i-build September 2015

September 15

www.i-buildmagazine.com

i-build i-nterior i-scape

ECO-FRIENDLY ADVANTAGES Sustainable solutions for your new home

Issue 14

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WORK-LIFE BALANCE How to create a space for both living and working

COVER STORY:

Extension innovation

OVERCOMING RURAL RESTRICTIONS Successful self-builds that have conquered constraints

Period property brings Scandinavia to Scotland

EXPERT INSIGHTS:

l FINANCIAL l LEGAL l PRACTICAL l PRODUCT INNOVATION

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i-build

Welcome to the September issue of i-build

www.i-buildmagazine.com

i-build i-nterior i-scape

T

hose of us who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder know all too well the many benefits of exposure to natural light. Many self-build projects endeavour to make the most of sunlight through rooflights and floor to ceiling glazing, but this is especially important if your livelihood depends on visual clarity. This month’s Impressive Innovation looks at two artists who have incorporated their studio into their home. In order to do this, the architect first investigated live-work typologies to create a perfect balance between living and working within the same building. Read about how this was achieved on page 28.

Cover story: A Scottish Edwardian property benefits from a modern, timber-clad extension. See page 20.

Editor:

Emily Smith

emily@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Steve Gull

steve@mixedmediainfo.com

Michael Abrahams

michael@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager:

Chris Lilly

chris@mixedmediainfo.com Senior Editor:

Hannah Frackiewicz

hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Production:

Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor:

David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts:

Simone Jones

simone@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

This month’s cover story is the home of retired school teacher turned artist Dave Cordiner, who was looking to create a light and airy extension in which to paint. The Edwardian property now benefits from a contemporary timber-clad extension that is a contrast to the original stone building. The project marries the old with the new and brings diversity to the Scottish semi-detached.

Although Dave was bold enough to add a strikingly modern extension to his period property, many self-builders face constraints that limit design aspirations, especially those who are looking to build in restricted areas. This month’s i-build presents the dilemma of securing planning permission for new properties within protected countryside locations. Architect Richard Hawkes discusses how this is not something for the faint hearted, but that with the right design it is possible. Read about how this can be achieved and be inspired by impressive success stories on page 42.

This issue is packed full of expert advice, project inspiration and innovative new products to guide you through your self-build journey. Highlights include how to choose the perfect cooker hood on page 36, self-build finance advice in this month’s Viewpoint and why an artificial lawn could be the solution to your problematic plot on page 40.

As always, we hope you are inspired by this issue of i-build and would love to hear from you about your own project. Contact me at the usual address and tell me about your self-build journey – you might even see your home featured in an upcoming issue!

Emily Smith Editor emily@mixedmediainfo.com @ibuildmagazine

/ibuildmagazine

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

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

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Pre-manufactured housing

by Baufritz: See page 54

Doors by JB Kind: See page 58

Cladding by Cembrit: See page 58

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Highlighting the latest innovative and on-trend styles and products.

Living 14 Green Why eco-paints protect the health of both

i-build

the planet and home occupants.

www.i-buildmagazine.com

i-build i-nterior i-scape

Desired Designs

Contents

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36

16

Viewpoint

18

Contracts & Legalities

20

Rural Retreat

28

Impressive Innovation

36

Kitchens

38

Structural Solutions

Your self-build mortgage questions answered

by BuildStore’s finance expert Rachel Pyne.

Everything you need to know about how to find your dream plot.

A Scottish Edwardian property benefits from a modern, timber-clad extension.

Two contrasting projects demonstrate the perfect marriage between living and working.

Kitchen expert, Danny Lay discusses how to choose the right cooker hood for your home.

Why the recent government announcements will not curb enthusiasm for eco-efficient home building.

40 Landscaping An artificial lawn can be a practical solution to problematic gardens.

42 i-build

28

Renowned architect, Richard Hawkes explains Paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

46 i-nterior Heating expert, Justin Vicarage presents the benefits of trench heating systems.

8 42

50 i-scape Decking specialist, Abordeck discusses everything you need to know about adding timber decking to your garden.

s: ecreutr S e d Tra ut for o d

e o Look crets’ dott e. u e s S s i e s i d ‘Tra t th sider u o h g throu are the in n be These s which ca ding t d insigh able to bu ! s u r l a e v d in uil self-b

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The keymark and MCS accreditation ensure that you qualify for RHI payments (system to be installed by MCS accredited installer).

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Desired Designs

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Botanical Bliss

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Keep your home in bloom year round with beautiful botanically-inspired prints.

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otanical prints have long been an interior design staple, but it isn’t all about flowers.

These designs present many natural motifs, such as plants, fruits and insects.

The style is fresh and feminine, where each patternadorned item is a piece of art within its own right.

Embrace the beauty of the outdoors within upholstery, ceramics, artwork and accessories. Pair with neutral tones for a fresh feel or partner with a rustic backdrop – such as exposed brick or concrete – for a more edgy style.

Within art, botanical illustration is often presented using watercolour paint. The earliest surviving botanical illustration dates back to 512, called the Codex vindobonensis, which was created for the daughter of the former Western Roman Emperor Olybrius. Many contemporary botanical fabric and wallpaper patterns seek inspiration from traditional engravings and etchings and are first painted from real life.

1. Dinnerware, £19.99, Zara

2. Klippan Cherry Rain Cushion, £28, Cloudberry Living

3. Pimpernel Botanic Chintz Placemats, £22, John Lewis

4. Loveseat, Oficina Inglesa 5. Cushion, £19.99, Zara

6. Dinnerware, £25.99, Zara

7. Penryn armchair in

Sanderson Simi Woven Print Fabric, £1300, John Lewis

8. Bedspread, £24.99, H&M

9. Highgrove Blue Roller

Blind, £119, Digitex Home

10. Laurent Sofa, Oficina Inglesa

Baufritz is passionate about creating a luxurious living environment that’s designed just for you. All our homes use an abundance of high quality, natural materials that are completely free of toxins, creating a harmonious atmosphere that looks beautiful, protects the environment and makes you feel good.

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

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CMYK / .ai

www.baufritz-ib.co.uk Find out more about Baufritz and contac t our UK office: enquiries@baufritz-ib.co.uk | 01223 235632

Desired Designs

French boutique Embrace the sophisticated charm of French regency style within your home.

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Ornate detail

Decadent desires

An ornate chest of drawers is dedication to true French style at its best. This design by The French Bedroom Company is part of the Bonaparte range. It boasts hand carved floral swags and detailing, with a powder blue backdrop. (www.frenchbedroom company.co.uk)

If this style takes your fancy, fill your rooms with decorative detail and rich finishes. Flair and exuberance can be as lavish as you desire, from shabby chic to elaborate detail. (www.alexanderand pearl.co.uk)

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Sophisticated simplicity A statement dressing table is the creme de la creme of French-inspired bedroom decor.

The style calls for lavish detail at the same time as graceful presence. This pretty design by Loaf is ÂŁ495 and comes in an on-trend vintage grey. (www.loaf.com)

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5

Curvaceous and shapely

Classical comfort

French regency style is all about asymmetry and pleasing curves. The La Louvier Wardrobe by Time4Sleep has curves in all the right places.

Manufactured in mahogany, it has a distressed antique white finish to match the rest of the La Louvier range. (www.time4sleep.co.uk)

Elegant chairs with linen or cotton upholstery ooze regency decadence. Low chairs with curved backs, brass inlay and sabre legs are particularly popular. If you want to stay true to style, match your upholstery with your curtains. (www.alisonathome.com)

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Feature bed For French style with a relaxed twist, the Lou Lou bed by Loaf is a beautifully carved weathered oak French style bed. Priced at ÂŁ995, it is a little longer than its original antique counterpart, but is every inch as wonderful. (www.loaf.com)

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Desired Designs

1 2

On-trend tessellation Create focal features using geometric patterns.

StudioLilesadi Wallpaper, £124.43, Etsy

3 5

4

7 6

8

9

W 10

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hether you're into bold colourful triangles or minimalist monochrome geometrics, tessellating patterns bring on-trend interest and excitement to any room.

This style is perfect for those who aren't afraid of bold, bright and beautiful. As interior stylist and Joss & Main curator, Sara Akwisombe, comments: “Decorating fearlessly is all about picking bold, statement pieces. They show the world you’re confident in your choices. The easiest way to start with statement stuff is to do it with non-permanent pieces like soft furnishings or accessories. They are easy to swap in and out if you change your mind and will help to build your confidence by starting small.”

The geometric trend has become popular thanks to the appeal of symmetrical shapes.

However, this isn’t a newcomer to the world of interior design, as patterns throughout history have used triangles, zigzags and chevrons – the most well recognised being Art Deco.

1. Himmeli Diamond Mobile, £138.39, Etsy

2. Scandinavian Geometric Cushion Cover in Jaffa Blue, Andshine

3. Pastelangles wallpaper, £68, Milton & King

4. Ferm Living Fusion

Triangle Cushion Cover, £42, Norsu Interiors

5. Umbria Trigg Wall Vessel, £25, Red Candy

6. Pastel Desk Clock, £21, Etsy

7. Isosceles Triangles, £450, Bombus Ltd

8. Odyssey tile,

£199.95, Original Style

9. Portia Chair in Opus Multi, £699, Marks & Spencer

10. Abu Oak Coffee Table, £180, Habitat

11. Dolomite Rug, £350, Habitat

Green Living

Left: Eco-paints have been used here to create a fresh look Below: This image demonstrates that eco-paints don't skimp on colour depth

Eco-friendly palette There are many eco-friendly structural and renewable self-build solutions that offer homeowners a clear conscience in knowing that their home is protecting the health of our planet. However, although we don't often have eco-concerns with the decorative elements of our homes, certain elements may be putting our own health at risk.

T

he phrase ‘passive inhalation’ might conjure thoughts of passive smoking or drug abuse, however ‘passive paint inhalation’ is a growing concern for many homeowners and decorators.

The rising incidences of unexplained allergies and chronic diseases is increasingly being linked to synthetic and petrochemical-based paint inhalation. It is known that decorators are more likely to contract lung cancer, but the same chemicals also affect individuals living in the newly decorated property.

Painted surfaces can give off toxins and

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VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the atmosphere for up to two years after application.

This can contribute to long-term health issues, such as allergies and chest complaints. As well as unhealthy emissions, normal petrochemicalbased paints are notoriously wasteful, yielding up to 30 litres of toxic waste per litre of paint manufactured. There are very few other things with such bad ingredients that would be used so freely within home decoration.

With Government legislation imposing maximum levels for VOCs, all paint brands are required to consider what goes into their

formulations. Acknowledging a gap in the market for paints that protect the health of both homeowners and the environment, there are a growing number of paint manufacturers that specialise in eco-paints.

Cathryn Helsby, Marketing Manager of eco-paint expert Earthborn, comments: “Many people have long been aware of the effects of chemicals to their bodies, this is largely seen in the rise of the slow food and organic veg movements, where people make a direct connection between what they put into their bodies and how this affects their wellbeing. It is surprising that the same consideration is not attached to the chemicals which surround us in the home, particularly those we breathe.”

Specialists such as Earthborn carefully select ingredients and use technologically advanced manufacturing processes and formulations that prove paints don’t need to be harmful.

Concerns over reduced performance and dull hues can be put to rest, as these clay based paints achieve impressive colour depth and a strong, full palette.

Established over 10 years ago, Earthborn was the first paint brand in the UK to be licensed by the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs to carry the EU Ecolabel, which demonstrates a manufacturers commitment to protecting the environment.

www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

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Viewpoint

Self-build mortgage Q&A In response to your self-build mortgage queries, Buildstore's Group Sales Director, Rachel Pyne, shares and answers the most frequently asked questions put forward to their specialist finance advisors.

1 Will I need a lot of savings to build my own house?

2 Will I have to sell my current house before my new home is ready?

Not necessarily, although your choice of build ‘fabric’ can dictate whether you need to fund production in advance.

For example, a timber frame build requires the whole system to be paid for up front. With an advance-stage mortgage arrangement, you can start your build with a relatively small deposit and borrow up to 90% of your land costs and up to 90% of your build costs. However, if you do have savings or access to other cash then you may prefer to use an arrears stage payment mortgage.

This will depend on how you wish to finance your build and how much cash you have in savings. If you choose an arrears stage payment mortgage then you will need sufficient money for a deposit of between 15 and 25% of the land cost, as well as money to pay for the materials and labour for the early stages of the build. If you do not have sufficient savings then you may decide to sell your current house to release equity before starting your new project.

If you don’t want to sell your existing house and move into

cret: of e S e Trad two types one

are ge – There ld mortga t the ui sa self-b ases fund ch stage, rele ion of ea tart es let comp other at th ge. a e t h s t ch of ea

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Sub-brow Viewpoint Eyebrow

Self-build finance options: Simon Kettle's self-build journey led him to start his own architectural design company – for more self-build case studies visit www.i-buildmagazine.com

temporary accommodation before your new build is complete then an advance-stage mortgage arrangement, such as BuildStore’s Accelerator scheme, may be right for you. Receiving your stage payments in advance during the project will ensure that cashflow is not an issue during the build, meaning you can continue living in your current house until you are ready to move.

3 Is there only one type of mortgage available for self-building?

There are in fact two types of self-build mortgage available from specialist lenders. An arrears based mortgage releases funds at the completion of each stage, requiring the self-builder to initially provide funding for works, whereas an advancestage mortgage releases funds at the beginning of each stage, allowing for enhanced cashflow and budgeting benefits. By talking to a specialist financial adviser, you will be able to ascertain the best product for your individual requirements.

4 How can I be ready to buy my ideal plot of land as soon as it becomes available?

Before you have found your land, it is strongly advised that you talk to a mortgage adviser to explore the various options for financing your

project and work out how much you can borrow based on your current finances and commitments.

Your existing mortgage will be reviewed and, if applicable, a remortgage with a cash drawdown facility will be arranged to make it easier to put an offer on a plot as soon as it becomes available.

Alternatively, the BuildStore Accelerator Mortgage Scheme will also lend money on land that has Outline Planning Permission – compared to some lenders that will only lend on land with detailed planning permission, which can take months to arrange and restrict the plot opportunities you have.

5 What is the position on stamp duty?

One area where you get better value is in stamp duty, as you only pay this based on the purchase price of the plot and not on the value of the completed house. You are exempt from paying stamp duty if the cost of your plot is less than £125,000.

Compared to buying a completed property, it is estimated that self-built homes are worth on average 25-30% more on completion than they cost to build.

Your self-build mortgage will be as personal as your build project, so by utilising expert advice you will be able to determine which is the right mortgage scheme for you. There are two types of self-build mortgage available from specialist lenders, such as BuildStore: Arrears stage-payment mortgage The traditional type of self-build mortgage is on an ‘arrears’ basis. The first payout during the build usually comes after the foundations have been completed – some funding will only release after becoming wind and watertight – and a valuer has visited the site and signed off works. This means that you will have to find the money to get up to this point in the build - for land purchase, materials and labour. This type of mortgage is best suited to those who have sufficient savings to fund the early stages of the build as well as sufficient savings for the deposit on the land.

Advance stage-payment mortgage Not every self-build has funds to secure land or get to first build stage. With an advance stage-payment mortgage, funds are released for each stage of the build at the beginning rather than the end of the stage, giving you the cash you need to buy materials and pay your builder. BuildStore's Accelerator lends a generous percentage of the costs – up to 90% of the cost of the land and up to 90% of the cost of the build.

www.buildstore.co.uk

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Contracts & Legalities

Left: Self-builder Will Anderson found his perfect plot between two other self-build projects – read about his homebuilding journey at i-buildmagazine.com

Plot finding dictionary: Backland development: Garden plot to the rear of the existing house Brownfield: Land which has had a previous planning use, such as disused factories or builders yards – watch out for contaminated sites because they can be costly to deal with Greenfield: Land that has not been previously developed, such as open countryside or gaps between existing buildings

Finding the perfect plot Before you even consider planning the structure of your new self-build home, the first hurdle is finding somewhere to build it.

U

nless you are lucky enough to already own a suitable piece of land, most budding self-builders will need to hunt high and low for that elusive plot. It’s crucial to keep an open mind. Before looking, carefully consider what you deem to be the essential requirements of a potential plot, then create a list of your ideal requirements and keep these separate. This will help you to clarify what you can and can’t compromise on.

In order to make the potentially arduous task of finding your dream plot as successful, make sure you are utilising all available resources.

There are various specialist websites that list many self-build plots and all the popular property search websites will also sometimes list self-build plots. Exploring these sites will not only let you know what’s available where, but will also highlight differences in market value according to location. Another useful website is The Land Bank Partnership, which specialises

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in the sale of land with planning consent or the potential for residential development in the West/South West of England.

Although not all estate agents are interested in selling land, it is worth approaching them to let them know you are looking for a plot – especially those who run auctions – but keep in contact so you stay fresh in their mind.

Another site finding technique is offering a finder’s fee to planning agents and architects.

Keeping watch Keep a look out for potential opportunities within your ideal location, such as large unattended gardens and neglected buildings. If you find somewhere that looks like it would suit redevelopment, but it isn’t up for sale, don’t be afraid to approach the owners – they might be happy to negotiate a price.

Your local council is another useful resource.

More than 130 local councils in England are already taking action to help boost the

Green belt land: Differs from Greenfield in that its preservation is given legal status and new development is rarely allowed Infill plots: A site within a built area that occupies a gap in the street, either spare land that has no current use or part of a large garden Replacement plots: Sites currently occupied by a substandard house or bungalow that would benefit from being knocked down and replaced

opportunities available for people who want to build their own home. Such actions include identifying suitable sites or locations for potential private homebuilding and disposing of public land. You can also check the local Planning Register – which many councils now publish online – as it lists all planning applications and decisions. Many people apply for planning application before selling a plot as it increases its value. By spotting such plots before they go on sale, you will be able to approach the owner before others are aware it’s even up for sale – look for recent applications, preferably outline, for single houses.

It’s also worth networking and advertising your search online through social media and forums, as well as in the local press, pubs and shops – even contacting mobile workers and asking them to keep an eye out, such as taxi drivers and gardeners, might lead to something.

www.selfbuildportal.org.uk

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Rural Retreat All images Š Markus Photography

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Compare and contrast A historic Aberdeenshire home now benefits from a contrasting and contemporary extension, which has brought Scandinavia to Scotland.

Rural Retreat

W

hen Dave and Veronica Cordiner – both retired school teachers – were looking to extend their distinctive semi-detached Edwardian home, it was their son’s best friend that was able to offer expert architectural guidance.

The friend worked for architectural practice HRI Architects. He brought the project into his office and used an initial design sketch to develop the project from there.

The existing kitchen and dining area was long and thin, and whilst it was tastefully decorated, it defied belief that this was the kitchen and dining area for a family home. There was a uPVC conservatory built to the rear of the room that was both too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. The rear garden was restricting but offered an opportunity to develop a modern single storey extension that would provide greater integration with the garden, improved access to natural light and that would create a more

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Sub-brow RuralEyebrow Retreat

Left: The timber cladding is a clear contrast to the original property Below: The extension has dramatically increased the property's interior space

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From Scandinavia to Scotland Dave and Veronica were both keen on a timber finish to the new extension – a complete contrast to their traditional property. They realised it would be foolish to try and match the distinctive mansard roof with tiling on the outside, so instead opted for a sharp contemporary design.

Mark Williams, Director of HRI Architects, comments: “It would have been a mistake to try to copy the original. The property was of its time so the extension needed to be contemporary too. A pastiche approach would not have reflected the homeowners’ ambitions and may well have cost more too.”

The architects presented viable timber cladding options to Dave and Veronica – who were heavily involved in the design and

construction process throughout the project – and together they eventually reached a design consensus. It was the low maintenance and durable advantages of Kebony that appealed to the homeowners. This material is a sustainable alternative to tropical timber that acquires an attractive grey patina over time.

Dave was fully involved with the project throughout and actually built much of the extension himself, using his attention to detail as an artist to great effect. The kitchen was designed and crafted by Martyn Kemp, who used strong references to the external cladding details in a simple, yet effective manner.

Timber cladding concerns Scottish buildings are exposed to extreme weather, so materials need to stand up to the forces of the intemperate climate and the test of time. Timber is an incredibly versatile material, with structural strength and

visual appeal, however there is sometimes a perception that it isn’t suitable for exterior application because of the risk of decay. HRI Architects discovered long ago that timber cladding can be successfully used in Scotland, but only if it is carefully considered in terms of material selection and detailing.

Mark explains: “We use Kebony in many projects. We first discovered the material when sourcing timber for the new Forestry Commission offices in Inverness. This was part of a demonstration that UK timber, correctly used, was suitable for all aspects of modern construction, challenging prevailing perceptions at the time. Kebony is ‘pickled’ with a natural alcohol that gives it the robustness required for the often challenging Scottish climate.”

Another key concern for this project was ensuring the modern, Scandinavian-inspired extension worked alongside the traditional Edwardian property. However, the striking

Rural Retreat

amenable open plan kitchen, dining and living space.

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Sub-brow RuralEyebrow Retreat

the building a sense of lightness, contrasting with the solid granite of the main part of the house.

The interior decor reflects the exterior by using modern materials. The large windows blur the lines between external and internal, as well as providing the desired levels of natural sunlight – especially important for Dave’s work as an artist.

The property benefits from privately supplied water from a well, which is located in an awkward place that restricted the full use of the space. This issue was turned into an advantage, as a concealed open area located behind the cladding now contains the well, bin stores and gas bottles for the Calor gas hob.

Collaboration success

contrast between old and new works surprisingly well, bringing interest and a diversity of beauty to the period property.

“In my opinion the extension works well in responding to the surrounding landscape,” Mark adds. “There is a larch tree adjacent to the extension that creates a lovely dappled light onto the Kebony cladding that also creates an appropriate synergy. The garden has been enhanced by the extension, making it more useable – a focal point that neatly subdivides the garden into distinct compartments. The materials, being natural, work well with the stone of the house, the garden walls and the original fencing on part of the boundary.”

Modern magnificence Dave and Veronica’s home now has a spacious and multifunctional kitchen, dining and living space that engages with the garden. A large sliding screen links the living space with the garden, while windows and doors link the extension to the side garden and provide views in multiple directions. The carefully specified Kebony cladding introduces an element of Scandinavian design as well as bringing all the benefits of resilience and durability that its technology allows. Appearing to ‘float’ in front of a stainless steel mesh, the timberwork gives

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Above: The kitchen was designed by a specialist designer Right: It has been designed to respond to the exterior timber cladding Below: The extension is light and airy

“The finished extension is everything I hoped it would be and more,” explains Mark. “The project was a success for several reasons – the design was thorough and the construction was a collaboration between the homeowner and several trades. Dave and Veronica’s attention to detail whilst working directly with the tradesmen meant that the work was of the highest quality.

“I particularly like the contrast between the original house and the contemporary design. They sit well together which, when coupled with the sharp detailing of the finished extension, has created a delightful space. The fact that Mark did much of the work himself is a great story.

“The kitchen was provided by a specialist kitchen designer, Makewood: Martyn Kemp Woodwork, whose skills as a kitchen designer and fabricator are exceptional. He picked up on the key design elements of the extension and reflected these in the kitchen design.”

Dave and Veronica admitted that they now live almost exclusively in the new extension. This is testimony to

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Rural Retreat

Rural Retreat

the extensive design development and good interaction between homeowner and architect.

Mark offers a few final words of advice to those looking to extend a period property: “Think carefully about what you want to achieve, but don’t be prescriptive with your architect or designer. Let them use their design skills to get the best from the situation.”

Above: The kitchen worktop sides imitate the Kebony cladding Left: A timber beam also follows the cladding theme Below: The new space embodies a fresh wood and white interior scheme

Key Contributors: Architects: HRI Architects (www.hri-architects.com) Structural engineer: Fairhurst (www.fairhurst.co.uk) Quantity surveyor: McCue & Porter (www.mccueandporter.co.uk) Timber cladding: Kebony (www.kebony.com) Kitchen: Makewood: Martyn Kemp Woodwork (www.martynkemp.co.uk)

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Impressive Innovation

Perfecting the work-life balance Two separate projects for artists who have endeavoured to incorporate studios into their homes demonstrate the successful partnership of living and working.

W

ith modern lifestyles creating more opportunities and increased importance on the ability to work from home, many self-builders incorporate home office spaces within their new dream homes. However, if you’re an artist, you require a different kind of space in which to work – one which provides adequate light, volume and facilities. Where most people that work from home full time attempt to keep their work and life separated – for example by building a garden room/office – these projects looked further into life-work typologies to create a balanced marriage between living and working. Pricegore Architects are behind these two recently renovated properties that provide both living and working space for artists.

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Below: Dingle Price has reworked the spacial organisation of this abandoned warehouse

Impressive Innovation

Left: Studio House has benefitted from a vibrant extension

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Impressive Innovation

Impressive Innovation House for a Painter After purchasing a south London warehouse as a place to live and work in, artist Monk approached Dingle Price – Director of Pricegore Architects – to transform the voluminous space into something spectacular. The main attractions of the space were the generous ceiling height and excellent natural light – both of which are essential to the large landscape paintings that he is noted for.

For several years Monk and his wife lived and worked in the building in an ad-hoc manner, but the imminent arrival of their first child created a need for a more formal distinction between the living and working parts of their home.

The solution was to take advantage of the existing mezzanine level to create a unique threshold that subdivides the warehouse into two approximately equal halves.

Dingle explains: “I proposed a design that made the residential half, in effect, to become a two-storey house which appears to sit within the industrial building. The front facade of this house overlooks and animates the studio space which attains the character of a small piazza or garden, a feeling further enhanced by the large landscape paintings in progress.”

The industrial layout provides a series of interconnected rooms of varied scale and proportion, which in turn draws on the classical heritage and symmetry of the building. Doors and shutters allow the residence to be either opened up or closed off from the studio space. The decor is suppressed to act much

like a blank canvas and to heighten the spatial drama of the internalised landscape. A mix of white painted plaster alongside both painted and unpainted planks of southern yellow pine and pine floorboards serve to focus attention on Monk’s paintings. His work doesn't only inhabit the studio, but features throughout the home.

On entering the building, a compact lobby leads directly into the double height studio space, which is filled with numerous artworks in progress and their associated paraphernalia. North-facing skylights flood the room with natural sunlight. Paired shuttered windows puncture the wall that acts as a boundary between living and working and two symmetrically-placed doorways in each corner link the studio to the generous open plan living space.

The living space has a kitchen at one end and a staircase at the other, both formed from unfinished southern yellow pine. The staircase leads to a centralised landing that is lit by an original feature of the warehouse – a round window. Two bedrooms and a bathroom are located on the mezzanine level, each benefiting from skylights as well as the internal windows which provide views back down to the studio below.

Dingle continues: “A live-work typology is simply a single building/environment in which a person both lives and works. This house is an obvious example where the living and working are highly integrated, whereas Studio House has resulted in a more separate or stratified division, with the upper floors used as living space and the lower as a studio.”

Left: The building's original structural elements make interesting features within the home Above left: The studio is large enough to house Monk's work in progress Above: The kitchen is kept separate from the studio

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Impressive Innovation Studio House This home in Dalston, east London, belongs to an artist and graphic designer who live on the upper floors, whilst using the lower floors as their studios. Having bought the property in a derelict state six years previously, they had renovated the living space themselves. They approached Pricegore to design a series of interventions to improve the natural light and external access of the studio, as well as convert the windowless basement into more studio space and to extend the property to incorporate a new kitchen.

The home now benefits from a yellow-framed kitchen extension into the back garden and a traditional glass and timber shop front. The project is conceived as a pair of complementary interventions each comprising a staircase, a glazed screen, and a tree. To the front, the screen forms

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Above: The extension features a striking yellow frame Top centre: The artists live above their studio Top right: More natural light now flows into the basement Right: The kitchen cabinets are made from reclaimed flooring Far right: The project included clearing the garden to create a usable outdoor space

Impressive Innovation the new shop front behind a brick tree pit and stair to the basement studio. To the rear, a glazed screen forms a facade for the kitchen extension and a concrete stair connects the two levels of the yard, where a large tree is retained in close proximity to the new building.

Undergrowth and derelict outbuildings were cleared from the rear garden to make room for the extension.

The kitchen now looks through large glazing – framed

by Meranti wood – onto the garden. This new space sits halfway between the ground floor and basement.

Reclaimed materials have played a key part in the extension, including kitchen cabinetry made from reclaimed maple wood that once adorned the floor of a school gymnasium and planters created by bricks found on the site.

Dingle adds: “The yellow kitchen framework was an instinctive response to the surrounding tones of the brickwork, the dark blue-grey of the existing sash windows and the greens of the tree and future planting.

Many reclaimed materials have been used, including external teak decking, cobble stones, reuse of bricks on site, internal pine floorboards, maple kitchen cabinets – reclaimed from a former school gymnasium – and light fittings throughout.”

The design makes reference to Alison and Peter Smithson’s Hexenhaus project in Hessen, Germany.

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Sub-brow Impressive Innovation Eyebrow

Collaborative workforce Dingle worked on House for a Painter as Dingle Price Architects, before later partnering with Alex Gore to form Pricegore. The pair has worked on a number of projects that explore live-work typologies.

When asked what the most important considerations when creating a workplace within the home, Dingle stated that he believes the key components to be working alongside an architect to thoroughly understand the requirements of a space and to ensure there is good light quality throughout.

www.pricegore.co.uk

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Above: An internal window in the bedroom looks out on to the studio Right: Large rooflights flood the upper floor with natural light Top right: An original sketch for the conversion

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Kitchens

How to choose the perfect cooker hood

through to the outside wall. If you buy a hood with recirculation, you will need to buy charcoal filters every six months to keep your appliance working at optimum efficiency.

Kitchen design plays a big part in the type of extractor you choose. For example, as open-plan living continues to rise, downdraft hoods have become more popular as they sit flush to the work surface when not in use and rise into position to create a spectacular cooking platform when entertaining. These appliances can be engineered to achieve high extraction rates with perimetrical extraction, which will lower sound levels and increase the pressure resulting in improved motor performance. A downdraft will be placed in an island unit or under a wall cabinet on the worktop and is out of sight when not in use, whereas a hood extractor will need to be placed above the cooktop so this will determine the type that is chosen.

Individual tastes A statement hood makes a stylish addition to a modern kitchen. These days, cooker hoods have become fashion statements due to the creativity from product designers, lifestyle changes – where more time is being spent in the kitchen – and the introduction of raw materials, such as stainless steel and glass. Copper has become an incredibly popular colour and island hoods finished in copper is the latest trend for the home, making a striking feature if you are looking for the wow factor in your kitchen, whilst keeping the air free from cooking odours and grease.

With so many well-engineered extractor hood options available, choosing the right one for your kitchen might seem an overwhelming task. Danny Lay, Sales Director at appliance specialist Caple, offers expert advice to help you specify the right hood.

F

irst of all, consider how powerful you need your extractor hood to be. While the type of food you cook, as well as how regularly you cook it, will help you to determine this, it is important that you don’t forget to factor in the size of the room you have as this will determine the power of the motor you require.

To be effective, a hood must be powerful enough to change the air in the room 10 times an hour. To determine this, first you must calculate the volume of your room. This figure can be worked out by multiplying the room’s length by its width and height. For example, a kitchen that is 4 x 4 x 2.5 meters has a volume of 40m³. This room volume figure is then further multiplied by 10 to obtain the optimum

36

rate of airflow for that room, based on the need to change the air ten times an hour. Therefore a kitchen of 40m3 x 10 = 400 – this means it would require an extraction rate of 400m³/h for a cooker hood to clean the air efficiently.

There is a cooker hood to suit every kitchen and culinary need, from integrated, conventional or wall chimney to island chimney, built-under or downdraft. Choose from ducted – where moisture, grease and smells are taken outside via a vent through an external kitchen wall – or recirculated – which sucks the air back into the hood before cleaning it and recirculating it back into the kitchen.

Both come with pros and cons. For example, a ducted version will require more building work and therefore costs will need to be considered because venting will need to be installed from the extractor

Above left: Ceiling hoods are great if space is limited Above: The Caple Zaros ZA800 chimney hood is a striking centrepiece for any modern kitchen

Eyebrow Kitchens

Options at a glance

Sub-brow

Downdraft - This type of counter hood is installed behind or alongside your hob.

When you need it, a simple press of the button will let it glide into position.

Ceiling – These are unobtrusive and will save on space. There are also variable extraction rates.

Wall chimney - Available in all kinds of sizes, styles and finishes, these are great for a dramatic centerpiece.

Integrated - These are unobtrusively hidden behind kitchen furniture and pulled out when needed.

Island chimney - Better suited to larger kitchens, they suspend over a central island unit and can make a stunning focal point.

Built-under - Ideal for smaller kitchens, this design is cleverly integrated into the underside of kitchen units.

Conventional - This type fits snugly beneath a kitchen unit, with controls usually found on the front.

Ceiling hoods are the least intrusive models and will suit a minimalist kitchen design perfectly. You can even buy models that will fit flush to the ceiling without the need to negotiate ceiling joists, making this a costeffective and easier method of installation.

The latest cooker hoods are more powerful than ever but still have the ability to run incredibly quietly, which is perfect for a busy kitchen that is used by the family and for entertaining purposes. Demand for quieter appliances is growing as the trend for open-plan kitchens increases. An extremely quiet extractor can be switched on when you cook food for family and friends, meaning odours will be removed without distracting conversation.

Look for a motor choice that has been engineered to achieve extremely high extraction rates of at least 1000mÂł per hour. Perfect for providing task lighting and illuminating the cooking/food preparation area below, or ambient lighting when not in use, extractors can also act as a valuable light source within the kitchen, with low energy, LED lights and halogen lighting currently proving popular.

If you’re planning to position your hood above your hob, make sure the width of both appliances matches. In general, a minimum of 750mm is

best above a gas hob whereas 650mm will be required for a ceramic or induction hob, however it is always best to check with the manufacturer.

To achieve the best results when using whichever extractor you choose, we recommend switching on the extractor 15 minutes before cooking and to leave it running

15 minutes after you have finished. This will ensure that the air in the kitchen is being circulated before cooking commences and the air continues to be cleaned for a short while after, giving you the best results.

www.caple.co.uk

Above right: This copper coloured ceiling hood by Caple is a polished showpiece for the kitchen Right: Downdraft hoods are a popular unobtrusive option

37

Structural Solutions

New policy changes create unstable foundations Ian Loughnane, Business Unit Director of Kingspan Timber Solutions, discusses why recent government announcements have caused a wave of disappointment across the home building sector.

I

n 2006 the announcement of the zero carbon homes policy – which aimed to have all new homes built to zero carbon within 10 years – demonstrated the government’s commitment to tackling climate change. This transition strategy to a low-carbon economy presented the homebuilding industry with great aspirations for growth. Environmental considerations would

38

help transform how buildings are constructed, what materials are used and the methods employed.

However, in July the treasury announced the scrapping of the zero carbon building standards. The statement was presented within detailed documents, published as part of George Osborne’s economic productivity drive called, ‘Fixing the Foundations.’

The plans have been received with a wave of disappointment from across the industry.

Businesses throughout the UK have been investing heavily, for the best part of a decade, in preparation for these future standards. On the back of this announcement the Green Deal cashback scheme was also axed – chipping further away at the government strategy on dealing with high energy bills through home energy efficiency.

I believe that we are now on the cusp of the predicted ‘sea-change’ with UK power generation in need of a significant upgrade.

The way forward, in the longer view, seems obvious. Even the power industry is increasingly investing in renewable technology, with startup organisations developing innovative ways of using local, renewable micro generation to deliver more cost effective energy supply and who passionately believe that they will ultimately change the energy market of the future. For our part, the government and the construction industry must continue to embrace innovative timber technology and offsite techniques in order to develop better buildings to minimise the environmental impact of high energy demand reducing energy costs for occupants and the energy poverty that is becoming increasingly common.

It would be very easy to view the recent changes to the regulations as a significant blow for the industry and yet I don’t believe it is. Selfbuilders always adopt much higher standards of

Left: Building energy efficient homes means financial savings as well as sustainability credentials Above: Self-builders are still encouraged to build eco-efficient homes Below: Offsite construction is a great way to reduce energy consumption

of high tech, expensive, obsolete eco-bling.

The industry has invested heavily in getting building fabric solutions that deliver high performance without the future maintenance costs that renewable solutions entail. This ‘fabric first’ approach, synonymous with offsite construction, focuses on the delivery of an airtight building envelope to achieve sustainable and energy efficient new homes, reducing CO2 emissions, energy consumption and associated costs within wall thicknesses that don’t compromise plot sizes.

Kingspan are currently delivering a Self Build Live event which will showcase the first ever passive house show home - demonstrating on a real time basis, the value of creating a home at such a low energy standard. A passive house building requires very little energy for heating or cooling at the same time as providing a high level of comfort to the occupants. Self Build Live will allow visitors to attend and access-allareas of the build project. This gives attendees the opportunity to view the site at various stages throughout the build and see the new show house come together.

It is regrettable that the zero carbon homes policy has been pushed aside and in the long term this will ultimately cause issues in a range of different areas. The government are going to find it challenging to ‘fix the foundations’ if it keeps digging holes for future generations to fall into.

Structural Solutions

energy performance than required by Building regulation and we are experiencing an increased interest in Passivhaus standards. Recent housing forum papers have highlighted just how important this sector is becoming in the mix of solutions to the housing shortage crisis.

Significant increases in home building have always been government inspired and this is still the case today. By announcing this policy change, the government seem to be saying loud and clear that energy efficiency, when it comes to building those new homes, is not going to be a priority and that production of short term ‘cheaper’ homes is taking its place.

The fact of the matter is, a U-turn on energy efficiency may reduce initial build costs but not by much compared to the longer term costs to society and national energy demand.

Indeed it is exactly those issues that drove the development of the green deal to tackle poor performance in the existing housing stock.

Our industry has proved time and again that creating sustainable homes is not more time consuming. In fact, it is actually quicker and more efficient to manufacture, deliver and assemble a high-quality, low-carbon timber frame building than build one onsite with lower thermal insulation created from materials which directly contribute to increasing carbon emissions.

Cost effective, energy efficient homes will ultimately save money for the end user as well as invest money back into the British economy.

Energy efficiency doesn’t mean an explosion

www.kingspantimbersolutions.co.uk

39

Sub-brow Landscaping Eyebrow

The grass can always be greener As more people than ever in the UK are deciding to ‘fake it’ each year, could an artificial lawn be the practical finishing touch that your self-build project is missing? James Gilmartin, Director of Grono Lawns, discusses how the growing trend for artificial grass is sweeping the nation.

O

ver the last few years the artificial grass market has been booming in the UK, with celebrities such as John Terry choosing to replace their lawns with an artificial alternative – and it’s easy to understand the appeal. As a nation we are increasingly time poor and the benefits of a lawn that requires minimal maintenance speak for themselves – it gives you the chance to spend more time enjoying your outdoor spaces rather than tending to them! However, the many advantages of artificial grass go far beyond just saving time.

For those of us with children and animals, we are all too familiar with muddy footprints on the carpet as we watch our beautiful garden become worn and patchy from all those enthusiastic playtimes. With artificial grass, a muddy and tired-looking lawn becomes a thing of the past, allowing kids to enjoy the outdoors all year round and giving you peace of mind that they won’t be creating a mess or spoiling the lawn.

Modern artificial grass is also much more durable and will withstand even the most

40

vigorous of football matches. An occasional sweep with a power brush or jet wash will remove any debris to keep the grass looking clean, as well as ensuring that the pile keeps looking rich and full. Most suppliers are so confident with the lasting quality of products that they’ll provide an extensive guarantee for their products, just like our Grono promise which includes a 10 year guarantee on all of our range.

Solution for problematic plots For others, a difficult plot or inconsistent weather conditions can prove to be a challenge and prevent you from growing a beautiful green lawn to complement your home. The wrong soil conditions, or even too much shade from surrounding trees, can turn your outdoor paradise into a living nightmare with patchy, weed-filled or mossy grass, driving even the most green-thumbed amongst us to despair.

Thanks to continued developments in manufacturing techniques, nowadays some artificial grass products are practically indistinguishable from the real thing - offering

Above: Artificial lawns offer minimal maintenance and retain a fresh look for years, with some providers offering a 10 year guarantee

the same luxurious green colour and soft, bouncy feel underfoot. Where you might have previously been faced with the choice between a lacklustre lawn or going without, realistic-looking artificial grasses provide a welcome alternative which allow new possibilities for garden landscaping.

As with all the different elements of your project, the key to getting the most out of artificial grass is correct and quality installation.

Whether you choose to do this yourself or hire a landscaper to lay it for you, the manufacturer’s installation guidelines should always be followed to ensure a quality finish.

At Grono, we run regular training days through our School of Grass, which we set up to share our knowledge and expertise by helping landscapers and self-builders to develop their installation skills.

As some attendees are novices learning for the first time, and others more experienced but looking to brush up on certain skills, the sessions cover a range of different stages and techniques suitable for all projects, whether basic or complex.

www.grono.co.uk

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41

i-build

A house in the country?

Securing planning approval for your new self-build home can feel like an arduous task, especially when your site is in the picturesque English countryside. Getting to grips with Paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy Framework could be the key that unlocks your development, as Richard Hawkes of Hawkes Architecture explains.

T

he self-build sector is set to double over the next few years. The National Custom & Self Build Association estimates that by the end of 2018 councils will have enabled up to 10,000 self or custom build opportunities to come forward, doubling the scale of the current self-build sector.

Despite this, securing planning permission for a new property in a countryside setting remains, necessarily, challenging, especially in locations that fall within

42

Green Belt or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For many, however, these are the very environments in which they would like to put their roots down and build the home of their dreams.

Regardless of whether you already own land or are considering a plot purchase, building a home within a restricted area doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. It can be a realistic aspiration – but it’s not for the faint hearted.

This opportunity comes courtesy of National Planning

i-build Above: Hawkes Architecture have had 10 out of 10 Paragraph 55 applications approved, including this design for Brooks Barn

Policy Framework Paragraph 55, which advises local planning authorities that they should avoid new isolated homes in the countryside unless there are special circumstances. And it’s these ‘special circumstances’ that have lead most of our clients to contact us here at Hawkes Architecture. More specifically, it's the provision set out within bullet point 4 of Paragraph 55, which states that planning consent may be granted if the proposals are of exceptional quality or innovative nature of the design.

The policy goes on to say that: “Such a design should: be truly outstanding or innovative, helping to raise the standards of design more generally in rural areas; reflect the highest standards in architecture; significantly enhance its immediate setting and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.”

While the policy calls for something truly outstanding or innovative and to reflect the highest standards in architecture, experience shows that

43

Eyebrow i-build Sub-brow there is so much more to it than mere aesthetics and architectural extravagance.

Does your plot suit Paragraph 55?

Certainly, when carrying out an initial assessment of a site’s suitability to be the setting of a dwelling under Paragraph 55, what the design might be is almost irrelevant. The question that has to be asked – and answered – is: does your site have the right ‘ingredients’ for a proposal under Paragraph 55?

It is essential that your team fully understands the character and heritage of the local area and uses the immediate setting to inspire the design. They must consider the nuances of integrating landscape, architecture and technology, and how they can be set harmoniously within the site.

My experience shows that instilling a strong sense of place and integrating technologies, which are specific to the site and the design that evolves from it, are all critical to a successful Paragraph 55 application.

A word of warning though – it’s not an easy process and you need to get candid advice from the outset. An early assessment of the site and the local and national planning policy landscape is essential.

Theoretically, Paragraph 55 has the potential to apply to any land, regardless of its level of protection. That doesn’t, however, mean that all sites will gain approval through this route – just that they theoretically could. Each site brings with it a myriad of contextual and policy nuances which will influence the likelihood of a site being considered suitable.

Expert insight Having established a wealth of experience dealing with

44

Paragraph 55 applications –and its predecessor, PPS 7 Paragraph 11 – over the past eight years and having been successful on all 10 occasions thus far, I have submitted proposals under the auspice of this policy. I believe that Hawkes Architecture is uniquely positioned to advise on the suitability of a site to delivering a proposal which can meet the challenges cited within bullet point 4.

Our site appraisal process typically takes between six and eight weeks; the results give you advice on whether we consider a submission under Paragraph 55 is possible, and if so why. We also provide a detailed breakdown of the associated costs in pulling such an application together and produce a detailed programme to show how long things are likely to take. We believe these ‘tools’ to be the most important factors a potential client needs before deciding whether or not to proceed with such an application.

Above: Hawkes Architecture offer clients a range of design solutions, from landscaping to interior design Below: Self-building in a restricted area doesn't have to be a pipe dream

ecrethte: S e d a Tr ph 55 has ny

Paragra to apply to a l of e tial its lev poten less of er, each rd a g re v land, tion. Howe lexities protec s own comp ill w s it site ha not all sites l. a and v ro pp gain a

i-build

Paragraph 55 application success stories Below are some examples of home-build projects that have been granted Paragraph 55 appraisal.

Viewpoint, Surrey – Metropolitan Green Belt + AONB It was clear that the character of the area had become unrecognisable. Understanding this, the design reflects the land’s original use, stitching this back into the landscape.

Echo Barn, Kent It was important that this design reflected the utilitarian, agricultural nature of the landscape and respected the hierarchy of the buildings in the area, which include a listed farmhouse and oast houses.

Crossway Passive House, Kent Crossway used an iconic arched roof proposal built from locally made clay tiles glued together with Plaster of Paris to support a wildflower meadow roof which helped to fix the house into its rural setting. It also features a pioneering integrated renewable energy system, which, when installed, became the UK’s first passive house.

Bigbury Hollow – set within a Scheduled Ancient Monument Hawkes Architecture was asked to assess this site after a previous application for a dwelling had failed and a subsequent appeal dismissed. It was at this point the client contacted the architects and the team started again from scratch. It was clear that the site provided an important break between existing buildings. Maintaining this natural gap was an essential driver of the design, resulting in the subterranean dwelling that was subsequently approved. Various additional environmental and ecological benefits were accrued by the proposals, which formed part of the Bigbury Camp Scheduled Ancient Monument site.

Above: Brooks Barn overcame its restrictions by utilising a water source heat pump Below: Completed in 2009, Crossway – located in Kent – was the UK's first passive house

If you’ve found a plot within a countryside location, or if planning has previously been refused, a Paragraph 55 appraisal is a good foundation to work from.

Although we have a 100% success rate for submissions under paragraph 55, there is no magic formula and one scheme cannot be used to help justify another. Each site and set of circumstances is unique from any other, but we have found that with each scheme there has been some form of ‘angle’ on which to base a proposal.

www.hawkesarchitecture.co.uk

Brooks Barn, West Sussex Here, the client wanted the reassurance of tried and tested technologies whilst still meeting the aspirations of the tests set within bullet point 4.

Innovation was delivered in the form of a water source heat pump sited within a pond. Although widely used in Canada, this was the first time for this technology to be included in a UK house.

Furrows, North Yorkshire Located on the edge of a North Yorkshire village, the form of this design drew its conceptual inspiration from the remnant ridge and furrow topography preserved on the site. The dwelling’s design created a transition between the agricultural and residential built landscapes. The form of the design drew references to the shape and actions of a plough whilst also presenting a simple rectilinear form, which was of a scale, and another form that was suggestive of an agricultural barn. The scale, height and location of the new dwelling were respectful of the adjacent houses, which were of varied design and periods. The proposals also incorporated a renewable energy system which not only generate sufficient energy for its own needs, but also meet the needs of several others.

45

i-nterior i-build

Left: Trench heating is growing in popularity amongst self-builders Below: It is an efficient and unobtrusive heating solution

compared to some of the alternatives, it is blissfully manageable and brings its own unique benefits.

Combatting heat loss efficiently

Take your heating into the trenches Trench heating is fast becoming a popular and practical choice for heating modern homes because it is easy, energy efficient and perfect for combatting heat loss from glass facades. Here Justin Vicarage, Technical Estimator at Jaga Heating Products UK, discusses the benefits of trench heating.

T

he successful marriage of design and functionality is the age-old quandary for the self-builder, but an aesthetic vision need not be compromised in order to attain a genuinely comfortable living environment.

For the ambitious self-builder set on turning architectural aspirations into reality, deciding on how to heat a new property can sometimes be overlooked – not only in terms of how radiators can be incorporated within

46

an interior decor, but also how efficiently they perform over the lifecycle of the house.

Trench heating is becoming an increasingly popular choice because it ticks all the boxes in terms of satisfying end users’ heating, comfort and efficiency requirements, and because it can save floor space and be stylishly incorporated into any given room. The process of building the trenches and installing the heaters might seem a little daunting, but it is not as difficult as you might think. In fact,

Standard wall-mounted radiators can obviously perform a job, but aren’t necessarily in keeping with a minimalistic approach. Trench heating is discreet and complementary to a design that favours maximum space. Walls are left free, allowing you to position furniture exactly where you want it, and the irritation of having to work around radiators when redecorating will be removed. With the addition of stylish designer grilles available in a wide range of materials – from chic aluminium to elegant oak – the trenches can even enhance the decor from along the perimeters of the rooms.

Trench heating is not just a heating system, it is a stand-alone design element with genuine practical functionality. But this technology really comes to the fore when it is positioned in front of glass facades.

Contemporary building design presents an ever-growing appreciation for natural light. This recognition has manifested itself in the form of floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which have become an architectural feature in many new self-builds. Glass has the potential to make a home feel that much more open and welcoming, whilst better connecting it with the outdoor

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Eyebrow i-nterior Sub-brow

environment. Glass facades quite often become the focal point of a building and the basis for a sleek, contemporary look both inside and out. It is no wonder that this approach to building design – which became popular in commercial buildings to create a sense of openness and transparency – has become widely used in modern domestic buildings.

With the requirement to cut down on CO2 emissions, how a building manages its energy consumption is of course an important consideration. Glass facades have practical benefits; an increase in natural daylight reduces the electrical energy required for lighting and solar thermal comfort prevents unnecessary energy waste when the sun is shining. However, glass is a poor insulator and is the most common source of unnecessary heat loss, resulting in both reduced comfort levels and unnecessary high energy bills – that is unless you choose a heating solution that directly combats this.

Trench heating is ideally suited because its convection currents help to minimise heat loss and draughts by creating a barrier of heat that rises from the floor before circling back down the face of the glass facade – helping to keep heat in whilst preventing condensation.

While this will resolve the heating issues with the glass, space heating trenches should be specified to complement those positioned in front of the glass – a consideration that a competent manufacturer will be able to advise upon and accommodate accordingly. In terms of general performance for space heating, the trenches are economical and efficient to run because they produce heat from floor level that is evenly circulated throughout the room, meaning there are no cold spots or inefficient heat build ups such as near the ceiling.

Furthermore, the system can be specified with low mass, low water content heat emitters that can run at low-flow temperatures – reducing energy spend by as much as 16%. With considerable savings resulting from their performance – as well as the removed temptation to overcompensate on temperature control to combat any heat loss through the glass – your home will be optimally efficient both financially and environmentally, as well as ensuring it is an entirely comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Easy installation For the savvy self-builder, the installation process is relatively simple because a trench heating system remains true to the original concept of a conventional radiator.

With the exception of constructing floor voids to house the trench heaters, installing the units themselves and connecting them to a hot water supply and control system is essentially the same as any other radiator.

Many people might point to underfloor heating as a potential alternative, but in the context of a self-build project this can be costly, time-consuming and complicated. Then, if in the long run there is a fault with the system, access is difficult and repair costs can escalate. By comparison, trench heaters are cheaper and easier to install, particularly when

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you are seeking to minimise the manpower on-site.

The grilles, whilst looking fairly complicated to install, are usually supplied as single roll-up parts. This makes laying them down a swift procedure and ensures they can be easily removed to perform general maintenance and cleaning of the trench and element when required.

The manufacturer you choose can help to soothe any potential headaches. If there are unique space requirements such as a curved bay window, the manufacturer will purpose-build the trench heater to fit. There is also a misconception that by installing the radiators yourself, you would have to build and test it too. However, the trench heating systems are usually pre-assembled and pressure tested at the point of manufacture for maximum end user convenience.

When paired with a considered heating system for when its solar thermal power is ineffective – and thus counter-productive to energy efficiency – glass is a superior design choice, both in its aesthetic contribution to a building and in enhancing its efficiency.

Many heating options may jump out, however, trench heating blends aesthetically pleasing design, functionality and painless installation. By seeking out an expert trench heating manufacturer, all your heating and design requirements will be considered and the products will be tailored for you and delivered to your door, ready for installation.

www.jaga.co.uk

Above: The system is perfect for minimalist design schemes Right: Trench heating works wonderfully beside extensive glazing Left: Convection currents create a barrier that helps to retain heat Far left: The design also frees precious wall space

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Eyebrow i-scape Sub-brow

Garden deck-or Timber decking and fencing can add value and a great deal of comfort to your home, as well as enhancing the way you interact with your garden. Here, decking specialist Abordeck provides everything you need to know about choosing the right solutions for your garden.

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well-considered decking design is the ideal accompaniment to a beautiful newly-decorated home. There are a wide variety of timber options available and whether your preferences are for something sustainably sourced or stylishly contemporary, the versatile aesthetics of timber offers a solution to suit everyone.

Timber is broadly classified into two groups – softwoods and hardwoods. This does not

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relate to the hardness of the wood, but to the type of tree from which it comes. The key to selecting wood for outdoor use is durability.

Some species of wood have a natural ability to resist decay completely, others may require treatment. Softwood is used a lot more in decking because it tends to be less expensive than hardwood. However, naturally durable hardwoods tend to have more impact and abrasion resistance, which is why they are often used in commercial projects.

Regulations Decking rarely requires planning permission, however there are some restrictions as to how much of your garden you can cover. For example, some councils do not permit decking to cover more than 50% of a garden, so it’s always worth checking.

Regulations apply when: There is a highway within 20m of the decking The decking is planned to be 300m or more above ground level The decking will impact the amenity value and privacy of neighbouring properties The deck is attached to a listed building or located in a national park The laws for fencing are a tad more complicated as they deal with neighbours and boundaries. In short you will need planning permission: For fences over 2m high If your new fence is higher than 1m and it borders or adjoins a public highway used for vehicles If your house is a listed building or if you form a boundary with a listed building

Deck boards come in a range of sizes and appearances – plain, ribbed, grooved or enhanced grip. Regardless of what board you opt for, The Timber Decking and Cladding Association recommends the following: To enable fast drainage and reduce the effects of movements caused by the moisture do not use boards wider than 150mm Wood should be straight grained and have a moisture content no greater than 20% Each board should have a machine chamfer or radius to aid drainage and prevent damage Grooved boards were designed to facilitate rapid draining of the surface and should always be installed with the grooves in the direction of the fall A gap of no less than 5mm and no more than 8mm should be left between boards Leave a gap of 5mm where a deckboard abuts a post and no more than 2mm where deckboards abut one another lengthways

Left: There is a timber option to suit any space Below: Although most decking projects won't require planning permission, there are some restrictions

Decking deliberations Decking should be crafted with safety as a principle concern. The deck should be planned to minimise trip hazards and any specifically planned features need to be factored in – for example, sand pits, hot tubs, ponds etc. You will also need to ensure your supports are strong enough for any structures you plan to house on top of your decking, such as sheds.

Consider where the sunlight falls in your garden and how you envision using the decking – for example, if you intend to make the most of morning sunshine make sure you place your decking in the right spot. Alternately, if you are looking to create a shady retreat, build both sun and wind shade into the design.

Decking should be selected based on your aesthetic preference – do you want smooth or grooved deck boards? You can also buy anti-slip decking, which is useful within temperamental British weather.

For the sustainability-conscious, there are many timber alternatives available. For example, composite decking from Trex decking is an environmentally friendly product formed from recycled shopping bags. This product doesn’t warp or splinter, it doesn’t need to be stained or painted and is fade, mould, scratch and stain resistant.

i-scape

Deck board essentials

Fencing features Carefully plan both the height and design of your new fence. Choose the colour and the type of wood you’re going to use first as this will need to match the overall tone of your garden. If, however, you have a specific preference for a colour outside of the available

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Left: Trex decking is ideal for the eco-conscious Below: The key to selecting wood for outdoor use is durability.

wood tones, simply paint or stain the fence.

Decide what you want from your fence. If privacy is a concern, consider a lap panel design, which blocks any gaps and stops prying eyes from seeing into your garden. If you want to soften this fairly regimented design, adding a trellis or hedge to the fence can provide decorative appeal.

If your fence is acting as a boundary for pets and plants, but you are not concerned about security, perhaps a lattice style would be suitable. These designs look both modern and are also visually impressive – especially if you allow plants to interweave with the design.

Maintenance Once you’ve constructed your decking and/or fence, you may need to perform periodic maintenance to keep them up to scratch.

Fences should be scrubbed free of mould and mildew using soap and water. They should then be rinsed clean and left to dry. Re-stain your fence every few years to refresh its colour, as the sun will slowly cause it to fade.

Alternatively, you can jazz it up by repainting it entirely.

Over the years spillages and general use can combine to create decking in need of a little maintenance but that’s no reason to panic. Decking will require cleaning every once in a while; timings often depend on the time of year and the Great British weather. Start with a stiff sweeping brush and get rid of loose debris, then invest in some decking cleaner and give it a good scrub. Finally, rinse away with a hose and then wait around two days for it to dry. Following that, you can add a protective coat or re-strain/paint. If you opted for composite decking, you shouldn’t need to repaint or stain it.

www.arbordeck.co.uk

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Landscape I T ’ S I N DO O R S M E ETS OU T D OORS

LANDSCAPE SHOW, TUESDAY 22 & WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2015 BATTERSEA PARK, LONDON The LANDSCAPE Show returns to Battersea Park in London on Tuesday & Wednesday the 22nd & 23rd of September 2015.

Over 200 manufacturers and suppliers, over 3,000 visitors, over 40 CPD accredited seminars. For more details go to: www.landscapeshow.co.uk

Sub-brow Eyebrow Pre-manufactured Homes i-build

An introduction to Baufritz As Baufritz completes its 50th house in the UK, what is the story behind its reputation as Europe’s leading supplier of prefabricated timber-framed eco-homes?

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his autumn, in a quiet residential street in Cambridge, a family will move into their stunning new Baufritz home. Featuring a striking contemporary design and clad almost entirely in timber, this healthy and sustainable building has been designed around the needs of its users, featuring the latest prefabricated construction technology and a wealth of features to make it fit for modern family life.

For Baufritz, completing its 50th bespoke-designed prefabricated house is an important milestone since the company came to the UK in 2006. But the company can trace its roots – and its unique ethos – back much further.

Baufritz has been producing timber houses since 1896, when master carpenter Sylvester Fritz founded the company. Baufritz has remained a family firm ever since, and has been run since 2004 by Sylvester’s greatgranddaughter, Dagmar Fritz-Kramer.

From Baufritz’s headquarters in Bavaria, the company has pioneered the construction of healthy, sustainable homes.

From solvent-free paint to responsibly sourced timber,

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Above:: The Baufritz team can help customers choose every last detail of their home, from floor finishes to door handles Below: From Baufritz’s HQ in Bavaria, the company has pioneered the construction of healthy, sustainable homes

customers know that every material has been carefully specified for its quality, durability and sustainability.

Take Baufritz’s unique 100% natural wood shaving insulation material for example, which is used as standard in all Baufritz homes. Wall and roof panels are filled with a 24cm thick layer of shavings, providing exceptional insulation values between 0.2 Wm2K and 0.16W/m2K. In addition to being breathable, the product is fire, mould and insect resistant. It is treated with natural products to ensure there are no health risks – unlike other insulation methods which can cause respiratory problems or skin irritation. It is the first sustainable Cradle to Cradle insultation material in the world – an example of Baufritz’s efforts to develop materials and houses that minimise its environmental impact and create healthy home environments for its customers.

Underpinning Baufritz’s approach and success is the company’s focus on its customers. Every home in the UK is designed to individual clients’ needs by Baufritz’s talented team of UK-based architects and designers.

Once planning has been secured, customers then spend three to four days at Baufritz’s headquarters in Germany, where the Baufritz team help them to choose every last detail of their home, from floor finishes to door handles.

Once the house has been built with millimetre perfect precision in Baufritz’s state of the art factory, it is shipped to the UK where it is constructed by Baufritz’s hard-working and talented construction team. Prefabrication means that houses can be weathertight within three to four days, with completion following shortly thereafter – a far cry from typical building methods. Throughout the design and construction process, customers are given all the support they need by Baufritz’s expert sales and project management team.

The end result? An individually tailored, beautifully designed and craftsman-built home that is modern, healthy and sustainable – all are unique. Alongside the Cambridge family home Baufritz has recently built an eco-friendly guesthouse in the South Downs, a stylish contemporary house in a London conservation area and a luxury family home in Surrey. The company is currently on site with a charming new house in Scotland.

www.baufritz.com/uk 01223 235632 enquiries@baufritz.co.uk

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Inex is the comprehensive online specification portal for interior and exterior design professionals.

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

Glass & Stainless Limited offer a range of architectural glazing solutions to enhance the aesthetics of any building. Our systems include:

G-GLAS BESPOKE GLASS Available in a variety of different thicknesses and finishes from screen printed to curved.

G-CUVA CANOPY SYSTEMS & POINT FIXINGS High quality 316 grade components are used in either connecting rod or universal wall mounted system.

G-LINE SLIDING GLASS DOOR & PARTITIONING SYSTEMS To suit a wide range of applications from fixed and non-fixed panels and have the ability to mount to a wall, ceiling or glass.

G-RAIL ALUMINIUM AND STAINLESS STEEL RAILING SYSTEMS Premium quality modular balustrade systems designed to offer flexible solutions to everyday challenges.

G-CUBE GLASS SHOWER CUBICLE SYSTEMS Hinges, handles, knobs, channels and clamps.

G-FLOR BESPOKE GLASS FLOORS Made to measure bespoke glass floor individually tailored to suit your home, manufactured on a either a supply and install or supply only basis.

Request a copy of our 2015 brochure at glassandstainless.com

Get in touch:

0843 504 4545

sales@glassandstainless.com

www.glassandstainless.com

Glass & Stainless Limited | Martins Court | West Street | Congleton | Cheshire | CW12 1LB

Product Guide

Sustainable advantages Begetube is an industry leader when it comes to sustainable heating system design. Here, Paul Haigh, Director of Begetube, identifies how solar thermal panels can save you money.

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s the great Henry Ford once said: “If I’d asked my customers what they wanted, they’d have said a faster horse.” Whether or not he actually said this is moot, but what it does illustrate is that constant improvements in technology and efficiency, although very welcome, are not always the best answer to your task.

Through the years, as heating systems have improved in efficiency, many people have only experienced small savings in fuel consumption and

bills. These small steps do add up, but to have an effect in real, measureable terms it might be useful to use timescales that paleontologists are used to; sometimes it may be worthwhile to start anew.

Here at Begetube, we are passionate about solar thermal systems, and when you stop and think about why, it will become very obvious. The many benefits of solar thermal systems include: tiny running costs; zero carbon output; three times as much efficiency as solar PV and household savings of up to 85% off heating and DHW energy bills.

Above:: Solar thermal systems can dramatically decrease your energy spending Left: Cartoon by Ron Tandberg

Taking all of this into account, we are pretty much flummoxed by the lack of interest in solar thermal.

There are many instances where builders put a panel or two on the roof – which is great – however, when you consider that a typical new build can supply heating and hot water for as little as £160 per year, we encourage homeowners to fully investigate which systems will provide the biggest savings.

The property that supplies heating and hot water for just £160 a year is a property based in the North of Scotland. The system cost the homeowners less than £7k – including VAT – which included panels, fixings, controls, solar fluid and thermal store. The only bill to pay is the supplementary kick in of a backup boiler, which might be needed during prolonged cold spells.

Another benefit of installing solar thermal technology is that it’s carbon free. We are constantly reminded of issues surrounding CO2 emissions and global warming, which should act as a catalyst, encouraging us to make changes where we are able. After all, if there is a massive solar overspill we simply call it a nice day.

www.begetube.co.uk 01463 246600 info@begetube.co.uk

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Product Guide

Pre-manufactured advantages Hanse Haus is a premier, German supplier of turnkey, pre-manufactured, ultra-high efficiency homes. Founded as a carpentry business in 1929, it now builds some 450 timber frame homes annually, Europe-wide and has been active in the UK since 2006. Recent changes in the EUR:GBP exchange rate have made the price of a Hanse Haus comparable with traditional, lower-performance forms of construction. A premium product is now a truly viable alternative for the majority of self-builders across the UK who can move beyond legacy construction practices and enjoy the benefits that leading-edge, off-site construction is able to deliver. Pre-manufactured homes are a far cry from post war standards and offer a highly-robust, healthy, efficient and increasingly competitive future-proof product to new homeowners.

www.hanse-haus.co.uk 0845 658 9780 info@hanse-haus.co.uk

Quick fit pocket door systems JB Kind Doors offers spacesaving pocket door solutions that bring contemporary style to your self-build. The company now supplies a quick fit pocket door framing system to suit its wide range of contemporary and classic door designs. Easy to install, the rigid framing system is pre-assembled and can be fitted in half the time of other brands. Designed for stud and plasterboard, the system is suitable for single and double door situations. It is also supported by a choice of accessories and compatible sliding door hardware.

www.jbkind.com 01283 554197 info@jbkind.com

Osmo seals the deal for exterior gaps Osmo UK, an eco-friendly wood and finishes expert, introduces Exterior Sealer – the only sealer on the market that works with Osmo wood finishes. This is the ideal product for filling, fixing and repairing all manners of splits and gaps as well as sealing and filling joints on both finished and unfinished exterior wood, PVC and aluminium frames and joinery. This siliconised, one-part acrylic sealant is colour-fast, UV resistant and water repellent. Exterior Sealer is an easy to apply product, thanks to the Osmo sealer application gun – sold separately – and requires only one layer of application for full results. Once dried, the product can be sanded and finished.

www.osmouk.com 01296 481220 info@osmouk.com

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Seamless colour for summer house Cembrit Cemwood cladding has added a touch of colour and a contemporary finish to a garden summer house in south east London. Over 40m² of Cemwood has been installed on the new building, designed and built in six months by homeowners, Effie and Peter Antoniou. They opted for a light green colour, which complements the dark grey of the building’s bi-fold doors and windows, whilst also blending seamlessly within the garden setting. This fibrecement, wood-effect weatherboard is fire, rot and insect resistant, as well as being unaffected by heat or sunlight. The Cembrit fibre cement roof tiles used work well alongside the cladding and provide durability, whilst being light and easy to install.

www.cembrit.co.uk 020 8301 8900 sales@cembrit.co.uk

Al fresco lighting control Remote switching outdoor/ garden devices just got a lot easier with the launch of Hamilton’s new Mercury Air Wireless Switching System.

This innovative four channel weatherproofed system is easy to install and ideally suited to controlling multiple lighting circuits for outhouses, summerhouses, swimming pools, patios, hot tubs and ornamental ponds, as well as other devices such as access control gates and garage doors. All circuits can be controlled using multiple receivers from a variety of remote handsets and switches throughout a property.

www.hamilton-litestat.com 01747 860088 info@hamilton-litestat.com

Minimise heat loss and maximise savings Panasonic’s brand new 50L buffer tank is now available and is ideal as a volume extension vessel or low-loss header tank, maximising the effectiveness of Aquarea heat pump applications in properties large or small.

Buffer tanks are used with air source heat pumps to increase volume, provide storage and to prevent short cycling of the heat pump, and therefore deliver a more efficient system to the user. This new addition to the Aquarea range is cost and energyefficient, and requires little to no maintenance once installed within a property.

With Automated Air Vent capabilities, the new Aquarea 50L buffer tank will maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of current heating applications.

www.aircon.panasonic.eu 01344 853182 uk-aircon@eu.panasonic.com

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

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