i-build July 2019 by Red Hut Media Ltd

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS July 19 Issue 60 Download the free app to your tablet or mobile. Search 'i-build'

MANAGING RISK ON A SELF-BUILD PROJECT THE BENEFITS OF USING EXTERNAL PORCELAIN TILES

20+

interior ideas to create the perfect country home

COVER STORY:

HIGH-TECH HOME FOR THE FUTURE How one self-build couple considered every element to create an energy efficient house BESPOKE BUILD

RESTORE OR REPLACE?

AMBITIOUS DESIGN

WoodLiving has created a custom kitchen designed for family life

A guide to keeping windows looking fresh on period properties

i-build explores an extraordinary project with structural complexity

+ SPECIAL FOCUS: l RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY l PATIOS l VENTILATION

Surface360.co.uk formerly The Deck Tile co. has 50+ ranges of Levato MonoTM 20mm porcelain paving and now with coordinating internal tiling, oﬀering seamless visual transition between internal and external spaces.

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WWW.SURFACE360.CO.UK 0118 391 4120

www.i-buildmagazine.com

Welcome

Editorial:

Hannah Woodger

hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

to the July issue of i-build

Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Grant Jeffs

grant@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print Design Manager:

Jack Witcomb

jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Digital Design Manager:

David Perry

david@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Production Assistant:

Philip Coyle

philip@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Accounts:

Jackie Dearman

jackie@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Managing Director:

Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BZ 01622 232723

Welcome Note

i-build

For many self-builders, the opportunity to build their own home is a once in a lifetime experience. The prospect of this can sometimes encourage people to pull out all the stops to achieve the house of their dreams, be that with innovative materials or comprehensive, all-encompassing technology – in some cases, money being no object. In this month’s issue, we have profiled two stunning homes by self-builders unwilling to compromise on the end result. Our first selfbuilder has opted for large spans of concrete to form the structure of his Moroccan-inspired villa. Turn to page 18 to read more about the striking design that has been realised by this bold and ambitious construction method. Meanwhile on page 12, we follow the journey of one couple who have put so much care and attention into making sure their home is as energy efficient as possible. The high-tech house not only caters for their immediate needs but every element has been considered

to ensure it meets the retired pair’s future demands too. Elsewhere in this issue, we take a look at some of the latest outdoor living products on the market, Protek unveils how to manage risk on your self-build site, and Quickslide offers a guide to replacing and restoring windows on period properties. 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 dream home as inspiration for other budding self-builders, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your self-build journey and would be keen for us to document your progress, do get in contact.

Hannah hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

www.crossplatformmedia.co.uk @ibuildmagazine

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

Editor’s picks Fassa offers a range of systems and products for small build projects and large construction sites: See page 42 New from Schueco UK is a range of superior sliding doors: See page 46 P C Henderson specified for unique boathouse project: See page 52

Cover story:

When Terry and Olwen Brown-Waite were chosen by Channel 4’s Grand Designs in a nationwide search to find people to create their own homes, they had a clear vision for a high-tech house they could happily live in for the rest of their lives. See page 12.

Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

July 2019

In this issue: 10 12 18 22

Desired Designs

ON THE COVER

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

Viewpoint

The four key considerations that should be made by self-builders when considering creating their new home.

Sustainable Living

ON THE COVER

Impressive Innovation

ON THE COVER

Mohammed Kabbaj has created a luxury property with extraordinary ambition and structural complexity to make the most of the views, natural light and connection with the outdoors.

Contracts & Legalities

ON THE COVER

The insurance specialist Protek looks at how you identify and go about managing risk on a self-build project using self-build insurance.

Build Focus

i-build

ON THE COVER

Quickslide offers a guide to windows in period properties, and considers in which circumstances you should replace or restore. Roofglaze discusses the benefits of modern rooflights, U-values and their importance and evaluates what to look for in a new rooflight.

32 36 39 40 42

IN THIS ISSUE:

i-scape

i-build rounds up some of the essential features of your outdoor living space, from garden buildings to rattan furniture and outdoor cushions.

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS July 19 Issue 60

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

MANAGING RISK ON A SELF-BUILD PROJECT THE BENEFITS OF USING EXTERNAL PORCELAIN TILES

20+

interior ideas to create the perfect country home

Ventilation

Christian Rehn of National Ventilation answers your questions about ventilation, explaining the benefits of installing effective ventilation in your self-build home.

i-nterior

A closer look at the role of shutters and blinds within your home, from recommended companies to innovative technology.

Renewable Technology

Self-builders are in a prime position to lead the way by incorporating eco-friendly building techniques and innovations in renewable technology into their projects. Kensa Heat Pumps explains more.

Driveways & Patios

ON THE COVER

Indoor-outdoor tile specialist Valverdi explains the benefits of using porcelain tiles externally.

KBB

ON THE COVER

Mike Abrahams, WoodLiving’s Senior Kitchen Designer, discusses the company’s recent installation, designed for modern, family living.

Product Spotlight

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

COVER STORY:

HIGH-TECH HOME FOR THE FUTURE How one self-build couple considered every element to create an energy efficient house BESPOKE BUILD

RESTORE OR REPLACE?

AMBITIOUS DESIGN

WoodLiving has created a custom kitchen designed for family life

A guide to keeping windows looking fresh on period properties

i-build explores an extraordinary project with structural complexity

+ SPECIAL FOCUS: l RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY l PATIOS l VENTILATION

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

Horsley House Farm, restored using the Fassatherm External Wall Insulation System with lime render finish.

FAMOUS FOR PRESERVING HERITAGE Fassa Bortolo is a historic name in the world of building. Attention to quality raw materials, research, innovation and the environment have always been at the basis of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision, expressed through the continuous development of state-of-the-art solutions for the evolution of building.

W: fassabortolo.co.uk T: 01684 212 272

Desired Designs

Fairburn Raspberry & Green Wallpaper © ARTHOUSE

Country chic interiors

country look might prompt you to consider a rustic theme for your interior but that doesn’t mean you can’t add warm soft tones and a touch of elegance. Metal accessories such as light fittings and hardware can certainly freshen up this scheme, whilst floral fabrics will add a touch of feminine colour. Try adding an animal or creature or two to bring your home to life – these can be featured on textiles or as standalone ornaments to make a real statement. By decorating your home in this way, you’re bound to feel warm, cozy and relaxed. Your home will ooze character and charm and will have a timeless appearance. Simply balance old and new elements to create a stylish and inviting ambience. Whether you have plans to renovate your home in the near future or you’re in the process of re-styling your home now, these items and brands will fill you with all the inspiration you need to create the perfect country farmhouse scheme.

Whether you’ve just built your own country cottage or completed a barn conversion, traditional farmhouse interior is a big trend this autumn. So sit back, relax and browse our selection of furniture and decorative accessories that are sure to bring your home the charm and character of a country farmhouse.

1. Glentory Silver Metal Antler Chandelier, Artisanti, £349

2. Taurus industrial cage pendant, dar lighting group, £49.80

3. Rover Table Lamp, dar lighting

group, £103.80

4. Chateauneuf Chest of Drawers, The French Bedroom Co, £499

5. Cream Three Drawer Bedside Table, Melody Maison, £107.95

6. The Giant Gold Cockerel,

The French Bedroom Co, £175

7. Squirrel Cushion, Annabel James, £39.95

8. Garden Trading Set of 3 Planters, Garden Trading, £50

9. Duke Armchair, Content by Terence Conran, £1495

10. Prairie Floral Bed Runner in Sage, The French Bedroom Co, £165

1. Ash wood with three black antique iron hooks, £28

2. Hedgehog Apron, £24.99 3. Wren Cushion from the Wildwood Collection, £34.99

Desired Designs

4. Chicken Mug, £15

4 2 3

Perkins & Morley Perkins & Morley is an established British design house publishing original, design-led greetings cards & licensing artwork for gift & homewares. Jill Perkins & Jan Morley have designed many different products – initially designing wooden toys in Sri Lanka for 2 years; producing toy designs for Pier 1, VBI Imports and other large international companies. They then turned their hand to tableware & giftware design, producing thousands of designs which were then sold in Macy’s, Bloomingdales and other large retailers around the world.

i-build loves...

A matter of time You can count all your chickens with these country inspired clocks.

1. Bird Wall Clock, Melody Maison, £6.50 2. Blue Tit Clock, Perkins & Morley Ltd, £28 3. Portobello Hare Mantel Clock by Thomas Kent Clocks, Hurn & Hurn, £24 4. Owl Clock, Annabel James, £25.95

Desired Designs

Love your garden Once you’ve completed your self-build, it’s natural to want to turn your attention to your garden. These items of furniture and accessories will make the perfect addition to your exterior space, however large or small. 1

Time to harvest

Woven delight

This lovely little trug is just the right size to hold a pair of secateurs, gloves, trowel and twine and it’s also great for collecting smaller flowers and fruit.

Mayfair is an elegant all weather sofa lounging set, made up of a beautifully designed sofa, two lounge armchairs offering exceptional comfort and an oval coffee table.

(www.annabeljames.co.uk)

(www.bridgman.co.uk)

Enchanting glow

Grow your own This vertical garden is the perfect addition to small gardens and patios for growing herbs and plants. The intelligent design is compact and stylish.

With its golden hue and unique design, this solar fairy light is perfect for weaving amongst overgrown foliage for a natural, relaxed aesthetic.

(www.heimatwerke.de)

(www.lights4fun.co.uk)

Take a seat

Dine alfresco

Ideal as an extra seat, side table or footstool, there are three different sizes & heights to choose from to make up stylish combinations.

WWOO Concrete Modular Outdoor Kitchens give you the freedom to incorporate your own ideas into your outdoor cooking and entertaining space.

(www.gomodern.co.uk)

(www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk)

Viewpoint

Getting your selfbuild ideas down on paper Deciding to undertake a self-build project is a significant moment, however, translating grand ideas into a workable plan isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. Here, Karen Curtin, Managing Director of Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self and custom build community, offers four key considerations that should be made by self-builders when considering creating their new home.

Planning positivity Although it is tempting to dive straight in, building a home is not quite as simple as choosing a plot and starting to build. There are a host of decisions that need to be made at an early stage in the initial planning permission process – these range from the height of the house and the required building materials, to the provision of utilities such as gas and water. If for any number of reasons permission is rejected, a choice must be made between beginning the process again or looking for a better-suited plot elsewhere.

However, there are potential solutions in the form of self- and custom-build development sites such as Graven Hill, in Bicester. Here, the local planning authority has confirmed a Local Development Order, which clearly sets out the guidelines for every plot including the maximum height, the total size of the home, and even ground conditions. These guidelines are known as ‘plot passports’, and if followed correctly, the risk of rejection is significantly reduced, as is the time it takes for permission to be granted. Developments such as this can be a comfortable option for those unsure about committing to the challenge of a self-build.

A flair for design The design process is arguably the most fun part of any self-build, as the vision starts to become reality. Self-building gives people the opportunity to create a home that suits them entirely, both in terms of appearance and functionality. The task of designing a bespoke home is one not to be taken lightly, so it is important to fully consider every design choice available. Assessing which rooms get used the most is an ideal starting point when considering the layout. For instance, if the living room is used more than any other area, make it the most spacious. Likewise, if the kitchen is the true heart of the home, it is worth ensuring that it is designed for entertaining, with lots of seating. When it comes to creating a dream home, the exterior matters just as much as the interior. Having a home that reflects the owner is part of the beauty of self-building, and individuality and style can be expressed both inside and out. This can be seen just by taking a stroll around the streets of Graven Hill, with each home truly personifying its owner. Personality is paramount at Graven Hill – the village itself is split into character areas as diverse as the people who live there, and residents can choose the area that best suits them.

Viewpoint Opposite: At Graven Hill, the local planning authority has confirmed a Local Development Order, which clearly sets out the guidelines for every plot Above left: Fitting the front door is always a hugely symbolic moment in any build Left: The design process is arguably the most fun part of any self-build, as the vision starts to become reality Above: Planning a self-build needs to start from the foundations up. It can take time, but by breaking the steps down into manageable pieces the process can be made far less daunting

Financially sound

Ready for the future By thinking ahead at the design stage, it is possible to build a home that can adapt to future lifestyle changes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something that cannot always be done in a conventional new build. Open-plan living has grown in popularity in recent years. As well as being a way to maximise space, it also improves accessibility. Easy to open and wide enough for wheelchairs, sliding or pocket doors can provide a sense of separation while still maintaining flow, with the added bonus of

providing flexibility as the years go by. Selfbuilding also allows homes to be built without any internal load bearing walls, making layout alterations much simpler should accessibility needs change. From making the home more open plan to adding in a downstairs bedroom, having such options available can ensure people are able to live in their perfect home for many years to come. One of the innovative residents at Graven Hill even installed a lift, enabling them to enjoy the stunning views from their top floor long into the future.

Financing a self-build can, on the surface, seem less straightforward than securing a conventional mortgage. However, specialist self-build mortgage advisors, such as BuildStore, are on hand to shine a light on the funding process and understand how the process works, as well as some of the challenges facing self-builders. Advisors can suggest the best mortgage products for buyers to choose and ensure that projects are funded in a way that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put unnecessary pressure on the self-builder, whilst ensuring that adequate funds are available throughout the build. Planning a self-build needs to start from the foundations up. It can take time, but by breaking the steps down into manageable pieces the process can be made far less daunting, resulting in a truly individual home to be proud of.

www.gravenhill.co.uk

Sustainable Living

A Mediterranean retirement home When Terry and Olwen Brown-Waite were chosen by Channel 4’s Grand Designs in a nationwide search to find people to create their own homes at the UK’s largest mass self-build site, they had a clear vision for a high-tech house they could happily live in for the rest of their lives. Inspired by the colours and lifestyle of Spain, they set out to create a property that would marry a Mediterranean sensibility with modern comfort and efficiency.

t 77 and 65, Terry and Olwen are the oldest couple to feature in The Street, the Grand Designs series following 10 households each building the home of their dreams next door to one another in a new community in Oxfordshire. Although fit and strong enough to take on a challenge of this magnitude, they were already looking ahead to a time when they might be less mobile. The result is a modern take on a Spanish dormer bungalow, adapted to their current and future lifestyle and needs. Covered in white quartz

and topped with a blue roof, the striking wedgeshaped building has an open-plan, double height living space overlooked by a mezzanine, and an upstairs balcony where Olwen and Terry enjoy sharing sundowners in the evening. Meanwhile, wide access doors, level thresholds and a wet room and second bedroom on the ground floor make this the perfect retirement nest. It’s also designed to be low maintenance and low cost. “Because I built it myself, it’s very DIY-able,” explains electrical engineer Terry, who also self-built the couple’s last home. “If anything goes wrong, I know how to fix it.”

Sustainable Living Energy saving The building is extremely energy efficient too, having an exceptionally high thermal mass. Built with pre-insulated, lightweight, interlocking Durisol blocks made from recycled pallets coated with cement, it’s topped with reinforced polystyrene insulation beams supporting the steel roof. This, combined with a state-of-the-art, heating and PV power system from Viessmann, means that there is only a 1-1.5°C drop in temperature overnight, even though the heating stops at 4pm. “I’m not an eco-warrior, but I wanted to make this the most economical house to run, so we won’t ever have to worry about big bills,” says Terry. This thoughtful, future-proof approach has been applied to all aspects of the build and has enabled the couple to include some clever features often missed due to lack of sufficient forethought. One good example is

the 300mm concrete screeding that overlays the underfloor heating system on the ground floor and 50mm on the first floor. Due to its ability to retain heat, the thick concrete layer stays at a constant temperature, stabilising the warmth throughout the building. Most underfloor heating systems use a 2in (50.8cm) concrete floor, which cools far more quickly. “The whole house is like an old-fashioned night storage system – a big tin box full of bricks with an electric heater inside,” Terry enthuses. “In the old days, when electricity was cheaper at night, it would heat up the bricks, then the fan would come on in the day to blow the hot air around. The principle here is the same, but now we heat the house in the day, and it stays warm around the clock.” Why don’t more properties use thick concrete floors with underfloor heating? “People think about it too late,” suggests Terry.

“They tend to design and build, then think about the underfloor heating. When you’re planning low temperature, economical heating systems, you really need to plan ahead, before the house design is finalised.” Terry and Olwen’s home has been built in accordance with the Passivhaus Planning Package, meaning it has an annual heating and cooling demand of under 15kWh/m2 per year. In fact, it’s just 12kWh/m2. “We haven’t sought certification because it’s just an exercise in paperwork,” says Terry. “But the house is well within Passivhaus standards.”

Opposite main: The building is extremely energy efficient, having an exceptionally high thermal mass Opposite bottom: Clever programming is the final ingredient that makes the entire building work optimally Top left: Terry and Olwen’s home has been built in accordance with the Passivhaus Planning Package Above left: The striking wedge-shaped building has an open-plan, double height living space overlooked by a mezzanine Above centre: Terry conducted exhaustive research to maximise the efficiency of every part of the build Top right: An air source heat pump from Viessmann works together with Viessmann Vitovolt solar photovoltaic panels and a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system

Sustainable Living

Research pays off

Sustainable Living

Opposite top: The Viessmann Vitovent MVHR system creates an internal flow of fresh, pre-heated or cooled air around the house Opposite bottom: This self-build is a modern take on a Spanish dormer bungalow, adapted to their current and future lifestyle and needs Left: Light fittings, crafted by Terry himself, in the form of long spirals of clear glass orbs cascade past the floating oak stairs

Terry conducted exhaustive research to maximise the efficiency of every part of the build. Although he knew he wanted an electric heat source incorporating solar energy to avoid burning fossil fuels, and a fuel cell micro CHP system (see box out) he was initially unsure what to choose. He looked into infra-red and direct electric heating but realised that, although cheaper to install, higher running costs make them more expensive in the longer term. Working with Matrix Energy Systems, he began investigating heat pumps. A ground source heat pump was ruled out due to lack of space, and local geological conditions and lack of room for a drilling rig meant a borehole wasn’t an option either. Matrix Energy Systems designed a fully integrated heating system, with controls, according to the Brown-Waites’ needs. An exceptionally efficient air source heat pump from Viessmann works together with Viessmann Vitovolt solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system. The ventilation was needed because the building’s excellent insulation meant minimal heat loss would also limit internal air movement. The Viessmann Vitovent MVHR system creates an internal flow of fresh, pre-heated or cooled air around the house. It also reuses recovered heat from around the building, reducing demand on the heat pump, allowing it to operate more efficiently when needed and less frequently during winter months. Terry chose the Viessmann Vitocal 242-S Split heat pump which has a nominal heat output of just 7kW, compared to 30kW for a standard boiler. The Vitocal’s split refrigerant system means the system does not need antifreeze (which reduces output), but it will never freeze in a harsh winter. “The Vitocal also gave us the option to link in a battery later on to store solar electricity if the energy monitoring showed it to be beneficial,” adds Terry. The full output of the PV is capable of powering the entire heating system, however, at night and on shorter and more cloudy days, where consumption is more than solar generation, then electricity is consumed from the grid. Terry estimates his current (pre-battery) heating and hot water-related electricity costs are just £60 per year.

Sustainable Living

THE PERFECT PRODUCT THAT JUST DIDN’T FIT

Programming the system to run itself Clever programming is the final ingredient that makes the entire building work optimally. The heat pump generates hot water for an hour a day at midday, when there is peak sun. Any excess is stored in a buffer tank. The heating is also timed to operate only during daylight. The building is divided into 11 heating zones, with the bedrooms cooler than the living room` and kitchen. “We’ve had to adjust our lifestyle,” Terry comments. “We now use electricity to work in tandem with the solar PV generation. Every appliance that can be is pre-programmed to come on in daylight hours.” Terry has installed a smart home app called Fibaro which is controlled through the virtual assistant Alexa. Sensors throughout the house detect light, temperature and motion, adjusting the environment accordingly, e.g. by closing the blinds in strong sunlight. The couple’s fingerprints are used to control access. “The house runs itself – we don’t need to do anything!” beams Terry. “We can override it manually, though.”

The finishing touches Light fittings, crafted by Terry himself, in the form of long spirals of clear glass orbs, cascade past the floating oak stairs, forming a dramatic focal point in the bright and airy main living space, while polished dark blue luminescent tiles cover the whole ground floor, subtly sparkling in the expanse of natural light. To add a touch of cosiness to winter evenings, the couple wanted a real fire. However, because of the remarkable efficiency of the building, they didn’t need any more heat. Fortunately, they found a Dimplex Opti-myst basket fire which looks real yet stays cool. It provides the perfect centre piece to their beautiful living area.

Terry’s top tip With two successful houses under his belt, Terry is well placed to give sage advice to other self-builders: “Think building fabric first. Forget the flashy kitchens and gold taps – focus on what’s important, such as insulation. You only buy it once, and it will repay itself over and over again.”

www.viessmann.co.uk

Initially, Terry had set his heart on a state-ofthe-art fuel cell heat and power system from Viessmann. He’d read about the Vitovalor system in a magazine and wanted his new home to be the UK’s first to install this incredibly efficient micro combined heat and power appliance, which represents the latest in heating technology. Costing the same as a heat pump, the Vitovalor uses advanced fuel cell technology to convert hydrogen into energy, saving up to 36% on energy consumption compared to separate heat and power generation. However, when Viessmann experts carried out a heat loss evaluation, it quickly became clear that Terry and Olwen’s house was simply too well insulated. The demand for heat was too low. “The Vitovalor wants to run for 20 hours a day, but we only need four hours,” Terry explains. “Even the 1kW of heat produced by the Vitovalor is too much for us. Most houses would swallow that up, but not here. It’s a nice problem to have!”

Top: Matrix Energy Systems designed a fully integrated heating system, with controls, according to the Brown-Waites’ needs

The wood burning stove perfected STOCKISTS THROUGHOUT THE UK CLEARVIEW SHOWROOMS Ludlow, Stow-on-the-Wold & Whitchurch Manufactured at More Works, Bishops Castle, Shropshire SY9 5GB Brochure Line 01588 650123 www.clearviewstoves.com

Impressive Innovation

A post-modernist Moroccan villa When it comes to building your own villa, there are a few things that can give you a head start. Architect Mohammed Kabbaj was not only able to approach the project with considerable expertise and experience of designing luxury homes for others, he is also a member of the family that owns and operates one of the most prominent construction contractors in Morocco, SGTM.

ohammed Kabbaj’s project to design his new home involved the transformation of an old family villa on an enviable site. With the site, the design expertise and the construction resources in place to develop a spectacular new home, Mohammed Kabbaj has created a luxury property with extraordinary ambition and structural complexity to make the most of the views, natural light and connection with the outdoors. Central to his plans for the property, located in the prestigious California district of Casablanca, was a fair-faced concrete design with large spans to provide floor-to-ceiling glazed elevations and open-plan interiors. It was a vision that could only be achieved by incorporating post-tensioned concrete slabs

into the striking concrete structure and CCL, experts in engineered solutions for structures, were brought in to aid the design of the project and develop a post-tensioned solution that would make the architectural design viable.

Open plan The majority of the original Kabbaj family villa was demolished with only the basement areas and a single wall retained as part of the new structure. This allowed the new villa to break with traditional design, using contemporary materials to make a statement while connecting indoor and outdoor spaces with a focus on openness. The solid lines of the concrete structure contrast with the reflectiveness of the glazed elevations, which open out at ground floor level to the oasis-like palm-encircled pool area.

The initial design for the villa included traditional reinforced concrete slabs but, early in the engineering process, it was clear that the weight of these slabs would require substantial dropped beams that would compromise the open-plan interior. Having already used post-tensioning as a solution to this issue on a previous villa, Mr Kabbaj knew that it could also answer the requirements for this project and approached CCL with a perspective of the villa design. “The benefits of using post-tensioning in this scenario are that it provides increased tensile strength while reducing the thickness of the slab,” explains Antoine Zein from CCL. “This means that the structural loading of the large spans required for the open-plan design can be supported by the slab without the need for vertical columns.”

Complex roof The perspectives viewed from the side elevation highlighted the complexity of the challenge involved as the roof (cover) slab is not a flat design as would usually be expected, but is pitched and features a number of different angles.

Impressive Innovation Above left: Central to his plans for the property, located in the prestigious California district of Casablanca, was a fair-faced concrete design Above: The perspectives viewed from the side elevation highlighted the complexity of the challenge involved Above right: To achieve the post-tensioned cover slab, the design for the front elevation had to be slightly modified to reduce the window height Right: The roof slab is cantilevered to overhang the facade on every elevation to provide shade

Moreover, the roof slab is cantilevered to overhang the facade on every elevation to provide shade, with a dramatic diagonal sweep of concrete splaying outwards from the junction of the roof and the wall. “The ground floor slab was already in place from the original villa,” explains Antoine Zein from CCL. “Our remit was to design a post-tensioned slab at first floor level and the cover slab for the roof. The first-floor slab could be designed in a conventional way with latitudinal and longitudinal tendons stressed to provide the required forces. However, the unusual shape of the cover slab meant that longitudinal post-tensioning tendons had to be combined with transversal reinforcement to provide the structural support required for the cantilevered overhangs, while addressing the challenges of the zig-zagged pitch.”

Impressive Innovation

Right: Mohammed Kabbaj’s project to design his new home involved the transformation of an old family villa on an enviable site Below left: The solid lines of the concrete structure contrast with the reflectiveness of the glazed elevations Below centre: The stunning fair-faced concrete internal walls ensure that this property is an homage to the versatility of concrete both inside and out Opposite: The majority of the original Kabbaj family villa was demolished with only the basement areas and a single wall retained as part of the new structure

Reduced deflection In response to the brief, the CCL team reengineered the first floor and cover slab with post-tensioning and the revised specification was submitted to the design and engineering team for approval. Detailed drawings of the scheme of works were then produced and CCL provided the equipment and tendons for the work to be carried out by SGTM, with on-site support and assistance provided by CCL’s inhouse experts. To achieve the post-tensioned cover slab, the design for the front elevation had to be slightly modified to reduce the window height and create some solid concrete wall space between the glazing and the slab. “In addition to providing the strength required for the large, open-plan interiors,” Antoine adds, “the post-tensioned solution also ensures that deflection of the slab can be controlled. This ensures that the building is less susceptible to cracks and there is dramatically reduced risk of damage to the glazing.” All the cantilevered sections, which include a large overhang to create shade for part of the ground floor, an area to accommodate bowed windows on the side elevation at first floor level, and the wing-like fins rising out of the roof, were achieved using post-tensioning.

Materiality The villa is now complete and the stunning fair-faced concrete internal walls ensure that this property is a homage to the versatility of concrete both inside and out. The posttensioned elements highlight how concrete can be used in different ways to overcome design challenges, creating a space the exploits the materiality of its structure to articulate a truly modernist design statement.

www.cclint.com

Impressive Innovation

Contracts & Legalities

Hired plant tools and equipment will remain hired to you even if they have been stolen, so replacing a telehandler might cost upwards of £18,000 – but you need to factor in that the continuing hire charges will be billed at around £125 per week, until it’s been replaced! Identifying where you are most at risk of a break in will help you identify how good your security measures are. Temporarily boarding up openings in the structure helps and can provide a good deterrent against an arson attack but ultimately you need to stop unauthorised access to your site using security measures as appropriate.

Managing risk on a self-build project At the project outset, careful consideration will undoubtedly be given to the project’s feasibility and it’s quite likely you have allowed an element of contingency in the budget for unexpected costs. In this article, Protek looks at some of the risks you face that may extend way beyond that contingency. The insurance specialist also looks at how you identify and go about managing risk on a self-build project using self-build insurance.

elf-building involves more than just the project management aspect. You often have to take on the role of a risk manager as well. It’s a role that can seem like a daunting task at first, but it can make a massive difference to your self-build experience. At Protek Self Build, we suggest you start by considering the impact that theft, vandalism or a fire could have on your project. What would happen if an accident occurs on your site, causing damage to property or perhaps a serious injury to a worker on site – would it be your responsibility?

Top: Hired plant tools and equipment will remain hired to you even if they have been stolen Right: Identifying where you are most at risk of a break in will help you identify how good your security measures are

Your exposure to the risks you face can be mitigated through risk assessment, which helps you identify the issues, allowing you to take steps in managing risk exposure. Protek self-build insurance cover plays a big part in managing risk. The types of risks you face may not be apparent from the outset. Thieves can be incredibly innovative and very destructive, so it’s not just the inconvenience of replacing the stolen items, it’s also the cost of repairing the damage and destruction caused to the property that’s been broken into.

Health and safety If you are exercising control on site, you will invariably have duties under CDM. Many injuries occur due to a lack of forethought regarding who is at risk and when. Think about work areas, keep them free of hazards and consider what is going on above and below to ensure workers are not at risk from works going on elsewhere in the building. This is a common cause of serious accidents causing injury. Organising the works methodically and understanding who is at risk and when is crucial in managing your exposure to risk. Accidental damage to a third party or their property can occur at any time and can range from a relatively minor incident to something far more serious. A single brick falling from a scaffold could easily cause several hundred pounds worth of damage to a car below – but imagine the consequences of a failed scaffold board and an entire stack of bricks falling on a worker below. In addition to a likely investigation by HSE and the prospect of a prosecution to defend, the self-builder will invariably be responsible for damages. If the victim of the accident is injured seriously, those damages can run into millions as the self-builder will be expected to pay for the injured party’s care costs for the rest of their lives. No individual can really put that level of contingency aside, which is why managing your self-build risk using insurance from Protek is so important as the product has been designed specifically to help protect you against the financial risk that a serious loss can bring and is a proven risk management tool. Protek Self Build provides site insurance and structural warranty products to the self-build market as well as the residential development sector.

www.protekselfbuild.co.uk

THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING

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EXCLUSIVE KENSA GENESIS SYSTEM MANAGER

GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP

REFORMED FOR INSTALLERS

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SMART EVOLUTION

HEATING REVOLUTION

Installers of the new Kensa Evo ground source heat pump benefit from simple installation guided by unique intelligent controls and diagnostics, backed-up by unrivalled technical support, maintaining Kensa’s installer-led tradition established in 1999.

End users of the Kensa Evo ground source heat pump benefit from enhanced efficiencies via the Renewable Heat Incentive and running cost savings, and appreciate its style, superior acoustic performance and exceptional reliability and durability.

 Unique intelligent controls and diagnostics  Unrivalled technical support  Simple to install  Plumbing flexibility

 Up to ErP A++  Maximised Renewable Heat Incentive income  Minimised running costs  60°C hot water  Superior acoustic performance

MODELS: 7, 9, 13, 15 & 17 kW For more information on the Kensa Evo

call 0345 222 4328 or visit www.kensaheatpumps.com/evo

Impressive Innovation

FEATURING:

Build Focus

All: Sometimes referred to as the ‘eyes of a house’, authentic windows contribute to the overall character of a period property

A guide to windows in period properties Period properties are hugely popular for their historic charm and character. While owning a period property can be incredibly rewarding, it does also require a lot of TLC and therefore often presents the homeowner with various challenges.

ometimes referred to as the ‘eyes of a house’, authentic windows contribute to the overall character of a period property, along with other original features such as fireplaces, brickwork and flooring. Often, these components reflect the architectural style of their time, and therefore, by examining these features it is possible to determine the era a property was built. Sash windows, consisting of two vertically sliding frames, are commonplace in period properties and are typical of the Georgian and Victorian eras. Although sash windows are

now widely available in wood, metal or PVC, timber was used for window frames before the 20th century. While the timber used was of a higher quality than what is sometimes used in modern homes, it is still vulnerable to decay if not properly maintained. If you’re looking to invest in a period property but the windows are in decay, or perhaps you own a heritage filled home with tiring windows, as with any other significant alteration to your home, it’s vital to carefully reflect on the reasons for change and desired results, before mapping out your options.

This guide weighs up the options to reviving windows in period properties.

To replace or restore? First things first, in the case of listed buildings or homes with an article 4 direction (removing the right of development), the only option may well be restoration. However, if you ideally want to go down the route of replacements, as the windows are beyond repair, it is important to consider the quality and the similarity of the replacements to the original designs. In both instances, consent will be required. If a period property is not listed, then the choice will likely come down to personal preference and the condition of the existing windows. Although, there are benefits to both the replacement and restoration of sash windows. Original wooden-framed windows can be hard to replicate due to modern regulations but repairs and draughtproofing are possible if they are in a reasonable condition; this will cost a fraction of the price of a replacement window. Restoration can often be done using most of the original material and can outlast new windows.

Build Focus A lot of the character of period homes comes from the detail and original fixtures are often desired. By restoring original windows, you are ensuring the character of the home remains. Replacing original windows can have vast benefits from increased value and security to improved aesthetics. Modern windows are typically more energy efficient and the material, colour and finish can be tailored to perfectly fit the style of the property. Thus, the replacement of original windows can improve the value of the home if done with sensitivity. Double glazing and modern replacements also usually offer increased security as well as boosting appearance, especially where windows were damaged and/or mismatched previously.

To replace

Contemporary casement windows

If you’re looking to emulate original sash windows as closely as possible, it’s important to consider any period detailing, the colour and finish, proportions, glazing and, the windows opening method. Sash windows from Quickslide are low maintenance and designed to replicate traditional timber sash windows whilst incorporating the benefits of PVCu. Operating like traditional sash windows, their design lends themselves to that of original sash windows.

Alternatively, for a contemporary spin on a period property, casement windows in aluminium offer a clean, simple and stylish finish that can breathe new life into a home and add to the overall aesthetic. Whether you opt for a like-for-like design or add a contemporary feel to the property, retrofitting existing homes with modern insulating, energy saving technology will improve your eco credentials and make for a more energy efficient home.

Bay windows

To restore

If the property has original bay windows, it is especially important to consider the proportions are identical to the current designs. It may be worth opting for custom made bay windows if this proves to be difficult.

When restoring heritage features such as sash windows, it is advisable to keep as much of the original material as possible; typically, up to 90% of the original timber and glass can be reused. Make sure to proceed with caution and to

Sash windows

take care when working, old material can be fragile and over repairing signs of age can be detrimental to the property’s character. Period properties are charming and so easy to fall in love with, but what many homeowners don’t realise, is the amount of TLC they require. There will come a time when weathered features, such as windows, need reviving. Be that through careful restoration or by upgrading the original features with like-for-like designs that will also improve thermal efficiency and security while boosting the aesthetics in line with the home’s original glory.

www.quickslide.co.uk

i-build

Left: Rooflights with a lower U-value will make it much easier for you to regulate the ambient temperature of your property

What to look for in a new rooflight When deciding on your new rooflights, it is important to consider the thermal performance that these units offer. Look for a manufacturer that can provide you with full U-value calculations. It is also critical to look for a rooflight that has a fully thermally-broken frame design, as products that do not have this feature will have poor insulation due to the effects of cold-bridging.

What are the best glass options?

Enjoy the benefits of rooflights When planning any self-build, home renovation or extension project, you will no doubt be keen to ensure that these newly-created living spaces are comfortably habitable all year round.

wo major factors to consider when it comes to this is the amount of natural daylight that is being let into the building and the temperature regulation of the space. In the past, it has always been a case of compromising on having one of these versus the other. However, modern rooflights from leading manufacturers now allow you to have bright and airy living spaces, without having to worry about overheating in the summer or being too cold in the winter. This is achieved by ensuring that the U-value of these rooflights are as low as possible.

What U-values are and their importance The overall U-value of a product relates to its thermal transmittance properties. This performance level is measured by the rate of transfer of heat through a structure, divided by the difference in temperature across that structure. Units of measurement for a U-value are displayed as W/mÂ˛K. The better the insulation, the lower the U-value will be. Rooflights with a lower U-value will make it much easier for you to regulate the ambient temperature of your property.

Leading rooflight providers will be able to advise you on the most effective glass options in order to meet the specific needs of your project. Super Low-E coatings and Solar Control glass are available to improve the thermal efficiency of the glass, positively reducing the overall U-value of the skylight. Perhaps the most advanced solution currently on the market comes in the form of a specialist film that actually sits within the glass unit itself. These films allow double glazed rooflights to perform as well as triple glazed rooflights, without the increase in weight and costs that would be incurred by going down the triple glazed route.

The benefits of working with experts Not only will an expert provider help you to specify the right skylights for your project, they will also be able to advise on the correct installation procedure for these rooflights. A poor installation will undo all of the good work that you have done by selecting a thermally-efficient product. If the rooflight is fitted incorrectly, then the thermal transmittance will be considerably higher than desired. Worse still, it could even be prone to leak if it has not been installed properly. An expert rooflight manufacturer will work with you and your builder to ensure that these units are installed correctly, so that you are able to enjoy all the benefits that they provide.

www.roofglaze.co.uk

i-scape

Create your own sanctuary Now it’s time to turn your attention to your outdoor space. From garden buildings, to furniture and textiles, take inspiration here to create your own oasis.

COMPANY PROFILE…

GREEN RETREATS

reen Retreats is proudly one of the UK’s, largest, leading and most trusted garden room companies, established in 2005. Its garden rooms are used for a host of different purposes. Whether you’re looking to create more space for the family with an extra living area or playroom for the kids, expanding your home business, finally creating that extra space to pursue your hobby or even a home gym - garden rooms are the perfect addition to your home.

www.greenretreats.co.uk

Key Facts Designed and built in the UK using primarily UK sourced materials of the finest quality, backed with a 10-year guarantee. Built with care to the environment using eco-friendly materials in its solar powered factory. There are four designs to choose from to suit your home and style with over 73 different size configurations for each to suit almost every garden. Buildings are designed for yearround use using premium grade insulation and weatherproofing, meaning you can enjoy them during the longest winters and the hottest summers. Green Retreats garden rooms rarely require planning permission, adding to the convenience. Prices start at £11,745 and are fully inclusive of everything you need to get started – lighting, flooring, heating, doors & windows & much more.

OUTDOOR CUSHIONS 2

SPOTLIGHT ON…

RATTAN FURNITURE

i-scape

BEST OF…

Light but hard-wearing, rattan is a great way to add some practical style. Whether it’s perking up a patio or decking, rattan garden furniture will add some serious class to your outdoor seating area. Here i-build has picked out some of its favourite ranges on the market. 1

6 5

1. Bazaar Group £8.99 2. Beaumonde £53 3. Penelope Hope £79 4. Flo & Joe £19.95 5. Bridgman £POA 6. Hurn & Hurn £55

1. Chester Sofa Set, Dobbies, £1299 2. Rattan Garden Furniture Set, Sue Ryder, £549.99 3. Alfresco Dining Set, Bridgman, £POA 4. Natural Woven Water Hyacinth Camo Side Table, Hurn & Hurn, £119

5. Maze Rattan Riviera Garden Sofa, Cuckooland, £899

Ventilation

Here: National Ventilation recommends mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) as the best solution for new builds Right: MVHR is a whole house ventilation system meaning you won’t need a fan in the bathroom or kitchen

Ask the expert – Ventilation Christian Rehn of National Ventilation answers your questions about ventilation, explaining the benefits of installing effective ventilation in your self-build home. But with so much choice on the market, where should you begin?

Why do I need to ventilate my property? To make new build properties more energy efficient homes are insulated to high levels and are increasingly air tight to meet Building Regulations Part L – Conservation of fuel & power. But without modern ventilation you will end up with an airtight box resulting in stuffy, warm, poor quality indoor air and with condensation and mould forming both on the surface and within the fabric of the building. By installing effective whole house ventilation you can combat condensation and mould by reducing humidity; filter out pollen and pollutants from outside air and introduce clean tempered air. This provides your home with good indoor air quality, making it a healthier place to live.

What type of ventilation should I install? We recommend mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) as the best solution for new builds as it is a controlled way of ventilating a whole property, and it saves energy by

recovering heat that would otherwise have been lost. You can control humidity, CO2 and indoor air quality.

Is an MVHR unit expensive to run? Not at all. Small- and medium-sized units only cost about £20 a year and larger units might cost up to £40 a year. An MVHR unit fitted with in-duct humidistat allows the system to run very efficiently since it mostly runs on trickle and only boosts when needed. In addition, the heat recovery aspect means you save money on heating as up to 90% of the heat in the room can be recovered.

Is MVHR noisy? As long as MVHR has been designed, installed and commissioned correctly it won’t be noisy. When on trickle the MVHR is so quiet that it shouldn’t be heard. On boost it might be heard where it is sited, although boost is only necessary during showers/baths and cooking so it shouldn’t disturb anyone.

Do I need a ventilation system design? Yes. MVHR systems need to be properly designed to ensure you buy a correctly sized unit. If an MVHR unit is oversized it won’t provide efficient ventilation for your home. If it is undersized you won’t be getting adequate levels of ventilation, which will lead to poor indoor air quality and problems with condensation and mould. When it comes to designing the system, if your contractor doesn’t have the knowledge and expertise to do this themselves, there are design services available, such as the free service National Ventilation offers.

Do I need bathroom and kitchen fans too? No you don’t. MVHR is a whole house ventilation system meaning you won’t need a fan in the bathroom or kitchen. You don’t need trickle vents either. And you don’t even need to fit an extracting cooker hood, just a recirculating cooker hood.

Is maintenance required? The only maintenance needed is a filter check every 6-12 months – MVHR systems have a filter indicator which lights up once a filter is dirty. Changing a filter is easy and just involves opening the flaps of the MVHR unit, pulling out the filter, changing it and closing it back up.

www.nationalventilation.co.uk

QUALITY DECKING & CLADDING

OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS

OAK FLOORING

HOME & GARDEN FEATURES

ÖÖD HOUSES

www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 Round Wood | Newick Lane | Mayfield | East Sussex | TN20 6RG

i-nterior

Dressing your windows Large windows are incredibly on trend right now. They let in light to make a home feel spacious and bright, giving a property a contemporary look. But every window needs the right dressing, which is why Blinds 2go, the UK’s largest online made to measure blinds retailer, and their sister site Curtains 2go have developed a host of new and original solutions to make your big windows as beautiful as can be.

ccentuating the look of big, modern windows requires a contemporary design statement. So, Curtains 2go has developed a brand new collection of Wave curtains that does just that. Simple, sophisticated and stylish, their gentle waves provide a neat, uniformed finish perfect for the modern home. Pulling back effortlessly to a small stack they also allow lots of light to come flooding through larger windows. Made to measure and delivered to your door, complete with their very own track, they’re an incredibly cost-effective solution. Priced from just £27.95 they’re suitable for windows up to 5m wide! Maintaining privacy can be tricky when dealing with large panes of glass, but Blinds 2go has an innovative new solution. Their collection of

double roller blinds combines a modern palette of on trend blackout fabrics with complementary magic screen voiles all on the same roller blind mechanism. Two blinds in one for letting in light and preserving privacy at the same time, for windows up to 2.4m wide x 2.4m drop. Another brand new addition to the collection, Blinds 2go’s DuoLight and DuoShade Max honeycomb pleated blinds are the ultimate big window solution. For windows up to 2.1m width and drop, these blinds are available in a sophisticated cotton white fabric in blackout for superior shading or light filtering for a soft glow. Specially designed honeycomb pockets also trap the heat to negate the draughts that large windows can create, making rooms blissfully cool in the summer and cosy during winter, all from just £15.20 made to measure.

Now available in even bigger sizes, Blinds 2go has a collection of smart, elegant and beautifully crafted plantation shutters. Made from advanced polymer, they’re lightweight and easy to care for. The shutters are waterproof making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, while in bedrooms and street facing windows they make a stunning design statement and provide plenty of kerb appeal. They offer easy light control, are thermally dynamic and help maintain privacy and are available in sizes of up to 2.1m high.

www.blinds-2go.co.uk

HAND CRAFTED BESPOKE SECONDARY GLAZING the clear choice for feature windows

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to compromise on warmth or security to keep your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feature windows looking stunning. We can help you gain all the benefits of modern glazing whilst preserving the character of your home. As specialists in listed properties and historic houses, our expert craftsmen are skilled in creating glazing solutions for even the most unique feature windows, regardless of shape or size.

Our bespoke secondary glazing: Is made to measure and virtually invisible Prevents draughts and improves thermal efficiency Provides noise insulation Can be fitted to all types of windows, included listed feature windows Is easy to maintain

Telephone us on 01384636365 to arrange a free no-obligation survey

www.stormwindows.co.uk

i-nterior

Did you know? That around 16 million people in the UK suffer from hayfever? That’s one in four. To help combat this and provide some relief for sufferers, English Blinds has launched a new range of Pollergen coated roller blind fabrics that are able to de-nature up to 50% of pollen as it comes into contact with the fabric. Blinds treated with Pollergen have been shown to dramatically reduce the amount of active pollen entering a room. Do they really work? Well, independent testing undertaken by the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Group has established that a Pollergen-treated blind showed over a 50% reduction in grass pollen allergen in comparison to an untreated control blind. So to put it simply – yes, they do work. www.englishblinds.co.uk

KNOW YOUR BLINDS…

Roller blinds

www.stitched.co.uk

Pleated blinds

www.blinds-2go.co.uk

Roman blinds

www.englishblinds.co.uk

Venetian blinds www.247blinds.co.uk

OUR TOP PICKS…

WINDOW SHUTTER COMPANIES

Elizabeth Henley

Blinds2go

Plantation Shutters

Smart-tilt is the world’s first smart window shutter and is being launched by Elizabeth Henley. Designed and developed over the last three years, smart-tilt has microprocessor technology fitted within the top of the shutter; as the shutters close at dusk the integrated LED light switches on to give mood lighting in the room, but more importantly, from outside, the empty house looks occupied, which is a great security feature.

Blinds2go was the first specialist online blinds retailer, established in 2000, and since then the company has grown beyond all recognition. Its classic Mayfair shutters with their elegant control bar will bring you that traditional feel while the San Jose shutters hide their controls away for a sleek and contemporary look. Either way, all of the company’s elegant shutters are waterproof and virtually indestructible.

Plantation Shutters was established in 1982 and is proud to be the first shutter company in the UK. Robert James took the company over in 1995 and since then the company has grown to be one of the UK’s largest suppliers of traditional interior louvred wooden shutters. The company’s shutters come in a range of different styles and materials that will blend into your architecture, highlight your windows and provide the versatility to invite the light in.

www.ehenleyshutters.com

www.blinds-2go.co.uk

www.plantation-shutters.co.uk

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Shopspec_glazingexcellence-2018:Firman 01/03/2018 17:04 Page 1 Shopspec_glazingexcellence-2018:Firman 01/03/2018 1 Established in 1975 Firman17:04 GlassPage is one

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Renewable Technology

The future of heating With UK Government making a clear commitment to the rapid decarbonisation of heat with the introduction of a future homes standard mandating the end of fossil-fuel heating systems in all new build homes from 2025, selfbuilders are in a prime position to lead the way by incorporating eco-friendly building techniques and innovations in renewable technology into their projects.

n an effort to reduce pollution and improve air quality, the Committee for Climate Change (CCC) recommends homes should make use of low-carbon sources of heating, in particular electricallypowered heat pumps that produce no point of use emissions. Widespread growth of this technology is therefore anticipated, but what impact will this have on the national grid and how can self-builders get the best efficiencies from this technology at the lowest cost possible? James Standley, Managing Director of Kensa Heat Pumps, investigates in this article.

Reducing the impact on the national grid The widespread adoption of heat pumps across the UK will increase electrical demand and concerns have been expressed that this will unduly increase the strain on the grid beyond its capacity, particularly at peak times. However,

self-builders should be reassured that ground source heat pumps produce up to three times more energy than they consume and therefore actually reduce the load imposed on the grid. For every 1kWh of energy a ground source heat pump uses to power itself, you will typically get 3kWh of energy to heat your property. Recent research confirms that the electrification of domestic heating on the grid is far less problematic than many had assumed. A paper examining the impact of large scale deployment of heat pumps on national demand published in the international peerreviewed journal, Energy Policy concluded peak heat demand is 170GW, around 40% lower than previously thought, and the maximum ramp rate is 60GW/h, around 50% lower than previously thought. The paper says that ‘a shift towards heating GB’s homes using electricity rather than natural gas will therefore put much less pressure on the electricity supply system than previously anticipated’.

Smart controls, load shifting and energy storage In addition, the emergence of dynamic tariffs (which vary electricity charges depending upon the time of use), heat storage products, smart-controls and, in some circumstances, battery storage, will not only mitigate capacity problems, but actually have a positive effect on the grid, further enhancing the carbon benefits and cost savings for savvy self-builders. By using smart controls that learn the occupant’s preferences and building heat physics, it is possible to avoid the peaks of grid strain and shift load to the times when the grid can best accommodate it, and there is lower carbon and lower cost electricity. This means that the heat pump will turn on when there is extra capacity and turn off when the grid is under strain. Ground source heat pumps have far more potential to participate in load shifting initiatives than air source variants, as the ground is a very stable temperature heat source. This means a ground

Heat pumps in retrofit projects It is not only self-build properties that can benefit from ground source heat pump technology; retrofit projects can also enjoy lower carbon emissions and running costs compared to fossil fuel technologies. A concern about the widespread roll-out of heat pumps into existing properties is the misconception that they won’t operate effectively without the high levels of fabric efficiency that you would expect to see in a new-build, for example with an EPC band of C or better, and underfloor heating throughout. In fact, the vast majority of Kensa’s very successful large-scale ground source heat pump retrofit works are in properties with an EPC of D or lower! And Delta-E, in its December 2018 study into the ‘Technical Feasibility of Electric Heating in Rural Off-Gas Grid Dwellings’, reported that ‘based on average peak winter day temperatures, around 84% of homes can be electrified at their current level of insulation. This increases to around 93% if all suitable homes have loft and wall insulation installed’. Obviously not all retrofit buildings can be as well insulated as a new build, especially in the case of barn conversions or where a property is listed or historic. However, what isn’t widely understood, is that improving insulation in a property containing a ground source heat pump typically results in a ‘double-win’ in comparison to a boiler, for example. Extra insulation reduces the amount of energy required to heat a building, and means that this energy can be delivered at a lower flow temperature, because the emitters need to emit less heat. This actually improves the efficiency of a ground source heat pump – by roughly 2% for every 1°C reduction – and a more efficient heat pump will result in lower running costs.

Renewable Technology

source heat pump can be run at the same efficiency any time of day or night (unlike air source where the efficiency is lower when the outside air temperature is colder at night). The grid generally has most excess capacity overnight and some of the variable tariffs go negative some nights, so people could actually get paid for running their heating. If you combine some energy storage local to the heat pump, it is possible to even further reduce the peak demand.

www.kensaheatpumps.com

Above left: For every 1kWh of energy a ground source heat pump uses to power itself, you will typically get 3kWh of energy to heat your property Above right: Ground source heat pumps have far more potential to participate in load shifting initiatives than air source variants Middle: Self-builders should be reassured that ground source heat pumps produce up to three times more energy than they consume Right: Extra insulation reduces the amount of energy required to heat a building

Driveways & Patios

Benefits of using porcelain paving outside 10 years ago, porcelain was a relatively unknown product within the paving market. A harder version of ceramic, porcelain has been a popular choice for internal use in kitchens and bathrooms for many years thanks to its hardwearing and low maintenance nature.

t turns out that many of the advantages of porcelain are sought after for our external spaces too, so over the last few years its popularity has increased rapidly. When porcelain is manufactured it goes through a process called vitrification which creates a glass-like substance with a very low porosity. This makes it tough and adds a range of other benefits. Here are 10 of the top benefits of outdoor porcelain:

1. Strong: The slabs are double the thickness of a standard internal tile. Combining this with the hard, vitrified material, makes porcelain extremely strong and hard-wearing.

2. Stain Resistant: The low porosity paving slabs are resistant to staining which makes them great for patios, BBQ areas and outdoor kitchens. Any marks can usually be removed easily making the slabs.

3. Versatile: The tiles can be cut and profiled to create traditional or contemporary finishes, or a stainless-steel trim can be added to finish steps and swimming pool surrounds.

4. Calibrated & Rectified: Look out for porcelain paving that has rectified edges that gives them straight and even sides, which allows you to create narrow grout joints for a neat and modern look. Calibration for even thickness will also make installation easier.

5. Scratch Resistant: Porcelain is much more resistant to scratching than other outdoor materials such as natural stone, concrete or wood.

6. Frost Proof: The impermeable material gives the slabs a very low absorption rate which makes them 100% frost proof.

7. Anti-Slip: Most external porcelain has enhanced slip resistant surface, with a rating of R11. They can be used on patios, balconies, terraces, steps, pathways and even wet areas such as around swimming pools.

8. Resistant to Moss & Mould: Some materials can become slippery outdoors as a layer of moss or mould covers the surface â&#x20AC;&#x201C; particularly during the winter. Porcelain is resistant to moss, mould and algae growth so will be easier to keep clean and clear.

Top: Porcelain can be created to emulate a range of different materials such as wood, stone and concrete Above: Porcelain is resistant to moss, mould and algae growth so will be easier to keep clean and clear

9. High Load-Bearing Strength: Patios often need to withstand heavy foot traffic and garden furniture, 20mm thick outdoor porcelain can cope with this. It also means that they can be installed onto pedestalbased systems on terraces and balconies.

10. Wide Range of Designs: Thanks to advances in inkjet printing technology, porcelain can be created to emulate a range of different materials such as wood, stone and concrete. And because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a man-made material there are a wide array of sizes and shapes that can be produced. As you can see porcelain is an ideal choice for many different outdoor installations from patios to pathways and everything in between. You can even choose from a range of co-ordinating indoor and outdoor designs that create an almost seamless look when combined with bifold or sliding doors.

www.valverdi.co.uk

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The Valverdi Indoor-Out range of co-ordinating indoor and 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles allow you to create a synchronised flow from your indoor living space to your garden or terrace. Enhanced slip resistance of 20mm tile makes it ideal for outdoor applications from patios to swimming pool surrounds. Strong, tough and hard-wearing. These tiles will last for decades and still look stunning.

strength | beauty | resilience

Frost and fade proof, therefore will withstand harsh winters and scorching summers. Conceptualised to run from indoors out through a bi-fold door installation to create an almost seamless look.

The tiles are impermeable so resist mould, moss and stains.

Ideal externally on patios, balconies and roof terraces, and internally for kitchens, conservatories and dining areas.

www.valverdi.co.uk

0333 222 40 24

KBB

A kitchen that ticks all the boxes Mike Abrahams,WoodLiving’s Senior Kitchen Designer, discusses the company’s recent installation, designed for modern, family living.

Please give an overview of the project The Amersham kitchen and utility, designed and installed by WoodLiving measured 11 x 4m with plenty of space to create what the client wanted. The project took 12 weeks and was completed in March 2019. The house started as a 40s bungalow and was then remodelled into a slick modern contemporary family home with very high-end finishes.

What was the client’s brief? The client did a lot of research both online and through magazines so she was very specific on the look for the space that had been designed and it was to be very modern but look very natural. She wanted to use oak in a specific way so that the eye had a easy journey around the kitchen. She large prep area, large cooking area separate storage and laundry and utility areas.

What were the major priorities? The design was not difficult as she had very specific instructions which I followed very closely. So there was not really one specific area that was prioritised apart from the look of the doors – this was not negotiable for her.

How do you first set about making a brief a reality? Usually, there would be preliminary design work done from a written brief and architectural drawings, however on this project there was a meeting face to face first then the design process started.

Did the client specify an oak kitchen? The whole kitchen was about the blasted raw oak staggered plank doors as this was the over-riding feature of the kitchen. We only buy our oak from companies that get their timber from sustainable sources.

Storage seems to play a major part in the kitchen and you built a bespoke larder, is this becoming a popular trend? Yes it has been a trend for a while now and we built three bespoke larders in this kitchen.

Can you tell us about the wood colour and texture? This was the client’s vision – we designed a door that would work both from a joinery perspective as well as from a practical application with a pleasing aesthetic. The doors were sand blasted and then wire brushed to open the pores. We then used a water-based clear coat to seal the doors thus creating a raw planked effect.

How many units did WoodLiving make? There are over 30 cabinets built by one master cabinet maker and then finished by a team of four finishers, over a 12week period.

What design elements made the Amersham project so successful? The design is very simple. The sophistication is very well disguised by this clean simple look.

Any challenges? The project had very few and no major problems other than a few building delays and their knock on effects, but these are factored in with every project we under take.

How did your client hear about you? She saw us at a show and then researched us online. What was it that attracted them to you? I believe it was a combination of price and quality but I believe the deciding factors were we could deliver a truly bespoke product that was handmade to her specifications.

Does your client have a family and was this integral to the brief? Her brief was around her young family.

What was the budget and did the final design fall within this? I believe we were slightly over her budget but well below the competition and because we could deliver exactly what she wanted the budget was not really the issue.

What was the reaction of the client and what were they most pleased with? We were all invited to a party thrown by the client on completion and I believe that said it all for us that she was happy for her friends and family to meet the people responsible for creating her dream kitchen.

Further thoughts? It was an absolute pleasure to work with Prina as soon as I saw the brief – I couldn’t wait to get started. It takes an experienced team of people, from designers to cabinet maker, to create the high-end quality bespoke kitchens that we make and this is why people choose WoodLiving. We offer a personal service, we get to know our client and we listen to what they want. Our client was over the moon with her finished kitchen as it ticked every box on the brief.

www.woodliving.co.uk

KBB Opposite: The sophistication is very well disguised by this clean simple look Top: The Amersham kitchen and utility, designed and installed by WoodLiving measured 11 x 4m Left: WoodLiving built three bespoke larders in this kitchen Above: The whole kitchen was about the blasted raw oak staggered plank doors

Product Guide

World-class solutions from Italian leader, Fassa Bortolo

Above left: WarmFloor Pro is most commonly used in housing, from single dwellings to complete housing developments Above: Without the need for any specialist tools or skills, installation of WarmFloor Pro is efficient and streamlined

Left: Horsley House Farm with new render completed to the exterior walls Above: Coloured render product range Below left: Fassa offers a vast range of systems and products for small build projects and large construction sites

Building on 300 years of manufacturing heritage, Fassa Bortolo is one of the leading companies in external rendering and integrated building solutions.

historic name in the world of construction, Fassa was founded in 1710 in Italy. This family-owned business continues to pride itself on product quality, as well as its commitment to ethical quarrying and raising the bar for innovation.

Offering a number of render systems for any build, new or old, Fassa has a total of 18 production facilities across Europe, employing more than 1000 members of staff in countries including the UK, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland.

With a concrete set of values, Fassa continues its legacy in the same way it always has – through respect, care and quality for its people, products and the environment. Fassa has a made a huge commitment to its environmental responsibilities, gathering its raw materials in the most sustainable way and processing them within 60km of the quarry. Two key components are mined from the land; calcium carbonate (lime) and gypsum, both of which are extracted with the most advanced quarrying technologies. Currently, Fassa’s limestone and gypsum quarries are products of environmental remediation, whereby the excavated land will be reused at the end of its operation. Fassa understands research is essential to improve and develop its products, which is why the company operates its own dedicated research facility in Italy. With an advanced laboratory hosting cutting-edge equipment, researchers study the raw materials to create formulations, which guarantee superior quality. After centuries of product development, Fassa offers a vast range of systems and products to meet the needs of the UK building industry, with a solution for every project – from small build projects to large construction sites. Since the start of UK trading in 2014, a number of Fassa systems and products have also been awarded British Board of Agrément (BBA) Certification to extend the offering of Italian manufactured systems to the British market.

wwww.fassabortolo.co.uk 01684 212272

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A Change is in the Air...

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UK Buildings Regulations give minimum performance standards for acoustic door ratings in dwellings and public buildings. Approved Document Part E, stipulates a performance requirement of 29 Rw. Furthermore schools and particularly music rooms in schools are covered in the regulations.

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Zero ‘Soundtrap Systems’ can easily meet these requirements, and with generous safety factors depending on the system chosen. However to meet the basic 29Rw requirement we developed and tested a selection of sets

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Having developed our ﬁrst ultra-clean burning ﬁre seven years ahead of the 2022 Ecodesign introduction, we feel the Government’s Clean Air Strategy is a positive change for the Stove and Fire Industry. Our Ecodesign ranges burn so cleanly they

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Prepared for print 21/01/19

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28/02/2019 09:30

Product Guide

Rees Farm: The future of new builds Owen Stinchcombe has built the energy efficient house of his dreams, complete with Solar PV and ground source heat pump technology, linked up to a battery storage system and operated by innovative smart controls.

Above: Owen compared the efficiency of gas to a ground source heat pump, the latter returning 300% versus 90%, he knew this was a better route to go down Below: The cantilever allowed the second floor to overhang the original dwelling without any external support

wen had been in property development for a number of years, so was used to purchasing and renovating houses. He searched for a suitable plot for five years, and eventually found a site in rural Gloucester where he could build the high-tech ecohome of his dreams. It was important to Owen that the house was as environmentally friendly as possible. He commented: “We designed the build as close to Passiv-Haus standards as possible to provide maximum energy efficiency. This is my ‘forever home’ and I wanted it to be comfortable and cost-effective to run in the future. I’m practically self-sufficient in terms of power and heat.” The plot has a little Cotswold stone cottage on site which Owen built directly on top of with a cleverly designed cantilever. This allowed the second floor to overhang the original dwelling without any external support. This means from a certain angle, the new build appears to be floating. A grass sedum roof adds an additional layer of insulation. Although glass has been used frequently throughout the build, Owen compensated by installing high levels of insulation, and the original stone walls of the cottage heat up and retain warmth very well. There was gas in the area, but not directly to the property and it would have cost Owen thousands to get the infrastructure in place. Owen researched renewable heating options and when he compared the efficiency of gas to a ground source heat pump, the latter returning 300% versus 90%, he knew this was a better route to go down. He was recommended a 15kW Hybrid ground source heat pump by UK manufacturer Kensa Heat Pumps; a model specifically designed to provide ample hot water and space heating. The system is integrated with a 6kW Solar PV array on the roof linked to battery storage, which allows Owen to charge the ground source heat pump and take advantage of time of use tariffs. As he decided early on in the project that he would use ground source technology, he designed a plantroom in the basement specifically to house the heat pump unit. Owen was keen to have simple and seamless heating controls across the build. The ground source heat pump is integrated with a whole house heat monitoring system which can be controlled through an app. The property is carefully configured to maintain a constant ambient temperature. Underfloor heating was specified throughout the property which works very well to provide a constant and comfortable low-grade heat throughout the house.

Key facts: 4000m2 new build property 15kW Hybrid Kensa ground source heat pump Integrated with Solar PV & battery storage Smart operating controls Grass sedum roof

www.kensaheatpumps.com 0345 222 4328 enquiries@thekensagroup.com

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Liveconﬁgurator™ is an amazing tool which can save you valuable time and help avoid costly mistakes. It can provide you with a quote and detailed accurate CAD drawings within minutes. As a leading manufacturer of woodburning and multi-fuel appliances, we have been creating clean burning, DEFRA approved stoves and fires for many years. These high efficiency heating products are presently approved for urban areas with smoke control zones, letting you burn good quality wood and smokeless fuels cleanly and efficiently anywhere in the country. Blue sky thinking is at the heart of our stove design and innovation, and the Stovax Heating Group offer the largest ranges of DEFRA Smoke Control approved stoves and fires in the UK.

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NATIONWIDE

NATIONWIDE 䢢䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵 NATIONWIDE

NATIONWIDE 䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵 NATIONWIDE 䢢䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵 NATIONWIDE 䢢䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵䢢䢢䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵䣅䣃䣎䣎䢢䣗䣕䢢䣖䣑䢢䣆䣋䣕䣅䣗䣕䣕䢢䣛䣑䣗䣔䢢䣐䣇䣚䣖䢢䣒䣑䣌䣇䣅䣖䢢䣐䣑䣙䢢䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵䢢䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵䢢䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵䢢䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䣅䣃䣎䣎䢢䣗䣕䢢䣖䣑䢢䣆䣋䣕䣅䣗䣕䣕䢢䣛䣑䣗䣔䢢䣐䣇䣚䣖䢢䣒䣑䣌䣇䣅䣖䢢䣐䣑䣙䢢䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣛䣱䣷䣴䢢䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵䣅䣃䣎䣎䢢䣗䣕䢢䣖䣑䢢䣆䣋䣕䣅䣗䣕䣕䢢䣛䣑䣗䣔䢢䣐䣇䣚䣖䢢䣒䣑䣌䣇䣅䣖䢢䣐䣑䣙䢢䢢

䢢

and

www.stovax.com/defraapproved Prepared for print 21/01/19

sales@brundle.com

45 i-build_stovax_half_page_A_march.indd 2

28/02/2019 09:30

Product Guide

New range of Schueco sliding doors provides elegant solution New from Schueco UK is a range of superior sliding doors that provide a complete and elegant solution for residential properties.

overing both sliding and lift-and-slide doors, the new Schueco ASE 60 and 80 range comprises 15 opening types, including six single-track options. The result is greater choice, maximum design flexibility and the ability to accommodate widely differing project requirements. Schueco ASE 60 and 80 doors have a basic frame depth of either 60 or 80mm, with a maximum vent size of 3.2 x 3.5m (or 3.5 x 3.2m), which is currently the largest being offered on the market. Maximum vent weights are equally impressive, with both systems being able to accommodate loads of up to 350kg, offering the possibility of enhanced thermal performance through triple glazing. Rollers positioned in the middle of the vent distribute the weight evenly, minimising friction and ensuring that vents move particularly smoothly. The inclusion of SmartStop and SmartClose technology further ensures safe, troublefree operation.

Schueco ASE 60 and 80 doors all share certain characteristics. The profile sightlines has been kept narrow (from 82mm) throughout, enabling the doors to deliver all the benefits of Schueco’s traditional sliding systems with enhanced transparency, similar to a panoramic system. Both systems exhibit exceptional thermal performance. The Schueco ASE 60, in spite of its narrow depth, offers Uw of up to 1.1 W/m2K, while the high-performance Schueco ASE 80.HI meets stringent Passive House standards. Security levels across the range are up to RC2 and every system features slimline meetingstiles and a flush threshold that overcomes the possibility of accidents. A Design Line option is available on all the doors. Design Line offers enhanced design benefits such as concealed fittings that leave the visible surfaces of the vent and outer frame completely flush, and a slimline interlock – with a 40mm sight-line – that delivers today’s preferred ‘more glass, less frame’ look allowing maximum light transmission.

Top: The Schueco range comprises 15 opening types and six single-track options for a greater choice, maximum design flexibility and the ability to accommodate widely differing project requirements Above: Design Line offers enhanced design benefits such as concealed fittings that leave the visible surfaces of the vent and outer frame completely flush

Additional features of the Schueco ASE 60 and 80 range include profiles that, being symmetrically identical, enable the vent to be positioned on either the inside or the outside. For German engineering made in Britain – there’s only one name.

www.schueco.co.uk/slidingdoors 01908 282111 mkinfobox@schueco.com

FIBRE CEMENT SLATES

Detailed surface and square edge closely resembles natural slate

THRUTONE

Smooth surface and dressed edges offer a traditional and pleasing look

GARSDALE

Finely detailed surface and dressed edges that reproduce the attractive appearance of natural slate

BIRKDALE

RIVENDALE

The charm of a natural slate roof with all the economical, functional and environmentally friendly attributes of modern slate technology. Request a sample at eternit.co.uk

Smooth surface and square cut edges give a low profile slate at an economical price

Product Guide

A creative curvaceous statement in the bathroom When you think of luxury freestanding showers, large scale, open plan wet room style spaces spring to mind.

Mendip Stoves working for the environment Mendip Stoves has announced that with the recent refurbishment of its factory, and a large investment in a new spray plant, it will now be able to use water based paints for all its stove products.

However when space is limited, it’s still possible to create a glamorous showering space in a bathroom with the new DS506 shower screen – the latest addition to AQATA’s extensive range. This elegantly Curved Quintet Walk-In shower screen is created from a single sheet of 8mm glass, with ClearShield ECO-GLASS protection as standard. It is the ideal way to introduce the essence of a boutique hotel into a bijoux bathroom. This continuous single flowing curve can be used with a shower tray or is equally suitable for wet rooms. The curvature of the glass is designed to fit on a 1200mm tray with no seals and is 2000mm in height. Sleek and smooth, the DS506 is available in clear or grey glass. As an optional extra, the steady bars can boldly contrast or colour coordinate with the bathroom, which introduce additional glamour with finishes including chrome, gold, polished nickel, brushed nickel and matte black. Matte black is particularly striking against the smoky luminosity of the tinted grey glass.

This has a great ecological benefit, not only for the wider environment, but also all employees. These low VOC paints emit no smell or fumes. The advantage for the end-consumer is there are no fumes being emitted when the fire is used for the very first time. In oil-based paints, this can be an unpleasant side effect whilst curing the fire. As well as this, in the manufacturing process no thinners or oilbased fluid are needed. Naturally there is no additional charge for these improvements, as Mendip is committed to making the best choices for the environment. That being said, Mendip is very proud to announce its recent achievement of ISO 9001 accreditation. Mendip Stoves is also proud to work in collaboration with the Woodland Trust. For every stove sold, Mendip will donate £10 to the UK’s leading conservation charity, which is enough to plant three native trees. Chris Baines, Mendip MD, says: “Mendip Stoves are delighted to be working with the Woodland Trust, helping the charity to plant hundreds of trees. “We have a huge commitment to being a sustainable business, which includes encouraging customers to use wood from sustainable sources. We see the Woodland Trust as being the perfect fit and are delighted that our support will see the planting and protection of trees across the UK.”

www.aqata.co.uk

www.mendipstoves.co.uk 01934 750500 info@eurostove.co.uk

01455 896500

sales@aqata.co.uk

Light

Sprinkler

Smoke alarm

Downlight & Smoke Alarm

Plugin the functionality that’s important to you. Lumi-Plugin is a revolutionary downlight that combines LED lighting with various plugins such as concealed sprinkler systems, smoke alarms, heat alarms, CO alarms, PIR sensors and/or emergency lighting. • • • •

Saves Lives and Properties Streamline Ceilings Low Costs Multi Functional

Heat alarm

Downlight & Heat Alarm

CO alarm

PIR sensor

This unique product is designed to not only save lives but simplify and streamline your interior design. Emergency lighting

Call +44 (0)33 0380 1329 or email: sales@lumi-plugin.com

Atlas Professional F R O M

L E C I C O

B A T H R O O M S

ESSENTIAL COLLECTION New brochure available now Request your copy today: Web: www.lecico.co.uk Tel: 01234 244030 49

Product Guide

Bring the outside in with Folding Doors 2U Bifold doors or folding doors are high on the ‘must have’ list for anyone improving their home or adding a new extension due to their ability to instantly change your living style by providing an unobstructed opening onto your patio or directly into your garden. FD2U timber bifold doors are manufactured from engineered timber to ensure structural stability and to help prevent twisting or warping. The range is available in standard Eucalyptus hardwood with European Oak also available to special order. All folding sliding doors are factory finished with either RAL colour paint finish or translucent stain finishes.

www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk 01621 834123 sales@foldingdoors2u.co.uk

Valverdi Indoor-Out extends your living area Launched in 2013 and now a market leader in indoor-outdoor tiles, Valverdi provides an array of highquality porcelain tiles for a range of residential and commercial projects. Creating an almost seamless transition from inside your home to your outdoor space, Valverdi IndoorOut will extend your living area into your garden. This slip-resistant range of tiles features a 20mm frost proof outdoor porcelain, and matching 10mm indoor porcelain. Available to order in a wide range of colours, Valverdi Indoor-Out will transform your home, creating a stylish interior and co-ordinated outdoor setting. Valverdi outdoor tiles are fade proof, slip resistant and will not be affected by moss, mould or algae growth.

www.valverdi.co.uk 0333 222 4024 info@valverdi.co.uk

Viessmann launches new fuel cell heat and power boiler German heating systems manufacturer, Viessmann, has announced the launch of its new Vitovalor PT2 fuel cell micro combined heat and power (mCHP) boiler. Vitovalor can generate enough electricity to cover the basic demands of an average household, save up to 40% of household energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30% compared to separate heat and power generation. It has a footprint of just 0.72m2 and the previous model has been comfortably installed in utility rooms, porches and roof spaces. The latest design includes a 220L integrated stainless steel hot water cylinder meaning many properties can free up airing cupboard space.

wwww.viessmann.co.uk 01952 675000 info-uk@viessmann.com

Round Wood of Mayfield offers cladding and decking Whilst Round Wood of Mayfield offers a wide variety of products in oak – including buildings, flooring, joinery and skirting – it is far from the only option when it comes to decking and cladding. Round Wood has years of industry expertise in a wide variety of hardwoods and so, is perfectly placed to help customers source the best materials for their project. Decking timbers include Ipe, Balau and Cumaru, which feature beautiful grain patterning and durability. Many are supplied with matching components, should you require balustrade. The available softwoods supplied are Cedar, Siberian Larch and Radiate pine, due to their high-end qualities. Round Wood of Mayfield also prides itself on its ever-growing selection of cladding. Its collection now includes boards cut from oak, softwood and cedar, to accompany their decking options. Round Wood’s newest addition to its cladding choices is boarding from the Thermory collection, in either pine or ash. All are thermotreated for added durability and attractive, contemporary tones. The Thermory Collection also includes decking boards. As with the decking, a number of innovative fastening systems are available. Round Wood of Mayfield prides itself on its ability to be able to machine bespoke cladding in a range of materials to best suit the specifications of its customers. With Round Wood, customers can be sure that only the highest quality decking and cladding will leave the yard.

www.roundwood.com 01435 860888 sales@roundwood.com

Are you looking for stylish roof slates that are built to last? Eternit’s fibre cement slates help to create a unique exterior for your home, without compromising on performance. The Rivendale range is ideal for use on self build projects where a natural look is sought, as it combines modern technology with a traditional looking slate. Rivendale features a finely detailed surface with dressed edges and is available in striking BlueBlack and Cromleigh Graphite. The lightweight and easy installation of Rivendale makes it perfect for all refurbishment projects.

Healthy paint spec for accessible home Steve Hudson and his wife, Barbara, were searching for a house enabling ease of movement for Steve’s wheelchair. Eventually, the couple found a rural property for demolition to make room for a new, purpose-designed home. Barbara said: “We built a single storey property with extra wide doorways and rooms large enough for a wheelchair to move around. Aesthetically, we wanted to make the most of the views from each room and ethically, we wanted the build to be environmentally friendly.” Steve and Barbara specified Earthborn Claypaint for most of the walls within their home. Many of the rooms have their own colour theme; such as Sunday Stroll in the sitting room, which complements the landscape views from the patio doors. Steve commented: “It’s the texture of Claypaint that’s particularly appealing. The painters were very impressed with Claypaint’s covering power and the ultra matt finish was quite a talking point with them.” Earthborn paints are made without oils or acrylics, therefore they are virtually VOC free, do not give off any toxic emissions and are much better for the health of building occupants and the environment. It also means there are no strong smells. Steve and Barbara were able to move into their new home a lot sooner than expected, once the painting was completed. Claypaint is a unique, clay based emulsion made using advanced technology to maximise the natural properties of clay. The result is a high performance, highly breathable paint that is EU Ecolabel approved and available in a standard palette of 72 shades. Bespoke colours can be developed through the nationwide network of Earthborn stockists.

www.earthbornpaints.co.uk 01928 734171 sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk

wwww.eternit.co.uk

Product Guide

Redefine your roof with Eternit slates

01283 501555

Plug and Glow 2 Advance Appliances has launched Plug and Glow 2 – an improved version of the original Plug and Glow, small stainless steel boiler. The new version now comes with bespoke software and is the same size – 120 x 195mm – as the original version. Plug and Glow 2 has 22 connections for ease of installation and a 13amp plug fitted, along with being programmed twice a day with a five-day/weekend option. The temperature can either be adjusted by a calibrated knob on the front of the case or controlled by an off-board thermostat. With a 2.7kW output, the unit can be plugged into any general household socket. Plug and Glow 2 is CE marked and comes with a two-year guarantee.

www.advanceappliances.co.uk 01543 377723 sales@advanceappliances.co.uk

Specialist secondary glazing for listed, period and historic buildings Storm Windows – a family company – has been making and installing bespoke secondary glazing for listed, period and historic properties for more than 15 years. Its glazing reduces noise pollution, eliminates cold draughts and retains heat whilst preserving the appearance of a property. Utilising its team of skilled craftsmen, Storm can produce precisely fitted glazing no matter the shape of primary windows. The discreet magnetic system has a lightweight aluminium frame, which can be colour-matched to blend in with any existing frames, making them virtually invisible. Storm’s unique approach makes draughty windows thermally efficient without contravening listed building regulations, and brings the comforts of 21st century living, to a period property.

wwww.stormwindows.co.uk 01384 636365 sales@stormwindows.co.uk

Product Guide

New tech platform launched to boost UK self-build The number of self-build homes in the UK is set to increase with the launch of the first dedicated self-build tech platform, MyPlot. As of April 2019, just 8% of homes in the UK were self-build – but MyPlot intends to change that. The first business created solely to boost the number of self-build homes in the UK, MyPlot will support the Government target of increasing the annual completions to 20,000. The new tech platform has streamlined the self-build process, removing the complexity. Sourcing a plot, hiring a team of experienced, vetted experts to take your home from concept through to reality – even finding a mortgage advisor – can be done via MyPlot alone, on one single platform.

www.myplot.co.uk 0161 220 2931 hello@myplot.co.uk

Lumi-Plugin: Luxury lighting that hides fire safety Lumi-Plugin is an innovative, new to market lighting system, which was conceived and developed by Bob Ward, a former fire-fighter. The compact base unit is an LED downlight, which can combine different products including a sprinkler system, smoke alarm, heat alarm, CO alarm, PIR sensor or emergency lighting. The unit is very energy efficient with the low-voltage LED lights lasting at least 50,000 hours. Bob Ward commented: “Fire safety is a serious subject – but that doesn’t mean the solutions can’t look good. I would love to see Lumi-Plugin become the fire suppressing system of choice in all residential and commercial buildings, where it will both look good and save lives.”

www.lumi-plugin.com 0330 380 1329 info@lumi-plugin.com

Oak frame buildings that stand the test of time With over 60 years of combined experience, The Oak Designs Co. prides itself on specialising in quality oak frame garages, outbuildings and being renowned nationwide as well as in some parts of Europe. Its buildings can contribute positively to the surrounding environment with a lifespan extending over 35 years. Products are both designed and manufactured using high-quality and low impact materials, minimising their carbon footprint by utilising quality assured local suppliers that purchase green oak and softwood from sawmills which are FSC- and PEFC-certified. Customers can choose from over 1500 standardised garage designs with different spans, depths and roof types. All can be customised to suit personal requirements.

www.oak-designs.co.uk 01273 400411 sales@oak-designs.co.uk

P C Henderson hardware specified for unique boathouse project London-based architectural practice, Wimshurst Pelleriti, has recently specified P C Henderson’s Straight Sliding 301 industrial door hardware for a unique boathouse project on the River Yealm in Devon. The architecture practice was provided with a challenging brief to design a boathouse which could be sensitively built into the steep-sided estuary of the river. The new structure would be small in size but used to store a wealth of waterside equipment and water craft, including a 14ft speedboat. The result was an innovative and sophisticated infrastructure built with galvanized steel and untreated Siberian larch to reflect the woodland setting. To meet the design requirements for optimum storage, using minimal space, a series of sliding doors were installed on the ground level of the boathouse to enable easy access from both the surrounding land and water. P C Henderson’s Straight Sliding 301 was identified as the best system for the project. Will Wimshurst, Director at Wimshurst Pelleriti, commented: “Our aim was to not only design a solution which was innovative and aesthetically pleasing but one which could also deliver considerable social benefits to our client. By incorporating seven different sliding door systems throughout the boathouse, we were able to maximise both internal and external space whilst also ensuring easy access to the quayside and slipway.” The project also benefited from a number of other design elements including a hoist so that the heavy yet delicate speedboat could be stored 10ft high in the eaves and easily lowered into the water when required. Straight Sliding makes up part of P C Henderson’s industrial range of sliding door hardware. The robust system caters for anything from light commercial doors right up to heavy industrial doors weighing up to 2000kg.

www.pchenderson.com 0191 377 0701 sales@pchenderson.com

SU O MM FF E ER R

Oak frame buildings ideal for self-assembly or by our expert team

THE BARCOMBE

£3,000+ VAT* *T&Cs available upon request. Offer ends 30/09

Oak framed buildings | Outdoor Living | Garages | Home offices Garage + first floor | Dual purpose building | Gazebos | Porches Please visit our website oak-designs.co.uk to see further examples of our product range and special offers. You can also now design your own garage using our ‘Quote my Design’ tool online.

01273 400411

sales@oak-designs.co.uk www.oak-designs.co.uk

With over 30 years experience, we offer bespoke solutions for the domestic market throughout the South East. A free feasibility study can usually be determined upon receipt of a site postcode.

RENEWABLE HEATING

Reduce heating bills by up to 50%. An independent water supply can be used as a heat source for an Open-Loop Ground Source Heat Pump.

enquiries@thehdgroup.co.uk

SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS

Independent sewage treatment systems are specifically designed to meet the needs of individual clients.

01494 792000

WATER SUPPLY & SOAKAWAY BOREHOLES An independent water supply for consumption* or garden irrigation and bespoke drainage solutions. * subject to analysis and suitable filtration

www.hdservicesltd.co.uk

Product Guide

New Origin brassware and accessories VitrA, one of Europe’s leading bathroom companies, has expanded both its Designer Collection and the recently launched Signature Collection with a new range of brassware and accessories.

ow available to retailers, the subtle, elegant design is the key theme of the outstanding new Origin brassware and accessories range from VitrA. Origin presents retailers, designers and consumers with a complete and versatile collection that is the perfect partner for contemporary sanitaryware. There are over 150 pieces in the collection including monobloc taps in four heights, wall and deck mounted mixers, and both concealed and exposed thermostatic and manual showers with a choice of hand held or fixed overhead showers. Taps and showers are complemented by a comprehensive range of accessories. All pieces are available in chrome, brushed nickel, copper and matt black finishes. Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager, comments: “This is a beautiful comprehensive

collection. The design-for-all ethos can be seen throughout with the choice of finishes, sizes and product types. “It goes without saying that top quality materials have been used with cartridges that allow light fingertip control and deliver an efficient flow rate. There are products to satisfy the most demanding specification with basin mixers, baths, showers, wet rooms, WCs and complementary accessories. “VitrA Origin also includes colour-matched bottle traps and waste covers. The exposed and concealed shower systems can be installed using VitrA’s innovative Minibox and V-Box systems.”

www.vitra.co.uk 01235 750990 marketing@vitra.co.uk

Top: Basin mixers from the Origin collection in various finishes Above: Showerheads from the Origin collection showing all finishes; (top to bottom) brushed nickel, matt black, chrome, copper

The next step in design flexibility Millboard decking. Innovatively designed and developed to have the look of natural timber, whilst out-performing it in every way. Our new 150mm Bullnose Board is no different. Like our decking, it’s beautiful to look at, yet its curved edge gives you more design freedom than ever before. Ideal for seating, planters or as a finishing touch for decks and steps; its wider profile providing the perfect space for lighting. Resistant to moisture, stains and algae, it won’t rot, warp or splinter. And, like our decking, it’s easy to fit, saving on installation time and cost. Millboard: Live. Life. Outside.

Discover our collections at millboard.co.uk

Live.Life.Outside.

FIBRE CEMENT SLATES

Detailed surface and square edge closely resembles natural slate

THRUTONE

Smooth surface and dressed edges offer a traditional and pleasing look

GARSDALE

Finely detailed surface and dressed edges that reproduce the attractive appearance of natural slate

BIRKDALE

RIVENDALE

The charm of a natural slate roof with all the economical, functional and environmentally friendly attributes of modern slate technology. Request a sample at eternit.co.uk

Smooth surface and square cut edges give a low profile slate at an economical price