquillity and separation from the main house

THE SPECIFICATION: Reinforced trench foundations Beam and block flooring Polarwall (ICF) retaining walls with steel frame and precast concrete planks Inverted roof covering with full grass finish and custom walk-on rooflights IQ Glass minimal sliding doors and glass Porcelanosa bathrooms and engineered wood flooring UFH throughout External cladding of sweet chestnut and Cotswold stone.

The discreet integration of technology throughout the home was an important part of the build specification. For example, the property is south facing with a wall of windows to let light into the rooms, so self-cooling was important.

Using the Loxone Miniserver, the blinds automatically adjust to keep the room at the desired temperature. The home is built into a hill, so there is an extraction system that understands when humidity reaches a certain level and kicks in to remove moisture as required.

Smart features Automated shading with a long line of smart blinds that react to indoor temperature and the orientation of the sun to prevent the largely glass exterior of the property from overheating.

Smart lighting that changes to create the right ambience, for example, with different colours, brightness and ‘warmth’ settings that are perfect for different rooms and times of day. Plus, no more worrying about the little ones leaving the lights on.

Multi-room audio across the entire home, which can be used to play specific music or radio stations in different rooms, depending on personal taste.

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Home Automation

A smart burglar alarm that ties in with the multi-room audio, playing loud music and flashing lights to deter burglars.

Underground and ‘zoned’ heating makes sure every room is the ideal temperature, with sensors regulating the heating, so there’s no need for radiator valves, heating controls or smartphone apps to change the temperature.

The perfect experience “We wanted to create a home that provided the perfect living experience for my family, with a ‘wow’ factor that really set it apart from traditional new builds,” said James. “Design was the primary focus, but I also wanted to incorporate home automation throughout the home. Working with smart home provider, Loxone, we were able to create ideal living spaces throughout the property, where smart technology completely complements all the design aspects.

“Of course, as we also needed to consider the property’s Grade II Listed surroundings, design was still imperative.

To enable the home to blend in with the background, we used sweet chestnut cladding that silvers with time and natural Cotswold stone facework. To complete the buried/ underground look, the roof had to be a grass lawn rather than sedum. Richard and the team at RPA Architects did a fantastic job of making the building suit its environment.”

www.loxone.com/en Top left: The intelligent energy management means the temperature of each room automatically adjusts to suit the way the family uses their home Top right: The discreet integration of technology throughout the home was an important part of the build specification Centre left: Using the Loxone Miniserver, the blinds automatically adjust to keep the room at the desired temperature Left: Smart features include intelligent lighting that changes to create the right ambience, for example, with different colours, brightness and ‘warmth’ settings that are perfect for different rooms and times of day

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33

Water Management

All images ©Shutterstock

How self-builders can avoid falling foul of ‘little-known’ septic tank legislation Did you know about the legislation surrounding septic tanks that are causing costly problems for home-builders, developers and owners?

No? According to Richard Leigh, Group Development Director at Lanes for Drains, you’re not alone.

I

n this article, Richard explains what selfbuilders outside of the sewage network need to know about this important, but little-understood, legislation to avoid breaking the law.

What are the general binding rules?

In 2015, the Environment Agency introduced ‘general binding rules’ that state certain septic tanks are, by law, no longer allowed to be discharged into a watercourse such as a river or a canal.

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By 1st January 2020, all homes that do this must either connect to the main sewage network, create a drainage field or replace the existing septic tank system with a small sewage treatment plant.

However, despite being in place for over two years now, we have seen that public awareness of the regulations is worryingly low.

What are small sewage treatment plants?

For most people who own a home that discharges into a watercourse, the most practical thing to do is to install a small sewage treatment plant.

This system, also known as a package treatment plant, is a part-mechanical system that treats the liquid from the septic tank so that it is clean enough to go into a watercourse without polluting it.

However, these systems can cost anywhere between £750 to £2000 to buy and install, depending on the size of the plant that your property requires.

In addition, any new (after 1st January 2015) sewage treatment facility installed on your property will need to have both planning permission and Building Regulations approval.

What are the relevant British Standards?

If you are installing a new septic tank or small sewage treatment facility, it must meet the relevant British Standard that was in use at the time when it was installed. Your system will meet British Standards if: It is on British Water’s list of approved equipment It has a CE Mark There is a certificate of compliance with a British Standard on the manual or documentation that was supplied with your septic tank.

The British standards that are currently in use for new systems are: BS EN 12566 for small sewage treatment plants BS 6297:2007 for drainage fields.

If you do not meet the general binding rules, you will need to maintain a permit from the Environment Agency. The documents you will need to complete and the type permit that you will require depends on two things: how much sewage is discharged, and where you discharge the sewage.

If you are not compliant and do not have the relevant permit by 1st January 2020, you will be acting illegally and be faced with asyet-uncommunicated punishment from the Environment Agency.

This is one of the main problems with the binding rules – it has caused ambiguity and confusion because the details of any penalties or punishments that have not yet been disclosed.

In addition, awareness of the regulations remains worryingly low among both the public and professionals in related industries. As a result, we at Lanes for Drains have seen that this lack of awareness has affected, and will continue to affect, property buyers because they will have to cover the additional costs of ensuring the property is compliant – even though it was technically the responsibility of the seller.

Similarly, sellers who are unaware of the legislation until it is flagged up in a homebuyer or drainage survey would have to pause the sales process and take the relevant steps before resuming the sale.

Other important regulations surrounding septic tanks There are other rules and regulations that selfbuilders should be aware of when it comes to septic tanks.

Building Regulations 2010 – drainage and waste disposal These regulations deal with septic tank installation regulations and the owner’s responsibilities, including making sure that: The tank is in the right place Its capacity is adequate for the property it serves It won’t pollute local watercourses The system is suitable for local ground conditions – particularly important for drainage fields (or soakaway) The tank is emptied and maintained regularly Local authorities have the powers to test systems and take legal action if they find any issues.

Environment Agency PPG4 (Pollution Prevention Guidelines) While it was withdrawn from use in December 2015, the Environment Agency’s PPG4 can help you to decide what type of off-mains drainage is best for your property, including what the EA will allow and when you need to get consent.

Public Health Act, 1936 You may be prosecuted by the local authority if you allow a septic tank to overflow or leak.

Left: Awareness of regulations remains worryingly low among both the public and professionals in related industries Below: If you do not meet the general binding rules, you will need to maintain a permit from the Environment Agency Below middle: If you are installing a new septic tank or small sewage treatment facility, it must meet the relevant British Standard Bottom: Any new (after 1st January 2015) sewage treatment facility installed on your property will need to have both planning permission and Building Regulations approval

Water Management

What happens if I don’t adhere to the regulations?

Be prepared The best advice I can give to self-builders that are not a part of the main sewage network is to do your research and be prepared before installing any septic tank or sewage facility.

There is a lot of guidance and rules surrounding these systems because of their potential to pollute, which means the Government and Environment Agency both take the issue very seriously.

Make sure you know what is required well in advance to avoid falling foul of the many related guidelines, rules and regulations surrounding this issue and your self-build project should be considerably less painful and costly.

www.lanesfordrains.co.uk

MORE INFORMATION Permits – https://www.gov.uk/permitsyou-need-for-septic-tanks/apply-for-apermit Building Regulations 2010 – drainage and waste disposal – https://www. planningportal.co.uk/info/200135/ approved_documents/71/part_h_-_ drainage_and_waste_disposal Environment Agency PPG4 (Pollution Prevention Guidelines) – http:// webarchive.nationalarchives.gov. uk/20140328090931/http://www. environment-agency.gov.uk/business/ topics/pollution/39083.aspx Public Health Act, 1936 – http://www. legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/

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Bricks & Blocks

Here: A fully-glazed link between the two builds make the most of the surrounding impressive views Below: Working together, the homeowners and the architect came to the decision to use Imperial Bricks’ imperial-sized Country Blend variety

Stunning barn-style self-build harmonised with rural village Imperial Bricks has supplied its handmade bricks for a unique self-build barnstyle family home in Canon Pyon, Herefordshire. The village is in a rural setting and any new development had to be sympathetic with its surroundings.

W

hile the property was not in a conservation area itself, Canon Pyon is designated an area of ‘agricultural character’ by Herefordshire Council. That meant the plans had to have the approval of the conservation officer, even before the local planning committee was asked for permission to build.

The homeowners had originally wanted a stone building, but then chose a brick and timber-clad design as it was more cost-effective. Working together, the homeowners and the architect came to the decision to use Imperial Bricks’ imperialsized Country Blend variety.

Chris Balme, Director at Ferguson Mann Architects, the firm that designed the house, explains the decision: “The clients were happy to

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use brick, although they had originally thought of using stone – and insisted that the quality of materials remained high. For the building to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, the bricks chosen had to harmonise with the rest of the village. We chose Imperial Bricks’ Country Blend for its mixture of orange, reds and browns. The combination of the blackened timber cladding and the colours found within the Country Blend created a building that fits into the context of the surrounding Herefordshire countryside.”

Country Blend is an authentic, traditionally handmade brick. Extensively used throughout the Shire counties to build farmhouses and period country properties, the brick has a textured appearance with some creasing on the faces. Its versatility makes it suitable for both new-build

and renovation or restoration projects, particularly those within conservation areas or listed buildings.

The homeowners were required to provide a sample panel of the bricks to be approved by the conservation officer. Imperial Bricks was happy to supply this, secure in the knowledge that the genuinely handmade bricks would fit the most exacting requirements.

Chris continues: “The client wanted handmade bricks to suit the build, but they also wanted the reassurance of the guarantee that comes with modern materials. Frost resistance and durability was key, and a reliable supply was also important. The homeowners worked closely with us to choose the bricks and the bond work, and they even specified the colour of mortar they wanted.

Bricks & Blocks “We used a traditional English Garden Wall bond, in this case, five rows of stretchers to one of headers and a lime mortar (essential for use with handmade bricks). The colour and texture of the aggregates in the mortar complemented the bricks, and the contrast between the mellow bricks and the dark timber cladding gives the home a charming combination of traditional appearance and contemporary build. The homeowners were very happy with the final result.

“We hadn’t used Imperial Bricks before, but having seen the product range and the variety of colours, textures and sizes, I’m sure we’ll be using them again.”

Imperial offers a brick matching service, offering ‘off the shelf’ and bespoke blends of bricks to blend in with existing buildings, or for a regionally-sensitive approach to a new-build, maximising kerb appeal. In the case of the home at Canon Pyon, the instant ‘established’ look of the Country Blend helped the building fit in with its surroundings, and satisfy the requirements of conservation and planning officers.

www.imperialbricks.co.uk

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Top: The homeowners had originally wanted a stone building, but then chose a brick and timberclad design as it was more cost-effective Above: For the building to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, the bricks chosen had to harmonise with the rest of the village Above right: The plans had to have the approval of the conservation officer, even before the local planning committee was asked for permission to build Right: The colour and texture of the aggregates in the mortar complemented the bricks

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Conservatories & Extensions

Left: Boasting envious views and a contemporary design, the kitchen now acts as the hub of the home; providing the Vanns with a place to dine, socialise and entertain in Below: Apropos’ designers worked alongside Andrew John Lloyd Kitchen Designs to mirror his futuristic kitchen furniture recommending a set of corner bi-folds that meet at a 45º angle

Breathtaking views When Perry and Christina Vann purchased an agricultural property in north-west England, they had grand plans to bring the building back to life, with all the latest mod cons. With panoramic pastoral views of rolling grasslands, the Vann’s principal priority was to preserve their view of this landscape with a design that framed the scenic countryside.

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ettled in one of England’s most striking mountainous regions, Cumbria’s Lake District, this brick-built period barn was formerly employed as a cattle shed.

Today, however, the structure is far from the dilapidated structure that once stood in its place.

Perry and Christina had an ambitious master plan to extend this barn to accommodate a futuristic kitchen – inclusive of modern luxuries – in which the family could dine whilst taking in the breathtaking panoramas of the neighbouring Cumbria countryside. The Vann’s strategy was to frame these views and fuse them with the internal environments of the barn; drawing the outdoors in.

Talking exclusively to i-build, Christina said: “We looked to home renovation and self-build magazines for inspiration for the extension of our barn. We read through converters and renovators’ stories and took clippings of designs we were fond of.”

An astronomical design The celestial design of the kitchen itself is the masterpiece of Conwy-based designer and maker, Andrew John Lloyd Kitchen Designs.

The astronomy-inspired scheme adds the

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contemporary touch that the Vanns sought from their extension. Boasting envious views and a contemporary design, the kitchen now acts as the hub of the home; providing the Vanns with a place to dine, socialise and entertain in.

To obtain these continuous sceneries from the comfort of their heavenly kitchen, Perry and Christina sought a solution that would grant them with uninterrupted glazing enabling the pair to seamlessly marry the external environment of the barn with the internals of the kitchen. “The doors had to reveal an unbroken scene out to the spectacular views of the open countryside when opened from the kitchen to the patio,” reveals Christina.

Opening up Having come across an advertisement in The Telegraph magazine for conservatory supply and installation company Apropos, Perry and Christina approached the company with detailed plans for their extension. After examining architect’s drawings for the extension and, after several face-to-face discussions surrounding design and constructability, Apropos suggested a set of corner bi-fold doors to open up the views from the kitchen extension.

Apropos’ designers worked alongside Andrew John Lloyd Kitchen Designs to mirror his futuristic kitchen furniture recommending a set of corner bi-folds that meet at a 45º angle to let daylight in, show off the elegant kitchen design and bring the outdoors in.

There were very few obstacles throughout the duration of the build, as Christina explains: “We didn’t come across many hurdles as the design phase and tendering process took 22 months. I deliberately chose a longer-than-normal timescale to address detail and risks. The only surprise was that the original foundation slab was not as per the intrusive survey prior to the build. After this issue, early on in the construction phase, there were no significant surprises.

“Planning was also rather reasonable. I employed a local architect who had the relevant experience of the local PA and had built up an established relationship with them. They were actually quite pleased with the conversion on completion and wanted to show their relevant staff what could be achieved.”

Wine and dine The result is a cutting-edge kitchen and dining area, using only the highest quality craftsmanship and materials. The Vanns now use this space with pride and enjoy entertaining friends and family.

Christina concludes: “Overall, I’m very satisfied – the construction met the conceptual and detailed design specification fully and, of course, we got to live in a beautiful location with the most impressive rural views from our home, with continuous views of the sunrises and sunsets each and every night.”

www.aproposconservatories.co.uk

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41

i-build: Roof Tiles

Choosing the right roof tile With a roof making up 40% of a home’s overall design, selecting the right tile can have a huge impact on a project. Here, leading roofing manufacturer, Russell Roof Tiles, provides its top 10 tips on how to choose your roof tiles. As the only British roof tile manufacturer to have achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating in responsible sourcing, the company acts as a pioneer for sustainable manufacturing.

01

Talk to the planners

Local authority planning teams have rules and policies about roofing that should be discussed at the design stage. Consult with your local planning authority for advice before you decide on what you want.

The planning team will look at the local landscape and materials used and their remit covers the design, appearance and materials.

02

What is the design?

The look and design which is being achieved for any project will also dictate the roofing materials.

Contemporary, traditional, flat or pitched roofing – these all need to be considered when specifying roof tiles. If you are looking for a roof covering with

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a complex design incorporating a lot of features and potential tile cuts, then it may be better suited to using concrete plain tiles to get the right details.

03

Pitched or flat?

The pitch of your roof will dictate what products can be used too. All roof tiles have a minimum pitch requirement. A pitched roof is very effective at carrying and distributing not only the weight of the chosen covering, but also deals effectively with environmental factors such as wind, rainwater and snow.

Common pitched roof coverings such as concrete roof tiles complement a pitched roof’s structural performance with outstanding resistance to challenging weather conditions.

Going for green

The roof is an ideal element for using sustainable technologies such as photovoltaic or solar thermal panels. In addition to energy generation, a pitched roof promotes the effective collection of rainwater and, in many cases, can support a rainwater harvesting system.

Is sustainability an important value for the building?

If so, bear in mind that some tiles are much more sustainable than others.

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Trade

Secrets Cons : plannin ult with your lo g c before y authority for a al dvice ou decid you wane on what t

i-build: Roof Tiles

04

Modern materials

There are generally four main pitched roof tile choices – concrete, slate, clay and stone. Concrete tiles can replicate much of our indigenous materials and account for around 60% of the UK market.

Tried and tested concrete provides for a durable and affordable alternative to other materials and is available in a wide range of profiles, shapes and colours.

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Look and style

Concrete tiles come in a growing variety of colours and profiles. There are a huge number of concrete roof tile options which are designed to blend with ‘natural’ roof tiles in the local area such as clay, slate and stone – that are quick to fit and highly cost-effective.

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Weighing up the options

The weight of roof tiles needs to be considered. If the existing structure has weight restrictions, check the structure can cope adequately with whatever tiles are specified.

08

Rafter lengths

In instances of long rafter lengths, it may be better to use profiled tiles that provide channels for the water and more effective drainage.

09

Ventilation

Ensure that the roof void is adequately ventilated to prevent condensation. The roof should be designed to help vacate moisture from the property.

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Long-term performance

Think about maintenance, performance and the robustness of the roofing products you’re specifying.

Often, a pitched roof has a much longer life than a flat roof, for example. As well as tiles, the correct accessories such as dry ridge, dry verge and dry hip ensure effective fixing and are easy to use with significantly reduced maintenance.

If further support is needed when specifying roof tiles, please contact Russell Roof Tiles’ technical department who will be able to assist with the correct choice.

www.russellrooftiles.com

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i-build: Roof Tiles

Slate roof works in Wisbech Carpenter Steve Jackson chose Westminster Slate, the latest tile from Redland, when he built his own four-bedroomed house on a plot at Christchurch in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

A large-format interlocking clay tile, the Westminster Slate has a hidden cut-back interlock and a finely tapered leading edge that makes it appear exceptionally slim. Its raised nail holes and custom-engineered head enables it to be installed on roofs with pitches as low as 17.5º.

Commenting on his choice of tile, Steve said: “The planners wanted a slate roof, or something that looked like a slate roof, and this tile does have a very nice finish – almost shiny rather than the matt appearance of some alternatives

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I looked at.” Although Steve is a carpenter by trade, this is the first time he has taken on the role of a builder.

“It’s my first venture in building my own house, though I have worked on plenty of others.

It’s one of a plot of four so I’ve done all the carpentry on it, my brother-in-law helped me with the groundworks and I’ve project managed the rest of the trades,” he explained.

www.redland.co.uk

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i-nterior: Ironmongery

Design for longevity Beginning a self-build project that would result in becoming neighbours, Roger and Angie Stretton alongside Martin and Sarah Smith embarked on a project to create two modern, energy-efficient family homes. Seeking reliable, high-quality ironmongery and interior doorsets, they specified Allgood to provide the ideal solution.

I

n 2015, Roger Stretton – an Architect and one of the founders of the practice Berman Guedes Stretton – and Martin Smith joined together to bring to fruition their shared enthusiasm for contemporary, cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly residential design.

On an attractive, mature garden site near Dorchester in Dorset, two 2100ft2 detached, two-storey houses were designed around south-facing courtyards with a one-and-a-half-storey height living room.

In addition, one of these houses boasts a spacious double garage and the other a practical carport.Acting as both architect

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and project manager, Roger led the design and construction process for both properties.

Supporting each other throughout the construction of both properties, Martin and Sarah’s house was built first with Roger and Angie’s house following later.

When designing the properties, environmentally-responsible materials, products and processes were at the forefront of the specification. To this end, incorporating renewable and innovative technologies, such as air source heat pumps and heat recovery ventilation systems enable the buildings to be highly energyefficient.

i-nterior: Ironmongery Having previously used Allgood products, Roger recognised the brand for its quality and reliability and, consequently, specified Allgood’s Alite lever handles and Allgood doorsets for the project. He explains: “The new houses have a modern, minimalist design, so it was essential that the ironmongery and doors complemented this approach, Allgood’s satin stainless steel Alite handles and bespoke factory-finished doors met these requirements.”

A cost-effective, well-designed range of ironmongery, Allgood’s Alite offers a complete suite of products including lever handles, cylinder pulls and washroom furniture.

To complement the interior architecture of the buildings, 26 doorsets were supplied by Allgood to Roger’s design, incorporating fully-fabricated and finished flush doors with rebated frames to create a perimeter shadow gap. An important design feature was a clear line of vision through each house along the main axis of the plan.

To achieve this, four special full-height glazed doors with glazed side panels were supplied.

In addition, two 30-minute fire resisting doors were also specified to the plant rooms.

Arriving on site factory painted and with hinges and locks already fitted, the Allgood doorsets provide valuable savings in time, cost and waste as well as a higher quality finish.

Martin concluded: “The doors and ironmongery are key components of the design and Allgood’s response to the special requirements of this project have contributed to its success.”

www.allgood.co.uk

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i-scape: Lighting

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Image ©DelightFull

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Let there be light

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Whether you’re transforming the aesthetics of a rundown period property or self-building a contemporary majestic design of your own, each and every project deserves a well-designed lighting scheme.

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ighting can truly transform the outer aesthetics of a residence, bringing a home that, perhaps, was once lurking in the shadows into full brilliance. Barn conversions and agricultural buildings, in particular, are generally in demand of external lighting solutions more so than those in built-up residential areas; mostly due to their darkened, vacant location.

It’s worth considering how a house will look upon your approach. Front doors and porches provide great potential for external lighting; from traditional hanging lanterns featuring either side of a grand front door to downlights in the soffit of a porch or a portico.

A well-illuminated home won’t only provide glorious aesthetics, but will also supply you with much-needed light when searching for keys and making your way into the house itself.

There's an assortment of designs, finishes and materials on the market for every self-builder and home renovator. Here are a few of our favourites.

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1. H3-013, nautical lantern, Besselink & Jones, £1115

2. Bulkhead light Steve

Forgotten silver, Dowsing and Reynolds, £64.99

3. Davey Lighting yacht brass

8 9

bulkhead fitting with eyelid shield chrome plated 7434 CP, Davey Lighting, POA

4. Outdoor applique murale

d’extérieur, ancora, noir, l26cm faro, Nedgis, POA

5. Chatham round bulk head light LAHP23, The Farthing, £32.95

6. Kamus double wall bracket

frosted glass stainless steel with lamps, dar lighting group, £79.80

7. Garden Trading strand downlight – charcoal, Black by Design, £50

8. Garden Trading Grosvenor

outdoor wall light – black, £120

9. Era wall bracket stainless steel IP44, dar lighting group, £126

10. Swan neck indoor/outdoor wall light, PIB, £165

10

1. St Ives up and down light – hot dipped galvanised, £40

2. Troika plaster double wall lamp, £60 3. Finsbury Wall Light in Charcoal Steel, £45

4. Arched swan neck - charcoal, £65

i-scape: Lighting

1

4 2 3

Garden Trading Founded in 1994, Garden Trading came into the world when Founder Jon Holloway noticed a gap in the market for products that were well-designed and practical, but not overly contemporary. With this goal in mind, Garden Trading’s ever-growing range of homeware came into existence, extending from garden essentials to lighting, kitchen accessories and more. Everything the company sells is intended to last a lifetime with both timeless designs and a reliance on responsibly-sourced materials.

Spherical shapes

i-build loves...

1. Shipyard wall light galvanised, clear glass 7222 GA CL, Davey Lighting, POA

There’s an abundance of external lighting options on the market, of all shapes and sizes. Globular designs or bulbs come in a variety of styles; from the more industrial look to the minimal contemporary look. Adding a rounded bulb, form or candle lantern to your external lighting scheme will add a softer touch to the aesthetics of your illumination.

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2. Garden Trading Aldgate PIR outdoor wall light, £130 3. Globe lantern, small, Annabel James, £76.95 4. Sedgewick 1 light lantern bronze down-facing, dar lighting group, £54

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Product Guide

Remmers leads the way with lowemission resin flooring Remmers' Epoxy OS Color New is a coloured epoxy self-smoothing resin system suitable for industrial and commercial applications. Its high mechanical strength, coupled with excellent chemical resistance makes it ideal for industrial environments, whilst its innovative reduction in VOCs means it is perfect for commercial applications such as schools, hospitals or retail areas. Epoxy OS Color New is one of a select band of Remmers' solvent-free epoxy resins that holds AgBB certification thanks to a huge reduction in the use of harmful ingredients when compared to standard resin flooring. These market-leading improvements come alongside the usual highquality product performance that Remmers' clients have come to expect.

Designed specifically to protect and preserve internal veneer doors, Osmo Door-Oil is easy to use and gives a professional touch to doors, ensuring a high-quality, tough and durable finish.

Door-Oil is the perfect solution for any modern home, as it will provide utmost protection against common household spillages and stains. After application, the wood’s true beauty is enhanced, with the wood’s grain and natural characteristics providing a warm and rich effect to ensure that any interior room looks luxurious and elegant. Osmo Door-Oil is a solvent-free solution, created from natural vegetable and plant oils and waxes.

www.remmers.co.uk 01293 594010 clairemitchell@remmers.co.uk

www.osmouk.com 01296 481220 info@osmouk.com

FEIN power tools: straight grinder sets the standards

Makita introduces 18V LXT twopiece kit

JP Schoonbrood, owner of an automotive tuning/ machining workshop, recently signed up to test the FEIN straight grinder. Following his tests, JP said: “I hoped that the FEIN machine would last longer than others I had used, and deliver what I needed. I expected the grinder to join the tool graveyard under my workbench before the first week was out but I was shocked to find that the machine lasted me through both weeks without issue. It was not just the durability of the machine that I was impressed with, the weight ratio of the machine was superb, which really helped when I was grinding one-handed for more intricate work.”

The latest Makita two-piece DLX2221J kit features two powerful 18V brushless motor machines: the DHP483 combi drill and the DTD155 impact driver. Both machines are the same compact size as the equivalent 10.8V models and packed with power and advanced operating features. The DTD155 LXT impact driver with brushless motor and ¼" hex drive will drive home M8 machine screws; M12 high-strength bolts and 90mm coarse thread screws. In Hi-mode, this powerful impact driver will run up to 3000rpm; deliver 3900 impacts per minute and generate 140Nm of torque. In Lo-mode, the DTD155 impact driver delivers 1300rpm and 1600ipm.

www.fein.com 01327 308730 sales@fein-uk.co.uk

www.makitauk.com 01908 211678 customerservice@makitauk.com

INTELLO system becomes Passivhaus certified

Listed Property Show increases access to conservation specialists

The pro clima ‘INTELLO’ airtight system, supplied in the UK by Ecological Building Systems, has been certified as a Passivhaus component to the highest phA component standard following the best airtightness test results ever achieved by any airtightness membrane system. Accredited in the airtightness/surface air sealing category, the INTELLO airtight membrane has been certified in combination with pro clima self-adhesive sealing tapes, ‘Tescon Vana’ and Contega Solido SL’ as a complete airtightness system suitable for use as a component in any Passivhaus project. The baseline requirement for phA is ≤0.10 @50 Pa [m3/(hm2)] and the pro clima INTELLO airtightness system exceeded this significantly with a test result that demonstrated air permeability of just 0.01m3/(hm2).

www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com 01228 711511 pennyrandell@ecologicalbuildingsystems.com

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High-quality wood finish for veneer doors

Historic England recently released figures showing that the number of conservation officers in local authorities has fallen for yet another year. In the wake of this worrying announcement, The Listed Property Owners’ Club (LPOC) has decided to increase the number of independent conservation officers and experts at The Listed Property Show – taking place at Olympia, London, from 24 to 25th February – in a bid to support owners and provide much-needed access to these specialists. This team will be led by Peter Bell, in-house Conservation Advisor at LPOC, and will provide owners, and potential owners, with the opportunity to receive independent, impartial advice on their issues, plans and ideas – all for free.

www.lpoc.com 01795 844939

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system Transform any outside space with LEVATO MONO Porcelain paver system from the Deck Tile Co. Ltd. The system offers flexibility and choice for even the most challenging of applications - from roof terraces and balconies with multiple falls to patios and restaurant piazza’s where wear resistance is key.

With many finishes and formats available, the 20mm pavers combine incredible technical properties with uncompromising aesthetics and thanks to the intuitive height adjustable and slope correcting facility on the support system, it is possible to cover most waterproof membranes or uneven sub-surfaces.

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 80x80 30x120 40x120 60x120

Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 AB+C

Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use

‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings

Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 High load bearing and impact resistance Timber, stone & cementitious effects

Frost proof Height adjustable/slope correcting support system ranging from 9mm up to 550mm

Completely non porous

www.thedecktileco.co.uk t: 0118 391 4120

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

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