i-build November 2016

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

20+

November 16 Issue 28

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

STOVES: DESIGN INSPIRATION, HINTS AND TIPS

ways to decorate your home this winter

IS CUSTOM BUILD THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU?

COVER STORY:

The house in the hill

Couple builds dream eco home in stunning rural location

RECLAIMED MATERIALS

SAFE SPECIFICATION

Build or decorate your home using recycled products and reclaimed items

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

Windows and doors from Lomax + Wood's range put an Essex family at ease

PAINT TRENDS FOR YOUR HOME Dulux Trade explains how to colour your home with 2017's fashionable tones

l TIMBER FRAME l DRAINAGE l BATHROOMS l LAWN CARE

KEEP YOUR KITCHEN LOOKING NEW A Harvey Water Softener keeps your home limescale free

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Editor in Chief:

Hannah Frackiewicz

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Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Michael Abrahams

michael@mixedmediainfo.com

Rebecca Stratten

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Hayley Perry

hayley@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager:

Chris Lilly

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Jack Witcomb

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Simone Jones

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Charlie Ivy

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Sam Ball

Welcome Note

i-build

Welcome to the November issue of i-build According to the Structural Timber Association, when it comes to self-build projects, structural timber frame is the product of choice for more than 75% of the sector. Along with its eco-friendly benefits, timber also allows you to create a bespoke design, without compromising on quality.

To demonstrate the sector’s rising interest in oak frame, we visited Gordon and Joyce Perrie, who have recently completed a new-build in the charming Kent countryside. The couple capitalised on the strict planning restrictions imposed on them by using a stunning oak frame to add height to the property’s entry level. To find out more, turn to page 18.

Meanwhile, on page 40, English Heritage Buildings’ Darren Hook explains why contemporary homes have a lot to gain from an oak frame extension.

Elsewhere in this edition, Dulux Trade unveils the colour trends and palettes for the year ahead, Kingspan Klargester urges homeowners to get their drainage right or risk being prosecuted for causing pollution, and Eurobrick

Cladding Systems explains how to choose the right brick cladding system for your own project.

As always, our pages are bursting with design inspiration for those of you who are nearing the completion of your build. On page 6, you will find an array of accessories perfect for those cold winter nights. Meanwhile on page 8, you can discover the elegance and charm of shabby chic interiors. From stools and sofas, right through to beds, this theme will perfectly suit any room.

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

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

Editor in Chief hannah@mixedmediainfo.com @ibuildmagazine

/ibuildmagazine

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

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

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

Scona shower programme from Kaldewei: See page 58, The DCM-Pro floor heating system from Warmup: See page 58, Origin launches new range of stylish blinds: See page 54.

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58

Cover story: Gordon and Joyce Perrie’s Green Oak framed property overlooks splendid views in Trottiscliffe, Kent. See page 18.

58

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Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

November 2016

56

54

58

07

06

12

08

In this issue: Desired Designs

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

14

Viewpoint

16

Contracts & Legalities

18 26

ON THE COVER

BuildStore’s Tom Connor explains the ins and outs of custom build.

CRL discusses structural defects insurance for house-building projects.

Sustainable Living

ON THE COVER

Overlooking stunning views, a Kent self-build, tucked away in the quaint village of Trottiscliffe, is more than meets the eye.

Impressive Innovation ON THE COVER Made-to-order wooden windows and doors by Lomax + Wood have been incorporated into the design of a new-build property in Essex.

30

Interior Decor

32

Bricks, Blocks & Pavers

ON THE COVER

Dulux Trade reveals the trends and colour palettes over the next year.

Eurobrick explains how to choose the right brick cladding system for your project.

34

Bathrooms

German bathroom manufacturer, Pelipal, explains how to make the best use of space.

37

Drainage

40

Timber Frame

42

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

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

20+

November 16 Issue 28

06

STOVES: DESIGN INSPIRATION, HINTS AND TIPS

ways to decorate your home this winter

IS CUSTOM BUILD THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU?

Get your drainage right or risk being prosecuted for causing pollution.

Why Green Oak offers the opportunity to realise a luxury home whilst meeting eco credentials.

Homebuilding & Renovating Show Somerset i-build previews the upcoming highlights of this popular event in the West Country.

46

i-nterior

50

i-build

52

i-scape

Select the right fireplace or stove for your project with this handy guide.

COVER STORY:

The house in the hill

Couple builds dream eco home in stunning rural location

RECLAIMED MATERIALS

SAFE SPECIFICATION

Build or decorate your home using recycled products and reclaimed items

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

Windows and doors from Lomax + Wood's range put an Essex family at ease

PAINT TRENDS FOR YOUR HOME Dulux Trade explains how to colour your home with 2017's fashionable tones

l TIMBER FRAME l DRAINAGE l BATHROOMS l LAWN CARE

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

ON THE COVER

How to build and furnish your home guilt-free using reclaimed materials.

Discover the best way to create and maintain your new home’s lawn.

5

Desired Designs

1

2

3 4

5

If you go down to the woods today…

6

Autumn has arrived and, as the nights draw in and the evenings get colder, it’s time to start thinking about how to make your self-build warm and cosy on the lead up to the festive season.

A

s the days get shorter, it’s time to start thinking about equipping your selfbuild’s interior for the colder winter months. Although many of you are just starting your self-build journey, for those of you that have come to the end of your journey, this really is a time where you can sit back and truly appreciate the completion of your self-build.

The end of the year is the perfect time for families and friends to gather inside comfortably by the fire with a hot drink to hibernate for the colder season. So, why not bring the outside in for the winter months with a log cabin-inspired interior decor? Incorporating natural colours, either through the use of paint or wallcoverings, adding aspects of wood to your self-build’s interior or even incorporating woodland creature prints to your scheme can make your self-build’s interior the ideal setting for the icier, bitter months.

6

7

8

1. Desire stove with log store, £899, Ludlow Stoves

2. Huntsman silver antler

9

chandelier, £325, The French Bedroom Company

3. Metal circle log holder distressed, £59, Furnish

4. Hand-carved wooden tree trunk, £52, PASX

5. Parklife stag trio sculpture, £89, Artisanti

6. Rustic boxing hare bookends, £37.90, The Farthing

7. Colours Woodland

wallcovering in concrete, £15.18, Colours at B&Q

8. Antler mirror, £205,

Decorative Mirrors Online

9. Rudolph rug , £165, The French Bedroom Company

10. Wandhaken twig hooks, €7.95, design3000

10

1

1. Magpies art print, £35 2. Blue bear art print, £35 3. Howling blue wolf art print, £45

Desired Designs

2

4. Stag art print, £35

4

3

April and the Bear April and the Bear is an online lifestyle and homeware emporium, filled to the brim with beautifully-eclectic homewares, thoughtful gifts and exclusive art prints.

Aiming to bring an affordable alternative to those looking for something unique and beautiful, April and the Bear’s animal prints are the ideal addition for those art lovers looking to add a sense of individuality to their self-build’s interior scheme – furthermore, the company’s art prints fit in perfectly with the woodland theme.

1

2

Woodland creatures Any woodland trekker will be familiar with these furry woodland creatures.

The great thing about decorative cushions is that they’re not permanent, so they can be stored away when it comes to the warmer months and brought back out when you start feeling the chill. Not only are these woodlandthemed cushions great for the colder months, they’re a great decorative feature for when the festive season comes around.

3

4 1. Garden & Game stag cushion, £39, Cream Cornwall

2. Hugo the Hare cushion,

£26.99, The Skinny Card Company

3. Twin Owls cushion by Kristjana S Williams, £125, Rume

4. Stag cushion cover in white, £34, Out There Interiors

7

Desired Designs

Shabby chic Shabby chic schemes can brighten up your interiors whilst presenting a rustic aesthetic.

Here, i-build has collated the latest must-have shabby chic designs for your self-build.

1

4

Late Baroque

Ornate detailing

Homes Direct 365’s Rococo Antique French Style stool is perfect to coordinate with other Rococo-style designs.

The stool’s ornate hand-carved mahogany with an antique white finish will certainly brighten up any interior and provide a stunning snapshot of the past in any room.

This marvellous TV unit will add a lovely charm to any room in your self-build. The beautiful, ornate detailing, featured on the drawers of this unit, provides character, elegance and, when paired with other shabby chic furniture, will provide an elegant aesthetic to the overall room. (www.homesdirect365.co.uk)

(www.homesdirect365.co.uk)

5

2

3

Chic storage This beautiful white TV unit, with four fully lined wicker baskets, is the perfect addition for any living room. The stand offers ample storage in its four wide wicker baskets and can take maximum weights of 120kg.

Furthermore, money raised from the purchase of the product will go towards Sue Ryder’s hospice care programme. (www.sueryder.org/shop)

8

Time for sleep

Take a seat

The French Bedroom Company’s Provencal Sassy white French bed embodies grown-up femininity, mixing timeless French design and sassy styling. The shell-like carvings, acanthus leaves, footboard and scrolling cabriole legs are all beautifully carved from mahogany.

Hand-carved from whitewashed mahogany, this French rattan sofa will sit perfectly in a garden room, under a window, in an entrance hall or even in a grand bathroom. The perfect blend of Louis-style and rustic elegance, it coordinates beautifully with other whitewashed items.

(www.thefrenchbedroom company.co.uk)

(www.thefrenchbedroom company.co.uk)

6

Fabulously feminine The intricate carvings of the Vingette whitewashed long stool are perfectly proportioned and will sit well in any room of your self-build, from the hallway to the bathroom. The cabriole legs are beautifully joined together with curved struts ensuring the perfect blend. (www.thefrenchbedroom company.co.uk)

Passionate about slate

Setting the benchmark in natural slate for roofing • • • • •

Q U A L I T Y, C O N S I S T E N C Y, TRACEABILITY AND CONTINUITY

Nationwide stockists Consistency of quality and supply Complete traceability Fully tested and CE marked Warranties available

For more information, visit our website on www.sigaslate.co.uk @SIGAslate Image shows SIGA 39 used on Bridge House in Gloucestershire

Desired Designs

Rule, Britannia!

From Big Ben, to London cabbies and London’s traditional red telephone box, these designs are great for a teenager’s bedroom. Here, i-build takes a look at the latest interior patriotic designs.

1

4

Oranges and lemons

Her Majesty

Nubie’s Big Ben large wall sticker sits at two metres tall. With a printed vintage, distressed union jack, the window cut-out detail allows your wall colour to peek through, complementing the wall. The working clock is produced from durable steel with a distressed printed face.

This stunning, contemporary piece of artwork from FineArtSeen will brighten up your selfbuild. For those art lovers looking for a more quirky take on interiors, this limited edition, one-of-a-kind digital painting on canvas, by acclaimed Italian Artist Slasky, is the perfect addition for a self-build's interior.

(www.nubie.co.uk)

(www.fineartseen.com)

2

5

Blinded by the light

Going underground

Direct Blinds’ Cityscape Rule Britannia blind is the perfect statement to add to a patriotic theme. The 100% polyester blind portrays a print of London’s skyline featuring iconic buildings such as The Shard, The Gherkin and the London Eye.

Underground x Vallila is a dyamic design collaboration between Finish company, Vallila, and Transport for London (TFL). The vibrant designs were created as part of TFL’s ‘Transported by Design’ programme which showcases London transport system’s cuttingedge innovation and design.

(www.directblinds.co.uk)

(www.vallila.co.uk)

3

6

On the buses

Hold the phone

The iconic red double-decker bus has traversed the streets of London since 1930 and very little about its design has changed. This bold, full-colour wall sticker makes a real statement and, for those motor-heads, brings a motoring tradition into the home.

In-spaces’ British Phone Box wall sticker pictures one of the most internationallyrecognised icons of British style. This Phone Box wall sticker sits 200cm high and is produced from In-spaces’ high grade, low-tac, self-adhesive vinyl for a fast and fault-free application.

(www.in-spaces.com)

(www.in-spaces.com)

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Doors

Graefe opens the door to Mont de la Rocque luxury apartments Mont de la Rocque luxury apartments overlook the stunning golden sandy beaches of St Aubin’s Bay and the historic harbour town of St Aubin, Jersey.

G

raefe bespoke veneered doors, frames and wall panels have been used throughout Mont de la Rocque’s nine luxury apartments. Graefe’s Somerville door in straight grain American White Oak was widely chosen throughout the build.

The flush veneer was grey stained running horizontally for the full length of the door with a veneered border running vertically to give a stylish framed look.

12

Above: Graefe bespoke veneered doors, frames and wall panels have been used throughout Mont de la Rocque’s nine luxury apartments Above right: For Mont de la Rocque, the doors and panelling provide a high-end finish to the luxurious building

A continuous American Black Walnut panelled wall lines the master bedroom and through the length of the hallway. This lavish feature consists of both vertically laid veneer at the top of the panel and horizontal veneer at the bottom. American Black Walnut was crown cut and slip matched to create a distinct symmetrical grain pattern.

The feature wall design allowed the American Black Walnut doors and frames to sit seamlessly within the run of panels.

The penthouse apartment stands out as unique from the other apartments in Mont de la Rocque with Graefe’s Trinity style doors in Ash, with a whitewash finish giving a stylish, contemporary feel. Double glazed Trinity doors open into the kitchen and lounge area and the large vision panels allow light to fill through the entire apartment. The panels are in Graefe’s VP1L style with RG1 beading.

The highest quality materials and craftsmanship has been used throughout the apartment block. For Mont de la Rocque, the doors and panelling provide a high-end finish to the luxurious building.

www.graefe.co.uk graefe@graefe.co.uk 01844 219609

Viewpoint

What is custom build?

If you want to create your own home, but don’t want to go down the solo self-build route then the custom build option may be the perfect fit, says BuildStore’s Tom Connor.

T

here’s no denying that building your own house is a monumental task, albeit one with many benefits. If you dream of creating a bespoke home, but don’t want to manoeuver through some of the hurdles faced by self-builders, then there is another option – custom build. With this type of scheme, you work alongside a specialist developer to create a home that suits you, with the benefit that much of the hard work is done for you by a team of experts.

Custom build holds many of the same principles as self-build – creating a home to suit

14

your needs, having a role in the design of the property and saving money in comparison to buying from the standard residential market.

There are a variety of routes to custom building, but the common feature is that they will have some degree of involvement from a specialist developer.

Although it’s a successful and proven method of house-building throughout Europe and further afield, custom build is still a relatively new concept in the UK. The term was first introduced in 2011 in the Government’s Housing Strategy

for England, and the DCLG is hoping to shape an environment where custom build can become a mainstream option to provide good quality new housing to the areas that need it the most.

The basics In general terms, this route to home ownership removes some of the pressure of doing a traditional self-build – essentially you’ll be working with a team of knowledgeable specialists throughout. The developer or custom build company you work with will take on most of the gritty issues that self-builders often have to face on their own – this can be everything from providing a plot and connecting services, through to managing the construction and even arranging the finance.

Some people are concerned custom building means they will get less of a say in the design and layout of their new home, but this really shouldn’t be the case. A good custom build developer will work with you to design a property that perfectly matches your requirements. In fact, some custom build developers will provide a menu of construction options too – for example, they may offer to sell you a serviced building plot that you then take over and organise a schedule of works using their approved contractors; or they might offer to build your home to a watertight stage enabling you to finish it off and fit it out; alternatively, a turnkey solution may be made available where you only get involved in the design stage.

Viewpoint Image © HAB Housing and John Pardy Architects

There is a whole host of custom build opportunities throughout the nation, and the best way to stay on top of what’s available is by visiting custombuildhomes.co.uk, which has a detailed list of the best and latest custom build sites across the UK.

Structure and finance As with self-builds, this route to home ownership differs significantly to purchasing a home from the traditional residential market – so unsurprisingly, the timeframe and payment process differs too.

The first thing to do is find a site and custom build developer that you like. To ease this search, register with BuildStore’s Custom Build Register (custombuildhomes.co.uk/custom-build-register), which will alert local authorities and landowners to the fact you’re interested in custom build, and will keep you informed of any new sites that become available.

The next step is to secure the plot – this is usually done by paying a reservation fee, which can range from £500 up to £5000. The reservation period is usually between three and six months. During this time, the plot will be taken off the market and you will be given the opportunity to finalise your design plans.

Once you’ve agreed upon a bespoke layout, the developer will draw up the appropriate plans and submit these for detailed planning consent and Building Regulations approval. If you are asked

to pay a house design and approval fee, this is usually nominal and is often included in the plot price. Once planning approval is in place, it’s time to purchase the fully serviced custom build plot.

The construction and build–out phase comes next. Unlike self-build, where you arrange the builder or subcontractors yourself, here the custom build developer will build out the house for you as per your design, or arrange for a building contractor to do so. This minimises risk as everyone involved in the project will have been quality checked and monitored to make sure that whoever is building and fitting out your home is doing it in the best possible way.

Custom build sites involve a number of building plots and bespoke homes, so by carefully vetting those involved, it’s easier for the developer to make sure the overall site’s schedule of works can be adhered to – meaning you won’t be living next to a building site for longer than discussed, and vice versa for your neighbours.

If you’re using a mortgage to fund your project, you need to work with a specialist who is able to arrange an adequate stage payment system.

Custom build stage payments come in two phases and the number of stages varies from development to development. The first phase of costs involves the plot reservation fee, house design and approval fee and the serviced plot payment. The second phase comprises the construction work and is usually broken down into four stages: ground works (foundations and services); wind and watertight; internal/ external finish (including external works); and completions to handover. BuildStore has created custom build stage payment mortgage options to suit the multi-phased process. What’s more, BuildStore works in tandem with the majority of custom build projects in the UK so it has an incompatible knowledge of the market.

www.buildstore.co.uk Above left: There is a whole host of custom build opportunities throughout the nation Far left: Lovedon Fields is a custom build development in Winchester by HAB Housing in collaboration with BuildStore Above: Custom building is commonplace throughout Europe – Almere in the Netherlands is a whole city made up of self and custom builds Left: Heartlands is the Government’s flagship custom build project in Cornwall

15

Contracts & Legalities

Get it covered: structural defects insurance The complexities of insurance can be intimidating for many in the construction industry and it is easy to see why. In this article, Steve Mansour, Group CEO of construction insurance specialist CRL, explains the ins and outs of structural defects insurance for house-building projects.

A

s legal documents, it is necessary for insurance contracts to be packed full of dense legal terminology – leading many to dismiss it as simply another regulatory hurdle to be overcome.

But getting to grips with the details of structural defects insurance can help to protect a house-building project from any unsuspecting issues. In addition to structural defects, there are a number of other insurance requirements that need to be met by those working in the house-building sector.

While it is recommended that developers undertaking new build projects seek advice from their respective insurance and financial

16

advisors in order to understand their exact requirements, here are the basics you need to know about structural defects insurance.

Also known as a home-builder warranty, structural warranty, structural insurance or latent defects insurance is a special kind of cover used for new homes.

Most new homes will come with a two-year developer warranty period and during this period of time the developer in question will be responsible for putting right any issues covered under the warranty.

The reason a structural defects warranty is important is that structural defects in new homes can take time to become apparent,

Above: Once the build is complete, the warranty passes from the contractor to the owner of the property

which means structural faults can appear after the two-year developer warranty has expired.

Should this happen, with the 10-year homebuilder warranty in place, the homeowner will be covered for the costs to repair or rebuild the faulty aspects of the property. Usually, structural defects specialists will help protect you against things such as faulty building materials, like lintels or steel supports, a faulty architectural design of the home that leads to structural problems, or issues such as land contamination. It is important to always check exactly what you will be covered for.

Mortgage lenders require that a structural defects warranty is in place on every new build property before mortgages are approved. Once the build is complete, the warranty passes from the contractor to the owner of the property.

Other types of insurance that need to be taken into consideration when undertaking any new build project include: employers and public liability, commercial vehicle insurance, All Risks policies and inspection contracts and plant protection. For further information about these types, please visit the CRL website.

Remember to talk to your insurance advisor to discuss the specific requirements of your housebuilding project.

www.c-r-l.com

Sub-brow Eyebrow Sustainable Living 18

On higher ground Overlooking splendid views, this Kent property named ‘The Shack’ is more than meets the eye.

Sustainable Living

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or Gordon and Joyce Perrie, building their own home was only something they’d seriously consider if they found the right plot at an affordable price. Both keen walkers, they would very often stumble across beautiful plots. Gordon recalls: “I would frequently jest with Joyce, saying ‘Why can’t you find me a plot like that?’” Then one night Joyce announced that she had found the perfect plot in Trottiscliffe, offering half an acre of land.

“I was sceptical at first, as I didn’t think there was any way we could afford it, but Joyce assured me it was affordable.

Before we knew it, we were on our way to the site to investigate,” comments Gordon. “The plot was only about four miles from where we were currently living. It transpired that the previous house had already been knocked down, but it had electricity and mains water supply. Access to the site was tricky, however the outstanding views certainly made up for it.”

Returning from their first viewing, Gordon and Joyce both decided this was an opportunity too good to miss. They carried out some research and shortly after put an offer in to take it off the market. After a few weeks of legal actions, the couple had successfully secured the plot.

Vital revisions Fortunately, the plot already came with planning permission for a 2000ft2 detached house. Although, a second application was submitted after some design changes were instructed by the couple. It then took a further nine months to sort out all the details and some subsequent amendments.

Gordon comments: “Our vision was to have the reception rooms at the top of the house in order to benefit from the views and put the bedrooms and utility room underneath.

The original planning permission design had the house as ‘conventional’. Having decided to locate the living/reception space on the top floor, we then explored the possibility of having the ceilings vaulted and with no internal walls.

Left: The installation of renewable energy systems was an important element of the build Above: At the front of the property, there is a spacious driveway with two flower beds

19

Sub-brow Eyebrow Sustainable Living

We also liked the idea of using a Green Oak frame to achieve this. Our vision also extended to one wall being built with the external facing bricks – we thought this would complement the glazing, ceramic floor tiles and oak timbers extremely well.”

Once the couple had appointed the oak frame specialist – who produced the initial frame – Gordon and Joyce went on to coordinate the oak frame design into the rest of the detailed drawings, which were produced by the architect.

Gordon explains: “Initially, we appointed a firm of architects who had previously worked with the oak frame specialist that we had appointed to manufacture and erect the frame. However, after a few weeks, I was not confident with their commitment to the project and formally dismissed them. We then appointed an independent architect, who then provided all the drawings for the redesign of the house.”

20

Sub-brow Eyebrow Sustainable Living Above left: An Indian Sandstone patio is the perfect place for entertaining Above: The couple's vision was to have the reception rooms at the top of the house in order to benefit from the spectacular views Above right: The couple can overlook stunning views from a built-in balcony Left: The Green Oak frame gives the feeling of space and openness

Due to complex design of the house (built into a hill) and being situated on greenbelt land adjacent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the couple enlisted the help of a number of specialists to successfully complete the project and comply with the planning regulations. Gordon continues: “We also appointed a local planning consultant to manage all the planning applications and amendments.

Appointing a specialist took a lot of the stress out of this particular element of the works. This proved to be a successful strategy. We also used the services of a structural engineer for the base slab, retaining wall and structural steel frame that had to bear the weight of the glass above.

We also had to engage a geotechnical engineer to test the ground conditions for load bearing and percolation values for the installation of the Klargester Treatment Tank.”

Restricted access As anticipated, access to the site was one of the main challenges encountered throughout the build, as Gordon

explains: “The access into the site was down a private road off the main Pilgrims Way lane. The access was narrow and steep. The first thing I had in mind when I saw the location was to shore up the road with a timber sleeper wall to take large HGVs and delivery vehicles.

This was completed before any other works took place.

The access into the site was always challenging. Some drivers took it in their stride, others did not fancy it.

“Another challenging aspect was making the house waterproof. The house itself is built into the hill and this involved the construction of a waterproof retaining wall around three sides. For this, we called upon Paul Tann Ltd. The architect advised we use a Stepoc Block system – a system of highly engineered, lightweight blocks that are built dry, filled with concrete and steel reinforcement bars to create walls with exceptional lateral strength – which was quick and structurally sound.

“Due to the weight of the glass on the south-facing upper floor, we had to install a 10.4m long ‘goal

21

Sustainable Living

Right: The kitchen is contemporary and stylish, fitted with all the mod cons Below: It was important that the materials were of a high quality

post’ type steel frame on the ground floor as support. We then buried this into the lower internal walls so it was not visible.”

Researching the market Apart from the structural elements that were advised by the appointed specialists, the specification of the materials and products was entirely down to Gordon and Joyce, who were joint managing the project. Joyce notes: “The original planning permission was not too far off in terms of the bricks and roof tiles that we had envisaged. We did lots of research and had samples of the aluminium frames that would hold the bi-fold and patio units.

“We also took home samples of the oak floor, floor tiles, kitchen cabinet doors, bathroom units and stone worktops. We laid these out and made the choices which we thought went together, in terms of colour and contrast. We had the same approach with the final soft furnishings and lighting units. All the internal door frames and fittings are all the same throughout the house.”

The installation of renewable energy systems was an important element of the build. The couple researched the market extensively and eventually decided on an air source heat pump and PV panels. Gordon explains further: “We chose an air source heat pump, which supplies all the hot water throughout the house and is used

Upstairs is a large double bedroom with a designer bath at the bottom of the bed

for the underfloor heating. This was an ‘all-in’ package, supplied and installed by Nu-Heat. Both systems provide income from the RHI payments and tariff payments from the PV panels.”

To help conserve energy, the entire house is encased with high-quality insulation materials and high-performance windows. The house was airtight tested on completion and was found to achieve a score of 90 in terms of efficiency. The U-value was designed to 0.12 – this combined with the RHI and tariff payments makes the house very economical to run.

The finished space Thanks to the large amount of glazing, the interior space on the upper floor is light and airy, and the open-plan layout creates a feeling of space. The kitchen, furnishings and fittings

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Sustainable Living

are all contemporary, which are in perfect contrast to the oak frame construction. The lighting system is versatile with an option of white or coloured, or both, overhead. The large porch to the front elevation allows plenty of storage for coats, hats, boots and the like. The lower floor has a light and airy bedroom to the south elevation, whereas the rear bedrooms are darker due to the cut into the hill. The designers mitigated the darkness by installing an oak seethrough staircase which lets the light through the risers to the north-facing side of the lower floor.

One of the best things about this property are the lovely vistas enjoyed from both levels.

The views are complemented by a simple yet effective landscaping plan. A granite aggregate driveway takes you down past the property towards a turning area for cars. There is also a barn-style garage, which had to be applied for separately, as the original planning permission had restrictions on the outbuildings.

To level out the rear garden, Gordon used the excavations from the cut into the hill, and to further take some of the difference out of the levels, two sleeper walls have been built. At the rear of the property is a large patio area, laid with Indian Sandstone by Paul Tann Ltd. The patio features two sets of garden furniture and a barbeque area, which is perfect for entertaining.

Meanwhile, at the front of the property, there is a spacious driveway with two flower beds. Raised flower beds, made from oak sleepers, are also featured alongside the bordering fence.

Costly considerations Gordon and Joyce allowed 12 months for the construction of the build, however it was completed well within schedule, taking just 11 months. The planning process had taken nine months prior to construction. This was purely due to a new planning application being submitted. There was also a change to the porch layout, which was down to the planner’s lateness in informing the couple that they had to have a toilet at main entry level. There was also an application for a barn-style garage and noise assessments for the air source heat pump, which delayed the installation of the plumbing system.

“As expected, we didn’t remain within the budget,” comments Gordon. “The cost of the insulating materials and the waste from this and other building products was a lot more than I had accounted for. The Green Oak frame was a fixed price, but then we decided to have the porch, barge, fascia boards and front windows all in Kiln Dried Oak, which added to the costs.

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Far left: The designers mitigated the darkness by installing a see-through staircase which lets the light through to the north-facing side of the lower floor Left: The ground floor features a light and spacious home office Below left: The lower floor has a light and airy bedroom to the south elevation Below: The quality of materials has contributed greatly to the overall ‘wow’ factor of the property

Sustainable Living

“When we had put so much into the infrastructure of the building, we decided that the finishes would be of a higher spec than we first thought, so this also added to the overall costs. I’d say in total we overspent by 25%,” admits Gordon.

Spending more time and money on the specification and quality of materials has contributed greatly to the overall ‘wow’ factor of the property. “The rear elevations, expanse of glass, the oak frame styling, balcony, uninterrupted southfacing views and quietness have got to be our favourite elements of the home. We also like the blinds which are in the cavity of the glass units and the efficiency of the air source heat pump. We kept the name of the house, ‘The Shack’, which was changed from ‘Pleasant View’ in 1962.”

Gordon concludes: “My advice to anyone about to take on their own self-build would be to get really sound, reliable and trusted tradesmen from ground-works to the final finishes. Coordination of these trades is crucial to a timely completion. The interface between the plumbers and electricians is one to watch. My advice here is to have the same company or person to do both.

Pay for professional help when you need it, do not try to do everything yourself. If you don’t have the background, get yourself a project manager (not the architect) and a good reliable builder. Try and fix the prices.”

www.paultann.co.uk www.nu-heat.co.uk

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Impressive Innovation

Safe and secure Beautiful made-to-order wooden windows and doors by Lomax + Wood have been incorporated into the elegant design of a new-build property in rural Essex.

L

ocated in a small village in the north east of the county in the Stour Valley, the property has been built on the land of the couple’s previous property, and inherits its name from the original farmhouse and converted tythe barn in the same lane.

Home to Rob and Sarah, the design of this singlestorey property takes a New England design theme, a particular favourite of the owners. “We love the New England look and wanted to create a property that could accommodate traditional building materials while achieving a contemporary, yet cosy and comfortable, atmosphere,” says Sarah.

“Although the property isn’t in a conservation area, the northern part of the parish lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with views near the church that inspired many of John Constable’s paintings,” comments Rob. “Although planning was fairly straightforward, it was to our benefit that we required permission for a single-storey bungalow on this site rather than a two-storey property, which would have been more difficult.”

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Impressive Innovation Above: Security is a major issue for Rob and Sarah and it played a large role in the specification of the Kensington & Chelsea products Left: The design incorporates spacious hexagonal-shaped modules Above right: The couple briefed their architect to use timber, brick, render and oak to achieve their vision

“Planning permission was given for a four-bedroom property, but we decided to have three larger rooms instead, all with en-suite facilities, so we compromised and sacrificed one of the bedrooms and we are pleased we made that decision,” says Sarah. “We have a large, open-plan kitchen-diner-lounge and from every window we are surrounded by beautiful views. We are very happy and comfortable here and it was worth the 13-month build.”

Rob and Sarah managed the build themselves and didn’t employ a main contractor. “We were hands on throughout and had to make a huge amount of major decisions which can be very daunting,” confesses Rob. The couple briefed their architect to use timber, brick, render and oak to achieve their vision. “We could have used cheaper alternatives, but we decided that we would be more likely to love a property that incorporates high-quality, high-performance traditional materials,” says Rob. The design incorporates spacious hexagonalshaped modules: one accommodates the lounge and overlooks the drive, the other an attractive master

bedroom with views of the garden. Edwardian-style timber box sash windows from the Kensington & Chelsea range by Lomax + Wood feature heavily throughout the property allowing maximum light to fill the rooms from every angle. Partly glazed open-out French doorsets, one with an overhead fanlight for extra height and drama, have also been specified.

Ideal for both new-build and conservation area work, the Kensington & Chelsea range offers a comprehensive collection of high-performance wooden sash windows; beautiful flush timber casement windows; single, bifolding French doorsets and timber entrance doors in a variety of designs and architectural styles. Only highquality clear grade timber is used in the manufacturing process which is engineered for maximum strength and stability; it is sustainably-sourced, FSC Chain of Custody accredited timber in accordance with BM TRADA certification. These high-performance products have exceptional U-values that meet current Part L Building Regulations and will help to reduce energy consumption and resulting CO2 emissions.

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Impressive Innovation Security is a major issue for Rob and Sarah and it played a large role in the specification of the Kensington & Chelsea products. “Having been on the receiving end of an ‘unwanted visitor’ in a previous home, it is an experience you don’t easily forget,” reflects Sarah. “We can keep the windows open a little without any concern, as they have been designed with a selfengaging top sash lock and an angel restrictor.

With so many windows and French doors, and all at ground floor level, this gives us great reassurance.” These premium quality timber windows and doors have been tested to meet

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the rigorous security requirements for Part Q of the new Building Regulations.

Products are delivered to site and factoryfinished with three coats of highly-durable microporous paint as standard, which is available in white and a choice of fashionable heritage colours, as well as stain and dual colour. “The dual colour paint option was a revelation for us and we chose RAL 9003 internally, for ease of interior decoration, and RAL 9001 in cream externally to coordinate with the timber cladding,” says Sarah. “We feel that our windows and doors are unique to us and we had no idea this service was available so we have

Lomax + Wood to thank for this facility.”

Sarah concludes: “The service provided by Lomax + Wood was excellent and we are grateful to a friend who introduced us initially. The company provided lots of helpful advice and the few issues we had were dealt with quickly and professionally. We shall certainly recommend Lomax + Wood after the experience we received.”

Lomax + Wood provides premium quality timber windows and doors that combine acoustic, thermal and security performance with stunning aesthetics that enhance both new and traditional projects.

Impressive Innovation Lomax + Wood also offers a highperformance range of contemporary products, including tilt turn and alu-clad options, to satisfy the demand to meet today’s smart, contemporary architecture.

Lomax + Wood supplies and installs quality timber windows and doors across the UK. For more information about this project and products in the Kensington & Chelsea range, please call the Essex showroom or visit the company’s website.

Above left: Edwardian-style timber box sash windows feature heavily throughout the property allowing maximum light to fill the rooms from every angle Above: A hexagonal-shaped module accommodates an attractive master bedroom with views of the garden Right: The owners can keep the windows open a little without any concern

www.lomaxwood.co.uk

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Paints

Are you colour confident?

Above: The defining colour of 2017 is ‘Denim Drift’, a timeless and versatile grey-blue, and the must-have colour for interiors Below: Dulux Trade has announced the colour trends that will be prevalent for next year

In September, Colour Futures 2017 was launched revealing the trends and colour palettes that will be prevalent over the next year. These trends translate into a cohesive colour collection available at Dulux decorating centres, merchants and online.

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he extensive workshop for 2017 resulted in the forecasting of one overarching global theme, four global trends, 45 trend colours and one ‘Colour of the Year’. The defining colour of 2017 is ‘Denim Drift’, a timeless and versatile grey-blue, and the musthave colour for interiors. Denim Drift perfectly captures the mood of the moment; it is versatile, creative, relaxing and playful with a familiar yet new feel about it.

The overriding theme, ‘Life in a New Light’, reflects the trend to simplify life with pared back living, instead of relying on the digital world for experiences. Louise Tod, who is responsible for delivering Colour Futures’ trends, says: “As the world changes, people are taking a fresh look at the everyday elements of life. We are incredibly excited that ‘Life in a New Light’ is the driving influence for 2017 and is seen in colour trends for the year.”

The four trends are: ‘New Romanticism’, ‘Shared Individualism’, ‘The Working Home’ and ‘Considered Luxury’ and together they represent the influential factors that portray ‘Life in a New Light’. Each trend can be readily achieved by professional decorators using a variety of paint techniques.

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‘New Romanticism’ reflects people’s desire to connect to nature, bringing the natural world into decorative elements within the home. The palette includes lush greens and smoky violets to create a natural living space.

‘Shared Individualism’ is a concept that particularly lends itself to decorating schemes that must take account of shared living. Individual personalities are expressed within a communal space. The colours featured create a fresh, contemporary look, which is perfect for a shared space, such as a living room, kitchen or office.

‘The Working Home’ reflects the increasing blurring of boundaries between one’s work and personal life in the home. Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director, says: “Work spaces can be defined by painted blocks and circles of contrasting colour with both zones for activity and focal points of interest. Horizontal bands of colour instil an element of tranquillity which allows the user to think more clearly as well as relax and connect the working home interior together.”

The ‘Considered Luxury’ trend presents the new way of living, with time and money spent on an experience rather than multiple items cluttering a home. Paler, luxurious hues are combined with tactile fabrics to provide a more affluent feel. In addition, the use of paint techniques, such as lace application, stimulate the senses and lend themselves extremely well to highspecification interiors.

For self-builders who want to develop their colour knowledge further, the Dulux Academy, based in Slough, provides colour-specific courses where new skills can be learnt or current skills built upon.

www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/colours

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Bricks, Blocks & Pavers

Face up to cladding While there are many cladding finishes available, the warm tones, textures and variety of colours available make brick a firm favourite.

John Mayes, Managing Director of Eurobrick Cladding Systems, explains how to choose the right brick cladding system for your own project.

T

here are a number of different brick slip cladding systems available and each one varies in terms of component parts and assembly method. At Eurobrick, our advice is to think about your objectives and what benefits you might like from a system. Will it need to be lightweight?

Insulated? Suitable for DIY? Also, speak to the cladding company’s technical staff to ensure that the system is properly tested and consider whether it has third-party certification and comes with a guarantee.

Self-builders can choose from a variety of construction methods that work with brick slip systems.

The systems do not usually require the foundations associated with traditional masonry as they are suspended directly from the structural fabric. Being lightweight is beneficial as it can simplify the design and cost of foundations, while the ease of installation means the project can be completed by semi-skilled labour or even as a DIY job.

The technical constraints of some home extension projects may make a cladding system essential. For example, if you are building upwards, you’ll benefit from a lightweight system. At Eurobrick, we have dealt with a whole range of projects from the technically demanding, to relatively straightforward extensions that require the existing structure and extension to be over-clad to achieve a seamless finish.

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Above: Self-builders can choose from a variety of construction methods that work with brick slip systems Below: The ease of installation means the project can be completed by semi-skilled labour or even as a DIY job

For those wanting to renovate their old home, insulated brick cladding is ideal. It’s estimated that there are eight million properties in this country built without a cavity and it’s well known that solid walls are thermally inefficient.

Most brick cladding systems provide external wall insulation, helping you to save money on energy bills. As the installation is carried out externally, it means precious internal floor space is maintained and there will be little disruption to your daily life during the work.

Over-cladding can also solve common problems experienced in older properties – namely condensation, damp penetration and dilapidation of the exterior. Well designed and installed systems will weatherproof the original fabric of the building, keeping winddriven rain out, reducing condensation risk and rejuvenating the exterior.

The cost of using brick slip systems will vary not only from system to system, but also upon the choice of slip, the amount of, and type of, insulation required, size of the project and the installer. We recommend that you speak to a cladding company to discuss your requirements and calculate an estimate. Be sure to enquire about any extras that may be required, since a basic “headline” price, based on a square metre rate, can be deceptive. Items such as corner bricks can have a significant effect on price. Most cladding companies will be happy to do a take-off of your drawings and provide an estimate relevant to your build and choices.

www.eurobrick.com

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3 Our aim is to inspire, educate and provide impartial advice as well as showcasing products and services from a wide range of selected exhibitors to support you through every step of your project.

3 NSBRC visitors can explore three permanent houses, view cut-away foundations, oors, roofs, septic tanks and more in our superb educational journey. Our exhibition area features over 200 suppliers offering the latest building products and technologies.

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33

Bathrooms

Top tips for tip top bathroom designs German bathroom manufacturer, Pelipal, knows more than a thing or two about bathroom design. Whilst it undoubtedly has an almost endless array of beautiful ranges and ingenious solutions, it also knows a thing or two about making the best of every space. This is the start of the best bathroom design.

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or a bathroom design to be truly successful, it must become a sanctuary from the stresses of modern life, to offer relaxation and a sense of wellbeing. It’s almost impossible to relax in a cluttered bathroom.

If you want luxury, then don’t air your dirty laundry in public. There is nothing like dirty washing to take the edge off relaxation. With the Pelipal tilting laundry basket, it’s easy to keep bathrooms laundry-free.

Keep the floor clear. Visually, the clearer the floor, the larger the room will appear, so use wall-hung cabinetry and sanitaryware.

Utilise hidden space behind full-length mirrors, without adding to visual clutter with Pelipal’s clever mirrored storage combo from the Pelipal collection.

Make the most of the storage that is already available.

A handy door solution from Pelipal adds another layer of practicality to the bathroom. Additional external shelving

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combines with increased door width to create contemporary bookcase-style storage when closed.

Rotating mirrored cabinets create flexible storage. Taking up very little floor space, but adding full-length reflection and heaps of additional space, stylish solutions from Pelipal add ultimate flexibility in a modern bathroom.

Add a feeling of space and luxury by using reflective surfaces to bounce light around a room. Shapes and patterns evolve throughout day and night, particularly if you add in additional LED lighting. Reflective and high-gloss finishes are the quick, smart way to create a luxurious feel to any bathroom.

The family bathroom needs to work pretty hard and it can be tricky to meet the needs of everyone. Simply think outside the box and use imaginative planning. Full-length wall cabinets might sound crowded, but a row of full-length mirrors will appear almost inconspicuous.

Bathrooms

Contemporary LED lighting is the new candle-lit bath. Don’t underestimate how important lighting is in bathroom design. There is nothing like the feeling created by some clever bathroom illumination to guarantee luxury and relaxation.

A girl’s best friend is a bathroom design that can hide clutter in an instant. Let’s face it, we all hoard too much clutter in the bathroom, so stylish glass shutters from the Pelipal collection are the perfect solution for all of us that want the look of five-star luxury without having to get rid of all those bottles and potions.

Modular design accommodates the needs of everyone without compromising either aesthetics or quality. Modular design offers the ultimate in flexibility and it doesn’t just extend to cabinets. Why have one washbasin when two adds both practicality and luxury? Mirrors and mirrored cabinets can be joined to reflect the line of cabinetry. When you design a bathroom with modular pieces, it really helps in making a bathroom appear streamlined.

If you want a bathroom that will still look great in years to come, get in-sync with modern materials. Pelipal has a range of Krion washbasins, made with natural materials and a small percentage of synthetic resins. These robust and stylish washbasins are impervious to chemicals, hair dye and even hair straighteners won’t cause damage.

Off-the-shelf, small-sized units tend to lack design acumen, but manufacturers, such as Pelipal, create ranges specifically for compact spaces, ensuring that the smallest bathrooms can accommodate luxury, contemporary pieces without necessitating a large budget. Sinks, cabinets and mirrors are designed to make the most of the available area.

One of the fastest ways of getting your bathroom bang up-to-date is to swap old-fashioned mirrors and cabinets to the latest, state-of-the-art affairs. Mirrors and mirrored cabinets can make an enormous difference, so it’s worth making this a priority.

Don’t underestimate the need for plenty of space around the washbasin when you have a young family. An extra-long washbasin top will offer enough room to help

Above left: The family bathroom needs to work pretty hard and it can be tricky to meet the needs of everyone Left: This stylish solution from Pelipal adds ultimate flexibility in a modern bathroom Above: We all hoard too much clutter in the bathroom, so these glass shutters from the Pelipal collection are the perfect solution Below: Include some of the latest lighting introductions, like the new LED motion sensor from Pelipal

smaller children with daily routines whilst adding a hotellike feel that will appeal to the adults.

The bathroom should be a sanctuary from the stresses of modern day life and music is needed to create a spa-like experience. Fortunately, German manufacturer Pelipal has introduced the rather clever Music Zone, bringing built-in sounds to the bathroom with Bluetooth connectivity.

For those that do not want the expense of moving plumbing and pipework, a Pelipal back-to-wall design is a great solution. It’s a quick fix that covers the ugly parts of the bathroom, minimises the work involved and still creates a stylish bathroom with ample storage.

Smaller bathrooms benefit from carefully considered detail, after all, you are much closer to everything.

The trick is to never skimp on quality. Cabinets with compartmentalised drawers that separate personal requirements, mirrored wall units that create the illusion of space and add further storage, even towel hooks that add function and feature, all unite to create a contemporary, clutter-free bathroom.

For those that prefer products on show, consider mirrored cabinets with glass shelves either side, as these visually reduce cabinet size whilst increasing display.

Include some of the latest lighting introductions, like the new LED motion sensor from Pelipal, which calls lights out for bright night-time visits to the bathroom.

Located under the vanity unit, this clever piece of kit casts a gentle light onto the floor when activated.

www.inhouseltd.co.uk

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Drainage

Get it right Leading wastewater management expert, Kingspan Klargester, is advising selfbuilders to get their drainage right or risk being prosecuted for causing pollution.

Here, Kingspan Klargester’s Operations Director, Dave Vincent, explains how to get your drainage right.

T

he advice comes following concerns that owners of off-mains properties in England and Wales are making choices for dealing with wastewater based on cost rather than considering the impact this might have on the environment. There are also reports from installers suggesting that local pollution incidents caused by inappropriate installations of septic tanks are rising.

Currently, if a property is off-mains drainage and cannot be connected to a mains sewer, even with a pumping station (which must be the first option), then wastewater can be dealt with within the property’s boundaries typically using a septic tank or sewage treatment plant.

The legal responsibility for the discharge lies with the property’s owner. However, changes to legislation in England and Wales in 2010, allied to the rise in internet shopping are believed to have contributed to a recent increase in septic tank purchases over sewage treatment plants, even though drainage conditions across the UK are such that the opposite should be the case.

It’s our belief that up to 75% of discharges from private drainage systems are probably illegal. It’s a worrying trend which is probably exacerbated because it’s an issue which many people find too embarrassing to discuss openly.

The tendency to just type ‘septic tanks’ into search engines is probably because it is currently the best-known and cheapest solution if you’re off-mains drainage. But, a septic tank is not always the best way to treat sewage, and if a high-quality septic tank isn’t chosen carefully and installed correctly, then it can lead to problems for the homeowner, even making them liable for prosecution.

What’s more, our accredited installers are reporting that calls are being made to their helplines when people are starting to notice there is a problem, or can no longer tolerate the consequences – which is often too late.

Top: Currently, if a property is off-mains drainage and cannot be connected to a mains sewer then wastewater can be dealt with within the property’s boundaries Above: A septic tank is not always the best way to treat sewage, and if a high-quality septic tank isn’t chosen carefully and installed correctly, then it can lead to problems for the homeowner

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Drainage First, people must understand that sewage treatment need not be unpleasant or in any way anti-social! Topend sewage treatment plants, such as BioDisc, produce clear – and odourless – overflow that is environmentally acceptable. You can even discharge it directly into watercourses, without affecting the water quality or wildlife, dependent on appropriate location, outflow quantity and regulator approval.

Septic tanks do not treat waste, they simply produce soluble waste from solids which is then discharged and filtered through the ground, usually requiring a reed bed. They can pollute groundwater – our drinking water essentially – as well as streams, ponds and rivers. If the ground conditions don’t allow efficient filtration, then sooner or later you will know about it.

Problems associated with local pollution in England and Wales appear to be increasing since changes were introduced to legislation in 2010. Prior to then, all homeowners had to apply to the Environment Agency for a Consent to Discharge, which prioritised sewage treatment plants over septic tank installations. But, five years ago, under Environmental Permitting Programme – Second Phase (EPP2) – this requirement was removed on the condition that the homeowner registered the installation on the Environment Agency website, and complied with various conditions.

However, if it was hoped that this would lead to a continued focus on best practice in sewage treatment, then this was a major miscalculation, as subsequent events have shown. New binding rules, released in January 2015, are not thought to have made a significant difference, either to attitudes or behaviour.

Above: Kingspan Klargester’s accredited installers are reporting calls being made when people are starting to notice there is a problem – which is often too late Below: Kingspan Klargester is advising self-builders to get their drainage right or risk being prosecuted for causing pollution

The new regulations do not apply in Scotland where private drainage remains tightly regulated.

There is a sense that the market across England and Wales has become an unregulated free-for-all. But, if that’s the case, all people are doing is storing up trouble for the future.

If you are in any doubt about the suitability of your garden to filter wastewater, then take the prudent course. Protect yourself and your family by installing a sewage treatment plant.

www.kingspanklargester.com

39

Timber Frame

A bespoke alternative There is a growing trend amongst self-builders choosing to build ecofriendly structures without compromising on creative and bespoke design.

Green Oak offers the opportunity to realise a luxury home whilst also meeting environmental credentials. Darren Hook, Managing Director at English Heritage Buildings, believes that using the traditional material offers an alternative option for those looking to build creatively, yet ecologically.

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here are many reasons you might want to incorporate an extension onto your home, whether that be to add a charming new room or simply to enjoy your garden all year round. But we believe that no matter what the project, it is essential that people take an active role in their design. When taking on the hefty task of constructing one’s own home, self-builders need to ensure they are utilising quality materials to ensure longevity and low maintenance. Often, it’s too easy to temporarily disguise poor materials that are neither particularly sustainable nor durable, but English Heritage Buildings are committed to ensuring quality materials and support is provided throughout the construction process.

Many homeowners are looking at improving over moving, and using designs for home extensions, granny annexes, porches and garden buildings. The aim is often to increase liveability and the value of the property. This is where Green Oak stands out against other manmade materials as it has an added quality to oak frame extensions and outdoor buildings which can’t be equalled – especially when constructed using ancient building techniques, which have been tried and tested for centuries.

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Contemporary homeowners have lots to gain from an oak frame extension. Properties constructed with Green Oak are beneficial for what modern homeowners want for a number of reasons. Not only does it harden with age, offering a unique strengthening component, it also has insulation properties. As an alternative to glass, metal and brick structures, oak has the ability to maintain a constant and comfortable temperature.

This reduces the need for heating or ventilation, which, in turn, reduces emissions.

Above: Contemporary homeowners have lots to gain from an oak frame extension Below: Many homeowners are looking at improving over moving, and using designs for home extensions, granny annexes, porches and garden buildings

When people come to extend as an investment to their homes, they aren’t always aware that timber is the only truly renewable building resource available. At English Heritage Buildings, we ensure this remains the case with our sustainable construction process, selecting trees from managed forests, where three new oaks are planted for every one that is felled.

Not only does Green Oak offer environmental advantages, we also ensure that our timber is treated in an eco-friendly manner.

Pricings depend on the customised design the architectural team create with you to match your existing home and preferences, but typically they range from £12,000 to £90,000.

www.ehbp.com

Replacement aluminium windows for period and new homes

The Conservation Range

Suppliers of British grown timber products As one of Britain’s largest hardwood sawmills, we offer a range of sustainable timber products including: • Structural oak beams • Oak, sweet chestnut & cedar cladding • Solid English hardwood flooring • Naturally durable timber decking Please visit our website for the full range.

Vastern Timber Wootton Bassett Wiltshire T 01793 853 281 E sales@vastern.co.uk

• Single or dual RAL colours • Fit into timber or direct to stone

• A rated* energy efficiency • UK manufactured

For expert advice call 0800 731 4294 www.thwc.co.uk Showrooms at: Sevenoaks Dorking Beaconsfield Loughton

Studley, Wiltshire T 01249 813 173

vastern.co.uk

*An “A” rated product or certain “U” value is subject to DGU performance and type of specialist sealant or glass and gas used.

Exclusive contemporary staircases ...characterised by sleek, minimal lines.

t: 0114 243 0259

e: info@stairkraft.co.uk

w: www.stairkraft.co.uk 41

Homebuilding & Renovating Show Preview

20+ educational masterclasses Smart, secure, sustainable – whatever you want your project to be, masterclasses can help.

They’re short sessions jam-packed with detailed advice on specific talking points, all from the brightest minds in the world of home-building and renovations.

12 in-depth daily seminars

Meet the experts The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, returns to the Bath & West Showground 2016.

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as your goal this year to finally do that extension? Are you halfway through updating your interiors? Maybe you’ve been dreaming of building a secure, sustainable house from scratch? A visit to the Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the Bath & West Showground this November, will give you practical help to turn your plans into reality.

Over two days, you’ll be able to talk to architects, designers, legal experts, craftspeople and self-build specialists – not to mention suppliers of everything from flooring and roof tiles to interior paint and storage solutions. We’ve got the freshest, most inspiring ideas and more than 140 exhibitors ready to guide you through the latest products and innovations.

300+ free one-to-one advice sessions Bring your plans and questions and get tailored solutions in a 15-minute, free, one-to-one session at the Advice Centre. Meet self-build and renovation experts such as the Editorial Director of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, Michael Holmes, and plot finding expert David Snell as well as architects, planners and builders.

140+ key suppliers Whatever the product, there’s nothing quite like seeing it in real life. Only then can you get a feel for the quality and picture it in your home. The Homebuilding & Renovating Show brings together thousands of the freshest ideas from suppliers based across the country, all in one space.

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Above: This year’s show offers the opportunity to meet self-build and renovation experts such as the Editorial Director of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, Michael Holmes, and plot finding expert David Snell Below: The Homebuilding & Renovating Show brings together thousands of the freshest ideas from suppliers based across the country, all in one space

Join us in our seminar theatre for bite-sized sessions that give practical answers to common questions. Leading experts, designers, architects and planners will be covering topics ranging from interior renovations to building your own home. Each seminar is 30 minutes long and all are designed to leave you full of ideas.

As a friend of the show, i-build has 500 pairs of tickets to give away. To claim your two free tickets and save £24*, visit homebuildingshow. co.uk/ibuild. *Saving based on two standard door price tickets. Offer expires when all 500 pairs of tickets have been redeemed, or 3pm 18th November 2016, whichever is soonest. Children 16 and under go free.

www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

Call us today and tell us what you're searching for...

At J&S House of Design we know that searching for that wow design can be difficult but you know it when you see it. With stunning designs for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms we are able to create that individual and creative solution that we know you want to achieve. No matter what budget you have set for your project you should not have to compromise on a great and creative design solution.

Why not let us show you how, visit www.jshouseofdesign.co.uk or email sales@jshod.co.uk.

Kitchens - Bedrooms - Bathrooms

Call us now on 01865 596768

30 Years experience in getting it right

Product Guide

A lifetime home John wanted some additional living space for his growing daughter.

Having completely paid off the mortgage on his two-bedroomed, single-storey home in East Sussex, John did not anticipate there being any problem with raising finance when he decided to extend his house.

D

isaster struck. Three separate mortgage companies turned down his request for finance on the basis that the 1930s timber frame structure of the house could not be guaranteed to last long enough to secure the loan.

“We discovered that our house was effectively worthless. We couldn’t do the extension we needed and were also in the position that no-one would be able to raise finance to buy the house, so it would have been difficult to move either,” reflects John.

John had never really considered building a home for himself, but it become obvious that this was the best option. Three years later, the finished house is a delight, giving the family what they wanted. Although the journey was not always plain sailing, as John explains: “The best thing about starting from scratch is that we could think about how we wanted the whole house to work – not just bolt-on additional space. I now have an office at home, my wife has the kitchen she has always wanted, and the rooms we have built into the roof give my daughter all the space she needs.

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Above: John wanted to make quite sure that the structure would last several lifetimes, so he opted for a masonry build using H+H’s Thin Joint System Below: John would always have opted for masonry, but went for Thin Joint because he wanted a really efficient home

“Managing money was the most difficult bit. We got a self-build mortgage from BuildStore. In order to work out how much we needed to borrow, we had to cost everything in at the start. And those costs had to be right, as negotiating for a higher loan later in the process would have been difficult.

“Cash flow is a challenge. You need to really keep on top of everything. The tranches of money come in from the mortgage company as each stage of the build is completed, so you need to do a bit of juggling between paying the builder for the work he has done and waiting for the latest inspection on the house to receive the next instalment.

“Not surprisingly, I wanted to make quite sure that the structure would last several lifetimes, so I opted for a masonry build using H+H’s Thin Joint System. I would always have opted for masonry, but went for Thin Joint because I wanted a really efficient home, so used a lot of techniques from the Passivhaus building standard. As well as good airtightness, we also went for triple glazing and a Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) system. The whole house has achieved an Energy Efficiency Rating B. “We built cavity walls, fully filled with mineral wool insulation and then used a combination of brick and weatherboard on the outside to blend in with the local housing style.

“At the end of the day, we were able to completely rebuild our home from scratch for £70k more than the estimate for the original plans for an extension. We have all the benefits of highquality modern building and materials and I think the economics of the project really make sense – in fact, we really should have considered this option at the outset.”

www.hhcelcon.co.uk info@hhcelcon.co.uk 01732 886444

i-nterior

Tip 7 – Load logs into your stove carefully – use the leather gauntlets provided to position one or two chunky logs within the firebox for the best flame picture and combustion.

Tip 8 – Use your stove airwash air control to keep the stove glass as clear as possible when burning wood. Good dry logs should require little or no primary (under grate) air, and will burn very well with the airwash (secondary) air supply only. Single air control stoves will do this automatically, by proportioning the air correctly on the wood setting.

Tip 9 – Reduce the amount of smoke, and

Getting the most from your stove Charlton & Jenrick, a leading brand in the fireplace industry, offers some useful stove tips and ideas.

Tip 1 – The best fuel for stoves is hardwood

Tip 4 – Don’t want to handle logs, firelighters

logs having no more than 20% moisture content for the best burn. Kiln-dried or seasoned work equally as well, but they must be seasoned long enough to achieve low moisture levels.

and ash – but would love to have a stove?

Simple – take a look at our gas stove models.

You can have the look of a freestanding stove in a fireplace chamber, but with the convenience of natural or bottled gas to run it.

Flickering flames, and realistic detailed ceramic logs, inside the solid steel stove body really do give all the style of a solid fuel burner, without any of the inconvenience!

Tip 2 – Smartening up most stoves is straightforward and can be done yourself. An annual summer respray or repaint with stove black is often the best way to maintain a first-class finish.

An interim tidy up can be carried out using WD40 on a clean rag. Beware, white smearing can dry on to the black paint if using a wet cloth and ash or stone/tile dust gets mixed in.

Tip 3 – Give your stove a thorough internal clean from time to time. Firstly, drop down the baffle plate and brush off any ash or debris. Rake out the grate and empty the ash pan. Brush the grate and firebox liners with a hand brush or, for the best finish, use a vacuum brush attachment (make sure the stove is cold!). Finally, wipe the glass with household glass cleaner or ceramic hob cleaner and buff off.

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keep the glass of your stove cleaner during ignition, by using the top-down ignition method.

Put two small diameter logs on the grate of the stove, two further logs crossed over the first pair, followed by a firelighter and a ‘jenga-style’ crisscross crib of kindling on top. The wood must be fully dry, but once the fire lights, it should burn down to the base logs, and be ready for the next fuel load with little intervention.

Tip 10 – Use wood “wool” and wax firelighters instead of the white chemical ones – they do not smell, produce much less soot and smoke, and are far more likely to light the fire successfully using just one.

Tip 11 – Use your stove gloves when operating the door handle, and air controls of your stove. They are provided for that reason and prevent burning of your fingers!

Tip 12 – Use a stove pipe thermometer to monitor the approximate temperature levels in the flue pipe. This can help to get optimum flue temperatures more quickly and reduce tar, condensation and soot formation in the chimney.

Tip 5 – Squeaking handle or stove door

Tip 13 – Don’t slumber your stove (burning

hinges? This is a simple problem to fix – just use a smear of copper or graphite-based grease, from a motorist or DIY store, to lubricate the hinge pins and mating surfaces. It also works for air control threads and similar.

very slowly) as a habitual operating method.

The smoke and chemicals that can be released, will shorten the life of the stove itself, the chimney, and particularly flue liners.

Tip 14 – Smokeless coal type products Tip 6 – Preventing condensation or rusting on stoves when out of use is easy using a spray of WD40, or light machine oil, which keeps out moisture from surroundings until the stove is used again.

need to be burnt with care to avoid damaging your stove. Once ignited properly, be sure to regulate the air control to a slower burn rate, to avoid over firing, and possible damage from overheating.

but professional advice should definitely be sought as each property and chimney is different.

Tip 16 – For maximum safety always fit a CO (carbon monoxide) detector in the same room as a solid fuel combustion appliance of any kind.

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Tip 15 – Flue liners are not essential in all chimneys,

Look Book: Storage Display your logs and kindling beautifully with these stylish baskets and holders.

Tip 17 – Never burn painted or preserved wood (such as treated decking). It is illegal and will cause a build-up of tar and soot, and will cause damage to your stove and flue, or flue liner.

Tip 18 – Never burn house coal on closed stoves, it can cause severe soot build-up, and will not provide a good heat output, compared to proper closed stove fuel.

Tip 19 – Always burn the best fuel you can afford.

Hardwood logs are the best and can be bought kilndried ready for use.

www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk

1

2

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4 1. Garden Trading log holder,

£115.00, www.gardentrading.co.uk

2. Leather storage/kindling bucket,

£89.95, www.decoratorsnotebook.co.uk

3. Rustic burnished copper log holder, £54.99, www.thefarthing.co.uk

4. Garden Trading Farringdon fireside wirework baskets, £65.00, www.black-by-design.co.uk

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5. Bembridge log holder,

£65.00, www.graceandgloryhome.co.uk

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i-nterior

SELECTING THE RIGHT STOVE: When thinking about adding a heating appliance to your home, there are a few key things to consider, which have been outlined below.

Understand what kind of heat output you need for the room Stoves can emit anything from 2kW to 19kW of heat, and deciding on how much heat you need, will be dictated mostly by the size of the room it is being installed in. If the room is adequately insulated, the calculation to carry out is to divide the room’s volume (in metres) by 15. The result will provide the average heating requirements for that particular room in kilowatts.

It is always important to ask your installer to help clarify the exact needs of the room in question, but that calculation can give you a rough idea of what stoves to start looking out for.

Decide on the fuel type It is important to think about what fuel type you would like in the house – and this will help to shape the requirements for your self-build. The wide range of woodburning, solid fuel gas and electric stoves make this decision a difficult one.

Woodburning is an environmentallyfriendly way of heating your home, in addition to creating a traditional real-life fire ambiance. These stoves are highly regarded, as they are a carbon neutral source of heat, as the carbon dioxide expelled when burnt is about the same as what is absorbed by trees.

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Gas, on the other hand, is clean and these stoves are very efficient. Having one installed in your house would be beneficial, not only because of its ability to quickly heat up a room, but also being able to control it from your sofa, as most come with remote controls.

Both of the above will require some planning, in terms of the build, as they will need specific requirements to be taken into consideration.

Is a chimney needed?

If you are considering a woodburning stove for your self-build, a chimney would make it possible, but in many modern houses chimneys are not always present. What can be done instead is to use a twin-wall flue system, like Stovax’s Professional XQ. This allows rooms without chimneys to enjoy the warmth of a woodburner.

For a gas fire, a chimney is not a requirement as balanced flue or powered flue stoves can be installed. These have vents and extractors respectively, to be able to draw the combustion air out of the house.

A balanced flue appliance is installed with twin-wall pipe vents, which draw in air for combustion from the outer pipe, but also remove the combustion gases from the house through the inner pipe. A powered flue allows for

installations that are not directly against a wall, as they use an extractor unit mounted to vent to carry the combustion gases directly outside.

Should you consider electric?

Woodburners and gas stoves aren’t for everyone, and an alternative is to go electric. With many electric heating appliances running at up to 99% efficiency, and emitting on average 1-2kW of heat, these could be the perfect substitute. With these, all you need to think about is making sure there’s a standard plug available in the area you would like your stove installed. Electric stoves are versatile and can be put in many different rooms around the house, as they don’t require much to be able to be installed.

Is there anything else to consider?

When you have decided on a woodburner, gas or electric – it is important to consider the distance to combustibles. This is the distance between the heating appliance and any surrounding combustible material. Any retailer will be able to let you know what this distance is for the various stoves they have on offer.

The few hints and tips above, should make it easier to start thinking about your heating needs, and what you need to consider with the different options available. For further information, contact your local retailer who will be able to help you with more accurate suggestions for your particular build.

www.stovax.co.uk

Ludlow Stoves, a specialist in providing carbon neutral heating solutions for your home, explains some of the different options and technologies on the market.

The traditional matt black firebox has enduring appeal for both period-style homes and contemporary spaces – but these days there’s a huge array of statement designs to choose from.

Coloured stoves, enamelled stoves and natural stone have a huge appeal. A double-sided version or curved front makes a nice change.

Modern stoves offer many advantages over older models – mainly aimed at either boosting efficiency or improving views of the flames.

Airwash technology, which is fairly standard these days, draws air down the inside of the window to help keep it clean and get rid of performanceimpairing residues. This air will also act as the primary supply for combustion of the wood.

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Styles and special features

To further improve performance, Cleanburn systems introduce secondary and tertiary air into the chamber. By combusting the excess hydrocarbons in the smoke, this boosts thermal efficiency and ensures a cleaner burn – reducing the amount of unpleasant particles that go up the chimney. The Charnwood Arc has a single air control with a patented Quattroflow air management system.

If you live in a smoke control area, you can still have a stove. Many models offer a smokeless burn – which has Defra approval. Contact Ludlow Stoves for more information.

www.ludlowstoves.co.uk

Building and heating the natural way Homes of wooden construction are rising in popularity, thanks to their sustainability credentials and quick build times. Coupled with wood heating, you have a green solution that makes the most of nature’s original building and heating material. Stephen Dodds, Key Account Manager for Schiedel Chimney Systems, explains.

The recent push for housing schemes and funding towards affordable homes has contributed to increased demand for timber framed homes, chosen for their cost-saving, construction and sustainability benefits.

Combined with the latest generation of woodburning stoves; which are highly effective at spreading warmth through well-insulated, openplan spaces, with some featuring heating and hot water capabilities; and wood offers dual benefits for the 21st century home.

Wood also helps comply with Document L of the Building Regulations, which focuses on energy efficiency, including lowering carbon emissions.

Modern stove models generally achieve upwards of 80% efficiency – some even top 90%. The carbon savings made by using wood heating also satisfy Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculations.

Challenges Airtight issues: New builds are very well insulated, so any chimneys or flues must meet the ‘blower door test’ so as not to compromise the building’s airtightness. There are new products that have been specifically made for this type of building, ensuring wood heating is an efficient heating method.

Safety concerns: There is a risk of chimney fire in any building using a woodburning stove, but single wall flue penetrations through a timber frame are a particular concern, so special care must be taken. Schiedel’s Ignis Protect can be used to pass through both interior and exterior timber frame walls up to the temperature class T600. Stove installation should always be carried out by a HETAS qualified engineer.

Get the building, stove and associated equipment working in harmony, and wood becomes an ancient solution to 21st century housing demands.

www.schiedel.co.uk

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i-build

KNOCK ON WOOD

Reclamation no longer costs the earth Aidan Bell, Co-founder of EnviroBuild, explains how reclamation is becoming an increasingly possible option for self-build projects.

R

eclamation is nothing new in the self-build trade; but in recent years, it’s begun to draw plaudits from beyond its traditional restoration and heritage markets.

Its rise in popularity can be put down to two things: availability and affordability. New recycling and processing technologies now mean that a far wider range of materials can be recycled and given new leases of life in construction and put to use again in the circular economy, whereas before they might have ended up as landfill.

More choice when it comes to reclamation has benefited from and, also helped achieve, lower costs. Not only are there more possibilities now; they don’t cost the earth anymore either.

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Commercially speaking, sustainable reclaimed products are starting to appear in most areas of construction as a real viable alternative.

The thing they all have in common is that they’re recycled, made from reclaimed materials, and then recyclable at their end of their lives. Our eco-friendly, recycled polymer decking is just one example which combines recycled HDPE and reclaimed wood, while our recycled plastic lumber supports are made from 100% recycled plastics, the majority of which couldn’t be reclaimed using conventional recycling processes. These types of products are helping to make ‘the dream’ of a low-impact build a reality for more and more homeowners.

www.envirobuild.com

Here, Andres Felipe Uprimny, Head of Marketing at The Reclaimed Flooring Company, explains what to look out for when selecting wood as a reclaimed building material.

What to consider There are various grades of reclaimed wood, all from different time periods and from different backgrounds. It is important to consider wood infestation, chemical contamination and wood durability when specifying reclaimed wood for a self-build project. It is also worth considering the quantity of timber available against the expected delivery date for the project. Unless reliable supplies are established for a particular reclaimed wood, where the grade and specifications have been carefully considered, it is likely that every batch of wood will be completely different.

Top tip Because for the most part, reclaimed wood comes from trees at least 200 years old, the grain is tighter and the wood more durable and stronger. These trees were ‘slow grown’, unlike today in our globally-managed forests where trees are generally grown a lot faster and so their growth rings are farther apart.

www.reclaimedflooringco.com

i-build

Recycling the past for the future John Taylor of Steptoe’s Yard – a supplier of top quality, affordable reclaimed stone and Yorkstone – explains the benefits of using Yorkshire stone as a reclaimed building material choice.

Not only are ‘reclaimed’ building materials good for sustainability and the preservation of the environment, reclaimed Yorkstone provides a beautifully natural product which creates that non-artificial, ‘like it’s been there forever’ look.

Reclaimed Yorkstone is suitable for a number of applications, from small DIY landscape works, such as a small garden wall, right through to the construction of your

dream home. Reclaimed stone can come in a variety of styles. For example, our reclaimed stone range comes in a variety of finishes and styles and includes pure random stone (as in a field barn), Yorkshire point, ‘pitch-faced’ stone (much like the terraced street houses of Yorkshire’s local mill and market towns), ‘punched-faced’ (a high-quality product often seen on higher-end properties, but also good

quality for cottages etc.) or plain coursed walling stone.

We can also provide reclaimed building stone and walling stone which is ‘backedoff’ to a specific bed width, and suitable for modern cavity wall construction, this saves time and produces no waste on site.

www.steptoesyard.co.uk

Look Book: Reclaimed materials There are endless possibilities when selecting reclaimed materials for your self-build, but the selection doesn’t have to end at the building specification stage. There are many materials that can be used as decorative features throughout the interior of your self-build.

1

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1. Tree trunk pedestal basin, from £2500, Indigenous

2. Coconut mosaics,

£68 per m2, Indigenous

2

5

3. Urban Chic reclaimed wood mirror, £139, Space & Shape

4. Old barrel cladding,

from £162 per m2, Indigenous

5. British factory light, £198, Skinflint

6. Split Face reclaimed wood tiles, £29.95, Walls and Floors

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i-scape

Create a luscious lawn Your garden is an important extension of your home. So we asked lawn care experts at Hayter, maker of the finest lawn mowers, and Toro, the global leader in turf care and maintenance, to share some top tips on how to create – and maintain – an enviable garden.

J

ulie Dommett, UK Marketing Manager for Hayter and Toro, says: “When it comes to garden care, lawn maintenance is central and makes or breaks the appearance of your outdoor space. Initially to ensure the best way to get the most out of your turf – once bedded in and watered for 28 days – is to determine what kind of terrain you will be maintaining. Is your lawn on a steep slope perhaps, is it a large space to tackle, or are there many obstacles to negotiate?

“To take on the turf, there are a wide range of methods, and equipment, that will enable you to create a lush lawn with classic, stunning stripes – suitable for traditionally-designed homes and architecturally-modern properties.

Preparation “First, be sure to remove any unwanted additions to your lawn, you want your grass to be free of any leaves or moss. After raking the lawn, a great way to prepare and then maintain your lawn is with the use of a Scarifier. This garden tool cuts through the soil and removes debris, including grass cuttings, which improves the health of your soil and keeps weeds at bay.

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Lawn type “When it comes to ongoing maintenance of your outside areas, the type of lawn you have will determine the type of mower you need.

For a formal lawn, a Hayter rear roller mower is ideal, while a family space needing to be neat and tidy is suited to a four-wheeled mower with extra manoeuvrability. For large lawns with slopes or obstacles, opt for self-propelled mowers, such as the Toro All Wheel Drive mower, with drive systems distributing the right amount of traction where needed, or a Zero Turn ride-on mower, which increases coverage speed as well as offering manoeuvrability.

Using the correct mower will ensure turf remains healthy and your lawn will look neat and tidy.

Landscaping tricks “For the larger outdoor areas or for those landscaping areas still to be completed, specialist equipment may be required.

Toro Siteworks equipment, such as the Dingo Compact

Loader, has 35 attachments allowing the user to utilise the necessary tool for the task at hand – whether that be clearing debris using a bucket attachment, to moving trees using a tree stump. These products can be hired, if the use is not required permanently.”

www.hayter.co.uk www.toro.com

i-scape

Fake it Suzi Cowen, European Sales Coordinator at TigerTurf UK, discusses why artificial grass can provide an alternative option.

“Artificial grass is the obvious solution for locations where natural grass struggles to thrive, provided the owners of the property don’t succumb to the common misconception that once installed, the area will become completely maintenance-free.

“While an artificial lawn takes much less looking after than a natural equivalent, there are a number of recommendations that will help to safeguard against harsh weather conditions and heavy use. Not only will a maintenance regime maximise the lifespan of the grass, but it will also help to sustain the product’s appearance.

“As with any lawn, it’s important to ensure that artificial grass is kept clean and so leaves, sticks and other garden debris should be removed as regularly as possible. It’s important to groom the lawn, especially after periods of high usage as a rake or brush will help to lift the pile and redistribute the sand to keep the grass looking at its best.

“Weeds can also be a common concern in any garden, but if the grass is installed with a geotextile underlay, weeds will be unable to penetrate the turf surface. In the unlikely event that weeds do penetrate the surface however, a light weed killer can be used without any risk of damage to the appearance or structure of the turf. We recommend that users consult the manufacturer to find the most appropriate solution for each surface. As you might water natural turf at the end of any hot summer’s day, it is also possible to water artificial grass as well; this will aid with cooling the surface and help remove any foreign bodies if pets are present.

“One factor that should never be underestimated is the importance of choosing the right turf from the very start. This is because, once installed, properties such as pile height, colour and texture cannot be altered.

By liaising closely with an experienced landscaping contractor, it is possible to gain a valuable insight into the full range of options available and the varying degrees of maintenance required.”

www.tigerturf.com

Upcoming garden trends for the year ahead The winter months are a great time to plan out what to do with your garden when the weather starts to warm up.

Here are some predictions from garden specialist, Oeco Garden Rooms, of what will be big in the coming year.

Natural landscapes Fed up with back-breaking mulching, pruning, trimming and endless lawn mowing that it takes to maintain a traditional garden? Many people are now turning to a more natural landscape by planting low care shrubs, grass and perennials. This relaxed attitude to gardening can produce a plethora of colours and textures to create a natural landscape which needs very little maintenance.

Berry bushes grown in containers Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are all great additions to any garden, but if you don’t have the space for a large bush, why not try growing them in pots.

Growing berries in pots doesn’t require much space, they can be moved to different parts of the garden if needed and are easier to maintain than larger bushes; it’s also a great way of getting the whole family involved in gardening.

Growing your own herbs Herbs are among the easiest plants to plant and grow requiring very little tending. Herbs can be grown in small pots on the windowsill or in bigger pots outside.

Whichever herbs you choose to grow, you will know that you are getting fresh and flavour-packed herbs that are free from pesticides.

Garden rooms Garden rooms have become a popular choice for homeowners who want to extend their living space without having to build a lengthy and expensive extension or loft conversion. Garden rooms can be used as hobby rooms, home studios or even home offices and because these structures are fully insulated, they can be used all year round.

Hi-tech gadgets In this modern age, it was inevitable that technology would be integrated into the garden, and now there are a wide range of hi-tech gadgets available to help you create the perfect garden. From smart apps that remind you to water your plants and probes that tell you the health of your garden, to smart lights that create ambient environments, technology has really moved on in the last couple of years and as these technology brands advance, so will the health of your garden.

www.oecogardenrooms.co.uk

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Product Guide

Revolutionising the design process Andrew Lucas Studios has announced the launch of its ground-breaking virtual reality (VR) platform.

The new technology lets designers, architects, property developers and their customers step into a newly-designed home or room before it has been built, and to verify and edit designs before costly mistakes are made. One of the greatest challenges in design is helping a client visualise their project during the initial stages before anything is built.

By creating virtual reality experiences, including life-like effects, such as light glare, prevailing winds, day-to-night time shifts and ambient noises, customers can experience a design down to the very last detail.

Cornish church to become home for family of 11 A family of 11 is creating a stunning home from a former church near Truro, Cornwall, and has chosen to insulate it with products from the Actis Hybrid range because they are much cleaner and faster to install than any alternatives.

T

racy and Dave Bennett, who have built a number of homes over the years, say the latest conversion is the biggest construction challenge they have ever undertaken.

Tracy and Dave are converting the chancel, nave, north and south transepts of St Peter’s Church at Chiverton Cross into a five-bedroom home with spacious living areas and enough space to accommodate the youngest few of their nine children, whose ages range from eight to 25.

The church was built in 1861 and decommissioned in 2008. Its original tower, complete with spire, had to be taken down in 1898 when the stone started to crumble possibly after being damaged by lightning.

However, the replacement tower, constructed in 1928, will form part of the Bennetts’ new residence.

The couple are completely gutting and renovating the church and using insulating breather membrane, Boost’R Hybrid, 60mm honeycomb insulation, Hybris, and insulating vapour control layer, HControl Hybrid, in the 400m2 roof to achieve a U-value of 0.17.

They will be using around 750m2 of HControl Hybrid for the walls to achieve a U-value of 0.30.

The Hybrid range is becoming increasingly popular across Devon and Cornwall and Tracy and Dave chose the materials on recommendation from friends.

www.insulation-actis.com 01249 462888 solutions@insulation-actis.com

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www.lucas-studios.com 0208 222 6622 office@andrew-lucas.com

Origin launches new range of stylish blinds Origin has added a selection of new stylish, high-quality blinds to its Origin Home range.

Designed to fit every door and window type, from bi-folds and French doors through to bay and gable windows, the new range includes six different styles: electric roller blinds, pleated blinds, Roman blinds, glamour blinds, Venetian blinds and vertical blinds.

The introduction of new ranges also ensures that Origin can now cater for any room type or requirement, with each blind offering a different effect, look and feel.

The selection of blinds is the perfect way to have a convenient mean of controlling the light levels in a home, whilst creating a style statement.

www.origin-global.com 0808 168 5816 enquiry@origin-global.com

Period living with Anglian’s Elite Vertical Sliding sash window Anglian Home Improvements is making it easier for homeowners to recreate the classic appearance of original Victorian sashes using the latest in PVC-U technology, with the introduction of its sympathetically-designed Elite Vertical Sliding sash window. With traditional lines, a subtle textured finish and decorative features all providing an exceptional level of authentic detail, the Elite Vertical Sliding sash is the discerning window choice for those looking for period character, elegance and traditional charm, with no compromise on thermal efficiency, security and noise reduction. A seamless blend of old and new, each made-to-measure window is Energy Rated ‘A’ and has Secured by Design features as standard.

www.anglianhome.co.uk/windows/sash 0800 988 9398 contact@angliangroup.com

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Product Guide

The complete ‘spa’ experience Innovation, sophisticated design, breadth, versatility of offering and special solutions – these are the secrets of the success of the Showering collection by Glass1989.

Thanks to an approach that aims to offer multi-purpose and usable shower areas, the company is offering more than new shower enclosures. It is giving growing attention to functional elements, viewing them as contemporary, colourful design solutions. This is the case with AZULEJO, the new shower shelf with a glass front cover available in five colours. It is also available in a version featuring an adjustable telescoping showerhead, equipped with a thermostatic mixer, hand shower and rechargeable Bluetooth device that plays music for a complete spa experience.

www.glass1989.it +39 0422 7146 info@glass1989.it

Exclusively bespoke Matki’s EauZone Plus Ultra Bespoke brings together the semi-frameless styling and technical prowess of its EauZone Plus collection, with the tailored flexibility of bespoke-made design. Contemporary shower design is no longer limited to standard size and shape rooms; Ultra Bespoke opens up luxurious possibilities for even the most challenging space, with angled glass cuts, increased height panels and dwarf wall installations. Going beyond providing a solution, there is also the option to streamline bespoke designs with completely recessed wall channels and thresholds; alongside a choice of finishes and handles for an elegant, minimalist finish.

www.matki.co.uk 01454 322888 info@matki.co.uk

Transforming the daily shower Featuring elegant curves, Smiths Briten’s range of shower columns will add a touch of luxe to any bathroom, and transform the daily shower into a mindful, zen-like ritual. Combining light and hydro therapy, the Thames column uses an LED shower and body jet to deliver a powerful multisensory experience. The Erin, with its built-in body jets, is the ultimate in streamlined technology. An energising water blade and hand shower combine in a beautiful column, bound to be the focal point in any bathroom. And with three dualfunction body jets, an overhead shower and chrome hand shower, the sleek Tate column makes for an unbeatable, budget-friendly package.

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

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Palazzetti – ducting hot air to various rooms Palazzetti Ecofire pellet stoves satisfy various requirements.

Different functions are required depending on the space available in a home and the habits of the people living there. That’s why Palazzetti has created different heat distribution systems. The company’s range of ductable stoves allows you to quickly heat up various adjoining rooms without having to make major modifications to your home. It’s the perfect solution for those who want to cut the costs of traditional heating while still enjoying the practicality of programmable operation. Palazzetti’s Air Pro System satisfies the most demanding hot air ducting requirements so that entire homes can be heated.

www.palazzetti.it +39 0434 922922 info@palazzetti.it

DIY SOS moves Moduleo Moduleo has supported DIY SOS for a third time to help remodel the family home of a young boy with cerebral palsy. The programme showed the Verdon Oak flooring from Moduleo’s Transform collection chosen for Isaac Smith’s family home in Derby. More space was a crucial element of the renovation, so a single-storey extension was added to the rear of the house to include a more accessible bedroom and a wetroom for Isaac, who previously slept on a hospital bed in the family living room. The extension also factored in a space for a carer to sleep overnight, to provide a much-needed rest for Isaac’s parents, Rachel and Andy.

www.moduleo.co.uk 01332 851500 salesuk@moduleo.com

A thermostat for every home Nest is adding three finishes to the Nest Learning Thermostat to ensure there is a thermostat for every home, as well as introducing an update to its software, ‘Sightline’, that will completely change the user experience for the Nest Cam range. Nest knows that not every house is the same and that we don’t just want something for the sake of it; we want it to look amazing and perform brilliantly. Drawing on popular interior trends, Nest will introduce a white, copper and black version to sit alongside its iconic stainless steel product with all the units delivering the same unparalleled experience to make our homes more thoughtful.

www.nest.com/uk 0808 169 2307

Scotframe – leading the way in self-build Scotframe provides its self-build customers with a unique one-stop-shop service, not only for coordinating the manufacture and delivery of the timber frame structure, but also the supply of windows, external doors, insulation, plasterboard, stairs, internal doorsets, architrave, skirtings and finishings, and a whole lot more – the complete package.

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cotframe’s new Rural Homes collection features 22 house types, from bungalows to grand five-bedroom homes, all of which have been meticulously designed to nestle into countryside sites in a harmonious and unobtrusive fashion. The collection will reduce energy use by introducing five-star standards of thermal performance and energy efficiency levels.

Make sure you talk to Scotframe about Val-U-Therm, the company’s unique family of advanced, closed panel, factory insulated, high thermal performance wall, roof and floor systems. Val-U-Therm provides a winning solution along with extremely low U-values and exceptional airtightness, making it ideally suited to all forms of self-build projects.

The thermal efficiency of timber frame is legendary, and Val-U-Therm ensures properties are very comfortable and require a lot less energy to heat.

Scotframe has manufacturing and customer service facilities based at Inverurie in Aberdeenshire and Cumbernauld near Glasgow, which enables the company to supply to customers right across the UK. Scotframe also has regional sales offices and product display facilities in Dundee and Inverness and regional sales agents in West Sussex and Paignton.

www.scotframe.co.uk 01467 624440 inverurie@scotframe.co.uk

Carl F Groupco’s SmartSecure range is now featured at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon. The latest addition to the permanent venue designed to support the self-build, renovation and home improvement markets, displays SmartSecure’s advanced electronic door locking and smart access control capabilities. SmartSecure is an exciting new addition to smart home technology that will aid any newbuild or property enhancement. There are a number of ways in which SmartSecure provides security advantages. Importantly, the FUHR multitronic 881, that is at the heart of the solution, automatically locks all points by a patented twin motor, securely and reliably in just seconds after closing the door.

Product Guide

SmartSecure is a new addition to the NSBRC

www.carlfgroupco.co.uk 01733 393330

Remmers’ waterproofing solutions keep guests dry The roof of a Manchester hotel required general repairs and had failing waterproofing to the parapet walls. The building had been suffering from water ingress from the roof for a number of years. The failed areas of waterproofing required replacing with a flexible waterproof system which could be terminated over the parapet wall and into the existing waterproofing. Remmers’ Kiesol was used as an injection agent to remedy the damp in the brickwork and is ideal for fair-faced masonry with high moisture penetration. Remmers’ Multi-Tight 2K was also applied, as it has a crack-bridging capacity five times more effective than the standard flexible mineral-based waterproofing systems.

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

Hansgrohe celebrates 15 years of the iBox Universal The iBox Universal facilitates the concealed installation of more than 200 pre-fab mixer sets and shower systems from Hansgrohe’s wide range of products. Invented

by Hansgrohe 15 years ago, the Universal iBox is a basic unit that allows for fast, reliable and versatile concealed installations. Suited to over 200 Axor and Hansgrohe mixer sets and shower system fittings, the box can be easily adapted for any type of wall construction and depth, and provides an absolutely watertight and soundproof finish. Because ‘one size fits all’, it is no problem to change the function and style of the fitting when the time comes to updating the bathroom.

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

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Product Guide

Kaldewei meets size and installation requirements

Introducing DCMPRO – the fastest to install, heated decoupling system The DCM-PRO floor heating system from Warmup is the fastest solution for the installation of a heated decoupling system in all areas. The innovative new system from Warmup allows for quick and easy installation of electric underfloor heating.

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he system comprises a self-adhesive castellated membrane and a heating cable. Once installed, DCM-PRO can easily be covered with a range of floor finishes.

The self-adhesive layer of the DCM-PRO mat acts as a selfhealing decoupling layer, eliminating the need for additional fixings and laborious installation methods, significantly reducing both installation time and costs. Unlike traditional fabric-based decoupling layers, which tear upon movement, the patent pending self-healing decoupling layer contracts and expands to deal with seasonal changes, preventing damage occurring from gaps and cracks in the subfloor. Rated as high performance, DCM-PRO is proven to protect tiled floors from cracking (ANSI 118.12:5.4).

DCM-PRO installs in minutes, its self-adhesive backing attaches directly to the subfloor, meaning there is no need to mix additional tile adhesive to affix the mat to the subfloor, and no wasted time waiting for the base layer of tile adhesive to dry before installing the cable. Saving both time and money during the installation process.

A self-levelling compound can be poured directly onto the DCM-PRO system, allowing it to heat and protect any floorcovering material that is considered as suitable for use with UFH, including tiles, laminate, engineered wood, vinyl and carpet.

Once installed, the system is easy to tile over. You can apply tile adhesive directly onto the system, providing the perfect surface to lay tiles directly on top with no risk of any damage to the heater.

www.warmup.co.uk 0345 345 2288 uk@warmup.com

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With the Scona shower programme, Kaldewei is now able to meet almost any size requirement and installation type for modern, low-level showering. Combined with the new KA 90 ultra-low waste fitting, now available in a choice of coloured enamel to match the shower surface finish, it is now easier than ever before to achieve a luxurious, seamless and contemporary look either at low-level or completely flush with the floor. Made from steel enamel, all Kaldewei shower surfaces are robust, extremely hygienic and available in a choice of anti-slip finishes, and are guaranteed for 30 years. Kaldewei will exhibit at Sleep from 22nd to 23rd November on stand V10.

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

Closer to nature As consumer demand for natural products and materials continues to grow, Frontline has introduced a stunning new take on the trend from stylish Spanish furniture manufacturer, Royo.

The modern Royo Life range offers a sleek selection of two-drawer wall and basin units in 600 and 800mm with integrated storage, ideal for keeping the bathroom clutter-free, alongside a tall wall unit in stylish Gloss White, as well as Samara Ash and Nordic Oak options inspired by the textured finish of wood. The new Royo Nature range is available in minimalist Matt White and sumptuous Maple Sahara, perfect for creating a fresh yet warm and traditional aesthetic, inspired by a shaker-style.

www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk 0845 470 2424 sales@frontlinebathrooms.co.uk

Maximise space in any scheme In today’s homes, space is everything. The architect has taken care to maximise space and homeowners will use every trick in the book to create a spacious, airy feeling in the tiniest of spaces. Mendip’s stoves are the ultimate focal feature – not only are they cosy, but they only need a 10cm minimum gap between them and any combustible materials. Every stove on the market has its own guideline, as the stove and flue pipe become extremely hot. It’s for these reasons that Building Regulations are in place. Many stoves can require up to 50cm distance between the stove and any combustible materials, but Mendip is different, making it more flexible and space-saving.

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

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

Call our UK sales office for more information on 01727 867900

weberhaus.co.uk

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

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings

Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 High load bearing and impact resistance Timber & stone effects; 40+ finishes available

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

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

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