i-build July 2016

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

ULTRA-STYLISH WETROOMS:

July 16 Issue 24

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

20

HOW TO MAKE YOUR WETROOM LEAK-PROOF

Must-have external furniture solutions for your self-build's garden scheme

THATCHED ROOFS HOW TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE AND PESTS

COVER STORY:

Interior ideas CONSTRUCT YOUR KITCHEN / CONCRETE INSPIRATION / MODERN MONOCHROME

Sustainable & timeless Architect fulfils ambition of designing and building his own sustainable home

CONSIDERING A CONSERVATORY

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLOURS

COUNTRY HIDEAWAY

Planning your conservatory early can shorten a selfbuild's time frame

How choosing the right hues has an effect on our day-to-day life

Self-builder uses local resources for organic country hideaway

+ SPECIAL FOCUS: l INSULATION

l HEATING l INTERIOR DECOR l WETROOMS l WALLCOVERINGS

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

www.i-buildmagazine.com

Welcome Note

i-build

Welcome to the July 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.comm

Hayley Perry

hayley@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager:

Chris Lilly

chris@mixedmediainfo.com Production:

Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor:

David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts:

Simone Jones

simone@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Throughout your self-build journey, you may find yourself having to reach over a hundred different, individual decisions. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the smallest furnishing detail towards the end of your build may leave you a little overwhelmed.

There’s no denying a self-build is an exhausting process, and keeping energy and enthusiasm levels up when the finish line is in sight is no mean feat. Here at i-build we believe strongly in supporting you right through until the end, which is why our pages are always bursting with design inspiration and advice to help you with those last few steps.

In this month’s issue, we reveal the importance of colour and the psychology behind different tones. In collaboration with furniture manufacturer, Distinctive Chesterfields, i-build runs you through a variety of tones and the mix of emotions they can evoke. Turn to page 38 to find out more.

Meanwhile on page 40, we also offer you

more inspiration for your wallcoverings – in particular, bold prints and colourways. From contemporary monochrome to majestic murals, Quiirk’s guide to statement wallpaper will tell you all you need to know about creating the right balance.

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

Editor in Chief hannah@mixedmediainfo.com @ibuildmagazine

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

Download the i-build app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search 'i-build'.

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

Hanse Haus' tips on financing your self-build: See page 52, Osmo's ESCO collection: See page 53, Eurostove's stylish inset stoves: See page 57.

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.

Cover story: An architect and his wife create their very own architecturally stunning, sustainable home.

See page 18.

53

52

57

3

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Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

July 2016

24

38

18

40

06

44

32

In this issue: 14 16 18

Desired Designs

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

Viewpoint

The design experts at Welsh Oak Frame put together the five key steps to make your dream a reality.

36 38 40

Urban Sanctuary

Built and owned by Architect Heinz Richardson, House 19 is a striking two-storey dwelling, which recently won a RIBA South Award.

24

Rural Retreat

30

Heating

32

Conservatories

Mozolowski & Murray explores the various designs available for conservatories, orangeries and cedar extensions.

Interior Decor

Distinctive Chesterfields offers a guide to what different hues can symbolise, in order for you to create the right environment in your home.

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

If you’re looking to make a simple and easy transformation to any living space, then adding statement wallpaper to your design scheme is an easy way to do so.

44

i-scape

48

i-nterior

50

i-build

Oakmasters showcases the stunning construction of a barn, located in Nutley, East Sussex.

Steve Rooney of Gaia Climate Solutions explains why we are warming to the idea of heat pumps.

Insulation Superstore, a brand of Construction Materials Online, highlights the top 10 insulation products available.

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

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

ULTRA-STYLISH WETROOMS:

20

HOW TO MAKE YOUR WETROOM LEAK-PROOF

Contracts & Legalities

Andrew Reardon of ProAktive explains why and when to consider non-negligence cover.

Insulation

Extend your living space out into the garden with these must-have furniture solutions, perfect a casual Sunday breakfast or a lively family BBQ.

Practical, accessible and ultra-stylish, wetrooms are increasingly finding their way into self-builds and it’s easy to understand why. Here’s what to consider.

i-build investigates thatched roofs and looks at issues such as aesthetics, fire safety and pest control.

July 16 Issue 24

06

Must-have external furniture solutions for your self-build's garden scheme

THATCHED ROOFS HOW TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE AND PESTS

COVER STORY:

Interior ideas CONSTRUCT YOUR KITCHEN / CONCRETE INSPIRATION / MODERN MONOCHROME

Sustainable & timeless Architect fulfils ambition of designing and building his own sustainable home

CONSIDERING A CONSERVATORY

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLOURS

COUNTRY HIDEAWAY

Planning your conservatory early can shorten a selfbuild's time frame

How choosing the right hues has an effect on our day-to-day life

Self-builder uses local resources for organic country hideaway

+ SPECIAL FOCUS: l INSULATION

l HEATING l INTERIOR DECOR l WETROOMS l WALLCOVERINGS

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

Desired Designs

1

2

3

4

Magnificent monochrome

5

6

If you prefer to keep your decor classic and simple, a monochrome scheme could be the ultimate choice for your self-build.

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monochrome style can add impact to any interior scheme. The classic black and white tones married together create an elegant, yet humble interior with a refined, modern feel. The beauty of the monochrome scheme is its versatility; with so many black and white products available on the market it’s possible to create your very own unique scheme from many suppliers. Here, i-build has gathered a variety of black and white and monochrome products for your self-build interior scheme, from which you can create an ultramodern decor or a slightly more refined decor.

With monochrome it is possible to create either of these appearances, it all depends on how you wish to use them.

1. Black and White Freakish clock, £57, Barnaby & Co

2. Jonathan Adler Zig Zag 3. Bakuba throw,

£65, Stuff of Dreams

4. Chloe chair, £981.64, Eco Chic 5. Jonathan Adler Bridget Striped

8 9

Bargello cushion, £153.86, Design Studio Home

6. AlhambraMono porcelain tile, £80 per m2, Alhambra Home & Garden

7. Alghero mirror, £149,

The Chandelier & Mirror Company

8. 900 combination unit,

£638, The Pure Bathroom Collection

9.

Black and white stripe vase, £8.95, Rigby & Mac

10. Mason Hide ug, £349, made.com

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7

Chevron throw rug, £269.26, Design Studio Home

10

1

1. Nine console table,

£2830, by Isabella Costantini

2. Lunar sofa, £5735

Desired Designs

2

3. Teodore table lamp,

£679, by Isabella Costantini

4. Grantham dining table, £1995

4 3

LuxDeco Online destination for high-end furnishings, LuxDeco sources beautiful homeware for contemporary interiors.

Providing stylish, unique furniture that has been curated from brands and artisans all over the world, the company allows your home to tell a story. Its latest collection, Refined Monochrome, is perfect for those looking for a monochrome interior scheme. From sofas and side cabinets to desks and lamps, i-build has listed selected items from LuxDeco’s latest Refined Monochrome collection.

Classic kitchenware The monochrome scheme can also extend into your kitchen area. A monochrome scheme can look smart in a kitchen and offer a clinical and clean environment within an eating space. From cutlery and ceramics, to kitchen appliances and pots and pans, this scheme truly offers something for everyone, with a wide variety of options to suit all individuals' needs.

1. Marble serving boards, £169, Baker Street Boys

2

2. Vialli Design Mio Tullio 5-piece cutlery set, £14.99, Designer Homeware

3. Marimekko Saapaivakirpa mug, £16, Cloudberry Living

4. Muuto Plus white and black grinder, £49, Rume

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1

4

7

Desired Designs

Concrete chic Add a touch of the industrial theme to your self-build’s decor with these concrete and concrete effect pieces.

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4

Wondrous worktops

In the spotlight Designed by Stockholm-based Designer, Jonas Wagell, the Concrete lamp perfectly unites delicate and raw elements with its concrete base and brass dimmer.

This lamp can create a beautiful table lamp, perfect for every day use. Ideal for a bedside table, the frosted bulb emits a beautiful, warm glow which makes a fabulous addition to any home.

This concrete look-alike worktop from Rational is 6mm in thickness and adds a touch of the industrial look to your kitchen. Concrete look-alikes can add a rustic, yet modern feel within your cooking areas. (www.rational.de/en)

(www.black-by-design.co.uk)

5

2

Off the wall

A splash of colour

This concrete effect wallpaper

by Piet Boon is easy to apply due to its high quality.

Piet’s CON-03 wallpaper is perfect to create a statement wall within your self-build attributing to the industrial theme without the hassle of using real concrete.

The Finn concrete pendant lights come in a choice of mint, slate, blush and ice. The concrete produced pendant lights have been lovingly hand-painted offering further texture to your industrial scheme. The interiors within the lights are left raw and unpainted to add to that chic industrial look.

(www.furnish.co.uk)

(www.cranmorehome.com.au)

3

Wine and dine Loaf’s Conker kitchen table has a tough resin top surface and is lightweight, yet durable.

The complementary Budge benches that accompany the Conker table have been designed by Loaf to reach the same length as the table to accommodate plenty of guests. (www.loaf.com)

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Modern architecture Modish Living’s stylish Hudson Living Ohio Cube coffee table has been influenced by modern architectural design. This table is perfect for those design-led interiors for use around all corners of the home. The Ohio Cube coffee table is produced from faux concrete resin and European oak legs. (www.modishliving.co.uk)

8

Desired Designs

Construct your kitchen If your self-build is underway, it’s time to start thinking about your decor. Let’s start with the kitchen with these must-have pieces.

Image © AGA

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4

What’s cooking?

Cold as ice

Smeg’s Victoria traditional dual fuel 3 cavity cooker has a black enamel finish, perfect for those country-style homes. If you’re looking for a country-esque scheme within your kitchen this ‘Which Best Buy’ cooker is perfect to cook up meals for the family at dinner parties.

Whirpool’s new Supreme NoFrost fridge-freezer, with 6th Sense Live control keys, can be remotely controlled by an app on your smartphone or tablet. This minimal design will look the part in a contemporary setting.

(www.smeguk.com)

(www.whirlpool.co.uk)

2

5

Clean up

Unique units

Whirlpool’s Slimline dishwasher makes life easier for those families who are looking for a compact appliance that won’t take up too much space in their kitchen. The Slimline dishwasher may look small, but has a great deal to offer.

Logic kitchen units, in a high gloss white finish, are produced from corian. The wall units can be underlit to provide task lighting, perfect for those late night midnight snacks. (www.rational.de/en)

(www.whirlpool.co.uk)

3

6

Sleek design

Total control

Cooke and Lewis’ sleek black electric single oven has a modern and minimal look that will complement an ultra-modern kitchen scheme.

This stainless steel, 595mm2 oven has four functions and a double glazed door.

The nerve centre of the AGA Total Control cooker can be accessed directly or programmed via a remote control handset. The 3-oven AGA Total Control enables you to heat only one hotplate or both. You can opt to heat only the roasting oven, the baking oven or the simmering oven – or all three.

(www.diy.com)

(www.agaliving.com)

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

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test Lightweight – 45kgs per m2

High load bearing and impact resistance Timber & stone effects; 40+ finishes available Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use Completely non porous Fire & frost proof Height-adjustable supports from 9mm up to 550mm

www.thedecktileco.co.uk t: 0845 2700 696

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

Underfloor Heating

Right: The Purmo single room underfloor heating ‘Punch Pack’ is designed to provide a complete solution for hydronic underfloor heating installation in rooms with screeded floors Below right: Underfloor heating has a number of benefits when designing your perfect home

Unseen and underfloor – heating that packs a punch Even if you only have a single room that you need to heat, you shouldn’t rule out underfloor heating, especially now that you can buy everything you need in a single comprehensive pack, as Michelle Taylor of Purmo UK explains.

U

nderfloor heating has a number of benefits when designing your perfect home, not least the fact that it never interrupts the line of your design, while providing comfort heating with a touch of luxury.

Now you can buy underfloor heating in handy room-sized packs, making the decision to use underfloor heating to heat a new room such as an extension or a conservatory, even easier.

The new Purmo single room underfloor heating ‘Punch Pack’, part of the Purmo FLOORTEC range, is specially designed to provide a complete solution for hydronic underfloor heating installation in rooms with screeded floors. The packs come in two sizes: one for rooms of up to 20m2 and another for larger rooms of up to 40m2. This makes it much easier to install underfloor heating, with everything you need available at the same time and, just as importantly, designed to work together.

It is important to source all the components of an underfloor heating system from the same

12

manufacturer because, although shopping around for each component to get the lowest price might seem like a good idea for your budget, there is, literally, no guarantee that all the parts will fit and work together well. In the single room Punch Pack, however, you do get a guarantee for your system, because Purmo has sourced all the components for you, having developed them to work reliably together.

Each pack contains the required amount of 16mm multilayer pipe for high-performance and longevity, Purmo’s exclusive and innovative Tackernails for ease of fixing and a FLOORTEC A-rated single zone control unit. Also included is a FLOORTEC touchscreen thermostat 230V with remote sensor and all the fittings and instructions needed to complete the single room installation.

By providing everything in one pack, we can offer the reassurance that installation will be straightforward and that all the products are tailor-made to work together. This makes ordering simpler and ensures that everything

you need is available at the same time. The single room Punch Pack is perfect for an installer’s first foray into installing underfloor heating, so for many professionals this could offer the chance to increase their skills. As a homeowner, this means that you still get to work with an installer that you know and trust, even if they are relatively new to underfloor heating.

The single room Purmo Punch Packs are also highly cost-effective at just £639 +VAT for the PUNCH PACK20 and £799 +VAT for the PUNCH PACK40. All Punch Packs are covered by Purmo’s excellent product guarantees and installers can also benefit from Purmo’s technical support service for design and specification advice.

www.purmo.co.uk uk@purmo.co.uk 0845 070 1090

SketchUp 2016 is here!

Connected, refreshed and best of all....still SketchUp.

SketchUp, Connected Reference, sync, comment, report, and share: SketchUp 2016 is more connected than ever to the projects, information, and people you work with.

Simple, intuitive, just right Every day, we obsess over making SketchUp seamless and efficient. Here’s what our obsession yielded in SketchUp 2016.

• • • •

Enhanced inferencing and tool improvements Customiseable Utility Trays on Windows Refreshed Textures LayOut Layers

SketchUp Pro licensing is now friendlier than ever before. Every SketchUp 2016 download starts with a 30-day trial of Pro features.

Contact Elmtec, Sketchup’s distribution Partner in the UK

E: sales@elmtec.co.uk

T: 01844 263750

W: www.elmtec.co.uk

Sub-brow Viewpoint Eyebrow

5 steps to make your dream home a reality Many of us dream of building our own home, from designing the perfect living space, to hunting for those all-important finishing touches, but most of us think this will always be a dream, rather than becoming a reality.

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ecent statistics show that over seven million UK adults would like to build their own home but many don’t know where to start. With this in mind, the design experts at Welsh Oak Frame have put together the five key steps to make your dream a reality.

1

Find your perfect plot

It may sound obvious, but finding and purchasing the plot of land you intend to build on before designing your home is a must.

While you may have a set idea of the style you’d like, the individual site will often dictate certain elements of the build. Subscribing to a specialist agency such as Plotfinder.net can be a great starting point, as you can search for available plots in your chosen area, providing a helpful guide on pricing and land availability.

It’s also worth letting local residents know that you’re looking to join their community so they can help to keep an eye out as and when plots become available.

It is also worth bearing in mind that you can always buy an existing house, to knock it down and rebuild. This can be a great way to make use of a site where the current building does not meet your needs and it can also prove to be very cost-effective.

Finally, when selecting your dream plot it also pays to bear in mind planning permission and legal considerations for the design and structure you want to build, as this may influence your purchasing decision.

Viewpoint

2

Do the sums

Once you’ve found your dream plot make sure you’ve done your sums and know exactly how you will fund your project. Dedicated self-build mortgage products are now widely available through brokers such as BuildStore. These work on a stage payment basis, so funds are released at key points throughout your project. It’s also a good idea to set a contingency budget of at least 10% in case of any unexpected costs during the project. If you are selling your existing home to help finance your self-build, make sure you know where you are going to live while your project progresses and set yourself realistic timescales.

It’s worth knowing that construction can also be much quicker with oak frames in comparison to other building methods. Welsh Oak Frame’s timber structures can be raised within a few weeks, rather than months, as the frame is constructed very accurately, which means it can be erected quickly and easily, which helps to speed up the building process and cuts costs.

3

Find a designer

Unless you happen to be highly skilled and extremely confident in dealing with planners and grappling with building regulations, it is likely that you will need to call in a professional to help bring your self-build dream to life. When considering designers, be sure to choose someone who understands your requirements, is able to work with you to create a home that fulfills all your requirements and fits within your budget. At Welsh Oak our expert in-house team will tailor precisely the right solution to your project’s requirements, taking care of planning applications, building regulations and structural calculations.

4

Get the essentials sorted

Before you progress with your project, it’s crucial to make certain you have the appropriate consents to build, including planning permission, building control approval and any special permissions, such as conservation area consent. As well as the aesthetic design of your house, make sure you also take into account how you want it to function.

For many people, making sure the property is as low-maintenance as possible is very important. The thermal efficiency and air tightness of the house will play a big part in the design of the property.

Many oak frames are used in conjunction with other materials such as SIPs, brick and block, glass and even softwood (which is not on show), to help increase light and reduce costs. External finishes can also be a combination of infill panel insulation and external cladding to ensure the thermal efficiency and air tightness of the property.

Top left: Welsh Oak Frame’s timber structures can be raised within a few weeks, rather than months Left: When building work is complete it’s time to think about the interiors, adding those allimportant finishing touches to your project Above: Many oak frames are used in conjunction with other materials such as SIPs, brick and block, glass and even softwood, to help increase light and reduce costs

When building work is complete it’s time to think about the interiors, adding those all-important finishing touches to your project.

5

The final details

Just before you sit back and admire your dream home there are a few practicalities to consider. These include obtaining the completion certificate from building control, ensuring any small issues are dealt with as part of the ‘snagging’ process and making that all-important VAT reclaim.

www.welshoakframe.com

15

Contracts & Legalities

Semi-detached, mews and terraced properties are at the biggest risk of this kind of claim

Covering third party property damage Andrew Reardon, Senior Selfbuild Account Handler at self-build insurance policy expert ProAktive Selfbuild, discusses when and why you might want to consider non-negligence cover.

O

f late we have seen a few properties collapsing that have been undergoing refurbishment, particularly in the London area. These collapses have caused catastrophic damage to the property under renovation, resulting in a total loss, but have also undermined the integrity of neighbouring properties. Semi-detached, mews and terraced properties are at the biggest risk of this kind of claim.

Most standard household policies will exclude structural work to your property so you will require self-build insurance to cover the property under renovation. If you are undertaking the work yourself you should have cover within the self-build policy to cover damage to your own home and any third party property damage. Subsequently, if you are bringing in a contractor to undertake the work they should have an insurance policy in place to cover any damage they might cause.

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It isn’t always the case that there is blame to lay at the architect's or builder's door however. Sometimes damage can be caused to neighbouring property despite taking all precautions.

Often some very important elements of insurance are forgotten or maybe you just weren’t aware of their existence. JCT clause 6.5.1, or 21.2.1 as it was formally known, is probably one of those.

Clause 6.5.1 is in a nutshell non-negligence cover. For example you are building an extension to a semi-detached house. You are employing a main contractor to carry out the work, they are experienced individuals so you have no concern about them completing the work satisfactorily. They dig out the foundations and pour the concrete as per the plans. Then a knock comes at the door. Your neighbour has noticed some cracking has started to appear in their kitchen which adjoins your new extension. Your

contractor has taken all the precautions they can, and has followed the plans and you have done the same, but that damage has still been caused.

Now you might think there is no claim to answer. What about your poor neighbour? It’s going to be expensive to sort that cracking.

Unfortunately the bill is going to land on your doorstep as it has been caused by the work that has been carried out at your premises.

Clause 6.5.1 as I referred to earlier is nonnegligence cover. It is designed to cover those grey areas where everyone has done things correctly from plans to execution, but damage still occurs.

By no means am I suggesting this is suitable for all builds, but if your build requires a party wall agreement you are probably close enough to your neighbour to really look into some additional cover.

Should you take out this cover or not, we would always recommend getting together a schedule of condition for the surrounding properties and the property being worked upon. Photos are always useful to stop neighbours from making claims for already existing damage. The insurer will often ask for this as a condition of the policy as well.

ProAktive is a specialist in providing self-build insurance, along with JCT 6.5.1 cover, so if you have any queries or would like a quotation don’t hesitate to get in touch.

www.selfbuildonline.co.uk

WALLS | FLOORS | CEILINGS | VANITIES Tile Range

Classic Range

Glow Wall

Plus Range

Photo Wall

From fully customisable Photo Wall panels to waterproof lighting systems, flooring and an extensive range of decorative finishes we have everything you need to create your dream, waterproof space.

Explore our complete range of products at www.multipanel.co.uk

Sub-browSanctuary Urban Eyebrow

Rooted in history To fulfil his long-held ambition of designing and building his own home, Heinz Richardson, an Architect at Jestico + Whiles, set about building House 19, an architecturally stunning and sustainable building, which has most recently been recognised by RIBA for the South Award.

L

ocated at the end of a lane that runs north from the High Street in the conservation area of Old Amersham, House 19 fuses traditional forms and local materials in an elegant and modern way to make full use of the natural aspect and orientation of the site.

The development of a simple plan and section delivered a house of exceptional quality, whilst at the same time bringing together the most comprehensive range of passive and active energy-saving features in a

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well-considered, thoughtful assembly of lightfilled spaces, suited to 21st century living.

Timeless beauty Acting as the Architect, the Client and Project Manager, Heinz had a very clear vision of how he wanted his home to look and function.

“As part of the planning process,” explains Heinz, “my wife and I each identified 10 ideas that were to be incorporated into the house.

However, the main brief was to design and build a home that was sustainable, timeless

and delightful to be in.”

It was also important from the outset that the house was constructed using locally sourced materials and those which required very little or no maintenance. He describes: “Sourcing materials locally was an aspiration as well as choosing robust, low-maintenance materials for all major components.”

In terms of materials, the house is firmly rooted in the history of the area through the use of delicately dark stained vertical board cedar cladding, snapped-and-knapped luminescent

Urban Sanctuary

Product insight:

Terano by Urban Front A horizontally grooved door with a slim vision panel on either hinge or handle side. Also available in vertical boarding.

Structural types: e80 hinged, e80 pivot, side hung Finishes: Iroko, western red cedar, European oak, American black walnut, fumed oak, RAL colours Glass: Clear, sandblasted, pattern etched, letter or number etched

Passive principles

flint (used for cladding and to create external walls), dark zinc roofing and accents of carefully placed corten steel. As a result, the building adopts a commanding yet respectful presence in the context of the lane and also makes a contribution to the wider community with the inclusion of a clock on the rendered chimney, to the benefit of both the players and public using the adjoining cricket ground and open space.

The architect’s expertise in, and passion for sustainable design, is evident in a combination of practical, robust, simple and deliverable design features that form the bedrock of the design approach.

Above: The house features delicately dark stained vertical board cedar cladding, snappedand-knapped luminescent flint (used for cladding and to create external walls), dark zinc roofing and accents of carefully placed corten steel

The house was designed and constructed utilising principles of passive solar design and high thermal mass, tested airtightness and insulation levels in excess of Building Regulation requirements.

These begin with passive measures and a building form that orientates the long axis of the house in an east-west direction, thereby enabling both beneficial heat gain in winter and the exclusion of solar radiation in summer, through the judicious use of a cantilevered roof overhang above the ground floor, south-facing glass facade.

A dramatic double-height space at the heart of the plan, coupled with opening vents in the long upper level dormer window, provides opportunity for passive stack natural cooling in summer months.

Renewable systems were a key part of the specification. Heinz elaborates: “To create a sustainable, efficient build we opted to install a ground source heat pump, photovoltaic panels, earth tube ventilation system, rainwater harvesting and sustainable urban drainage. Being already familiar with these systems, I knew I could trust the quality and effectiveness of these products.”

PV panels contribute to energy generation and the whole house is heated through a ground source heat pump, which provides underfloor heating and hot water.

Other environmental features include airtight thermally heavyweight construction and triple glazed windows (in excess of current Building Regulation U-values) and an earth tube ventilation system that ensures running costs are minimised and internal conditions are as comfortable as can be. Rainwater is harvested for toilet flushing, clothes washing and garden watering and appliances have been selected for the highest rated energy efficiency available. A wild meadow garden and living roof to the single-storey garden room enhance the strong ecological value of the site.

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Urban Sanctuary

House 19 is an exemplar of harmonious and sustainable contemporary design in the context of an ancient historic town. The location was an important factor for Heinz, as he explains: “It was vital that the property was in close proximity to the ancient town – I grew up there so I had a strong connection to the area and community.”

Expansive views The house captures stunning and long-ranging views over the surrounding Chiltern Hills from all the upper rooms and circulation spaces and modulates daylight and sunlight in the internal areas to dramatic effect.

To enhance the light within the property and create a consistent frontage, the door chosen was a Terano E80 in an oak stained,

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Top: The interior of the home is contemporary with the main living area as the focus of the home Left: Windows are carefully positioned to frame views to the old town Above: The house captures stunning and long-ranging views over the surrounding Chiltern Hills Above right: The result is a tranquil and calm internal atmosphere Right: Heinz had a very clear vision of how he wanted his home to look and function

Sub-browSanctuary Eyebrow Urban very particular black/grey. The mixture of stainless steel and corten accessories work together to make this door look quite special.

Windows are carefully positioned to frame views to the old town and provide more expansive views to the south. The result is a tranquil and calm internal atmosphere that changes throughout the day and the seasons of the year.

The interior of the home is contemporary, with the main living area as the focus of the home. It is visually connected with the exterior garden space allowing the inside and the outside to read as one space. Heinz comments: “Views to the surrounding landscape are carefully considered, maximising the unique aspect of the site.

We’ve positioned the windows to frame views to the old town and provide more expansive views to the south.”

The garden responds to the design, context and creates a sense of place. Heinz explains further: “The exterior landscaping is seen as an integral part of the house and its setting and follows the same principles as the design of the house. Formal and informal landscape treatment augments the design.

“We selected our plants by using a talented garden designer who provided design advice and help with sourcing suitable plants.

However, we were conscious that we didn’t want to spend too much time maintaining the landscape, therefore hard landscaping was

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Urban Sanctuary Above: The garden responds to the design, context and creates a sense of place Below: It was important from the outset that the house was constructed using locally sourced materials Below right: The finished result has received an overwhelming response from the local community

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carefully considered and incorporated as part of the build to minimise long-term maintenance.”

Final thoughts All in all, the project took 18 months to complete, but the biggest challenge in the process was achieving planning permission. Initially the application was refused, but permission was granted following a written appeal.

Despite the initial setback, the finished result has received an overwhelming response from the local community. Heinz explains: “The reaction of the local

community has been positive. A key feature of the house includes a clock on the rendered chimney to the benefit of both the players and public using the adjoining cricket ground and open space.

“We’re really pleased with the outcome,” continues Heinz. “It is everthing we had hoped for and more.

Our favourite aspect is the way our design aspirations have been translated into reality. But also, the calm atmosphere in the interior spaces.”

www.jesticowhiles.com www.urbanfront.com/en_GB

www.firmanglass.com

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Glass Bending Excellence

Toughened Glass Bends Firman Glass new toughening plant includes two bending chambers which work alongside the standard flat bed.

Toughened Glass Bends

The smaller chamber will bend glass from 5mm to 12mm thick to a maximum size of 2850mm x 1000mm bent and Firman Glass new toughening plant includes two bending with the following minimum radii. chambers which work alongside the standard flat bed.

5mm, 6mm = 450mm The8mm, smaller chamber will bend glass from 5mm to 12mm 10mm = 1000mm thick to a maximum 12mm = 1200mm size of 2850mm x 1000mm bent and

withThe thelarge following minimum radii. chamber will bend glass from 6mm to 19mm 5mm, 6mm = 450mm thick to a maximum size of 2850mm x 3600mm bent and 8mm, = 1000mm with10mm the following minimum radii.

12mm = 1200mm 6mm = 1500mm

Working in conjunction with the flat toughening facility to a maximum flat size of 2850mm wide x 5000mm long. Firman Glass can now offer the Architect, Designer and Contractor a complete service for multiple Working the flatshower toughening facility uses suchinasconjunction balustrades,with partitions, screens, revolving door enclosures, height barriers, partitions to a maximum flat size of full 2850mm wide x 5000mm and long.shopfronts.

Firman Glass can now offer the Architect,

= 1800mm The8mm, large 10mm chamber will bend glass from 6mm to 19mm Designer andcan Contractor a complete forand multiple Curved Glass be processed as withservice flat glass 12mm, 15mm = 2000mm thick to a maximum size of 2850mm x 3600mm bent and can decorated by sandblasting and back painting. usesbesuch as balustrades, partitions, shower screens, 19mm = 2500mm with the following minimum radii. revolving door enclosures, full height barriers, partitions 6mm 1500mm To= find out more visit www.firmanglass.com and shopfronts.

8mm, 10mmGlass,19 = 1800mm Firman Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Curved Glass can be processed as with flat glass and 12mm, 15mm = 2000mm Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com can be decorated by sandblasting and back painting.

19mm = 2500mm

To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH

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Rural Retreat

Closer to nature When Landscape Gardener Peter Child bought a plot of land on the very edge of the ancient Ashdown Forest, his vision was to take inspiration from the land and work with local resources to create a genuine organic country hideaway.

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man of the earth, Peter had always dreamt of building his own home, so when he stumbled upon a large farm property on the edge of the Sussex national park, he knew this was the place for him and his family. “This is an ancient piece of

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land with greatly diverse flora and I dedicate a lot of my time to protecting this natural habitat.”

There was a handful of unsightly, derelict farm buildings on the land and Peter’s vision was to replace those with a home that would fit

into its natural surroundings. “I wanted to create something that would fit into the environment.

Something natural and timeless. I also wanted to work with local materials and people, because I really believe in keeping things close to home.”

Planning restrictions He approached a local oak framing company Oakmasters and asked them to design his home and help him obtain planning permission.

“Originally, I wanted a traditional looking oak framed home with Tudor style cladding, but then we decided that a barn would be more appropriate for the setting. We are on the very edge of a national park here, so planning was always going to be challenging. We were restricted by the size of the footprint of the new build as well as its height and positioning, which were dictated by the existing farm buildings.

“The design process was exciting, because it was really hands on. I loved the fact the designer had a great vision, genuinely listened to what was important to us as a family and translated it onto little details throughout the house.”

Due to his love of the outdoors, one of Peter’s priorities was to have an open-plan kitchen and hall, which could get a little dirty. He then wanted a separate ’cleaner’ living area. He had an eye for quirky details, such as a ‘hidden’ staircase or a ‘rest area’ on the landing. Finally, in February 2013,

Rural Retreat after a year of going through the planning process and a number of design iterations, planning was granted and he could set out to build his 270m2 barn.

Oakmasters recommended a local building contractor Williams Builders, which undertook all aspects of building work apart from the oak frame itself. Once the foundations had been laid, the oak frame – which was pre-manufactured off site – was delivered as a kit and assembled on site by Oakmasters’ team. The oak frame structure was then wrapped, insulated and sealed, the roof laid and the outside clad with oak in a traditional barn style.

All the services were placed in the void between the oak frame and the external envelope.

Solar Advance, a local company from Edenbridge, installed solar panels on the roof and an air source heat pump, which provides the house with renewable energy.

Top left: Peter wanted to create something that would fit into the environment Far left: Peter wanted as much natural materials and as much locally sourced components as he could get Above left: Peter’s brother, Simon Child, who is a Joiner, got stuck in with all the joinery Above: Solar Advance, a local company from Edenbridge, installed solar panels on the roof and an air source heat pump

Peter’s brother, Simon Child, who is a Joiner, got stuck in with all the joinery starting with doors and windows and finishing with handmade oak kitchen furniture.

When sourcing materials, Peter was guided by a simple set of principles: “I believe in uncomplicated design, where less is more. I’d rather invest in a fewer pieces of exceptional quality, rather than surround myself with a lot of temporary stuff. I wanted as much natural materials and as much locally sourced components as I could get. Whilst I didn’t want to put in luxuries, I didn’t want to skimp either. For example, there is about £20,000 worth of locally sourced sandstone on the walls, but I didn’t feel I needed fibre optic cables or similar. I chose coloured clay render – a more expensive option, because I didn’t want to worry about chipping the walls and having to repaint them every couple of years.”

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Rural Retreat 26

Getting stuck in Peter was actively involved throughout the build process: “I was here to make sure everything ticked along smoothly. I kept the site clear, booked lorries, made tea and was here to answer questions. Every morning, I’d have a little confab with everyone on site together, so that we were all clear on what we were doing. You can waste an awful lot of time by waiting for the right tools or materials, or clearing the part of the site you are meant to be working on. As a result, the project went very smoothly and we moved in after just 10 months. I also managed to stay within budget and built the house for £380,000. I’m yet to claim back the VAT.” The two-storey barn provides ample space for the family of three. The ground floor comprises a split level, open-plan hall and kitchen diner. A separate living room goes off the other side of the hall and features a double-sided fireplace connecting the space back to the hall. The kitchen opens out onto the back of the house and overlooks the stables and the field. The quirky hidden staircase clad in cedar wood panelling leads up from the hall and opens out onto a large landing with a ‘resting area’, which is somehow reminiscent of a small stage.

“You make it into what you want. You can put cushions on it and read a book, or keep your

Sub-brow RuralEyebrow Retreat most prized possessions on display.” There is a large family bathroom clad in cedar, three bedrooms (one with an en-suite bathroom) and a master suite with its own bathroom and walkin wardrobe.

Complementary materials The structural oak frame is visible throughout the inside of the house and is perfectly complemented by coloured clay render in subtle natural shades. It is a lovely combination of colours and materials, giving the house a real organic feel. Some internal walls as well as floors that require to be more hard-wearing are clad with a local grey sandstone. Living areas have hardwood flooring and upstairs bathrooms are all clad with cedar wood, which, according to Peter, required hardly any maintenance. The master suite and the other en-suite bedroom feature another quirky design detail: floating trusses. The bedrooms appear to have vaulted ceilings, but the trusses are only part the width of the building. “The wrap around window in the master bedroom has to be my favourite part of the house. The view is so breathtaking; we didn’t even want curtains.”

Above left: The structural oak frame is visible throughout the inside of the house Left: A separate living room goes off the other side of the hall and features a double-sided fireplace Above: Due to his love of the outdoors, one of Peter’s priorities was to have an open-plan kitchen and hall, which could get a little dirty Right: The quirky hidden staircase clad in cedar wood panelling leads up from the hall

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Rural Retreat

Above: The oak frame is perfectly complemented by coloured clay render in subtle natural shades Left: The bedrooms appear to have vaulted ceilings, but the trusses are only part the width of the building

Landscape vision The family are very happy in their new home. They decided to add another outbuilding next to the house, which is still in progress. Peter is too busy landscaping other people’s gardens, but he gave us his vision for the outside areas of the house. “I want to keep it simple and uncomplicated. I have already installed a living gate with plants growing out of stone columns. There is also a lovely gate house and I want the fence to be quite low key. I don’t want it to say: don’t come here, I’d like it to be inviting. I will plant lavender and some other small plants around the house, because tall plants allow mice to climb up the walls. And the rest of the outside will be simple and open. There is a lot of wild chamomile, which I’d like to mix with the grass. It is hard-wearing and gives off a lovely smell. Then I’ll just pop in the odd paving stone to step on.”

When asked whether he would do it again, Peter said: “Definitely. I loved the process and I’m so happy with the result. If I did it again, I would probably go a little further with my quirky details. Not think about the property’s re-sell potential, but build it just as I like it.” His advice to self-builders is to use local resources and to communicate with everyone. “Start with the neighbours, get them on board with your project, then continue with the planners to iron out all misunderstandings and finally with the builders, to make sure everything goes smoothly and no money or time is wasted.”

www.oakmasters.co.uk

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“ From finding

a roofing contractor to the latest technical advice, NFRC has it covered.

”

info@nfrc.co.uk | www.nfrc.co.uk | @TheNFRC

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Heating

Left: The efficiency of a UFH/heat pump system can be further enhanced if electricity is generated locally Below: A low-energy heating system combining a heat pump and ‘wet’ UFH is almost impossible to beat for efficiency, comfort and value

Feel the heat Steve Rooney, Sales Director at Gaia Climate Solutions, explains why we are warming to the idea of heat pumps.

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decade ago, most people wouldn’t have had a clue what a heat pump was or what it could be used for. However, today, with fuel prices soaring and the Government subsidising renewable energy schemes, things have changed.

Now it’s not only building services engineers who wax lyrical about heat pumps but also designers, developers and even homeowners. With the Renewable Heat Incentive, building occupiers

can see massive benefits in being subsidised to produce low-cost ‘green’ heat.

For the non-technical enthusiast, heat pumps seem almost too good to be true. You take the background temperature of the air or the ground and ‘amplify’ it with your heat pump to warm your house. The best analogy for the layman is a fridge, which sucks the heat energy out of the food stored within and radiates it to the environment via the black metal grille at the back.

It’s hard to imagine that there’s any ‘heat’ stored in a litre of milk, let alone the chilly air or soil outside your house. And it is true that the kind of heat pump used for heating buildings will not produce temperatures anywhere near those obtained from your oil or gas-fired central heating boiler.

A domestic heat pump typically generates flow temperatures (the temperature of the water being circulated) of between 35-50°C. This is significantly lower than the flow temperature produced by a domestic gas or oil-fired boiler which is generally in the region of 60-70°C. But when combined with a ‘wet’ (as opposed to electrical) underfloor heating (UFH) system, a heat pump will transfer more of this heat energy to the occupants of the building and do it more efficiently than a traditional heating system.

Because it heats the entire floor, a UFH system does not need to reach the high temperatures of a wall-mounted radiator which has to concentrate the heat in a much smaller area. A further practical advantage of UFH is the fact that it occupies no wall space and is effectively invisible.

10 years ago, most UFH systems were electrical. At the time, this was (and still is) one of the most efficient ways of using electricity for domestic heating. A well-insulated floor slab will act as a highly effective storage heater, requiring only a low-level of heat to maintain a comfortable temperature.

However, for the optimum low-carbon heating option, a ‘wet’ UFH system running off a heat pump wins hands-down. A little electricity is required to operate the pump, but the inherent efficiency of the system means that for every 1kW of power consumed by the system, you extract 3 to 4kW of heat energy from the lowlevel background temperature.

The efficiency of a UFH/heat pump system can be further enhanced if electricity is generated locally, for example, from roof-mounted solar panels – being used to power the pump.

With the price of fossil fuels becoming ever more volatile and Building Regulations clamping down on carbon emissions, a low-energy heating system combining a heat pump and ‘wet’ UFH is almost impossible to beat for efficiency, comfort and value.

www.gaia.co.uk

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www.firmanglass.com

Superior strength, lasting beauty As well as improved strength and stiffness, other benefits of SentryGlas® include: • Safety: In the event of breakage, glass fragments remain firmly bonded to the interlayer, reducing the chance for injury • Security: SentryGlas® can be used in glazing that withstands bullets, hurricane-force winds and even bomb blasts • Durability: SentryGlas® is extremely durable and resistant to clouding, even after years of exposure • Design Versatility: SentryGlas® can be used in glass manufactured flat or curved, including annealed, toughened, heat-strengthened, spandrel, wired, patterned and colour tinted glass • UV control: SentryGlas® is available with or without UV transmittance

The SentryGlas® interlayer is five times stronger and up to 100 times stiffer than conventional laminating materials. With this kind of strength the glass can be a more active structural element in the building envelope, opening up design possibilities that didn’t exist before. Besides its strength, SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayer retains its clarity – even after years of service. Unlike other interlayers, SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayer is much less vulnerable to moisture exposure or yellowing over time.

Limitless possibilities Some of the many SentryGlas® interlayer applications include: Minimally supported and open-edged railings, facades and canopies Structural glass flooring, stairs, walkways and pedestrian bridges Hurricane resistant windows, doors and skylights Bomb blast resistant windows, doors and facades SentryGlas® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates for its brand of interlayers. It is used under exclusive license by Kuraray and its sub-licensees. For more information please visit www.sentryglas.com.

To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

Conservatories

Start at the finish line

Above: More people aspire to open-plan living that connects to the outdoors

It can often be the case that when planning a self-build project, conservatories, extensions or orangeries are not considered integral parts of the build, but something that can be added on at a later date. However, deferring your conservatory could be costlier, may require additional planning consents, could mean restricted options for further development and will inevitably extend the life of your self-build project.

H

ere, glass and timber structure specialist, Mozolowski & Murray, offers highly qualified advice on aspects to consider when extending your self-

build project.

Deciding on what you want at the very beginning, and broadly sticking to it, will greatly reduce the risk of overrunning and overspending. It is just as important when considering a conservatory, orangery or extension to decide how this space will be used, size allocation, whether it should blend into the proposed style of build or become a design statement and where the best position on the proposed property will be in terms of light, space, view and relationship with the rest of the house.

It is advised that you involve your supplier as early in the self-build process as possible. If you are not using an integrated service, then there may

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be additional planning and project management aspects to consider from the outset.

Design and purpose It is more often than not the case that your design will reflect your existing style of home.

The beauty of a self-build project is that you can look at your home more objectively and decide if you want to use additional space to reflect something that is the same as the main style of house or add something completely different. A modern build, for example, could look stunning with a period feature orangery, as could a period style build with a more contemporary style glass and timber conservatory or extension.

Mozolowski & Murray has an in-house team of designers and draftsman who use state-of-theart technology to create 3D images of your plans, bringing your vision to life. This is something that

should always be offered to you as part of any design service, as without this you won’t get a true sense of what your extension will look like.

Early consideration should be given to purpose.

What do you want your space to achieve and what is its relationship with the rest of your home and garden?

With a self-build you already have the advantage of determining how each space is used, therefore, with a conservatory, extension or orangery you can decide how this space fits into what you want to achieve overall. As more people aspire to open-plan living that connects to the outdoors, glass extensions are becoming impressive light spaces for living, kitchen and dinning rooms that open right out into the garden, for an all year round inspirational living and dining experience. Other popular uses are home offices, light luxurious living rooms with a view or a family space to relax and enjoy.

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Conservatories What is consistent amongst most clients is the desire for more light, creating a seamless connection from home to garden and achieving a lifestyle enhancing space that complements the existing style of home. Having a pitched roof conservatory to match the existing house roof design, for example, is a popular request resulting in an impressive symmetry of design and space.

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The popularity of more solid roof structures incorporated with glazed sections has also emerged over the past few years and the individuality of these designs is proving to be an attractive alternative to the traditional conservatory roof.

Materials Not only should the materials you use be considered from an aesthetics viewpoint, but

also in terms of the location of your home, weather exposure, durability, maintenance and planning consent.

Mozolowski & Murray designs its products for the Scottish climate, so coated glazing is used to ensure the space is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The same applies to the insulation it uses in achieving highly insulated extensions which can be used comfortably all year round.

An increasingly popular choice of material is cedar. A natural wood that is durable, looks stunning and can be coloured to suit, is now featured on many extensions and garden suites, adding a real wow factor to homes and gardens across the UK. The colour of timber finishes, types of floor finishes, glazing and internal design features such as stone walls, unique lighting designs, cornicing and added extras like remote control windows, blinds and built-in surround sound, are all options that should be highlighted at the start so you end up with truly seamless results.

Choosing a subtle neutral colour internally will allow your eye to capture the view beyond, as it lessens visual distraction. Whereas, a dark or natural timber finish will direct the eye towards the frames in the first instance and then onto the surroundings. If you wish to achieve both, then dual colour will be the ideal choice for you.

This means you can have your preferred colour on the internal frame and a different colour to suit externally, creating the perfect balance.

Conservatories Planning and process In many cases planning permission is required as is a building warrant, so it is important to factor in time for this in your plans. If you choose the right conservatory company, then they should take care of the details for you. It is worth noting, however, that it can take between six and 12 weeks for permission to be granted.

If you are concerned about how to calculate the costs of a conservatory or extension for a self-build, then don’t be. A quote can be issued off plans so you can forecast the cost. If using a company with an integrated service, you get a full cost upfront so you know what your fixed spend will be before the project begins. It is also worth noting that if you add a conservatory onto your self-build and it is complete ahead of your habitation certificate being issued, you can save the VAT at 20%.

A quality conservatory or extension that adds character and depth to your self-build design will instantly add value to your home. Not just in financial terms, but in lifestyle choices. While a big decision, if done to a high standard, it will be a lifetime investment.

Above left: An increasingly popular choice of material is cedar, a natural wood that is durable, looks stunning and can be coloured to suit Far left: The beauty of a selfbuild is that you can look at your home more objectively and decide if you want to use additional space to reflect something that is the same as the main style of house Above: It is just as important when considering a conservatory, orangery or extension to decide how this space will be used Right: What is consistent amongst most clients is the desire for more light

www.mozmurray.co.uk

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Insulation

Isover Spacesaver loft insulation roll 2

What is it? High-quality, glass mineral wool insulation roll (available in four sizes), manufactured from up to 86% recycled glass that would otherwise go to landfill.

What are the key benefits? Lightweight and easy to handle, cut and install, it is one of the most environmentally-sustainable insulation products on the market today.

What are the main applications? Cold roof and loft floors in new build and renovation projects.

Knauf Earthwool combi-cut loft insulation 3

Your definitive guide to insulation Stocking over a thousand insulation products from leading brands, Insulation Superstore, a brand of Construction Materials Online, highlights the top 10 insulation products available.

I

nsulation is the most practical and costeffective way to make a new construction or existing home more energy-efficient, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter, saving a considerable amount of money on energy bills and reducing carbon emissions.

Typically, half of a home’s heating and cooling will escape if a home is not properly insulated.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, heat escapes through uninsulated walls (66% heat

loss through solid walls and 33% though cavity walls), the loft/roof space (25% heat loss) and windows and doors (20% heat loss), so it is recommended that any insulation works focus on these areas.

Because one size doesn’t fit all, here is a a range of the best-selling solutions on the market to suit any insulation project, big or small.

TLX Gold Multi-foil roofing insulation 1

What is it? 2-in-1 insulating breather membrane. Vents moisture like a breather membrane, whilst insulating like nonbreathable PIR board.

What are the key benefits? Improves thermal performance of a roof without the risk of condensation or having to adjust the height of the roof.

What are the main applications? Historic buildings, barn conversions, new builds and extensions.

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What is it? Flexible, low-density glass mineral wool quilt roll (available in eight sizes).

What are the key benefits? Lightweight, resilient and non-combustible, it provides thermal, acoustic and fire performance. It represents no known threat to the environment with zero ozone depletion and global warming potential.

What are the main applications?

Pitched roofs at ceiling level and suspended timber floors.

SuperFOIL SF19 Multi-foil insulation 4

What is it? Multi-layer foil insulation – 19 layers of reflective foil with thermo foam separation layers.

What are the key benefits? Offering great value, it reflects unwanted heat from solar gain in summer and enhances insulation in winter. It has air barrier properties and controls air movement for further energy efficiencies.

What are the main applications? Walls and roof structures in new build and renovation, refurbishment and extension projects.

YBS SuperQuilt Multi-layer foil insulation 5

What is it? Flexible, easy-to-fit, multi-foil insulation offering excellent thermal benefits.

What are the key benefits? It reflects heat back into the building in winter, keeps cold out in summer, plus it is an effective solar over heating barrier, which reduces the need for artificial cooling systems, preventing uncomfortable heat build-up in the roof.

Its unique method of stitching reduces cold bridging, strengthening its effectiveness.

What are the main applications? Roofs, walls and floors.

Insulation Celotex High Performance insulation board 6

What is it? Multipurpose insulation board (available in a number of sizes and specifications), developed to provide simple solutions for overcoming localised thermal bridges.

What are the key benefits? Designed to eliminate thermal bridges, these boards are easy to cut and shape and include low emissivity foil facings which improve thermal insulation performance within cavity air spaces.

What are the main applications? Roofs, walls and floor systems.

Thermofloc loose fill cellulose insulation 7

What is it? Loose fill premium cellulose-based insulation manufactured from recycled/unmixed newspaper combined with a mineral fire retardant.

What are the key benefits? Sustainable and costeffective. High thermal performance and also helps with sound reduction.

What are the main applications? Horizontal surfaces, such as lofts or floors.

What are the key benefits? Safe, efficient and durable plant-fibre alternative. Not irritating to the skin, eyes or respiratory tract. Can provide good acoustic insulation in a variety of systems.

What are the main applications? Lofts and warm roofs, timer frame and solid walls, suspended ground floor and between floors.

External wall insulation K5 Kooltherm by Kingspan 10

What is it? Premium performance external insulation for masonry walls with a fibre-free rigid thermoset phenolic core.

What are the key benefits? Easy to handle and install. Suitable for use behind traditional and lightweight polymer modified renders and dry cladding systems.

What are the main applications?

Masonry walls.

www.insulationsuperstore.co.uk

Top left: Sheep's wool insulation Thermafleece NatraHemp is a safe, efficient and durable plant-fibre alternative Bottom left: SuperFOIL SF19 Multi-foil insulation offers great value and reflects unwanted heat from solar in gain in the summer Above: YBS SuperQuilt Multilayer foil insulation reflects heat back into the building in the winter and keeps the cold out in the summer Below: Isover Spacesaver loft insulation roll

Recticel Eurothane GP PIR rigid insulation board 8

What is it? A premium PIR insulation with excellent thermal performance.

What are the key benefits? Will not degrade or deteriorate due to moisture, so maintains its thermal performance and is a good choice for underfloor heating insulation.

What are the main applications? Pitched roofs, framed walls and floors. It is also compatible with underfloor heating systems.

Sheep’s wool insulation Thermafleece NatraHemp 9

What is it? Fast-growing, low-impact plant crop which produces fine fibres suitable for insulation.

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Interior Decor

The psychology of colour Distinctive Chesterfields, a handmade furniture manufacturer from West Yorkshire, understands the importance of colour in the house so has created a guide to what the different hues can symbolise to help you to get the right balance and create the environment you’re looking for in a home.

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olour is around us everywhere we go, it affects many decisions in our day-to-day life, so it’s only natural that it will affect your mood too.

Choosing the right colour for the rooms of your home is very important to ensure you find something that keeps you in the right frame of mind, sets the scene perfectly for a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your guests and coordinates perfectly with the existing pieces you own.

Blue Blue is considered peaceful and serene as it is associated with calm waters and relaxation. Sky blues and pastel shades are recommended for bedrooms to encourage restful sleep, whereas more vibrant hues such as cerulean or turquoise are ideal for bathrooms to draw parallels with the ocean. Blues in all shades are purifying and a deeper shade will help to cut through clutter in your home and life.

Darker blues including navy are trickier as they can invoke sadness. They can however bring masculinity and solidity to an otherwise airy room. Use these as a sophisticated accent colour by choosing pieces of furniture or an accent wall in darker blue shades contrasted with crisp whites.

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Interior Decor

Green Green is a fresh and earthy colour, symbolising nurture, new starts and health. Rooms that open up onto outdoor spaces or have a lot of natural life will benefit from an energising yellow toned hue of green, but it is a popular colour for living areas and kitchens in all shades: sages and mints will keep a room cool and harmonious.

Green is also a big symbol of wealth with fresh starts and prolific growth that encourages you to take action; it is rejuvenating and encourages emotional wellbeing. It is also believed to encourage fertility, so add a few green accents to the bedroom if you’re so inclined!

Neutrals Grey is the new neutral that can be chosen in warm or cool undertones to suit your mood. It is considered an elegant colour choice that represents stability.

Black is heavy, but used sparingly as an accent can add grandeur and luxury. It’s sleek and mysterious, yet sophisticated and chic.

White represents purity and simplicity and can look sleek and modern, but if used to excess can appear cold and clinical.

Neutrals are ideal to use in the home as they can be mixed and matched together and with any other shades to create a contemporary look.

Purple Lavender and lilac are romantic and feminine, perfect for a warm and relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.

Many experience the paler shades of purple as friendly and compassionate so it’s an ideal colour for rooms that will be used by guests, friends and family alike. It is best suited to English country homes with its reminiscent and quaint qualities.

Richer purple shades such as plum are traditionally powerful and regal but can be overpowering. Use these in combination with lighter shades for cosiness and depth in your colour scheme, bringing elegance and sophistication to areas often frequented such as a living room.

Yellow Yellow is the colour of optimism, happiness and creativity.

It can be a fun colour for children’s bedrooms or play areas, but don’t just confine it to the kids’ rooms. Splash accents of this confident shade around your home with yellow cushions against a neutral grey sofa or accessories in the kitchen. It is said to energise, increase metabolism and enhance mental agility, so it’s also a good choice for a home office or study to maintain focus on work while still remaining playful in decor.

Red Red is often avoided in the home as it can represent anger. As a “stimulant” colour, it also symbolises love and passion though, boosting strength and fearlessness, and is said to encourage appetite – have you ever noticed how many food brands use red in their advertising?

For the home, choose red for a dining room to encourage guests to enjoy your cookery and to inspire interesting conversation, but avoid using too bold a red that could cause a heavy atmosphere and incite arguments.

Top left: Neutrals are ideal to use in the home as they can be mixed and matched together and with any other shades to create a contemporary look

Brown

Bottom left: Richer purple shades such as plum are traditionally powerful and regal

Brown is an earthy colour that is both steadfast and sophisticated. As the natural colour of wood, it suggests stability and nature making an excellent backdrop to a room with all the drama of black but without the heaviness, highlighting classic design elements.

Choose accent walls in paler shades for a rich and warm toned room to relax in, think about the beige and bronze colours often used in luxury and restful spas, or a leather sofa in a rich brown to suggest refinement and sophistication. Medium brown shades can be paired with almost any colour, it’s just a matter of mixing light and dark hues alongside contrasting textures.

Top: Yellow is the colour of optimism, happiness and creativity Above: Blue is considered peaceful and serene as it is associated with calm waters and relaxation

www.distinctivechesterfields.com

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings

How to plan a room scheme using colourful wallpaper

Above: Quiirk’s use of its Sweet Pea paper has been used in an establishment to help the eye focus to the end of a kitchen dining room Below: Smirke’s Façade in Anselm, is strikingly modern and fresh and complements furniture, accessories and flooring

If you’re looking to make a simple and easy transformation to any living space in your self-build, then adding statement wallpaper to your design scheme is a way to do so. It can help zone a large, open-plan space, add a theatrical touch to a neutrally-designed room or can shake up a traditional looking area. Here, Quiirk shares some ideas to show you how versatile it can be.

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hen choosing any wallpaper, order large swatches and pin them to the wall you are thinking of papering, alongside paint cards. Keep them up for a few days, so you can see how the light plays on them during both the daytime and the evening. Sometimes a design that looks stunning in the day, can look uninspiring or just wrong in situ at night. Also, creating a moodboard or swatch of fabrics will help you plan the most effective colour and pattern combinations. You will find that you can coordinate very different patterns by using a linking colour which will enable you to mix large motifs and small-scale designs.

A whimsical, bold print is an elegant, yet daring way to add a point of interest and difference to a

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traditionally decorated room. For example, Quiirk’s squirrel themed wallpaper adds drama, but the muted tones don’t clash with their surroundings.

If you have low ceilings, then we would suggest papering upwards from the dado rail, to prevent the room feeling too busy and crowded.

Playing with colour You can use a colourful wallpaper design to tie an open-plan or large room scheme together or draw the eye to a specific part of the room. For example, Quiirk’s use of its Sweet Pea paper has been used in an establishment to help the eye focus to the end of a kitchen dining room. The colour of the flowers echoes the floor tiles, creating a lovely sweeping design feel. A busy pattern like this also adds dynamism to what would otherwise be a very

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Left: The squirrel themed wallpaper adds drama, but the muted tones don’t clash with their surroundings Below left: You can cool down hot reds with blocks of pink

large, bland room space. If, on the other hand, your room is busy and cluttered, then a simple design in a muted colour will help to soothe the scheme.

Choosing the right colour is crucial for any interior scheme. Colour can be used to make a room appear larger, or smaller and cosier or to give a feeling of warmth or coolness. For instance, keeping flooring dark and walls light helps to create an illusion of more space, or choosing warm, vibrant colours – such as yellow, orange and red – helps to heat up a room and adds intensity.

The rule to remember when choosing vibrant wallpaper, is to use a neutral colour such as white to break up any strong blocks of colour.

It’s also good to rethink rouge. It’s a shade that should never be chosen lightly – but used wisely, it can bring boldness, warmth and an exotic mood to any room. You can cool down hot reds with blocks of pink – as Quiirk has with its Flamingo and Guinea Fowl design – either in the wallpaper design or in the accessories used in the room scheme.

Room schemes For bedrooms, we would recommend wallpapers in cooler, softer shades. They can still have dynamic pattern and design, but blues and gentle pinks are good for bringing a feeling relaxation.

For those seeking an effortless contemporary look, you can’t go wrong with monochrome. A bold black and white wallpaper, such as Quiirk’s Smirke’s Façade in Anselm, is strikingly modern

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and fresh and complements furniture, accessories and flooring in natural wood tones which soften its cool edge.

Green is also a lovely colour for a home – particularly for an office as it is known for its calming and stress reducing effect. Choose a paper with added interest for visual stimulation so that your eyes can focus on something other than a computer screen.

We also recommend that you always scale your ideas. Your room proportions will generally dictate the size of the patterns and prints you should use. For instance, a tiny room with a lot of furniture in it would need a much smaller, more delicately coloured wallpaper. If you wanted to make a big design impact in a small room, then a single, bold statement piece of furniture with a large-scale and bold wallpaper print can also look incredible as it will draw attention away from the room size by creating an illusion of space.

Remember that pattern is an easy way to bring energy into a room and create interest, and mixing patterns on the walls and soft furnishings can really make a room design extraordinary and unique. It doesn’t always need to be bold and bright either. Tone on tone, low contrast hues grouped together can create a subtle and interesting look too. Just always remember to look at your swatches together to ensure that the finished look will be harmonious and not a cluttered mess.

www.quiirk.co.uk

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i-scape

Your outdoor retreat Extend your living space out into the garden with these must-have furniture solutions, perfect for a casual Sunday breakfast or a lively family BBQ.

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nce you’ve completed your selfbuild, you may find al fresco dining to be more of a regular occurrence.

However, in order to entertain and cater for the abundance of guests, family and friends, be sure to allocate a healthy budget to your outdoor furniture.

It’s likely you’ve designed in some sort of patio area or terrace in your new garden, so look into the space you realistically have available. Before you start shopping around, perhaps ask yourself these questions. Will a circular dining table meet my needs better than a rectangle-shaped set?

Can I afford to lose space on bulky arm chairs?

What is the maximum number of guests I am likely to entertain at any one time? Which seating configuration will suit my family best? Will my furniture be permanently located outdoors?

Once you’ve given some thought to these you’ll have a fairly good idea of what to look out for. There are a whole host of products on the market so you’ll be sure to find some high-quality pieces to suit your needs, and importantly, budget. In the meantime, i-build has put together some outdoor living dining sets that are bound to fill you with inspiration.

Nautical flavour Available exclusively at Wyevale Garden Centres is this Chichester 4-seater dining set with cushions. Hand-crafted from gorgeous brushed FSC-certified acacia wood and a unique marine-grade UV resistant rope, this dining set is stylish and comfortable, perfect for summer-long entertaining.

Sit and chill Available from Modish Living, this Round St Mawes Garden Table is manufactured from reclaimed teak. The centre of the tabletop can be lifted to reveal a circular galvanised ice trough which can be filled with ice and chilled drinks.

Tea for two Add some colour to your patio or balcony with this Parisian Bistro set. Crafted from powder coated steel and finished in a striking Dorset Blue colourway. As well as being very stylish, it's practical and can be folded away when not being used. www.graceandgloryhome.co.uk

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i-scape

Look Book: Seating and benches Benches really help to bring your exterior landscape closer to home, and if positioned at the bottom of the garden, it acts as the perfect piece of furniture to let you sit back and admire your new home.

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Durable design Part of luxury Belgian brand Manutti's beautiful collection of garden furniture, the Air Garden Table has a hard-wearing iroko wooden top with a stylish aluminium frame. The Air Garden Table has a gently curving frame in powder coated aluminium which is easy to clean as well as being exceptionally hardwearing. www.gomodern.co.uk

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Whether you’re in search of a contemporary design statement or a more elegant, traditional piece, there are a whole host of products on the market to meet your vision. The unpredictable British weather however does make choosing your seating a bit trickier. Depending on your budget, you could indulge in an item with a higher price point but be sure to check it has been treated with a protective paint or coating. Alternatively, you could opt for a budget piece and embrace its transformation through the elements.

1. Stylish Steel Mesh White bench www.dobbies.com

2. Regal bench

www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com

3. Antibes folding bench www.harleyandlola.co.uk

4. The San Marino Collection www.alexander-rose.co.uk

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i-scape

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Green with envy Fill your garden with these wonderful accessories, perfect for bringing your garden to life all year round.

Accessorising your garden can be a great way to add your personal stamp to a self-build’s external space. From decorative watering cans and bird feeders to deck chairs and plant pots, each accessory you add to your garden will show your individual style, creating an exotic haven for you and your guests to gather in during summer evenings.

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1. Copper splash basin, £40.00, IN-SPACES

2. Green and Blue Birdhouse –

Terracotta, £44.00, Black By Design

3. Puebla outdoor cushion, €49.00, H.O.C.K.

4. Garden Trading beach chair Suffolk Stripe, £45.00, Black By Design

5. Forbury small window design

metal garden mirror, £120.00, The Chandelier & Mirror Company

6. Orla Kiely linear stem

watering can, £34.00, Quince Living

7. Melamine desert plate and cup with Jade Flower print, £4.50-£5.00, Sisters Guild

8. Large tapered wooden planter, £149.95, Lime Lace

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The wonders of a wetroom i-build takes a look at some of the essential design features that will help prolong the look and performance of this luxurious space in the home.

Clear the air Don’t underestimate the importance of getting the ventilation right. As wetrooms are typically much bigger and wetter than the average bathroom setup, it is vital to ensure there is enough ventilation to prevent damp and mould building up.

Don’t leave the choice of ventilation to the last minute. Make it part of the design process so that it doesn’t detract from the overall design aesthetic of the bathroom.

Don’t just buy a standard fan. Many of today’s options have been specifically designed for wetrooms.

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ractical, accessible and ultra-stylish, wetrooms are increasingly finding their way into self-builds and it’s easy to understand why. However, while it may be exciting to choose the finishes and furnishings for this room, it’s essential to consider the basics first.

In order to enjoy your wetroom for years to come, it’s important to get the installation right from the outset. Drainage and ventilation are key elements before you even begin to think about the aesthetic features. Signs of leaks and mould will surely put a damper on your shiny new suite. But specifying and installing these systems correctly will no doubt save you significant costs and replacements later on down the line.

David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman, reaffirms the increased popularity of these luxury

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products: “The market for inclusive designed products such as wetrooms and walk-ins is continuously growing due to the UK demographics and due to this growth much research has gone into inclusive design over the last 10 years and manufacturers have been producing many more inclusive products.

“Wetrooms not only look super stylish, but they are also extremely practical as they make showering easily accessible for the elderly and less able, they provide doorless entry (wide and easy access) and there is no step up into the showering area. A wetroom can be built to fit nearly any dimension and shape of bathroom or en-suite and are now available at all level price points.”

www.roman-showers.com

Do consider a model where the ventilation incorporates a light, allowing you to complete two functions in one appliance.

What’s more, some models come with a choice of cool white light or soft warm light – so you can choose which is best to suit your daily habits.

Do go smaller if you can. Some of today’s compact fan options are just as powerful as their larger counterparts, meaning you can benefit from all the functionality while retaining a neat, discreet finish.

Do consider noise rating. After all no one wants to soak in the bath with a noisy fan in the background. We’d recommend a fan with a noise level no higher than 40db to maintain comfort.

wwww.hib.co.uk

i-nterior

Making the grade p CCL Wetrooms offers some practical guidance on how to prepare your wetroom for an elegant and effective drainage system.

The first step to ensuring your wetroom can drain properly is to create the right gradient. There are a number of ways to do this including buying premade wetroom decks. No matter what method you choose, ensure that your wetroom deck has the proper gradient or you could be left with puddles all over your floor that don’t drain and can lead to moisture issues.

Once the gradient is correct, you need to choose your drain. We recommend a linear screen or linear wall drain.

Make sure you check the flow rate of your fixtures. If your shower has a higher flow rate than your drain, water will backup and pool which can cause serious problems.

Now that you have your drain, it is time to install. Fix the drain to either the floor or floor joists as specified. Make sure you adhere to the fall guide for your drainage pipe.

We recommend 12mm per linear meter. Once the drain is installed, it is time to tank the room.

When tanking, make sure you have the provided cover tape or other covering over the drain. This will prevent foreign objects, adhesives and other material from falling into your new drain. If something does fall down the hole, it could require a huge amount of work or even reinstallation of the drain to fix the problem.

With the tanking done, you need to adjust the height on your drain. Different drains may have different height adjustments but with CCL drainage solutions, you use 1mm spacers to move the grill height up or down. Your goal should be to ensure the grill is flush with the tile. This prevents trip hazards and ensures proper drainage.

www.ccl-wetrooms.co.uk

How to make your wetroom leak-proof Although often utilised for wetroom flooring, concrete screeding is riddled with risk. James Dadd at AKW highlights a cost-effective alternative for creating a leak-proof wetroom.

There’s no room for mistakes when laying screeding – if laid incorrectly it can cause drainage issues, which can make the wetroom a slip hazard. A cost-effective substitute is the installation of a wetroom former: a purpose-designed, underfloor shower tray with a built-in gradient that helps to achieve a leak-proof draining surface.

When choosing a former, there are four key points to consider: Load bearing. A former with a load capacity of up to 25 stone should be adequate for a typical installation. However, some formers have load capacities of up to 40 stone to cater for the user plus a wheelchair or carer and allow for the point load bearing of a shower seat if required.

Drainage. Drains can be square (centrally offset) or linear (located against a wall). Ensure they are approved for wetroom use and that there’s enough depth in the floor to install the drain. Because wetroom formers have a built-in gradient providing the correct drainage, there is no need to establish a slope like you would with other shower floors.

Size. Formers from leading suppliers come in a wide range of sizes and, despite their strength, can be trimmed to size using a regular handsaw to ensure a seamless fit.

Waterproof tanking. This is fitted before adding tiles. The latest tanking kits are quick and easy to apply. Advanced systems are self-adhesive and ready to tile immediately, with no drying time required.

www.akw-ltd.co.uk

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i-build Image © Thatch Advice Centre

Thatch fire safety

Images © Four Counties Thatching

Thatch, known for being cool in summer and warm in winter, has been used as a roofing material for centuries. The Thatch Advice Centre was set up as an online resource to offer free up-to-date advice on ‘all things thatch’ and this has included liaising with fire services, building control, fire testing houses, Historic England, insurers and others in working on understanding and promoting fire safety. Here, Karen Crouch, Founder of The Thatch Advice Centre, offers her advice on fire safety for thatched properties.

Before

Timeless beauty: Christopher Essex of Four Counties Thatching explains how to maintain your thatched roof.

There are regional variations with the type of material used, but whether your roof is water reed (commonly known as Norfolk reed), combed wheat reed or long straw the following maintenance tips apply:

After

Don’t let plants grow into the roof i.e, wisteria, roses, ivy etc and cut back over-hanging tree branches which can rub against the thatch wearing it away. Maintenance will improve the longevity of your roof and improve the appearance. Maintenance usually takes place whilst the roof is re-ridged. Common repairs include bird and vermin damage, while another common repair is removing moss.

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hatch isn’t more likely to catch fire, but gets bad publicity when it does because it is hard to extinguish (as it is designed to shed water).

Recent research and investigations into thatch fires indicate that the major cause is ejected embers with the increased risk from wood burners with lined flues and low chimneys. Most thatch properties are unique, so assess each property, understand the risks and deal with them both for your peace of mind and insurance cover.

Ways to reduce the risk of a fire: Sweep chimneys regularly.

Burn seasoned wood.

Have a smoke alarm on each floor – join us on social media for #TestitTuesday reminders.

Avoid bonfires, barbeques and fireworks in close proximity.

Spark arrestors only work if cleaned very regularly.

Check chimneys for birds’ nests before lighting (especially in spring).

Think about the use of a fire retardant spray e.g. Magma Firestop.

When re-thatching there are fire resisting barriers available to go over the rafters and under the thatch. Be aware of the difference between fire and fire resisting.

The latter is most important as it gives protection from the heat as well as the flames. Think about thatch needing to breathe and be aware of Building Regulations and strict controls on listed buildings.

The Thatch Advice Centre offers free fire safety leaflets and website pages via its website. Be aware, take care and enjoy your thatch.

www.fourcountiesthatching.co.uk

www.thatchadvicecentre.co.uk

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Traditionally trained Master Thatcher, Simon Crouch, talks about thatch from an aesthetic point of view.

With over 30 years’ experience of works in all three thatching materials, water reed, combed wheat reed and long straw, I have seen a great variety of various roof designs from Robbie Burns’ cottage to new build thatch. Some properties are straight front and back, others have windows, valleys or are even F-shaped or circular. Not only does roof design affect the look of a thatched building, but it can also affect the performance and therefore the longevity of a roof. A minimum roof pitch of 45º is recommended for best performance and allowance should always be made by architects for the thickness of thatch, especially between dormer windows.

Valleys wear faster than straight roofs, as do the sides of dormers and under aprons and chimneys. Here, you will often see leadwork to take the brunt of the rainwear.

Ridges can be block (raised above the coat work either straight cut or ornamental/patterned cut) or flush.

Image © S.M.F Crouch

Chimney heights on new builds should be a minimum of 1.8m for Building Regulations and the size of the chimney is also an important consideration for installation of a wood burner, where consultation of a specialist is always recommended.

Not just houses, but cottages and barns are thatched, as it is a very versatile material. I have seen thatched gazebos, summer houses, toilets, Iron Age roundhouse replicas, lych gates and churches, windmills and even a bandstand. Vertical thatch panels have been used on a new building in East Anglia such as the one we did on Grand Designs Live and I recently re-thatched a very interesting set of buildings on the Hobbiton movie set in New Zealand.

Controlling problematic pests Richard Bone, Managing Director of pest control company Des Bone, explains all you need to know about pest control within thatched roofs.

Pests of all descriptions are attracted to thatches. Mice tend to be one of the biggest inhabitants internally – usually field mice, due to location and that they are good climbers on external foliage. I have learnt that if a thatch has seed visible internally, mice have all the feed they could need for an over winter stay.

Rats will also exploit this situation, whilst squirrels and birds will cause a more visible external destruction to thatch. I am normally confronted with vast patches of thatch pulled out due to squirrel access, birds pulling the roof for nesting materials or insects embedded within the thatch. Insects are too numerous to list but on our radar are wasps, hornets and bumblebees, alongside

honeybees, which are not as frequent as they tend to require a cavity. Wasps and hornets build a nest from scratch each year and it then grows to suit their needs.

i-build

Image © Des Bone

Design, materials and unusual thatch

Can you remain in control of your thatch?

Each time I visit a pest-related problem in a thatch, I look at each on its own merit. With bumblebees, I will do my best to leave them alone; they don’t tend to cause destructive measures to thatch. However, birds, squirrels, mice and rats do cause destruction to thatch, but you can remain in control of your thatch.

Most reasons for failure is because there is no wire protection over a thatch or a cheap soft wire is used when originally installed – a poorly maintained thatch is an invitation for an infestation. Rodents chew constantly to keep their incisor teeth down. Poor wire or missing wire will also allow birds to exploit the thatch.

If you are an experienced resident living in a thatched property, constant monitoring of your thatch both externally and internally will help you stay in front of most pests. Also remember there are professionals all over the country that you can call on at any time to help you. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is a body of professional members, trained and certified to advise treatments and deliver solutions. www.desbone.co.uk

It is good advice to get your architect to speak to a thatcher regarding designing a roof to make sure it will work properly. www.thethatcher.co.uk

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Product Guide

To obtain finance for a self-build, banks will want to see a detailed breakdown of projected costs

Key advice for financing your self-build The notion of building one’s own home is one that has increasingly captured our imagination over the past few years and experts say the next 12 months are likely to see record numbers of people choosing this route to live out their domestic dreams. Here, Oliver Grimshaw, Head of UK Sales at Hanse Haus GmbH, advises on how to finance your self-build.

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nsuring there are sufficient funds at hand to finance your self-build at its beginning, middle and end stages is something that can be surprisingly challenging. Get it wrong, and a self-builder can all but dig their own foundations as they anxiously pace the length of their plot on the phone to last minute lenders.

Be budget smart To obtain finance for a self-build, banks will want to see a detailed breakdown of projected costs. This will include everything from design and groundworks, to construction, material specifications, landscaping and each element in between. Having watertight quotes from suppliers is key. The sum of the details will impact whether they will lend funds to the project, and how much.

This is a lengthy process and can often take five to six months. It is important to factor in all living costs in the meantime, as this will be included in the overall budget. According to BuildStore, the amount you can borrow to purchase your plot will

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likely be 75% of its current value. Similarly, for the build costs you can borrow around 75% of the end value. If you already own the land or the property however, you can borrow against the value of this, meaning you can borrow more of the build costs.

Be a mortgage master Mortgages work very differently for self-builds.

Instead of receiving a lump sum at the start, funds are released in stages throughout the build. Each mortgage is individual and is designed to help stagger funds, which not only reduces the risk and secures lenders’ money, but can also help with the strategic budgeting and planning of your build.

There are two main mortgage types: arrears stage mortgage payment and advance stagepayment mortgage. The two are primarily differentiated by whether or not you have savings.

For those who can afford the land and the initial labour costs until the building is watertight, an arrears stage mortgage is preferable. Those that need finances released at the beginning of each stage should opt for an advance stage-payment

Author profile Oliver Grimshaw is the Head of UK Sales for premium German supplier of premanufactured, high-efficiency homes.

Founded back in 1929, Hanse Haus now erects some 400 homes annually Europewide and has been active in the UK since 2006. With over 85 years’ experience in the construction industry and boasting more than 30,000 completed homes, the company is also a certified builder of the remarkable Passivhaus; a home that loses almost no heat through its walls, roof and windows, thanks to extremely high-levels of thermal insulation.

mortgage. Each supplier will have different programmes on offer, so it is best to do your research. You may also be able to switch to a better rate once your build is complete.

Take back the tax This requires diligent and detailed record keeping, but can save significant amounts of money on a self-build.

When your build is finished, almost all the VAT paid along the way can be reclaimed. For example, VAT on services such as plumbing, roofing and most building kit or supplies can be reclaimed, with typical refunds reaching around £10,000. It is important to note, only one claim of the total amount can be made within three months of finishing the project – almost a third of all selfbuilders fail to do this in the allotted time, resulting in them missing out on a refund.

www.hanse-haus.co.uk info@hanse-haus.co.uk 0800 302 9220

Insulating the UK’s hard-to-treat or ‘problem’ domestic dwellings 4.7 million, out of the 19.6 million cavity walled domestic properties in the UK, do not have cavity wall insulation according to the ‘Household Energy Efficiency National Statistics, Detailed Report 2015’, published by the Department of Energy & Climate Change in March 2016.

Most of these are classed as ‘hard-to-treat’ dwellings which simply means that they are difficult to insulate.

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tandard forms of cavity wall insulation may not be possible for a number of reasons. Properties may have irregular or narrow cavities, which restricts the use of injected insulation methods, or defective or corroded wall ties, or may be unsuitable for external wall insulation due to planning restrictions.

The use of injected polyurethane foam can provide the best solution for these properties. The process can be used for walls or sprayed in as roof insulation to effectively insulate most housing. The polyurethane insulant is a two-component liquid system which produces a highly-efficient blanket of insulation with an exceptional thermal conductivity figure.

For cavity wall insulation, injected polyurethane foam provides a superior performing insulant which also helps to bond the inner and outer leaves, providing strength to the building. Air leakage through the cavity can be reduced to zero. Because of the greater thermal performance and reduced air leakage, polyurethane foam outperforms all other forms of cavity fill.

Polyurethane foam is often the most cost-effective solution for uninsulated cavity walled properties. The British Urethane Foam Contractors Association represents professional installers of sprayed and injected polyurethane foam systems. A BUFCA 25-year insurance warranty is available for cavity wall insulation projects.

www.bufca.co.uk 01428 870150 info@bufca.co.uk

Following the successful market launch of the Meisterstücke collection, freestanding bathtubs with fully enamelled panelling, Kaldewei has now added models for corner and wall installation.

The Meisterstück Centro Duo and Meisterstück Conoduo bathtubs are now available in variants with two and three-sided fully enamelled panelling. Kaldewei is thus offering fully enamelled solutions for every installation situation. The new Kaldewei bathtub models with fully enamelled panelling score because of their exceptional ease of installation; the waste fitting of the bathtubs has already been preinstalled by the factory and a base or pedestal is not necessary.

Product Guide

Kaldewei extends Meisterstücke collection

www.kaldewei.com 01480 498053 info-uk@kaldewei.com

Mumford & Wood – sponsors of ‘Renovations’ Mumford & Wood is the proud sponsor of a new RIBA Publishing book by Richard Wilcock – Renovations an Inspirational Design Primer. The book showcases the best domestic refurbishment and renovation projects by some of the most talented architects and designers working in the UK. 32 fully-illustrated case studies, from Georgian and Victorian town houses and villas, to suburban 20th century homes, shows how architects have given them all a new lease of life. Many of the projects are listed or in conservation areas and the schemes demonstrate how the most contemporary design can sit harmoniously alongside historic buildings.

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

Unleash your bohemian side with Osmo Partnered with rustic European oak flooring specialists ESCO, Osmo’s ESCO collection is prefinished with its renowned wood finishing product, Polyx-Oil. Those looking for a smooth rustic floor need to look no further than the Bohemia range.

The combination of ESCO’s rustic wood style and Osmo’s smooth finish makes it a popular choice. Available in eight colour options, this stylish flooring will suit any interior scheme. The flooring’s surface lines and irregular surface smoothness gives Bohemia a unique look and feel. Planed, filled, sanded and finished with Osmo Polyx-Oil, Bohemia flooring requires no additional coatings and can be ready to walk on in hours.

www.osmouk.com 01296 481220 sales@osmouk.com

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PROJECTS | PRODUCTS | INSPIRATION | INFORMATION The smarter way to plan, design, and decorate self-build homes. With its easy-to-navigate format, users can benefit from a variety of useful tools, such as the magazine’s latest issue, digital archive, suppliers and newsbank. The App is also synced with SBP Library (sustainablebuildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal.

| Bespoke, reader-friendly features tailored to professionals on the move | | Timely industry news delivered at the touch of a button | | Manage print & digital subscriptions | Search ‘ibuildmagazine’

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Product Guide Being keen to be green, as well as to minimise its running costs, the client chose to install an air source heat pump to supply the property’s space heating and domestic hot water

Refurbished building warmed by Omnie underfloor heating An owner of a dwelling in Hampshire/West Sussex has completed the transformation of one of its earliest buildings by installing underfloor heating, using two of the ranges manufactured and distributed by Exeter-based Timóleon.

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he one time pigsty, located not far from Midhurst, was derelict for a time before work began on repairing the roof and making the stone-built structure habitable. Today the old agricultural building provides care and accommodation for elderly residents with a day room on the first floor, along with a shower room and other facilities.

Being keen to be green, as well as to minimise its running costs, the client chose to install an air source heat pump to supply the property’s space heating and domestic hot water, with the underfloor heating systems – part of the Omnie range – being installed by Agincourt Contractors from Petersfield.

Omnie’s FoilBoard floating floor system was chosen for installation across the ground

floor slab while Omnie’s LowBoard is used upstairs. The project also made use of Omnie’s precisely engineered five-port manifolds to feed the various zones on both the ground and first floors. The total pipe length installed into the FoilBoard and LowBoard profiles on each of the two floors was approaching 535m.

Not only do the various Omnie systems, which also includes one for retrofitting between timber floor joists, offer comfort and convenience, but underfloor heating is also a proven way of bringing the optimum performance from renewable technologies, particularly air and ground source heat pumps.

These are most effective and energy-efficient when left to run for long periods, delivering a low temperature background warmth, while underfloor systems also free up wall space and allow old buildings to be more sensitively restored.

www.omnie.co.uk 01392 363605 chris.weaver@timóleon.co.uk

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Product Guide

Hotel-inspired bathrooms Mid to high-level hotels continue to be the inspiration for UK bathrooms. Traditional floorstanding WCs, with pedestal basins, or semi-recessed basins and back-to-wall pans on a single furniture unit, are finally being replaced with wall-hung WCs, countertop basins on wall-hung furniture and illuminated mirrors with integral storage. A favourite in Europe for decades, the UK’s developers and consumers are becoming increasingly confident with wall-hung options which are space-saving, make cleaning easier and really add the wow factor you’re looking for. Obstacles like floor-fed plumbing works can be avoided in the planning stage if you have already considered the type of sanitaryware and furniture you want in the bathroom.

Bedrooms and walk-in robes

Besides the need for adequate wardrobes and drawers, whether fitted or not, additional furniture in the bedroom can be kept to a minimal

Planning for your furniture With a self-build there is so much to think about. Furniture and accessories may be the final consideration, but it is worth taking the time to think, research and plan the big budget rooms at the initial planning stage, saving money and making the most of the space in the long run. Here, J&S House of Design explains how to plan out your furniture scheme.

J&S House of Design’s experience shows that ladies are going to look for ways to incorporate a walk-in robe into a self-build

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our architect will have planned out the space and layout of the house; however, most people find visualising rooms at this stage difficult, so you are effectively in the hands of the architect. Based on their experience, they will instinctively map out WCs, basins, baths, showers and sinks for you in their plans. This is generally the accepted starting point for a build, but at this stage some thought to each room’s lighting, controls and placement for plumbing is crucial, otherwise trades may fall back on traditional first fix positioning, limiting your choices when it comes to furnishing and accessorising rooms.

J&S House of Design’s experience shows that ladies are going to look for ways to incorporate a walk-in robe into any self-build or renovation, it seems to be on every woman’s ultimate wish list. This obviously needs to be looked into at the planning stage. Where a walk-in is not an option, fitted wardrobes in bedrooms not only make the most of the space, but can incorporate entertainment systems and floor-to-ceiling storage hidden behind full length mirrors. Besides the need for adequate wardrobes and drawers, whether fitted or not, additional furniture in the bedroom can be kept to a minimal, a bed with a statement headboard for visual impact and small bedside tables are really all that is required; the rest depends on size and taste, for example TV stands, chaise longues and ottomans. Formal elements like dressing tables and stools are now generally incorporated into en-suites or accommodated in the walk-in robe.

Kitchens – the heart of the home Your kitchen really is the heart of the home and current trends are to keep them open-plan, adjoining a dining or family room. The most common mistake when designing or furnishing a kitchen is that you base your choices on what you have had before or grown-up with. These influences, although helpful, can distract from what designing a kitchen should really be about, which is the way it will be used and how it fits in with the rest of the house.

www.jshouseofdesign.co.uk 01865 596768 sales@jshod.co.uk

When you want the warmth and character of a wood burning stove, but you also like the look of a modern flush-fit design, an inset stove offers the best of both worlds.

Eurostove offers a wide range of inset designs from leading European manufacturers such as Jide, Westfire, Hergom and Mendip Stoves. With sizes ranging from 400 to 1000mm wide, there’s something to suit every interior with a choice of single or double-sided stoves perfect for open-plan schemes. Ideal for new builds or extensions, inset stoves can be space-saving with clean lines, efficient heat outputs and a modern look to suit rooms of all sizes.

www.eurostove.co.uk 01934 750500 jeannie@kyalami.co.uk

Britain’s composite door brand is now BIM compliant

Introducing Zaira – the customisable downdraft hood from Air Uno Air Uno UK has launched a new downdraft cooker hood, Zaira, which features a top plate that can be fully customised to match any worktop surface. Operated by remote control, this new model features a new downdraft that extends by 300mm and is an affordable option for the consumer. Zaira is available in black glass or stainless steel and features LED strip lighting as standard. There’s an air outlet dedicated for a flat motor at the bottom of the hood and a liquid collection channel, the only hood on the market currently with this feature.

www.airuno.co.uk 0113 201 2240 info@airuno.co.uk

Waterproofing simplified with Remmers Multi-Tight 2K

Permadoor has more than 25 years’ experience in the affordable homes, new build and social housing markets.

Permadoor’s extensive experience includes working with local authorities, housing association registered providers and contractors on refurbishment and new build projects across the UK. A commitment to Building Information Modelling (BIM) was therefore inevitable and part of the company’s commitment to its public sector clients. Permadoor’s commitment to BIM Level 2 has been completed and, despite extensive publicity surrounding the advent of BIM Permadoor, is one of just a handful of residential composite door manufacturers that has made such a commitment.

Multi-Tight 2K is a new, flexible, mineral-based waterproofing product which has all the performance properties of older technology polymer-modified thick bitumen emulsions, whilst being bitumen-free. Using unique rubber granulate filler technology, Multi-Tight 2K has a crack bridging capacity which is five times more effective than standard flexible mineral-based waterproofing systems. The versatility of the product allows it to be used to waterproof below ground externally and internally, offering excellent resistance to ground or water pressure as well as frost and salts. It is quick and easy to apply by trowel or spray application, has fantastic levels of adhesion and dries in less than 18 hours.

permadoor.co.uk 01684 595200 info@permadoor.co.uk

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

Crometta shower range – responsible use of water with high-end design

Product Guide

Stylish inset stoves from Eurostove create a contemporary look

Pure indulgence with Pure Whirlpool baths

Hansgrohe’s new Crometta range of showerheads ensures peace of mind; it is WRAS certified and the EcoSmart models have spray nozzles and a flow limitation system that reduce water flow to nine or even six litres per minute, depending on the model. This means that less energy is needed to heat water. The range comprises overhead and hand showers, shower sets and showerpipes. The Crometta hand shower offers an enjoyable showering experience and a choice of up to two spray modes: a soft rain shower and the powerful IntenseRain mode. The appeal of this hand shower lies in its 10cm head, ergonomic handle, chrome finish and white shower face.

Featuring two types of jet massage, ambient lighting, and deluxe one and two-person baths, the Pure Whirlpool collection from Smiths Briten offers luxury without the luxury price tag.

Whirlpool jets create a powerful hydro massage by feeding air through the water, and are arranged to target pressure points for maximum stress relief. For the ultimate spa experience, an innovative underwater lighting system will convert your bathroom into a multisensory haven. The colour glow lights alternate between seven soothing hues for total relaxation.

Featuring budget-friendly or luxurious double-ended baths, with both space-saving and stately size options, the Whirlpool collection features something for every home.

www.hansgrohe.co.uk 01372 465655 enquiries@hansgrohe.co.uk

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

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Product Guide The TC integration is accessible from the file menu, and will allow users to upload, pull down, and update SKPs from Trimble Connect project folder

Connect with SketchUp 2016 With the latest release of SketchUp 2016, SketchUp is integrating Trimble Connect directly into its software. As a refresher, Connect is Trimble’s platform for storing, syncing, referencing, sharing, and collaborating on design and build projects. Sign up for a free account and start uploading .skp, .pdf, .dxf, and .ifc files.

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ith this integration, SketchUp is packaging the current Trimble Connect extension into the installer. The TC integration is accessible from the file menu, and will allow users to upload, pull down, and update SKPs from Trimble Connect project folders. As you’re modelling you can even pull in and update reference SketchUp models as if they were locally hosted components.

Learn more about Trimble Connect In SketchUp 2016, a context click on a component gives you the opportunity to reload, or swap out, a new component directly from 3D Warehouse. This action will reload every instance of that component in your model, similar to the same action in the components browser, so it’s a helpful method for working with proxy models. And if your component was downloaded from 3D Warehouse, you can also use the context click to quickly access its 3DWH details page.

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With this release, LayOut’s reference objects are now web-friendly. That means your LayOut projects can reference and update files that are stored and synced with services like Dropbox, Google Drive and Trimble Connect Sync.

When you reference a file from any of these services (.skp or otherwise), LayOut will notify you when an update is available for your ‘web reference.’ Say goodbye to missing references when different people are working on the same .layout document within a cloud sync folder that also contains the referenced files.

SketchUp is proud to announce its first step towards an extension ecosystem for LayOut. Using this new API, developers can now create and customise .layout files from SketchUp models. Practically, this means that other applications can import or export the .layout file

format using the C API. (This includes creating a .layout file from SketchUp). SketchUp has several sample scripts for developers to try out at release, along with a blog post where they can learn more.

Learning and utilising SketchUp’s inference engine makes for fast and precise modelling. In this release, SketchUp has oiled that engine to provide slicker inferencing and locking across the board. This improvement is actually an entire set of smart tweaks SketchUp has made to inferencing and locking.

You can download SketchUp Pro 2016 for free on a 30 day trial. After this time, the software will revert to SketchUp Make.

www.elmtec.co.uk/sketchup 01844 263750 sales@elmtec.co.uk

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