i-build July 2017

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS July 17 Issue 36 Download the free app to your tablet or mobile. Search 'i-build'

20 +

SELF-BUILD ADVICE FROM TOP ARCHITECT PRACTICE

feel-good yellow accessories to psychologically boost your mood

BUILDING WARRANTIES FOR BARN CONVERSIONS – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

COVER STORY:

AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT AMBITION Energy efficiency is at the core of an Essex family's barn conversion

PLAN AHEAD

LIVE AND LEARN

IN THE FAST LANE

John Nicholls explains the importance of planning for your kitchen from the outset

Ian Sweetland explains how his far from straightforward selfbuild became a triumph

An innovative prefabricated roofing solution speeds up one self-builder’s project

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

l FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES l OAK FRAME l APPLIANCES

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Visit marshalls.co.uk/createdequal or search ‘created equal’ to take a step closer to your dream driveway. *Post-installation feedback from 2,070 respondents up to October 2016.

Welcome to the July issue of i-build

www.i-buildmagazine.com

Editor:

Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Editorial Assistant:

Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

The kitchen has long been the heart of the

In this issue, i-build has addressed these

home; a place for family gatherings, socialising

difficulties from a multi-disciplinary aspect

and enjoying home-cooked meals with loved

and talked to some of the top names in

ones. Today, kitchens don’t just serve as the

kitchen appliances. For an insight into the

food preparation rooms of yesteryear, they

appliance industry, turn to page 42.

have evolved into a room where we spend

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

most of our downtime and are often home to

Michael Abrahams

televisions, social seating areas and state-of-

michael@mixedmediainfo.com

Hayley Perry

hayley@mixedmediainfo.com Print Design Manager:

Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Design Manager:

David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com Production Assistant:

Sofia Franchi

sofia@mixedmediainfo.com

the-art appliances.

Sam Ball

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

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

your interior needs and interviews a specialist I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if you’re coming to the end of your self-build and would like us to feature your home as inspiration for other budding house-builders, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your self-build journey and would be keen for us to document your progress, do get in contact.

task and, with an abundance of the latest kitchen technologies available on the market, many self-builders will find it difficult to specify the right products for their kitchen’s design. As John Nicholls explains on page 30 in this issue, research and planning is key for a self-builder to achieve a desirable and future-proof kitchen.

appliances may be even more bothersome.

Managing Director:

woes, taps into the mind of New I.D. for all self-build architectural practice.

simone@mixedmediainfo.com

Charlie Ivy

this issue i-build tackles self-builders’ fencing

own tailor-made kitchen can be a troublesome

While the design and planning of a kitchen

charlie@mixedmediainfo.com

Stepping out of the kitchen, elsewhere in

With all this is mind, planning for your very

Accounts:

Simone Jones

Welcome Note

i-build

may prove tricky, the specification of your

Rebecca

Editor rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

With endless aspects to consider – from spacesaving solutions to energy efficiency – and an array of different designs in the marketplace,

@ibuildmagazine

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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decision-making can be an arduous task.

Editor’s picks Westbury looks at semi-glazed kitchen extensions: See page 57, Harvey Water explains the benefits of including a water softener in your self-build plans: See page 54, The NSBRC is running specialised self-build courses throughout the remainder of the year: See page 50.

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54 Cover story: Energy efficiency was at the heart of an Essex family’s historic barn conversion.

See page 34.

57

50

3

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17:30 FREE entry!

The

NSBRC 2007 - 2017 Free Parking. Swindon M4 Junction 16

n

novatio

ild & re

bu of self

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre The UK’s ONLY permanent self build visitor centre is the must-visit destination for anyone creating their own home.

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Self build courses Over 200 exhibitors Advice from experts Eco workshops Self build shows with free seminars Venue hire The home of Self Build Custom Build & Renovation

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Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

July 2017

36

12

30

42

06

24

46

In this issue: 12 14 16 18

Desired Designs

ON THE COVER

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

Furniture & Accessories

ON THE COVER

Zoe Hartridge, Senior Designer at New i.D., offers her guidance on furnishing a self-build and advises where self-builders should not make compromises.

Viewpoint

BuildStore advises where to look when plot searching for a potential self-build project.

Contracts & Legalities

34 36 40

ON THE COVER

Provider of building warranty insurance, BuildSafe, explains the difficulties and cost implications of obtaining a building warranty for barn conversions.

Sustainable Living

A traditional Scottish village in Stirlingshire may not seem like the obvious location for a contemporary Passivhaus project, however, for one couple it proved perfect.

24

Impressive Innovation ON THE COVER

30

KBB

Self-builder Ian Sweetland talks to i-build about his far from straightforward Passivhaus project, Maryville.

ON THE COVER

John Nicholls answers all self-builders’ woes when it comes to specifying a kitchen, from planning to installation.

RCI

ON THE COVER

With energy efficiency a key driver in their barn renovation, James and Claudia Grey specified energyefficient insulation for their family home. i-build interviews Jason Pledger, Design Director at Laurence Associates – a firm that specialises in the self-build market.

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

20 +

SELF-BUILD ADVICE FROM TOP ARCHITECT PRACTICE

feel-good yellow accessories to psychologically boost your mood

BUILDING WARRANTIES FOR BARN CONVERSIONS – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

MMC

COVER STORY:

AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT AMBITION

ON THE COVER

When Architect, Nick Lacey, was looking for a fast build solution for his two-storey self-build, he turned to Recticel.

i-nterior

46

i-build

50

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

Architects/Designers ON THE COVER

42

48

IN THIS ISSUE:

July 17 Issue 36

06

ON THE COVER

Here, i-build offers guidance and inspiration for those self-builders in search of kitchen appliances.

Energy efficiency is at the core of an Essex family's barn conversion

PLAN AHEAD

LIVE AND LEARN

IN THE FAST LANE

John Nicholls explains the importance of planning for your kitchen from the outset

Ian Sweetland explains how his far from straightforward selfbuild became a triumph

An innovative prefabricated roofing solution speeds up one self-builder’s project

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

l FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES l OAK FRAME l APPLIANCES

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

ON THE COVER

From maintenance to aesthetics, this month’s feature focuses on building with oak.

i-scape

Jacksons Fencing and BSW offer their top tips on fencing for self-build and renovation projects.

Product Guide

i-build rounds up the latest innovative products in the marketplace, designed with your self-build in mind.

5

Sub-brow DesiredEyebrow Designs

1

2

3 4

5

6

Image © Dash & Albert Europe

A bright idea With summer finally here, now is the perfect time to bring a little sunshine into your home through some yellow accessories.

B

y far the happiest colour in the spectrum, yellow is always apt to brighten up a room, but the cheerful and vibrant hue can often be thought of as being a tricky colour to use. However, with so many shades to choose from, from zesty lemon to deep autumnal mustard, and canary yellow to opulent ochre, there’s definitely a yellow tone to suit every self-build. The easiest way to add a pop of this summery colour is with some carefully chosen accessories. Whether you’re planning to embrace yellow in your interior in small accents or in its beaming entirety, there is something for every scheme. As a bold statement or a subtle highlight, one thing’s for sure, adding this trend to your home will ensure your interior enjoys year-round sunshine and is bound to attract some attention and psychologically boost your mood.

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7

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1. H2O Nebulite light,

POA, Babatude Boutique

2. Yellow plastic lampshade by

9

NorlaDesign, €45, DaWanda

3. Cotton lampshade sunshine yellow, £40, Red Candy

4. Zira yellow rug,

£199, Modern Rugs

5. Welcome gnome by Ottmar Hörl, £58.95, Lime Lace

6. Yellow cube pouf,

€139.00, KSL LIVING

7. Velvet small shade, £22.00, Abode Living

8. Yellow Custard Cream cushion

by Nikki McWilliams, £32, Etsy

9. Embroidered Suzani pouf seat

cushion, £29.25, Boutique Camping

10. Wallsgrove sofa, from £2,775, WAWA

10

1

1. The Cat Head, £60

2. The Tiger Ball, £60

3. The Roosters, £70

Desired Designs

2

4. The American Mustard, £50

4

3

Jessica Russell Flint British Interior Designer and Illustrator Jessica Russell Flint’s work is inspired by life’s eccentricities and, with a love for colour and texture, Jess’ style is both vivacious and unusual. By transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary, and mixing British heritage-inspired themes with contemporary colours and bold designs, the whole ethos behind the brand is to make the most of life, to enjoy it, to embrace colour and to think outside the box.

Sit back and relax Adding a brightly-coloured chair to an otherwise neutral interior is a simple but effective way to brighten up any room in a home. These yellow seats are bound to be the throne that everyone wants to sit in and will allow you to introduce this adventurous trend into your scheme without it becoming overwhelming. These bold accent pieces are the perfect way to inject some personality into your self-build.

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2

4

3

1. Chandra chair, POA, Koket 2. Cult Design Moda armchair, £89, Cult Furniture

3. Calvin armchair,

£399, Atkin and Thyme

4. Namib armchair,

POA, Maison Valentina

7

Desired Designs

Lighten up The right pendant light can make or break an interior. They create an instant focal point, drawing the eye to the centre of the room, meaning choosing the right one is vital.

1

Image Š Loaf

4

Understated elegance

Cool copper

Pure and elegant, the Espen Danish light’s understated design might not demand attention straight away but it will contribute to getting your overall look just so. The devil is always in the detail and this is sure to be the perfect finishing touch to a contemporary minimalist design.

Sleek and stylish pendant lamp Drip from the Qazqa series, in collaboration with Dutch product design agency Boxtel & Buijs, this pendant lamp design is based on captivating the ripple effect when a drop occurs in the water. With its on-trend colour, this pendant is sure to be a true statement maker.

(www.dowsingandreynolds.com)

(www.gazga.com)

5

2

Golden globe

Distressed and industrial

Instantly update your home and bring a touch of modern glamour with these gold globe pendant lights. These orb pendants would look especially stunning in a bathroom, or why not make a real feature and hang a row of three above your kitchen table or breakfast bar.

The sophisticated Shimla pendant lights make a perfect centre light above a kitchen or dining room table – either singly or in a row. Their distressed white finish and industrial design adds an understated industrial feel. (www.carolinemcgrath.co.uk)

(www.miafleur.com)

3

6

Unique glass

Chic concrete

These elegant glass Malosa ceiling pendants are the perfect accessories for any room and look particularly lovely with a filament bulb. There can be small imperfections to the glass because of the handmade nature, but this adds to the character and beauty of each piece and insures that every one is completely unique.

The T1 pendant lamp is beautifully sculpted from raw concrete and your choice of metal inner-plating. Designed by the innovative German design house GANTLights, this is a pendant lamp that shines with beauty and style. Choose from light grey or dark grey concrete for two very different final finishing feels but both equally chic.

(www.carolinemcgrath.co.uk)

(www.noxuhome.com)

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9

Sub-brow

Eyebrow

Desired Designs

Be bold When it comes to decorating the walls in your self-build, it seems the bolder the better. Here, i-build looks at some options to give your walls the wow-factor you want.

Image © Pixers

1

4

Go geometric

Red-hot

With its geometric patterns, bold colours and strong contrasts – this wall mural is a tribute to the 1980s style. The featured patterns are somewhat kitschy yet sophisticated and are sure to create an invigorating and energetic space in any modern home.

Conversational in nature, striking by design, the attention-grabbing ‘Desire’ wallpaper is sure to create an impression within the home as a fantastic feature wall. This wallpaper will bring a contemporary quilted effect to the walls of your self-build.

(www.pixersize.com)

(www.arthouse.com)

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5

Green with envy

Tropical bloom

With this realistic brick wallpaper you can create an amazing, urban loft-style room in your home with ease. A great way to achieve a rustic or industrial look with a twist, this wallpaper will supply any room with endless character and the deep emerald colour really makes a statement.

Bring a world of colour into your home with the Tropical Bloom wallcovering. The carefully drawn flowers contrast with loose brush strokes to create a contemporary twist on traditional botanical studies, while jewel-tone beetles make their home in a backdrop of vivid summer blooms and dense tropical forest.

(www.woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk)

(www.sianzeng.com)

3

Dark and dramatic Black and white doesn’t have to be boring. If you love monochrome interiors but want to make a dramatic statement, then the ‘Moon Over Volcano’ mural by Design Pics is what you need. The use of lines in this mural makes it eye-catching and interesting and a true theatrical piece for any room. (www.wallsauce.com)

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Proud as a peacock This beautiful and flamboyant Madame De Le Soir wallpaper by Santorus features a magnificent array of peacock feathers, ostrich plumes and dove wings, which display a warm hint of metallic gold as the light catches, meaning it exudes luxury. (www.limelace.co.uk)

We have a style to match yours

Aluminium

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

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

GRP

Cast Iron

Copper, Zinc & Stainless Steel

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

Furniture & Accessories

Reflect your personal style in your interior Selecting furniture for any room within the home can be an exciting task, but it can also seem quite tricky as there are so many elements to consider. Here Zoe Hartridge, Senior Designer at New i.D Interiors, offers her advice on where to start for a self-build project.

B

oth the style and durability of your furniture pieces will need to stand the test of time.

Choosing pieces for your interior can be a daunting task as you are adding the finishing touches to your dream home; but there are few simple things to keep in mind that will make your furniture selection a lot simpler.

As a starting point, it is important to know your own individual style. A home should reflect the people who are living in it. With a good knowledge of your likes and dislikes, stay focused on your own taste and you won’t get distracted by the current trends. Concentrating on an overall look you personally desire will give you an interior that radiates your personality and will also make your home an original space for you to reside. Once you have a few items of furniture in mind, get the measurements and use your existing floor plans from the build to get a realistic view of how these pieces will fit in. This is a really useful stage as you can visualise and play around with the idea of several different layouts before deciding on what best fits in your space. Using this spatial planning technique will make it generally easier to figure out what to purchase and what to disregard. The furniture will also fit in with the functionally of each room and create a good circulation around your home.

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Above: When it comes to furnishing and accessorising your home, research and find things that suit your preferences Below: A tip for choosing furniture is to think practically; many design without giving real thought to how they see themselves living with and using their selected furniture

Many people question where they should splurge and where they should save when it comes to home decorating.

From an interior designer’s perspective, I would say that furniture is definitely an area where you should spend. It is so important to choose high-quality pieces because it is one of the foundations of any room design. The standard of the furnishings will not only look good but, more importantly, last longer. Quality is even more paramount in a self-build project where you have put in months and months of effort into creating your dream home. It is only right to have well-executed items to fit into your design rather than decorating with deficient fittings, which will be sure to stand out against your higher calibre furniture.

Another tip for choosing furniture is to think practically.

As simple as it sounds, many design without giving real thought to how they see themselves living with and using their selected furniture.

As a general guide, go for durability in the main living areas; it is imperative not to compromise on this as these are high usage areas. A well-made sofa with a solid frame, using beech wood, for example, will last up to 12 years. We lay on our beds for an average of six to eight hours every night, and a good quality mattress should last between 12 to 15 years.

Accessorising and styling is one of the very final stages of your home project. It can be a fun and creative process but you must still keep functionality in mind. Items such as throws, cushions, vases and ornaments are an easy way to dress up any room depending on your personal style and can be changed with the season for a fresh and updated look. Keep an eye out for unique art pieces in unexpected places like markets, or on your travels. These accessories can add a statement making a focal point to the main rooms in your home.

When it comes to furnishing and accessorising your home, research and find things that suit your preferences; don’t just buy on impulse. Cutting costs can be a top priority after a self-build, but it is worth saving for the perfect furniture. You have a wonderful new home built according to your specific taste, so why compromise on the finishing touches?

www.new-id.co.uk

LON DON 020 7091 9781 westburygardenrooms.com Call to visit our showrooms: 61 Lambeth Walk, 46-52 Cutlers Road, South Woodham Ferrers, London, SE11 6DX Essex, CM3 5XJ

Viewpoint

Finding land for your self-build If you’re looking for a self-build opportunity, securing a plot will be top of your list – but where should you start your search? BuildStore’s Raymond Connor investigates.

O

ne of the most common problems for those wanting to build their own home is finding a suitable plot of land.

Unlike the traditional housing market, where estate agents have hundreds of houses for sale, individual building plots are not so obvious to find. However, with over 12,000 people successfully self-building in the UK every year, there is clearly land available if you know where to look.

While it’s a good idea to hunt for land with flexibility in mind, a common mistake is searching over too wide an area. If you don’t focus your attention on a specific and manageable geographic location, you may find that the sheer scale of the task is overwhelming. Pick the general area you want to be in and focus all your attention on uncovering an opportunity in the vicinity.

Starting your search It’s a good idea to start your search on the internet – this is the best source of plots around. Your first port of call should be registering with PlotSearch (www.plotsearch.co.uk), which holds one of the UK’s largest databases of self-build, renovation and conversion opportunities. Not only will this give you an idea of the types of plot available in your area, it can also be used as an invaluable tool to assess average land costs.

In addition to online activity, register your interest with local estate agents – while they may not regularly have plots of land on offer, they will know who to contact when something comes up. They can also direct you towards local land auctions, where plots suitable for single houses are regularly sold, be they infill sites, knock down and rebuild projects or brownfield land that’s ripe for regeneration.

Keep an eye on your local authority’s website too, as this will publish a list of planning applications in the area. You may discover that applicants are seeking consent in order to sell the plot on rather than to develop themselves. Nothing ventured is nothing gained, so contact the applicants to enquire whether they are interested in selling.

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It’s also worth noting that from April this year local authorities have a legal obligation to keep a register of individuals looking to self-build – this is part of the Self and Custom Housing Bill 2015.

When reviewing local plans, councils will now have to make provision for those interested in creating their own property and have to ensure there is adequate land provision for them. Custom Build Homes from BuildStore (www.custombuildhomes. co.uk) provides one of the UK’s biggest and longest-running records of demand for custom build. It works closely with councils throughout the UK to ensure that their obligations are being fulfilled, as well as alerting those who have registered towards new plot opportunities when they become available.

Elements to consider

Your plot will be the biggest single purchase you make for your project. The general rule of thumb is that the final value of a self-build can be split into three; one third on the plot, one on the construction costs and the final third is profit.

However, you must bear in mind that in areas where land is at a premium, your plot may account for up to 50% of the overall end value.

It’s human nature to have a preformed idea of what the perfect plot is – but you have to be realistic about what you can obtain within your budget. In reality, the ideal parcel of land will be hard – if not impossible – to find, and will come with a hefty price tag. So when searching for somewhere to build, the vast majority of people will need to make some sort of compromise, be it on size, location or the condition of the site.

Viewpoint Left: Your plot will be the biggest single purchase you make for your project Bottom left: It’s human nature to have a preformed idea of what the perfect plot is – but you have to be realistic about what you can obtain within your budget Below: Some of the best opportunities are uncovered beneath a tangle of brambles, and you’d be surprised by the spaciousness of houses that can be created on the tightest of plots Bottom: While it’s a good idea to hunt for land with flexibility in mind, a common mistake is searching over too wide an area

Keep an open mind when going on viewings.

Some of the best opportunities are uncovered beneath a tangle of brambles, and you’d be surprised by the spaciousness of houses that can be created on the tightest of plots. In many cases, you can change what you don’t like about a plot with a creative house design but if the compromise seems too big to bear, then move on to the next opportunity.

OPP and DPP When looking through plot advertisements, you’ll discover that they are mostly available with one of two types of planning consent – Outline Planning Permission (OPP) and Detailed Planning Permission (DPP). In general terms, the former means that in development, consent has been granted in principle – while DPP means that specific plans have already been approved.

Don’t dismiss a plot on the basis that the permitted design isn’t to your liking. Even with DPP in place, it’s possible to submit a revised design or even a completely new application for something totally different without revoking the existing consent.

Remember that in the UK, land is notoriously expensive and the difference in cost between a plot with and without some sort of planning permission can be huge. However, don’t be tempted to make a purchase on something that doesn’t have some sort of approval in place. A cheap parcel of land will be low-cost for a reason; don’t buy into the idea that ‘it’ll get permission one day’, as it’s an expensive, and potentially fruitless, risk to take.

www.buildstore.co.uk

15

Contracts & Legalities

Building warranties for barn conversions If you are a self-builder about to undertake a project involving the conversion of a barn, you need to consider the cost of and difficulty in obtaining a building warranty (Latent Defect Insurance), says Rosita Mendonca from BuildSafe – a leading building warranty insurance provider.

T

here have been a lot of changes in the insurance market regarding the risk assessment for this type of project, most of the major insurers have recently decided either to increase the premium, or not offer cover for barns conversions.

As an example of their reluctance to insure barns, one of the providers will not insure a barn if livestock has kept within it in recent years.

However, it’s not all bad news; out of the big six insurers, two will still offer cover – but they need to collate a large amount of information from you and it can take weeks to just get an indication of cost.

Effective alternatives to a warranty An effective alternative could be a Professional Consultant’s Certificate. Most high-street banks will lend where the property is covered by a Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) Professional Consultant’s Certificate (PCC). These certificates are limited by the Professional Indemnity Cover of the consultants concerned. You need to make sure that the level of cover is equal to the build cost for the development.

For instance, if the PCC is £3m, then that will cover a claim against a unit up to that amount – which will cover most build costs for barns. However, for the majority of consultants (such as architects offering an Architect’s Certificate), their cover is only £1m.

In order to ensure the best price for a warranty or PCC on a barn conversion, make sure that you take the policy out before you start any work on the conversion, and make sure you have, at the very least, the list of information below: A detailed site plan – showing the site as a whole and its location as well as levels if it is on a slope Photographic evidence – colour photos, both external and internal, showing all sides of the building, outbuilding, garages and any unusual features Structural report – please provide a detailed report (not just a condition survey) from a suitably qualified professional (building surveyor or structural engineer), detailing the condition of the structure and its suitability for conversion

In order to ensure the best price for a warranty or PCC on a barn conversion, make sure that you take the policy out before you start any work on the conversion 16

Detailed plans – we will require a full set of plans and specification of works to be undertaken in respect of: Waterproof envelope – (existing materials and those proposed to be used) detail of proposed tanking, damp-proof membrane and damp-proof course Ground investigation report – (including soil strength tests and contamination tests).

www.buildsafe.co.uk

Sustainable Living 1

A stirling example of Passivhaus best practice A traditional Scottish village in Stirlingshire may not seem like the obvious location for a contemporary Passivhaus project. For chartered Architect, Mhairi Grant and her Architectural Designer partner, Martin McCrae, however, the development of their new home, ‘Ostro’, provided the perfect opportunity to realise their ambitions for moving out of the city, creating more space for living and working, and pursuing their passion for Passivhaus principles.

M

hairi and Martin had always run their architectural practice, Paper Igloo, from their Glasgow flat, working independently on projects but using their office space side by side to input into each other’s schemes.

“Home working is a formula that’s always worked for us,” says Mhairi, “but we knew at some point we’d move out of the city and that we’d want to design and build a home for ourselves.

2 18

“I’d always been interested in environmental innovation in design and it’s always been a cornerstone of our practice but the real catalyst came when I went on a one-day Passivhaus training course. I was genuinely inspired, not only to become an accredited Passivhaus designer, but also to embark on a project that would become a place where we could live and work outside the city and create a showpiece for our business, demonstrating what can be achieved with a Passivhaus and fabric-first approach.”

2: From the outside, Ostro looks like a wooden box, with a square external footprint of 11.5 x 11.5m and a height of 7.5m 3: Mhairi knew she wanted to design an airtight building that was vapour-open and breathable, in line with Passivhaus principles

Sustainable Living

1: The couple began designing ‘Ostro’ – named using an old Italian word meaning ‘south’ to reflect the south-facing position of their new home – around four years ago

4: While the couple are architectural professionals, this scheme has been a self-build project in the very truest sense 5: The square walls and flat roof have been softened

by Mhairi’s choice of Siberian larch

“While doing the work ourselves has helped us reduce the cost, there’s also been a huge professional value in researching the materials and physically using them ourselves because it means we understand the products we’ve chosen in terms of buildability as well as their environmental benefits and sustainability credentials.

Inspiration and support

3

4

5 The couple began designing Ostro – named using an old Italian word meaning ‘south’ to reflect the south-facing position of their new home – around four years ago. Mhairi, with her Passivhaus credentials, took on the role of principal architect, while Martin effectively became the informed client, challenging the design and making suggestions as most self-builders would with their architect.

While the couple are architectural professionals, this scheme has been a self-build project in the very truest sense, with both Mhairi and Martin getting

their hands dirty on site and being personally responsible for physically building their vision.

“The reason it’s taken four years from design to completion is that we’ve been fitting the build around working on client projects. Ostro may have been our first Passivhaus scheme on site but, since we broke ground in March 2014, we’ve completed on a private home designed to Passivhaus principles for a client, got a development of three Passivhaus houses on site and a further low-energy house has just started.

“I knew I wanted to design an airtight building that was vapour-open and breathable, in line with Passivhaus principles,” Mhairi continues. “With the help of Google, I came across a supplier called Ecological Building Systems. They’re based in the UK and Ireland but offer a variety of environmental building products from across Europe, including Gutex wood fibre insulation from Germany and pro clima Airtight and Windtight membranes, tapes and seals.

“As I was researching their products online, I discovered that they also offered CPD (continuous professional development) presentations and signed up for one on ‘Airtightness & Moisture Management Using Intelligent Vapour Checks.’”

After attending their first CPD with Ecological Building Systems, the couple was invited to attend a ‘Better Building - Fabric First’ workshop by Ecological Building Systems in Ireland.

Explains Niall Crosson from Ecological Building Systems: “Fabric-first principles are all about creating a healthier indoor environment by selecting vapour-open products to create the ‘fabric’ of a breathable home, ensuring that heat is retained while allowing moisture to escape.

“In this way, energy consumption and costs are reduced, comfort is increased and the building is more sustainable because there is no risk of damp or interstitial condensation.”

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Sustainable Living 1 1: The first step in the design process, aligned to Passivhaus best practice, was to maximise the natural aspect of the site 2: After attending their first CPD with Ecological Building Systems, the couple was invited to attend a ‘Better Building – Fabric First’ workshop 3: pro clima Intello Plus was installed within the internal roof build-up to provide high diffusion tightness in winter and maximum diffusion openness in summer 4: By ensuring that the house accesses maximum solar gain by orienting it to the south and west, the couple have been able to enhance the natural light in their living space and reduce the amount of heating required for the property 5: With the help of Google, Mhairi came across a supplier called Ecological Building Systems

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Inspired by the workshop and its synergy with her Passivhaus goals, Mhairi returned to Scotland to work on the design and specification for Ostro and continued to work with Ecological Building Systems, enlisting the company’s support for some of the technical aspects of the specification process.

“Because Niall is a certified Passivhaus consultant and a certified Low Energy Buildings trainer, he really understood what we were trying to achieve and the need to achieve it as cost-effectively as possible,” Mhairi adds. “It was great to be able to draw on that knowledge both during the design process and throughout the build process.”

Passivhaus principles From the outside, Ostro looks like a wooden box, with a square external footprint of 11.5 x 11.5m and a height of 7.5m. The square walls and flat roof have been softened

by Mhairi’s choice of Siberian larch as the cladding material and a sedum green roof, which has been planted with species native to the local area.

“The house is completely different to anything anywhere near it,” says Mhairi. “We’re surrounded

by typical Scottish villas and more modern but still traditionally-designed homes, so the house makes quite a statement.

“We didn’t design it as a cube to be controversial or futuristic though, we simply followed through the Passivhaus principles of reducing the potential for heat loss through unnecessary surface area or junctions, creating a more energy-efficient building through both simple form and high-performing fabric.”

The first step in the design process, aligned to Passivhaus best practice, was to maximise the natural aspect of the site. The house is on an exposed plot where it is not protected by any natural features and its Stirlingshire location is not known for its sunny climate.

However, by ensuring that the house accesses maximum solar gain by orienting it to the south and west, the couple have been able to enhance the natural light in their living space and reduce the amount of heating required for the property.

What this means in practice is that there are fewer and smaller windows on the north-and east-facing elevations of the house, while a double-height living/ dining area in the south-west corner of the building is

Sustainable Living 2

3

4 framed by a 3.7m-tall triple-glazed window.

This, like all the property’s other windows, was custom-built specifically for Ostro. This feature window maximises the sun’s heat and light from the south-facing aspect and draws light deep into the open-plan ground floor.

The ground floor accommodation is dominated by the large L-shaped kitchen/ dining/living space that wraps around the south and west of the building, with a bathroom, guest bedroom, utility room and entrance hall taking up the remainder of the downstairs space.

Upstairs, there is a landing that looks down into the double-height dining area, along with two en-suite bedrooms and an office that has been given an airy, open-plan aspect thanks to a half-height wall that makes it part of the spacious double-height accommodation.

“Working from home has always been part of the vision,” Mhairi adds, “so finding a way to create a pleasant office environment that benefits from the most light-filled and spacious

elements of the building without sacrificing living space was critical. This solution is both connected to the light-filled room and separate from our living area, so it’s an ideal approach.”

High-performance envelope To create the indoor space, the house has been constructed using an insulated raft foundation; a certified Passivhaus component specified in line with Passivhaus standards that involves a concrete slab poured within an insulated formwork. Mhairi and Martin have chosen to use this concrete as the finish for the ground floor.

Mhairi explains: “We have tried to ensure that each element of the building fabric works as hard as possible, so we’ve exploited any structural element that can also be used as a finish or any material that can perform a dual purpose.

It not only reduces costs, but also reduces the amount of materials we use, which answers our environmental aims and creates an honesty that is visible throughout the building.”

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Sustainable Living

Left: Intello Plus is an intelligent airtight vapour control membrane from Ecological Building Systems Below: The couple taped the joints with pro clima TESCON VANA between 2400 x 1200mm sections of DURÉLIS VapourBlock and installed battens onto the board before plasterboarding to form the service cavity

prefabricated board, composed of mineral wood which has been pre-fitted beneath two layers of acoustic board. This helps to manage the noise levels from the double-height space and the reclaimed parquet flooring that has been restored for the upstairs hallways and en-suites.

The roof build-up has, once again, focused on achieving both breathability and thermal performance. pro clima Intello Plus, an intelligent airtight vapour control membrane from Ecological Building Systems, was installed within the internal roof build-up to provide high diffusion tightness in winter and maximum diffusion openness in summer, protecting the building’s structure against condensation and mould growth. A fully insulated green roof system was then installed to complete the building envelope.

Low energy, low cost Four years after first designing the house and more than three years after starting work on site, Mhairi and Martin have finally realised their goal of moving their home and their business into Ostro.

www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com The building envelope is a twin-wall timber frame, with the two frames connected by ply gussets to create a thermal break; in effect, a timber cavity wall and 500mm of flexible wood fibre insulation was installed within the wall build-up.

On the external face of the timber envelope, the couple used 100mm-thick Gutex Multitherm wood fibre insulation from Ecological Building Systems, a vapouropen insulation made from untreated Black Forest spruce and fir timber with tongue and groove assembly.

It combines breathability with excellent thermal performance and helps to eliminate thermal bridging.

On the internal face of the external timber wall, Mhairi and Martin elected to use DURÉLIS VapourBlock from Ecological Building Systems, a 12mm-thick high-density chipboard with a factory-fitted transparent airtightness and vapour control layer.

Mhairi continues: “Using DURÉLIS VapourBlock meant that we could achieve structural racking, airtightness and vapour control in a single, breathable product – rather than fitting both OSB and a membrane. When you’re doing the work yourself, achieving two things with a single job is a big help.”

The couple simply taped the joints with pro clima TESCON VANA between 2400 x 1200mm sections of DURÉLIS VapourBlock and installed battens onto the board before plasterboarding to form the service cavity.

The ground floor ceiling/first floor roof has been formed using engineered joists and the first floor also features a

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Impressive Innovation

Ian and Mary both had previous knowledge of Passivhaus standards and building from time the two had spent in Germany, which partly motivated the new-build

Lessons learned The Maryville Passivhaus is a continuation of research by Joseph Thurrott Architects into the reinterpretation of Scottish rural vernacular buildings to meet modern, low-energy demands. The owners, Ian and Mary Sweetland, have had a far from straightforward process completing their self-build. Here, Ian explains his difficulties and offers his advice to other self-builders.

M

aryville is articulated as two volumes to accommodate a larger footprint whilst maintaining the proportion of familiar 6m-wide gable-ended buildings found throughout the Scottish countryside.

A double-height, open-plan living room with a high efficiency wood-burning stove at the centre serves as the focus of the house. The majority of the south elevation is composed of windows,

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permitting an abundance of direct sunlight into the heart of the home. This passive solar energy provides 60% of the annual space heating.

With an average U-value of 0.10W/m²K, the factory insulated Scotframe Val-U-Therm timber frame superstructure is supported on in-situ concrete strip foundations. An insulated concrete ground-bearing slab provides thermal mass. The superstructure is wrapped in a continuous thermal skin of closed-cell insulation boards, faced

predominately with a proprietary render system with timber cladding to the south elevation.

The roof is clad in standing seam zinc sheets with photovoltaic and solar thermal panels to the southern slope. All windows and doors are timber framed and triple glazed with argon/krypton gas fill. The Val-U-Therm envelope is meticulously detailed to mitigate thermal bridging (0.01W/mK), and achieves an average airtightness performance rating of 0.486 air changes per hour at 50 Pa.

Maryville is designed to the Passivhaus standard; hence the total annual energy demand must be less than 120kWh/(m²a).

To achieve this target, the spatial planning maximises passive solar heat gain.

In addition, the Scotframe Val-U-Therm external envelope is highly-insulated, airtight and thermal bridge-free. The internal environment is controlled by a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system which distributes fresh, prewarmed air throughout the house 24-hours a day. The combination of the above provides sufficient space heating to maintain a comfortable indoor environment for approximately eight months of the year without the need for an additional heat source. During the winter months, space heating is provided by a wood-burning stove – and with respect to space heating, the Maryville Passive House is a ‘zero carbon’ home.

Hot water and electricity are predominantly generated by roof-mounted solar collectors.

A supplementary electric immersion heater in the hot water storage tank serves as a back-up source for hot water generation. Mains electricity is used as a back-up source for power in the home. To date, Ian and Mary have generated more electricity from the solar PV collectors than they have consumed from the mains.

Impressive Innovation

Energy efficiency

To date, Ian and Mary have generated more electricity from the solar PV collectors than they have consumed from the mains

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Impressive Innovation Realising a Passivhaus dream Ian and Mary had a site, and had considered redevelopment but eventually decided to demolish and build new. They both had previous knowledge of Passivhaus standards and building from time the two had spent in Germany, which partly motivated the newbuild. In comparison to the old house, which was extremely costly for energy – in part due to lack of mains gas, ineffective insulation and poor construction – the new-build was a chance for Ian and Mary to realise their Passivhaus dream.

Commenting on his and Mary’s inspiration for Maryville, Ian said: “The vision and inspiration behind our new home was for it to be light, airy and spacious, with low running costs – and designed personally by myself and Mary.

“We finalised our design brief by visiting Highland Expo 2010 after many years of watching Grand Designs and consulting a number of possible architects. We liked plot 19 – both externally and internally – and so contacted the architect, who made some very useful suggestions to modify the design to meet our needs.

“We had purchased the 1950s bungalow

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on plot in 2000 – knowing it need upgrading and or extending. The new design was flipped through 180° to suit the plot and moved backwards to accommodate the building line – luckily with enough width.”

A change of plan It took Ian and Mary six months to gain planning permission for Maryville and, when permission was gained, it was discovered that the site required a 1.5-storey design for matching surrounding property heights.

This has been achieved – however, without eaves restricting the internal space. Working with Joseph Thurrott Architects, Ian and Mary altered the internal layout, reducing the bedrooms by one and adding additional elements such as a utility room with rear access, a walk-in wardrobe and a Jack and Jill bathroom. Centrally located is the woodburning stove which, used mainly for effect, was important so as to not dominate the large expanse of end wall.

“Finding a contractor who understood the requirements without overpricing was challenging,” explains Ian. “The contractors’ limited site supervision required us to take a more active role than expected. And then,

unfortunately, the contractor went into liquidation – which cost me significantly more money – leaving us to complete.

“Communication was poor during this time too and didn’t help with me being abroad for periods of time – which is something I would improve if I were to undertake another selfbuild in the future.

“Our experience was better with trained Polish workers on site, who noticed a number of issues first and whose ability and standard of workmanship was generally pleasingly high. This contrasts with local, often sloppy, workers and sub-contractors from the original contractor who were, generally, lacking motivation.”

Taking matters into your own hands After the contractor went into liquidation, Ian project managed the build himself at stage two. The Sweetlands’ architect was on call throughout for questions and checks, however, the firm had the majority of work to complete prior to construction – in consultation with suppliers, resultant detail tweaks, as well as tight deadlines in the holiday season for the likes of Scotframe.

Sub-brow Innovation Eyebrow Impressive

Making compromises “The architect produced detailed specifications with the benefit of plot 19’s experience and we added finishing details to our personal choice, such as PV and solar thermal specification,” explains Ian. “The heat pump that was initially specified was erased from plans for that moment in time, but may now be installed in a different form and purely for water heating due to the efficiency ratio only.

“Passivhaus testing met the criteria, but we found the certification costs weren’t worthwhile – and particularly after five years of our experience in the house. Our original time frame was seven months – but took 10 due to the builder going bust!

“Our anticipated full project costs of £325k actually worked out at £375k, with additional costs due to the builder going into liquidation and having to rework some of the things he and the kit manufacturer got wrong through copying too closely plot 19’s design.

“We have the most expensive gutters on the planet with NASA-specified insulation in order to cater for Scotframe failing to provide sufficient clearance in the design. We were fortunate that the Polish joiners working on site were smarter than the contractor to discover this and other issues.”

Above left: The architect produced detailed specifications with the benefit of plot 19’s experience and Ian and Mary added finishing details to their personal choice Above: After the contractor went into liquidation, Ian project managed the build himself at stage two Right: Working with Joseph Thurrott Architects, Ian and Mary altered the internal layout, reducing the bedrooms by one and adding additional elements

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Impressive Innovation

Right: The property is everything the couple hoped for; electric running costs have been in range of £300 to £480 a year

The neighbourhood Being in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the planners were keen to encourage Ian and Mary to consider modern designs and a contemporary build. “The materials used were all already permissible – including the zinc roofing,” comments Ian. “Some local residents weren’t so keen and objected, for example, that it “did not have dormers”. However, now that it’s up they like it and appreciate that we don’t have heating bills for one. We have even held open days for Green Homes Network Scotland.

“The property is everything we hoped for; electric running costs have been in range of £300 to £480 a year, depending on whether we are both home or not. These are offset more or less by the feed in tariff from the solar PV. “The exterior was a sloping site and we needed to keep the ridge height to match neighbouring houses. We used light-coloured Indian sandstone for light reflection behind a gabion retaining wall to tie in with the established garden at the rear – and utilised block pavers on the drive for access. With regards to plants, we reworked one bed with bulbs and herbaceous perennials and employed a hard landscaper to assist with our external needs.

“The garden is still a working progress. The vegetable garden has been kept the same with improved access paths – newly-established beds between the house and garden at rear, and at the front of the garage.

Accessible bathroom

Dining

Entrance court Living

Entrance vestibule Store

Kitchen Garden court

Studio /Office Utility

Ground floor plan

Home sweet home “My favourite thing about my new home is the airiness – including the filtered air incoming and outgoing – as well as the light and warmth,” remarks Ian. When asked if he and Mary would do it all again, Ian replied: “Yes; given the right conditions and if we were not enjoying the house as much. But it’s too late in life for some. If we were to do it again, however, we would choose not to live in a caravan on site in winter!”

Ian’s advice for anyone about to take on a selfbuild is: “Do it ! I would, however, advise to set up a joint account with a builder, and pay suppliers direct from that account, and enforce a strict retention policy.”

www.scotframe.co.uk

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Juliette balcony

Bedroom 1

Open to below

Landing

Bedroom 3

Upper floor plan

Bedroom 2

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KBB

Left: Read up as much as you can around the subject of kitchens and check out various image galleries and testimonials both online and in dedicated magazines Below: A 3D CAD visual can enable you to visualise how your kitchen will look based on the furniture, appliances, worktops and accessories you have specified

Having this level of knowledge will really help you to achieve your dream kitchen setting. Visit showrooms to see what sparks your imagination and talk to designers about your ideas as they may suggest options that you haven’t considered.

Start with the basics

Specifying a kitchen for a self-build? The proof is in the planning John Nicholls has been designing and selling kitchens through its Banbury showroom for over 40 years, so the company understands that the kitchen is the heart of the home.

T

he kitchen specialist has recently opened a Kitchen Solutions showroom in Bicester, close to the self-build plots at Graven Hill, where it is helping clients to overcome the challenges of specifying a kitchen for a self-build property. John Nicholls believes that it is vital to start researching and planning as early in the project as possible; from knowing the size and layout of the room through to the styles and designs available in your budget, research as thoroughly as you can to ensure you get the end result you really want.

Here, Max Falconer and Natasha Goodwin, Design Consultants at John Nicholls’ Kitchen Solutions showroom give i-build their top 10 tips for specifying a kitchen for a self-build.

Do your research Getting an initial idea of the style of kitchen and how the space will work within the property will help in the planning stage. Researching is fun! There are so many resources out there to help you; social media sites such as Pinterest and Houzz are great to

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give you inspiration and see what others have done to make their dream kitchen a reality. Read up as much as you can around the subject of kitchens and check out various image galleries and testimonials both online and in dedicated magazines to see what others have done and their experiences.

Ask yourself the following questions to compile an essentials list: Style – do you prefer a classic shaker-style, contemporary slab door or modern, handless style?

Colour – do you want a single colour or two-tone kitchen units?

Appliances – are you having an induction or gas hob? Built-in oven or range cooker?

Other appliances to be integrated or freestanding?

Worktop – what material appeals most? Is it best suited to your requirements and budget?

Layout – would you prefer the flexibility of space for a table, or the continuity of an island or breakfast bar? How will the space flow with the rest of the home?

Wish list Creating a wish list is really exciting and we recommend you do this as well as identifying your essentials list. Although budget may dictate your kitchen’s final specification, you may want to consider a steaming water tap, steam oven, integrated wine cooler, builtin wireless phone charger or pop-up plug sockets.

Lighting | Heating | Security | Energy | More

Build your dream smart home.

Discover great tips for your self build at loxone.com/tips

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KBB

Installation service You’ve decided on your dream kitchen, but do you have an installer to fit it? It’s important to instruct an experienced and trustworthy fitter to complete your kitchen satisfactorily. It’s also important to consider how they will tie in with other trades and the overall schedule of works.

The team at Kitchen Solutions can offer a complete installation service using trusted fitters who install our kitchens to an extremely high standard and are familiar with the installation process.

Future-proofing

Know your measurements This sounds obvious, but it is commonly forgotten about and, therefore, can impact on your dream kitchen setting. Make sure you have these available when deciding on your chosen kitchen furniture and appliances. Your vision may be to have an island unit, but if space does not allow it shouldn’t be included as it’s key that the space flows. If space is an issue, it will be worthwhile considering kitchen ranges that focus on space-saving solutions.

Budget It is really important that you agree a budget and research kitchens that are in line with it to avoid disappointment. It’s crucial to consider: appliances, worktops, accessories and installation; not just the units in your overall costs. We sell a range of kitchens to suit all price points, so give us your budget and we can help you identify one that matches.

Constraints It’s important to know what you can and can’t do with the space you have when designing a kitchen. There are safety regulations to consider as well as best practice guides such as the working triangle that will help you create a space that is easy and safe to use. Other points to consider are electrical connections and where these need to be installed to have the kitchen features where you want them.

Design service Seeing your kitchen come to life on screen is a special moment and we thoroughly recommend you book an appointment with a Kitchen Solutions consultant to get a free 3D CAD visual of how your kitchen will look based on the furniture, appliances, worktops and accessories you have specified. This service is a really good way to help visualise your new kitchen before ordering so you will have an impression of how the finished room will look. Spending the time with a designer can also help to maximise the space you have and tailor it to your needs.

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Above: It’s important to instruct an experienced and trustworthy fitter to complete your kitchen satisfactorily Below: It may be worthwhile to create an essentials list when specifying for your self-build's kitchen

You’ve just designed the perfect kitchen and in a year or more time your situation changes – can your kitchen cope with this? Personal situations and advances in technology are likely to change so it’s important to have a kitchen design that takes these factors into consideration. It will be easier to include additional sockets when installing your kitchen rather than a year or so down the line, as more work will need to be carried out to meet your requirements.

Consult with professionals Specifying a kitchen can be a fun process and we will be happy to help you along the way – from queries on design through to supply and fit. There are so many facets to the decision-making process that you may not have considered; we advise making an appointment at our Kitchen Solutions showroom in Oxfordshire with one of our qualified kitchen designers who can guide you through every step of the process.

www.nichollskitchensolutions.co.uk

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

An historic timber barn renovation James Gray and wife Claudia set out to transform 30 acres of farmland in north Essex into a unique timber home for the entire family. Energy efficiency was a key driver within their brief, so the implementation of highperforming floor insulation, Celotex FI5000, was used.

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W

hilst their ambition was to create an energy-efficient, child-friendly home, this was to be no ordinary project: the land was once home to a Second World War airbase, occupied by the USAF’s 381st bombardment group, complete with the finest surviving nissen hut complexes still remaining in the UK. Therefore, James and Claudia were determined to discover and re-shape the underlying history engraved within the Essex farmland.

Working with such unusual surroundings posed a fundamental question to the design team: how could they approach the historic structure of the nissen huts with care and sensitivity?

The design itself comprised two elements: a ‘public’ space complete with a living room area and kitchen, alongside a ‘family’ space with bedrooms and bathrooms. Carefully positioned rooflights ensure the property is well-lit by diffused natural light, whilst the independent areas are intertwined by a walkway leading to the heart of the property – a central courtyard providing a safe repose for the children.

In order to integrate the proposed design with the land’s historic past, steel tension rods and curved roofing were introduced into the timber framework to create an interesting juxtaposition of old and new. This contemporary adaptation of steel and timber suggests that the property has long been nurtured with the surrounding landscape, with the use of steel rods also allowing much greater flexibility in the internal layout.

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Another consideration, aside from the architectural design, was to ensure that the project build was highly energy-efficient. By using dynamic thermal modelling to predict the home’s performance, Designer Cameron was able to fully optimise the use of floor and glazing construction to best ensure the building maintains the right temperatures all year round.

175mm of Celotex FI5000 was specified for the flooring insulation; this premium value-added product, with a lambda value of ‘0.21 W/mK’, made it the best possible thermal performance choice for the specification. Manufactured from rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR), Celotex FI5000 is constructed using a blowing agent that achieves zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a low global warming potential (GWP).

Celotex's flooring insulation product also eliminated the need for an additional separating layer, as the product features an innovative cement compatible composite facer with a built-in vapour control layer. Due to its high compressive strength rating of ≤175 kPa and excellent dimensional stability, the installers were also able to walk on the insulation directly during the entire installation process.

An added benefit is the increased clip retention capabilities that the industry-leading compressive strength achieves.

This spectacular, energy-efficient home demonstrates how James and Claudia succeeded in changing the dynamics of this once industrial site, transforming a rather unforgiving place into a home of warmth and beauty. Just as it was no ordinary farmland, they’re also continuing to treat the completed renovation as more than just their property, by opening up the building for special weekends to celebrate and preserve the remarkable achievements from the Second World War.

Above left: James and Claudia's ambition was to create an energyefficient, child-friendly home Opposite: Steel tensions rods and curved roofing were introduced into the timber framework Above: The couple selected Celotex's FI5000 flooring insulation for their transformative project Left: This spectacular, energyefficient home demonstrates how James and Claudia succeeded in changing the dynamics of this once industrial site

www.celotex.co.uk

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Architects/Designers

Architect in profile Jason Pledger started his career as a Junior Architectural Assistant at a practice in Truro, Cornwall, in 1991, and today holds the title Design Director at Laurence Associates. Here, i-build talks to Jason about his career as an architect and reports on his recent self-build projects.

Q: Can you please give us a description of your professional career?

A: The practice I worked for in 1991 comprised architects, chartered surveyors and technicians. My duties mainly consisted of carrying out detailed surveys and hand-drafting existing layouts on conversion and change of use schemes on redundant agricultural buildings to form residential dwellings. I worked for the same company for a couple of years, gaining valuable experience, before moving onto a practice in Penryn.

The industry was badly affected by the economic downturn of the early 90s resulting in a dramatic fall in workload, and I spent more than a year out of work.

I put my spare time to good use and was working in the building trade when, in 1994, I was offered a job by an Architectural Designer. For the next four years, I worked on a variety of schemes from extensions and conversions to self-builds. I was young, driven and desperate to succeed.

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I was then offered a job by the owner of a timber frame manufacturer, who wanted me to develop the architectural arm of the company, with a particular focus on self-builds. During the next eight years, I built a five-strong team of architects and we supported clients with land acquisition, pre-application advice, outline and detailed planning applications and Building Regulations.

In 1998, I was headhunted by Laurence Associates which offered me an equity partnership and an opportunity to develop the architectural side of the consultancy. The firm only had one other designer at the time, working on fairly basic schemes. My brief was to develop a team which could offer clients a full range of architectural services. Within a year, the design team had grown six-fold and included a chartered landscape architect and SAP assessor.

Below left: Jason Pledger is the Design Director at Laurence Associates Left: Having the opportunity to design a house to suit your own needs can be appealing and daunting in equal measure Right: Choosing an architect is crucial, and you need to get the best fit for you and your project

Architects/Designers

Far left: It’s essential to ensure you have a contract with your builder or contractor

We went on to win the RTPI ‘Small Planning Consultancy of the Year’ Award for our holistic approach to development.

Q: How did you come to specialise in the self-build market?

A: My father was a builder so I spent time on building sites from a young age. I’ve designed and built two of my own homes and renovated and extended my current one. I have always enjoyed working on residential schemes, particularly self-builds, and you soon become aware of the pitfalls. I believe my hands-on experience helps me to better understand my clients’ needs when undertaking a self-build project.

Q: What has been your most notable self-build project to date?

A: I have been involved in a number of notable projects, but arguably one of the most outstanding is a scheme for a replacement dwelling at Restronguet Creek on the River Fal. We were selected after a rigorous interview process, for which we had to prepare a concept scheme based on the clients’ initial basic brief for a 450 to 500m2 house, four-bay garage and boathouse overlooking Carrick Roads. It ended up being more than 750m2 across three floors and includes a swimming pool, steam room and gymnasium. The open-plan design meant we had to work with structural engineers to develop a reinforced concrete frame. This will be a flagship project for our practice, and it’s been terrific to work with clients who have trusted our experience throughout.

Q: What have you witnessed as a main concern for today’s self-builders?

A: One of the main concerns is having a cohesive approach through the build process with the different trades involved – and the expertise and experience to manage it. Selfbuilding clients wishing to trim costs may choose to project manage themselves rather than appointing a main contractor. But they may not be best placed to monitor the progress and workmanship, and to ensure a joined-up approach across the trades. I have witnessed

some horrendous workmanship on a number of self-build projects, particularly when the architect hasn’t been retained post-approval for the construction phase.

I once went on a site visit and discovered that an electrician employed by the main contractor had cored out a 100mm hole in the bottom chord of a 222mm girder truss to access mechanical ventilation ducting. It might have been the easiest way to do it, but it left the girder truss without any structural integrity. This sort of thing happens when there’s no cohesion between the trades on site, typical of a self-build project.

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Architects/Designers

Q: What advice would you offer selfbuilders when it comes to budgeting?

A: Establish your budget before finding the plot

Q: What do you think is the greatest challenge for self-builders today?

A: Securing funding for self-builds is much harder since the recession of 2008, although the situation is gradually easing as the markets improve. Then you need to find the right plot at the right price. It’s not uncommon for self-build projects to go over budget. Many schemes don’t have a quantity surveyor (QS) on board from the outset to advise on the design process in line with the client budget and to monitor costs as the project progresses. A QS is an independent expert consultant who can prepare a bill of quantities and schedules for the materials and labour needed for the project from the architect’s plans.

It’s also essential to ensure you have a contract with your builder or contractor. All too often, I see problems either during or at the end of the project where there hasn’t been a contract between the parties.

Q: How do you approach a self-build project?

A: Having the opportunity to design a house to suit your own needs, rather than buying one from a housing developer, can be appealing and daunting in equal measure. By following a few key steps, you’ll be able to minimise the chances of the your house-building dreams collapsing around you: Firstly, make sure your funding is in place at the start and set a firm but realistic budget, including a contingency to cover unexpected costs.

Choosing an architect is crucial, and you need to get the best fit for you and your project. Choose someone who’s going to understand your ideas and maximise the potential of your site.

Do your homework; looking at a site’s planning history may give you an insight into what can be achieved, as well as any issues arising from previous

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applications. You can obtain this information from your local authority. Check whether the site lies within a designated area such as an AONB or conservation area where there may be tighter restrictions on what you’ll be able to achieve.

Consider early contact with the local authority’s planning department to assess the viability of your project. Most planning departments offer pre-application advice, although you may have to pay for this service.

Play to the site’s strengths and try to be flexible about the design of the house.

Q: In your view, which building material do you believe is best for a self-build?

A: It’s very much a personal choice, but I favour timber, simply for its versatility. There are so many variations, species, colours and applications for the interior and exterior. But the material you use will largely depend on the nature of the site, topography and ground conditions.

Above: Having a cohesive approach throughout a self-build process with the different trades involved is important Right: Make sure your funding is in place at the start and set a firm but realistic budget, including a contingency to cover unexpected costs

and always build in a minimum 10% contingency.

Projects can grind to a halt due to a lack of contingency funds for unforeseen issues on site, and the tighter the budget, the more stress there will be as the project progresses. And very often that can lead to a compromise with the end product. It’s important to remember that a budget is a tool to help you manage the project efficiently and it will need to be updated regularly throughout the build.

Consider using £/m2 to ensure the size of your property is right for your budget – but only use it as a guide. It’s wise on some projects to engage a quantity surveyor who’ll be able to give you professional advice on build costs.

Q: What advice would you offer to those self-builders currently plot searching?

A: Plots of land for development aren’t always an easy or obvious find and you’ll need a lot of patience. The first thing to do is select an area.

If your search area is too large you could easily become overwhelmed. Look online, register with estate and land agents, stay across auction listings and let people know you’re looking for a plot. Word of mouth is really powerful. Use Google Street View to identify street maps to identify gaps in the street scene; look for space around existing homes which could attract planning permission for infill development. Narrow sites are often overlooked, but it might be possible to squeeze in a small house with roof lights and courtyard areas, reducing the impact on neighbouring properties.

www.laurenceassociates.co.uk

LET YOUR KITCHEN SPARKLE A Harvey Water Softener keeps your home limescale free!

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Next generation roofing solution for low-energy homes

rafters incorporated within the core offer sufficient strength for self-support. During the production process, the foaming takes place around the rafters which means that the panels are completely airtight as well as highly vapour-resistant. The L-Ments system can be covered with a range of finishes such as tiles, slates and zinc.

Available in four thicknesses and five lengths, 195m2 of 200mm-thick x 1200mm x 6500mm, L-Ments panels were used in the Burley pitched-roof’s construction. The panels, which feature shiplap joints to ensure they lock together and are lifted into position via a crane, were easily adapted to address the roof’s pitch of 60° on the north side and 30° on the south side.

Mr Lacey added: “L-Ments really is an ingenious concept – a prefabricated roofing system which not only saves energy, it saves time and money on installation. It also offers a safer way of constructing.”

L-Ments, with its easy-to-install, thermallyefficient properties, has gone a long way to ensure that this superb example of comfortable, stylish, environmentally-friendly living will be completed ahead of schedule.

www.recticelinsulation.co.uk

L-Ments, an innovative prefabricated roof system that enables the installation of a fully insulated pitched roof in a matter of hours, has been specified for an eco-house in one of Britain’s leading tourist spots.

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reated by PIR manufacturer, Recticel Insulation, the self-supporting system enables a safe, fast method of creating a watertight structure.

The detached, four-bedroom home located in Burley, the heart of Hampshire’s glorious New Forest, has been designed and built

by Architect, Nick Lacey. For the two-storey property – constructed using passive and active solar techniques – Mr Lacey required solutions that would offer fast, quality construction along with high performance. For the roof, L-Ments met this brief, providing a prefabricated system with superb thermal performance that quickly waterproofed the partially-built home and helped to speed-up the construction process. Such was the ease of application, the construction of the pitched roof was completed in just seven hours.

Mr Lacey commented: “The roof’s prefabricated element was key to its specification as I urgently needed to speed-up

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building works on this project. I’m glad to say I made the right decision. L-Ments is built for rapid installation as well as containing all the necessary thermal properties to ensure the completed house meets the near-zero carbon standard. Working with the L-Ments system proved to be a very good choice.”

The 200m2 Burley house is the first project to use the innovative L-Ments system in the UK. Designed to offer U-values of between 0.13 and 0.19W/m2K, it comprises breather membrane, counter battens and integral structural timber along with high-performance PIR insulation, all incorporated into lightweight, cost-effective, modular roofing panels.

To create a total roof solution, the vapour permeable underlay felt is pre-glued with selfadhesive overlaps. Counter battens are fixed to the panel, while the multi-layered facings act as a vapour and air barrier on the inside.

The PIR insulation core offers low thermal conductivity at 0.023W/mK, and the timber

Top: The 200m2 Burley house is the first project to use the innovative L-Ments system in the UK Above: The panels, which feature shiplap joints to ensure they lock together and are lifted into position via a crane, were easily adapted to address the roof’s pitch

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i-nterior

Cook up a storm There is nothing quite like being able to touch and feel an appliance to determine its quality and find out more about its functionality and performance, says Luke Shipway, Product Manager at Caple.

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he best place to go to see an appliance in the flesh is to visit your local independent retailer, as this way you will see first-hand the quality of the appliance. The kitchen designer can give you expert advice on the functions and programmes available so you can make an informed decision and choose an appliance that complements your lifestyle and family needs. Many of Caple’s appliances are sold through kitchen retailers who will have working models on display, so you can see a demonstration on how these appliances are operated and which ones will best suit your needs.

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Look for appliances that feature programmes and functions, which are tailored to make your life even easier and enable you to achieve outstanding results. Built-in ovens now come with a whole host of intelligent features such as preprogrammed recipes and innovative controls, which will deliver outstanding cooking results. A pyrolytic oven provides you with a quick, easy and inexpensive way in which to clean the interior, as it uses less electricity than the cost of the chemicals.

If you’re buying all your appliances for your new kitchen, ensure the fascias are coherent for a seamless finish, which is particularly important in

open-plan kitchen designs. You need to choose matching appliances of the same height, such as placing a conventional oven next to a compact combi-steam oven and warming drawer for a neat finish. Consider whether you require a vertical or horizontal bank of appliances. A vertical display looks superb in a large kitchen whereas a vertical configuration may suit a smaller space. You can instantly create a more streamlined finish in an open-plan kitchen scheme where a variety of activities take place within the same room. The appliances will all be installed within easy reach and together so this configuration makes more sense for an ergonomic kitchen design. If you enjoy entertaining regularly, having a built-in coffee machine or wine cabinet in the kitchen will certainly be a benefit.

Compare energy labels on products and look for appliances that have high energy ratings as these will help you reduce your electricity bills in the long-term as well as your environmental impact. Certain product areas stand out as their eco-benefits are more obvious – for example, a dishwasher is instantly more resource-efficient than washing dishes by hand and you can make them even more efficient by taking advantage of the various features the appliance may offer.

www.caple.co.uk

i-nterior

Induction cooking – a worthwhile investment It wasn’t long ago that the induction hob was cutting-edge and niche technology, however, today it is standard kit for many new kitchens.

There are numerous brands and models to choose from so always invest in the best induction hob you can afford to maximise the advantages.

The most recent Which? survey revealed that 66% of us are worried about energy prices.

When planning your kitchen, investing in the latest technology that promotes energy-saving is a worthy, long-term proposition; cooking using induction technology will certainly contribute to improving your carbon footprint.

Whether you are an absolute beginner, looking for a bit of guidance when cooking, or you are a master chef needing an extra pair of hands in your kitchen, it’s always great to have an appliance that can offer a bit of assistance.

That’s where the latest induction hobs are changing the game with a revolutionary assisted-cooking experience that makes the art of cooking pleasurable and instinctive.

Today’s best induction hobs can automatically set, monitor and control the temperature, as well as alert you, via an acoustic signal, when to add various ingredients. And, for complete safety and peace of mind, will ensure that the contents never boil over or burn dry.

Induction technology is now available in premium built-in ovens. Providing excellent cooking results with minimum effort, they are at the forefront of cooking technology delivering faster cooking times and greater energy efficiency, saving up to 50% in time and energy.

With guaranteed high-level cooking performance, together with time-saving and low-energy consumption, induction cooking is an obvious choice for the modern home today. And, with the continuing rise of fuel costs, there has never been a better time to consider the future.

www.whirlpool.co.uk

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i-nterior

Keep your self-build looking new with a water softener When you’re spending your savings on a self-build or renovation, chances are you’ll be preoccupied with getting the project finished on time and, more importantly, within budget.

However, here’s one simple thing you might not have considered – something which could make the difference between you spending thousands more than you need to in years to come, or saving it. That is the hardness of your water.

If you live in a hard water area, you’ll be familiar with limescale on your kitchen and bathroom taps or shower screens. Caused by the minerals in your water, it can quickly cause an unsightly mess and make your dream home look worn out in a matter of months.

But limescale from hard water is more than just a fact of life to be lived with

44

through more and more cleaning. If left untreated, it can cause real damage to your appliances and heating or hot water systems too. Any device with a heating element that uses water is affected. When those appliances are brand new, exposing them to hard water is little different to throwing your money away.

A water softener removes those ‘hard’ minerals from your water to prevent limescale from forming. It protects your appliances inside and out; making them last longer and look better for longer.

Water hardness varies from place to place, so whether a softener is right for you

and your next project depends very much on where you live. However it’s something that every self-build project should, at the very least, consider.

www.harveywatersofteners.co.uk

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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 (www.sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal.

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i-build

Why build with oak?

Oak is an affordable luxury that adds vitality, warmth and ambience to any development. Few people can resist the charms of oak, but aesthetics aren’t the only reason to use it, says Kat Hamilton from Oakmasters.

Oak belongs here

Oak is eco-friendly

All over the UK, centuries-old oak-framed houses stand proudly, testament to the durability of this amazing building material. Originally built using locally-grown timber recycled from dismantled ships, oak-framed buildings have not lost their appeal. Many people choose to build in oak because it is so quintessentially British and it simply belongs here.

Using green oak to construct oak frames means no energy is spent drying the timber.

The finished frame continues to dry and during this process it gets stronger and harder.

The supply chain is short, the green timber typically exchanging only two sets of hands from tree to site delivery, ready for assembly.

Frame manufacturers should supply timber purchased from sustainable sources with Chain of Custody certification. In British and European forests, every felled tree is replaced with several new ones. This is healthier for the environment, as growing trees produce more oxygen than old ones.

Oak allows for a faster build Oak-framed buildings are pre-constructed in workshops, shipped then assembled on-site around 30% quicker than masonry. The oak frame is wrapped in a weathertight envelope and the outer walls can be clad in any material such as stone, render, oak cladding or weatherboarding.

Modern oak frame designs and engineering solutions allow them to work seamlessly with SIPs as well as glazing too.

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www.oakmasters.co.uk

i-build

The natural way to care for oak Here Steve Grimwood, Managing Director at Osmo UK, a wood protection and finish specialist, talks to i-build regarding how to provide essential yet natural care for external oak.

As a building material as well as for internal furniture and features, oak is often a highly desired material. Its robust hardwood properties and aesthetically-pleasing appearance make it a popular choice for homeowners and developers alike. However, it is important to remember that, like any wood, protection is required to ensure the wood does not become weakened or damaged. This is especially important if the wood is being used for frame extensions and general external works.

At Osmo UK, we offer a full range of UV-ProtectionOils which consist of natural ingredients to eliminate algae and fungal decay and provide optimal protection against the sun. By absorbing into the wood and penetrating into its internal structure, the oil allows the surface to remain healthy and regulates the moisture content, improving elasticity and preventing it from drying out and becoming brittle. By applying two coats of Osmo’s Oak UV-Protection-Oil to oak frames, doors and windows, the wood is properly protected and reduces the risk of any cracking, flaking, peeling or blistering.

Due to the natural weathering induced by the sun and other environmental elements, a wood’s original colour can turn a silver-grey hue over time and after prolonged exposure to UV rays. Osmo’s UVProtection-Oil Tints have been specially designed to resist against the grey patina and instead install a hint of gentle and natural colour. The Oak UV-Protection-Oil is lightly pigmented and offers a satin appearance, gently emphasising and perfectly complementing the oak’s natural tones whilst providing essential protection.

www.osmouk.com

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i-scape

Acoustic fencing is the solution for noise reduction With roads across the country getting busier and the lack of choice when it comes to building plots, many self-builders are having to face the fact that affordable property and building plots will sometimes come with the compromise of a busy road nearby.

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here is a solution available, however.

Using its expertise in developing noise-reducing fence panels for motorways across the UK, BSW Timber has developed a version called Soundshield for residential use that is effective, affordable and attractive. Soundshield has been proven to reduce noise levels by 22 dB in independent laboratory tests. To put this into perspective, many scientific studies state that a 10 dB reduction in noise to the human ear can provide up to a 50% reduction of loudness.

Manufactured in the UK from responsiblysourced timber, the lightweight panels are installed as modules for convenience and can even fit between existing posts, which makes it easy to replace old fence panels. Horizontal fence boards ensure that the modular panels blend into one another seamlessly and using both sides of the panel creates a run that is aesthetically attractive from any angle.

Unlike traditional garden fence panels, the Soundshield system has sound-damping technology within its core that’s built-in around

48

the framework. Panels are clad not just on one side of the fence, but on both sides using carefully selected high-density pressure-treated boards.

These boards are overlapped and connected securely in a way that helps prevent any gaps appearing between joints that you would expect to see in traditional garden fence panels.

The challenge with producing an acoustic fence system for domestic applications is keeping the weight and ease of installation comparable to standard fence panels. Using a cleverly patented jointing system, Soundshield panels are installed in two ‘half-sized’ modules and interlock together to make the full height.

Do I need planning permission?

Generally, no planning permission is required for any type of fencing under 2m in height unless it is within the curtilage of a listed building. However, if your property is next to a highway or footpath, it cannot exceed 1m without planning permission.

www.bsw.co.uk

i-scape

Replacement fence?

Traditionally, garden fencing was used to mark a boundary and to offer a degree of security but now fencing, with the wealth of styles available, offers so much more. It can be used not only to frame your garden, but also to transform the look and feel of your outdoor space.

There are many different choices; solid fencing, like featherboard or tongue and groove panels, can create valuable privacy, increase security and reduce noise, whereas semi-solid styles, like fashionable Venetian horizontal slatted panels and forms of trellis, can add light and air, also creating great shade effects. So the type of fencing you choose is very dependent on your individual needs.

Standard fence panel heights usually start at 0.3m through to 1.8m with several heights in between. No planning permission is required for a wall or fence that is under 2m in height.

However, if that wall or fence is adjacent to a highway, including a footpath, then the height cannot exceed 1m without planning permission.

You should always check with your local council planning department if you are thinking of installing anything higher.

As an experienced self-builder, you will be well aware that you get what you pay for when buying materials and fencing is no exception. There are many products on the market that look similar, but be warned cheaper versions will not last more than a few years, the varying quality of the timber and how it has been treated is key. Look for solidity in the fence panel, does it look strong and feel heavy?

If it feels flimsy and lightweight, then that’s what it

is! Properly kiln-dried and pressure-treated timber will cost a bit more but can last five times longer than cheaper alternatives. It’s worth enquiring about whether there is a guarantee, some suppliers offer long guarantees against the fence and posts rotting.

Good quality fixings that won’t rust are very important, use heavily galvanised or stainless steel fixings, to hold everything in place for many years.

Make sure you use gravel boards. These are a strong and durable board, usually about 150mm-

high, by 28mm-deep, by 1.83m-long, that run horizontally between the posts on the ground, below the panel. They help protect the bottom of the panel from resting on damp earth and are made from a specific type of wood that, when treated, is resistant to rot. Fence posts should also be treated and made from this class of timber so that they won’t rot when in contact with the ground.

Dig proper foundations – no matter how good your posts are, they won’t stay up unless you have them dug in to the correct depth, at least 600mm and with plenty of concrete to secure them in the holes.

If you live in a very exposed area that is subjected to a lot of wind, choose a semi-solid panel that offers less wind resistance.

www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

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Product Guide

Three-day self-build course – 15-17th July, 1618th September and 4-6th November One-day project management course – 5th August, 14th October and 2nd December One-day heat and energy course – 2nd September and 12th November.

Eco legislation

Before you build your home, build your knowledge The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is the UK’s only permanent visitor centre for self-builders, renovators and homeimprovers. A unique and inspiring resource, the NSBRC team can provide you with the knowledge and support you need to make informed decisions during every step of your home-building project.

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Planning permission and permitted development

Budgeting and finance

Trades, contracts and tendering

This first session is dedicated to methods of raising finance, the importance of setting a budget and controlling costs throughout the project.

A discussion on the best way to find tradesmen, the trades you’ll be hiring, when you’ll need them and what they do.

Finding and evaluating land

Project management and site set up

Finding a building plot is never easy, but there are ways and means to find that elusive dream plot.

Starting with the basic principles of managing the people involved in your build, through to budgets, basic contracting techniques, buying materials and site management.

This session looks at how to get the best design for your dream home.

Building systems and construction methods A comprehensive tour of the build process, covering everything from clearing and setting up your site, laying the foundations and options for building the superstructure and roof.

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Eco design, planning and management Explore the different elements of the building to make sure they are designed, specified and installed to maximise their potential.

Internal services

he NSBRC offers a three-day course for those people contemplating or starting a self-build project.

Covering 11 topics in total, the informal workshops make use of the superb practical exhibits available in the centre to provide attendees with a level of knowledge which guarantees their projects will go more smoothly.

Design and specification

An eco-expert shows you how to lessen the impact your project could have on the environment; looking at the incentives available and drivers for using various eco-technologies, comparative fuel costs and helps you understand how to calculate the payback terms. They’ll also consider the latest legislative requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes, Passive House, SAP ratings, FITs and RHI, the Green Deal and other potential incentives.

A planning expert will explain the intricacies of the planning process and how you can optimise your chances of getting approval for your dream home.

Discuss the usage of conventional and low-tech eco options in your new home.

The NSBRC also offers one-day courses on: Project management Heat and energy

Building Regulations You’ll learn about building control procedures and the importance of Building Regulations.

The NSBRC’s jargon-busting courses are packed full of useful tips and advice. The three-day course costs £375 and the one-day sessions are £150. All include lunch, refreshments and a comprehensive information pack to take away. Due to demand, courses must be booked in advance.

2017 is a special year for the NSBRC as it marks the visitor and conference centre’s 10th anniversary, having first opened in January 2007.

Over the last decade, the NSBRC has welcomed over 150,000 self-builders through its doors, from first-time builders to developers and home improvers – supporting over 16,000 self-builders in 2016 alone.

national.centre@nsbrc.co.uk 0345 223 4455 www.nsbrc.co.uk Above: Covering 11 topics in total, the informal workshops make use of the superb practical exhibits available in the centre Left: 2017 is a special year for the NSBRC as it marks the visitor and conference centre’s 10th anniversary

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

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

editor@mixedmediainfo.com

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Product Guide

The perfect combination Combination Bathroom Furniture from Hudson Reed offers a unique range of space-saving storage solutions for the smaller bathroom. The range is designed to be flexible, so you can create the look you want that fits any bathroom perfectly.

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he selection of slimline and L–shaped polymarble complement the vanity and WC units, giving you the flexibility to add additional storage in even the smallest of rooms.

If there is space available for a run of units together, Hudson Reed’s 1100, 1200 or 1500mm sets are the perfect combination for added storage, with a choice of straight, left-hand or right-hand configurations.

Complete the look with a choice of coordinating mirror cabinets and bath panels.

Where space is limited there is a collection of standalone units where the basin unit and WC unit are separate but can be placed together, which are perfect for confined bathroom space. For standalone vanity units choose from 400, 500 and 600mm basin units in both full-depth and compact size.

Complete with coordinating polymarble basins and matching WC tops to finish the look.

The Combination Furniture range is available in four stylish finishes, all with fully colourcoordinating cabinets and accessories – gloss

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white, driftwood, grey avola and the latest ontrend colour, hacienda black. You can customise a look with either the standard handle that is supplied or you can purchase an alternative handle to tailor a particular look.

All furniture is supplied preconstructed as standard, making this quicker and easier to install. All the furniture is supplied with an integrated soft-close system to endure less wear-and-tear and have a smoother, quieter action, which is ideal for en-suites.

Reassurance of quality is essential, so for added peace of mind Hudson Reed offers a five-year guarantee on its Combination Furniture.

Combination Bathroom Furniture lets you make the most of the smallest room in a house, enabling the incorporation of essential storage, and will look stunning in any bathroom with the right styling.

www.hudsonreed.co.uk news@ultra-finishing.co.uk 01422 417099

Above: The Combination Furniture range is available in four stylish finishes – gloss white, driftwood, grey avola and the latest on-trend colour, hacienda black Below: Combination Bathroom Furniture lets you make the most of the smallest room in the house

Product Guide

VELUX adds three more sizes to curved glass rooflight range Roof window manufacturer, VELUX, has added three more sizes to its world-first curved glass rooflight range.

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he VELUX curved glass rooflight, designed for flat roofs, is now available in eight different sizes and features CurveTech, an innovative curve-shaped glass top that lets rainwater easily drain off the surface – even on completely flat roofs. That means daylight is able to shine through without raindrops getting in the way.

The new curved glass rooflight offers a number of other unique benefits for homeowners looking to bring in more daylight through the roof: A fully programmable control pad offers remote control operation of out-of-reach rooflights. Practical pre-fitted rain sensor closes the rooflight automatically in the event of rain.

A combination of insulating PVC frame and double-glazed, low-energy inner pane ensures heat does not escape through the window and helps to maintain the home’s ideal indoor climate.

The curved glass shape provides natural drainage of rainwater, negating the need for regular cleaning. Toughened glass makes it virtually impervious to damage from the elements. Maintenance-free PVC material used on the interior frame is also easy to clean.

The eight different sizes of rooflights provide homeowners with flexibility when looking for roof windows to match their room size.

The curved glass flat roof windows are installed in the same way as other VELUX flat roof windows and use the same base units as the existing range, meaning installers don’t need to learn new methods of installation.

www.velux.co.uk/curved 01592 778225 sales@velux.co.uk

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Product Guide

The 7 wonders of Harvey Water Water softeners are becoming increasingly popular as more people understand the benefits of them in hard water areas. From a cleaner home to descaled pipes and appliances that result in cheaper bills, it’s no surprise that people are opting for softened water.

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ater that runs through the home is vital to the maintenance of it — impacting everything from skin conditions to boiler efficiency.

Rainwater is naturally ‘soft’, but when it flows underground it picks up lime and chalk minerals. These make the water hard. So what is softened water all about? Here are some of the most popular questions regarding water softeners.

What is a water softener?

A water softener is a device that turns naturally hard water into soft water. It will eliminate all the problems associated with hard water, meaning you, your home and family can enjoy a shinier home, glossier hair, softer skin, fewer products, longer-lasting appliances, bigger bubble baths, cheaper bills and more. The Harvey Water Softener plumbs into your mains water supply, fitting neatly under your kitchen sink. It is non-electric with a twin cylinder design, meaning there is no downtime from softened water and you will no longer experience hard water problems.

The water softener traps the minerals that make the water hard, providing your whole home with beautifully softened water.

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How will softened water help around my home?

When hard water runs through your pipes it results in a build-up of limescale, this will also be found inside appliances and on surfaces — anything that the water touches. If you can see the heating element of your kettle covered in a white residue, this is limescale. This is happening on a much larger scale inside your hot water system too. Softened water will eliminate limescale throughout your home, from surfaces to appliances, everything will shine with less scrubbing, become more efficient and longer-lasting. Products will lather better, meaning you need less of them. In the long-run, you will save money on bills, shopping trips and save time on cleaning around the home.

Everything will sparkle that little bit more, for that little bit longer.

apply moisturiser as often. Skin will feel more soothed and dry skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis, can be improved. Hair will become less tangled and smoother to the touch, making it more manageable. From towels to toes, everything will become softer.

www.harvey.co.uk enquiries@harvey.co.uk 01483 736871

How will softened water help me and my family?

With softened water, you will experience bigger bubbles in your bath, great for all the family.

Everything will lather better, meaning washing up is easier, the washing machine produces better results and cleaning products will be drastically reduced. Using fewer products will result in softer skin, simply because you won’t need to use so many abrasive products or

Top: With softened water, everything will lather better, meaning washing up is easier, the washing machine produces better results and cleaning products will be drastically reduced Above: The Harvey Water Softener plumbs into your mains water supply, fitting neatly under your kitchen sink

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Free download available now BROWSE | SPECIFY | SOURCE | DIGEST Inex is the comprehensive online specification portal for interior and exterior design professionals.

To support the fast-paced lifestyles of our audience, all Inex content is pushed via the stylish and easy-to-navigate app for smart phone and tablet users. The Inex app is a vital portal for accessing information on the move.

Product Guide

Remmers sets sail at Red Wharf Bay Red Wharf Bay Sailing & Watersports Club is set in an area of outstanding beauty at Traeth Bychan on the Isle of Anglesey, north Wales.

The members’ clubhouse has been sited here for over 50 years due to its suitable sailing waters. The members of the committee decided that the exterior of the building was looking a little tired and a refresh was needed before the new season started at Easter. Remmers’ Compact Opaque PU topcoat was selected for the job due to its performance characteristics and suitability to coastal locations.

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

Polyurethane foam insulation provides superior insulation for building projects Polyurethane foam can be used as a highperforming insulant in self-build projects to meet or exceed today’s standards. When used for airtightness or stabilisation under the roof or within the cavity, it outperforms most other materials.

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or insulation purposes closed-cell polyurethane should be chosen. This material is resistant to driving rain, meaning that the material stays dry with no loss of thermal properties. The British Board of Agrément certification approves this insulant for cavity walls in all exposure zones. Closed-cell foams which achieve a Class 1 fire rating when tested to BS476 Part 7 are available. Or, where non-Class 1 materials are used on internal applications these must be covered by plasterboard, or a similar thermal barrier.

Conversely, open-cell polyurethane foams do not have the high insulation properties associated with the closed-cell materials. They also do not have the same fire performance as closed-cell, so should never be left exposed; they have no structural strength to stabilise roofs or walls. Open-cell foam is useful in situations which require more air and vapour into a building’s interior.

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

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High-quality building design is key to meeting noise challenges in London Manufacturer ROCKWOOL UK has published a report on the impact of noise in London. ‘Good Growth, Quiet Buildings’, draws together information on health impacts, costs and Government policy and highlights how growth in high-density living, coupled with the move towards a 24-hour economy, means that London will continue to face challenges in achieving good growth and a good night’s sleep. Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK, Rory Moss, said: “Building in noise considerations from the outset of a project is the most straightforward and cost-effective route to achieving quiet buildings. By considering noise as an integral part of the design process, materials can be carefully selected to meet real-life performance needs.”

www.rockwool.co.uk 01656 868400 customersupportcentre@rockwool.co.uk

Cembrit B5 upgrades Penlan holiday homes Cembrit B5 corrugated sheets have been installed on Penlan holiday village’s Swiss-style lodges in Swansea. Approximately 150 black-coated B5 corrugated sheets have been installed on five lodges – also utilising a closefitting, one-piece cranked crown ridge to fit perfectly into the roof pitches. The rust- and rot-free B5 corrugated sheet is the perfect solution for someone looking to clad or repair single-storey buildings. B5 sheets have a small overlap and, as sheets are approximately 40% wider than comparative products, they offer a much better coverage per sheet. This has the advantage of decreasing the weight of the roof covering.

www.cembrit.co.uk 0208 320 1184 sales@cembrit.co.uk

Product Guide

Kitchen rooms that offer a ‘wow’ factor The kitchen remains the heart of any home but, due to a cultural shift in lifestyle, it is becoming more important that it is a multifunctional space. As such, many people opt for semi-glazed kitchen extensions, creating a light, bright and spacious room that doesn’t only serve as a place to cook but can also be shared with family and friends.

O Top left: The owners of this property sought a large, dream kitchen, with enough space to passionately cook for all their friends Top: A large kitchen extension never fails to provide that sought-after ‘wow’ factor Centre: Westbury designed a large glazed gable at the front of the house with a circle feature to perfectly match the existing circular window on the above floor Above: Not only has the garden room allowed for the extra space, it has added a new dimension to the family's home

ften incorporating an informal dining area and some comfortable seating, these spaces truly are ‘living’ rooms and tend to become the centre of family life, and a fantastic area for entertaining due to their indoor/outdoor feel.

By extending in this way, even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into amazing places.

Shaded corners, side returns and even lower ground floor basements can benefit from the addition of a roof lantern, or wide-opening French doors.

Architectural solutions in suburban areas need careful planning and can bring their challenges when it comes to obtaining consent. Knowledge, experience and ingenuity are required to successfully design and implement a build such as this, but the end result is certainly worth the extra effort.

A little extra square footage can dramatically improve the light, space and flow of your home. A large kitchen extension never fails to provide that sought-after ‘wow’ factor.

It can be difficult to envisage what may be possible for your home, but the expert designers at Westbury are able to offer advice and guide you through the process.

The owners of the property pictured sought a large, dream kitchen, with enough space to passionately cook for all their friends.

Westbury designed a large glazed gable at the front of the house with a circle feature to perfectly match the existing circular window on the above floor, the garden room has created flow through the design as though it has always been there.

Not only has the garden room allowed for the extra space, it has added a new dimension to their home, natural sunlight floods through the house, it has totally transformed the property.

www.westburygardenrooms.com info@westburygardenrooms.com 0207 091 9781

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Product Guide

Omnie MVHR systems specified for Suffolk ecohomes Consultants designing a development of highly energy-efficient homes in Suffolk have opted to incorporate Omnie mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems, as well as the manufacturer’s well-proven TorFloor underfloor heating to help maintain optimum indoor conditions. The architects acting on behalf of Mainline Properties have drawn on the expertise of Omnie to ensure a comfortable indoor living environment is created by fitting the MVHR. In operation, the warm, moist air extracted from the kitchen and other wet rooms will pass through each unit’s high efficiency heat exchanger to temper the incoming fresh air. Alternatively, during warm weather, the system can simply supply cooling ventilation to the living spaces.

www.omnie.co.uk 01392 363605 projects@omnie.co.uk

Insullite chooses YBS insulation

Transform your space with Eclisse pocket doors Eclisse pocket doors are both space-saving and space changing. Imagine opening up and closing off different areas of your layout in an instant, with doors that are there when you need them, and slide into the wall when you don’t. That’s the beauty of pocket doors. Because the doors slide into the wall, the doors themselves do not take up valuable space in the room when they are open, unlike traditional hinged doors.

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clisse has a large range of pocket door systems available ranging from single and double pocket door systems to telescopic, circular and glass pocket doors systems. Styles range from those that require finishing off with decorative architrave, the Classic range, and those that are flush without the need for jambs and architrave, the Syntesis Flush collection.

This year, Eclisse is introducing additional products to its Syntesis Flush collection. The collection features a pocket door system without jambs or architrave, a concealed hinged door frame without jambs or architrave, a flush riser door system and a flush skirting board adapter.

The emphasis is on uninterrupted, clean lines for an interior without fuss and complication, where less is more.

Made from high-quality materials with an incredible attention to detail, the Syntesis Flush collection has the strength, reliability and innovative design features you would expect from Eclisse.

www.eclisse.co.uk 0845 4811977 info@eclisse.co.uk

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Insullite, a Manchester-based manufacturer specialising in the upgrade of existing conservatory structures, is making extensive use of high-performance multi-foil insulation from YBS in the construction of its replacement roofs. Since the company was set up, Insullite has grown its business serving trade as well as private domestic customers, enabling property owners to make use of the company’s outdoor rooms all year round. The manufacturer achieved this by developing a lightweight, timber-framed replacement roof structure featuring the use of the YBS SuperQuilt multi-layer insulation. The choice of the well-proven, BBA-accredited product, enables the Insullite conservatory roof to achieve Building Regulation approval while maintaining the elegantly low profile appearance complementary to existing conservatories.

www.ybsinsulation.com 01909 721662 sales@ybsinsulation.com

Add shine to your wood with Osmo For house-builders looking to add a bit of shine to wooden floors and furniture this summer, Osmo UK – the eco-friendly wood and finishes expert – offers Polyx-Oil Clear Glossy which provides a gloss finish and adds a touch of class to any room. Polyx-Oil Glossy is extremely easy to apply.

Simply brush on to the wood surface to achieve deep, long-lasting penetration. After treatment, the wood is strengthened from within and retains its elasticity. It becomes water-repellent, stain-resistant and hard-wearing, because it meets the wood’s natural demands and does not crack, flake, peel or blister.

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

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system Transform any outside space with LEVATO MONO Porcelain paver system from the Deck Tile Co. Ltd. The system offers flexibility and choice for even the most challenging of applications - from roof terraces and balconies with multiple falls to patios and restaurant piazza’s where wear resistance is key.

With many finishes and formats available, the 20mm pavers combine incredible technical properties with uncompromising aesthetics and thanks to the intuitive height adjustable and slope correcting facility on the support system, it is possible to cover most waterproof membranes or uneven sub-surfaces.

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

www.thedecktileco.co.uk t: 0118 391 4120

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

Completely non porous Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use Fire & frost proof Height-adjustable supports from 9mm up to 550mm