i-build January 2017

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS January 17 Issue 30

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20+

BUILDSTORE UNVEILS HOW TO SET A REALISTIC BUDGET

white accessories to freshen up your home’s interior

ESSENTIAL GUIDANCE ON HIGH-PERFORMANCE WINDOWS

COVER STORY:

Truly venturous Self-build recognised for its dedication to accessibility

WONDER ON THE WIRRAL

BEATING THE CHILL

PEACE AND TRANQUILITY

Accoya helps transform dated 1960s bungalow into contemporary home

Top tips and advice on how to keep your conservatory cosy this winter

Water features are a ‘must’ when designing a calm and relaxing garden

+ SPECIAL FOCUS: l HOME ACCESSORIES l RENEWABLES l STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

www.i-buildmagazine.com

Welcome Note

i-build

Welcome to the January issue of i-build

Editor in Chief:

Hannah Frackiewicz

hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Editorial Assistant:

Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Michael Abrahams

michael@mixedmediainfo.com

Rebecca Stratten

ree@mixedmediainfo.com

Hayley Perry

hayley@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager:

Chris Lilly

chris@mixedmediainfo.com Production:

Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com

David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com

Sofia Franchi

sofia@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts:

Simone Jones

simone@mixedmediainfo.com

Charlie Ivy

charlie@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA T: 01622 873229 F: 01622 320020

When designing and building from scratch, pinning down your immediate needs and requirements is difficult at the best of times.

So when you’re tasked with thinking further down to line to accommodate your family’s needs in the future, this is no mean feat.

For Roy Austin, building his own home became the only option as there simply weren’t any properties on the market that could cater for his family and disabled son who has cerebral palsy. Accessibility was a high priority, therefore when he acquired a plot with planning permission, his son’s needs were considered at every element of the design stage. Not only did Roy want to design a house around his immediate needs, he also wanted a future-proof home that would cater for him as he grows more independent.

Not only did Roy achieve all of this, his efforts were also recognised by CRL’s recent Venturous Builds campaign which recognised the country’s most unique self-builds. To read more about this heart-warming story, turn to page 24.

Also in this issue, BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne answers your questions on how to set a realistic budget, DWL’s Dan Smith explains how to go about choosing your high-

performance windows and Howarth Timber explores the benefits of timber cladding.

As always, our design pages are full to the brim with design inspiration – perfect for those finishing touches. This month, we’ve set our sights on the green hue that is forecast to be the colour of the year. From furniture through to fabrics and textiles, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this fresh shade into your home.

Elsewhere, we’ve handpicked some of the best upcycled items for those who are set on doing their bit for the environment.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if you’re coming to the end of your self-build and would like to offer your home as inspiration for other budding house-builders, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your self-build journey and would be keen for us to document your progress, do get in contact.

Editor in Chief hannah@mixedmediainfo.com @ibuildmagazine

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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Editor’s picks Three reasons to build with oak: See page 39, a pre-manufactured masterpiece: See page 50, unique garden room project: See page 53.

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.

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Cover story: Roy Austin has designed and built a modern, contemporary, family eco-home to meet the needs of his young disabled son. See page 24.

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53

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IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

When you’ve specified quality material throughout your project, why stop at your rainwater system?

The NEW SL range, gives you all the quality of aluminium with it’s lightweight, corrosion resistant and low maintenance properties without blowing the budget.

And of course it’s 100% recyclable!

NE

SL R

W

ang

e

Easy Fix. Available in 100mm and 75mm Dia. Pipe and 125 x 100mm MOG or 125 x 75mm HR gutters.

www.rainguard.co.uk For more information call 0113 279 5854 or email sallyann@rainguard.co.uk

Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

January 2017

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06

18

40

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24

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In this issue: Desired Designs

ON THE COVER

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

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Viewpoint

16

Contracts & Legalities

18

ON THE COVER

BuildStore answers your questions on how to set a realistic budget.

The National Custom and Self Build Association reflects on research carried out on ‘Right to Build’.

Sustainable Living

ON THE COVER

Stuart and Rosie Treasurer have radically transformed a 1960s bungalow in a leafy suburb in the Wirral.

34 36 40 42

Doors & Windows

Structural Systems

Conservatories

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

20+

BUILDSTORE UNVEILS HOW TO SET A REALISTIC BUDGET

white accessories to freshen up your home’s interior

ESSENTIAL GUIDANCE ON HIGH-PERFORMANCE WINDOWS

COVER STORY:

Truly venturous Self-build recognised for its dedication to accessibility

ON THE COVER

Howells Patent Glazing offers its top tips for beating the chill in conservatories.

WONDER ON THE WIRRAL

BEATING THE CHILL

PEACE AND TRANQUILITY

Accoya helps transform dated 1960s bungalow into contemporary home

Top tips and advice on how to keep your conservatory cosy this winter

Water features are a ‘must’ when designing a calm and relaxing garden

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:  HOME ACCESSORIES  RENEWABLES  STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

i-build

Here, i-build offers guidance and inspiration for those seeking to build using timber cladding.

46

i-nterior

30

Renewable Technology

48

i-scape

32

Furniture/Home Accessories

50

Product Guide

Brewers Home advises on the best place to start when turning your empty canvas into a home.

 SELF-BUILDS  RENOVATIONS  EXTENSIONS  CONVERSIONS

Gavin and Nicky Rochussen were determined to create a home which accommodated the family’s requirements for more space.

Impressive Innovation ON THE COVER

One family has recently turned to air source heat pumps to complement their change of lifestyle in deepest Dorset.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Dan Smith of DWL explains all that you need to know about choosing high-performance windows.

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As one of the winners of the Venturous Builds campaign, Rosedene is a striking project designed with accessibility in mind.

ON THE COVER

January 17 Issue 30

06

A round up of the latest staircase trends and accessories that are sure to complement your selfbuild.

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

ON THE COVER

If you’re looking to bring some calm and serenity into your garden, why not consider a water feature? i-build rounds up the latest innovative products in the marketplace, designed with your self-build in mind.

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Desired Designs

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Image © The White Company

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Whiter than white Neutral colours are a great way to future-proof your self-build’s interior for a long-lasting scheme.

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hen selecting materials for your self-build, many of you will select – or indeed, may have already selected – materials of the highest specification, ensuring that your self-build is as future-proof as possible for the joyous years you and your loved ones will spend in your new, personalised home. The same concept can apply to the interior of your self-build. With an array of furnishings, paint colours, fabrics and kitchenware to choose from, a self-build’s interior can also remain future-proof by utilising neutral colours, such as white. White can be incorporated in numerous ways, from small, delicate decorative accessories to wall-adorning artworks. A colour that can be deemed as ‘boring’ can offer a fresh, clean atmosphere to a room, and incorporating texture into a white scheme can add a touch of interest to a space.

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1. White and gold handmade ceramic table lamp, POA, VG new trend

2. Katrin Pelliccia 04, POA, arflex 3. Bamileke feather headdress,

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$595, Safari Fusion

4. Dot vase large by House Doctor, £49, AtNo67 Concept Store

5. White alarm Koo Koo clock, $124, The Design Gift Shop

6. Objet Deco Design Chien

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Ballon Blanc, £84.41, KSL LIVING

7. Acapulco Chair OK Design, €399, einrichten-design

8. Anzio modern bar stool in white, £95, Danetti

9. Fan stool white, £346, BEdesign

10. White knot cushion, $79, Cush & Co

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1 1. Anglepoise Type 1228 desk lamp, £160

2. Carlton glass dressing table, £895 3. Richmond tub chair, from £495 4. Seville bed linen collection,

Desired Designs

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from £16

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The White Company For over 21 years, The White Company has been producing beautifully-designed, elegant products, predominantly in white. Perfect for the ‘neutral home’, The White Company’s products are manufactured from the highest quality materials. Founder of The White Company, Chrissie Rucker, first started the company when she was unable to source high-quality, well-designed products. Producing everything from high-thread count pillowcases to elegant wardrobes and delicate accessories, The White Company has everything to style an idyllic home.

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Sheepskin Sheepskin rugs are all the rage for today’s interiors, and have been for quite some time. These rugs, predominately available in white unless dyed, can add texture to a self-build’s white interior whilst enhancing an all-white scheme.

1. Colours Imlu sheepskin wool rug in white, £36, Colours at B&Q

2. Ivory sheepskin rug, £55, The French Bedroom Company

3. White sheepskin rug, £59, Modern Rugs 4. Sumptuous sheepskin double rug – oyster, £95.90, The Farthing

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Desired Designs

Unique upcycling Upcycling can give your self-build character and offer a sense of individuality, whilst being environmentally-friendly.

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Paratrooper pendants

Rustic appeal Complete with all wallmounting fittings, PUJI’s reclaimed teak wall-hanging wine rack will delight wine lovers. Made in Indonesia, it can hold up to eight bottles of wine at a time and is a perfect accessory to add to a kitchen.

Skinflint’s run of salvaged US Army paratrooper pendants have been reclaimed from WWII. Offering a ‘reclaimed’ aesthetic, these 200mm pendants are perfect for hanging above a kitchen island.

(www.puji.com)

(www.skinflintdesign.co.uk)

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Danish designs

Eco-friendly

Grace & Glory’s hanging pendant lights are beautiful, Danish-designed, handmade glass pendants. A simple design with an organic feel and produced from recycled glass, these pendants come with 3m of black cable.

Hampshire Furniture’s Retro Wood furniture collection is perfect for those ecofriendly self-builders. Each item is handcrafted using 100% reclaimed wood and metal, making this collection eco-friendly, modern and versatile.

(www.graceand gloryhome.co.uk)

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Industrial chic Harley & Lola’s Hoxton wall light with teak rack and pipe is manufactured from reclaimed teak wood and recycled pipes.

The unique design incorporates a reclaimed teak shelf and an industrial-style light. (www.harleyandlola.co.uk)

(www.hampshire furniture.co.uk)

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Swedish, sprung lamps Skinflint’s Swedish military desk lights offer a sprung anglepoise style. An original, worn factory finish to the aluminium and steel construction provides an interesting surface patina, emphasising the age and heritage of the product. (www.skinflintdesign.co.uk)

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Make your dreams a reality

January 27th - 29th Fri & Sat: 9am - 5pm, Sun: 9am - 4pm Free Parking. Swindon M4 Junction 16

The National Self Build & Renovation Show “An event not to be missed by anyone serious about building their own home or planning to undertake major renovations” MORE INFO & FREE TICKETS AT

WWW.NSBRC.CO.UK

OR £12 PER PERSON ON THE DAY OF EVENT

67,000 sq ft exhibition space Over 200 exhibitors Live demonstrations Learn from experts and self builders Meet architects and designers Theatres with free seminars FREE parking The home of Self Build Custom Build & Renovation

National Self Build & Renovation Centre

Desired Designs

Green with envy With Pantone announcing green as 2017’s Colour of the Year, this tone is set to be on-trend for the year ahead.

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Hardwearing everyday seating

Watercolour walls Evoking hazy summer days by the river, Barneby Gates’ Apple Green wallpaper design features skeletal dragonflies and hand-painted watercolour lillies meandering downstream.

Pash Living’s DSR green flash and steel chair retains a similar ergonomicallymoulded shell to the original DAR chair.

This chair can be comfortably used for hours at a time, whether as an occasional chair or everyday seating within your home.

(www.barnebygates.com)

(www.pash-living.co.uk)

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Draw the curtains

Super stylish

Make It A Home’s Fiji curtains will add a dash of colour to your self-build’s windows. Featuring a modern eyelet ringtop, each curtain is fully lined for extra quality, minimising heat loss whilst blocking unwanted light from entering.

The Glow Company’s LED tub chair is a contemporary-style slouch chair. The LED chair is manufactured from a white polyethylene outer with a multi-coloured LED heart, which phases through seven key colours.

(www.miah.co.uk)

(www.glow.co.uk)

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Sharp and clean

A modern classic

MiaFleur’s green marble coasters integrate beautifully into any style of decor and give a sharp, clean look. Available in a set of four, these elegant coasters look great stacked up at varying heights.

Inspired by 19th century design, the boldly brave Tessella wallpaper has become a modern classic for Farrow & Ball. The unique interlocking mosaic pattern encompasses geometric, damask and small-scale print.

(www.miafleur.com)

(www.farrow-ball.com)

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Outstanding as standard

The only timber window and door manufacturer in the UK to build products with 115mm deep frames and 68mm thick doors and sashes Truly traditional, moulded sashes, doors and glazing bars with heritage appearance

Designed for double, triple and acoustic glazing options in same profiles

Whole product U values as low as 1.0 W/m2K

Totally British-made and hand-finished Manufactured with responsibly sourced, engineered AccoyaÂŽ or Larch

Fully certified PAS24 tested and Part Q compliant 10 year guarantee

Extremely weather resistant with double welded continuous gaskets

westburyjoinery.com 01245 326510 Visit our showrooms in London and Essex

National Self Build & Renovation Show Preview

Make your dreams a reality As we head into the winter months, with the inevitable colder weather, it can be a good time to pause and take stock of your building project.

2017 begins with the popular National Self Build & Renovation Show from 27 to 29th January, which offers something for everyone interested in creating a desirable, modern, healthy and efficient home.

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roduced by the team at The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), the UK’s only permanent visitor centre for selfbuilders and home improvers, The National Self Build and Renovation Show is an exciting, friendly and inspirational event. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover how the concept of self-building your own home works, or to simply explore the options for injecting new life into your existing home.

The show offers a packed three days of live demonstrations, free seminars and case studies along with an unrivalled line up of experts on hand to share their advice. It’s an exciting and inspirational event not to be missed.

From planning news to budgeting, plot finding and Building Regulations, the free talks are a great way to pick up a wealth of valuable information, for both newcomers and skilled professionals alike.

Over 200 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and technologies, with experienced representatives on hand to demonstrate, answer questions and offer their professional advice.

Guided tours of the NSBRC’s fantastic educational zones, featuring a life-size ‘Renovation House’ and brilliant ‘New Build Journey’ are the perfect way to help visualise these products as part of your finished project.

The NSBRC’s own team of impartial experts, along with architects, project managers, designers, planners and eco consultants, will be on hand to meet for one-on-one sessions throughout the show. Offering free advice, they will happily talk through your ideas with you, no matter how big or small, and offer their expert opinions and guidance on even the trickiest of questions.

Whatever stage your project is in, there will be an expert available to offer feedback and support on every step, no matter how big or small. Whether that’s where to start, the best building methods and materials for the job, advice on the latest legislation or just checking that a quote sounds reasonable.

Show highlights: Over 20 seminars, live demonstrations, case studies and panel debates each day Guided tours of the NSBRC’s fantastic life-size educational exhibits Free self-build course taster sessions One-on-one expert advice.

The National Self Build & Renovation Show is easy to get to with the NSBRC located right on junction 16 of the M4 and parking is plentiful and free. The show runs from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th June with tickets £12 per adult. i-build readers can claim free tickets by booking through www.nsbrc.co.uk and selecting booking code: i-build Magazine.

www.nsbrc.co.uk

Top left: From planning news to budgeting, plot finding and Building Regulations, the free talks are a great way to pick up a wealth of valuable information Left: Over 200 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and technologies, with experienced representatives on hand to demonstrate, answer questions and offer their professional advice

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EXTENSIONS GARDEN ROOMS GARAGES POOL BUILDINGS CLADDING BEAM COVERS ROOF TRUSSES

Viewpoint

Ask the expert: how to fund your self-build BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne answers your questions on how to set a realistic budget and finance your next home-building project.

Q: I haven’t got a huge budget, is it possible to self-build something on a small scale?

A: It’s easy to presume that self-build is something that only those with huge amounts of money get to do – mainly down to the shows we see on TV that highlight huge properties and owners with stacks of cash.

But don’t believe everything you see on TV! In reality, the vast number of self-build projects create much smaller, more affordable homes. Most people self-build because it is a cost-effective route to getting a good quality home that’s tailored to their needs. Unlike the big house-builders, you’re not operating to a profit margin, so you can easily get more for your money in comparison to purchasing an equivalent developer-built home.

Self-building gives you control over who designs your project, who builds it and, if budgetary decisions have to be made, you’ll be in control of them. This means that whatever

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the scale of your scheme you can maximise your assets to create something that makes best use of your plot, suits your lifestyle, achieves high levels of energy-efficiency and much more besides.

Q: How do I set up a budget for my self-build? When should I do this?

A: From the outset, it’s important to have a comprehensive budget; setting this should be one of your first tasks on a house-building project. Start by researching construction costs and land prices to get a clear understanding of exactly what you can afford to achieve. A good starting point would be to look at BuildStore’s online calculator, which asks you a series of basic questions to provide you with a general budget.

You also need to work out exactly how much money should be attributed to the various stages of your project, as well as factor in a sensible contingency fund – usually

around 10% of your construction (rather than overall) budget. The biggest individual cost will be your plot, which will usually account for up to 40% of your sum (depending on where you are building). Labour and materials will be a further 25% and 20% respectively.

Site insurance and a structural warranty are extremely important elements too, both for peace of mind and for financial security during the build and after completion. Budget 1% to cover these charges or get a free quote online at www.buildstore.co.uk/finance/online-quote.asp.

Viewpoint Q: What’s the difference between a traditional mortgage and a self-build mortgage?

A: Self-build developments pose a

Q: Is there only one type of selfbuild mortgage and how do I decide what’s best for me?

A: There are two types of self-build mortgages

completely different proposition from buying a property on the open market and traditional mortgage products simply aren’t ideal for this type of project. Standard mortgages only offer funds for completed properties, but when you’re running a construction site – with needs for material purchasing and paying tradespeople – this money would arrive too late in the day.

Specialist self-build mortgages run in a completely different way as they have been specifically tailored to suit the needs of a house-building project. The key difference between specialist products and traditional mortgages is that they enable you to draw down funds at key stages throughout your build, rather than receiving a lump sum at the end. There are typically six stages of release, as the following table shows:

that operate within the stage model: arrears stage payment products and advance stage payment products. For the former, funds are released to buy the plot, typically up to 75% of the purchase price, and then the money for the construction phase is released in stages (that correlate with the table) after a valuation has taken place.

This means that you will be responsible for funding the early parts of the project, including the deposit on your plot – so you have to already have cash available to get the project off the ground. Therefore, this type of mortgage is best suited to self-builders who have capital to invest in the initial stages, already own a plot or have sold their previous home to release funds. If you don’t fall into these categories, this kind of mortgage may lead to cash shortfalls during the build while you’re waiting for valuation reports to be approved before the next cash payment is released.

Stage

Masonry builds

Timber frame projects

1

Purchase of land

Purchase of land

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Preliminaries and foundations

Preliminaries and foundations

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Wall plate level

Timber frame kit erected

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Wind & watertight

Wind & watertight

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First fix & plastering

First fix & plastering

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Second fix to completion

Second fix to completion

The alternative is an advanced stage payment mortgage – pioneered by BuildStore, and known as the Accelerator. Here money is released at the beginning rather than the end of the stage, giving you access to cash exactly when it’s required. The Accelerator also lends a generous percentage of the costs – up to 85% on land and up to 85% of the cost of the build. This low deposit sum is a huge bonus and could mean, for example, that there’s no need to sell your existing house to raise money before your new property is complete.

Another plus point is that with guaranteed advance stage payment mortgages, the risks associated with subjective valuations are removed. This is because there is a greater degree of research carried out in the costing stages prior to works starting – although some lenders may want interim valuations to check on progress.

The initial in-depth analysis of your costings will provide a detailed cash flow summary, identifying who/what needs to be paid and when.

www.buildstore.co.uk Top left: Most people self-build because it is a cost-effective route to getting a good quality home Far left: There are two types of self-build mortgages that operate within the stage model: arrears stage payment products and advance stage payment products Above: From the outset, it’s important to have a comprehensive budget

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Contracts & Legalities

Self-builders exercise their new Right to Build New research carried out by The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) has revealed that about 18,000 people have signed up to local authority custom and self-build registers to exercise their ‘Right to Build’.

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ince 1st April 2016, all English local authorities were required to establish an accessible self and custom-build demand register, so that individuals and groups could record their interest to buy a serviced plot of land in the catchment area and build their own home. Additional legislation, which came into force on the 31st October 2016, now requires that English local authorities give consent for sufficient serviced plots to meet the demand as shown on their register in the first base period (1st April-31st October).

By requesting freedom of information data from England’s 336 councils, NaCSBA has uncovered that about 14,300 people have signed up to the registers between 1st April and 31st October 2016. In addition, 12 councils became vanguards in 2014 and set up their own demand registers at this point. Since then around 3700 people and groups of people have signed up to the vanguard registers. Therefore, about 18,000 people are predicted to have signed up to exercise their Right to Build across England.

Richard Bacon MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Self Build, Custom and Community Housebuilding and Placemaking, who together with NaCSBA has championed the introduction of the Right to Build, said: “I’m delighted that about 18,000 people

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Above: Richard Bacon MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Self Build, Custom and Community Housebuilding and Placemaking Below: NaCSBA has uncovered that about 14,300 people have signed up to the registers between 1st April and 31st October 2016

and groups of people have so far signed up to the Right to Build registers across England. Cherwell Council have over 2000 people registered showing the true potential of custom and self-build. A number of local authorities now have over 100 people registered, but still too many have under 10 names.

“There are also still 20 laggards that have not set their registers up or have yet to market them. Imagine the potential once all the registers are up and running and, like Cherwell Council, all councils apply full effort to marketing their registers.”

Michael Holmes, Chair of NaCSBA, said: “About 18,000 people and groups of people signing up to the custom and self-build demand registers is a great achievement but it is also the tip of the iceberg. Some councils have only operated their registers for a few months and some have yet to establish theirs. The potential is immense and if local authorities can consent their serviced plots in a timely manner, the Right to Build could play a big role in meeting the Government’s target of building 20,000 custom and self-build homes a year by 2020.

“Local authorities have up to three years to meet their obligation to grant enough development permissions for serviced plots to meet demand. However, with the number of people now registering month on month it is essential they start consenting serviced plots now to stay on top of meeting this demand. It is encouraging to see a number of local authorities – and not just the vanguard authorities – have already made a start consenting serviced plots.”

NaCSBA was formed in 2008 as a network of companies and individuals with the common aim of proving that custom and self-build can make a significant contribution to home building in the UK. NaCBSA’s objective is to make affordable, high-quality, individually-designed, sustainable homes an option for the many, not just the few.

www.nacsba.org.uk

Delivering British architecture with German technology Hanse Haus is a premium German supplier of turnkey, pre-manufactured ultra-high efficiency homes.

Founded as a carpentry business in 1929, it now erects some 400 timber frame homes annually Europewide and has been active in the UK since 2006.

To talk to us about your individual requirements, contact us using the details below.

Hanse Haus Email info@hanse-haus.co.uk Telephone 0800 302 9220 www.hanse-haus.co.uk

Sustainable Living 18

Wonder on the Wirral Stuart and Rosie Treasurer have radically transformed a 1960s bungalow in a leafy suburb in the Wirral, Merseyside, into a modern family home.

Left: The project was masterminded by both Stuart and Rosie, who share a passion and fascination for wood in all its forms Above: The first floor was completely reconstructed as a spectacular rectangular wooden box Right: Raw Accoya boards – or ‘pickled wood’ as the modified wood has been described – was used for the external cladding Below: Stuart and Rosie’s home was stripped to its ground floor walls Below right: The couple run a wood-crafting personalised gift business

Sustainable Living

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tuart and Rosie Treasurer have chosen Accoya, a world-leading modified wood, to be used as the standout feature in a radical transformation of a modest 1960s bungalow to create a stunning, contemporary UK family home. Supplied by importer of wood-based products James Latham, 8m3 of Accoya was used to transform the couple’s wooden home to enable the pair to build a unique design with a unique choice of materials.

The far-sighted renovation of Stuart and Rosie’s ‘ugly duckling’ dormer bungalow, lying in a leafy suburb in the Wirral, Merseyside, hit the headlines when featured on TV’s Grand Designs programme in November last year.

In an ambitious 12-month building project, Stuart and Rosie’s home was stripped to its ground floor walls, with the first floor being completely reconstructed as a spectacular rectangular wooden box, with raw Accoya boards – or ‘pickled wood’ as the modified wood has been described - used for external cladding and fine-sawn boards for internal decoration. Around 8m3 of Accoya was used for both the external and internal cladding.

The project was masterminded by both Stuart and Rosie, who share a passion and fascination for wood in all its forms. The couple run a wood-crafting personalised gift business – Cleancut Wood – from a workshop in their hometown in the Wirral with Stuart, as a designer himself, specialising in creating beautifullydesigned wooden products ranging from kitchen and giftware to large pieces of furniture and bespoke installations.

It was this lifelong affinity with wood which inspired Stuart and Rosie’s home renovation project, and led to the, initially reluctant, choice of Accoya for the external cladding of their two-storey home. Stuart explains: “From the start, we wanted to build something which was going stand out as a high-quality example of contemporary design. We also wanted to create a very natural and bespoke look, which needed to be longlasting whilst being environmentally and financially sustainable.”

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Sub-brow Eyebrow Sustainable Living

Stuart admits that Accoya, well known in the trade as a high-performing and consistent wood product, wasn’t the obvious choice. However, following a visit to the factory in Arnhem in The Netherlands earlier this year, he was shown the rough-sawn Accoya wood in its natural form, and was convinced by both its looks and durability.

“The end effect is stunning,” he says. “The Accoya has a style all of its own with each plank of wood displaying its own characteristics, creating a genuinely unique overall look and design.

“With our home overlooking the Dee Estuary – a large estuary by means of which the River Dee flows into Liverpool Bay – with wind, rain and salt water whipping in from the Irish Sea, we also wanted a product that was durable and would weather well. So far, Accoya has delivered excellent results, with a very subtle weathering adding to the individual and distinct character of the building.”

Stuart and Rosie selected Accoya to also be used for internal facings and cladding, producing a smooth, homely effect for the refitted kitchen and living areas.

Unlike most wood types, the UV stability of Accoya enables the fine-sawn interior cladding boards to retain their white colour rather than turn ‘orange’ with time, helping to retain the contemporary look.

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Sub-brow Eyebrow Sustainable Living Left: The Accoya has a style all of its own with each plank of wood displaying its own characteristics Below left: Stuart and Rosie selected Accoya to also be used for internal facings and cladding Above: The internal timber acts as a natural contrast to the outside of the building Right: Stuart and Rosie’s Wirral project shows a very different use for Accoya

“The internal timber acts as a natural contrast to the outside of the building,” adds Stuart. “It’s surprisingly smooth, and creates an overall effect which makes people want to run their hands over the boards and make a connection with it – showing off Accoya’s aesthetic qualities to the full.

He adds: “We have been so pleased with the look and feel of the raw Accoya that we are developing new products for our business using the wood ­– such as outdoor signage, garden furniture and other homewares, which can be left untreated to create a natural look.”

Taking just over a year to complete, Stuart and Rosie’s radical bungalow renovation project has created a five-bedroom and four-bathroom home for the couple and their two children, delivered on a budget of less than £175,000.

Manufactured by Accsys Technologies, Accoya is produced using a proprietary acetylation process, creating a modified wood product which exceeds the high-quality and aesthetic attributes of tropical hardwoods.

For John Alexander, Sales Director at Accsys Technologies, Stuart and Rosie’s Wirral project shows a very different use for Accoya, but one that is nonetheless impactful and effective.

“Using both raw and fine-sawn Accoya boards for individual home renovation projects is a real one-off project for us,” he says. “But the results speak for themselves, and demonstrate the huge potential of Accoya for bespoke home design, appealing directly to consumers.

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Sustainable Living Right: The couple wanted to create a very natural and bespoke look Below: Offering exceptional durability and stability, Accoya is an attractive wood product which is perfect for a variety of uses

“This was also a realistic project, delivered on a sensible budget which shows that Accoya, although regarded as a premium product, can be very cost-effective, especially in its raw form. It also has the huge advantage to customers of being low maintenance, exceptionally stable and long-lasting with an above-ground guarantee of 50 years.”

Accoya has proven popular with architects and joiners across the world, especially where quality, stability and aesthetics are important.

Compared to competitor wood products, the use of Accoya has been proved to reduce shrinkage and swelling by at least 75%.

Offering exceptional durability and stability, Accoya is an attractive wood product which is perfect for a variety of uses from windows and doors to external cladding, structural projects and decking. Accoya also boasts excellent environmental credentials by using wood sourced from FSC-certified, sustainable forests and Cradle to Cradle ‘Gold’ certified.

Stuart and Rosie’s selection of Accoya for their Wirral renovation has created a stunning natural effect for the couple’s new family home both externally and internally.

www.accoya.com

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Impressive Innovation

Access all areas Roy Austin designed and built a modern, contemporary, family eco-home to meet the needs of his young disabled son after the family relocated to Cornwall five years ago. After failing to find anything on the market suitable, Roy decided on a self-build.

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onstruction got under way in October 2014 and was completed just eight months later. Built on a 90 degree curve, Rosedene is fully accessible with lifts and wide doorways, and is a happy family home.

Having worked in architecture for 14 years as an Architectural Technologist with SPS Architectural Services, Roy had always had a keen interest in design, especially bespoke properties. He commented: “Building our own home is something my wife and I discussed fairly early on, before we even had children.

When we were renting a property, it transpired that our landlord had a plot of land for sale next door with planning permission.

“I felt, considering the cost of buying a house to adapt or extend to cater for my son who has cerebral palsy, it would be more cost effective to build something from scratch and to incorporate everything we needed from day one.”

While the family had complete design freedom, there were several elements that were necessary in order for Roy and Gemma’s

Roy was one of three winners and the property was selected for being a truly venturous build

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son to move freely around the house. Roy continued: “It was important that accessibility was considered throughout the house, along with the provision of specialist bathroom facilities. The majority of the design was not only based around his needs now, but also his future needs. He’s growing to become more independent and therefore we wanted a house that would accommodate that.”

In terms of the architecture itself, as part of the original design, the family wanted a build with a slight curvature in order to maximise the amount of daylight coming into the property.

It was originally due to be a sheer curve but, with the help of specialists, the curve was engineered slightly to make it a bit more userfriendly to build.

Drawn to timber SPS Architectural Services’ sister company, Frame Homes of Redruth, is a timber frame manufacturer, so naturally the couple opted for a timber framed home. Not only did this ease the family’s mind by working with a

A 7500l tank is situated underground in the garden

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Impressive Innovation

Sub-brow Impressive Innovation Eyebrow

The property has received fantastic reviews from everyone who’s seen the property

The kitchen has been finished to a very high standard

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reputable supplier, but it was a more attractive option thanks to the speed of construction.

Roy commented: “Construction got underway in October 2014 and we finished in the following June.

However, we did have a few delays. We were originally due to be in for April time, but we experienced slight setbacks due to the weather.”

He continued: “The majority of the build went relatively well. There was a little bit of a delay over the Christmas period where construction shut down and we waited quite a while for the windows to be delivered as they were quite late getting to site, but apart from that it went pretty well.”

As for the layout, Roy explained: “On the ground floor, you’ll find the main entrance where there’s a staircase up to the first floor. There’s access to a ground floor cloakroom and a hall which leads out onto an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen. From there we’ve got a small room off to the front of the house which is used as a playroom. Off the kitchen, there’s a room which we use for our son’s therapy. At the side of the property, there’s an extra entrance area which goes out onto a corridor and that acts as a link to the garage and the main part of the property. Upstairs we have four bedrooms, two of which have got en-suite bathrooms. One has got a Jack and Jill bathroom.”

To accommodate the couple’s son, the doors are wide for future wheelchair use, and there is a

The family wanted a build with a slight curvature in order to maximise the amount of daylight coming into the property

Impressive Innovation Renewable energy was high on the list of priorities

wheelchair lift which goes from the therapy room up to his bedroom. There is also an accessible toilet on both floors.

Thanks to the relatively smooth nature of the build, the couple’s original budget was met. Roy commented: “There were a few changes throughout the build, which meant we had to make some design decisions and make savings elsewhere. Despite those minor tweaks I don’t think we would have done anything differently. We had a few issues with the mechanical ventilation system, which took a bit of time to resolve after the build, but the majority of the build went according to plan.

The couple opted for a timber framed home supplied by Frame Homes of Redruth

Energy savings “Renewable energy was high on our list of priorities, so along with mechanical ventilation, we have an air source heat pump that supplies all of our heating and hot water for the house, underfloor heating which heats the floors, there’s rainwater harvesting which serves the toilets, washing machine and outside tap and then we’ve got a wastewater recovery system. A 7500l tank is situated underground in the garden.

“After 18 months in the property, we have found these systems have reduced our bills significantly. The systems are cheap to run, plus our water bills have reduced considerably on a water metre, and I would say the total cost for a whole year was about £250.”

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Impressive Innovation It was important that accessibility was considered throughout the house

When asked if he’d do it all again, Roy remarked: “Yes, I probably would. I enjoyed doing it and it was a nice change to do it for ourselves rather than other clients which we do on a regular basis. It’s a very rewarding experience and it’s great to see the whole process from start to finish. My advice would to be to get everything priced up so you have a clear idea of the total costs and that way you know if you’re being realistic with the budget.

Just do a lot of pre-planning.”

Truly venturous The property has received fantastic reviews from everyone who’s seen the property. Roy added: “My son is able to access the whole house so he’s not restricted in any way and that was the main criteria when we designed the house – to make sure he wasn’t isolated in any way within the property.”

What’s more, as part of a campaign that shines a spotlight on self-builders, Roy was recently crowned as a winner for his home.

Specialist in structural defects insurance, CRL launched the campaign Venturous Builds to showcase Britain’s inspiring self-builders and their construction achievements. Roy was one of three winners and the property was selected for being a truly venturous build.

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The main bedroom enjoys a balcony overlooking the garden

Roy commented: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as one of the winners of the campaign and that our achievements have been recognised.”

CRL CEO, Steve Mansour, added: “We’ve been blown away by the quality of all the entries we’ve received for our Venturous Builds campaign.

You’ve proved that the UK has some truly venturous self-builders and developers.

“We were looking for one-offs, the inspiring, the ingenious construction projects to feature in our Venturous Builds web series. Roy clearly demonstrates that he has the courage, determination and an unwavering belief in his ability to create something truly unique.”

www.c-r-l.com/venturousbuild www.framehomes.co.uk

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Renewable Technologies

Along with solar PV on the roof and a switch from halogen lamps to LED lighting, the couple decided an air source heat pump would fit in with their new lifestyles

New high temperature heat pump – the right response When Paul and Cathe Hazlewood decided to leave the agreeable urban living environment they had enjoyed for years in the centre of Oxford, looking for a new life in the country, they and Cathe’s brother and sister-in-law decided to head for deepest Dorset.

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he sale of their properties allowed them to shop around for an idyllic setting that they could remodel to suit the lifestyle choices they wanted to make with energy efficiency, ‘green’ living and utilising modern renewable technologies important factors in their decision-making. Along with solar PV on the roof and a switch from halogen lamps to LED lighting, they decided an air source heat pump would fit in with their new lifestyles.

The feed in tariff (FIT) and renewable heat incentive (RHI) weren’t essential decision-makers for the solar PV or the heat pump although it was a significant help, especially for the heat pump.

The LG Therma V high temperature air source heat pumps – one for each home – have been a huge eye-opener to the couple. For over 20 years, they had got used to heat on demand using a traditional boiler. There was concern initially about how responsive the air source heat pumps would be to deliver heat and hot water when it was needed. But with the latest ‘high temp’ system from LG, they say they shouldn’t have worried: “It’s not a flippant remark,” says Paul, “but the heat

30

pump is up and running and commissioned and the biggest complement I can pay it is that we don’t actually notice the difference!”

System Designer and Installer, Bublshop’s Martin Perrin says this is the beauty of the new high temperature heat pumps from LG: “Low temperature air source heat pumps really need to be on 24 hours a day to bring the temperature of the home up to the required temperature and keep it there. They work well and for the right home, they do a great job. But if you need the security of almost instant response, the high temperature ASHP is the one to choose. The key to success is to get the heating system design right at the outset.”

We know it’s far more energy-efficient and much more environmentally-friendly to use renewables than fossil fuels. But what about costs?

“It’s difficult to be exact, because we don’t have historical oil usage figures for the properties here – so we can’t measure or compare the costs, but in our experience the savings over oil are in excess of 50% per year – and that’s impressive,” says Martin.

In modern homes, with several bathrooms – certainly a couple of en-suites and a family

The LG Therma V high temperature air source heat pumps – one for each home – have been a huge eye-opener to the couple

bathroom becoming commonplace – and the new standards of insulation and heating, it’s common to see heating demand halved and hot water demand tripled. So high temperature air source heat pumps are ideal for this scenario, perfect for refurbishment projects like this one and spot on for new build properties.

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Furniture/Home Accessories

Design your dream home from the inside out Here, Brewers Home advises on the best way to start when turning your empty canvas into a home, and how to achieve an all-yearround space that suits all needs and occasions.

Left: Using neutral shades of cream, stone, steel grey and pebble, which are high on the interiors prediction trends list for 2017, ensures that any further furniture or accessories match perfectly Below: The Heyworth corner sofa from Brewers Home for example provides the perfect means of maximising on seating space whilst minimising the amount of room your furniture takes up

or teal. Of course, it depends what look you’re going for, but if you wish to create a space that will stay relevant and modern-looking throughout the year, going for a neutral furniture scheme, subtly complemented by your choice of colour in the form of accessories or paint is the best way forward.

Accessories like cushions, artwork and mirrors can really brighten up a room with very little effort or money, plus they can add that essential vibrancy, or even the theme you’re aiming to achieve.

Scion or Layla Faye cushion collections are ideal for brightening up a room with their pop art-like motifs and retro 80s shades, whilst a vintage look can be very easily achieved by using worn-look fabric or antique imagery cushions, such as in the Albany Girones collection at Brewers Home. Alternatively, you can keep it simple, for example with the Harlequin Java or Limosa collection.

Whichever way you choose to decorate, make sure it’s acquired to your taste and suits your living style. You may wish to get some advice before starting or you may wish to just get going yourself. Be flexible with your ideas but, either way, it’s important to pre-plan to create and achieve your perfect space.

www.brewershome.co.uk

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hen designing your self-build, alongside the meticulous planning of each room, you will have had an idea about how much space you have to work with and what you want to use it for. Visualising the finished product at the beginning of an interior design project can often be difficult; there’s a lot to consider.

You’ll want to make the most of your space, no matter the size or shape of the room, so in terms of filling a blank canvas, the best thing to start with is often the largest piece of furniture.

In a living room, this is the sofa.

Most want the best of both worlds when it comes to seating arrangements; you want your sofa to suit a relaxing space and also to offer

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the facility to entertain guests. A very popular choice is to invest in a corner sofa, which frames the room beautifully and can be ideally complemented with a separate armchair and other essential furniture, such as a coffee table. The Heyworth corner sofa from Brewers Home, for example, provides the perfect means of maximising on seating space whilst minimising the amount of room your furniture takes up. Using neutral shades of cream, stone, steel grey and pebble, which are high on the interiors prediction trends list for 2017, ensures that any further furniture or accessories match perfectly.

Making a bold statement for the new year are earth tone pastels, as well as blues and greens, in particular dusky blue and blue-green

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Doors & Windows

Glazing that cuts bills and keeps your home warm all year round Dan Smith, Managing Director of respected Kent installer DWL, explains what you need to know to choose high-performance windows that perfectly complement your property

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hether you’re self-building or renovating, windows shouldn’t be an afterthought. Not just crucial to determining the look and feel of your finished property, they’re integral to ensuring your home is warm and comfortable all year round – it’s something all self-builders need to be thinking about.

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Once, glazing was relatively simple – choices were limited. But in just a few decades, technology has come on leaps and bounds.

Now, there’s a bewildering array of products and brands out there vying for the self-builder’s attention – so how do you cut through the noise and find the perfect, most energy-saving picks for your property?

Think about the U-value The best window, door and conservatory products lose as little heat as possible, keep your home warm, your energy bills as low as possible and minimise your environmental impact.

Traditionally, in glass and glazing we measure a window’s thermal performance by calculating its U-value – in short, how quickly the product lets heat escape. The lower the number, the better the product’s energy efficiency. Building Regulations require all new windows to achieve U-values of at least 1.6 – and for the best performance, you ideally want windows with 1.0 or less.

Thankfully, recent advances in technology mean there’s now an extensive selection of products capable of delivering that level of outstanding energy efficiency – but to start narrowing them down, the first big choice you have to make is which material you want to use.

Choose the right material For contemporary-style projects, there’s no substitute for high-quality aluminium. Sleek, stylish, and with slim, elegant lines that maximise the intake of natural light, modern aluminium can add an airy, modern vibe to any project or property.

As a material, aluminium has come a long way in recent years – once known for its poor insulation performance and puddles of condensation, the development of multi-chambered frames and the polyamide thermal break (a plastic section that prevents heat escaping) has made it one of the best all-round materials on the market.

But, what if you’re looking for something more traditional? While it might be surprising for some, one of the best options is actually now uPVC. A lot of homeowners looking to

Doors & Windows

bring a high-end or period aesthetic to their property wouldn’t even consider what was long dismissed as a cheap and nasty material – but most people’s perceptions of uPVC are now several decades out of date. The result of extensive product development, modern uPVC ranks among the best-looking, best-performing materials now available – and the desire to combine all-round exceptional performance with classic looks has seen manufacturers compete to produce uPVC window products that are all-but indistinguishable from timber.

Foremost among these is Residence 9. Designed around the stringent Article 4 guidelines that govern which products can be installed in conservation areas, Residence 9 is a uPVC window system built to the exact dimensions of a 19th century timber sash window, delivering stunningly symmetrical vintage elegance, along with industry-leading 21st century performance. With an A+ certified energy rating, a double-glazed Residence 9 window can achieve U-values of 1.2, and as low as 0.8 with triple-glazing, enough to meet Passivhaus standards.

Don’t neglect the glass A lot of self-builders spend so long agonising over which design of windows to choose that the glass doesn’t even cross their mind – but it’s a crucial decision to get right if you want to cut costs, reduce your carbon footprint and get the best possible thermal efficiency.

Window technology has come a long way since the development of the first double-glazed units. Now, the most advanced window products have been upgraded to incorporate gases like argon, that have 34% less thermal conductivity than air, and can cut a product’s U-value by as much as 30%. Most window units now incorporate warm-edged spacer bars – components designed to improve a product’s energy efficiency even further.

It’s a shift that’s been complemented by improvements in other areas of the industry – old-style polycarbonate conservatory roofs have been replaced by scratch-resistant, thermally insulating glass ones, which makes modern glazed extensions among the most energy-efficient conservatory options on the market.

You’ll thank yourself for working hard now to maximise your property’s energy efficiency – but, particularly if you’re renovating an existing building, don’t forget about ventilation. New windows can drastically improve airtightness, which is obviously a good thing – but you need some airflow to let out moisture. To combat dampness and mould inside the home, make sure you use windows with trickle vents, which are specially designed to allow a small amount of controlled ventilation and keep damp at bay.

The good news is, while the sheer scale of choice might feel overwhelming, there are more stunning, fantastically efficient, premium-quality glazing products available now than there ever have been – you just have to know what you’re looking for to find them.

Above left: The best window, door and conservatory products lose as little heat as possible, keep your home warm, your energy bills as low as possible and minimise your environmental impact Left: Not just crucial to determining the look and feel of your finished property, windows are integral to ensuring your home is warm and comfortable all year round Above: A lot of self-builders spend so long agonising over which design of windows to choose that the glass doesn’t even cross their mind Right: The most advanced window products have been upgraded to incorporate gases like argon

www.dwlwindows.co.uk

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Structural Systems

A winning frame With three growing teenage boys and the desire to stay in the leafy suburb of Cobham, Surrey, Gavin and Nicky Rochussen were determined to create a home which accommodated the family’s requirements for more space without the need to move.

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aving always dreamed of having an oak-framed extension, the pair appointed Living Oak to create a Grand Designs-style games room in the grounds of their six-bedroom residence, aptly named Woodleigh.

Gavin, the Chief Executive of a fund management company in London’s West End, commented: “We bought our house in 2006 as we loved the lifestyle, quaint villages and excellent schools that Cobham had to offer. I travel abroad on a regular basis and our home is ideally located close to Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick. Plus, it’s easy to drive or get the train into central London. With three teenage boys aged 13, 15 and 18 at the time, we reached the point that we either needed to extend or move in order to obtain the space we needed.

“Nicky and I had always loved oak-framed living spaces, so we decided to build our own oak-framed extension in our garden. This enabled us to design a bespoke extension that

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suited our needs and, with the increasingly high costs to move home, we knew that this was the way forward.”

Spanning over 1200ft2 on the ground floor and a further 250ft2 on the upper floor, the versatile space incorporates a cinema room, bar, games room, photographic studio, kitchen, guest suite and bathroom. Gavin added: “Nicky is a photographer and she was delighted to have her own studio to do her work. Our three sons can watch a film or have friends over and make loads of noise without annoying us or the neighbours. Plus, we have room for socialising and a guest room for when friends come to stay with us.”

The barn-style extension is accessed via a 2m hallway from the main residence.

Featuring exposed wood oak beams and fullheight glazing down one side, which face the beautiful, mature garden, the striking extension encompasses a feature arched brace which sits above the centre of the dramatic space.

Improve, don’t move Living Oak has reported a 25% rise in enquiries compared with Q2 2016, from customers looking to renovate rather than move.

Research from Living Oak has shown that the changes in Stamp Duty has also had a positive impact on the business, with customers choosing to put the money into renovating to create their dream home. A recent survey

by Lloyds Bank advised that the average cost to move home in London is now £31,416 (£27,946 in 2014) and the UK average is now £11,000 (£8,098 in 2014.)

80% of Living Oak’s customers add a single-storey oak framed extension with the remaining 20% opting for two storeys or additional rooms in the grounds of a property, such as a pool house or games room. The most popular choices are openplan kitchen and living areas which offer floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto gardens or grounds.

Living Oak adopts a ‘less is more’ approach, combining the oak framing with modern materials, believing that too much can become overpowering. Using sustainably sourced oak from France, the company can work on a project from initial designs – through planning – all the way through to completion, creating living spaces which wouldn’t look out of place on Grand Designs.

Structural Systems Gavin added: “We chose to work with Living Oak because we were keen to support local businesses and we are so pleased with the excellent knowledge and expertise of the Living Oak team. The project took 12 months from the initial design and planning through to completion and the team fully project managed the whole process, minimising stress and upheaval on myself and my family. Our sons are getting older now and in the next few years they will all have flown the nest to go to university. We may not need this much space in the long term, but we are confident that the oak frame has added value and desirability to our property.”

Living Oak sources its oak frames in France; each one hand selected by expert craftsmen for each individual

project. Sustainable products and building techniques are utilised to create a home which synergises with nature. The company works with suppliers who have reforestation agreements in place; so more trees are planted than felled.

Customers who have created a Living Oak home have maximised their properties’ potential, transferring them into sought-after spaces that bring nature into their living environment, sometimes doubling the property’s value.

The cost for a Living Oak framed home starts from £150 per square foot.

The beautiful games room extension at Woodleigh cost £249,000.

www.livingoak.co.uk

Main: The barn-style extension features exposed wood oak beams and full-height glazing down one side, which face the beautiful, mature garden Top: Nicky is a photographer and she was delighted to have her own studio to do her work Above left: Nicky and Gavin had always loved oak-framed living spaces, so they decided to build their own oak-framed extension in their garden Above: The versatile space incorporates a cinema room, bar, games room, photographic studio, kitchen, guest suite and bathroom

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Oak may be considered luxury, but with bespoke design services available from many oak framing companies, you can manage the cost of your build very easily. The cost of oak represents approximately a third of the total building cost and a good oak framing company will be able to advise you on what is necessary to have to help you control the cost. Whilst it is true that an oak-framed building will cost more than a mass-produced building – turned out by some developers – your investment will be rewarded in individual style and ultimately in the resale value of your property.

Oak Frame

More affordable than you think

A genuinely sustainable option Oak may be considered luxury, but with bespoke design services available from many oak framing companies, you can manage the cost of your build very easily

Three reasons to build with oak So, the decision has been made. You are going to build an extension or, even better, your dream home. Your head is full of plans and you are eagerly collecting ideas, creating a mood board. One of the first questions likely to pop into your mind is “what kind of building do I want?”

Oak beams are the ultimate renewable resource requiring no industrial processing, as they can be used in their raw state, with minimal waste and energy expended. In the UK, the forested areas have grown considerably over the last 40 years, with 12% of area being covered in woodland. In Europe, this is even higher averaging at 37%. The UK, along with most European countries, operate a Sustainable Forest Management policy, which means forests are grown and managed to provide timber, wood products, recreation amenities and wellbeing, as well as being managed for the benefit of local wildlife.

Providing your oak framing supplier sources oak from sustainable sources in Europe or the UK, you can rest assured that you are not harming the environment.

www.oakmasters.co.uk 01444 455455 oak@oakmasters.co.uk

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he options are endless and you are probably weighing up pros and cons for a number of them. If you have toyed with the idea of using timber as a construction method, here are three reasons why oak frame is a truly smart choice.

Superior strength and flexibility An oak frame provides a strong skeleton for a building, whether you are looking for a contemporary or traditional style. Yes, the timber shrinks and develops small cracks as it ages, but this only happens across the grain and modern oak framing designs and construction methods allow for this process. Oak frames become stronger over time as joints tighten and beams harden up as they dry. Being so versatile, an oak frame can be combined with traditional materials such as brick or render to build up the external shell, but if thermal performance is an important consideration, encapsulating the building with structural integrated panels (SIPs) is a more modern solution, providing superior U-values compared to traditional build up. The popular myth of oak being unsuitable for glazing has also been busted with the emergence of encapsulated glazing, which essentially ‘floats’ atop the oak frame, allowing for the movement and shrinkage of the timber, without the risk of leaks.

The popular myth of oak being unsuitable for glazing has been busted with the emergence of encapsulated glazing

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Conservatories

Draw the curtains A conservatory is basically three walls of windows – so try dressing them like it. Often, hanging thermal blinds or curtains with a heavy weight can be the cheapest option for keeping a conservatory warm in winter. Draw them to keep heat from the heater and home inside, and open them to make use of the sunshine warming the room. This is an effective technique, and the more you can spend on great quality window dressings the better the insulation will be.

Check your glazing

Conservatories have added appeal due to the panoramic views on offer

How to keep your conservatory cosy Conservatories make great additions to most houses, giving extra room for entertaining, playing, or relaxing in, however they’re often expensive to build and poorly insulated – so making good use of them during the great British winter can be a challenge.

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racey Jackson, Marketing Manager at Howells Patent Glazing, says: “Whilst brick-built rooms are always insulated better than a conservatory (in the main), the added appeal of panoramic views of the outdoors and being able to let natural light flood your home, is what makes them incredibly popular. However, you don’t have to suffer in the cold. There are a few solutions to combat the cold during the winter months, and we thought we would share them with you.”

Howells Patent Glazing, which has been in the glazing manufacturing industry for over 40 years, is an expert in its field and knows just how to keep the nation’s conservatories warm during winter. Here are its top tips for beating the chill:

consider adding carpet with a thick, quality underlay. Not in the budget? Then consider buying big, thick or fluffy rugs – these will have the added advantage of being portable, so storing them in the summer months is easy.

Start from the bottom

Don’t be afraid to invest in a heater for the conservatory. Whilst it’s perfectly safe to have a heater in a conservatory, take note; heat escapes fast through the roof. To combat costly fuel bills, ensure the only time the heater is on is when the room is in use.

It’s a well-known fact that heat rises – and as a conservatory roof is usually made of glass, that’s where it loses most of its heat. If the flooring in a conservatory is cold (tile or laminate flooring),

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Single-glazed conservatories are a bit like standing outside, but without the rain. Single-glazed windows are unbelievably inefficient. If the budget allows, think of replacing the glazing in a conservatory with a more efficient option; such as double or triple-glazed or solar-controlled glazing which keeps the temperature of a conservatory regulated throughout the year.

Howells Patent Glazing is known for being a forward-thinking manufacturing firm and is regarded by many as one of the UK’s best glazing companies. Howells is extremely proud of its reputation and is constantly striving to develop the business further. Giving advice on how to take care of glazing is its speciality, and the company is hoping that in 2017 it will see a new wave of domestic clients that are keen to keep up-to-date on the advances in glazing technology.

howellsglazing.co.uk

Barricade the breeze As winter looms, so comes the wind. If the wind starts howling through a conservatory, explore and inspect the seals. Old, ill-maintained seals can erode and leave gaps for the wind to penetrate through. Often, it can be worth paying to have glazing re-sealed, or those who are of a ‘handy’ persuasion can give it a go themselves with the help of a few online tutorials.

Heat it up

Often, hanging thermal blinds or curtains with a heavy weight can be the cheapest option for keeping a conservatory warm in winter

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The benefits of timber cladding Timber cladding has long been a popular choice among people seeking to create a traditional look on the exterior of their home, but wood offers a range of benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Howarth Timber explains more.

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hether your building is old or new, large or small, the addition of timber cladding can create a characterful finish, and British timbers such as oak, elm, larch and chestnut all contribute to a classic look.

Canadian western red cedar and Siberian larch are also popular on UK homes, but what are the benefits that all of these timbers can bring, beyond looking stylish?

It’s workable Working with timber is a pleasure when compared to exterior cladding materials, such as PVC or brick slips, and if you’re using softwoods you’ll find it extremely lightweight and easy to apply.

Whether you choose softwood, hardwood

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or modified wood for your timber cladding, you’ll be able to treat the timber to enhance its performance, using surface coatings, wood preservatives and flame retardants.

It’s fast Whereas unnatural materials usually need to be custom-made for cladding projects, timber can be quickly cut to your exact specifications, meaning a lot less waiting around.

Adjusting your timber cladding is also much quicker, as wood can be trimmed far more easily than other types of cladding.

It’s eco-friendly Contrary to what you might think, using wood as a cladding material on your home actually helps the environment.

The wood used in most cladding products is grown in sustainable plantations and doesn’t require as much fossil fuel consumption in its manufacture as other types of cladding.

Timber cladding acts as a powerful insulator, helping to improve the energyefficiency of a home, and can also be recycled at the end of its life.

It makes your home quieter The sound absorbing qualities of timber are rarely considered when planning a cladding project, but the benefits have been proven time and time again.

Timber-clad homes benefit from reduced noise from external sources such as roads, air traffic or noisy children playing in the garden!

www.howarth-timber.co.uk

i-build

Guidance on specifying timber cladding Tom Barnes of Vastern Timber gives a potted guide to timber cladding essentials.

When considering cladding, the secret of a successful installation relies on correct decisions made at the earliest stage.

The very first thing to consider is whether timber cladding is appropriate at all, but assuming it is, you will need to choose the most suitable tree species for the situation, as well as making personal style choices in advance. It is often the case that people interested in timber cladding initially think only of cedar, however, there are plenty of other species that may provide a better option for your project.

Gaining a good understanding of the different types of weathering effects on species and the effect that elevation and aspect will have on the speed and consistency of weathering is important. Some species such as cedar, oak and chestnut are naturally more reactive and the weathering process can be more uneven and, in some cases, unsightly. Timber cladding performs better in sunny elevations with lots of weather, while heavily shaded or northerly elevations can be problematic for many species.

Navigating the species Different species of timber will behave slightly differently and there will be one type that is most suited to any given building project. Western red cedar and Siberian larch are examples of very popular species for timber cladding as they are easy to work with, don’t require preservative treatment and provide a sustainable material that lasts the test of time.

For more colour stable options, NORclad offer a Koppers treatment,

MicroShades Brunnea. This contains UV inhibitors and pigment within the treatment. Once you’ve decided on a timber species, you have the option to pick a specific type of cladding. Different cladding options will provide slightly different finishes to your cladding. Tongue and groove is a popular option, allowing a very contemporary image to be created.

www.timbercladdingsolutions.co.uk

In situations where conditions might cause problems for reactive timbers, you should consider more inert timbers, for example larch or thermally-modified products, such as brimstone.

You should also consider the aesthetic you are trying to achieve. If you are looking for a rustic feel, a timber with a sawn finish and more knots, such as British cedar or British larch, will be suitable and relatively cheap. If you are looking for a contemporary look, a stable timber with a smooth finish and fewer knots such as Canadian cedar or brimstone poplar will deliver ideal results.

Also, consider early on whether you want cladding with a horizontal or vertical orientation as that will dictate how batons are attached and the kind of profiles you can use.

Also decide in advance whether you want a treated or untreated finish as treated timber cladding will need to be re-treated every two years or so.

www.vastern.co.uk

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i-build

THREE STEPS TO PROTECT EXTERNAL TIMBER: The best way to protect wood over winter, without damaging its natural aesthetics, is by following a simple three step formula – protect, repel and maintain. Steve Grimwood, Managing Director of OrganoWood, explains more.

When selecting a product to protect wooden surfaces, it is important to ensure that the product will maintain the wood’s breathability, as well as reduce the likeliness of swelling or shrinkage. A high-quality product should also ensure that no cracking, flaking, peeling and blistering of either the wood or the product will occur.

Step one: protect

Step three: maintain

Without proper protection, exterior wood is vulnerable to a number of external hazards, from general detritus to rot, fungus, insects and even fire. One of the biggest threats to external timber is fungal and rot decay, which can significantly reduce the strength of the wood. Fungus appears as an off-white, felt-like sheet on the wood’s surface, but can develop into fungal strands. In comparison, wood that is susceptible to wet rot has a typically soft and spongy feel and looks darker than the surrounding wood. Although deemed less destructive, wet rot can prove hazardous if untreated and will damage the aesthetics of the wood.

The most effective ‘method’ of preventing fungal and rot deterioration in wood is to keep the wood dry. However, in winter months, this is a near impossible task for exterior wood.

Pressure treating wood has become a common method for protecting exterior wood against external ailments as discussed, however many are deterred by its high use

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of chemicals. Not only does this have a harmful effect on the ground’s surroundings, the chemicals used also bring a detrimental effect to the wood’s aesthetics, giving the timber an unnatural green hue over time. Sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to chemical treatments are becoming more popular and are gradually coming onto the market, including OrganoWood.

Step two: repel Once the wood has been protected from external hazards, it is important that the chosen finish repels common elements, including water and dirt. These natural elements can lead to decay which, if left untreated, can lead to permanent damage.

To keep exterior wood looking its best over the winter months and to ensure long-term protection from the harsh elements, it is recommended to apply a wood treatment product that increases the superficial protection of the wood against external elements such as wind, rain, frost and snow.

Cleaning exterior wood is the most costeffective method to maintaining its longevity, so architects and contractors should explain and advise their clients accordingly. Simply clearing the wood’s surface and removing any build-up of fallen leaves, moss or snow over the winter months will help maintain the wood’s breathability and prevent the wood becoming sodden and exposed to damp for long periods.

Dirt can prevent the material from drying, which over time can lead to rot and decay in exterior wooden surfaces. Timber has a sly way of harbouring dirt on the surface, and can appear clean to an untrained eye. The best way to ensure the wood is thoroughly clean is to use an exterior wood detergent.

As well as restoring the wood to its natural best, cleaning the wood will provide the optimum surface for treatment, ensuring the best protection.

www.organowood.co.uk

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One step ahead Nick Bligh, Group Technical Manager at JELD-WEN, comments on which stair trends will be big for 2017.

he great thing about installing stairs in a self-build project is that it’s possible to create a truly bespoke staircase that can either seamlessly blend with its surroundings, or stand out as a unique focal point.

There are a whole range of different materials, styles and finishes to choose from and whether you are opting for a traditional or more contemporary style, bespoke elements are becoming increasingly popular and will continue to be on-trend this year.

Encompassing a high level of detail, the trend for ‘fusion staircases’ is easily achievable by combining two contrasting materials to create a feature that really stands out. Pairing traditional timber stairs with iron spindles can create a contemporary spin on a classic look, or to create an open feel, switch timber spindles for glass panels.

Allowing you to achieve a unique style, manufacturers such as JELD-WEN can help you to create stairs in any design, size or specification.

This means you can choose from a huge range of beautiful balustrades, spindles and newels, as well as an array of caps to create a staircase that suits you and your home perfectly.

www.jeld-wen.co.uk

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i-nterior

Light the way Lighting for staircases is increasingly popular in homes. Planning ahead will deliver much better results than trying to design lighting around an already-constructed staircase. Answering some simple questions during the design phase can help deliver the perfect result when the staircase is built and the lighting is installed.

The critical decisions concern what exactly it is that you are trying to light. Our eyes are drawn to what we light, so look for the elements that make the space or structure interesting and concentrate on those. If you want to emphasise the vertical plan, either the walls or vertical elements of the staircase, you’ll take a different approach to one lighting the horizontal plane of the treads. A sinuous, curved staircase may require a totally different treatment again.

A shadow gap construction, where the staircase is set slightly away from the wall and the gap lit with a concealed continuous light source, can create a sense of a floating staircase. Lights set into the wall or the staircase string can produce a wonderful light

across the treads. A lit handrail – where the light is located under the handrail, shining downwards – can create a dramatic line of light up the wall. Make sure you consider the angles and where the lights sit in relation to how people climb the stairs; choose LED fittings with angled optics or glare-guards to minimise glare. If walls or strings aren’t an option, look at fittings set into the tread.

There are beautiful floor-recessed fittings that can shine a light sideways across the tread for a magical effect. If the staircase is in an open space, consider lighting the staircase from below as well. Lighting from above and below will emphasise the structure.

www.brilliantlighting.co.uk

Sophisticated stripes Over the past 30 years, Roger Oates Design has turned elegant, timeless stair runners into an art form. Narrow widths, textured flatweaves with a finished selvedge edge are ideal for stairs. Woven on traditional looms, the supple nature of 100% wool flatweave enables it to be expertly fitted on winders, resulting in a perfectly upholstered, tailored staircase.

Signature stripes are a popular choice. So simple yet hugely versatile, they are equally at home in all styles of architecture from heritage spaces to urban lofts. Understated fine, parallel lines in muted, subtle tones continue to be popular, but more and more consumers are choosing bold, broad bands and borders across a more vibrant colour palette to make a dramatic opening statement.

And for those who are increasingly requesting something totally unique, Roger Oates Design offers a bespoke service. All of the existing flatweave designs can be woven in wider or narrower widths and re-coloured in customers’ own colours for those that want that extra degree of individuality.

www.rogeroates.com

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i-scape

Water, water everywhere Here, we offer advice and inspiration to those of you who might like to consider a water feature or fountain as part of your exterior landscaping.

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ith your home now complete, it’s time to focus on the aspects that will make your living space even more enjoyable.

Often it’s the exterior landscaping that is the last thing to be considered, but with an endless amount of possibilities, designing your garden can be really fun.

Featuring winding pathways and ponds through to pergolas and garden rooms, your garden is an extension of your home and a place to sit back and relax with family and friends. What could be more relaxing than the sound of trickling water or the sight of birds sipping from your water fountain?

There are a range of products on the market to suit a variety of garden styles and tastes. You may prefer the ornate, weathered copper effect or you may favour a more contemporary structure in glass or porcelain.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to maintain a large water garden, such as a pond, you could settle on something small such as a water bowl or rain chain. Not only do they add a visual point to your garden, but they also demand less attention and require low water flow.

Water bowls

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BIRD BATHS Garden bird populations are declining at

Introducing a water feature into an environment instantly creates an atmosphere of calm. Water is fundamental to us, its sound, the way the light plays over its liquid surface, and its continuous, fluid movement engage our senses and put us at ease.

Solus’ concrete water bowls are clean, contemporary designs that reference familiar forms and celebrate the relationship between water, polished metal and concrete. They are designed to be suitable to a broad spectrum of aesthetic environments and to fulfil a range of functions. From creating contemplative environments to providing visual focal points and functional watercourse solutions, these water bowls will add beauty and substance to your project.

an alarming rate. In the past 40 years,

www.solusdecor.co.uk

www.primrose.co.uk

more than 60% of house sparrows have disappeared, particularly in large cities. You can help by putting out food and water, to help the remaining birds thrive as best they can. Wild birds need a constant supply of fresh water to drink, bathe and play in all year round, and you can easily provide that with a bird bath. Primrose’s bird baths are perfect for supplying drinking and bathing water to your wild birds.

i-scape

Look Book: Water Features If you’re looking to bring paradise into your garden, why not add some calm and serenity with these wonderful water features.

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1. Gecko bowl fountain, £255.00, www.haddonstone.com

2. Floating flower lanterns, £18.96, www.glow.co.uk

3. Water bowl scupper 26in with basin, £POA, www.solusdecor.co.uk

Garden fountains Water features add interest to a garden or landscape, whether traditional, classical or contemporary. Centrepiece garden fountains and pool surrounds, such as those from Haddonstone, make beautiful water features in a courtyard. Fountain surrounds can be used with cast stone wall fountains. Self-circulating fountains and freestanding water features in traditional classical and contemporary designs and styles can be used to enhance a courtyard, garden room or conservatory.

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4. Lilly rain chain,

£160.00, www.in-spaces.com

5. Eclipse fountain,

£119.00, www.haddonstone.com

6. Upcycled copper

fireflighters, £2950.00, www.sableandox.co.uk

www.haddonstone.com

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Product Guide

Boasting timber frame construction and renewable energy sources, Hanse Haus has created a unique marriage of sustainability and style

A Gloucestershire pre-manufactured masterpiece Nestled in a half-acre garden plot in a Gloucestershire village surrounded by historic landmarks of castles and keeps, this house stands out for its contemporary design sophistication, efficiency and innovation.

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oasting timber frame construction and renewable energy sources, Hanse Haus has created a unique marriage of sustainability and style, designing a modern ‘eco home’ in the heart of England.

Having previously lived in a large Georgian house, Karen Prior swapped the historical for the modern when she realised her fivebedroom self-build dream. Keen to move away from draughty, and characteristically cold, period properties, she worked with Hanse Haus to create a home with modern technology and

an energy-efficient build system at its core.

Karen placed huge emphasis on bringing the outdoors inside. Being a Florist by trade, she desired a house that represented her creativity and love of Art Deco style. By blending together wood and glass and incorporating a mixture of triple-glazed tilt n’ turn windows and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, the house does just that – elegantly capturing the outdoors and fusing it with state-of-the-art technology and colourful open-plan living spaces, ideal for entertaining.

Not only does this home fulfil Karen’s dreams, it also stands tall as a testament to the future of energy-efficient construction in the UK

The interior provides a spacious, free-flowing 180m2 living space. Upon entering the house, you are immediately drawn towards the heart of the home; the exceptionally light and airy open-plan kitchen, dining, lounge and atrium.

These rooms seamlessly fuse with the outside environment, being warmed by natural sunlight from floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, which open onto the garden and extend the social spaces outdoors.

The oak staircase leads up from the central hall to a spacious galleried landing on the first floor, again with wonderful views via the atrium, over the garden. Four of the five bedrooms are situated upstairs, positioned in all four corners of the house. The master enjoys vaulted ceilings, an ensuite bathroom and double glass doors that open up onto a Juliet balcony, overlooking the garden.

Underfloor heating runs throughout the entire house, powered by an air source heat pump, which – combined with the whole house ventilation system, thermal insulation (a mineral wool product) in the 30cm walls, ceilings and roofs – naturally and efficiently holds the heat and maintains a wonderful even temperature throughout. Despite the large windows facing the rear of the house, efficiency tests have proven the home to have a very high-level of airtightness, ensuring no heat is lost and fulfilling Karen’s dream of creating a stylish, energy-efficient home.

Furthering Karen’s passion for clean living and environmentally-friendly construction, the house is, in many respects, ‘chemical-free’. Only the roof rafters and battens were impregnated with BOR salt to protect the wood against humidity, otherwise no wood preservation was used and all materials are chemical-free. On top of this, the house is constructed using a timber frame construction – a method with the lowest energy consumption and CO2 emissions of any commonly-used building material. Added to this, the short construction time on site meant there was minimal disturbance on the surrounding environment. What’s more, the entire house can also be re-built and recycled.

This house, constructed from start to finish in just eight weeks, represents something quite special – a high efficiency, 21st century home with beautiful, freeform interior spaces. Not only does it fulfil Karen’s dreams, it also stands tall as a testament to the future of energyefficient construction in the UK.

info@hanse-haus.co.uk www.hanse-haus.co.uk 0800 3029220

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Product Guide

ecoHaus Internorm

INTERNORM’S MOST COMPETITIVE GUARANTEED

HS330 LIFT & SLIDE DOOR UD 0.67 • Slider upto 3.2m H x 3.0m W • 54mm Triple Glazed • Large Scale Glazing • PassivHaus Compliant • Glass to glass corners/joins

INTERNORM’S NO1 UK PARTNER 2012-2015 SALES, SURVEY & INSTALLATION – NATIONWIDE tel: 0800 612 6519 web: www.ecohausinternorm.com email: sales@ecohausinternorm.com

ONI is made of 8mm reinforced aluminium plate making it the thinnest Vasco radiator ever made.This champion in the lightweight category also offers advantages for the installer; the story of a perfect match between form and function.The reinforced aluminium plate hides a winding copper heating tube with minimal water content, which is cut into the rear of the front plate 2mm from the surface.That way, ONI not only achieves its ultra-flat design of only 8mm, but due to the rapid interaction between copper and aluminium it is also an energysaving and efficient source of heat.

Sika Sarnafil branches out with unique project In possibly the only building of its kind in the UK, Sika Sarnafil single-ply membrane has been used to waterproof a garden room with a live tree growing through it.

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ackney-based Architect, Andrew Leckenby, specialises in working with private clients to improve their homes.

But when it came to extending his family home, Andrew became his own client. Living in an urban area meant imagination was required to increase his living area.

Deciding to make the most of his home’s outdoor space, Andrew settled on a garden room. However, the rear of the garden contained a beautiful false acacia tree, which he did not want to remove. Thinking outside the box, Andrew drew up plans for a room that would incorporate the tree, making it the focal point of the space.

Andrew explained: “There are countless examples of trees being integrated with architecture – but these are generally found in countries where it doesn’t rain quite as much! To be able to achieve the same effect in the UK, we needed a roofing membrane that was flexible enough to allow the tree to sway and grow, as well as being durable enough to keep the building watertight.”

Andrew had specified Sika Sarnafil on many extensive commercial projects during his career working with larger architectural practices, so knew that the product would meet his requirements.

He continued: “Faced with a challenging roof design, I instantly thought of Sika Sarnafil. As an industry-leading single-ply membrane, after decades of specifying it for corporate clients, I was confident that I could trust its quality and durability. In addition, Sarnafil’s Registered Contractor scheme allowed me to identify an installer that had the training and experience to do the job – essential for detailing of this nature.”

gbr.sarnafil.sika.com 01707 394444 sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com

Product Guide

ONI – the thinnest designer radiator ever

www.vasco.eu 01254 704420 dave.thornback@vasco.eu

Basin beautiful from the Pure Bathroom Collection Whether it’s the crowning piece for a grand, master suite, or the perfect petite unit for a new cloakroom, Pure Bathroom’s versatile designs offer something to suit every taste. The sleek Fusion Terra merges the basin seamlessly with spacious storage beneath.

Featuring a recessed design and handle-free drawers, the floating unit looks as if crafted from a single sleek, glossy mould. The Edwardian Cloakroom basin not only looks elegant, but makes an ideal choice for smaller bathrooms.

Combining a traditional, floorstanding design with a frame that still feels open and airy, the Large Basin Wash Stand boasts a bold, utilitarian design, with exposed shelves that offer space to store towels and toiletries.

www.purebathroomcollection.co.uk 0845 634 4321 sales@smithsbriten.co.uk

Eurocell patio door handles stringent security right on Part Q Developed by Eurocell to meet the security standards laid out by Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations, the Euroslide patio door suite enables house-builders and developers to provide home-buyers and owners with the benefits of high aesthetic, high-performance patio doors while reducing the risks from housebreaking or burglars.

Euroslide incorporates a fully-fabricated aluminium interlock with a three-point locking mechanism that has three pairs of 304-grade stainless steel interlock protectors and is operated by a small ergonomically-designed lever located just 900mm above the floor. The height of the lever is an important feature, enabling it to be used easily by everyone, including wheelchair users.

www.eurocell.co.uk 0800 9883049 chris.coxon@eurocell.co.uk

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Build It Live Kent Preview

Discover all you need to know about building your own dream home This year, Build It Live will take place at the Kent Event Centre, part of Kent Showground, from 4 to 5th February. Due to the growth of the popular exhibition, it has moved to a bigger, award-winning venue, which is easily accessible for anyone in Kent and the surrounding counties.

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he exhibition aims to provide a stress-free route to creating a truly individual home with the opportunity to meet self-build experts who can provide invaluable advice and top tips for your project.

Receive one-on-one, free advice from independent experts on how to turn a project into reality, including how to find land, what is possible with and without planning permission and how to ensure you have the right design.

Whether it’s your own personal self-build development or one for a client, Build It Live is sure to provide the ideas, inspiration and information to drive the project forward.

At this year’s show you can discover thousands of cutting-edge and traditional products and meet over 100 of the UK’s most innovative suppliers. There are around 30 informative, free seminars and workshops developed to address specific problems and give practical advice for taking on a renovation or building project.

Companies exhibiting at Build It Live South East include Potton which offers stylish selfbuild homes, Hanse Haus with its premium turnkey, pre-manufactured, high-efficiency homes and Northcot Brick, an award-winning

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master brick maker. There are several quality window and door suppliers, including awardwinning Kloeber and Byng Joinery. Plus, visitors can find a multitude of other self-build products, including the latest heat recovery ventilation and central vacuum systems from Rega Ventilation and CVC Direct amongst others.

The Naked House: see a section of a newbuild as it comes together after first fix – a fascinating insight into how things are installed, from ICF blockwork and underfloor heating to the roof trusses and floor joists.

Find a builder: talk to the Federation of Master Builders which can guide you through the process of finding the right builder for your project and access its database of trusted builders in your area.

Self-builders’ real life stories: gain inspiration and confidence from self-builders who have realised their self-build dreams. Hear their stories first-hand in the workshop theatre.

Eco-friendly building techniques: hear how to build a sustainable home and gain oneto-one advice on a range of issues, including renewable energy and environmentallyfriendly building techniques.

PlotSearch zone: tips on searching for plots, access to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier live online database – plus a gallery of current available plots in the south east.

Self Build Academy: attend free taster sessions from the Self Build Academy delivered by Potton – providing essential knowledge for all self-builders.

Infinity smart homes zone: immerse yourself in a fully working smart home environment.

Visit this special automation lounge, run by Infinity and experience an interactive smart home installation.

3D home design demos: visit the Build It 3D Home Designer stand for a free, 20-minute demonstration of how to visualise your home project in 3D. Sessions run on the hour between 11am and 4pm each day.

To see the current list of exhibitors and to purchase two for one special tickets, visit builditlive.co.uk/tibuild17.

www.builditlive.co.uk

Top left: This year, Build It Live will take place at the Kent Event Centre, part of Kent Showground, from 4 to 5th February Above: At this year’s show you can discover thousands of cutting-edge and traditional products and meet over 100 of the UK’s most innovative suppliers

in + ex

Inex-online.com Interior and exterior design inspiration

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

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plan every detail, every fitting, every fixture‌

‌exactly how you imagined it Design your dream home and build a beautiful life with WeberHaus, German house builders since 1960. From start to finish creating your home is a truly personal and enjoyable experience. Our bespoke, luxury homes are custom designed, lovingly crafted, perfectly engineered and beautifully built.

Call our UK sales office for more information on 01727 867900

weberhaus.co.uk