i-build February 2015

February Issue 7

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

i-build i-nterior i-scape

ILLUMINATING EXTENSION

Home expansion project makes the most of natural sunlight

CHALLENGING RESTORATION

See inside this spectacular glass renovation project

COVER STORY:

Renewable revolution

INTERIOR DESIGN ESSENTIALS How to fill your home with furniture treasures

Stunning self-build utilises renewable resources

EXPERT INSIGHTS:

l FINANCIAL l LEGAL l PRACTICAL l PRODUCT INNOVATION

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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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Cover story: Suffolk couple build a home for retirement on the plot of their farmhouse. See page 28.

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i-build i-nterior i-scape Editor:

Emily Smith

emily@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

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Steve Gull

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Jack Witcomb

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Welcome to the February issue of i-build

I

f you are planning to build your own home, it’s easy to get caught up in the small details and design aesthetics. However, finalising your project’s financing needs to be top of your home-building to-do list. For those that aren’t in the fortunate position of self-funding, self-build mortgages differ from those you would use to buy a house. To explain all the nitty-gritty details, Rachel Pyne from one-stop selfbuild navigator Buildstore presents how to find the right mortgage scheme for your project in this month’s Viewpoint.

Although you may not want to admit that money makes the world go around, when it comes to building your own home – in the words of a well-known supermarket brand – every little certainly does help. The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive has seen just under a year of offering financial support to the owners of renewable heating systems, which appeals greatly to the increasing number of self-builders placing ecofriendly incentives at the heart of their projects. To find out if your products qualify for this money-earning scheme, read our special renewable focus on page 42.

One project that has centered itself on sustainable elements is Jane and Ian McClintock’s new Suffolk home. The couple has included five different products that utilise renewable resources for heating as well as hot water. Read more about this stunning example of modern sustainable living on page 28.

As always, this issue is bursting with inspirational home-build and renovation examples as well as expert advice. If you are coming to the end of your self-build journey and would like to offer your home as an inspiration for other budding homebuilders, please contact me on the usual address with a brief overview of your project and you might see your home in an upcoming issue of i-build magazine.

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

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Surfacing by Mrs Stone Store: See page 48

Timber structures by Welsh Heating systems by DEVI: Oak Frame: See page 49 See page 58

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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

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10

14

Green Living

16

Viewpoint

18

Contracts & Legalities

20

Rural Retreat

28

Sustainable Living

36

Furniture

There are a growing number of retail websites appearing on the market which focus solely on ‘green’ products.

Buildstore’s Group Sales Director, Rachel Pyne gives a useful insight into securing the right finance for your build.

Make sure your project isn’t disrupted by the presence of bats.

A stunning 1970s glass home has been updated to accommodate modern living.

Jane and Ian McClintock have built a modern home for retirement on the land of their 17th century farmhouse.

Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style expert at home brand Joss & Main, shares her tips for sourcing furniture gems.

& Windows 40 Doors Richard Chapman of Dale Windows offers insight into key considerations for these structural elements.

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Renewables i-build presents what you need to know about the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive.

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44 i-build A Suffolk home has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment in a New England Style.

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50 i-nterior This seven bedroom home has a brand new

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extension that makes the most of natural light.

i-scape A pilot has built a garage in his garden big enough to home his private four-seater Jabiru aeroplane.

rets: c e S Trade ut for our d

e o Look crets’ dott e. e s S is u ‘Trade hout this sider g throu are the in n be These s which ca ding t d insigh able to bu ! u l inva lf-builders se

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Excellence in Glass

Firman Glass, experts in architectural glazing, have established a reputation as the heavyweights in their field through accomplishment of ambitious briefs in glass which other companies simply weren’t willing to take on. In short, unrivalled capabilities for toughening, laminating and processing glass have set Firman Glass apart from the competition.

Challenge us with your project today!

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Decorative anti-slip glass For use in glass floors, stair treads, bridges and walk-on roof lights

Colour-backed glass For use in splash-backs, sink tops, wall cladding etc.

Sandblasting to any design For manifestation and anti-slip protection

Toughened glass For architectural uses, retail and domestic

Find out more at firmanglass.com Email: sales@firmanglass.com Telephone: 01708 374534

www.firmanglass.com

Desired Designs

Monochrome magic Use timeless black and white patterns to create a crisp, minimalist feel.

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dd some Nordic chic to your home with a monochrome palette. In the above image, Julia Green from Greenhouse Interiors has paired black and white products with subtle hints of bronze and copper in this bedroom styled using products from Australian brand Norsu Interiors.

Mid-century furniture designs looks great in black and white and bring a retro edge to this theme. Add small details of Swedish culture to your kitchen with stylish ceramics and linen that are often monochrome and minimalist. If you prefer bold patterns, make your floors and walls the focal point with patchwork tiles and framed posters.

1. Monochrome Porcelain

Patchworks, £100 per m2, Alhambra Home & Garden

2. Menu Bottle Grinder

Set, £42,The Scandinavian Shop

3. Black Doodle Flower Tea

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Towel, £12, Jangneus

4. The 6ixty love seat, £625, Cranmore Home

5. Wood nightstand, £277.89, Habitables via Etsy

6. Rikki Tikki Just Retro Ceramic Accessories, from £8.50, The Scandinavian Shop

7. Lisa Bengtsson Tillsammans Posters, £19 per poster, Norsu Interiors

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Desired Designs

Trendy typography Four ways to adorn your home with personalised messages and bold statements.

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Fun fonts Let your walls do the talking in the kitchen. If it’s hearty English cooking that takes precedents, celebrate this in style with vintage-inspired typographical wallpapers from Victoria Eggs – at £125 per role, it may even provide inspiration for what to cook! (www.victoriaeggs.co.uk)

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Personalised prints Wall stickers provide versatility to make an individualised interior statement. Many companies allow you to decide what wording you would like them to print such as Spin Collective who work to bespoke requirements. This 'Luck is the residue of design' composition was made using the company’s custom wall quote and sign maker. (www.spincollective.co.uk)

Colourful characters Curating a mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home decor, Anthropologie has grown into a well-known destination for unique finds, including various collections of monogram-themed home accessories, from cushions to crockery. (www.anthropologie.eu)

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Motivational messages The trend to have inspirational dialogue on prints and vintage-themed boards is becoming increasingly popular.

Here at i-build HQ we love any opportunity to dance, so we adore the ‘Mood Flashdance’ print by One Must Dash. The company has a number of text prints, bags and cards to suit different rooms and stimulation inclinations. (www.onemustdash.com)

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Desired Designs

Playing with fire Let modern radiators and stoves bring unique charm and design elegance to heating your home.

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I

f sustainability is key to your project, there are a number of eco-friendly burners available for the eco-conscious. From clean burning fireboxes and grates to more classic-looking versatile wood burning cookers, these help to heat your house at the same time as giving you a cosy fire to sit around. To add some designer flair to your home use contemporary heating solutions that are sculptural masterpieces in their own right. Or, if you would rather hide your heating, one option is to include radiators that disguise themselves as mirrors.

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1. Colorado Chimenea, £129, Living It Up

2. Eco Smart Ghost Model, Smart Fire UK

3. Lattice steel vertical radiator in Nickel Gloss, prices start at £1220, Iconic Radiators

4. Eco Smart Retro Model, Smart Fire UK

5. Badge BDO steel towel rail, £1540, Iconic Radiators

6. BI-FIRE, £5356, Ludlow Stoves Ltd

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Sub-brow TimeEyebrow Will Tell

Left: The floor has been built up using 300mm of Kingspan insulation Below: Will has installed his self-build's pipes himself

Fun with first fix

Every month i-build follows Will Anderson as his self-build adventure unfolds. This issue the cables and pipes go into his new low energy home.

I

f you like puzzles and problem-solving, you should enjoy self-build. Every day on site I find myself stopping and scratching my head, trying to work out how to resolve a new challenge or how best to get the result I want. This isn’t for want of drawings – my architect, Peter Smithdale of Constructive Individuals, has done an excellent job in providing these – but simply reflects the practicalities of turning drawings into a building.

It’s rarely completely straightforward.

I’m in the middle of first fix at the moment, putting all the cables and pipes and ventilation ducts in place before the timber-frame walls get boarded up and filled with insulation, so questions are constantly arising about which routes to take the services through the building without one thing getting in the way of another. The studs of The Orchard are upended I-beams which reduce the heat loss across the wall because the web between its flanges are so thin. However threading pipes and cables through all these studs is a rather laborious task as holes have to be carefully cut in every one. I really don’t want to get this wrong.

Piecing together the puzzle I have excellent professional support from Szymon Berlanga of SB Electrical Contractors to help with the wiring but I’m doing all the plumbing myself. I took a short course at The Builder Training Centre in Croydon, south London, which gave me the confidence to solder, glue and push-fit pipes as necessary. Nonetheless I’m pulling a lot of faces as I’m constantly rethinking how best to route

12

the pipes through the network of joists and studs without messing up the final living space.

It’s been a slow job, partly because I’m a rookie but mainly – I like to think – because I’m determined to get it right first time and stay leakfree for years to come. I’ve had mixed experience with plumbers in the past: a plumber who cares about the quality of his or her work is worth every penny but a plumber who just wants to be in and out as fast as possible is likely to leave you with long-term problems to sort out. I’ve been left with one too many leaky toilets in the past, so I am taking all the time I need to install the toilets, pipes and soil stack myself.

There’s something quite satisfying about plumbing. It’s a bit like the board game Mousetrap: lots of little components that all come together in the end to create a single, seamless movement from one end to the other. It’s a game of two halves of course, with the water supply working on completely different principles to the waste.

The supply pipes work under pressure so can go where they want, up, down and over, but the waste works under gravity and so must always be nose down. And never the twain shall meet.

It helps that the building will be so energy efficient that we will need minimal heating: a maximum of 800 Watts for the whole house when it is freezing outside, if our calculations are right. This is so low that we don’t need central heating and can get by with a few small electric radiators, which cuts out the expense and hassle of a boiler and all the heating pipes running around the house.

You only get this kind of pay-off if you go for the very best energy performance. So although I’ve lost the central heating, I’ve spent quite a bit of time recently laying the insulation on our ground floor. This is a ‘floating floor’ design: once the damp proof membrane was down on our slab, the floor was built up with 300mm of Kingspan insulation (yes, 300mm!) with 8’ by 2’ tongue and groove boards on top, which will eventually by finished with reclaimed parquet blocks. It’s going to be warm and wonderful.

www.buildingtheorchard.com

Green Living

UK enters the green age The self-build marketplace is home to a growing number of 'green' retail websites focused on satisfying the increasing demand from UK households for cost effective, energy efficient products and solutions.

W

ith a clear ethos that supports a well established zeitgeist for 'greening' up our homes, James Alcock – a founder of one such website, thegreenage.co.uk – explains the thought behind this new venture.

"Our number one aim is to help people save energy. The only cost effective way to keep the lights on here in the UK will be massive energy saving schemes and we want to help lead those in the years to come! I personally think this is incredibly important and more action needs to be taken by governments concerning this," explains James, who founded the site with business partner Nick Miles.

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The pair previously worked together at IBM where they dealt with a number of energy clients. It became apparent to them that energy efficiency and energy saving was going to be absolutely key to the UK moving forward as energy capacity drops. This led them to launch their own energy saving hub.

He continues: "The energy saving sector in the UK is far bigger than any one company could tackle on their own, so we are all working towards a common aim that will improve the quality of life for everybody; it's about the bigger picture."

Growing green consciousness As regards a typical customer profile, James believes that times are changing: "It's no longer the archetypal eco-warrior character who wants to improve the environmental efficiency of their home. We get all sorts of customers from all sorts of background such as those who are looking for a quick and simple thing to help with a certain problem area, such as chimney balloons, or folks looking to retrofit their home with a complete intelligent heating system.”

Lesley Blackthorn and Pete Snell's sustainable self-build is just one of half a million homes to have solar PV installed on the roof – read more about this project at www.i-buildmagazine.com

As for the future, James is positive and upbeat: "I think the UK is becoming greener.

I know there is opposition but we are seeing more and more renewables being installed.

Over half a million homes have solar PV installed on the roof and it was announced recently that wind power provided more electricity to the UK over a 24 hour period than our nuclear power plants, which is some feat when you think about it!

"People are becoming far more aware of the cost of energy so they are taking the necessary steps to limit the impact on themselves, be that through insulation, new heating systems or low energy lighting.

"The majority of things we talk about and sell through our site are very easy to implement and will make genuine energy savings. Coming from a financial background, we feel the energy saving part is very important to people, but obviously in doing this we are also lowering carbon footprints along the way which is a really nice by product for any business!"

www.thegreenage.co.uk

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Viewpoint

Finding the right mortgage scheme for you Although it’s easy to get carried away with the ‘niceties’ of a home-build project, such as design, build schedules and materials, none of this will be possible without a secure and appropriate financial arrangement. Rachel Pyne from Buildstore explains more.

S

o you’ve decided this is the year that you are going to make your dreams and plans a reality by embarking upon a self-build project. However, whether you are a first-timer or a ‘seasoned self-builder’, you are likely to need funding in place to drive your home-building project through its various stages.

But before you head off out to visit your local high street lender or building society, it’s worth noting that the traditional routes of obtaining a mortgage simply may not apply. Building a house from scratch, converting or renovating is a huge undertaking and requires a more specialist approach.

When it comes to a home-building project there are so many more issues to be taken into consideration, such as buying and paying for your land, cashflow, build costs, construction type, planning permission, affordability and where you’ll live during the build – all of which can impact on your finance.

A mortgage for a self-build differs from one you would use to buy a house because a selfbuild mortgage’s money is released in stages, as the build progresses, rather than as a single amount. In most cases, interest is only paid on the amount you have drawn down during construction. All lenders have different selfbuild criteria, so it’s important to speak to an expert who can look at your project individually and find the right finance, both for your project and your personal circumstances. The following points must be considered prior to completing financial arrangments.

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1. Land purchase

3. Construction type

Important questions to ask yourself are: can you afford to purchase your plot outright; will you need money to purchase the plot; do you need to sell your current home first to release equity; what percentage of deposit is available to you? These are important to establish as some lenders don’t lend on land value alone.

Many lenders will only lend on certain, and sometimes limited construction types. Many lenders won’t finance renovations, or more modern building methods such as SIPs and ICF. Fewer still will lend on certain sustainable building styles such as hemcrete or straw bale.

If this isn’t established in the early days, you may end up with a lender that stops lending, or you may need to change your plans part way through, incurring unexpected additional cost.

2. Understand your build costs There are many factors that can impact on your build costs, such as site conditions, and obvious elements like the size of property, labour, the type of materials you want to use and indeed the location you want to build in. Many of these decisions will impact on which lender is right for you, for example some lenders don’t like to lend in remote areas, some will only lend on properties with no more than two storeys and some will only lend on certain roofing materials or construction types.

When it comes to your total project cost, land is roughly 40% of the overall cost, but this does of course vary geographically. Materials and labour will account for a further 45% and the final 15% will be made up of insurances, professional fees and utility costs – items often overlooked causing a shortfall in funds.

Make sure you factor in your ongoing living costs as these can also affect what funds you have available to put into your project, and indeed the timing of when you can input your own funds if you are relying on the sale of your existing property during the build.

4. Affordability You need to establish how much you can borrow early on to make sure your project is affordable and to know you can complete it with your own funds, plus what the lender will provide.

5. Cashflow Cashflow is the lifeblood of your project. To ensure adequate funding throughout, it’s vital that cashflow is matched to each project stage. Make sure you’ve worked out exactly how much money you’ll need to pay out for materials, tradesmen and specialist services at every stage so that available funds match your project. For example, a timber frame construction is more expensive in the early stages than a brick and block build as you have to pay for the whole system up front.

Payments at the right time There are two types of self-build mortgage: those that pay in advance of each stage of work being complete, and those that pay in arrears.

The traditional type of self-build mortgage is on an ‘arrears’ basis. The first payout during the build usually comes after the foundations have been completed – although some products will only release after ‘wind & watertight’ stage – and a valuer has visited the site. This means that you will have to provide the money to get up to this point in the build, including land purchase, materials and labour. This type of mortgage is best suited to those who have sufficient savings to fund the early stages of the build as well finances for the land deposit. For example, if you already own the plot of land and can remortgage it to provide the funds to start the build, or if you have already sold your existing house and have cash available to buy the land and start the build, then an arrears mortgage may be the best option for you.

However, not everyone has the cash required to get to the first build stage – or is able to release equity from their existing property to buy or put down a deposit on land.

BuildStore is one company who recognises that not every self builder has access to the cash required to pay the deposit on the land and the first build stages so have created an alternative – the Accelerator Mortgage Scheme.

Here money is released for each stage of the build at the beginning rather than the end of the stage providing cash to buy materials and pay the builder. This will work for you if you have only a small amount of cash available and don’t want to sell your existing house to release equity before your new one is complete or you want to keep the cash you have available until later in the project to maintain a good contingency fund. If you are considering timber frame construction this financing provides cashflow for the upfront costs such as manufacture, delivery and on-site construction.

Self-build is open to everyone and mortgages for self-build are available from many banks and building societies. But when it comes to arranging finance, given the complex criteria and huge variance between lender products, make sure you consult with an expert who can find the right finance for you, based on both your financial needs and project requirements.

So there’s plenty to think about, and therefore, the sooner you can start to arrange your finances the better!

Viewpoint

Left: Getting your finances in place is one of the first hurdles of self-building Below: The first few months of a year are the most popular time for people to start planning their home-building project

www.buildstore.co.uk

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Contracts & Legalities

Where do bats like to roost? ● Cavity walls

● Barns

● Roof spaces

● Churches

● External features

● Solid walls with cracks and crevices

● Cellars

Do bat an eyelid!

Often associated with black magic and darkness, bats have certainly played havoc with many renovations and conversions. Here, i-build presents how to not let bats get in the way of your project.

L

oss of natural roosts has increased the importance of man-made structures for bats to the point that artificial roosts are becoming essential in the survival of many bat species. However even these man-made

roosts are now under threat; demolition of old buildings, renovations, changes in use, artificial lighting and the move towards airtight buildings, all have implications for bat populations.

Due to the decline in bat numbers over the

Steps to follow if bats are suspected on your project site: 1. Contract an ecological consultant 2. Undertake a bat survey (at the appropriate time of year)

3. If bats are present, compile a

mitigation plan/method statement to be shared with architects and/or building contractors

4. Incorporate the bat survey report and mitigation plan/method statement into planning application

5. Apply for planning permission 6. Apply for a European Protected Species license (if needed)

7. If granted, carry out works with ecologist supervision

8. Compliance check to ensure

that mitigation is being properly implemented

9. Monitor the site to check response of the bat population to the mitigation

last century, all species of bat are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) as amended, Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010). This makes it illegal to deliberately or recklessly kill, injure, capture or disturb bats, obstruct access to bat roosts or damage or destroy bat roosts, whether occupied or not.

Bats do not make nests or cause structural damage. The most obvious sign of their presence is droppings but even these can be hard to find. Bat droppings consist largely of insect remains and crumble easily between your fingers to a powder of semi-shiny fragments, whereas rodent droppings are smooth and plastic, quickly becoming hard, and cannot be crumbled. Droppings may not always be readily visible in a loft. Other signs to look for are grease marks on the rafters, urine splashes, cobweb free corners, or insect remains from a feeding perch.

Conservation trust helpline A planning application may be refused if there is a reasonable likelihood of bats being present. Having bats does not mean that building work cannot take place, but to satisfy planning consent an ecological consultant should be employed. If you suspect there is a bat roost in your proposed building, consult your local Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) via the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline, before work starts and follow their advice. In many cases they will send a trained licensed volunteer bat worker to inspect your roost and provide advice, free of charge.

It is always important to keep in mind the possibility of finding bats part-way through a project. If bats are found during works, all work should stop and your local SNCO should be consulted immediately.

www.bats.org.uk

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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.

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Rural Retreat

Reinstated grandeur An impressive 1970s glass home in Suffolk has been brought to the 21st century.

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Rural Retreat

I

n 1976 Michael and Patty Hopkins designed a unique home for Mr Tracey, an inventor, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, shortly after completing their own home in Downshire Hill, Hampstead. Named after its inhabitant, the spectacular glass-framed Tracey House was completed in 1978.

When the property sold in 1981 several modifications were made, including enclosing the open courtyard and adding a master bedroom extension.

There it remained unchanged until sold again in 2012 for approximately ÂŁ700k via Modernhouse.com.

The new owners, an academic and a doctor, bought the building to be their sole dwelling, however the 34-year-old structure was in dire need of some dramatic TLC. The lightweight materials had suffered from rust and degradation, the underfloor and ceiling heating system no longer worked and the current electrics had been threaded through the building

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†

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Rural Retreat

Rural Retreat

in a very haphazard manner. The couple faced the challenge of maintaining the integrity of the house while upgrading it to meet modern living standards.

Expert assistance They decided to invite architecture and interior studio Project Orange to develop a refurbishment strategy. Conceived as a light-weight steel and glass pavilion, perched in the landscape, it was a radical proposal. The original 300m2 plan created a series of interconnecting rooms around an open courtyard, suggesting a collective and flexible way of living. The later addition of a roof over the courtyard created a water tight enclosure, however generated the problem of extra solar gain.

Project Orange’s Director, James Soane explains: "We began by looking at three possible strategies. The first was to restore the building to near enough its original layout, with one caveat – the clients were not prepared to loose the master bedroom extension. This would have created a largely open plan space, namely an open courtyard with two bedrooms.

"The second option was to create a new glazed link across the courtyard dividing it into two, allowing more autonomous rooms to either side.

"Our third scheme kept the glazed roof adding horizontal louvres to help manage the solar problem with additional vents added at floor level."

Conservation conclusions James continues: "After reviewing these with our client we all agreed that the glass roof had to stay, because replacing it had huge cost implications. In the end

† Above: Many of the original glass panels remain Left: The minimalist interior makes the surrounding landscape its focal point Opposite: Solar gain in controlled via grilles in the conservatory floor

North elevation -

West elevation -

East elevation -

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Rural Retreat we developed the ‘conversion’ concept. However we also felt we could take it one step further by reducing the size of the bedrooms and bathrooms to create a doughnut of living space with the conservatory at the centre. A library wall was built to separate the conservatory from the main living space while the kitchen and TV area are created from free standing joinery.”

Solar gain is now controlled via the old-fashioned method of grilles in the conservatory floor. These pull cool air through from under the house, which stands on stilts. There are also opening roof lights in the glass ceiling that are manually operated in order to activate the stack effect. This is also enhanced by the large exterior sliding doors.

Above: Oak block flooring is cheap to buy and easy to lay Top left: The kitchen's clean lines reflect the minimalist scheme Left: A conservatory sits in the centre of the home Right: The library wall creates zones within the living space

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Rural Retreat James continues: “We made an assessment of the windows, an early form of sliding double glazed doors, and took the view that most of them were still in tact, but that what needed replacing were the rubber seals.

The exterior canopy was suffering from corrosion, and we had to replace the brackets. All the metal work was painted white. Inside a myriad of electrical installations were removed and a simple run of downlights housed in a tray hung from the ceiling. The floors were all replaced with oak wood block flooring and a series of painted timber beams provides shade as well as visually blocking the interior view of the skylight.”

Private paradise Although the structure might seem exposed, the site is not overlooked meaning that the inhabitants

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Rural Retreat Key contributors maintain privacy. The original building had metal louvre blinds for all of the windows, however only some have been replaced in the renovation.

Because all the elements of the project had been specified in advance there were few unexpected costs.

However, there was an issue with sourcing new seals for the sliding double glazed doors, ending in the need for re-specification and the ensuing extra costs. After work begun the couple also decided to install an air source heat pump, increasing the overall project price. This addition pushed the project four weeks over the original timeframe, completing in April 2014.

Architect – Project Orange www.projectorange.com Above: The minimalist home has Scandinavian inspired interior elements

Flooring – Havwoods www.havwoods.co.uk

Below: Downlights are positioned in an unobtrusive tray hung from the ceiling

Lighting – Mr Resistor www.mr-resistor.co.uk Shelving – Vitsoe - www.vitsoe.com Terrazzo Tiles – Goss Marble www.gossmarble.co.uk Cork Tiles – Siesta Cork www.siestacorktiles

Crystal palace James concludes: “The oak block flooring was a real triumph as it is cheap to buy and fairly easy to lay.

It gives off an expensive mid-century vibe that really works. My favourite thing about the finished project is the quality of light because it is always changing.”

This was not a straightforward restoration, but instead a reconfiguration that respects the original intentions of Tracey House – now given a new lease of life as Crystal Palace.

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Sustainable Living

The perfect

Retirement gift Jane and Ian McClintock have built a modern home for retirement on the land of their family heirloom farmhouse.

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Photography Š David Butler

Sustainable Living

Sub-brow Eyebrow Sustainable Living

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he Grade II listed farmhouse on the edge of the village of Palgrave in Suffolk has been in Jane McClintock’s family for generations. With acres of surrounding land, Jane and husband Ian felt

it was the perfect space on which to build a home for retirement.

The couple really wanted to experience something different to the 17th century farmhouse that they had always lived in which had been cold, draughty and dark

in the summer. They visualised a modern, wooden house that was warm, cosy and full of light. Sustainability was a key priority for them and they wished to be as close to selfsufficiency as possible.

To make this vision a reality, Jane and Ian decided to employ an architect. During their research Mole Architects came up as a recommendation. As an artist herself Jane appreciated the way their previous work considered textural and material qualities as much as space, light and function.

Through discussions with the architects, Jane and Ian decided on the key priorities for their new home. An open ground floor, clear separation between the master bedroom and guest rooms, a wood-burning stove and good views of the surrounding landscape were all prime concerns for the couple. With this in mind, Mole Architects came up with various concepts to fit the brief. Together they decided on an exposed timber structure that utilises natural light alongside sustainable features.

Above: The new home is built on land that has been in Jane's family for generations Left: The modern building is a contrast to the period property that they used to live in

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Sustainable Living Because the farmhouse is listed, it was important to discuss the plans with the Local Authority during the design process in order to gain approval for a modern house to be built on the site. This, along with the planning permission consent, took about a year.

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Careful specification Meredith Bowles, Director of Mole Architects, explains the material specification: "The project needed a quality that was rich but homely. We had previously worked with a groundworker who completed brilliant exposed boardmarked concrete and decided his skills should be employed for this project.

We used a timber frame company that I had been to see in Switzerland a few years before this project and knew both the quality of the timber and workmanship employed was excellent. Ian was very keen to use cedar boards externally and we spent time trying to find the right mixture of stones and timber for the interior.

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Right: In time the cedar wood cladding will gently fade into a silver hue

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Sustainable Living

Above: Timber is a key focus throughout the interior as well as the exterior Left: Stackyard sits on two storeys along with a basement level

“The house was designed using a Passive House Planning Package software to ensure that the balance and size of openings to the south and west were going to work. We tweaked things a bit to increase glazing to the south and reduce it to the north – it’s surprising how much even a small area of north glazing is detrimental to sustainable performance.”

Green credentials The finished home is designed to Passive House standards, incorporating high levels of insulation and an airtight envelope. Its compact form reduces energy loss and its orientation makes use of solar gain. Window sizes have been restricted with openings predominantly towards the south. The home benefits from solar photovoltaic roofing located on the garage. Solar collectors on the main roof provide hot water for the house and rainwater is stored for use in the garden.

Although the build went according to plan, the project took longer than originally

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Sustainable Living predicted and the budget was increased to incorporate the lower ground floor and associated waterproofing. Other unseen costs were the additional photovoltaic cells added to the garage roof and the foundation piling – needed because the house sits across two different geological conditions, sand and clay.

Neither of these had been included in the original budget, but, as Meredith states, “If you’re going to spend the rest of your life in a house, best get it right!”

silvered timber cladding. It’s form takes inspiration from classical rectories that typically stand at the edge of villages, with a square plan and strong roofline.

Split levels negotiate the sloping site and the design departs from its classical predecessors in its use of an asymmetrical composition of

windows, solar screens and doorways, giving the elevations a less formal appearance.

Inside, a generous entrance hall opens into a double height atrium leading into living spaces with high ceilings and deep timber beams demonstrating the primary timber frame structure.

Classical inspiration The finished house is called Stackyard. It takes its name from the agricultural enclosure typical to the area, which is used to store sheafs of corn. Located on the edge of the farmland the house opens up views to the north-west and creates a space from which to enjoy the surrounding landscape.

The house sits within the ground, with an in-situ concrete base, timber frame and

Above: A separate studio building enables Jane to work at the same time as taking in the stunning view Right: The woodburning stove helps to heat the home

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Sustainable Living

Left: Mole Architects produce modern designs appropriate to their local context Right: The floor plans show the separate studio building

Responding to Jane and Ian’s brief for a space to observe nature, the upper bedroom sits half a floor higher than the parapet, with a projecting roof sheltering the room from summer sun. This creates a cap to the building whilst reinforcing its position as both retreat and hide.

The home showcases hi-tech low energy design solutions in a contemporary

The master bedroom sits at the top of the house to make the most of the surrounding view

vernacular scheme, allowing the McClintock’s to embrace a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle in a house that harmonises with its rural setting.

The finished two storey home takes the English country house as design precedent, where it adapts quintessential concepts to make way for clear passive house principles.

Facts & Figures Location: Palgrave, Suffolk, UK Gross internal area: 234m2 Architect: Mole Architects Contractor: Willow Builders Ltd Structural Engineers: JP Chick & Partners Ltd & Just Swiss Quantity Surveyor: Sherriff Tiplady Associates Ltd Timber Frame: Just Swiss Windows: Velfac Rooflights: Sunsquare Sustainable elements: Vokera air source heat pump Underfloor heating Passivhaus approved ILD woodburning stove Solar PV panels Solar hot water evacuated tubes

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LEVATO MONO – porcelain paver system The Levato Mono porcelain paver system is the pinnacle of external raised flooring technology; enabling the specification of lightweight, slip resistant and attractive raised flooring solutions, combining incredible technical properties with uncompromising aesthetics; making them the ideal choice for commercial and domestic use alike.

• 20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 • ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes • Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings • Highly abrasion and stain resistant • Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test • Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 • High load bearing and impact resistance • Timber & stone effects ; 40+ finishes available • Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial & residential use • Completely non porous • Fire & frost proof • Height-adjustable support from 9mm up to 550mm

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www.thedecktileco.co.uk 35

Furniture

Always set aside time whilst on holiday to shop for treasures that remind you of your travels

How to fill your home with unique finds While the pages of interior design books are littered with images of beautifully styled and perfectly preened schemes, it’s the unique and personal touches that make a house a home. Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style expert at interiors brand Joss & Main, shares her top tips for sourcing just the right gems to make a space shine.

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o really put your stamp on a space it’s important to incorporate pieces that speak to you, but with so many options available, many home decorators struggle to know where to start. Piecing together the perfect home is a constant work in progress, but these simple steps should give any would-be decorator the confidence to source new pieces like a styling pro.

1 Collect visuals Whether you prefer to tear pages from your favourite interiors magazines or are a devoted aficionado of Pinterest, collecting and curating visuals that inspire you will not only help you to refine your style, it will also help you to

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spot pieces that will work within your scheme.

Whenever you see something that appeals, take the time to pin, scrapbook or snap it. You never know when a swiftly stashed visual will come in handy.

2 Know your space It may sound obvious, but if you are hunting for new pieces for your home, make sure that you’re armed with each room’s measurements – there is no point even considering that Baroque hallway console table if it won’t fit into your narrow entryway! By using a website like floorplanner.com you can get to grips with each room’s dimensions and then make informed decisions whenever you make a purchase.

Decide on your base colour palette and brighten it with bold accents

Furniture Take your time in filling your home with items that have personal appeal

3 Follow interiors blogs While magazines and books are an excellent source of design inspiration, following design blogs that cover niche design categories offers an excellent way to stay up-to-date on new products and trends that tie-in with your preferred style. Adore an eclectic look? Try following frommoontomoon.blogspot.co.uk, the awardwinning blog devoted to bohemian styling. Prefer a more minimalistic, Scandi-inspired scheme?

Check out myscandinavianhome.blogspot.co.uk, which is chock-full of stripped-back Scandinavian styles. Want to inject more colour into your space?

Try brightbazaarblog.com, which offers a cocktail of hot hued style advice and product suggestions.

shop. Whether you spot a twinkling set of tea glasses in the souks of Marrakech or an antique linen cushion in a Paris boutique, foreign finds will inject your home with personality, while acting as a fond memento of past trips. It’s important to really think about how an item will work within your space and the secret to making holiday treasures sing when you get home is to curate them artfully.

When styled within a more minimalist setting, that Chinese chinoiserie cabinet will bring just the right amount of exotica to your scheme, however if you bring too many authentic elements together your space will start to become a parody, so remember to take a balanced approach.

5 Include something old

4 Go globetrotting

and something new

Nothing adds a dash of originality to your home more than finds from far-flung travels, so whenever you go on holiday, set aside time to

The most successful schemes marry old and new pieces, so keep an eye out for jumble sales and antiques fairs taking place in

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Furniture

your area. While many car boot sales are laden with more tat than treasure, wonders can be uncovered by the discerning eye. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with a large stall of antiques, so go slowly, taking your time to appraise each piece.

When it comes to furniture, it pays to look past paint finishes and hardware to really focus on the ‘bones’ of an item. An ugly or broken drawer pull can easily be replaced with something beautiful or ornamental, while a lick of paint can quickly refresh that darkly varnished wooden cabinet, instantly updating it. Finally, don’t dismiss plain pieces which can be prettified with some simple decoupage or similar decorative detailing.

6 Find flash inspiration Online flash sales offer another excellent opportunity to snap-up unique pieces that can’t be found on the high street and with juicy discounts to boot. At Joss & Main, for example, each three day interiors event is curated, so it’s easy to find pieces in an array of styles as well as items that work beautifully together. Keep an eye out for looks that you love and dip into new events to find one-off pieces. Also check out your favourite eTailers’ online blogs for top tips on how to work the hottest looks.

Look for unique pieces in auctions and antique fairs

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Keep a record of things you have seen that inspire you, be it a pinterest board or scrapbook

7 Become an aficionado of auction sites Auction sites such as eBay are another fertile hunting ground for the unique and the unusual, offering a fantastic chance to bring home quality vintage homeware without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for something specific, try saving your search. The item on your lustlist might not be available today, but by saving your selection you will get an alert when it pops up for sale. Make sure that you refine any searches to include your maximum budget and

other variables, then sit back and wait for that vintage beauty to come in!

8 Take your time While it’s human nature to want your space to be furnished immediately, sourcing one-off pieces takes time and the work is never done.

Go slowly, curating new elements artfully to produce a beautifully edited home with a perfectly personal stamp.

www.jossandmain.co.uk

Doors & Windows

Bi-folding doors are a great way to make the most of your garden

Windows of opportunity There are 101 things to think about when planning and creating your own home, and according to Richard Chapman of timber window and door manufacturer Dale Windows, the doors and windows you choose have the ability to make or break the finished look and feel of your property.

Here, Richard offers an insight into some of the key considerations you need to factor into your project when specifying windows and doors.

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hether you are an experienced self-builder or about to take on your own build for the first time, you will have a vision for what you want to achieve. When it comes to the windows and doors, you are dealing with the fundamental fabric of the building so it really is worth doing your homework to discover the right product for your own property.

People can spend months considering kitchen and bathroom style, fixtures and fittings, but the same level of attention to detail for your windows and doors really will pay you dividends in creating a property you can be proud of.

The first place to start is to understand the difference that windows and doors make to the external fabric of the building. There are a lot of

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The front door is one of the first things a visitor will notice about your new home

styles available and you need to think carefully about what will work for your project – not just from an aesthetic perspective but on a practical level as well.

Match the windows to the proposed style of your building as well as the spec wanted, but be careful not to over specify unnecessarily. Consider the purpose of the space, for example you don't need to go for the very highest quality windows if you are building an occasional use garden room.

Respect the period of the property; a modern build will naturally suit a contemporary style, whilst an older building may lend itself to sash windows. Of course, if the project is being built from scratch you have the flexibility to be versatile.

It is also vitally important to consider the location of your build. For example, if you are building in an exposed location – on top of a moor or by the

Doors & Windows

sea – that is likely to be open to extreme weather, then carefully research the required performance aspects of the windows and doors. If this is the case, consider selecting a higher spec glass and look at the option of aluminium cladding on the exterior of the timber. The addition of aluminium cladding will enable the windows to take more bangs and knocks and be more durable in tough conditions.

If you are building in exposed locations, opt for storm proof windows as they are built for purpose. Also, forget old wives tales and preconceived ideas such as sash windows banging and rattling in the wind. With today’s modern materials and manufacturing technologies problems such as these have long since dissolved.

Consider wider issues such as access, safety and security. For example, you don’t want a window above a conservatory because not only will it be difficult to clean, but might not comply with fire safety precautions. Do ensure that the products selected comply with the British Standard Security Regulations.

Ensure you buy windows with strong guarantees

Open doors to the right products for you When it comes to doors, think carefully about what is going to work best for the way you live as well as how they look. Apart from main entrance doors, your thoughts should be focused on door set options – for example, does your garden call for french or bi-folding doors.

Bi-folds have become extremely popular, and they give great access when fully open.

However, do recognise that bi-folds have more vertical obstructions when closed compared to French and Patio. The opposite is true for patio and French doors, which give a clear view when closed but won’t give full access when open.

If time is a priority, opt for factory finished window and doors, made to measure and to your specifications that arrive on site fully finished and ready to fit. Remember that good quality timber windows and doors that are factory finished are also likely to have additional qualities such Think carefully about what doors and windows will best suit your style of property

as guarantees on the timber, hardware and the paint finishes. The length of guarantees will be different for each aspect but for your own peace of mind you should be looking for a manufacturer that can offer 30 year guarantees for rot and fungal infection, eight years on paint finishes and ten years on double glazed units and hardware.

Nothing is truly maintenance free, but timber windows and doors with strong guarantees make your role in their upkeep as simple as possible.

Ensure whoever is specifying your build, be it project manager or builder, is working to the same standards that you expect. Always choose the windows and doors alongside your specifier and research the project yourself. Make it your business to know what is going into the fabric of the build if you are devolving some of the decisions to another party.

When it comes to price look at the lifecycle costs not just the purchase price. Timber windows and doors are now shown to have a lifecycle of around 50 years compared to uPVC which have around a 25 year lifecycle.

When it comes to timber, quality is the key and you will get what you pay for. Do your research well in advance of the build and thoroughly understand exactly what you are getting. Windows and doors are such a critical component of a building and, if chosen correctly, will not only stand the test of time, but become an asset.

www.dalewindows.co.uk

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Sub-brow Renewables Eyebrow

Which heating systems are eligible?

Biomass only boilers and biomass pellet stoves Air source heat pumps Ground source heat pumps Flat plate and evacuated tube solar thermal panels

Your guide to the RHI The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is the world’s first long-term financial support programme for renewable heat. In April 2014 the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive was launched to offer financial support to the owners of renewable heating systems for seven years.

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this UK Government scheme was first launched to encourage homeowners, communities and businesses to generate and use renewable energy to heat buildings instead of fossil fuels. Domestic RHI is open to self-builders and renovators whose projects include heating systems that use naturally replenished energy, regardless of whether the property is off or on mains gas. Homeowners that tick the relevant boxes receive quarterly payments for seven years for the amount of clean, green renewable heat the system produces.

The starting point for applying to the scheme is that your renewable heating cret: o e S e system is in a property Trad d properties deal D il that has a domestic n u e b e y Self uire a Gr se the q u e EPC. This proves to a r c t e o n tb cent smen Ofgem that your Asses built to re tion are egula r g property is assessed in build ndards. sta as a domestic ‘property’.

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If your property isn’t a self-build then you will also need a Green Deal Assessment. Self-build properties do not need this because they are built to recent building regulation standards.

Online resources For most households, payments are based on an estimation of your renewable heating system’s annual heat use. If you are thinking about installing a renewable heating system then the Government offers an RHI online payment calculator to estimate how much your payments might be, however this should only been seen as an indication, not a guarantee.

The calculator also allows you to compare estimates across different technologies.

As well as being one of the four eligible heating system types, you should check that the make and model of your heating system appears on the Product Eligibility List in the Ofgem checklist.

If a system is listed as ‘to be determined’ on the PEL, it means that Ofgem has not yet

received all the information needed from the product manufacturer. If you installed before the scheme opened there are some differences in eligibility requirements, so check your system against the factsheets available online.

All biomass products installed after 9th April 2014 will need as Emission Certificate. If it is a biomass product and has no emissions certificate you will need to ask your installer to complete a form that can be downloaded from Ofgem.

In November last year the Department of Energy and Climate Change published a report based on an RHI applicant census eight months after the domestic RHI opened. The report showed that 71% of RHI participants reported no problems with their application and 82% found the application form easy. Two thirds did not face any difficulties when installing their renewable heating technology and nine in ten are satisfied with the finished product.

www.ofgem.gov.uk

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Eyebrow i-build Sub-brow

American dream A multi-million pound refurbishment in Suffolk has sought inspiration from American architecture. The revamp has seen significant interior remodelling and extension work completed in order to create the desired look.

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Below: New windows have transformed the property

i-build

Left: The family wanted to update the home they built fifteen years ago

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he 6000ft2 property was originally built in 1999 but has, in the past year, undergone a £500k refurbishment to give it a truly modern feel, both inside and out.

The new look incorporates a hand-built, locally sourced kitchen, double garage-cum-workshop extension and 38 new windows and doors.

Clive Underdown, the owner of the property, explains: “We took on the refurbishment project as we needed to extend, creating an annex workshop and garage. I really like the style of modern American homes, so sought to recreate that style in my own house.

“We used the same architect as when we originally had the house built to design all the new additions including a completely new set of windows. The glazing has worked so well that we even went to the expense of putting a floor to ceiling window in the garage block to match the two large windows in the main house.

The vision of the home’s new look was to maintain the visual impact of the original design, but with high flying roof lines and large new glazed areas. The latest materials were matched to the original design to ensure the home is the latest in both look and energy efficiency.

Clive continues: “Even though the style of the windows and doors was very important to me, they had to perform as well. We decided to specify Black Millwork’s American Anderson range as they delivered on both aesthetics and thermal efficiency.”

Installed into the home were Anderson French

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Sub-brow

Eyebrow i-build

becomes the focus alongside several statement radiators that spiral much like a spring. Pale worktops contrast yet complement with the timber storage cabinets and high-end appliances sit neatly within the wood. The space benefits from lots of worktops and several seating areas as well as a downdraft cooker hood that is almost invisible when not in use. These contemporary accents flow into the bathroom which is home to another feature radiator and a floating sink basin.

Clive loves the new space: “It exceeds our expectation in terms of liveability, low running costs and features. It nestles into the surroundings and matches the main property beautifully. The media room is my favourite as it is a great place to be away from the grandchildren!

“It’s amazing how the right fenestration and doors can totally transform your property without spending the fortune it would cost to knock down and rebuild. The quality of the products is clear to see and I’m looking forward to the rewarding energy savings in the years to come.

“My advice to anyone looking to renovate or

Top right: Green walls brighten the room Right: The modern kitchen benefits from lots of storage Below: Black Millwork's American Anderson range of windows were used

refurbish is to get a good architect or surveyor.

If you can use a tried and tested construction company and builder then do so – we had worked with ours before and it avoided many of the ‘extras’ discussions that one has with contractors. Another thing to be aware of is that the spec always ends up changing once the build has begun, so make sure you budget for this.”

i-build

doors and Woodwright casement and arched windows, including a particularly attractive and large window in the gable end of the new double garage.

Mark Wright, Managing Director of Mark Wright Construction Ltd, oversaw the project and comments: “The team at Black Millwork were great to work with and made the installation process as smooth as could be asked, they even helped us out with supplying a replacement locking mechanism that was damaged on site.”

The revamp took place over eight months, however, Clive faced difficulties in the plot’s foundations when he discovered the ground conditions to be worse than expected. A series of 24x12m friction piles were sunk into the ground to stabilise the foundations and then a ring beam created the traditional foundation trenches. Although this did not impact on the time, it did create additional costs. Other unforeseen costs included buying higher specification electronics and kitchen.

The finished space benefits from an openplan annex that has the latest in audio electronics and high specification kitchen and bathrooms. In the kitchen a lime palette

www.blackmillwork.co.uk

New England style The United States of America is a much larger country than our little island and, as anyone who has ever watched ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ would know, the scale on which they self-build correlates with the country’s sizeable land mass. Over 40% of new homes in America are self-built. The average size of homes built in the US last year was 2600ft2 compared with 818ft2 in the UK. These big homes need big features and the New England Style – also known as American Craftsman – allows for volume alongside interesting architectural features.

This style of architecture was revived in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when it became fashionable –influenced by the British Arts and Crafts Movement. This style is a popular choice for self-builders as big windows, low-pitched roof lines and decorative elements represent that distinctive look that self-builders desire.

Common features of the New England Style include: ● Low-pitched roof lines, gabled or hipped roof ● Deeply overhanging eaves ● Exposed rafters or decorative brackets under eaves ● Tapered, square columns supporting the roof ● Hand crafted stone or woodwork ● Mixed materials within visible exterior structure ● Dormer windows in different styles ● Brick chimney in property centre ● Roof space used as accommodation

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Product Guide

Paving the way to prestigious views For the vast majority of selfbuilds, their plots are chosen based on the stunning vistas that surround them. What better way to reap the rewards of a project’s outstanding setting than a decking solution designed specifically to enjoy them. The Deck Tile Co.’s Levato Mono paver system is the ideal choice, offering unrivalled technical properties and aesthetic appeal. This system is the pinnacle of external raised flooring technology, enabling the specification of a lightweight, slip resistant and height-adjustable raised flooring solution – perfect for high-end residential applications.

www.thedecktileco.co.uk 0845 2700 696 info@thedecktileco.co.uk

Natural beauty and functionality Create a beautiful kitchen that works perfectly at the same time as being an entertaining space to be proud of.

The kitchen in today’s modern home is more than just a room where we cook and eat. For many it is the hub of the house where we socialise with friends, entertain, or watch TV. So, when designing a room that has so many functions it is important to choose furnishings and products that are aesthetically pleasing at the same time as being practical.

Natural stone flooring and in particular honed limestone makes a fantastic choice for kitchen spaces. One of the most beautiful features of limestone is the subtle shells that speckle the surface making this a practical and hardwearing option for both walls and floors, which will complement any of today’s modern designs and colour schemes.

If you are looking to lighten a room or create a feeling of space then Moleanos Classic Beige limestone is a stunning floor choice and using a honed limestone gives you a perfectly flat and smooth floor that accentuates the clean straight lines of your kitchen as well as having a perfectly matt finish.

Available in a variety of size formats from 400x400mm up to 900x600 with 10mm and 15mm thicknesses, this stone is a great contemporary material for those looking to create a stylish living and entertaining environment within their property.

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

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Long-lasting wood treatment When the Quinlan family took on a self-build project in 2008 to build a ‘Double Log’ construction as their new home in Woodhead, Aberdeenshire, they were in need of interior and exterior wood treatment. Osmo’s ecofriendly wood finishes were recommended to provide an aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting protection. Six years on and the Osmo finishes are still providing optimum results. “We have been delighted with the end result, both internally and externally” explains Russell Quinlan. “All wood was fully treated with Osmo products and we have been very pleased with its performance throughout the six years since the build.”

www.osmouk.com 01296 481 220 info@osmouk.com

Maintenance free rainwater systems Yeoman Rainguard’s XL Aluminium rainwater systems were chosen for Bridge House – a stunning new build property in Norfolk. XL Aluminium 75mm diameter downpipes along with 125x100mm MOG gutters, finished in a Black textured polyester powder coating, were installed on the property. The powder coating ensures that the pipes and guttering will offer years of maintenance free service and will not be susceptible to colour bleaching. The push fix jointing mechanism ensures easy and quick installation. The XL Aluminium also comes with ecological credentials as 95% of the materials used to manufacture the gutters and downpipes are recyclable.

www.rainguard.co.uk 0113 279 5854 sallyanne@rainguard.com

Easy-to-install pre-packed paving reduces waste

Black Millwork will be showcasing its high quality timber windows and doors, a selection of its latest aluminium and aluminium clad window range and highlights from its Andersen portfolio at this year’s Ecobuild on stand S7040. The company’s innovative range of quality aluminium windows achieve exceptional performance ratings and incorporate a number of contemporary designs, whilst having the added benefit of being an extremely sustainable specification choice. Delivering exceptional U-values as low as 0.7W/m2K, Black Millwork’s aluminium clad windows are available in a variety of RAL colours and bespoke shapes and sizes, providing a modern finish to all types of properties.

Presenting an ideal complement to its increasingly popular Alpha and Regatta TRIO block paving product ranges, Brett Landscaping has enhanced its versatile selection of pre-selected paving products with the introduction of the Beta TRIO block paving range. The high quality TRIO packs from Brett have proved consistently popular with merchants, meeting a requirement for their small builder and DIY customer base to buy paving without wastage.

Andrew Gill, Marketing Manager at Brett explains: “By talking to our merchant suppliers we knew that bringing the Beta design into a TRIO pre-packed product would be a great concept for the paving market. It can now be delivered in the format best suited to the domestic sector.”

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

www.brettpaving.co.uk 0845 60 80 577 landscapinginfo@brett.co.uk

Solar-powered roof windows remote FAKRO’s new FAKWRS1 and FAKWRS2 solar powered remote control units take energy efficiency in roof windows to a new level. Quick and easy to install either at the time of window installation or as a DIY retrofit, options are available for either single or multiple window operation.

Both can be used as part of smarthome technology, the FAKWRS2 having a wireless rain sensor to activate automatic closure. Batteries recharge in daylight with stored energy used to operate in overcast conditions or at night. All brackets and fittings are supplied.

www.fakro.co.uk 01283 554755 sales@fakrogb.com

Period features with modern benefits Mumford & Wood – specialist manufacturer of timber windows and doors – has introduced timber balcony doorsets to the Conservation range of period-style sash and casement windows, French doorsets, bi-folding and entrance doors. Balcony doorsets are most commonly used in a Juliet balcony arrangement and are a modified version of a standard French doorset. The dimensions of the vertical stiles are particularly narrow by comparison to maximise the glass area in what is usually a very narrow door set.

www.mumfordwood.com 01621 818155 sales@mumfordwood.com

Product Guide

Premium fenestration with Black Millwork

Timber frame triumph

Timber frame is now the UK’s fastest growing method of construction and a core reason for this is the sustainability benefits it delivers. The latest building regulations demanding the use of more sustainable materials makes this a major factor that cannot be ignored. Timber delivers a high-performance building solution that directly contributes to achieving high Code for Sustainable Homes levels.

Timber technology allows for Excellent/Outstanding BREEAM ratings for buildings and demonstrates a high commitment to environmental best practice and Corporate Social Responsibility. The Fabric First Approach, adopted by Frame Wise, creates a high performance, thermally efficient building envelope that can meet higher levels of Code, without the need to rely on expensive energy-saving bolt-on technologies, such as solar panels.

www.framewiseltd.co.uk 01544 260 125 enquiries@framewiseltd.co.uk

Welsh Oak Frame backs Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Bill Welsh Oak Frame has welcomed the latest developments in the push towards getting the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Bill passed in parliament following the committee meeting held in the House of Commons on 17th December. The Private Member’s Bill has crossparty support and was approved in principal by the House of Commons in October. Welsh Oak Frame’s General Manager Mark Jones commented: “People want the opportunity to build beautiful, unique homes and we believe that the government should be supporting and nurturing selfbuilders and, although this Bill won’t be a quick fix, it is certainly a step in the right direction.”

www.welshoakframe.com 01686 688000 info@welshoakframe.com

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i-nterior

Trade S

ecret: As w overhe ell as avoid in a month ting during g warme s, supe r r contro l glass neutral solar r e f lects h back in eat to winter a room in month s.

Bringing the outdoors in Ishai Novak has specified products that make the most of natural light as well as his garden in a new extension of his seven bedroom Hertfordshire home.

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S

kylights or rooflights can provide up to 40% more light than a window of comparable size and, perhaps more importantly, a more even distribution of light. This ability to fill a room with natural daylight makes skylights an ideal choice for home projects that would benefit from extra sunlight.

Taking advantage of as much natural light as possible was certainly top of Ishai Novak’s list in terms of design features for the extension of his seven bedroom house nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside.

Ishai was keen for his extension to create a close relationship between the dining space and garden area. He wanted to improve the living space for his family at the same time as having a kitchen and dining area that made the most of his large garden.

i-nterior Ishai opted for a bespoke SkyView skylight to create a light, spacious and contemporary finish for this large extended living space located at the rear of the property.

Statement centerpiece To bring the outdoors indoors, he decided to install large concertina glass doors across the entire back wall of the extension. To continue the light and airy feel through into the kitchen area, Ishai wanted to include a large skylight. However, he needed to be careful in his specification, after all, as a basic rule, domestic extensions can only be a maximum of 25% glazed.

Having visited Grand Designs Live for inspiration,

Top left: Ishai was keen to create an openplan space for the whole family to use Top right: The new room benefits from a large skylight Above: This seven bedroom home is in Hertfordshire

If used wisely a skylight can become the focal feature of a room. This certainly is the case with Ishai’s home, called Chestnut Lodge, as the skylight allows light to literally pour into the new space.

A large single pane Sunsquare skylight was installed which has an internal opening of 1200x2500mm. It was essential that there was no visible frame showing internally, which was achieved using decorstop. This allowed the plasterboard to be fitted straight into the frame with no frame on show; a popular choice for those looking for a sleek finish.

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i-nterior

Whilst the aesthetic appeal was important, so too was creating a comfortable living space for the whole family to enjoy. One concern the family faced was the possibility of over-heating given the large single pane of glass being used in the skylight alongside the bi-folding glass doors.

Being a south facing property, the amount of visible light entering the new space is exceptionally high. Therefore super neutral solar control glass was specified (SN70). This has a g-value of 37% and a light transmittance of around 70% thereby eliminating overheating altogether.

Thermal benefits On the other hand, high-specification rooflights not only provide much-needed levels of natural light into homes, but also offer significant thermal benefits.

Where overheating is avoided during warmer months, in the winter the specification of SN70 helps to keep the home warm as it reflects the heat back into the room helping to keep down energy bills. As is the case with this skylight, most high performance rooflights are thermally broken, to ensure properties are not only brighter but also warmer and drier.

Most skylights are manufactured from Aluminium, which transmits heat and cold very efficiently. If the external temperature manipulates a skylight frame,

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it not only creates a window that acts as a huge heat loss area for a property but also opens up the possibility of serious condensation issues.

Justin Seldis, Managing Director of Sunsquare, comments: “For a skylight to be truly thermally broken there should be polymide sections dividing all materials that sit across the internal and external parts of the building. This is the only effective way

Below: Floor to ceiling glazing spans one and a half walls of the extension

i-nterior of ensuring a skylight will offer a high standard of insulation.

“Last year was a major step forward for the skylight manufacturing industry. It is now possible to have a skylight installed that is verified by the British Standards Institution (BSI) under standard BS 63751:2009. For clients, where installing products that perform exactly as they are supposed to is crucial, this offers considerable reassurance.”

Low maintenance solution The attention to detail on this project was exceptional, proven by Ishai’s careful specification – he even specifically requested the external RAL colour on the SkyView frame to be changed to match that the bifold doors (RAL 7016).

Even the ability of the glass to resist the effects of rain and daily residue build-up was important to the owners. After all, the skylight is not that easy to access for regular cleaning purposes. To significantly reduce the amount of cleaning required, Sunsquare applied ClearShield to the face of the glass; a product that chemically bonds to the surface of the glass to make it smooth rather than undulated. The non-stick protective layer makes the glass remarkably easy to keep clean, requiring 50% less routine washing.

Family-friendly space The finished extension really does incorporate the garden as part of the home. The floor to ceiling bifolding doors extend the length of one and a half walls, where when sitting at the dining table it really does feel as if you are outside. A Scandinavianinspired interior design palette enhances the natural light that floods through the doors and the skylight.

The contemporary kitchen’s on-trend soft grey features work neatly beside stark white walls and floor tiles. The vibrant green sofa and armchair reflect the natural greens in the lawn.

Ishai adds: “I am absolutely delighted with the resulting finish, the sunlight and bi-fold doors add a tremendous amount of light to a space used by all the family.”

www.sunsquare.co.uk

Abovet: Bi-folding doors make the most of the home's garden Left: The modern kitchen sits perfectly within the minimalist interior scheme

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i-scape

Garage project takes flight A commercial pilot for a well-known short-haul package holiday airline can now extend his flight time from the comfort of his own home, thanks to his own personal garden aircraft hanger.

M

r Henry Brewis of Bury St. Edmunds has been flying since he was 19, and as such, owns a private four-seater Jabiru aeroplane. After keeping his plane in a nearby airfield – some 20 minutes drive away – Henry decided it was time to invest in his own personal aircraft hangar.

The Brewis’ old listed farmhouse underwent a major renovation project 20 years ago. However, Henry had a vision of creating a structure wide enough to park his beloved plane in his own garden. In 2013 he finalised the plans alongside an architect to build the oak-framed garage.

Once planning permission had been granted, the structural ground works started in November 2013, but due to wet weather, the building completion was

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Above: Henry no longer has to drive 20 minutes to get to his plane Top right: Four cars sit neatly below the plane wings Bottom right: The new garage is in keeping with the family's Tudor property

delayed until the spring. With specialist 6x2 lengths of Glulam - laminated timber comprising of strong bonded layers - and locally sourced 9in2 beams of oak to support the roof structure, it took just six weeks to build above ground level from start to finish.

When Henry began the specification process, he searched locally and sourced quotes from commercial door companies; however, he decided they were far too heavy and expensive for domestic use. With a brief for an affordable, attractive garage door to fit a 12m wide opening, he approached a couple of specialists with his unusual request, but unfortunately they could not offer any help or guidance.

After a recommendation from a friend, he was introduced to Andy Simmonds at Fore-Most Garage

i-scape Doors in Ipswich, who was very positive about the proposed challenge. This was on the proviso that he could source the relevant products from Hörmann and seek advice from the manufacturer’s domestic engineer and UK resident expert, Alex McKay. In keeping with the Brewis’ Tudor oak-framed property and cart lodge, the conclusion came to fitting a combination of two double automated HST side-sliding sectional doors, something akin to a James Bond lair, much to the appreciation of Henry, Andy and Hörmann’s central area sales manager and former service engineer, Luke Freeman.

Henry now houses his pride and joy in a purpose-built 105m2 cart lodge. As well as the light aircraft, the cart lodge is also home to plenty of overhead storage and

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i-scape his family’s four cars, which all fit neatly under the Jabiru’s 8.12m wing span. The clean white finish of the garage doors matches the Jabiru perfectly and if Henry decides to upgrade to a six-seater aircraft, he can easily do so, as the current width and height of the doors were specified to allow this future eventuality.

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Above: Henry and wife Hayley were able to employ the self-build skills they learnt from renovating their home 20 years ago Below: The Jaribu aeroplane seats four people

For Andy, working with Henry’s architect and builder was key to ensuring the construction was completely level, in order to safeguard an accurate installation.

As with any garage door fitting, it is of the upmost importance for the door openings and side walls to be correctly aligned for smooth operation, and for the relevant clearances to be left in the reveals to enable the door to function properly. Since the proposed sectional side-sliding doors needed to be so significant in size, the boom tolerance, lintel strength and load-bearing weight had to be factored in so that the space could provide ample support.

Henry agrees that a team effort is required for a successful build. “By using the necessary skills and inside knowledge of a door specialist from the outset, we knew the exact specifications required to undertake such a project,” he comments.

“The new structure sits really well beside our house.

Many of the villagers have commented on it looking good due to the oak frames being in-keeping with our Grade II listed Tudor property.

“For practicality purposes I would say the electric doors are my favourite aspect of the new structure as they offer such immediacy and ease of use when I want to fly my plane. The doors work incredibly well; they are exactly as I expected, so I am very pleased with the end result.

i-scape

“This has inspired me to do another project soon, but it is a little way off in the future. This project has certainly given me the knowledge and confidence to find new self-build projects.

“I would advise anyone looking to build their own garden structure to plan ahead as much as possible and to order materials in plenty of time.”

Added value With the oak cart lodge costing around £50,000, and the garage doors at £10,000, the Brewis family have not only added considerable value to their home, but more importantly, they can now enjoy the freedom of sharing more time as a family, doing what they love, without being tied to the inconvenience and distance of an airfield.

Renting the field next door from a local farmer has meant that Henry, his wife Hayley and two daughters can fly from home at short notice, virtually taking off from their back garden, which has been a blessing when travelling the 200 miles to Somerset in 1.5 hours to make the most of their Summer holidays.

www.hoermann.com

Right: The garage has space for cars as well as the plane Below: The jet has a wingspan of 8.12m

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Eyebrow Heating Sub-brow

Facts and myths on floor heating installation We hear a lot of myths about floor heating, some of which concern installation. Here, floor heating expert DEVI dispels some common myths about electrical heating installation.

F

loor heating has been known and loved for a very long time. Even ancient Romans liked this simple comfort and used circulating warm water under their marble floors. Nowadays electrical floor heating solutions provided by DEVI are not only comfortable but also energy efficient with a huge focus on environmental friendliness.

Myth 1: Electrical floor heating is complicated to install.

Fact: Heating mats are a solution which can easily be mounted whether it is on new or old sub-floors. The installation time will be the same, regardless of the type of flooring under which the system is installed.

Myth 2: Floor heating can only

Myth 5: Using electrical heating is the most

be used in bathrooms.

Fact: Electric floor heating can be used in all types of rooms such as bedrooms, kitchens and hallways. Nowadays, thanks to modern thermostats such as DEVIreg Touch, floor heating is often used as a reliable and energy efficient solution of choice for all types of buildings, including low-energy houses. You can easily install electrical floor heating in newly-built houses as well as existing ones during renovation.

environmentally unfriendly way of heating.

Fact: Nowadays electric heating is the solution of choice for low-energy houses.

Regarding the fact that the EU expects that 65% of electricity production will come from solar cells, wind and nuclear energy in 2020, electrical heating is clearly the preferable choice. Improving the energy performance of buildings is a particularly critical step in reducing the EU’s carbon footprint.

Myth 6: Using electrical heating for Myth 3: Electric floor heating can only be installed under terracotta.

Fact: Floor heating can be installed under lots of different types of flooring. DEVI electrical heating solutions do not take up any space, which gives an opportunity to design a space in each room as you please.

Myth 4: A fault means that you have to rip up the whole floor.

Fact: The DEVI heating cables have a very long life time and come with a 20 year warranty. But in case of any misfortune there is no need to rip up the whole floor.

The problem can be pinpointed to a few centimeters of accuracy and in a case of rare fault the DEVI warranty of 20 years covers full floor repair.

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outdoor heating is a high cost solution.

Fact: DEVI outdoor heating systems are equipped with energy efficient and cost reducing, advanced intelligent thermostats that automatically regulate the system based on the actual temperature and humidity conditions. In cold but dry weather, the system remains inactive, saving energy and costs. When the weather is cold and wet, the system is automatically activated, quickly melting snow and preventing the build-up of ice. Nevertheless, you always have the option to manually control the system via the thermostat.

www.devi.danfoss.com 0845 121 7400 info@devi.com

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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