i-build December/January 2014

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i-build i-nterior i-scape

A church has undergone a major transformation to become a home

Issue 6

UNIQUE CONVERSION

December/January

i-build

STUNNING RENOVATION

A Grade II listed penthouse is now a desirable bachelor pad

COVER STORY:

Off-grid living

FIND THE PERFECT PLOT

Expert advice on how to source your ideal self-build plot

A Welsh self-build becomes a project for the whole community

EXPERT INSIGHTS:

l FINANCIAL l LEGAL l PRACTICAL l PRODUCT INNOVATION

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Using an NHBC registered builder for a custom-build home?

Then Buildmark, our flagship 10 year warranty and insurance protection, is for you. n Insurance from exchange of contract up to completion which includes cover for loss of deposit if your builder becomes insolvent. n Builder warranty and the NHBC guarantee for the first 2 years after completion. n A further 8 years’ insurance against certain damage to the home.

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H558 11/14

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Welcome to our December/January issue

Cover story: A Welsh farm self-build has grown to become a project for the whole community to enjoy. See page 20.

i-build N www.i-buildmagazine.com

i-build i-nterior i-scape Editor:

Emily Smith

emily@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Steve Gull

steve@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager:

Chris Lilly

chris@mixedmediainfo.com Senior Editor:

Hannah Frackiewicz

hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Production:

Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor:

David Perry

ew Year is the time of year when there is a significant peak in the initial planning of new self-build projects. Be it sparked by new resolutions or post-festive ambitions, trends show an increase in the number of plot searches conducted in the first few months of the year. However, finding the right plot isn’t as easy as it might seem. This issue, i-build’s new Viewpoint columnist, BuildStore’s Chief Executive, Raymond Connor provides a useful insight into finding the perfect plot on page 16.

One family who didn’t need to look for a plot were the Davies, who built a house on the foundations of an old farmhouse that has been in the family for nearly 70 years.

Although the farmhouse was demolished in 1982, Arthur Davies has continued to work on the surrounding sheep farm every day. He no longer has to travel up from the village in the valleys of Caerphilly in South East Wales, as his new home enables him to step straight out into the field. This sustainable project captured the spirit of the local community and continues to be a source of education for schools and associations. Read the full story on page 28.

Other issue highlights include a unique church conversion on page 20, a swanky apartment renovation on page 50 and expert gardening advice from the Royal Horticultural Society in this month’s i-scape.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you.

Don’t forget to download the i-build app free of charge to access this useful resource on the move. Simply enter the search term “i-build” in App Store or Google Play.

As always, if you would like to see your self-build in i-build please contact me on the usual address with a brief overview of your project. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the i-build team, to wish you a very happy New Year.

david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts:

Simone Jones

simone@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director:

Sam Ball

Emily Smith Editor emily@mixedmediainfo.com @ibuildmagazine

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Editor’s picks Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA T: 01622 873229 F: 01622 320020

www.mixedmediainfo.com Terms and Conditions:

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.

Underfloor heating by Warmup: See page 46

Green roofts by Optigreen: See page 62

Prefabricated homes

by Baufritz: See page 63

3

Contents

The latest innovative on-trend designs to complement any interior.

Will Tell 12 Time Each issue i-build follows Will Anderson on

i-build

his self-build journey as it unfolds.

www.i-buildmagazine.com

i-build i-nterior i-scape

Desired Designs

Contents

7

48

14

Green Living

16

Viewpoint

18

Contracts & Legalities

20

Rural Retreat

28

Sustainable Living

36

Heating & Plumbing

38

Flooring

Renewable energy specialist Happy Energy identifies the benefits of renewables and energy efficiency.

BuildStore’s Chief Executive, Raymond Connor gives a useful insight into finding that perfect plot.

Securing a self-build warranty or insurance is key for ensuring project security from the start.

A church building set within a graveyard has undergone a major conversion project to become a family home.

This Welsh farm self-build has grown to become a project for the whole community to enjoy.

Condensation in the home in not just a nuisance, it can be a costly problem. Polypipe Ventilation explains why.

The Natural Wood Floor Company’s Director, Peter Keane, presents an expert's guide to wood flooring.

40 Bathroom Shower specialist Impey Showers demonstrates how a wetroom can be added to near enough any space.

40

42 i-build Architects RCKa provide insight into the problems of gaining planning permission for an extension project.

37 42

48 i-nterior A Grade II listed penthouse is transformed into 58

the perfect bachelor pad.

i-scape Everything you need to know about creating a self-sufficient garden.

: crets e S e Trad out for ourted

Look crets’ dot e.

Se issu ‘Trade hout this sider g n u i o e thr are th n be These s which ca ding t d insigh able to bu ! s u r l a e inv uild self-b

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Desired Designs Pastel accessories Bring different textures and patterns to this trend by including a bright rug. We love Habitat’s Manami collection which includes a rug at £395 as well as matching duvet set. (www.habitat.co.uk; 0344 499 1111)

Shutterly fabulous Choose your favourite soft pastel shade and incorporate the shutters into a neutral, understated scheme to make a quirky design statement. Thanks to their innovative colour matching service, Shutterly Fabulous can help you bring that perfect injection of pastel into your home. (www.shutterlyfabulous.com; 0808 149 3203)

Fresh fabric

Pastel colours From pretty pinks to mint greens and pale blues, sweet sugary pastel shades are set to adorn our homes again this Spring/Summer season.

There are plenty of pastel toned fabrics available on the market to introduce this spring-look into your home. The Barker & Barker Serenity Fabric Collection comes in a variety of on-trend colourways, from pastel pinks and sky blues, to poppy reds, soft mint and grey shades, the luxury selection of fabrics can be incorporated within decor schemes to create a peaceful, contemporary living space. (www.barkerandbarker.co.uk; 01223 733730)

Outdoor furnishing This trend doesn’t need to remain inside thanks to outdoor fabric pioneers EXTEX, who has just launched a new pastel tone cushion collection featuring six new serene colours. (www.extex.co.uk; 01634 718871)

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Desired Designs

Made in Britain With the ‘Made in England’ label growing in popularity, there are an increasing number of brands that display proof of their UK manufacturing. One furniture brand that demonstrates British prowess is David Seyfried Ltd. Shown here, the Aubrey Sofa comes in two sizes. (www.davidseyfried.com; 020 7823 3848)

Affordable bespoke With the internet encouraging personalisation as key, companies are presenting options for furniture based on bespoke preferences.

Sofa.com is just one company that has built a name for itself without a high street store. (www.sofa.com; 0345 400 2222)

Upcycled luxury The UK’s first retail website dedicated to the rapidly expanding consumer trend of upcycling championed by celebrities including Kirstie Allsopp, Kevin McCloud and Livia Firth has been launched. Remade in Britain is the first dedicated retail platform for businesses repurposing some of the 280m tonnes of waste produced each year in the UK and launches with over 300 upcycling retailers registered spanning furniture, interiors, lighting, clothing, jewellery and accessories. (www.remadeinbritain.com; 0330 880 8282)

Your country needs you Furnish your home with on-trend products at the same time as supporting British design and manufacturing.

Retro reclaims Charity shops and auction houses are no longer the only venue for second hand furniture finds. For a wide selection on back-intrend mid-century furniture check out themodernwarehouse.com – they will even source the item that you’re looking for if they don’t have it in stock. (www.themodernwarehouse.com; 0208 986 0740)

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Inspired by nature The UK is full of skilled furniture makers who create beautiful bespoke pieces out of their small workshops. We love Henry Swanzy’s simple yet elegant modern furniture that takes inspiration from the landscape using natural materials. (www.henryswanzy.com, 01426 312273)

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Desired Designs

Waste disposal A food waste disposer provides an environmentally responsible answer to the growing problem of food waste. InSinkErator offer a number of options that come in all varieties of size and performance levels. (www.insinkerator.co.uk; 01923 297880)

Innovative utensils You might be pleasantly surprised by innovation in the world of kitchen utensils. Specialising in contemporary kitchenware, Joseph Joseph is now internationally recognised for producing technically innovative products, including these clever compact digital scales. We also love these Herb Scissors, which are only £7.99 from Lakeland. (www.josephjoseph.com; 020 7261 1800 / www.lakeland.co.uk; 015394 88100)

Personalised coffee A small but important part of many people’s lives is the intimacy of having a barista who remembers who you are and more importantly how you have your coffee. Elextrolux’s Memory is a coffee maker that uses hand print recognition to make the right cup of coffee for the right person. (www.electrolux.co.uk; 03445 613 613)

Kitchen gadgets Make your kitchen the latest in design innovation.

All in one appliances With so many different appliances offering various benefits, it’s great to have one product that fulfils a number of jobs for the keen home cook. We love the iconic Stand Mixer by KitchenAid that has a number of clip-on accessories ranging from sausage makers to vegetable strainers. (www.kitchenaid.co.uk; 0800 988 1266)

Auto bake cookers If you are worried about readjusting your recipes for a new oven, why not get one with its own recipe book?

There are a number of smart ovens available on the market that use in-built recipe books to tell you the temperature, setting and time to suit specific dishes. We love the range available from De Dietrich. (www.dedietrich.co.uk; 0844 507 5851)

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11

Sub-brow TimeEyebrow Will Tell

Left: Will has chosen to use bricks for his Arts and Crafts home Below: He has employed a team from J&R Contractors to carefully piece together the building

The joy of bricks Every issue i-build follows Will Anderson as his self-build adventure unfolds. This month, a brick skin brings character to his soon-to-be home.

B

y the end of September our timber frame was up, our roof was on, and our windows and doors were in, yet the building still looked like a gigantic cardboard box. That’s the weirdness of timber frame construction – because the frame does all the structural work, the outer rainscreen can be added later.

Of course the final finish does much more than keep the rain off. It also transforms the character of the building. For our Arts and Crafts home, we wanted a traditional, beautiful and crafted material. So the choice was obvious: brick. But which brick? I found the answer to this question at one of the self-build shows where I met a couple of reps from Northcot Brickworks in Gloucestershire. They showed me their range of handmade bricks and I was immediately struck by the Silver Grey. This is a red-orange brick dusted with a fine grey sand, a delicate colour combination that I could see would look fabulous when applied at scale.

Northcot is a long-established brickworks that has been extracting clay from the same

12

pit since 1925. Their Silver Grey bricks are made in the traditional way, formed by hand using a mould then fired in a coal-fired kiln.

The different temperatures within the kiln add variations in colour to the variations in form created by the hand-moulding: subtle differences that add up to a characterful finish.

Our little site in south London was completely overwhelmed when the bricks arrived. We don’t have much room at the front of the site so as the packs came off the lorry we had to pile them high. It was all a little hairy until we had shifted a couple of thousand through the house to the back garden. Then we were ready for the brickies to start.

For good brickwork, you need good brickies.

Although I had built a wall at the bottom of the garden, I knew that I needed experienced craftsman for the main event. Fortunately, the team I hired, from J&R Contractors, were up to the job and happy to use our slightly irregular handmade bricks. As the bricks were all a little oversized, they had to be careful to keep the joints tight and not to let the courses drift

upwards. They also had to get used to using a completely new material: lime mortar.

I reckon lime mortar beats cement on just about every count. It takes a lot longer to go off but that’s an advantage on site. We bought big one tonne bags of wet lime mortar form Mike Wye & Associates, a lovely blue-white mortar that goes perfectly with our orange-red bricks. Although we mixed the mortar with a setting agent we could still leave the mixer full of mortar at the end of the day and get it going again the next morning, so there was no need for the daily grind of cleaning the mixer. Lime mortar always retains some flexibility, so a wall made with lime mortar is much less likely to crack than a wall made with cement. Plus, when the wall eventually gets taken down, the bricks can be reclaimed. In contrast, cement turns everything into a solid mass.

The brickies did a great job and coped well with all the tricky details of our design. I had made life particularly difficult for everyone by designing a tiled detail round all the windows.

To build this, the brickies had to lay specially cut concrete blocks, set back from the face of the brickwork, which I then used as the base for the tiling. The result is certainly distinctive: our beautiful Northcot bricks set against blue-green porcelain tiles from Portugal. After six months of hard graft, our Arts and Crafts vision is finally beginning to emerge.

www.buildingtheorchard.com

Green Living

Tapping into the benefits of renewables and energy efficiency Trade

Secret New s : elfare eli build proper ties Renew gible unde r th ab to rece le Heat Ince e ntive, ive pay seven m years a ents for a biom fter fitting ass bo iler.

W

ith the UK legally committed to meeting 15% of its energy usage by 2020 from renewable measures and the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes setting a target for all new homes to be Zero Carbon by 2016, self-builders have never had a better opportunity to put renewable energy and energy efficiency at the heart of their project. However, when it comes to being energy efficient and tapping into renewables, what are their individual benefits and what products are right for you?

Biomass boilers Available under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), Biomass Boilers burn either wood chips, logs or wood pellets, and are extremely efficient with low or zero carbon emissions if the CO2 absorbed by the tree is taken into account.

Particularly beneficial for those areas not on the mains gas network, the good news is that whilst new build developments are not eligible under RHI, self-builds are, which means fitting a biomass boiler will not only cut heating bills and remove the need for an oil or LPG system but you will also receive RHI payments for seven years after installation.

14

New Government incentives are putting self-builders in a great position to get on-board with eco-conscious products. Here, Adrian Wright, CEO of renewable energy specialist Happy Energy, looks at some of the measures that will not only make a self-build project highly efficient, but also bring the added benefits of residual income for years to come.

Left: Solar panels are just one of many financially-viable renewable energy options

An initial investment of £14k for an 18kW boiler will provide around a 49% return in cumulative benefits of fuel savings and RHI payments of almost £21,000 over seven years. Better still, by beefing up the insulation levels you could get away with heating your whole home with a single biomass pellet stove in the lounge connected to radiators and heating your hot water too. This could be fully fitted for less than £6k and still yield RHI payments.

Ground source heat pumps Ground source heat pumps harness natural heat from the ground by pumping water through it. The heat pump increases the temperature and the heat is used to provide home heating or hot water. It performs the same role as a central heating boiler, but uses ambient heat from the ground rather than burning fuel to generate heat. These systems should be coupled with an underfloor heating circuit rather than radiators.

LED lighting Using LEDs is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to be energy efficient. Designed to replace traditional high energy using incandescent, fluorescent and halogen bulbs, new LEDs can cut lighting energy bills by up to 80% and enjoy a much longer life span of

around 15 years or 30,000 hours per bulb if used for seven hours per night.

Super insulation levels Super insulation significantly reduces the transfer of heat through the walls, roof and ground floor of a house, saving energy and money. Special attention must be given to the elimination of thermal cold bridges, particularly where walls meet roof, foundations and intersecting walls. Rule number one in my book is insulate first, heat second. A very well insulated house could stay warm most of the year heated simply through cooking, the heat of people being inside the house and welldesigned solar gains – it will also stay nice and cool in the warmer months.

Solar PV Still a great renewable to look at, not only has the capital cost of the equipment reduced significantly, but the Feed in Tariff (FiT) payments remain in place providing residual income.

Planning a self-build project? Tap into energy efficiency and the benefits will reap rewards for many years to come and give you a more comfortable, sustainable home.

www.happyenergy.co.uk

15

Eyebrow Viewpoint Sub-brow

What is the secret to finding the perfect plot?

Raymond Connor, Chief Executive of BuildStore Ltd gives a useful insight into finding that elusive plot.

N

ew Year is traditionally the time of year for making new resolutions and embracing new beginnings. It’s also the time of year when there is a significant peak in the number of plot searches conducted as those who have contemplated building their own home actually make a concerted effort to make those dreams become a reality.

Of course, this ‘call to action’ can be triggered by a number of factors, such as extended family descending over the festive period pushing your current living arrangements to the extreme,

16

or making the most of favourable mortgage interest rates. But it is undeniable that finding that dream plot is probably one of the greatest hurdles of self-building.

Finding the right plot, at the right time and at the right price can be a challenging task, given that we live on an island and land is inherently allocated to either local authorities or private landowners. So, what is the secret to finding the perfect plot?

It’s all too easy to get carried away with how your home will ‘look and feel’ so I strongly suggest taking five minutes out to compile a wish

list before you even start your search for land.

For example: do you wish to live in a rural idyll or would you prefer to live in a community with established transport, schools and infrastructure?

Do you wish to live near family members? Will it satisfy your needs now and in the future? What size plot do you actually need to fulfil the build structure? What is your plot budget and how will you secure ongoing finance for the build?

Only start looking once you have determined the location, plot size and budget. On average, finding and securing the right plot and obtaining the correct planning permissions

Online resources Essentially what you need is to find a plot of land, in your chosen locality, that satisfies your budget and most importantly, comes complete with planning permission. Recently re-launched to offer mobile and tablet functionality, www. plotsearch.co.uk meets all your requirements Trade S e and more. As the UK’s longest established cret: Only s ta land finding resource that only lists plots of a plot rt looking fo once y r ou hav finalis land that can be genuinely be built upon, e ed locatio your ideal the site currently features over 8000 n, size plots across the length and breadth of the budge and t. country, with prices starting from as little as £5000. The site currently has over 80,000 can take an average of 12-18 subscribers looking for land, so it’s imperative that months, so it is always advisable to commence you get a head-start on any competition. You can your search at the earliest possible opportunity. register onto its Plot Alert service to be instantly It is no coincidence that searches conducted notified of any new plots that become available. in the New Year correlate with the majority of If you thought all the options to plot-finding self-builds that commence in favourable Spring had been explored, think again as there is weather conditions. an additional route to finding a plot. Recent For some, lady luck can play a part – such government initiatives to drive forward its ‘Right was the case with James Wragg who, while to Build’ housing scheme include awarding eleven enjoying a Sunday drink at his local pub, local authorities ‘vanguard’ status to deliver happened to notice a vacant plot adjacent to the beer garden and subsequently purchased it from the brewery. For others, it’s a case of thinking ‘outside the box’, like Mr & Mrs Raettig who bought a dilapidated cottage with the sole intention of knocking it down and creating a contemporary family home on its footprint.

However for the majority of us, it’s a case of putting in the legwork and using all the tools made available to us. If you’re keen to remain living in the same area, adopting tried and tested There are many routes to take methods such as visiting estate agents, attending in the journey to finding your perfect plot land auctions, scouring the property pages of

custom-build sites. Presenting ‘shovel ready’ plots, complete with planning permissions, custombuild gives you the opportunity to do as much or as little as you desire. Although these individual plots may be part of a larger self-build site, they still present the opportunity to create the home of your dreams.

The level of support being offered by the government is very encouraging and I was delighted to be a member of the Joint Industry Working Group set up to widen the opportunities available for people to build their own homes.

Richard Bacon MP has been driving forward selfbuild and custom-build in the UK, with his bill to make local authorities implement custom-build registers receiving cross-party support. With the bill expected to be passed in April, it is anticipated that local authorities across the country will soon be hosting dedicated registers to accurately measure local demand and provide appropriate custom-build sites.

Although still in its infancy, custom-build sites are springing up across the country and you don’t need to wait until individual authority registers are created to be informed of these opportunities.

By simply registering with the Custom Build Register – www.custombuildregister.co.uk – which already has over 13,000 subscribers, you will be notified direct of any custom-build plots that become available in your chosen locality.

Furthermore, this data is fed into local authorities, landowners and developers to encourage the release and availability of land. To find out more about custom-build and potential sites, www.custombuildhomes.co.uk provides an invaluable resource.

I acknowledge that finding land can be frustrating at the best of times, but by exploring all the options available to you, peppered with a little patience, you will find your ideal plot of land.

Viewpoint

local newspapers and even driving round your desired location can pay dividends; if you see a vacant plot of land, don’t be afraid to knock on doors and make enquiries. Additionally, why not visit the local planning office and review the latest planning applications? Even if planning has been applied for, this does not necessarily mean that the site will be built upon. Don’t be afraid to approach the applicant, be upfront and honest with your intentions to self-build and offer a fair price for the land.

Taking to the internet can provide a convenient solution to finding your ideal plot, especially if you are looking to build in a new locality. Using Google Earth to identify infill plots and posting your ‘wanted’ flag on the Self Build Portal’s ‘Need-APlot’ noticeboard can be useful. However, this can also be time-consuming and will not necessarily provide instant gratification.

www.buildstore.co.uk

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Sub-brow Contracts & Legalities Eyebrow

The plot thickens Most self-builders will come up against at least one unexpected building guideline that they might not have considered prior to planning. Here, i-build outlines the Code of Practice for the sustainable use of soils on construction sites.

S

oil is a fundamental and ultimately finite resource that fulfils a number of functions and services for society which are central to sustainability. Some of the most significant impacts on this resource occur as a result of activities associated with construction activity, yet it appears that there is a general lack of awareness and understanding of this need within the building industry.

The establishment of new landscapes or gardens on construction sites often involves the respreading of stockpiled soil or the importation of soil. The manner in which this is carried out has a significant bearing on the soil’s function, and particularly its ability to support new trees, shrubs and grass.

A Code of Practice has therefore been developed to assist anyone involved in building work to better protect the soil

18

resources with which they work. By following the guidance in the Code you will not only be able to help protect and enhance the soil resources on site but you may also achieve cost savings for your project.

Pre-construction planning

• Have a soil resource survey carried out on

site by a suitably qualified and experienced soil scientist or practitioner – e.g. a member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists – at the earliest convenience and prior to any earthworks operations.

Incorporate the results of the soil resource survey into the site working strategy ensuring liaison between the soil resource survey and other ground investigations.

Ensure that you are informed of and follow waste regulations as necessary.

• •

• Consider the use of sustainable drainage

systems on site as these can provide more long term protection of soils beyond the construction phase, by facilitating the infiltration and attenuation of surface water.

Soil management during construction

• Prepare a Soil Resource Plan showing the areas

and type of topsoil and subsoil to be stripped, haul routes, the methods to be used, and the location, type and management of each soil stockpile.

When stripping, stockpiling or placing soil, do so in the driest condition possible and use tracked equipment where possible to reduce compaction.

Confine traffic movement to designated routes.

Keep soil storage periods as short as possible.

Clearly define stockpiles of different soil materials.

• • • •

Landscape or garden creation

• Ensure that the entire soil profile is in a

condition to promote sufficient aeration, drainage and root growth.

Safeguard and utilise on-site soil resources where possible. If importing soils, use a reputable supplier, establish the source of the soil and ensure it is suitable for the intended use.

•

www.defra.gov.uk

in + ex

Inex-online.com Interior and exterior design inspiration

The comprehensive online specification portal for interior and exterior design professionals. Inex takes visitors on a virtual journey, inspiring the design community with the latest news, on-trend products and high-profile interviews.

www.inex-online.com

Search ‘inex’

19

Rural Retreat

The graveyard shift A Grade II listed church building and former aquarium has undergone a major renovation project to be transformed into a family home.

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Rural retreat

O

wner Martin Hurlow, a builder and contractor who runs Hurlow Construction, bought the off-grid 160-year-old property in Tenby, Pembrokeshire with a view to convert it into a home for his daughter and her partner. Following a complete internal reconstruction spanning several months, it is now an impressive and spacious ‘upside down house’ – with four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the ground floor and an open-plan living area upstairs.

Martin explains: “Throughout my career I’d always wanted to convert either a church or an old school. So, when the chance came up to convert a church into a home for my daughter and her partner, I jumped at it.”

Although having previously renovated three houses, this was by far Martin’s biggest project to date.

“We came across the property by chance. I saw it had a ‘For Sale’ sign and drove up to have a look. I thought it would make a cracking conversion project so went for it,” he continues.

A unique project The cemetery chapel was built in 1854. These buildings were used purely for burials, meaning that no weddings or church services occurred at the site. Because the building was quite a distance from the centre of Tenby, the village eventually built a new church and cemetery in a more central location.

Due to the building’s listed status, no changes were allowed on the exterior. This meant that a lot of the original features had to be retained, such as the stained glass windows and the beams.

Martin continues: “It was all about balancing and enhancing the building as it stood, just with a few modern twists. I took inspiration from everywhere.

Television programmes, ideas from projects that I’d done for other people and the architect that helped me through the planning stages all became valuable resources. I didn’t even have a final design brief on paper – it was mostly in my head and happened in a

Above: The welsh building has undergone a dramatic transformation Below: The conversion's exterior has remained true to the original structure

flexible, ad hoc way. I started with a basic plan that wasn’t very detailed and tweaked it as I went along.

“I had a clear idea in my mind of what I wanted and did a lot of research on the internet. Once I found the right materials, I purchased them locally or online. I would recommend other self-builders to use as many natural materials as possible. I used a lot of slate and wood, including 40 year old teak for the staircase.

Finding materials that complement a building is key, so it’s worth doing your research.” .

Working off-grid After waiting almost double the expected time for planning permission – 20 weeks – the project could get underway. However, the nature of this conversion created several challenges.

Firstly, because the property is off-grid with no heating, finding a way to heat the building was an obstacle. Having decided against the costly option of installing a gas line, Martin needed to find an affordable, reliable alternative that would meet the heating and hot water needs of the rural property.

21

Rural Retreat Martin explains: “When I bought the church it was being used as a commercial aquarium and reptile house. There was no central heating and the only source of warmth came from the generators used to heat the fish tanks. Before that, the building had been empty for 20 years. Initially, I looked into running a gas line to the property – but when I found out this would cost in excess of £6000 (and that was if I did most of the digging myself!), I started exploring other options.

Renewable incentives “Having researched NIBE’s renewable heating portfolio, I went to Good Life for their recommendation – and after completing a full site survey, they agreed that the Pellux 100 would be an excellent fit for the property’s needs. It is now tucked neatly away in a purpose-built lean-to that I constructed myself at the side of the building, and works seamlessly with both the traditional radiators in the bedrooms and the new underfloor heating system in the communal areas. I’m also expecting to receive regular payments through the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme,

22

Above: Glass balustrades maintain the feeling of volume Left: The timber beams are reflected within the stairs and the dining room table Opposite: The open plan living space makes the most of the original features

†

23

Rural Retreat

Rural Retreat

which is an added bonus!�

The second challenge was addressing the building’s ventilation. Because the property had not been very well-protected from damp in the past and had previously been used as an aquarium, ventilation was a key concern. Due to the fact that the stained glass windows don’t open, the solution was to install a heat recovery ventilation system.

Finally, the build experienced a lot of unforeseen expenses related to the age and style of the building.

For example, the sandstone featuring of the church were badly eroded, so required a great deal of restoration work, the slate floor had to be excavated, insulation installed and a renovation of the spirelet.

This all added up to a total overspend of 300%.

True to form There was no time pressure for Martin, so the project became a fallback job for him as he continued to work fulltime. He dipped in and out, working for a couple of weeks and then coming back to it after doing a stint of paid building work. The conversion took about 18 months from start to finish, completed in May 2014.

From the outside the new home looks very much like a church, surrounded by the tombstones that created its original purpose. However, inside the chapel is a modern home, divided by a new mezzanine level, seperating the open plan living space from the ground

24

Above: The upper level boasts an open plan living space Left: A number of original features remain

Rural Retreat Above: The second level reaches up into the chapel's beams Below: Original stained glass windows span both floors Right: Martin built the home for his daughter

floor bedrooms and bathrooms. Stain glass windows stretch across both storeys, with glass flooring allowing these features to remain uninterrupted. The upper level incorporates a kitchen, living room and dining space that sits up in the chapel’s beams.

Martin continues: “I’m absolutely chuffed with it.

In my mind’s eye, I had a strong vision of a big, open staircase and that’s really come to fruition. It’s my favourite part of the house. When it’s dark and the lights are on – as we had LED lights in the treads and the hallway – it looks truly spectacular.

“The open-plan room upstairs works really well.

When the sun is shining through the big stained glass windows, it casts colours everywhere and looks great.

We’ve had a big 12-seater dining table made by a carpenter from old timber, and it fits brilliantly within the space. I also love the bathrooms.

“Looking back, I would have put underfloor heating throughout – instead of a mixture of underfloor heating and traditional radiators. With hindsight, I also would have chosen a ventilation system that incorporated air conditioning, as it gets very hot upstairs in the summer.”

now that the ivy has been removed and the external stonework power-hosed, it really stands out.

Martin concludes: “It’s in quite a secluded location, but everyone who has come up to have a look has reacted very positively to it. We’ve had people coming up to look who say they had never even noticed the church before, even though it’s been there for 160 years!

A new lease of life Before the project, the church wouldn’t be seen from the town as it blended into its surroundings – it was covered in ivy and blocked from view by big trees. But

25

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Rural Retreat “I really enjoyed the project and would love to do something like it again. The whole project was selffunded, so the money side of things was a worry at times, but I have no regrets.

“My advice to other self-builders is to make sure you have plenty of funds. Whatever quote you get, overestimate it by at least 20%. When you start something like this, you uncover so many things that throw up unexpected costs – especially with an older property – and once you’re so far down the line, you can’t just stop!”surfaced in cockle shells.

www.nibe.co.uk Above: The church was originally built in 1854 Left: The bathroom pays homage to the building's classic features Below: The surrounding graveyard creates an unusual driveway

27

Sustainable Living

Life off-grid Maes Yr Onn Farm, Manmoel, sits high above the Gwent valleys as Wales’ first fully off-grid and truly self-sufficient farm.

T

he Manmoel area comprises a small village with surrounding hill farms in the county borough of Caerphilly in South East Wales.

The area around the village forms a remote rural community that was originally based on agriculture. The farm was established in 1825 and has been farmed on a commercial basis by Arthur Davies and his family for over 30 years.

Arthur explains: “My father bought it in 1946 and there was a house on it, but it was derelict and my mother refused to move up there as there was no electricity or water.

It’s always been my ambition to move up here. To be honest, we had been trying for planning for 20 years and this was our last effort really. This time I think we were possibly

a bit more determined and the application fully appreciated the house culture and the necessity of living on the farm.”

The original farmhouse was demolished in 1982 because it had fallen into such disrepair that it was no longer safe. Arthur continued to work on the farm, traveling every day from his terraced cottage in the village to care for the livestock – regardless of the varied weather conditions.

Their efforts to re-establish a presence on the farm was further hampered by a lack of electricity, gas, water or sewage services at this upland site. However, with the support of a number of organisations, Arthur and his wife, Sue, gained planning permission to construct a farmhouse on the former site in May 2011 and due to being completely ‘off-grid’, the

28

29

Sustainable Living

Sub-brow Eyebrow Sustainable Living opportunity was taken to test a combination of renewable energy technologies and gain insight on the impact of living and running a business sustainably.

Community spirit The project involved an effective working partnership between the key stakeholders including the Davies family, CCBC RDP Energy

team, BRE and SSE. All partners had an integral role to play in making the project happen and to turn Arthur and Sue’s dream into reality. The council managed the project from its initiation.

BRE provided the building design work and initial technical feasibility of the renewable energy technologies and SSE provided the funding, design and installation services of these technologies.

Arthur continues: “I always envisaged building something based on an old welsh farmhouse. These would incorporate house, living quarters for the family and the buyer for the cattle. Another main idea was that we were going to clad the west side of the house in local stone as there are high winds that come from that direction.

“Once we had planning, then the various elements became involved and it took off from there. The council got the building researchers on board. We worked closely with Andy Sutton, who was the president of the Welsh Architects Society at the time, to design the house. He wanted to go north to south to make the most of the view, but I pointed out that I can go outside to look at the view. There’s a nice view all around, so I convinced him to build it west to east – plus now the solar panels can make the most of the sun.”

Eco-friendly elements The new home has 21 solar panels on the roof and a battery bank that stores electricity for use at night. The family harvest rainwater from the roof, which travels through a pump and filter, producing water for washing and drinking. In the future the family hopes to add a small wind turbine to make the most of the

Above: All materials were locally sourced Left: Local tradesmen and labourers were also used

30

Sub-brow Eyebrow Sustainable Living strong winds that they get on the hillside. This would eliminate the need for the generator that they currently use.

Materials and tradesmen used in during project were all locally sourced. Stone work wraps around the building on the west side and comes round the north and south sides. The other half of the property is clad with cedar timber.

to change dramatically, but we haven’t had any problems. The only thing we’ve faced is adjusting to the lifestyle – for example, I left the emersion heater on for too long once in summer so had to rush out and put the generator on.

“In a way we had off-grid living thrust upon us, so we had to think thoroughly about how to provide electricity and

water. It’s expensive to install some of this equipment, but when you start seeing the bills stop coming in, it really does pay for itself. I strongly believe in looking after the environment because it’s a no brainer, as far as I’m concerned, that man has a part to play in global warming.”

Maes Yr Onn Farm remains an on-going community project. The new home has

Sustainable ambitions The project also specified Discrete Heat’s ThermaSkirt product due to the product’s compatibility with renewable energy sources such as solar and biomass, and its high heat transfer ability with low running temperature make it an energy efficient alternative to conventional radiators. Hot water is produced via a 20kW biomass boiler that is fuelled using the family’s own woodland that surrounds the property providing a self sufficient supply of logs. The hot water is then circulated through the heated skirting board to provide an even heat to the perimeter of each room. The compact design of ThermaSkirt allows it to free up space that would otherwise be taken up by wall-mounted radiators.

He explains: “Everyone thought that living off-grid would mean our lifestyle would have

Above: Stone cladding wraps around the home, protecting it from the elements Right: Oak cladding complements the stone

31

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Sustainable Living

been host to one of the Welsh Government Agricultural Department’s farming connect days that help to teach others about various elements of farming and off-grid living. Local schools have also visited the property to learn about carbon footprint and sustainable living.

Right: A new bench pays homage to all those involved in the project Below: The family love their new open-plan kitchen

Farm life “We love living on the farm. The farmhouse has a lovely big kitchen, which is great. I can’t praise the design of our house enough. It’s also brilliant to come straight into the utility and downstairs shower room from the field if the weather is bad. Plus we don’t have to get in the car to drive home anymore. Plus after 15 months in an on-site caravan, believe me we were glad to move into the house!” continues Arthur.

The entire project, including equipment, came to a total of £150,000. It was designed to code 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

However, with all the sustainable elements the self-build reaches the highest level possible – code 6.

Arthur says: “Although I didn’t have a clue what the team were talking about at the beginning of the project, I now know lots of sustainable terms that I try to casually drop

into conversation!

“There were a few unexpected costs, such as getting certificates for any work started. The groundwork cost a lot more than expected, needing £2.5k before we even poured a drop of concrete. This is just one of the things you don’t consider and it cost us a lot. My advice to other self-builders is to

be realistic with your budget. Try shopping around and beat people down on prices that they quote you. Know the hidden costs before you start – no matter how much you plan, there will always be times when a bit of extra money will come in handy.”

www.discreteheat.co.uk

33

Ironmongery

products in our range, free returns, free next day delivery on all orders over £45 and earlier opening times for our contact centre to align with the needs of tradesmen.”

IronmongeryDirect has just released its new autumn catalogue with price cuts on over 700 products and prices locked down on 13,000 items so tradesmen can continue to get the best deals on the items they need to get the job done.

Trustworthy supplier

Locked down prices buck the trend IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s biggest online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products to the trade, has announced that it is bucking the sector’s inflationary trend, having kept its average prices flat since 2010.

R

esearch by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills reveals that the average prices of builder’s ironmongery has risen by 20% over the last two years. This is against a backdrop of a 17.4% average rise in all construction materials since 2009.

Despite this trend, IronmongeryDirect has announced that its average prices haven’t increased since 2009 across its full range of products.

IronmongeryDirect, which supplies over 14,500 different products to the trade, reports that it has been able to keep prices low thanks to building strong relationships and driving efficiency with suppliers.

Low price priority Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “We recognise the inflationary pressures that have been squeezing the profit margins of our customers and have made it a priority to keep prices as low as possible.

“As we have grown, we have sought to build good relationships with suppliers and pass on the benefits to our customers by resisting the inflation that exists elsewhere in the sector.

We believe this is a crucial part of our service to our loyal customers.

“As well as improving prices for customers, we have also introduced other benefits such as a minimum five year guarantee on all

34

IronmongeryDirect has been supplying architectural ironmongery to tradesmen for over 40 years. Starting out as a traditional shop, today customers can browse over 14,500 products in the catalogue, online and now with the new app.

Orders can be placed as late as 8pm for fast next working day delivery, plus all ironmongery products are covered by a minimum five year guarantee. Customers can now take advantage of the new mobile app which makes it even easier to search for products, place orders and track delivery status on-the-go. If for any reason a product needs to be returned, customers can utilise the pre-paid returns label provided with the order.

www.ironmongerydirect.com 0808 168 2828 sales@ironmongerydirect.com Main and Left: The new autumn catalogue is now available Below: IronmongeryDirect has been supplying to the trade for over 40 years

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Windows, doors, conservatories, glass facades & glass splash backs, fascias soffits & gutterings.

In fact, if it stands still, we can paint it.

35

Heating & Plumbing

Above: A surprising number of everyday activities create humidity within a home Left: Ventilation needs to be fitted throughout an entire home

Condensation:

is completed, moisture can remain trapped in the building, leading to condensation. If not dealt with, it can result in serious structural damage – such as timber decay – and can have a detrimental effect on insulation.

New build properties are built to stringent environmental guides such as the Code for Sustainable Homes and of course, Building Regulations. This has inevitably led to ‘sealing’ the building to prevent heat loss, which in turn results in dramatically reduced ventilation opportunities.

Prevention is better than cure Condensation in the home is not just a nuisance; it can lead to significant structural problems, costly redecoration and can even affect the health of the occupants if left to develop into mould.

P

icture if you will an ice cold drink on a hot summers day. The glass is beaded in droplets of water, just waiting for you to pick it up and quench your thirst. Lovely isn’t it?

Not so lovely when the same process – condensation – forms in your home. Even worse if this is left to fester, eventually leading to unsightly and unhealthy patches of mould.

There are essentially two types of condensation in the home. Condensation is the result of humidity levels in the atmosphere reaching saturation point; often referred to as dew-point. When this type of atmosphere comes into contact with a cold surface, water vapour condenses onto the surface. The colder the surface, the quicker the condensation forms.

Surface condensation will be familiar to

36

t: Secrsetems e d a y Tr very s wn

dra reco Heat at fresh air ith the w e g h pre ildin tale air s he bu into t nal waste at inter sing a he u nger. excha

everyone as it occurs in every home.

It’s the result of breathing, cooking, heating, washing and drying clothes – all normal day-to-day activities. A house with five occupants can generate in excess of 10kg of water through condensation daily. This type of condensation forms on non-porous surfaces such as window panes and can make the household atmosphere dank and musty if not ventilated adequately. It can also lead to staining, becoming both inconvenient and costly.

The second type of condensation within the home is interstitial condensation, which is most often found in new build properties. Interstitial condensation forms within the very fabric of the building as a result of the significant amount of moisture released through excavation and building works. When a building

Finding a solution

As a result, such homes require a mechanical form of ventilation, often used in conjunction with a heat recovery system which preheats fresh air drawn into the building with the internal waste stale air using a heat exchanger.

It’s an effective and sustainable solution.

You would think that with such measures in place, issues of condensation would be resolved.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Where the ducting used in the ventilation system passes from a warm room through to unheated areas and voids, such as loft spaces – where heat recovery units are usually located – condensation is likely to form on the inside of the duct. This can then run down the duct and create a potential hazard, such as dripping onto

One solution is to use a condensation trap that collects the moisture and releases it through an overflow port externally to address this issue. Quick and simple to install, the traps are installed in the loft space as low as possible on vertical ducts but high enough to allow for a slight fall in the overflow pipe.

Alternatively, you could aim to prevent the formation of condensation in the first place. To accomplish this, the inside wall temperature of the duct must not fall below the dew-point of the humid air entering the duct.

The first step to achieving this is to only use quality rigid ducting with a smooth internal surface area, rather than the cheaper flexible hose. This is because air itself has very good insulating properties when flowing smoothly over a surface. When the reverse happens, ripples are created and insulation is reduced.

Furthermore, ensure the ducting has a uniform profile and the joints fit tightly.

Secondly, use insulation around the ducting in those colder areas that are likely to be affected. Various insulating materials are available for such purposes, such as mineral wool fitted with integral vapour barrier.

Building Regulations 2010, Document F recognises the problem of condensation and states that ducting passing through these

unheated areas and voids must be insulated. The key problem faced here is that ducting insulation specification is set at a minimum standard of ≤0.04W/(m.K), with a 25mm thickness, but domestic duct insulation products on the market are generally unable to meet this requirement.

Insulation is measured on the thermal conductivity (K-value) of the material, its thickness and subsequent thermal resistance (R-value). K-values are quoted in Watts per metre per degree Kelvin (W/mK); R-values in units of degrees Kelvin per Watt (K/W).

An easy way to compare two different types of insulating material is to derive their R-values simply by dividing the thickness in metres by the K-value. Using the Building Regulations as an example, 0.025/0.04 = 0.625K/W. Of course, whatever form of insulation you opt for, there are other considerations to be taken into account. Firstly, if an insulation system is specifically designed for use with ducting, ensure there is a full range to insulate both round and rectangular duct systems and it is available in suitable lengths. Secondly, make sure the insulation fits snugly around the duct and fittings with no air gaps. Thirdly, check how easy it is to fit and secure once on.

Condensation is a part of everyday life in this country, particularly so in the winter months, but with good ventilation practices and mechanical ventilation systems, condensation can be prevented from being a problem in your self-build.

Heating & Plumbing

the electrical connections of a fan, as well as creating stains and mould over a period of time.

www.polypipe.com/ventilation

Above: A condensation trap collects moisture so that it doesn't go into the home Left: The right ventilation will reduce the risk of structural damage to your project

37

Flooring

Choosing the right flooring With such an abundant variety of timbers, colours, textures and styles available on the market, choosing the right wood for your project can be a challenging task. Help is at hand with Peter Keane, Director of wood flooring manufacturer The Natural Wood Floor Company and his guide to wood flooring.

M

any view the natural beauty of wood, combined with its durability and versatility, as making it a flooring option hard to beat. Easy to maintain and hard-wearing, wood flooring improves with age and, in most cases, adds value to a property. In addition, sustainably sourced timber has fantastic environmental credentials as it’s a natural product which is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable.

Solid or engineered wood

Wood flooring has become increasingly popular in open plan living spaces

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One of the most important buying decisions is based on the structure of the floor, with a choice of a solid wood board or engineered timber. Factors to consider include; the location of the floor, fixing method, if it is being used with underfloor heating and, of course, personal preference.

Solid wood flooring is constructed from one piece of wood which is machined to create a tongue and groove profile. This more

Making the grade The grade of timber is not a reflection of the quality of a board, it is simply used to categorise the decorative features of the wood. The main criteria is the degree of colour variation and the number and size of any knots.

Prime Grade – also known as select or A B Grade – is the highest grade. Timber will have minimal colour variation and low knot content which creates a clean, uniform look. The grain is slightly straighter that the other grades and the floor will contain very few character marks.

As this grade of wood is usually from the lower part of the log, the limited supply means it usually costs more than the other grades.

Millrun graded products are made from both natural and prime graded boards.

Natural Grade – also known as Character or C D Grade – timber contains vibrant, colourful patterns created by heavy grain markings and figuring, a greater degree of colour variation and a variety of knot sizes in different colours and shapes. Due to the more abundant supply of this raw material this grade usually reflects the best value for money, whilst also providing the same quality, stability and wear properties as the cleaner grades.

wood against reasonable water penetration.

Oil penetrates into the wood to protect the timber, enhances the grain and adds to the wood’s natural appearance. It’s less durable than other finishes but it is very easy to apply and local or patch repairs can be carried out without the need to re-sand the entire floor. Oils take around eight hours to dry, allowing plenty of working time to create an even application.

It also provides good resistance to moisture.

Available in a matt or satin finish.

Lacquer creates a film over the surface of the wood. It’s highly durable and extremely low maintenance. A good protective surface will usually last between five and seven years depending on usage and the level of traffic.

This finish provides good resistance to moisture and is available in matt, satin or gloss.

Style tips The beauty of wood is that it suits all design schemes. It can be mixed and matched to add style and authenticity to all looks, from cool, urban chic to more traditional, period country homes. Wood is also one of the most versatile flooring surfaces you can get. With a full spectrum

of coloured finishes, it’s easy to create a really special floor with a bespoke look and feel. Timber can easily be renovated and revamped too, so if the wood has lost its lustre or you fancy trying a different colour, the surface can be re-sanded and sealed to make it look like a brand new floor.

Wood is suitable for all rooms and is becoming increasingly popular in open plan living areas and kitchen diners. A large expanse of the same floor is often preferred, creating unity and seamlessly linking the different zones and areas together. Dark woods such as walnut and baked oak can be used to make a statement, while the on-trend pale whites, greys and silvers provide a more subtle backdrop, either complementing the kitchen units and furniture or allowing them to take centre stage.

Wood flooring can also help achieve the desired look for all types of bathrooms, from luxury designer rooms to smaller, functional en-suites. With a wide of design options and colours, there’s plenty to choose from, so both contemporary and traditional designs can benefit from a stunning wooden floor.

Flooring

traditional approach is preferred by some as they understand and feel comfortable with the construction method. However, solid boards are not stable enough to be used as a floating floor, so they should always be nailed or glued to the sub floor, to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the timber.

Engineered flooring is a relatively new addition to the wood flooring market and its popularity has soared over recent years. The board’s core is constructed from multi-layers of hardwood ply fixed at 90° to the layer above. It is then topped off with a thick hardwood layer, which becomes the visible surface of the board. The result is an extremely stable and rigid floor, which is able to withstand fluctuations in heat and humidity. This makes it ideally suited to rooms which experience extremes in temperatures, such as conservatories, kitchens and bathrooms. It has the added benefit of being suitable for use with underfloor heating and as it can be fixed as a floating floor, it can be used with acoustic soundproofing in apartments and on upper floors.

www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

To finish – oil or laquer It is absolutely essential to use a good quality sealer from a specialist company. There are two main options to choose from; oil or lacquer.

Both types are micro porus and will protect the

Wood flooring allows for a number of aesthetic options

39

Bathroom

Breaking

boundaries Wetrooms add a wow factor to any bathroom and can be fitted anywhere in the home. From cellar to attic, even the smallest spaces can be converted into a luxury wetroom.

I

t is often presumed that contemporary showering solutions – in particular wetrooms – are not suitable for installing into period properties.

However, a recent project has dispelled this myth by installing a wetroom in an almost impossible location: a disused lift shaft in Forde Abbey – a Grade One listed building and heritage attraction located in Dorset.

This project demonstrates perfectly the possibilities open to period property owners, or contractors working on renovation or conversion projects, who want a modern showering solution.

Current Forde Abbey steward, Alice Kennard, had found leaking bathroom products to be one of her major concerns and problem areas, affecting the extremely valuable decorative plaster ceilings at the property.

The solution to the problem was to create a wetroom within the space of a disused lift shaft using a number of innovative, leak-free wetroom solutions.

Above: A wetroom is where the shower is open or set behind a single wall, flush with the floor of the rest of the room with the water draining away through an outlet set into the floor Below: Creating a bathroom that brings spa-like luxury to your home is possible, regardless of project size

Firstly, a self adhesive waterproofing product was chosen for this project to tank the wet-floor area to guarantee a leak free solution – crucial in a setting like Forde Abbey where original features and antique ceilings would be impossible to replace if damaged.

The project specified Impey's Waterguard. Once the Waterguard is applied, the fleece membrane, which features a one-sided self-adhesive butyl rubber backing, does not need any curing time which means tiles can be laid straight away.

To add to this, Waterguard comes with pre-formed corners making the process even more straight-forward and time-efficient. It’s also extremely durable, consisting of a Copolymer based sheet that can be used with epoxy grout and solvent based sealers which are not suitable for bitumen-based waterproofing products.

Neil Whitehead, from Impey Showers, said: “Impey’s Waterguard created a watertight barrier which will ensure that no water escapes when the wetroom is in operation, so it was ideal for the job especially for a period property like this. The family did not want any more leaks and yet they needed somewhere to shower.

The fact that you don’t need to leave Waterguard to cure was appealing too because it meant the tiles could be laid straight away, saving time and money.”

www.impeyshowers.com

40

Balustrades EXCEPTIONALLY STYLISH STONE FOR EVERY STYLE OF LIVING

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Eyebrow i-build Sub-brow

Trials and tribulations Tim Riley, Director of architects RCKa, discusses the hurdles his team had to overcome in order to gain planning permission for a Sussex home extension.

I

n late 2008 the Government fundamentally changed the rules governing what adaptations homeowners can to their properties without seeking planning permission. This adjustment to existing legislation - known as “permitted development” - was aimed at reducing the number of hoops through which property owners had to jump when making straightforward alterations and where these houses conformed to certain stereotypical arrangements: the Victorian terraced house; the 1930s suburban semi; the 1980s detached executive home.

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For less conventional dwellings which do not fit neatly into these categories this has allowed architects to creatively interpret the regulations in order to unlock sites for development which had previously been refused planning permission.

In broad terms permitted development provides a series of geometric rules governing how a property can be enlarged without planning permission provided standard criteria are met. This “one size fits all” approach serves the majority of people very well, but in certain cases has led to unintended consequences.

In 2006, we were approached by a client who owned a modest single-storey wooden cottage in the centre of a half-acre plot of land deep within the West Sussex countryside.

Family heirloom The land had been in the family for several generations, with the house now standing on the site built by the current owner’s grandfather in the early 1930s. Over the following decades the family’s connections with the cottage flourished, with the client’s mother being born there and

i-build

Left: Each side of the angular extension makes the most natural sunlight

- many far smaller than the site of our scheme had been sold and redeveloped to provide much larger homes. The modest little cottage was now dwarfed by larger houses on all sides.

For several months we worked closely with the client and her family to work up a design for a brand new home that was sustainable, accessible and welcoming, but which was also appropriate for contemporary family life.

And so early in 2009 we submitted a planning application for a striking new home on the site of the previous cottage. Although larger in size, the new house was carefully designed to minimise any visual impact on neighbours, concealing some accommodation below ground and using a slope on the site as well as rooms within the roof to ensure that the increase in size as seen from the street was negligible. The use of similar materials, details and form as the existing home helped to ensure the proposals remained sympathetic in scale and character to its surroundings.

Planning complications

years later being married in the gardens. As the family expanded it became apparent that this modest little cottage, which had played such an important role in the family’s history, was no longer suitable as a modern home. Rather than let the property slowly degrade over time the client and her family decided that they would like to invest in the site and commissioned us to design for them a beautiful new house which would make the most of this wonderful site and celebrate their longstanding connection with the area.

Given the obvious emotional and sentimental

attachment to the property, we were asked by the family to develop proposals for a replacement house that would accommodate a growing family - now spanning three generations - whilst respecting the sensitive rural location as well as responding to the gradual changes that they had made over the years. In one example a flower bed, planted by the client’s father who since passed away, was a key element of external landscape which we were asked to retain.

Meanwhile, in the years that had passed since the house was first built, adjacent plots of land

Later that summer we received notice from the district council that our application had been refused. The apparent imposition of an arcane rule governing the allowable increase in footprint – not included within any planning policy but used by planning officers to determine acceptable dwelling sizes regardless of site area, context or need – meant that the proposal was determined to be too large despite the presence of far larger properties on adjacent, far smaller plots. Subsequent discussions with the planning department also proved fruitless and time-consuming.

With the opportunity for relocating her family to the site rapidly fading, we decided to investigate other opportunities for achieving at least some development on the site that would not involve endless discussions with a disorganised and disinterested planning department. Given the risks involved - and the limited likelihood for success – the idea of appealing against this decision to the planning inspectorate was dismissed. The prospect of severing the family’s attachment to the site was becoming an increasing prospect.

Returning to first principles, we decided to look again at how we might design a scheme that circumvented a dysfunctional planning system.

Towards the end of 2008 the government introduced a comprehensive change to the permitted development regulations. Whilst

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Eyebrow i-build Sub-brow aimed primarily at owners of conventional houses, the wording of the new regulations presented far greater opportunity for creative interpretation compared to the legislation that preceded it - whether this was intentional or not.

We soon realised that these changes provided the key to unlocking the site and achieving the generous family home our client desperately wished for, but would involve a fundamental redesign in order to deliver a high-quality home within the parameters of the permitted development rules.

The fundamental principle of permitted development is that this places restrictions on extensions to existing dwellings, whereas we had always assumed that we would be designing an entirely new home. The realisation that by retaining the cottage we could apply a different set of regulations presented us with a unique opportunity to achieve the client’s aims in the face of a resistant planning authority.

Perplexing legislation A close reading of the legislation revealed an anomaly in the definition of how the rules governing extensions are applied. It was clear that side and rear extensions to an existing property were restricted to four metres and extensions at the front of any house prohibited when facing the highway. But what if the front of the house did not face the road? In this case an extension could be unlimited in its depth provided it was no wider than the existing house.

This was precisely the condition which applied to our site: a front door facing away from the road rather that towards it meant that we were able to expand the existing house back

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into the site almost without restriction.

With the parameters of the building defined we began developing a new design which borrowed the form and finishes of the existing house in a contemporary manner - stained ship-lap timber weatherboarding wrapped around a series of linear forms matching the existing house.

With no restrictions on the construction of a basement we introduced a lower-ground floor level with a sunken courtyard providing daylight into the spaces below

Above: The new home will boast high ceilings

Below: Sustainability is a key concern for the new design

i-build

containing bedrooms and bathrooms, with open-plan living accommodation on the upper-ground floor providing direct access to the beautiful gardens that envelope the house.

Eaves and ridge lines match that of the original cottage whereas the internal floor level is terraced to follow the landscape leading to dramatic progression of spaces and a better connection with the basement level. Being of such a deep plan we investigated cutting holes from the permitted form to introduce courtyards which began to define the open-place space, orientate the building and introduce natural light into its depth.

Project success The new home will be highly environmentally friendly – constructed from a cross-laminated timber structure with high levels of insulation, on-site power generation and rainwater recovery – and will provide the family with an attractive and sustainable home for generations to come.

It is endlessly frustrating that the planning system, which is specifically tasked with encouraging sustainable and responsible development, often seems to be doing the opposite. Instead of adopting an intelligenceled, bottom-up approach which responds to local needs and site-specific conditions it becomes necessary to rely on national legislation in order to achieve high-quality and sustainable architecture that responds positively to the changing nature of our society. Whilst the rules regarding permitted development were never intended to be exploited this way, this project shows that they can present an ideal challenge for motivated architects to unlock brownfield sites in order to deliver the highquality homes that we so desperately need.

www.rcka.co.uk

Right: The final design has a central courtyard

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Heating Eyebrow

The benefits:

Sub-brow

• If you choose electric, once the system is laid • • • •

•

Where luxury starts If you are at the stage of choosing your bathroom for your new-build or renovation, one room that deserves special attention is the bathroom.

S

ome people get so caught up in choosing fixtures, such as tiles and sanitary ware that they overlook a key element of the bathroom design in terms of functionality, with a critical requirement being heating. Other key essentials of bathroom design to maintain the feeling of warmth and luxury is heated towel rails and mirror demisters.

Underfloor heating warms the home through radiant heat emitted from a warm wire element or water pipe from the floor. It warms dense objects like people and objects first from the floor upwards.

There are two systems to choose from – electric and hydronic – available in a number of systems to match your project and budget.

Many choose a hybrid system, electric upstairs in bathrooms and bedrooms and hydronic downstairs in kitchens.

Which system is right for me?

Electric and hydronic are suitable for all types of projects, new-build, retrofits and refurbishment. However, if you require

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underfloor heating as a secondary source of heating to take the chill off floors, for example, in a bathroom or kitchen, electric would be the best and most cost effective solution.

Main: Underfloor heating can be used with most floor finishes Above: It warms a room through water pipes or warm wire elements in the floor

there is no further service or maintenance costs. There is a low maintenance associated with hydronic Underfloor heating is invisible, frees-up wall and floor space Electric systems with a 1.8mm wire is available from Warmup, the thinnest and easiest to install Heats-up in minutes, much quicker than radiators (when used with insulation) More cost effective – the heating system is precisely controlled in each zone by the controls such as the 3iE energy-monitor thermostat or for total convenience, the 4iE smart Wi-Fi thermostat, which allows the end user to set or amend heating in the home and remotely from a smartphone, tablet or computer. It costs just 13p per day to heat an average bathroom Warmup systems come with a Lifetime Warranty and SafetyNet Installation Guarantee. This means should the heating system be accidentally damaged during installation, Warmup will replace it free of charge. They also offer a dedicated team of service engineers should a floor become damaged in the future, i.e., drilling through a wire or pipe

Which flooring types work best with underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating offers versatility and can be used with most floor finishes, these include natural stone, ceramic, wood, laminate, vinyl and carpet.

There is an underfloor heating system suitable for specific floor finishes. For example, if you are heating your bathroom and your floor covering is natural stone or ceramic, Warmup recommends using its Underfloor Heating Mats – available on 150W & 200W/ m² – or its Loose Wire System. Both systems have the toughest and thinnest wire available on the market, only 1.8mm with multi-strand core, double-insulated using advanced fluoropolymer coatings, not PVC – important when installed under an expensive floor!

Installation of electric or hydronic underfloor heating systems is a simple process and careful preparation following Warmup’s instructions is highly recommended.

www.warmup.co.uk 0845 345 2288 uk@warmup.com

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i-nterior

Bachelor’s paradise Professional building services, Holloways of Ludlow and interior designer Clare Gaskin have transformed an 18th Century, Grade II listed penthouse apartment into the perfect bachelor pad.

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i-nterior

T Main: The transformation boasts a contemporary appeal Above right: The monochrome is accented with red highlights

he homeowner – a young professional man who wished to remain unnamed – was keen to renovate the whole penthouse into his dream home, by reproportioning the relationship between the hallway, master bedroom, dressing room, master bathroom and en-suite. He commissioned Martin Smith, from Holloways of Ludlow Professional Building Services, to carry out the redesign and finalise the planning process.

Martin wanted to create a luxurious environment that would be comfortable but featured a few unexpected twists within each defined space. A range of built-in fitted furniture throughout the apartment creates the desired look, including panels of antiqued mirrored glass along the entrance corridor that brought light and reflections into this narrow space. Other major elements of the design included a sleek kitchen

and luxurious master bathroom, as well as en-suite bathroom. To provide those important interior touches and provide flow and continuity between each space, interior designer Clare Gaskin was commissioned to provide the interior design throughout.

As you enter the apartment, through a beautiful reclaimed door, you are greeted with an impressive grand entrance hall that has been floored in luxurious Carrera marble. There is a corridor of lined cabinets with lattice and antique mirrored glass panels that have been sprayed in Paint & Paper Library’s Steel III, which also open to reveal storage space.

Within the main living room space, a sophisticated range of home technology systems have been incorporated into the design, such as a stained oak and high gloss spray slide panel AV unit that open up to a 60” plasma TV. To enhance the entertainment element of the main living room, high quality speakers are

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i-nterior

integrated into the design in addition to a 5.1 cinema system. Underfloor heating, an electric blind system and a hot and cold air conditioning add practical luxury.

Between the living and dining space is an EcoSmart burner installed within a bespoke cabinet with ABK bespoke steel liner, which has been positioned under a plastered faux chimney. To optimise the desired indoor/outdoor theme of the space the roof terrace was designed in conjunction with Bartholomew landscapes.

Modern living The homeowner has a passion for red and black colour schemes, so with that in mind, Martin designed a modern and luxurious kitchen to complement the open-plan living layout of the penthouse apartment.

The open-plan kitchen was designed and built

by Holloways of Ludlow themselves, and features

Right: Soft fabrics complement the stark colour scheme Below: The kitchen is the perfect hosting space

Right: The London apartment includes a balcony Far right: Pale tones sit neatly beside chrome bathroom products

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i-nterior Siemens appliances, an ABK bespoke extractor, and 20mm work surfaces in the Cygnus colourway by Silestone. In this space, Martin used many natural materials, such as stained oak on the breakfast bar and marble worktops to soften the look of the black gloss lacquered cabinetry. The peninsular bar links the kitchen and dining space perfectly.

Adjoining the open-plan kitchen is a bespoke cabinet made from stained oak that incorporates a Miele wine fridge below a 20mm silestone doradus top. Glass shelves and integrated Lutron-controlled lighting allow the owner to display a collection of glassware, spirits and wine.

Re-structural elements The former en-suite had no exterior windows, so an addition of natural light was a must for the project.

The newly designed bathroom is accessed through a corridor of dark stained oak wardrobes, turning the corner into a light and contemporary, yet soft and functional en-suite space, which now features an additional window for light.

Towel rail workings are recessed into the wall alongside the concealed cistern that enhances a contemporary, un-fussy look. 100mm marble skirtings align with the shower floor level and bath panel plinth.

LED lighting has been added under the bath plinth for fuss-free night-time guidance.

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The bedroom and adjoining dressing room was the final piece in the puzzle and the design was able to incorporate an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ tone to the scheme to reflect the homeowners love of red and black colour schemes. The bespoke Holloways of Ludlow fitted cabinet was designed with 28 skilfully cut and bevelled mirror sections A bespoke walk-though dressing space features Holloways of Ludlow stained oak wardrobes and panelling, designed specifically for the space. The plinth lights on the main lutron system also act as night-lights from the master bedroom and continues along under the marble bath plinth.

From the masculine palette to use of minimalist, clean-cut accents, the finished result embodies everything that a trendy, Central London bachelor pad should be.

Right: Bespoke furniture has been created specifically for the project Below: Elements of the outside have been brought inside

i-interior Key contributors Kitchen and furniture design - Holloways of Ludlow Bespoke Kitchens & Joinery www.hollowayskitchens.com Interior Design - Clare Gaskin Interior Design www.claregasin.com Above: The apartment boasts plenty of storage facilities Left: Fun twists add to the contemporary design

Building services - Holloways of Ludlow Professional Builders - www.hollowaysbuild.com Kitchen appliances - Siemens - www.siemens.co.uk Extractor - Bespoke design by ABK www.abk-innovent.com Table - Rupert Bevan – www.rupertbevan.com Pendant Light - Ochre - www.ochre.net Wine cellar - Miele - www.miele.co.uk Bathroom brassware – Vola - www.vola.com En-suite furniture – Catalano – www.catalano.co.uk Shower - The Shower Lab www.theshowerlab.com Bath - Bette - www.bette.de Tiles - TNC Granite – www.tncgranite.co.uk

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Conservatories

new kitchen will also add a further 5-8% to a property’s value. If you build that shiny new kitchen-diner in a light-living glass extension, which opens out into your garden, you could be adding up to 16% to the value of your home – certainly not to be sniffed at. The key thing is to make sure that the extension feels like an integrated part of the property, rather than just a cobbled-on afterthought. Apropos have many ways to help you achieve this, but one of the simplest is to match the flooring to the rest of the downstairs, to create a flowing, cohesive feel to the living space.

Multiple benefits

Added value

Above: A conservatory is a great way to bring the outdoors in

While it is widely acknowledged that home improvements can increase the value of a property, it is often not a guarantee, with many unwary homeowners inadvertently spending money to no discernible effect. However, there are ways and means to not just increase the value of your home, but also your enjoyment of it.

A

ccording to Channel 4’s irrepressible property expert, Phil Spencer, the top two ways of improving the desirability – and therefore value – of the average residential property are loft conversions and conservatories. By extending your living space either upwards or outwards you can add an estimated 4-16% to the value of your home.

It is, perhaps, an obvious statement to make, but the quality of any home extension directly correlates with the potential added value of the project; a bodged DIY conservatory could actually decrease the price you are likely to get for your home when you come to selling. An Apropos bespoke conservatory on the other hand, will increase the value of your property by approximately 5-8%. As a rough guide, if you spend £5000-10,000 on a glass extension, you can expect to get around £10,000-16,000 back on your final asking price.

A recent survey has revealed that the installation of a

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Of course, once you’ve made your home improvements, there is always the chance that you’ll no longer wish to sell, and a well-constructed glass extension or conservatory can help you to save money in other ways.

The obvious point is the green one – with the addition of so much glass you will no longer need to use so many lights in your home, thus reducing your energy consumption and the respective bills. Additionally, Apropos’ solar-controlled glass will help to thermally protect your home, preventing heat-loss in winter and heat-gain in summer, allowing you keep a comfortable ambient temperature year-round, without having to pay for power-hungry equipment.

The property market is a fickle thing and it can be impossible to predict its future trends, but it has always been the case that well-presented houses attain a higher value than those that are down at heel, and there is no reason to suspect that that will ever change.

www.aproposuk.com 0161 342 8206 info@aproposuk.com Below: Glass extensions have the added benefit of bringing more light and warmth into the home

Would you like to see

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your self-build project in our next issue?

Get involved: Know any budding self-builders? The i-build website and magazine have already become an invaluable resource, and subscriptions are absolutely free! Visit i-buildmagazine.com /subscriptions

Whether you're halfway through your build, or sitting back and enjoying the finished article, we'd love to hear from you!

Tell us about your renovation, conversion, extension or new build:

emily@mixedmediainfo.com

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

i-build i-nterior i-scape

Flooring

A revolution in acoustic flooring James Hardie is launching the first ever fibre cement acoustic structural flooring product into the UK construction products market. The building materials manufacturer is adding the new solution to its interior products range with the launch of HardieFloor acoustic solutions, part of the company’s smart flooring range; a range of products that solve many common structural floor related issues.

H

ardieFloor dB, the central product in the acoustics range, offers house builders and architects all of the benefits of HardieFloor structural flooring, but with optimum acoustic performance against both impact and airborne noise. For the first time specifiers now have a board that offers much more than a solution to an acoustic problem.

Using SmartFloor Technology, HardieFloor dB combines the structural HardieFloor board with robust integrated acoustic matting to offer optimum noise resistance.

These 27mm slim-line tongue and groove boards provide an effective combination of airborne and impact noise reduction without compromising on space or reducing ceiling height.

Part E of Building Regulations states that new builds need to meet the following requirements with regards to noise: 62db for impact noise (lower the better) and 45db for airborne noise (higher the better). For

56

conversions the requirements are 64db for impact noise and 43db for airborne noise. For new build projects HardieFloor dB reduces impact noise by a further 8db to only 54db and airborne noise by an additional 10db to an outstanding 55db far surpassing current regulations.

Added benefits Also available is the HardieQStrip batten accessory that can be added direct to the joists prior to the installation of either the original HardieFloor board or a HardieFloor dB board. Using the HardieQStrip the original boards can be turned into acoustic boards that achieve a 56db noise level for both airborne and impact noise. With the batten HardieFloor dB can be enhanced to achieve an impact noise level of 49db and an airborne level of 55db.

Launched late 2013, the HardieFloor substrate offers specifiers many benefits such as being quick and easy to install and weather resistant, allowing for up to 90 days of adverse weather exposure throughout

the build; negating the problem of creaking floorboards and cracked tiles.

Additional benefits include the facility to apply tiles directly to the boards and build structural walls off them. For those wishing to use concrete for structural floors but are faced with a restricted site, HardieFloor structural floor offers a viable alternative, whilst providing many of the benefits of concrete it is much more flexible on site.

Damon McEwan, R&D Manager at James Hardie says: “We are very excited to bring this revolutionary product to the market, there is currently nothing like it available, making it a totally unique breakthrough innovation.

There are many acoustic boards but there are none that offer all of the additional benefits of HardieFloor dB; which is why we feel it will become a core product in our smart flooring range.”

www.jameshardie.co.uk 0800 068 3103 info.europe@jameshardie.com

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Eyebrow i-scape Sub-brow

Dig for victory With an increasing number of self-build projects endeavoring to achieve self-sufficient principles, i-build presents everything you need to know to create a garden that can sustain these aims.

F

rom preserving soil during construction to building walls for plants to grow up while materials and machinery are on site, the Royal Horticultural Society offers a number of suggestions for green-fingered self-builders.

This article presents the four key considerations to take into account when constructing a self-sufficient garden.

Collect water Water is obviously essential for plant growth, so it pays to store and collect what you can. Plants need the most water in hot, dry and windy weather, which is usually when water companies are least able to meet demand.

Less than 3% of the annual water consumption of an average household is estimated to be from garden use, but at peak demand as much as 70% of water supplied may be used in gardens. This surge in demand can lead to water companies being forced to deplete groundwater and streams, which can cause serious environmental damage as well as raising the cost of water for consumers. Gardeners should therefore use mains water as sparingly as they can.

24,000 litres could be collected from the roof each year. However, most water falls in winter and would have to be stored for use in summer. There are about 18 weeks from May until September when plants’ needs exceed rainfall. At first, the shortfall is met from soil reserves, but these can peter out by July, leading to about six weeks when watering is needed. Even tiny gardens and patios can be used to collect and store rainwater, which may help the gardener get through hosepipe and sprinkler bans.

Rainwater can be collected from the roofs of homes, garages, greenhouses and other garden structures as long as they have gutters and a drain pipe.

Water butts are designed to collect water from either open or closed drain pipes. Closed drain pipes can be easily tapped into with a rain water diverter kit. Local councils and DIY stores are good places to purchase basic plastic water butts. It is easier to access the water if the

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butt has a tap at the base and sits on a stand, either readymade or improvised with a pile of bricks. More expensive butts moulded to look like beehives or terracotta urns are an attractive option, as are recycled wooden barrels.

As climatic change models suggest an increasing proportion of rain will fall in winter, it may become cost effective to build-in rainwater storage when constructing new homes. This usually involves sinking a large tank somewhere in the garden, pumping water out for use in the garden or for domestic tasks such as flushing toilets.

However, the more pumps and piping that is required, the greater the cost and carbon footprint of such schemes.

Drainage Good drainage is crucial for growing many garden plants.

Installing drainage is a major undertaking, but on wet

i-scape soils, it is one of the most helpful things a gardener can do to improve growing conditions.

Drainage is important for gardens, but not every garden will need it installed. If you are considering installing drainage, think about where the water will go.

Ditches, streams or soakaways – deep holes filled with rubble that penetrate to porous rocks – are all suitable.

Local byelaws usually prohibit adding drainage water from gardens to sewers or storm drains.

Where there is nowhere for water to go, consider growing in raised beds, or perhaps consider a bogstyle garden. Installing drainage involves burying porous pipes at about 45cm deep. This is very disruptive and is difficult to accomplish when the soil is wet. The best time for this type of ground work is from late summer until early winter when ground

conditions are usually driest.

Before going ahead and installing a drainage system, consider if normal cultivation methods might be all you need to improve drainage. This is often the case for old, established beds and borders that may have become compacted over time. In this case, consider digging the beds and adding organic matter.

Be sure to avoid cutting pipes and cables when trench digging. It can be difficult to lay pipes with sufficient enough fall for water to drain away. In this case consider installing electric pumps and float switches.

Another common problem is finding a place for water to go. It may be possible to work with neighbours or other local landowners to find an outfall for surplus water. It is rather anti-social to dump surplus water at the lower end of your property to flood neighbours gardens.

Above: Growing your own produce is a great way to save money on food bills

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i-scape

Figs Figs are large shrubs or small trees grown for their succulent fruit and beautiful architectural foliage. They thrive in the garden, in a container, in glasshouses or trained against a wall.

from warm, Mediterranean climates •andFigswillcome thrive in a sunny and sheltered position with well-drained soil.

Although figs can cope with dry conditions, •drought can cause fruit to drop prematurely.

Water plants regularly during the summer season, but do not give them too much or water them erratically while the fruit is ripening, as this may cause the fruit to split.

Feed in early spring by spreading 70g of a •balanced granular fertiliser over the ground, and cover with a thin layer of well-rotted manure.

When the fruit appear, feed weekly with a highpotassium liquid plant food.

Figs give the best quality and quantity of fruit •when roots are restricted. For this reason they

are well suited to container cultivation. Plant in a large, 30-38cm pot filled with gritty compost.

However in some circumstances a seasonal pond or swale might be the solution.

Raise the bed Raised beds are a great way of growing a wide range of plants, and are particularly popular for growing fruit and vegetables. They are a good way of boosting drainage and can be used to introduce a different soil type to your garden. Raised beds are also a useful way to garden if you have restricted mobility, as they reduce the need to bend.

You can grow almost any plants in raised beds.

Although raised beds can be built at any time, most gardeners find it convenient to build them in winter, as long as the soil is not too wet or frozen. It’s also a good

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idea to create beds while machinery and materials for your build are still on site.

When building raised beds, the following points need to be considered: Plants in raised beds can suffer more quickly and more severely from drought due to improved drainage, so keep an eye on watering needs.

Modern wood treatments do not contain potentially harmful heavy metals, so are safe to use. If in doubt, line the inside of the bed with polythene.

New railway sleepers may contain creosote that should not be used where skin contact is a possibility.

Creosote is thought to have dissipated from older sleepers, and these may be used without concern about skin contact.

• • •

i-scape

Apricots Apricots are delicious fruit, packed with juice and delicate flavours – those grown in the garden and eaten straight from the tree are tastier than anything bought in a shop. Given their exotic image, they are not the tender treasures you may imagine. Many modern cultivars have been bred to crop reliably in cooler climates. They can be grown as fans, bushes or pyramid trees - there are even dwarf varieties for a pot on the patio. Apricots are self-fertile and crop with a single tree. apricot trees with horticultural fleece, •orCover clear polythene supported by bamboo

canes, to protect the blossom from frost. The fleece or polythene must not touch the flowers.

Remove this during the day to allow sunlight and pollinating insects to reach the plant.

Hand-pollination increases yields, over •several days – ideally around noon on a dry,

sunny day – using a soft artist’s brush or a cotton wool bud. Lightly mist the tree with water to ensure that the pollen sticks but so the flowers dry out before dark.

Heavy crops should be thinned to about •8-10.5cm apart when the fruits are the size of

hazelnuts. Start by removing mis-shapen fruit and those growing towards the wall.

Water newly-planted trees frequently as •they establish in their first spring and summer, and before the onset of drought, when mature trees may need watering too. This is particularly important when the fruit starts to swell.

Feed with granular fertiliser such as •Growmore at 70g per m in late February. around the rooting area with a 5cm layer •ofMulch well-rotted manure, in March and early April.

2

Greenhouses Greenhouses are invaluable for creating a protected growing environment for tender plants and seedlings.

However, there are many different kinds to choose from, so it is important to consider your growing requirements before buying one.

Growing under glass provides a protected environment ideal for raising seedlings, overwintering tender plants, growing crops such as tomatoes, or even cultivating plants that need protection year-round.

Greenhouses allow the gardener to extend the growing season, sow plants earlier and provide the ideal place for rooting cuttings.

Ideally, greenhouses should be sited where they

can receive uninterrupted sun throughout the day.

Provide screening or shelter from cold northerly or easterly winds, which can keep temperatures low in spring and slow the growth of seedlings and young plants.

An east-west orientation will slightly extend light levels during winter. A north-south orientation for summer crops such as tomatoes, both sides receiving several hours’ sun from the east and the west. With this orientation, the end timbers will reduce the amount of sun reaching the house during the hottest midday period. Decide when you plan to use your greenhouse most, and orient it accordingly if you can.

www.rhs.org.uk

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Product Guide

Inspirational doors Whether it’s an innovative, contemporary or classic door design you are after, you will be able to find it in JB Kind’s new 2015 brochure.

With 37 new additions and more than 200 door styles, JB Kind’s superb quality products and undeniable value, ensures you will be able to find something to suit your project and budget. From the new painted door range Nuance, to a choice of 14 new Bi-folds, the 2015 Collection is the most distinct to date.

www.jbkind.com 01283 554197 info@jbkind.com

Bring texture and beauty to your walls If you’re looking to create a feature wall in your home then the Mrs Stone Store Slate Split Face Panels provide a stunning, efficient wall finish in a minimal time-frame.

The new collection of split face stone tiles are in-line with the latest architectural, interior design and lifestyle trends offering unique colours, textures and finishes. The trend for bringing the outdoor in is increasing and split face natural stone provides the perfect solution for transforming interior walls to create the ultimate feature. It’s also great for use around fireplaces or perhaps to transform a lounge into a work of art.

Known for its versatility and durability, slate is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor use. When used inside the home, slate brings an element of outdoor beauty to any room with its naturally-formed layers and textures. This cost-effective finish is ideal for constructing feature walls in domestic applications and can be used both internally and externally.

Available in maxi and mini formats – and varying thicknesses – these texture tiles interlock without grout, creating a stunning three-dimensional surface. The oyster panels pictured have a rustic colour mix of grey, beige and tan tones and measure 600x150mm. The maxi tile depth measures 8-20mm and creates a prominent effect, whilst the shallower mini tiles measure 8-15mm. Other colours for the panels can be seen online and include black slate, white quartz and multicolour slate.

www.mrs-stone-store.com 01283 730388 sales@mrs-stone-store.com

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Sprout it from the rooftop What works on large commercial projects is also possible on a small roof area, such as your garage, carport or garden building - Roof Greening! The great thing is, small extensive green roofs can also be installed by you, the homeowner. www.green-roof-online.co.uk is the domain for the new Green Roof Online Shop set up by Green Roof specialist Optigreen Ltd. With a few clicks you can read through the most important facts about green roofs and their benefits for your building, get installation instructions and gain inspiration through a range of completed projects. Then simply order the materials for your Green Roof online - quick and easy!

www.green-roof-online.co.uk 0203 5899 400 info@optigreen.co.uk

A new tradition Building a modern house with a traditional exterior is no easy feat, but that didn’t stop housing developer Kirkby Homes from taking on the task in the historic town of Haslemere. The project involved the development of six luxury homes using Redland’s Rosemary Clay Craftsman roof tiles. Kirkby Homes specified the Craftsman tile because of its ability to blend in with the traditional houses in the surrounding area whilst still being hardwearing and long lasting. The Craftsman tile is the latest addition to the Rosemary clay range which has been used on roofs across the country for over 175 years.

www.redland.co.uk 08705 601000 dawn.proud@monier.com

Product Guide

Making the most of the view When the Griffens found their ideal site on the Dorset coast, they asked Baufritz to design an energy efficient home that could do justice to the site’s spectacular views.

An early decision to use a flat roof allowed the addition of an office/studio and terrace without obscuring views from behind. A simple Modernist design approach perfectly suits the location, and an open plan internal layout floods the house with light. All rooms enjoy fantastic views, and with generous space for entertaining and relaxing both inside and outside, the house is a perfect response to the brief and a delightful home all year round.

www.baufritz-ib.co.uk 01223 235632 enquiries@baufritz-ib.co.uk

Innovative floating floor system

The Levato Mono Porcelain paver system is designed for fast, cost effective installation over most surfaces including; single ply membranes, roofing felt and other delicate waterproofing systems. The 20mm thick porcelain pavers are also available in larger formats, are highly abrasion and stain resistant, fire and frost proof and achieve R11 slip resistance – required for outdoor use. With all it’s features such as height adjustable and slope correcting supports, high load bearing and 45kgs per m2, over 40 finishes available (plus co-ordination internal tiles) Levato Mono is the ideal system for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas – residential and commercial use alike.

www.thedecktileco.co.uk 0845 27 00 696 info@thedecktileco.co.uk

Affordable bespoke Anyone on the hunt for exciting, one-off pieces of furniture for their home knows that bespoke is the best way to go and, thanks to Zespoke, even those without a bottomless budget can now count this as an option.

With each piece handcrafted in the UK, Zespoke’s range of furniture includes radiator covers, coffee, console and side tables, including the Hoop Coffee Table. What’s more, customers are able to play around with a range of options, such as style, colour and size in order to tailor each piece to fit in with their own interior scheme.

www.zespoke.com 0800 170 1077 sales@zespoke.com

Simplicity and versatility JG Speedfit is delighted to announce the official market launch of its new Underfloor Heating controls range – JG Aura.

JG Aura allows for a more flexible and efficient remote regulation of any underfloor and central heating system as well as individual radiator control.

The system provides the capability of controlling multiple zones, enabling the homeowner to set heating time and temperature within each individual room, resulting in considerable energy savings.

JG Aura consists of two ranges – a hard-wired 230V system alongside the flagship Wireless Internet enabled range that can be controlled from anywhere in the world via the JG Aura App. Be it for new build or retrofit projects, thermostats can be mains power supplied or, if preferable, wireless thermostats can be battery powered, allowing for greater installation efficiency. Within the wireless range all communication between the network components is performed through a radio frequency (RF) signal, which offers excellent system flexibility.

The new JG Aura controls present beautiful styling, touch sensitive control whilst incorporating high level functionality ultimately defined by the unique pioneering “4 in 1” JG Aura thermostat.

The 4 in 1 thermostat can be easily configured as a Programmable Room Thermostat (PRT), Group Control Thermostat, Group Thermostat or a Hot Water Timer. Either used individually or combined into groups, the JG Aura Thermostat allows the convenient simultaneous control of many functions from one central place. This enables JG Aura to manage Underfloor Heating circuits, hot water supply and individual radiators with ultimate ease as all are combined effortlessly.

www.johnguest.com 01895 449233 info@johnguest.co.uk

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Product Guide

Luxurious enamel from Mendip Stoves Mendip Stoves manufacture wood-burning heaters and stoves that embody the very best materials to deliver super performance and heat output. Being a British manufacturer, the company have a special awareness of what a wood-burner should be in the English and British home – particularly the quintessential character of the country home and the period cottage.

They decided a wood-burning stove should be as much a part of the home as a favorite of item of furniture – after all, it does become the focal centre of comfort and becomes a centerpiece of the ambiance that can be created.

www.mendipstoves.co.uk info@mendipstoves.co.uk

01934 750 500

Super efficiency

Ticking all the boxes Cutting installation time by up to 70%, boasting an extremely low assembly height and providing one unique underfloor heating system, the Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E has arrived!

Ideal for refurbishment and renovation projects thanks to its uncoupling and crack-bridging properties, Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E is unlike anything else available due to its loose heating cables which are fixed down to the uncoupling mat free of tape as a result of its unique studded design. Offering optimum freedom for creating concentrated heating zones, as well as providing uniform spacing without the need for measuring and marking, the new system will dramatically cut installation time by up to 70%.

Joachim Backes, Managing Director at Schlüter-Systems, commented, “Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E makes the installation of underfloor heating simpler and easier than ever before. Its distinct studded look and loose cabling make it an installer’s dream system, providing flexibility in size and layout and extensive time saving benefits. Its low assembly height is also ideally suited for renovation projects and it’s even suitable for installation over problematic substrates. The end result is an underfloor heating system that really does tick all the boxes whether you’re the specifier, installer or the homeowner.”

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E is now also available in complete box sets to accommodate all common UK room sizes such as bathrooms and kitchens.

The sets contain everything needed for optimal underfloor heating including a thermostat, uncoupling mat and heating cable. Not only this, but the system can also be easily waterproofed by sealing the matting joints with Schlüter-KERDI-KEBA sealing band and Schlüter-KERDI-COLL sealing adhesive offering a guaranteed waterproofing solution.

www.schluter.co.uk 01530 813396 sales@schluter.co.uk

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A Georgian style new-build property set in the stunning surroundings of the Perthshire countryside has incorporated Andersen windows and doors from Black Millwork to achieve a modern home with superb thermal efficiency ratings.

Inver is a substantial new-build property situated on the site of a former mansion that was demolished in 1959. Built by Log & Cedar Construction, the eightmonth construction has resulted in an impressive, 250m2, super efficient property that is sympathetic to the heritage of the site.

www.blackmillwork.co.uk 01283 511122 sales@blackmillwork.co.uk

Heating solution At New York Farm in West Yorkshire, a comprehensive Hep2O underfloor heating system from Wavin has been installed throughout the new-build farmhouse to provide cost-effective and efficient heat distribution and exceptional thermal performance. Located four miles south of Harrogate, the New York Farm redevelopment includes a highly-insulated two-storey farmhouse. When developer Geoff Mountain demolished an ageing structure to begin construction of a new 560m2 residential building, he required a high performance and flexible heating system that would help the new farmhouse to achieve Level 4 in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

www.wavin.co.uk 0844 856 5152 info@wavin.co.uk

Product Guide

Eco-friendly cookers by Specflue Specflue, a leading supplier of flue systems, woodburning stoves and renewable heat products, is launching a new biomass range cooker to the domestic market in the UK. Manufactured by J.Corradi through MCZ, the pellet cooker provides all the practical benefits of biomass stoves and boilers. It is controllable, energy efficient and the fuel can be easily stored. It is also competitively priced and can be installed in any home, as long as there is the necessary space for the flue.

Biomass cookers are eco-friendly. They can be run automatically, much like gas or electric, but have the added benefit that the pellets used as fuel are a renewable resource.

Biomass pellets are made from compressed wood products such as sawdust and other wood scraps, meaning they reuse materials that would otherwise be wasted.

Initially, there will be two models available; the Neos 90P with a ventilated pellet oven only, and the Neos 155 PGE, which, in addition to the two ovens, has the option of gas, electric, ceramic or induction hob. The two oven model

Solarlux introduces new sliding door system to UK Solarlux’s SL 22 received high praise from architects attending the world’s leading exhibition for windows, doors and facades, Fensterbau Frontale, earlier this year.

Thanks to slanted glass technology, the SL 22 ‘invisible’ sliding door system can be used almost anywhere, either as the ultimate shelter against the great British weather in a glass house and allowing the outside in, or as a highly transparent room divider.

The new frameless door system provides

customers with the ultimate outdoor experience, bringing more light into the room.

Ensuring barrier-free access, the SL 22 doors can be opened from either the left or right hand-side combined with a flush floor track, with the horizontal frame profile allowing optimal connection and reliable locking. The

negates the need for an additional cooker in the kitchen to use in the summer months when the pellet brazier is switched off. Over the next 18 months, there are plans to introduce pellet cookers with integrated back boilers.

www.specflue.com 0800 9020220 sales@specflue.com durable stainless steel rollers allow natural operation as well as silent sliding.

Like all Solarlux products, the SL 22 is made from the highest quality materials ensuring the customer receives both exclusive design and ultimate comfort.

With over 30 years’ experience in home improvements, Solarlux is the definitive market leader in glass door and glass element technology.

Company founder and owner Herbert Holtgreife demands the highest standards in terms of design, quality and energy efficiency of the impressive Solarlux product range, endorsed by national and international certification. His vision and overriding desire to create living spaces maximised by daylight has resulted in incomparable product development.

Solarlux advanced technology and expertise safeguards the primary functions of security, soundproofing and heat insulation, along with the ultimate maximisation of space. This award winning company for product design is acknowledged in European, Asian and American markets.

www.solarlux.co.uk 01707 339 970 info@solarlux.co.uk

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Product Guide

Caple’s new wine cabinet brochure

Working with materials and light in kitchen design Andrew Hall, Managing Director and Chief Designer at luxury, bespoke, British furniture maker Woodstock Furniture gives an overview on how to best use contrasting materials and natural light in kitchen design.

The modern kitchen is no longer just a place where we prepare, cook and eat food. For many families it is now a place for relaxing, studying, watching TV and entertaining guests. So, when it comes to designing a room, which is effectively the heart of the home, it’s important to think carefully about how to balance practicality with an aesthetically pleasing design.

One way in which to make a strong style statement is with the use of contrasting materials. For this kitchen, we have designed cabinets in both walnut and a painted finish with worktops made from compac carrara quartz. The tall cabinets and island have been painted in a pale green shade, which provides an interesting contrast against the warmth of the walnut cabinets and the striking purple vinyl floor. The walnut trim on the painted cabinets helps to bring a sense of unity to the design.

The illuminated glass cabinets add light and reflection while the glass backsplashes help to bring more light and a sense of space to the room.

Spotlights have been addedto the plinths on the central island to draw the eye to this additional work space and create a neat division between the kitchen and dining area.

If you are looking to create a bold design statement and are prepared to be more adventurous with colours and materials, you can create a luxury kitchen that really has the wow factor.

www.woodstockfurniture.co.uk 0208 876 0131 info@woodstockfurniture.co.uk

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Appliance specialist Caple has just released its new wine cabinet brochure for 2015, showcasing the latest offerings in this sophisticated collection. The 68-page, full colour brochure features over 20 wine cabinets in a range of varieties and sizes, from built-under and in-column to freestanding. A choice of finishes is available from stainless steel and black glass to the innovative, unique, new white glass options. Wine connoisseurs of all kinds are catered for with models that hold from seven to 155 bottles.

www.caple.co.uk

0117 938 1900 enquiries@caple.co.uk

Concreting up the kitchen New for 2015, LEICHT kitchens have introduced a Concrete range. Concrete is a timeless material which appeals to a design-loving market and offers unique, contemporary kitchen designs.

Traditionally seen as a building material concrete is the ‘in’ material for 2015 and gives an entirely original and innovative look to the kitchen. With a varying light refraction the smooth concrete surface makes the kitchen come alive, while mattlacquer sealing ensures high durability. Three colour blends are available – light, dark and rust. The Concrete fronts are made using expert German craftsmanship. Fine concrete is applied to lacquered MDF bases using the putty technique.

www.leicht.com 0844 561 0969 graham.hopper@leicht.de

Make your kitchen decor shine Create a sleek-looking focal point in your kitchen decor with Smeg’s new PX750 74cm Linea Ultra Low Profile Gas Hob in stainless steel.

The ‘gas on glass’ hob has been designed with an ultra low profile to give an understated yet polished look. It offers the speed and ease of cooking with gas in a sophisticated aesthetic. The PX750 has a choice of five burners set on a reinforced glass on steel base, which can withstand temperatures up to 800ºC. It features enamelled, heavy-duty, cast iron pan stands that can be easily removed for efficient cleaning, as well stylish flat, enamelled burners, with colourcoordinating controls – to create a harmonious look.

www.smeguk.com 0844 557 9907 sales@smeguk.com

Baufritz is passionate about creating a luxurious living environment that’s designed just for you. All our homes use an abundance of high quality, natural materials that are completely free of toxins, creating a harmonious atmosphere that looks beautiful, protects the environment and makes you feel good.

www.baufritz-ib.co.uk Find out more about Baufritz and contac t our UK office: enquiries@baufritz-ib.co.uk | 01223 235632