i-build February 2018

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS February 18 Issue 43

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COVER STORY:

A CHANGE OF DIRECTION

Wild accessories for an animal-inspired interior

Building their own house changed the lives of one couple

HOW WILL THE RECENT CHANGES TO THE MCS GUIDELINES AFFECT YOUR GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SPECIFICATION? WILL YOUR SELF-BUILD CATER TO YOUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT ITS LIFESPAN? FUTURE-PROOF YOUR HOME WITH HANSE HAUS' TOP TIPS

INSPIRED BY CUBISM

CRIME PREVENTION

WHY CLAY TILES ARE THE BEST

Herefordshire couple opt for timber-framed solution to create Cubist family home

SBD's guidance on deterring intruders and discouraging possible break-ins

Exuding old-world charm, clay tiles will add a touch of character to your self-build

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

l SHED BUILDING

l WINDOW DRESSING

l HOT TUBS

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Welcome to the February issue of i-build

www.i-buildmagazine.com

Editorial:

Welcome Note

i-build Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

Building your own home can truly alter your life.

Elsewhere in this issue, i-build takes a look at

There are the obvious changes, for example,

how to add the finishing touches to your self-

how it can give your family much-needed space

build’s interior and exterior. From advice from

to grow and expand, or how it can allow you

Swish on the best way to dress your windows

to live in an area that you’ve always dreamt of

on page 48, to guidance from BISHTA on what

but believed you were priced-out of. But for Nic

to look for when you’re looking for a hot tub on

Jack Witcomb

Downs and Carolyn Merrifield, building their

page 52, there’s something for everyone.

Digital Design Manager:

careers. The couple had no idea that seeing a

David Perry

garden plot for sale down a cul-de-sac in leafy

Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com Print Design Manager: jack@mixedmediainfo.com

david@mixedmediainfo.com Production Assistant:

own home changed the direction of their whole

Cyncoed would adjust the direction of their lives.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if you’re coming to the end of your self-build and would like us to feature your home as inspiration for other budding house-builders,

The husband and wife team were both Directors

then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

of a large established firm of architects, based in

Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your

Cardiff, when they discovered the plot of their

self-build journey and would be keen for us to

dreams. The house was the first project the

document your progress, do get in contact.

charlie@mixedmediainfo.com

couple had worked on together and they enjoyed

Managing Director:

the process so much, they decided to leave their

Paige

Sofia Franchi

sofia@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts:

Charlie Ivy Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way

large practice and set up a small architectural firm on their own. Turn to page 24 to see how the development of their gorgeous self-build led the pair to a new venture.

@ibuildmagazine

Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA T: 01622 873229 F: 01622 320020

paige@mixedmediainfo.com

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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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.

Editor’s picks Black Millwork has addressed fenestration trends for slim profiles with the launch of a new aluminium range, load-bearing Thermoblocks from Marmox have been used to construct a high-spec Harrogate home, Hörmann returns to this year's Homebuilding & Renovating Show: See page 54

Cover story: Carolyn talks about the design journey that her and her husband went on to create their dream home.

See page 24.

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Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

February 2018

18

12

38

34

06

48

30

In this issue: 12 14 16 18 24 30

Desired Designs

ON THE COVER

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

Future-Proofing

ON THE COVER

Oliver Grimshaw, Head of UK Sales at Hanse Haus, discusses the key things to consider when looking to design a future-proof home.

Viewpoint

ON THE COVER

Kensa Heat Pumps demystifies the recent changes to the MCS standard for a straightforward route to obtaining your ground source heat pump.

Contracts & Legalities

John and Donna Scarff discuss how they used the experts at BuildStore to help them to arrange their self-build mortgage.

Urban Sanctuary

32 Security Secured by Design (SBD) talks about why safety ON THE COVER

and security are key considerations to think about when building your own home.

Cladding & 34 Roofing, Insulation

Frame 38 Timber A look at Tom and Nicola Webb’s modern, ON THE COVER

timber frame second self-build project in rural Herefordshire.

44 i-DIY This month, Marc Curtis of UK-based Living ON THE COVER

Unplugged talks i-build through how he built a panel shed on a budget.

46 i-build Hanse Haus' Oliver Grimshaw returns on

Impressive Innovation ON THE COVER

48 i-nterior How you dress your windows can have a huge

Furniture & Home Accessories Angela Linforth, Director at Titchmarsh & Goodwin, expresses the best way to achieve a timeless look when selecting furniture for your brand-new self-built home.

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

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

20 +

COVER STORY:

A CHANGE OF DIRECTION

Wild accessories for an animal-inspired interior

Building their own house changed the lives of one couple

ON THE COVER

Amanda Green, Marketing Manager at SIGnature Clay Tiles, takes an in-depth look at why you should consider clay tiles for the roof of your self-build.

It was Terry and Mickey’s dream to build a home on land they owned behind their house near Greenwich in South East London, when they purchased it in 1991, but it took them until seeing an episode of Grand Designs to take the plunge.

Nestled in a leafy Welsh cul-de-sac, Ty Oriel is the contemporary masterpiece of husband and wife team, Nic and Carolyn.

IN THIS ISSUE:

February 18 Issue 43

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HOW WILL THE RECENT CHANGES TO THE MCS GUIDELINES AFFECT YOUR GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SPECIFICATION? WILL YOUR SELF-BUILD CATER TO YOUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT ITS LIFESPAN? FUTURE-PROOF YOUR HOME WITH HANSE HAUS' TOP TIPS

INSPIRED BY CUBISM

CRIME PREVENTION

Herefordshire couple opt for timber-framed solution to create Cubist family home

SBD's guidance on deterring intruders and discouraging possible break-ins

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

l SHED BUILDING

l WINDOW DRESSING

WHY CLAY TILES ARE THE BEST Exuding old-world charm, clay tiles will add a touch of character to your self-build

l HOT TUBS

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

page 46 with his top tips on designing a premanufactured home.

ON THE COVER

impact on the overall feel of your home. Here Lucy Shore, Creative Designer at Swish, explains why.

52 i-scape Hot tubs have become an extremely popular ON THE COVER

choice for people looking to create the dream garden. Here, BISHTA offers advice to help make a safe hot tub purchase.

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Desired Designs

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Image ©AUDENZA

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Animal antics When it comes to animal-inspired interior decor, there’s a fine line between trendy and tacky, especially when it comes to animal print. If you’re worried about crossing this boundary, there’s a much tamer way of going wild with your interior.

C

reating an interior that has decorative animal elements incorporated tastefully to your self-build can be easier than you may think. Although animal print always comes back around in interior design, it can be a risky addition to a room, so instead, try adding decorative three-dimensional pieces to your coffee table or adorn your bookshelves with small decorative objects to integrate this theme into your home. Cute and cuddly animal-themed pieces work perfectly in a child’s room or play area, whereas animals such as lions and tigers, work well in more masculine interiors. Birds are a wonderful way to bring colour and texture to a scheme, while zebras are a great addition to a monochrome theme. Remember an animal accessory can be just for a season and not for life, so you can really go wild with your decor.

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1. Hathi elephant wall mount, Sweetpea & Willow, £80

2. Rhino head wall hook in copper, Artisanti, £25

3. Cat plate,

April and the Bear, £15

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4. Standing flamingo, Ian Snow, £9

5. Curled hedgehog sculpture, Artisanti, £12

6. Snow leopard, MYK, POA

7. Pad Simba cushion cover, einrichten-design.de, €65

8. Chinoiserie horse head, Alexander & Pearl, £120

9. Couple rug, Covet House, POA

10. Flower cat print, Chase and Wonder, £25

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1. Wildcats Midnight wallpaper, £69 2. Flying Bunnies wallpaper, £69 3. Woodland Rave wallpaper, £69

Desired Designs

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4. Nordic Animals wallpaper, £69

4 2 3

Wild Hearts Wonder Wild Hearts Wonder is a company developed by two sisters who feel passionately about igniting imaginations.

They have dedicated their careers to interior design and fashion buying which has given them a wealth of experience and expertise allowing them to create a unique and beautiful interior and clothing brand.

i-build loves...

Wild lamps Functional and fun, these lamps are just what your self-build side tables are missing. Here, i-build sheds some light on an amusing way to incorporate the animal trend into your lighting choices.

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1. Monkey lamp, Smithers of Stamford, £230 2. Pink hippo lamp, Bobby Rabbit, £20 3. Brass rhino wall lamp, AUDENZA, £122 4. Rabbit ears lamp with black shade, Alexander & Pearl, £165

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Desired Designs

Think pink Millennial pink is a hot trend. This light hue is an interior accessory must. The warm and subtle nature of this pink means it’s really versatile and it works alongside both neutral tones and deeper, darker colours.

Image ©Mylands Paints

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Blush bathtub

A romantic touch

This delightful blush pink bath will make the perfect focal point in your self-build bathroom.

Dusky, delicate and pure, this pink bath has it all.

Team it with crisp white walls for a fresh, clean feel or use lilac-grey toned neutrals for a sophisticated scheme. Alternatively, accent with stronger colours to create impact and really lift the scheme.

Venus, the ancient Greek goddess of love, is brought to modern-day interiors with this pair of romantic and delightful bookends in a gorgeous soft pink. The design not only portrays the beauty of ancient sculpture but the piece also promises to keep your books in order.

(www.castironbath.co.uk)

(www.audenza.com)

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Beautiful and bold

Gorgeous and glowing

The Roma upholstered bed is sure to stand out in any bedroom. With its beautiful curves this sleek yet bold piece of furniture is going to make it even harder for you to get up on a Monday morning.

Add some grey bedding for a real wow factor.

These gorgeous pale pink tiles will add a soft, gentle feel to the interior of your self-build home. They’re ideal for bathrooms, wetrooms and kitchens and promise to turn any of these rooms from drab to fab.

(www.livingitup.co.uk)

(www.originalstyle.com)

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Light pink

Majestic elegance

This pale pink ceramic table lamp would be the perfect finishing touch to any interior. Style it alongside a series of gold accessories for an understated look or add it to an all-grey scheme to really make it pop.

A distinctive upholstered chair with curved sides and tapered back. Its modern take on the traditional wing-back chair with a dynamic thrust to its lines brings the majestic elegance of a sixties matador to your living room. The timeless statement piece looks better each year. It can also be coupled with the elegant two-seat option or footstool, and has legs available in five finishes.

(www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk)

(www.contentbyterenceconran.com)

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We have a style to match yours

Aluminium

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

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

GRP

Cast Iron

Copper, Zinc & Stainless Steel

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

Desired Designs

Down to a fine art Adding artwork as a finishing touch to your self-build interior is the perfect way to show your personality, so it’s vital to find an impeccable piece for your wall.

Image ©Athena

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Animal art

Traditional with a twist

This simple yet beautiful piece of art captures the shear beauty and vulnerability of a buffalo in the wild and will help bring some depth to any interior.

The shaggy fur of the buffalo in the image will also convey a feeling of texture to the room it is placed in.

Ant Fox’s subversive epigrams combine the humorous with the traditional, executed in a distinctive style drawn from the Dutch Golden Age of painting. This prestigious wall art canvas adds a twist to a Vermeer Classic. The frame is cleverly printed onto the canvas, so you can just hang it on the wall, stand back and admire it.

(www.beachlaneart.com)

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(www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk)

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A modern original

Trendy typography

If you’ve ever wanted to own an original painting, now you can. The Lady Martin Renaissance Canvas Painting is a luxe investment piece painted for you by artists in Spain. Reminiscent of classic Dutch masters’ paintings, but with a modern and funny twist. Add some colour and style to your interiors with this gorgeous oil and acrylic painting on canvas.

This contemporary typography print is a saying that will always make you smile. Crisp, clean and very Scandi in design in cool black and white, the ‘Nothing to See Here’ print is the perfect design to make a statement and bring a smile in any interior. (www.originalstyle.com)

(www.ohwhatsthis.com)

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Fancy floral

Truly timeless

This floral still-life framed print is a floral extravaganza reminiscent of a Dutch master’s painting but without the price tag! Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, a deliciously opulent floral still-life is guaranteed to add a touch of glamour to your decor.

The Iroco 2 Black Brush Painting will add some serious glamour to your home. Place it in a monochrome-themed room for a chic finishing touch. With this timeless black and white print on your wall, you can easily add and swap colourful decor elements in your interior whenever you like meaning this print will never go out of style.

(www.audenza.com)

(www.ohwhatsthis.com)

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Eyebrow Sub-brow

T: 01622 790 356 W: flooringmegastore.co.uk 11

Future-Proofing

How to design a future-proof self-build Wouldn’t it be great if we could all predict the future? Especially for self-builders in the planning stages of their new home, how great would it be to anticipate the future and design a home able to evolve and remain effective and comfortable throughout the changing dynamics of your life? Here Oliver Grimshaw, Head of UK Sales at Hanse Haus, discusses the key things to consider when looking to design a future-proof home.

T

he reality is it’s incredibly hard to predict how our lives will look in 10 or 20 years’ time but it’s essential to give it some serious thought when creating your own home.

To make your decisions a little easier, here are some key things to consider when looking to design a future-proof home.

The interior Think carefully about the layout of the ground floor, in particular. Here, make sure there is a room (or rooms) that can be adapted to meet your different needs over time. For example, what might start out as an office could transform into a ground floor bedroom. In this case, think about adding a bathroom. This will ultimately end up being an en-suite further down the line.

It may seem insignificant now, but narrow doorways and hallways can be a major problem when you get older. To help your home grow old with you, incorporate wide doorways and

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hallways into your floorplans now. That way, it will limit additional costs, disruption or even the sale of your property later on. Open-plan living also offers brilliant barrier-free environments that can have many uses over time and are easily evolved, depending on what your needs are. Kitchen-diners are greatly celebrated as the perfect familyorientated space, but also offer ease of movement in later years.

The exterior Creating a future-proof home is not just about how you design the inside. It’s also about the clever choice of external materials.

In this instance, consider longevity and ease of maintenance. Keep durability in mind when specifying materials, such as cladding, windows and other costly items that will prove expensive should they need to be replaced.

Most architects will be able to advise on the best ways to make exterior features low maintenance, so ask for advice.

Be adaptable While open-plan living has its benefits, having some individual private spaces also can have its place. Semi-open-plan design offers more individuality and gives you the option to change the function of any given space by subdividing and reconnecting rooms as and when you require. For example, a large, communal children’s bedroom can be divided as they grow, meaning a home can be moulded to your changing family landscape.

Think about sustainability In recent years, we’ve become more and more interested in how to create a home that is cheaper to run. It’s certainly something to consider when designing a future-proof home. Although building to high-efficiency specifications can increase upfront costs, over the long term, the rewards can be considerable, both in savings in energy costs and overall property value if you decide to sell.

Future-Proofing Far left: To help your home grow old with you, incorporate wide doorways and hallways into your floorplans Middle: Creating a futureproof home is not just about how you design the inside.

It’s also about the clever choice of external materials.

Centre: Keep durability in mind when specifying materials, such as cladding Above: Open-plan living also offers brilliant barrierfree environments that can have many uses over time and are easily evolved Left: Most architects will be able to advise on the best ways to make exterior features low maintenance, so ask for advice

Making smart choices on construction methods, materials, structure and positioning, as well as incorporating renewable technologies, such as solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting systems, can not only lead to a home being more efficient, more comfortable and healthier to live in, but can also be looked at favourably by planners and offer better chances of having a preferred design approved.

Get technical Have you considered incorporating smart home technology? It could prove to be a great move in creating a home fit for your future self. Investing in technology now – whether it be smart thermostats or security systems – will ensure you are ready for what our homes will inevitably look like in the future. Technology is also making homes more sustainable and cheaper to run – certainly a feature we’d all benefit from.

If going for a fully-wired home automation system, selecting exactly which system to go for can be overwhelming. Try to pick a service provider which has been on the scene for a while and make sure you install high data transfer Cat 5 or 6 ethernet cables to cope with the inevitable increased data requirements.

www.hanse-haus.co.uk

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Viewpoint

Changes to MCS guidelines The recent changes made to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) may be mind-boggling for many self-builders looking to benefit from the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Here, Kensa Heat Pumps demystifies the recent changes to the standard for a straightforward route to obtaining your ground source heat pump.

I

n order to be eligible for the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, where homeowners get paid a quarterly income for seven years for the renewable heat produced by their ground source heat pump, the system must be compliant with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The MCS is an independent scheme designed to evaluate heat pump systems and installers against robust criteria, providing protection for consumers.

At the end of October 2017, the MCS standard* for heat pump installations was updated to provide consumers with

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greater clarity, comparability of quotes and confidence.

The update includes a number of changes which will affect a heat pump project. Kensa Heat Pumps, the UK’s dedicated ground source heat pump manufacturer, offers top tips for those looking to integrate a ground source heat pump into their project following the two major MCS standard changes, which are: A standard Performance Estimate is now required to produce an MCS quote A room-by-room heat loss to BS EN 12831 is not needed until an order for a heat pump product has been placed.

Viewpoint

Standard Performance Estimate

SELF-BUILD HOUSE AND EVO

The standard Performance Estimate will detail the expected running costs of the heat pump system and estimated RHI returns, and should be consistent no matter which installer is used. This will give a potential consumer an estimate of heat pump running costs compared to their existing heating system as well as estimated RHI income and likely capital cost. All MCS contractors will use the same format, providing clarity and comparability for the consumer.

To obtain this information and in order to produce an MCS-compliant quote, the installer should obtain a copy of the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (or SAP in the case of new builds). Ideally, the EPC should be provided by the householder, or if the current lodged EPC is valid, downloaded from the EPC register.

Only one EPC should be used by any and all MCS contractors quoting for the project.

It is preferred that the certificate is provided by an independent surveyor, but if it is provided by one of the prospective MCS contractors quoting, it must be made available without charge to all other contractors involved.

Ideally, fuel prices used in the Performance Estimate should be taken from recent actual bills for the property (if existing). Electricity tariffs should not include the standing charge element, unless it is intended that the ground source heat pump is going to be the only electricity consuming device in the building.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) The important figures from the EPC are the space heating and hot water requirements.

If the building is being altered (e.g. extended, additional insulation measures etc.), the figures may be taken from a draft EPC, which may not be formally submitted until the works are complete.

If the requirements of the completed building differ from figures quoted on the draft EPC, then a new, up-todate Performance Estimate should be provided as soon as these variations are apparent.

The energy loads quoted in the Performance Estimate should only be used to calculate running costs and estimated RHI payments – they should not be used to size the heat pump. An appropriate whole house sizing method should be used, followed up with a room-by-room heat loss to BS EN 12831.

This is the methodology used by Kensa Heat Pumps which, if necessary, can oversee and certify an installation to be compliant using its MCS umbrella scheme. Under the scheme, Kensa takes responsibility for the sizing, specification, appropriate quotation, commissioning and MCS registration of the ground source heat pump system.

Room-by-room heat losses The other major change is that a room-by-room heat loss to BS EN 12831 is no longer required before a MCS-compliant quote can be produced, although this calculation is still required once the order has been placed.

Any changes to the heat pump size caused by a more accurate sizing method being used or a change in operating temperature, should trigger a new Performance Estimate to be produced and, if needed, a variation of contract.

Top left: At the end of October 2017, the MCS standard for heat pump installations was updated to provide consumers with greater clarity Bottom left: In order to be eligible for the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, the system must be compliant with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

www.kensaheatpumps.com *MIS3005 ‘Requirements for MCS Contractors undertaking the Supply, Design, Installation, Set to Work, Commissioning and Handover of Microgeneration Heat Pump Systems’.

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Contracts & Legalities

A lifelong dream fulfilled Having worked in the construction industry for 15 years, John Scarff had been involved with a number of selfbuild projects and had always longed to complete a build of his own, though the time was never quite right.

D

ue to John’s father’s failing health, it became a necessity that John and his wife, Donna, moved closer to him. It turned out that the best option was for the couple to build their own home in the garden of John’s parents’ home, as this meant they would be as close as possible, without actually moving in.

John is an expert in groundworks and basements but once the project was out of the ground, the couple were in uncharted territory.

From that point on, everything was learned on the job, from books, magazines and various self-build television programmes.

The first thing the couple investigated was the cost of the project. They wanted to find out roughly what their budget would be and if this was realistic.

They attended the Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the NEC in Birmingham, where they met BuildStore’s specialist Self-Build Mortgage Adviser, Nigel Crook. John notes: “Nigel was the most helpful financial expert we spoke with and we made our minds up at the show that we would use BuildStore to arrange our project finance and guide us on our self-build journey.”

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Having a realistic budget in mind meant that the couple could start looking at designing their home. Initially, they drew out various designs using inspiration from self-build magazines, television and other people’s homes.

With enough ideas, John employed an architect to produce professional drawings which were submitted to the planning department and quickly approved. At this point, John and Donna got back in touch with Nigel at BuildStore to arrange their self-build mortgage.

John particularly liked how BuildStore was present during the build for each stage release of the mortgage funds. In fact, Kerry in the provider's stage release team was “extremely helpful and made sure that all of the necessary paperwork was in order – it made the process very easy”.

Throughout the project there were, of course, many highs and lows. John remembers: “The most notable highs were at the start of several key stages. The first time we saw the building's layout, walking around what was going to be our house and laying the first brick were very exciting times. I found the whole process amazing. I loved nearly every minute of it.”

John would describe the process of selfbuilding as amazing. “We loved 99% of it.

It was great fun and we learned a lot. This was our first project and we will definitely do another one.”

John has and will continue to recommend BuildStore mortgage services to aspiring self-builders.

www.buildstore.co.uk

HINTS AND TIPS

Get it in writing Never agree anything verbally. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

If you are not sure about something – ask

Trust your gut. If you meet a tradesman you don’t like, don’t use them – even if they are the cheapest.

Keep running totals of your costs and keep your invoices in order and tidy. It will save you time with it comes to your VAT reclaim.

Have a little break every now and then.

Run the build, don’t let it run you.

Urban Sanctuary

A hidden gem It was Terry and Mickey’s dream to build a home on land they owned behind their house near Greenwich in South East London, so when they saw an episode of Grand Designs featuring a Facit home the penny dropped.

O

riginally, the couple had wanted to build on top of Mickey’s studio, which they had built on the site 26 years ago; soon after purchasing the plot.

Terry explains: “We bought the house and the plot back in 1991. It was an end-of-terrace house with a large patch of land behind it on which we could build what we wanted. At the time, we decided to create a studio for my wife, Mickey, who is a Printmaker and Artist and a garage for me as, back then, we were into competitive off-road driving and needed a garage where we could repair the car.

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“But over the course of the years, we realised that being in the studio down the bottom of the garden was really nice.

“It’s a big garden that goes behind the other houses in the road, up to the corner of the street and then to the next eight houses in the adjacent street, so it’s a big patch of land that all belongs to this end-of-terrace house. It’s a really unusual property and you access it by driving through a driveway that goes under a house – similar to a gatehouse – so that’s where we lived. Through the course of using the studio that we’d built, which was like a little industrial unit, we realised how nice it was down the back of the garden. It was like

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Urban Sanctuary

1 3 01: The couple bought the house and the plot back in 1991 02: The house is built out of a recyclable material – engineered wood 03: After much discussion, it was agreed that it would be better to knock down the studio and start again 04: The Facit team worked with Terry and Mickey to understand what they wanted from the house, the size and use of each room to suit their lifestyle and one that would have architectural merit and sit well in its environment, which just happens to be next to a park

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Urban Sanctuary

1 being in the countryside because we border a park (the old nurseries to the park are on two sides of the plot) and because it’s on a hillside you can’t see any of the other houses on the street from there so it really is like being somewhere else, it’s not like being in London at all. It’s quiet, we can hear the birds singing, there’s lots of wildlife outside and it’s just really nice. So we thought it would be nice if we could build on top of the studio, and that was an idea that I had been pursuing for a while. I thought we’d never get planning permission and when I realised we probably could, I considered the difficulty of access to the site because everything would have to come in through the tunnel on the street. One time, I explored the idea of getting a pre-fabricated wooden building that we could put on top of the studio and I approached a firm in Cornwall, however, they advised they all come in complete units with each unit weighing between 12 and 14 tonnes, meaning it would have to be craned onto the site. The

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company said you can hire cranes large enough to lift to the height it would need reach but they are enormous and expensive. And, it would ruin the economics of the project, so they declined to put the place up for us.

“Then, years later I was watching Grand Designs and we saw this project by Facit.

“Facit said yes it could be done but we’d have to knock down the outbuilding that we’d already built.”

The two buildings would have been very different both in construction and performance so, after much discussion, it was agreed that it would be better to knock down the studio and start again.

“I decided to think about it for three months.

It’s a hard thing to do; to knock down something you’ve already built to build it again so it took us about three months to bite the bullet on that and I came to the conclusion that Facit was probably right!”.

The Facit team worked with Terry and Mickey to understand what they wanted from the house, the size and use of each room to suit their lifestyle and one that would have architectural merit and sit well in its environment. The two-storey, 220m² home comprises a large studio room and separate study on the second floor along with a second bedroom, while the master bedroom and spacious living/ kitchen-dining room is on the ground floor.

“We haven’t gone to the extent of saying we want somewhere we can put a lift when we can't manage the stairs, but we have made sure all the living arrangements are on the ground floor, so when we reach the age where we can't use the stairs anymore; everything is on one level. So to that extent, it's future-proofed.

“The process was all just a long time maturing, the gradual realisation that we’ve got a lovely site and that it would be nice to live on it and then finding the right method of construction where we can overcome the difficulties of the site took time.

02: The new home is much lighter than Terry and Mickey’s previous Victorian terraced property, featuring bigger southfacing windows and a largely white or light grey interior to enhance the airy feel 03: The process was all just a long time maturing

Urban Sanctuary

01: The two-storey, 220m2 home comprises a large studio room and separate study on the second floor along with a second bedroom, while the master bedroom and spacious living/ kitchen-dining room is on the ground floor

04: Situated under two lime trees, the exterior is clad in a timber rainscreen coated in a dark stain to reduce the visual impact of the building 05: Terry and Mickey made sure all their living arrangements are on the ground floor to future-proof their home

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Urban Sanctuary

“Another difficulty of the site is, of course, because we are next to the park, along the edge of the park is a line of trees, so we were building right up underneath them. In order to preserve the ecological approach, we had to come up with a method of building that would cause minimal damage to the trees, so the house stands on screw piles, which means it's much less disruptive to tree roots compared to a more traditional foundation.

“The screw piles go down about 5m, through bedrock, and the house is built on top of these pads that go on top of the screw piles. It’s a brilliant system of building because it causes absolutely minimal disturbance to the ground and the trees.

The house is fabricated from plywood and what’s amazing is from starting the demolition and clearance to having the entire framework of the house up and watertight, was only eight weeks – including two weeks off for Christmas and New Year! So it was a very, very fast build. It’s when you start on the interior that it all slows it down.”

Terry and Mickey will be spending most of their time in the studio so it made sense to be the room with the view. Situated under two lime trees, the exterior is clad in a timber rainscreen coated with a dark stain to reduce the visual impact of the building from the park and reduce the need for ongoing cleaning caused by the dark-coloured sap released from the trees.

Their home has also been designed to make the most of solar gain to heat the house during the winter months and the mature trees to the south of the property will provide shading from direct sunlight during the summer.

“I think the energy efficiency is what I like about it the most; our energy bills have dropped right down. It's just a huge change from the old house and that’s a huge plus.”

The new home is much lighter than their previous Victorian terraced property, featuring bigger south-facing windows and a largely white or light grey interior to enhance the airy feel. Terry has asthma so the couple’s new home is carpet- and curtain-free with a composite concrete tile floor, thus reducing dust. They are now enjoying their new super-insulated “home for life” set amongst the trees with views of their much-loved park.

When asked for advice for other budding homebuilders, Terry replied: “I would say don’t hesitate, just go ahead and do it; seize the opportunity by the hands once you’ve found your plot.

“I’m really not sure if there is anything I would do differently because it was the house that we wanted right from the beginning and it still is the house of our dreams.”

www.facit-homes.com

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Urban Sanctuary

2 “Finding an inner-city site which feels like it is in a woodland setting is rare. This proved to be an exciting design challenge and gave us a great opportunity to create a home which was distinctive, striking and integrated with a unique landscape setting.�

- George Legg, Director of Architecture 01: From starting the demolition and clearance to having the entire framework of the house up and watertight, the process only took eight weeks 02: Terry and Mickey will be spending most of their time in the studio so it made sense to be the room with the view 03: The couple’s new home is carpet- and curtain-free with a composite concrete tile floor 04: Terry and Mickey's home has also been designed to make the most of solar gain to heat the house during the winter months and the mature trees to the south of the property will provide shading from direct sunlight during the summer

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Impressive Innovation

A dream come true Little did Nic Downs and Carolyn Merrifield realise that when they saw a garden plot for sale down a cul-de-sac in leafy Cyncoed, Cardiff, that it would change the direction of their lives.

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usband and wife, Nic and Carolyn, were both Directors of a large established firm of architects at the time, based in Cardiff, working throughout the UK and abroad. The plot was being sold as a garden site with planning permission alongside a house. Although Nic was in France at the time, Carolyn approached and confirmed the sale with the couple buying the main house. All that needed to be done when Nic returned home was to meet the couple and shake on the deal.

“I was out jogging with a girlfriend when I first saw the house and plot for sale,” explains Carolyn. “My eyes immediately picked up at the thought of the plot. We had to move quite quickly and my husband was away for four days in France. But in the time that it took him to get back, I’d met, discussed with the couple buying the house and agreed, in principle,

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that we would buy the plot whilst the house was being purchased simultaneously. It was a fantastic site, and as all architects have, we had a desire to build our own home. It was always a dream that I never thought would come true.”

The pair put their house on the market but initially struggled to sell it over the next two years. During this time, they worked on the design, gained planning permission and refined the details, thoroughly researching the sustainability aspects as they were keen for the house to be as green as possible.

“We had quite a bit of time to work on our design.

My husband and I were quite clear of what we wanted, but we had trouble selling our own house, so we had about a year or so just to tweak and work on the design to make sure it was just what we wanted. It was just a process between the two of us, going backwards and forwards until we got it right.

“I wanted to make sure the property was going to be okay for the future so we made sure we created some spaces that were disabledfriendly, not so much for us, as we’re still a little bit off from that; but for elderly parents and I felt it was important just having the awareness to need to do that; to future-proof.

“The plot already had planning permission to build a very ordinary house in the garden. It was a very large garden and it was off a cul-de-sac; it wasn’t on a busy road or anything so that meant we had a very easy route with planning – plus, planning officers are generally very positive if your project is nicely designed and fits in with the environment and the materials of the area. So, we didn’t have a problem at all with planning, it was very straightforward.”

Eventually, Nic and Carolyn sold their home and rented a flat during the build. To save money and because they had the experience, they decided to project manage the different parts of the build themselves rather than employing a single contractor.

The resulting house,Ty Oriel, is a contemporary house which fits in with the surrounding traditional whiterendered properties.

Middle: Ty Oriel is a contemporary house which fits in with the surrounding traditional white-rendered properties Below: There were few planning restrictions other than to keep as many of the surrounding trees as possible

Impressive Innovation

Far left: The property is flexible, locally sourced and low energy, and can be adapted to Nic and Carolyn's current family and future needs

“I think the property fits in really well with its surrounding landscape,” says Carolyn. “We’re in an area of white, detached, mainly Georgian villas – although there are a few modern ones around as well. So we’ve got a white-rendered slate building with a pitched roof so it ties in really nicely with its surroundings. It sits quite well too as it’s got a bit of a split level so as the land falls away just slightly at the back of the site our house again, drops slightly too, which gives us a little bit more headroom. We tried quite hard to make it fit in.”

The property is flexible, locally sourced and low energy, and can be adapted to their current family and future needs. It incorporates open-plan living, an art studio, somewhere to store and maintain Nic’s extensive bicycle collection as well as a family kitchen-dining area which seamlessly links into the garden. In addition, the site, although wide, was narrow so some privacy was needed within the bedrooms, achieved by splitting the windows into high and low level. All main living spaces face south with as much natural light as possible, maximising the heat of the sun in the winter and shaded by the trees in the summer.

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Impressive Innovation

There were few planning restrictions other than to keep as many of the surrounding trees as possible. A limited palette of materials was chosen to blend in with the surroundings – natural slate, lime render and timber.

The timber frame construction was designed by the architects together with a Welsh timber frame company and pushed the limits of what was possible, with large spans and cantilevered structures, achieved entirely using timber components (more sustainable than combining timber with a steel frame).

The external fabric and windows are built to near Passivhaus standards, with airtight yet breathable walls, high levels of insulation, triple glazing to all but the south elevations, no cold bridges and a whole house ventilation system.

This means the house maintains comfortable temperatures in all seasons with very little need for extra heating except in the coldest months.

All elements are detailed to a high level with hidden gutters, a strong eaves line which runs around all faces of the building, a bespoke staircase and quality carpentry throughout.

The south-facing roof conceals the extensive photovoltaic array and there is a large rainwater harvesting tank in the garden to provide water to all the toilets and the garden.

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The house was meticulously programmed with overlapping elements and completed in less than 11 months, in spite of record rainfall during the first six months and freezing temperatures over the winter which delayed the lime render and the screed.

Carolyn explains: “One of the most challenging aspects of the build was the weather. It was both the wettest, followed by the coldest weather at that time.

“So the project took around 11 months from start to finish – literally from digging a hole in the ground to us moving in 11 months later. It was longer than we predicted because of the problems we had with the weather which caused water to get into the timber frame, however, that was something that the company who put the frame together realised they hadn’t taken enough care on, so that didn’t cost us anything other than a delay. The really, really cold weather also meant we couldn’t get the lime render onto the outside of the building for quite some time but my guess is we only lost about six weeks – which isn’t bad.”

The use of timber frame, mentioned above, was chosen to speed up construction. Locally sub-contracted labour and craftsmen from within a 20-mile radius were used and managed by the husband and wife team, whilst they continued to run their main architectural practice.

Impressive Innovation “The inside walls of the house are a product named Fermacell, which is very soundproof and fireproof. Timber frame houses are notorious for not being able to put a picture on the wall so this product – there is a gypsum equivalent now but there wasn’t at the time – is a very hard-wearing product which is easy to finish and you can literally screw shelves straight to the wall so we quite liked the idea of that.

“We wanted the house to be Welsh and we wanted it to be breathable so that pushed us down the route of, externally, lime render and slate. So, we looked at Welsh slates which are very expensive; we then found a product that had the same appearance and the same geological strata, so it is basically the same slate but it is from Spain. The strata runs right across Europe so there are places where you can get slate that will weather in the same way. For the lime, we went to the Green Building Store where we were given advice on people who could do lime render and then other products we found by going to trade expos like ecobuild. Sourcing materials and products for the project was a mixture of our previous knowledge and some local searches to try and find the right products.”

Far left: A limited palette of materials was chosen to blend in with the surroundings – natural slate, lime render and timber Middle: The house was meticulously programmed with overlapping elements and completed in less than 11 months Below: The resulting house is filled with natural light; comfortable, contemporary but not minimalist

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Impressive Innovation The resulting house is filled with natural light; comfortable, contemporary but not minimalist, a blend of both traditional craftsmanship and modern detailing.

“The property is everything we hoped it would be and more, I think. Every room has got interesting features, it’s airy, it’s so light and boy is it cosy and warm compared to what we were used to in our old home,” enthuses Carolyn.

“My favourite thing about our home is the space and the way the sun comes round – we catch the sun at all parts of the day. I love being able to sit and watch the sun set in one part of the house and see the sun rising in another.

“There are a couple of really minor things that we would have done differently – little tweaks where I think ‘oh I wish I’d done that’.

One room has got just north-facing windows so perhaps I would have put a high-level one in facing west to catch the morning light, but overall we are delighted with it.”

The house was the first project the couple had worked on together and they enjoyed the process so much, they decided to leave their large practice and set up a small architectural firm on their own.

“The process literally changed our lives because we decided instead of doing big commercial architecture, which we were used to doing, we thought instead ‘no we like building one-off houses for people and that’s what we now do.’”

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Top: The house was the first project the couple had worked on together Right: The external fabric and windows are built to near Passivhaus standards Below: Sourcing materials and products for the project was a mixture of the couple's previous knowledge and some local searches

The pair enjoyed helping clients realise their own dreams, and working through all stages of a project, getting involved with the details and working with local craftsmen.

“My advice to anyone planning a self-build is to use an architect if you want something a little bit out of the ordinary or special – they’ll come up with ideas that you’ve never thought about. Also, have a big contingency and plan out each stage so you don’t get caught out, we didn’t but I’ve seen examples of people getting the house up and then thinking ‘oh I’ve got to wait three months until the windows come!’

Don’t stint on any of those items in the building that you’re going to touch, so have good quality ironmongery, good quality taps; things that you touch regularly, those are the bits that if you’ve tried to make it cheap, you’ll notice.”

www.downsmerrifield.com

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Furniture & Home Accessories

Timeless furniture and home accessories Angela Linforth, Director at Titchmarsh & Goodwin, discusses how to achieve a timeless look when selecting furniture for your brand-new self-built home.

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timeless look is achieved by using top-quality, natural products.

Fashion is great for small accessories, fabrics and paint which can be changed relatively easily, but classic, well-made, beautifully proportioned pieces of furniture will stand the test of time. A Georgian chest of drawers, for instance, looks as fresh today as when it was made, because the Georgians had a fantastic sense of proportion.

We would advise, if possible, to commission bespoke pieces of furniture which will ensure the pieces fit the space for which they are intended perfectly. This automatically makes the furniture timeless and makes it look like it has always belonged in the space. The other advantage is that it’s easy to select a colour which is going to complement floors and window frames and any material on the wall.

As with everything, furniture can age and the more fashionable it is when you buy it, the more likely it is to date. The fashion for uber-glossy pieces a couple of years ago seems to have been replaced by far more muted, weathered pieces.

A good solid wooden piece in a classic design will date much more slowly.

In the world of fashion think of the trenchcoat, which gets brought out year after year, by everyone from top designers to the high street. The refectory table is the furniture equivalent, it just doesn’t date, it will last a lifetime as it’s solidly built and it improves with age over the years. The same is true of the Windsor chair which has been produced for centuries and is still produced because of its timeless style and its level of comfort.

There’s also something very visually appealing about the mix of the traditional and the brand new. For instance, put a heavily carved traditional bed in rich honey-coloured tones in a cool, pristine white bedroom with big steel picture windows and it really pops and gives the room a warmth and integrity. The contrast makes the space seem timeless.

www.titchmarsh-goodwin.co.uk

Left: A Georgian chest of drawers can look as fresh today as when it was made Above right: Classic, well-made, beautifully proportioned pieces of furniture will stand the test of time Right: A heavily carved traditional bed in rich honeycoloured tones in a cool, pristine white bedroom with big steel picture windows will really pop

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Furniture & Home Accessories

Security

Crime prevention in new builds: getting it right first time Safety and security are key considerations when building your own home, says Secured by Design (SBD), the national police crime prevention initiative, which works closely with police forces around the country.

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y fitting products which are sufficiently robust to resist physical attack from opportunistic burglars, you will not only make your home far less likely to become a target of burglary but also reduce your maintenance costs.

Products such as external doorsets, garage doorsets, windows and rooflights, have to pass physical tests to gain PAS 24 or equivalent in order to meet the requirements of Part Q (Security – Dwellings) of the Building Regulations in England.

However, SBD’s Police Preferred Specification accreditation goes beyond the one-off testing required by the Building Regulations. We believe our award has contributed to significant reductions in burglary in the tens of thousands of homes designed and built to SBD crime prevention standards.

Police Preferred Specification accreditation Companies that want their security products to be SBD accredited have to receive certification from a UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited independent third-party certification authority. This

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requires regular production audits and retesting.

The aim is to ensure that product quality standards are maintained over time and are current to the present day – as opposed to products that may have been tested only once many years ago. SBD has accredited more than 600 SBD companies in relation to their doors, windows, locks and many other security products. Using any of the products (all listed on our website) ensures Building Regulation compliance for security. We are the only way for companies to obtain police accreditation in the UK.

Academic research into the success of SBD techniques Independent academic research from the Secure Societies Institute at the University of Huddersfield shows that SBD developments can reduce crimes like burglary year-on-year by up to 75% in new-build homes. SBD developments consider crime prevention techniques in the built environment, such as layout and landscaping, as well as the physical security of buildings, utilising SBD-accredited products to achieve such aims.

In addition, the University of Huddersfield has found that providing extra security at the design stage does not add significantly to building costs, which range typically from £170 for a two- to three-bed detached house to £200 for a fourbed detached house.

Our crime prevention advice We advise that crime prevention measures incorporated into the design of a new home include having accessible doors and windows to SBD-accredited standards. These include the doors and windows to the main residence, garage and conservatory as well as any outbuildings used as an office.

Main residences should have front doors with a spyhole and door chain. Letterbox security can be enhanced with internal cowls to prevent ‘fishing’ through the letterbox. Video doorbells with smart technology will enable you to see who is on the doorstep even if you are not at home. Dusk-to-dawn external lighting, CCTV and alarms would provide added security.

Security Outside, we suggest front walls or hedges are no higher than 1m to increase the view of your home from the street to avoid hiding places, and you may want to consider a gravel driveway so you can hear approaching vehicles and pedestrians. At the rear of the property, boundary fences of 1.8m can be topped with trellis of 0.3m to make climbing difficult; and defensive planting like pyracantha and climbing roses also help to discourage access.

Sheds should have at least two quality and sturdy locks and ladders should ideally be locked away in sheds or garages.

SBD Development Officer, Emma Snow, says: “Anyone building their own home will want to make it as safe and secure as possible, without turning it into a fortress. Look at your property from the perspective of a potential burglar and spot weaknesses. Then address those issues through good design and product choice.

“It’s all about getting it right first time at the planning stage using SBD-accredited products to give you peace of mind in terms of security.

Fitting quality products will also help your money go further and reduce your long-term repair and maintenance costs.

“Getting it wrong could involve expensive retrofitting to replace inadequate products, which may have a detrimental effect on the overall look and feel of your home,” continues Emma.

VELFAC Composite glazing specialist, VELFAC, is an SBD-accredited company, which designs and manufactures composite windows and doors.

VELFAC composite frames combine external aluminium with internal pine to deliver excellent thermal and acoustic performance, and impressive security.

VELFAC Director, Andy Trewick, says: “To meet SBD standards, our windows can resist the attempts of a professional expert, using a ‘burglar’s toolkit’, to gain forced entry in under three minutes. Our SBD-tested doors can also withstand more serious attempts to buckle or deform the door or frame.

“Security is ‘built-in’ to the composite frame construction. Glazing beads – the parts holding the glass in the frame – are fitted internally, making it impossible to remove the glass from the outside. Our SBD-tested external hinged glazed doors all feature six-point locking systems, and we offer a range of additional hardware to our windows – such as lockable handles or restrictors.

Speak to us to ensure the correct specification of SBD-accredited products.”

www.securedbydesign.com www.velfac.co.uk Above left: Outside, SBD suggests front walls or hedges are no higher than 1m to increase the view of your home from the street to avoid hiding places Top: Look at your property from the perspective of a potential burglar and spot weaknesses. Then address those issues through good design and product choice.

Right: SBD has accredited more than 600 SBD companies in relation to their doors, windows, locks and many other security products

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Invest in the best Amanda Green, Marketing Manager at SIGnature Clay Tiles, discusses why you should consider clay tiles for the roof of your self-build.

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ost self-builds tend to be at the cutting edge of building legislation, interior fixtures and fittings and even technology.

After all, you want the best quality that money can buy, right? Even if you’re not building the home of your dreams, and are merely looking to add value for resale, certain elements of the build regardless of cost must never be skimped on, and that includes the roof.

Not only will the roof define the status and value of your home, it’s a functional covering that’s primarily designed to keep out the elements. Being one of most important aspects of your property, in terms of both cost and appearance, it pays to get it right at the outset.

Plus, once it’s fitted, it’s not so easy to change.

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Unless you are governed by local planning regulations that demand you adhere to a certain style, there are numerous options to consider when choosing a roof covering for your new home.

Your choice of materials will also need to take into account the style of the building, whether the tiles can be easily sourced, and of course, your budget will also play a key role in the final decision.

There’s more to consider than first meets the eye when it comes to your roof, and it’s paramount that you spend time exploring the wide range of possible configurations, products and finishes to find out what’s best for your project. In addition to the coverings, a typical roof will include 20 or more products in its buildup, so it’s essential that you select products that you can rely on for true quality and longevity.

It may be that your architect will suggest the roofing material, so if you have a preference in mind, you need to decide in the early stages if you want a specific look or finish. In the UK, we are fortunate enough to have numerous roofing materials to choose from; these include concrete, fibre cement, natural slate and clay tiles. Whilst each boasts its own particular merits, there’s one that stands out from the rest; and that’s clay tiles.

Renowned for their versatility, durability and outstanding beauty, they will not only add value to your property; they will help transform your new home from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Clay tiles help bring roofs to life, adding old-world charm to modern and traditional designs. Crafted from select natural clays that are kiln-fired to high temperatures, they exude exceptional character and strength, and exhibit high colour retention and low maintenance.

Unlike other materials whose colour can fade over time, they substantially retain their appearance. What’s more, as the colours mellow over the years and take on even more character, they improve with age.

The design possibilities offered by plain clay tiles are endless too. From patchwork designs, conical roofs and eyebrow detailing to curved roofs and cladding, there’s numerous exciting design permutations. Clay tiles are also available in a variety of styles, shapes and colours, together with complementary clay fittings; each exuding a natural warmth, texture and appearance.

When choosing clay tiles, there are three types to consider: handmade, modern machine-made and hand-crafted. Let’s take a closer look at each.

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Handmade clay tiles

Hand-crafted clay tiles

As these tiles offer a unique finish with subtle imperfections in texture, colour and size, they are particularly suitable when historical authenticity is critical. Each tile is moulded by hand to achieve a camber that gives a characterful, highly-individual look that brings charisma to your home. When choosing handmade clay tiles, you’ll be investing in a high-quality product of unrivalled character.

These tiles fall somewhere between machineproduced and handmade versions. Although the production process is not as labourintensive as with handmade versions – the process is usually automated up until just before the tiles are fired when they are then finished by hand to replicate a rustic or smooth-faced, sandfaced texture – they offer a naturally colourfast and durable tile that is a more cost-effective means to emulating the traditional and much-admired look.

Despite clay tiles being more expensive than some roofing options, once wholelife costs including maintenance, repairs and replacement have been taken into consideration, the durability and reliability of clay tiles makes for a winning choice.

Investing in top-quality products, however, only goes part way towards achieving a quality roof, you also need to know that your roofing tile supplier is right for the job. For example, if you’re building in a conservation area where

Modern machinemade clay tiles Whilst still emulating a traditional look and finish, these tiles are perfectly suited to the more cost-conscious budget. Produced using modern processes, and ensuring British Standards are met in terms of strength, frost resistance and impermeability to water, they fully meet the demands of domestic roofing in terms of aesthetics and performance. Capable of holding their hue and maturing with age, they are also extremely durable.

Left: Not only will the roof define the status and value of your home, it’s a functional covering that’s primarily designed to keep out the elements Middle: Clay tiles are available in a variety of styles, shapes and colours Below: When choosing clay tiles, there are three types to consider: handmade, modern machinemade and hand-crafted

original clay tile roofs still exist on many homes, you may need to enlist the help of a specialist to source a roof tile that matches the area.

It’s imperative that you choose a supplier with solid credentials. One with a strong reputation and who offers a range of tiles to suit both aesthetic and budget requirements, along with a full line-up of fixings, will provide you with complete assurance in both their products and services. As well as helping with tile samples, and advising on design and build plans, a reputable supplier will also be there to hold your hand throughout the project. Also, those whose products have undergone strict industry testing, and who can guarantee supplies exactly when you need them – regardless of where you are in the UK – will be worth their weight in gold.

Don't forget about the warranties As part of your clay tile selection, it’s also important to consider and select products with comprehensive and robust warranties.

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Far left: Clay tiles help bring roofs to life, adding oldworld charm to modern and traditional designs

After all, a reliable warranty will instil trust with the manufacturer, in addition to giving you the confidence that the product is of a high quality. Some specialists provide robust warranties for up to 30 years that will bring peace of mind for both you and your builder.

The simplicity of a single-package warranty appeals to many self-builders. Instead of several warranties, there is one warranty that covers all key products in the build-up of a roof for up to 15 years. In the unfortunate event of a claim, this type of warranty will help save valuable time and frustration.

Self-builds are perceived as quality homes, so investing in a quality roof makes sense, not only for its aesthetic appeal but to ensure that it’s fit for purpose and will stand the test of time. Knowing that your roof is graced with high-quality clay tiles will undoubtedly give you peace of mind that you have truly invested in the best.

www.sigroofing.co.uk

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Timber Frame

Cubist country

Above: Taylor Lane designed a package to meet the best possible energy performance – 0.15W/m2K

Tom and Nicola Webb’s second self-build project provided the perfect opportunity for a new timber frame family home in rural Herefordshire.

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riving through a village just five miles outside the cathedral city of Hereford, a modern, Cubist building peeks unassumingly over the top of a grey-wash fence. Metal gates offer privacy from passers-by and visitors to the Victorian Gothic pub over the road, while an expanse of glass gives a tantalising glimpse into the upper storey. This is the striking, new-build home of Business Director, Tom Webb, his wife Nicola, and their young family.

“We’d built our own home once before and looking back through rose-tinted glasses (and forgetting all the stress!) we fancied doing it again,” says Tom. The couple had previously self-built in Hereford five years earlier but the project already had detailed plans approved so they were limited as to what they could change. This time, “…we wanted to be in a village but close enough to Hereford that it wasn’t an onerous journey in and out, particularly with two young children and all the taxiing around that it brings! We found a plot in a village just outside of Hereford – it was due to go to auction but we managed to agree a price with the vendor prior to this,” continues Tom.

Put a stamp on it The plot was purchased with outline planning, “…so we could put our stamp on it. We had the support of the local planning officer with our modern design

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which helped,” says Tom. The plot was large and level, plus it was in a convenient and peaceful location, adjacent to the village hall and playing fields.

With their prior self-build experience, the couple had no qualms about the practicalities of another project. The site was just 15 minutes away from Tom’s work and en route, so he could project manage the build. “I could call in each morning and always pop to site if anything needed organising. I’ll admit I’m not the most hands-on person when it comes to DIY (and self-building is effectively extreme DIY!) but I am good at researching and organising,” says Tom.

Inspired by Cubism As well as the modern style, Tom and Nicola wanted the house to centre around the large open-plan kitchen/dining/sofa area and for the bedrooms to lead onto a balcony with views out to the Herefordshire countryside. “We chose our Architect, Jim Hicks of OHA Architecture, as we had seen some of his work previously which had the modern, Cubist approach we liked,” says Tom. “We met with him to discuss our project and, armed with lots of Pinterest images, started to plan the style and layout we wanted.” OHA Architecture responded with a generously-sized, modern family home comprising a flat-roofed design to maximise internal space and minimise building height.

Realising the dream Tom turned to timber frame specialist, Taylor Lane, to help create his dream home. “The style of the house very much leant itself to timber frame construction,” says Tom. “I approached around five timber frame companies and, of those that responded, Taylor Lane was the most competitively priced, had good service (they have a dedicated self-build manager) and were very local.”

Taylor Lane is a Hereford-based timber frame company that has supported self-builders for more than 35 years.

Tom appointed the company to design, manufacture and erect the 140mm timber frame kit. Metal web joists were used to construct the floors, balcony and flat roof; Taylor Lane uses the Mitek Posi-Joist system.

Thermal performance “We wanted to achieve the best energy performance we could, while obviously balancing it against the impact on budget,” says Tom. The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation generated the U-value required. Taylor Lane designed a package to meet the best possible energy performance – 0.15W/m2K, equal to Passivhaus requirements.

Timber Frame

SECTION B-B

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GROUND FLOOR PLAN

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Cycle rack Garage Gym Utility WC Rooflight Kitchen

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Dining Hall Playroom Sitting Lounge Bedroom Bathroom

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Wardrobe Flat roof Obscure glass to window

18 En-suite 19 Solar PV array 20 Solar thermal panels

"Self-building is stressful, there’s no denying it.

When you are project managing, there are always issues during the build but when you move in and look back, you quickly forget about the stress and challenges and start to enjoy the house.”

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Timber Frame The 0.15W/m2K U-value was achieved using 120mm insulation between the 140mm timber frame stud walls, with an additional 30mm rigid insulation on the inside face. 25mm timber battens then formed a service void – an extra air gap to aid thermal performance. The service void allows the self-builder to run cables and piping through without puncturing the Vapour Control Layer (VCL) or insulation.

The property benefits from triple glazed windows, excellent airtightness and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system. The flat roof also houses an array of roof-mounted solar panels – these can be directed exactly due south for the best performance while remaining concealed from ground level view.

Floating staircase Another feature that Tom and Nicola wished to incorporate into the house was a floating staircase. “After discussing this with Taylor Lane, they spoke to their in-house engineers and steel fabrication team and came up with a design that incorporated the necessary steel structure into the timber frame,” continues Tom. “This made it much easier than trying to organise a third party to undertake the work later.”

Where the staircase is positioned, the standard timber frame wall was replaced with a steel frame structure with a diagonal steel beam running the length of the staircase.

Steel runners were then welded to the beam

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and decorative oak ‘steps’ were slotted over the runners to form the stairs. Designed and fabricated by Taylor Lane’s dedicated steel department, the steel structure was constructed on site for accuracy – the staircase must meet the first-floor level spot on.

Finishing off “Self-building is stressful, there’s no denying it. When you are project managing, there are always issues during the build but when you move in and look back, you quickly forget about the stress and challenges and start to enjoy the house,” says Tom. “The team at Taylor Lane were great to work with throughout – from initial meetings with Padraig Hurley, right through to the CAD Designer who produced the exact drawings of the frame, Jake Underhill; and the guys on site who put the frame together – Darren Gumbley and his team.”

The result is a striking modern house filled with natural light and featuring far-reaching views across the Herefordshire countryside. It more than lives up to Tom’s expectations. “Our favourite spaces have to be the open-plan kitchen/dining/sofa area – with a young family it is very much the hub of the home, where everything goes on; and the entrance hall with the large skylight and floating stairs.”

www.taylor-lane.co.uk

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EXTENSIONS GARDEN ROOMS GARAGES POOL BUILDINGS CLADDING BEAM COVERS ROOF TRUSSES

Show Previews

The Listed Property Show returns The Listed Property Show, organised by The Listed Property Owners’ Club, is back at Olympia, London, for the twelfth year from 24 to 25th February 2018.

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he show brings the club to life, providing you with the chance to meet the whole LPOC team and the biggest collection of listed building suppliers and specialists across one weekend under one roof. Whether you are buying, renovating or conserving a listed building, The Listed Property Show will have everything you need. You can find out more in one weekend than you can through months of personal research.

Save yourself time, money and stress by sharing your plans and drawings with on-site architects, planners and caring builders. Don’t miss your chance to meet with The Listed Property Owners’ Club experts and gather information about unauthorised works, surveyance, VAT, grants, maintenance, mortgages, insurance and laws.

If you prefer a more practical approach why not join the excellent demonstrations on leadwork, plasterwork and wood carving by the club’s specialist exhibitors that will take place throughout the weekend. You can also listen to informative lectures from an extensive talk timetable which covers a vast number of topics including: Ask the Expert panel Control of Dampness House History Energy Efficiency Enriching the National Heritage List by Historic England.

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Plus, the whole Listed Property Owners’ Club team and will be on hand for you to meet.

Last year, a visitor of the show managed to claim back over £17,000 from HMRC after a conversation with the club’s VAT advisor which they didn’t know they were entitled to. This is a fantastic result of the show and one the club wants repeat this year, so why not bring your queries and questions to speak to the experts for free to see how they can help you.

Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance using code ‘ibuild8’ to receive tickets at a discounted price of £8 – a saving of £7 on the door price.

www.lpoc.co.uk

Show Previews The Edible Bus Stop returns with The Hive, a pocket park highlighting biodiversity, biophilia, health and wellbeing. Another highlight is the WasteZone, curated by Architect, academic and activist Duncan Baker-Brown, which will allow visitors to discover waste’s potential.

ecobuild 2018: the event shaped by the industry ecobuild is returning to the ExCeL, London, from 6 to 8th March and, under the new ownership of Futurebuild Events, things are set to be very different. The event is being designed and built around the industry, bringing to life the latest technology, freshest thinking and most innovative materials.

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he event is not only being shaped by comprehensive industry feedback but also with direct input from leading industry influencers. These include Lynne Sullivan, Nathan Baker, Julie Hirigoyen, Darren Richards and Peter Murray, who are all members of the ecobuild Steering Group, which is helping to set the agenda for the event.

Martin Hurn, Managing Director of Futurebuild Events, explains: “New, independent ownership offers a unique opportunity to completely overhaul the event. We believe that to be as relevant and valuable as possible, we need to understand and act on what built environment professionals want to see at ecobuild. We see our role as to facilitate the agenda, rather than dictate it.”

The CPD-accredited conference programme This year’s conference takes its lead from global environmental targets, with sessions reflecting

the concerns of the built environment industry and formulating practical recommendations for action. Some of the big issues represented by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the New Urban Agenda and the Paris Agreement will provide the focus. Speakers include experts in their field, including Jane Duncan, Paula Caballero, John Elkington and Bill Dunster.

ecobuild sustainability showcases Surrounding the conference arena will be the ecobuild sustainability showcases, home to the some of the most innovative solutions to the issues facing the built environment. The showcases will truly put sustainability at the heart of the event.

They will feature two full-scale builds, including the zero net carbon home from ZEDfactory – designed to minimise fossil fuels and annual energy bills. It offers a complete response to the housing crisis.

The futurebuild districts The conference arena and sustainability showcases are surrounded by the futurebuild districts, each of which will act as an immersive and stimulating area where people, brands and companies will be able to network and develop profitable relationships. These include: District Energy Building Performance Infrastructure Timber Concrete Offsite Green & Blue Infrastructure Energy & HVAC. The dedicated focus of each district will encourage valuable relationship building and discussion around the big issues shaping the agenda in the built environment.

Key partnerships ecobuild is working with a number of strategic partners who are contributing to the overall strategy and shape of the event to ensure it is wholly reflective of the industry’s needs.

Notable partners include the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the RIBA, CIAT, NLA, Bioregional, CIBSE, The Edible Bus Stop and the Edge. The event will also host the BREEAM Awards and the Offsite Construction Awards.

www.ecobuild.co.uk/register

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i-DIY

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Building on a budget Here Marc Curtis, of UK-based Living Unplugged, a team passionate about helping people develop healthier relationships with digital technology and reconnecting them with the world through mindfulness, talks i-build through how he built a panel shed on a budget.

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products (like wooden planters and sheds) but also the cost of raw materials.

So, when I decided to replace the brokendown old shed at the end of my garden I had two main requirements:

01. It should be large enough for my family’s various interests 02. Where possible, I should source the materials for free.

All images: ©Living Unplugged

his project definitely falls under the heading of – ‘how hard can it be?’ I am a great believer in giving things a go and on our blog, Living Unplugged, we regularly write about the importance of engaging in analogue pursuits without fearing the possibility of failure.

When it comes to making stuff in my home and garden, I’m a great advocate of upcycling. I struggle with the prices charged not only for finished

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Having removed the old shed, I was left with a mostly intact concrete slab. The 5 x 3m footprint of the shed was dictated largely by a quantity of wooden pallets I had recently been given by my next-door neighbour. However, this created a base larger than the concrete slab, so I needed to suspend the floor on bricks to accommodate the uneven ground.

This was probably the most time-consuming part of the project. Creating brick supports under each of the corners of the pallets, then mortaring them in place with a strip of dampproof membrane added to each to stop moisture wicking up into the floor.

Once level (-ish!), I laid 11mm OSB2 over the top and screwed the sheets in place. In retrospect, I should have used thicker OSB3 – but I was on a tight budget!

After a couple of trawls around the local industrial estates, I found enough pallets to make the walls – 22 in all. Building the walls took a couple of hours, and I held them in place with some long screws.

Obviously, this would have been structurally unsound, so I added internal support by inserting lengths of timber – sourced from a timber merchant – inside the pallet gaps. I used longer supports at the front of the shed to create a frame for the roof slope.

Next, I added some joists – again from a timber merchant – and more OSB2 over the top.

In an ideal world, I would have used timber from the pallets to create a shingle roof, but the weather was turning so I used bituminous roofing sheets nailed onto battens over the OSB. With the shed more weathertight, I turned to the inside. The whole structure was still quite wobbly, but the addition of some OSB sheets screwed directly onto the pallets inside soon gave the shed rigidity.

i-DIY

01: The pallets created a base larger than the concrete slab, so Marc needed to suspend the floor on bricks to accommodate the uneven ground 02: Creating brick supports under each of the corners of the pallets, then mortaring them in place with a strip of damp-proof membrane added to each to stop moisture wicking up into the floor 03: Marc found enough pallets to make the walls – 22 in all 04: Marc added internal support by inserting lengths of timber – sourced from a timber merchant – inside the pallet gaps

3 I also stuffed the space inside the pallets with ROCKWOOL insulation and ran a simple ring of electrical outlets at intervals around the shed before fixing the OSB. I then wrapped the outside with roofing membrane, secured with battens.

Paying close attention to skips and local home improvement projects secured me a couple of old metal-framed windows – they were fairly simple to fit. I cut a hole in a pallet and inserted the window but I still needed one more window to go into the right of the (temporary) door.

For the exterior cladding, I went with recovered pallet wood. I’ve mostly finished the front, and with the help of my 12-year-old son – who has become an excellent pallet deconstructor – I aim to clad the entire shed in the same way.

05: For the exterior cladding, Marc went with recovered pallet wood

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Lessons learned Pallets are a great building material for small projects – like planters and kitchen tables – and, due to their regular size, are easy to use for larger projects.

In retrospect, I should have used thicker OSB, and should have used a membrane on the roof – but these are small issues. If you intend to use pallet wood for projects, I recommend buying a pallet tool.

Always ask permission before removing pallets from someone’s premises. I’ve found that garden centres are a good source as are industrial estates.

As with any project like this, it will likely never really end. I want the inside space to function as a workshop for me and a studio space for my wife and I plan to build a veranda in front of the shed to catch the evening sun. Maybe even a woodburning stove for next winter.

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www.livingunplugged.com

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i-build: Pre-Manufactured Homes

Top three benefits of designing and building your own package home Over 13,000 of us complete a self-build project every year in the UK. But, out of those 13,000 people, only a fraction have a real, tangible experience of building a home from scratch.

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nter package home suppliers. As well as offering a super-efficient self-build process, the best package builders have a large team of experts that are always on hand to guide you through the entire process. So, whether you’re a self-build expert or new to the game, here are Oliver Grimshaw’s – Head of UK Sales at Hanse Haus UK – top three benefits to designing and building your own pre-manufactured home.

You’re in control Of the decisions

In contrast to traditional methods – which to a greater extent rely on decision-making onthe-fly – package homes are all about removing the variables early on by using more precise planning and a large team of experts. No more ‘rock-and-a-hard-place’ decisions midway through the build!

Of the price As the design and specification details are addressed and costed in the early stages, the price of a package home is fixed before it’s delivered meaning there are no nasty surprises or unsuspecting costs mid-construction. Your package supplier is on hand to advise you on how to create the best, most cost-effective and energy-efficient home possible. Their invaluable expertise, gained from numerous previous projects, means they’re able to offer clear, concise advice and make sure your design meets your budget.

Of your time Being fully constructed to pre-defined specifications off site means that every element, from the highly-insulated walls, ceilings and windows, is assembled by a team of specialists in the factory away from our typically erratic weather, removing the need for numerous tradespeople to work around each other on site. Once delivered, a pre-manufactured home has a far shorter build cycle – new homes are commonly erected and watertight in just three days. Homes are commonly completed and handed over to their new owners with every detail fully finished to exacting standards in just 12 to 16 weeks.

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i-build: Pre-Manufactured Homes Of the design You have the opportunity to specify every last detail of your project, to create a completely bespoke home, tailor-made to your exact specifications. You can often choose from a company’s standard designs, or select certain qualities from ‘catalogue styles’. Most premanufacturing companies are also happy to work in partnership with your own architect, if you choose.

You’re relaxed Most package home suppliers will appoint your very own self-build partner, who will be single point of contact, guiding you through the lifecycle of the build. Many of our own selfbuild partners have a deep knowledge across several fields including architecture, design, building codes and regulations, planning permission and sustainable technology, making them a valuable partner throughout the process.

Ultimately, having an expert on hand can help to relieve the many pressures of building a new home and ensure the process remains as positive and exciting as it should be.

You’re building for the future It’s true, pre-manufactured homes can be up to 15% more expensive than those built with traditional methods. That said, in many cases, the higher initial costs can be balanced out by a shortened build programme (cutting costs associated with road closures, temporary rentals, etc) and dramatically reduced energy and maintenance costs.

Pre-manufactured homes have now shed their post-war image and have been reinvented as sustainable, low-energy, technologicallyadvanced and future-proof alternatives to traditional building methods. Opting to partner with a package supplier ensures a new home will be designed and built to suit your unique lifestyle and will be delivered, stress free, on time and on budget.

www.hanse-haus.co.uk

Far left: Package homes are all about removing the variables early on by using more precise planning Bottom left: The price of a package home is fixed before it’s delivered meaning there are no nasty surprises Middle: Being fully constructed to predefined specifications off site means that every element is assembled by a team of specialists in the factory away from our typically erratic weather

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i-nterior: Curtains

Framing your windows How you dress your windows will have a huge effect on the overall look and feel of your home.

After working hard to design and build your perfect space, you’ll want to ensure that the finishing touches are as unique as the rest of your project – starting with your window dressings.

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i-nterior: Curtains

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loor-to-ceiling glazing in your living areas will require a different approach to an attic office space, for example. Here Lucy Shore, Creative Designer at Swish, discusses why there is no ‘one size fits all approach’ when it comes to framing windows.

Bay windows Bay windows can be a fantastic focal point in any room as they allow additional light to flood in to create a bright, open space. However, the way you dress the window can be challenging, as the wrong sized blind or curtain pole, along with poor drape selection or positioning, can have a huge impact on the finished look.

To fully utilise the space in your bay, consider installing practical blinds across each window.

This is a stylish solution which still allows you to utilise the full space within the bay window.

When measuring, allow an extra inch around the frame of the window to ensure that when hung, the entire glass is covered.

Curtain poles should not be ruled out for a bay window either. The latest bay pole solutions come with corner joints that can be angled for a perfect fit. Thanks to passing curtain rings and brackets, your curtains will effortlessly glide along the length of the pole without any obstructions.

Wide windows Although larger windows have the benefit of allowing vast amounts of light to flood in, they can also lack privacy and make a room feel cold in darker months. Lined drapes are a great solution as they act as thermal insulation and keep the warmth in. If your window is particularly wide, then a thick curtain pole is a must when hanging a heavy curtain, as it will support the weight of the material.

Adding tiebacks will not only draw attention to neatly pulled-back curtains and enable you to unveil the window in its entirety, but also allow you to add accents of colour to your window decor.

Bathroom and kitchen As well as the overall look, considering the impact that everyday moisture will have on your chosen blind is vital to ensure it stays looking good.

The beauty of aluminium venetian blinds is that they can simply be wiped dry when needed, avoiding the issues of warping as you often see with wood, or the dark, mould patches which can plague fabrics.

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i-nterior: Curtains Roller blinds can also be used in the bathroom and kitchen as long as the tube inside the roller blind is metal, as this will prevent mould from forming on the mechanism. The benefit of roller blinds is that you can add a hint of colour or pattern into any room, and you may want to choose a colour that complements accessories within the bathroom or kitchen to really pull your style together.

Bedroom windows Blackout blinds and lined drapes work best in a bedroom, blocking out light so that you can enjoy a dark room when you sleep. Where there is more than one window in a room, consider installing separate poles with single curtains, creating a simplistic appearance.

If you prefer the style of a lighter material, then pair sheer curtains with a blind installed in the window recess. A floor-length voile will create impact, whereas a sill-length voile will appear neat.

Finials either side of the pole can add detail, as well as giving the illusion of a wider window.

For a chic, uncluttered look, opt for the latest cordless blinds. Not only are they great for children’s bedrooms as they remove the dangers of looped cords, but they are also easy to fit and can simply be lifted, lowered and tilted using a bar at the bottom.

Conservatory Your choice of blind can have a real impact on the amount of heat and natural light reflected into your conservatory or garden room. Neutral shades such as champagne and white are perhaps an obvious choice to create an airy space, but it is worth considering bronze or aluminium colourways too. These will reflect the light back into the room whist adding subtle colour accents and style to the room, without being overpowering.

For a more daring look, opt to add a splash of colour through your choice of blinds. Rich berry shades, for example, will create the perfect backdrop to which you can add metallic accessories, plush cushions and throws for a really cosy style, or even add pastel colours to create a simple fresh look.

www.sunflex.co.uk

Above: Adding tiebacks will not only draw attention to neatly pulled-back curtains and enable you to unveil the window in its entirety, but also allow you to add accents of colour to your window decor

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i-scape: Hot Tubs

All images ©BISHTA

Tips and tricks for buying the right hot tub for you Hot tubs have become an extremely popular choice for people looking to create the dream garden. Here, BISHTA offers advice to help make a safe hot tub purchase.

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t seems that once people have opted for a British staycation with a hot tub they usually decide that they would like to purchase one for themselves so that they can then enjoy the health and relaxation benefits on a daily basis at home.

With such a vast market of choice, buying the right hot tub can be a difficult task. How do you know what type of hot tub to buy, how to look after it and, ultimately, whether it’s going to be safe to use?

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As with any purchase, especially for a high-ticket item such as a hot tub, it’s never safe to cut corners. As the adage says – you get what you pay for. And you certainly do when it comes to a hot tub purchase.

The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) is the trade association for spa and hot tub manufacturers, importers, retailers, suppliers, service/ maintenance engineers and holiday venues hiring out hot tubs in the UK.

www.bishta.co.uk

When purchasing a hot tub, BISHTA recommends that you follow a 10-point checklist: 01 Make sure you know what you want the hot tub for as this may influence the equipment that you need. For instance, is it for fun, medical reasons or for relaxation? Clarify what features you will be getting regarding the number of seats, number and style of jets, entertainment systems available and the manufacturer of the control box (powerpack).

i-scape: Hot Tubs

Your checklist

02 Confirm what water treatment is required, so that you can be sure that you know how to maintain the water chemistry for the safest way to relax and enjoy yourself. Anyone that does not offer you this advice should be avoided at all costs, as they may be putting you and your family at risk.

03 Some hot tubs can be plugged into a socket with a three-pin plug and may only require a 13 amp fuse, depending on the heater and pump size, so check this very carefully with the retailer/ supplier. Other hot tubs need to be wired into the mains, and so you will need to ensure a qualified electrician can connect your hot tub to the mains supply. Only a Part P-registered/certified electrician should make the installation.

04 Do not purchase a hot tub if the company does not undertake a site survey. Otherwise, there may be problems when the hot tub arrives. It may be too large to be moved to its location in your garden, plus it may not fit the area when it’s in position.

05 Some internet providers have products that customers may believe to be from one country, but are actually from an entirely different continent, so check carefully and do not assume a name means that product is from that country!

06 If you are unsure if an internet company is going to be reliable, find out where the company is based and go and visit them.

07 Ask who the manufacturer of the hot tub is and check out their website to clarify where their equipment is manufactured.

08 Ask to see the warranty on offer before you buy as this may vary between products and in some instances it may not be provided by the same company, which may cause difficulties. Check what arrangements there are for call-outs and servicing if anything goes wrong with your purchase, including timescales and costs.

09 Before making the purchase, clarify in writing when the product is to be delivered. Genuine companies will inform you if there is going to be a delay in receiving your goods.

Sometimes legitimate companies will need to wait for a full container to be shipped to the UK, while other companies may try and mislead you, so it’s always recommended to get the details in writing.

10 Ask to speak with genuine satisfied customers and check customer reviews on the internet.

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Product Guide

Even more choices with Black Millwork aluminium windows

Window and door manufacturer, Black Millwork, has announced the release of a new range of aluminium windows in a move that reaffirms the company’s commitment to an ever-growing product offering. In recent years, many residential projects are based around more contemporary designs.

This has led to an increased demand for windows and doors with slim profiles, which don’t clutter a home’s aesthetic.Aluminium windows allow the company to satisfy this demand, as the material can be manufactured into incredibly thin profiles. Likewise, the company launched its popular aluminium door range in 2014 and is now completing this aluminium offering with a complementary window range.

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

Bright and beautiful bathroom lighting with Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection Take your design to the next level and transform your bathroom into a luxurious and relaxing haven with Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection’s elegant wall light and stunning collection of illuminated mirrors. Those looking to add some period-style charm to their bathroom and incorporate useful lighting for tasks such as shaving or applying make-up can tap into the growing trend for wall lights with this collection. Helen Shaw, Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection’s Marketing Manager, says: “Lighting is a crucial part of any bathroom design and our beautiful wall lights and illuminated mirrors provide the perfect solution for both classic and contemporary bathrooms.”

www.lauraashleybathroomcollection.com 01225 303929 sales@lauraashleybathroomcollection.com

Marmox Thermoblock tackles thermal bridging around Harrogate home’s basement structure Some 180 Marmox Thermoblocks have been supplied to a regional builder for the construction of a high-specification home near Harrogate, with their unique combination of insulating and load-carrying properties being used to tackle cold bridging where the two storeys above ground meet the basement structure which contains a swimming pool and other recreation areas. The partially filled external wall of dense concrete blockwork, with an outer leaf of quarried stone, was raised on the continuous course of Thermoblocks. As a load-bearing composite product, Thermoblock has been developed to be incorporated into various wall constructions as a horizontal layer, equivalent to a course of bricks.

www.marmox.co.uk 01634 835290 sales@marmox.co.uk

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Hörmann to return to Birmingham's Homebuilding & Renovating Show Door manufacturer, Hörmann, plans its return to the Homebuilding & Renovating Show where it will be revealing its latest range of timber internal doors. This year’s event, which runs from 22nd to 25th March at the NEC in Birmingham, will give visitors the chance to get an exclusive look at Hörmann’s latest range of products, and speak to Hörmann representatives for advice and guidance. Commenting on its attendance at this year’s show, Hörmann’s Marketing Manager, David O’Mara, said: “As an industry leader, we see it of great importance to maintain a presence at key events, not only to showcase our products but to communicate with our customers about their projects.”

www.hormann.co.uk info@hormann.co.uk 01530 513000

Your lighting solution If you are seeking to transform your home in a simple yet wholly artistic way true to your tastes, then consider relighting your home with Lighting Sensations. The lighting is designed to not only illuminate, but enhance the atmosphere of any environment. With access to a wide range of European and British lights, the company provides the best lighting facilities, aiming to provide beautiful and stunning lights that create relaxing and enchanting ambient moods.

Whether it be for interior or exterior lighting, clients can turn to Lighting Sensations for innovative, stylistic and cost-effective ways to light up their space, their way.

01223 874434 www.lightingsensations.co.uk info@lightingsensations.co.uk

Remmers repairs Bawdsey Radar Station Built in 1938 and protected by Concrete Blast Walls, Bawdsey Radar Station was the world’s first operational radar station.

The walls had decayed steadily since the building was vacated in 1991, leaving the top layer of reinforcement exposed to the elements. Being a heritage site, traditional concrete repair techniques were not allowed. Working in partnership, Remmers and Concrete Renovations devised a way to repair the walls by using Remmers' restoration materials. Remmers coloured mortars were used to repair and simulate the colour of the original concrete alongside Remmers migrating corrosion inhibitor and impregnation cream as part of the 25-year maintenance plan.

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

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

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

sales@foldingdoors2u.co.uk

01621 834123

www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk

Visit our Cambridge Showroom – see our website for details

Sensational Lighting 012 2 3 8 7 4 4 3 4 www.l i g h t in g s e n s a t io n s . co . u k To browse our brands visit: www.thelightunit.co.uk