i-build September 2018

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

20+

Travel-inspired homewares for globetrotting home improvers

September 18 Issue 50

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

DODGE SUBSIDENCE BY EXAMINING YOUR SOIL TYPE DEMOLITION IN CONSERVATION AREAS – DON'T BREAK THE RULES

COVER STORY:

TIMBER CLADDING The benefits behind the self-builder's favourite decorative material

+

READY FOR SHOW SEASON?

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

VAT ADVICE – STAKE A CLAIM

Upcoming selfbuild and home renovation shows to add to your diary

Your checklist on specifying bespoke doors for your homebuilding project

Hints on successfully chasing your allimportant VAT reimbursement

SPECIAL FOCUS:

l SANITARYWARE l SHEDS l BIOPHILIA l MIRRORS

Delivering British architecture with German technology Hanse Haus is a premium German supplier of turnkey, pre-manufactured ultra-high efficiency homes.

Founded as a carpentry business in 1929, it now erects some 400 timber frame homes annually Europewide and has been active in the UK since 2006.

To talk to us about your individual requirements, contact us using the details below.

Hanse Haus Email info@hanse-haus.co.uk Telephone 0800 302 9220 www.hanse-haus.co.uk

Welcome to the September issue of i-build

www.i-buildmagazine.com

Editorial:

Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com

Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Grant Jeffs

grant@mixedmediainfo.com Print Design Manager:

Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Design Manager:

David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com Production Assistant:

Sofia Franchi

sofia@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts:

Jackie Dearman

jackie@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Creating the home of your dreams – whether

to hear an unvarnished commentary

it be starting from scratch or investing in

from Jonathan Flewers on his family's road

a little TLC for an existing home – can,

to completion.

of course, cause much excitement and celebration for a home improver. However, the further self-builders and home renovators travel down the path of no return; the more many begin to experience the pressure. Monetary hurdles, a lack of everyday living space, Building Regulation compliance, planning permission and so much more start to take their toll. Every individual who's trekked this route will prewarn fresh-faced home-builders of the complexities and everyday stress felt throughout the entire process. For one of i-build's star self-builders, the pressure of a cliffside build in the Malvern Hills, Worcester, was a little too much. The Flewers family came across their rural plot via a plot finder whilst living in New Zealand. Despite not viewing the plot first hand, the Flewers approached Architect Nick Carroll to create a Passivhaus-inspired design. Turn to page 16 @ibuildmagazine

Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA T: 01622 873229 F: 01622 320020

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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

Elsewhere in this issue, i-build talks to September's next star self-builders Geraint and Mererid Roberts. The pair's conversion of a 300-year-old barn sited on Geraint's family farm has true sentimental value to the couple, and has received a warm welcome from the community. Turn to page 22 to read up on the duo's triumph.

As usual, our pages are brimming with ideas for your new house-building project. This month's issue features our customary homewares inspiration, advice on incorporating biophilic principles into a scheme – the interior realm's mosttalked-about hypothesis – and, as the chilly, sunless evenings swiftly approach, guidance on choosing suitable blinds for your windows.

Paige paige@mixedmediainfo.com

www.mixedmediainfo.com

Editor’s picks

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Welcome Note

i-build

Add kerb appeal to your home with the addition of garage doors. Here, Hörmann shows you how: See page 48 Roseview’s Ultimate Rose is a uPVC sash in disguise. Read on to discover the possibilities: See page 53 Kitchen inspiration from BLANCO. Learn about the company's brand-new classic design: See page 50

53

Cover story: Thinking of opting for timber cladding for your self-build? Read up on the key benefits of using this aesthetically-pleasing material.

See page 28.

48

50

3

Search ‘ibuildmagazine’

lvedr: a o v n i Get ave a projecttoo see in

h e If you at you’d lik ar from he t th o t c u e r at d v pro e’d lo il our edito w , d il a m o m .c e i-bu o f imply ediain you! S mixedm your editor@ r add us to st. li o ailing PR m

Subscribe free to receive your invaluable self-build resource Featuring diverse and inspirational projects alongside the latest news, events and products, i-build is the comprehensive guide for planning, designing, building and decorating individual homes.

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i-build i-nterior i-scape

Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

September 2018

32

46

16

38

06

10

22

In this issue: Desired Designs

12

Contracts & Legalities

14 16

22 26

ON THE COVER

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

ON THE COVER

From implications and eligibility to claims and rules, Lisa Smith, Tax Manager at Whiting & Partners, deciphers the process of claiming back VAT for your home-building project.

Viewpoint

ON THE COVER

Avoid remedial works, ensure your project will be structurally sound and circumvent the possibility of future structural subsidence with Mainmark’s advice on soil type.

28

i-build

30

Doors & Windows

32 34

Impressive Innovation

Instinct was all the Flewers family had to go on when they came across a cliffside plot via a plot finder whilst in New Zealand. Although the family hadn’t seen the plot first-hand, they still appointed Architect Nick Carroll to design their Passivhaus-inspired home.

Here, i-build follows the Flewers’ self-build journey.

Rural Retreat

With an ambition to live as self-sufficiently as possible, Welsh couple Geraint and Mererid Roberts opted for a ground source heat pump when renovating a 300-year-old barn sited on Geraint’s family’s farm, Rhandir. Read their story here.

Conservation Areas

36 42 44

ON THE COVER

If you’re planning a self-build or home renovation project in a location of architectural or historic interest, chances are your plot’s located in a conservation area, which, importantly, poses some limitations. Here, Planning Portal looks at demolition restrictions.

46

ON THE COVER

Richard Mosson at Lathams explains the benefits behind timber cladding which has led to its popularity amongst the self-build community.

ON THE COVER

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

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

20+

Travel-inspired homewares for globetrotting home improvers

September 18 Issue 50

06

DODGE SUBSIDENCE BY EXAMINING YOUR SOIL TYPE

Deuren Founder Ian Chubb’s checklist when considering statement doors for your project.

DEMOLITION IN CONSERVATION AREAS – DON'T BREAK THE RULES

Blinds & Shutters

With the bitterer, darker nights swiftly approaching, now’s an apt time to start considering the blinds for your home’s apertures. Here, Blinds 2Go offers a little help.

Sanitaryware

Sanctuary Bathrooms offers its how-to guide on installing a pedestal sink.

Home Automation

Together, Allan Corfield Architects and Connected AV offer some home automation inspiration for those homeowners looking to stay connected.

i-scape

COVER STORY:

TIMBER CLADDING The benefits behind the self-builder's favourite decorative material

+

READY FOR SHOW SEASON?

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

VAT ADVICE – STAKE A CLAIM

Upcoming selfbuild and home renovation shows to add to your diary

Your checklist on specifying bespoke doors for your homebuilding project

Hints on successfully chasing your allimportant VAT reimbursement

SPECIAL FOCUS:

l SANITARYWARE l SHEDS l BIOPHILIA l MIRRORS

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

ON THE COVER

Oeco Garden Rooms brings you up to date with the latest shed trends and explains how you can incorporate all the latest mod cons for a modern-day outdoor space.

i-nterior

ON THE COVER

The biophilia hypothesis has taken over the interior realm of late. Discover how to incorporate this organic, natural trend into your home’s interior.

i-DIY

ON THE COVER

Jenna Sue of Jenna Sue Design offers her five-step guide on antiquating a mirror for a shabby chic look.

5

Desired Designs

2

1

3

4

5 Image ©Wallsauce.com

Around the world in one home

6

Satisfy your inner explorer with these map and globe accessories and become a world traveller from the comfort of your self-build.

M

aps and globes are no longer reserved for boring boardrooms, tedious home offices or dreary classrooms – there’s a plethora of interesting, original, quirky and colourful pieces that will add an exciting focal point into any room in your new home. Maps and globes come in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes so finding one that complements your new space as well as your personal style won’t be difficult, it will just a take a little imagination. For a sophisticated style, try adding a framed and faded vintage map to a wall, but if you are after a more whimsical approach, why not use a multicoloured map as a wallpaper or mural – ideal for a child’s room or playroom. Globes are getting a glamourous upcycle at the moment too. A traditional, old-fashioned one can give a room a vintage feel, whereas a glass globe can help finish off a chic and minimalistic scheme – plus they’re useful for planning your next trip too! It’s easy to capture the spirit of adventure using globes and maps; so what are you waiting for, it’s time to turn your self-build’s interior into a unique and personal journey.

6

7

8 1. Geometric world map, Red Candy, £150

2. Antiqued white and gold

world globe, The Farthing, £45

9

3. Bamboo globe,

einrichten-design.de, €119

4. Portobello vintage map

mantel clock, Hurn & Hurn, £24

5. OYOY world rug, BONORDIC, £65 6. Colour cork globe, Hurn & Hurn, £95

7. Eton world map wooden desk box, Artisanti, £57

8. Vintage world map

atlas coasters, The Contemporary Home, £9.99

9. Large custom rainbow

world map poster, HappyPlaceArt.etsy.com, £POA

10. 4-piece world map wall

plaque, Alexander & Pearl, £1030

10

2. World Political Rustic Map mural by Lovell Johns, £30/m2

3. Pastel Map mural, £POA 4. Classic Map wallpaper mural by Lovell Johns, £30/m2

Desired Designs

1. Ancient Map wall mural, £27/m2

1

4 2 3

Wallsauce.com Creator of made-to-measure wall murals, Wallsauce.com is one of the UK's leading murals companies, shipping worldwide. Wallsauce.com prints its murals using the latest technology on a variety of high-quality wallpapers.

i-build loves...

Dazzling drink containers Globes come in all sorts of different sizes and some are the perfect fit for your drinks.

1. Globe tumblers, GettingPersonal.co.uk, £12.99 2. Da Vinci bar globe, Historic Royal Palaces, £250 3. Equator Globe Bar – bronze, Boca do Lobo, £POA 4. Equator Globe Bar – gold, Boca do Lobo, £POA

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1

4

3

7

Desired Designs

Cool kettles

Your self-build’s kettle doesn’t just have to be functional.

Image ©Sophie Allport

1

4

Simply stunning

Beautiful blue

This stunning Scandi-style cordless electric kettle is simply remarkable. The pale blue with a contrasting grey lid and circular detailing at the base makes for an attractive piece of kitchenware. It has a lovely tactile beech wood handle and a softly curved lip for easy pouring.

The Mid-Century design and mix of materials makes the Stove Kettle a wonderful choice when looking to update your self-build's kitchenware. The blue colourway will add a lovely brightness to your room. (www.gardentrading.co.uk)

(www.blackbydesign.co.uk)

2

5

Charming and quirky

Really retro

This Tea Rex kettle was designed to mark the 30th anniversary of the famous kettle with Graves turning the little bird into a charming supernatural reptile. A prehistoric and mythological creature all at the same time, the dragon is a homage to the Chinese culture for whom these beings symbolise strength and fortune.

With its mix of technology and retro chic, this 50s-style kettle makes every moment special, from breakfast to a relaxing evening.

It instantly warms the water accurately and efficiently. And even when you do not use it, it would be a shame to hide it, because of its gorgeous colour.

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

(www.smeg.fr/revendeurs)

3

8

6

Pure practicality

A true classic

This stylish French-inspired enamel stove kettle has both stunning design and pure practicality.

Suitable for gas hobs and AGAs, the kettle includes a handsome wooden handle, to be kept upright while heating. Delightfully oldfashioned with clean lines and bold colouring, it will stand out beautifully in both a country kitchen and modern townhouse.

This kettle is a true classic. Beautifully styled, its smooth curves are complemented by the premium quality stainless steel finish and high-shine polished details. The extra large water window adds to the sophisticated look of this kettle and makes it nice and easy to view the fill level so you only boil the amount of water you need each time.

(www.gardentrading.co.uk)

(www.cuisinart.co.uk)

Always in tune with your style a comprehensive range of rainwater systems to accommodate all types of buildings and budgets

Choose from modern, traditional and heritage rainwater systems, available in Aluminium, GRP, Copper, Zinc and Stainless Steel.

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

Aluminium

GRP

Cast Iron

Copper, Zinc & Stainless Steel

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

Desired Designs

Fancy flooring Image ŠPlanium

Your self-build flooring doesn’t have to be boring.

1

4

Brass hexagons

Vintage stars

These hexagon-shaped tiles will add a twist to traditional flooring. The warm, golden tones of the brass-coloured honeycomb-style tiles will create a stunning antique finish to any room they are placed in.

These decorative patterned floor tiles have a star-shaped design with an aged vintage effect. They're made from ceramic and are perfect for creating a statement floor in a bathroom, kitchen, hallway, lounge or bedroom.

(www.planium.it)

(www.wallsandfloors.co.uk)

5

2

A retro addition

A striking statement

Use these retro-style multicoloured tiles to help introduce a little bit of fun and personality to any room in your self-build. (www.bakedtiles.co.uk)

These tiles will make a striking statement in any self-build. These are a recreation of authentic Cuban floor tiles but in a far darker, moody tone to create a sophisticated feature floor. (www.zazous.co.uk)

3

6

A touch of the Mediterranean

Magic mustard

Inspired by the handpainted tiles found in old Mediterranean country homes, these tiles have a beautifully distressed appearance that indicates years of heavy traffic.

These pretty tiles are inspired by flooring found at a farmhouse in the Spanish region of Rioja. The mix of mustard and grey promises to create a stunning flooring focal point in your self-build.

(www.bakedtiles.co.uk)

(www.zazous.co.uk)

10

Eyebrow

Serving the Eastern Region for 90 Years

Sub-brow

Let Us Help You Build...

Are you aiming to build or extend your home?

There can be challenges and we can help.

• Have you considered the tax implications?

• Should you be paying VAT? Whiting & Partners has years of experience of working with the building industry - a sector with unique accountancy and tax requirements. Our specialist Tax Team can advise you on the best way to manage your tax liability and how to manage your finances as your project progresses.

We are one of the oldest independent firms of chartered accountants and business advisers in the eastern region with offices in key market towns.

If you need advice please contact us on 03333 446556 Alternatively, browse our website - whitingandpartners.co.uk for all the latest news and information.

We offer core accounting services with specialist expertise in: • • • • • • • • • •

Agriculture Business Start up Charities Construction Contractors Cloud Accounting Corporate Tax & Finance Private Client Property Wealth Management

Bury St Edmunds Office Greenwood House, Skyliner Way Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. IP32 7GY Telephone: 01284 752313 bury@whitingandpartners.co.uk

whitingandpartners.co.uk Bury St. Edmunds | Ely | Huntingdon | King’s Lynn | March | Mildenhall | Peterborough | Ramsey | St. Ives | St. Neots | Wisbech11

Contracts & Legalities

Claiming back VAT on a self-build property VAT can be claimed back on a variety of features of a self-build or conversion project. Here Lisa Smith, Tax Manager at Whiting & Partners, explains more.

B

uying a house on the open market means you don’t have to pay VAT, whether it has been previously occupied or if it is new. When you’re building your own home, the same principle applies – whether you start from scratch or if you are converting your property into a residential dwelling, the labour costs are essentially zero-rated, and you will be able to claim back some or all of the VAT on the materials element of your project.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, however, so it is important to be clear on what you can and can’t claim for. It is easy to find yourself disappointed with some of the common misconceptions which lead to expected savings not materialising. It is also difficult to rectify errors down the line.

VAT reclaim rules

The scheme that covers VAT reclaim on newbuild properties in the UK is VAT Notice 431 (NB) and 431(C) for a conversion scheme. This allows you to reclaim VAT from HMRC that you have paid on your project if you are: Building a new house Converting a non-residential building into a new dwelling Bringing an existing dwelling that has not been lived in for 10 years back in to use.

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The home must: Be separate and self-contained Be for you or your family to live or holiday in Not be for business purposes.

This means extensions, refurbishments and annexes, for example, are not included as they do not create a new dwelling in their own right.

What is covered?

Examples of the materials you can claim VAT back on include: Electrical and plumbing materials Fittings i.e. floor tiles, fireplaces, light fittings etc.

Construction materials i.e. bricks, insulation, concrete etc.

Extractor fans Fitted furniture Delivery charge included on an invoice for materials.

Materials you cannot claim VAT back on include: Carpets Kitchen appliances Consumables Bedroom furniture Equipment hire Professional fees i.e. architects or surveyors Delivery costs invoiced separately.

Listed buildings

As of October 2012, all repairs and extensions on listed buildings are subject to VAT at 20%.

You can, however, find some exceptions here with obtaining permission to demolish all but the facade or shell of a listed building and then the work may be classified as a new build and the VAT element could be eligible for reclaim.

This area has some strict definitions of what is allowed and, therefore, checking with HMRC before you start work is a must.

Renovations and extensions

Work to renovate or extend an existing residential building will be subject to VAT at 20%. Again, there are some exceptions, for example, the Government introduced a reduced rate of 5% for properties in run-down areas that have been unoccupied for two or more years. This can often be checked through utility bills and council tax payments and evidence will need to be provided.

Special circumstances

Other special circumstances include adaptations for someone who is disabled, which is zero-rated and works involving a change in the number of dwelling units – a reduced rate of 5% is payable for these types of projects.

Contracts & Legalities How to claim

To claim, your project must be eligible and lawful, for personal occupation by you or a family member, together with evidence of completion as well as detailed plans of the project. Some planning permissions can include conditions or restrictions on use or occupancy, which may mean that the project is not eligible.

It is important to consider the VAT implications before starting your project to include this in your financial calculations.

All original VAT invoices must be submitted to HMRC with your claim, therefore, it is important to ensure they include the following information: Supplier name VAT number Invoice date Description of goods and services Invoice value.

This is particularly important when buying online, so ensure that you obtain a valid VAT invoice when buying, as this may be difficult to obtain at a later date. Before you start, it is advisable to download the relevant pack from HMRC’s website and collate all receipts and invoices as you go along.

Following the completion of your project, you will have three months to submit your claim. HMRC will often acknowledge within 10 days and settle within 30 working days.

Getting advice on reclaiming VAT

Many tradespeople and contractors are not experienced in dealing with the VAT rules on new-build and eligible projects. If you are unsure of any aspect of VAT on your project, engage the services of a professional to help you get it right – don’t leave it to the contractor to advise you.

www.whitingandpartners.co.uk

13

Viewpoint

Understanding soil type: the key to addressing structural problems As most property developers will know, fixing subsidence issues was historically considered both challenging and costly. This is why those involved in property development are careful when taking on a property that is showing the common signs of subsidence including cracked walls and uneven floors.

H

owever, with modern alternatives to traditional underpinning methods emerging, subsidence no longer needs to be a costly and invasive issue. Even though modern solutions are helping to streamline the issue of subsidence, it is still important for those undertaking a renovation to understand what is happening in the ground to help identify the cause of any structural issues.

This is because different soil types give rise to unique problems and require alternative solutions.

The soil types commonly encountered in ground remediation work include clay, sand and

14

silt, fill and organic soils. Each have distinctive characteristics and require different solutions to address building subsidence issues.

Clays

Structural problems often result from varying moisture levels in reactive clay soil.

It swells when wet and shrinks when dry causing subsidence in drier conditions, or heave in wetter areas. The soil can become oversaturated due to broken sewers, stormwater pipes or burst mains. Oversaturated clay also loses its bearing capacity causing building footings to settle in the weakened soil, which can sink even further as it dries out.

Sand and silt

Structures on sand and silt soils often experience settlement caused by ground water, a natural underground watercourse or a leaking sewer or stormwater pipe. The finer grains are washed away leaving larger grains to settle, and the building’s footings and foundations become unsupported, compromising the structure above.

Fill

Fill is earthen material placed and compacted in a hole or depression. It can consist of soil, and can also include aggregate, rock or crushed construction waste. Structures built on fill are susceptible to the same issues as those on sand and silt, especially when water

Viewpoint flows wash-away finer material. Settlement is worse if the fill is poorly compacted.

Organic

Organic soils, especially peat, are weak and highly compressible making them prone to settlement, as the weight of any structure causes compaction. Primary settlement decreases over time, but can total hundreds of millimetres, resulting in significant structural issues.

It is vital to understand the type of soil a home is built on in order to correctly determine which solution is more suitable if subsidence does occur.

www.mainmark.com/uk

15

Impressive Innovation

A cliffside gem When Worcester-based Architect Nick Carroll was approached to design a Passivhaus-inspired home that would be built on the very cliff face of the Malvern Hills, he knew it would be a once in a lifetime project for its owner Jonathan Flewers and his family. What’s even more extraordinary is that the plot had never been viewed by the Flewers.

B

oasting over 18km of sweeping hillside and woodland between Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the Malvern Hills is one of the most iconic landscapes of England’s countryside, offering uninterrupted views as far as the eye can see. With such impressive views, it’s not hard to see why Nick Carroll was approached by Jonathan hoping to make the most of them by building a family home on the cliff face itself.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to build something special,” explains Jonathan. “Ever since childhood, I guess I’ve just wanted to do it and then from watching shows like Grand Designs it inspired me to do it. I’d watch the show and think if these ordinary people can do it, I can too – they’re not all

16

architects on the show. And, building something yourself means you can put a bit more of yourself into it – you can be more creative.”

Aptly named ‘Old Hollow’, the property became a completely new challenge for homeowner Jonathan who had unusually never seen the plot before purchasing. He explains: “We started looking at plots in 2007, then we ended up going to New Zealand; we had a plot finder so we could continue to look for plots in the UK because that was where Gill wanted to come back to at one point. Long story, short, one day a plot came up in Malvern. We did a bit research – you can do a lot now via the internet, like Google Earth, where you can actually see the view and the surrounding roads, and we just decided we’d

make it work, so we bought the plot – thinking that if it really was that bad, we could sell it again; nothing would really be lost by taking the plunge.

And anyway, building your own house is a huge risk, in fact, it’s borderline insanity.”

A top priority for Jonathan was creating an energy-efficient space, after being heavily influenced by Passivhaus designs and the ecological principles it implements in a property.

“Luckily in that part of Malvern, despite it being an area of natural beauty there’s a real mix of property styles – there’s no one design you have to stick to, so we could get away with designing a quite contemporary-looking building. We tried to make the house blend into the environment as much as possible, using natural materials and using timber.”

The newly-constructed, three-storey property features an ‘upside down’ design that maximises on the sweeping views and abundance of natural light of the Malvern Hills, with living areas on the top floor and bedrooms comprising the lower floors.

Designed to be spacious and family-friendly, the living areas on the third floor are entirely open-plan for a generous and airy interior.

17

Impressive Innovation

18

Impressive Innovation

Impressive Innovation

Speaking of the build, Nick said: “Our brief was to design a unique cliffside property that was founded upon the principles of Passivhaus design.

To ensure we achieved the best results, I took the client along to a Passivhaus training session. We used materials such as stone, timber and glass to achieve this. Most of the stone we used was recycled from the hill itself, which we obtained during the digging process when laying the foundations. All products were chosen especially for their thermal efficiency.”

Jonathan describes the build as the hardest thing he’s ever done, he explains: “I didn’t realise just how hard it was going to be. I think it was because it was all our money, all our time, I had to give up my career to achieve this and I loved living in New Zealand so I did feel a lot of resentment towards the house – I felt this was denying me this place that I loved living in and this job I enjoyed doing, and all I had was this house and this fatigue because it is so draining. It drained all my resources, all my energy and I was just tired; really tired. Anyone who has done this will tell you just how draining the whole process is because this is your home – you’re not doing it for money, you’re not doing it to prove a point, you’re doing it to provide a home for your family and you want it to be right. Unfortunately, not everyone you employ has the same desire for the end space – they just want to be paid for what they do, which is fair enough. So, it was hard but it would almost be criminal not to do it again because I’ve learnt so much about myself and I’ve learnt so much about building and what you can and can’t do along the whole process. It’s just a bit of a shame I didn’t start with a bit of a smaller project, learn some stuff, sell that and move on to the next project. This was a once-in-a-lifetime, all-ornothing, go-for-it build, I tried to tick lots of boxes in one go. I learnt some expensive and difficult lessons along the way. I’m not quite ready to do it again but at the end of it, I was still thinking about what I’m going to do next. I don’t have a deep desire to do it right now but maybe I’ll do something when I’m a bit older because our house isn’t really suitable for someone in their 70s – it’s a family home.”

The structure was insulated internally and externally with all walls, floors and ceilings thermally upgraded to achieve the greatest level of thermal performance possible. This was extended to the specification of rooflights and windows chosen, with Jonathan wanting to maximise as much natural light and ventilation into the property. To support the energy efficiency of the home, triple glazing was specified as standard. Roof Maker’s 2 x 1m fixed flat rooflight was specified to be installed above the stairwell, with its triple glazing supporting the energy-efficient design of the property.

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Impressive Innovation Jonathan continues: “If you asked me what my favourite part of the house was when we had just finished, I’d say the single design element of the house that I think has worked particularly well is the staircase. How it started from a concept and then evolved, I think has worked really well and it filters light through the house. It wasn’t an easy task. But probably now, after living in it for just over a year, I would say how complex the house is. It does so many different things, it is really ergonomic, you think it supplies you

20

with pleasure in one place and then another part of the house gives you something completely different. It’s really complicated, it doesn’t do just one thing. Every part of the house is different.

The house is so much ‘us’, it’s complicated but it delivers.”

In total, the project took three years to complete, with Nick and Jonathan working closely together throughout the entire process to create a unique family home. From its upside down approach to the layout in the cliffside and

the ecological design principles, Old Hollow is a one of a kind property that will be part of the Flewers family for years to come.

Jonathan concludes: “The advice I would give to anyone planning to self-build is you have to be absolutely committed to what you are doing. You can’t do this and think it’s going to be easy. If you’re not 100% committed to your aim of building a house, then I’d be very careful with your life savings. If you don’t have resilience and you crumble at the first

Impressive Innovation problem, then you won’t get through it. Make sure have good support – if it’s a husband and wife partnership, make sure you both want the same thing out of the project. Keep a very healthy contingency, people always run out of money and end up making compromises.

I made compromises on this build at the beginning because you can have the best of everything but then if you run out of cash and you’re halfway through the build you just end up with rubbish at the end. So, for me it was

the structure and the core of the house that had to be right, then all of the ‘bling’ stuff you could add on – if you had any money at the end. That was more important to me, but it is actually the finishes at the end that you will see – the door handle that you put your hand on every day – and if you’ve only got enough money for rubbish, it’s only going to make you annoyed. It’s a really difficult call between making sure you spend enough money on the really important stuff, like the fabric of

the house and the systems within the house, which you want to last forever and not having anything left to make it look pretty, or not spending enough on the fabric and spending too much on the pretty stuff. Just try and have a very healthy contingency and have a realistic plan for what you’re going to spend your money on. And remember, if you have lots of glass, you have lots of windows to clean!”

www.roof-maker.com

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Rural Retreat

Rescuing Rhandir farm After moving back to the area from Cardiff, local couple Geraint and Mererid Roberts completed a two-year project to convert a 300-yearold barn on the site of Rhandir farm.

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aving grown up on the family farm, Geraint had always liked the barn which dated back to the 1700s and was keen to take on the renovation project. He explains: “Through my career as a Chartered Planner, I developed an interest in design and started dreaming about designing my own home. I knew the old barn provided me with the perfect opportunity

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to fulfil this dream, it was just a question of when the time was right. This time came four years ago when my wife Mererid and I decided to start a family and move back from Cardiff to the village in rural Montgomeryshire where we both grew-up.

“The building sits on the family farm Rhandir where I grew up, and I used to play in it when I was a child. It looks out over the picturesque arable

farmland and dates back to the 1700s. Before the renovation, it had solid stone walls on three sides, with one side which had been left open to allow access for tractors and other farm machinery.

“We had to strip the barn back to a shell and rebuild it to current standards. There are no extensions, a portion of the lean-to element was rebuilt on the same footprint as the original, but the building has not been enlarged,” explains Geraint.

“We wanted to build an open-plan family house that was affordable to run and heat. A key prerequisite was to retain the character of the building on the inside as well as the outside. This meant working within the existing ‘bay’ layout of the original barn, retaining double-height spaces and views through the whole length of the building. It was also important to orientate views away from the existing farmhouse that sits in close proximity to the barn.

Rural Retreat

SOUTH ELEVATION

EAST ELEVATION

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3 4

NORTH ELEVATION

WEST ELEVATION

3 3

5

KEY 1 New timber cladding 2 New thin frame grey aluminium windows set back within timber frame opening

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Existing stone wall repointed New painted timber door New thin frame grey aluminium windows set back 200mm within existing openings on natural slate sill

“Because I had been thinking about the conversion for years, I had sketched out several options before coming up with the final design.

The building is a traditional Welsh long barn, comprising a series of five bays that measure approximately 4 x 4m over a length of 20m.

Each bay is divided by the original oak structure and we wanted to keep these beams visible with as few ‘cuts’ through as possible.

Geraint continues: “The format of these bays dictated the general layout of the rooms, however, the problem was how to connect each bay so that we could walk through the building without being confined to long, dark corridors.

The solution was to retain two double-height bays at each end of the barn to let in light and keep the need for corridors to a minimum. Also, part of the ‘lean-to’ element of the barn was kept open from one end to the other which lets in a lot of light to the whole building.”

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Rural Retreat Geraint is a Planning and Development Consultant and has worked with Powys Council, Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government, so he knows how the planning application process works.

The whole process went smoothly for the couple and they didn’t have any issues gaining planning permission for the development.

He adds: “We were operating on a low budget which meant that we had to do a lot of the work ourselves, with the help of our families. We ended up having our first child during the project, which meant it was more difficult to spend time on site.”

Being based in a rural area, the building had no access to mains gas, and the couple were reluctant to use oil, as they had racked up high fuel bills whilst living in a rented property with an oil boiler.

They were put off of biomass by the thought of being at the mercy of fuel deliveries.Through the work he had done with a local housing association, Geraint had heard about ground source heat pumps and liked the idea of being self-sufficient.

Having done his research, he knew that to make the technology as successful as possible, good design and installation were key. He found Gwres

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Glas online and was delighted to discover an experienced ground source heat pump installer just down the road. Rob Martin, who runs Gwres Glas, pointed the couple to the Kensa heat pumps that he had already installed in Llangadfan, and after speaking with the satisfied owners, they were keen to go ahead.

Geraint explains: “Mererid and I liked the idea of being self-sufficient. We managed to find a ground source heat pump installer, Gwres Glas, who was based just down the road. A few other people in the village were already using ground source heat pumps in their properties, so we went to speak with some of them. The ambition was to keep the house affordable to run, plus the availability of plenty of land, and the promise of payment from the Government’s RHI scheme, made us decide that a ground source heat pump was the best way to heat our home.

“I knew that to make our ground source heat pump system as successful as possible, good design and installation were key. Ground source heat pumps are low flow temperature devices that work best with well-insulated properties. Based

on the heat load and the SAP report provided by Gwres Glas, Kensa specified a 13kW Evo ground source heat pump to provide 100% of the property’s heating and hot water needs.

“The pump extracts heat from the ground using coiled slinky pipe laid horizontally in trenches underneath some nearby exposed land, normally occupied by sheep. The ground source heat pump, buffer tank and DHW cylinder are housed in a specially created utility room inside the property.

“We are delighted with it and have recommended it to other people. It’s been put to the test during the recent snowy weather and every corner of the barn has been cosy and warm.

I think my father now prefers working in the barn rather than tending to the sheep because it’s so comfortable in here.

“We wanted to adopt a fabric first approach to make the most of the building’s original construction. We reused existing materials wherever possible, in particular for the visible part of the building. This meant insulating and building new internal walls around the envelope of the building, but the large internal stone wall separating

Rural Retreat the main barn and lean-to could be kept exposed.

“A steel frame was used to support the new roof and walls. We went with steel because my father has experience in erecting modern agricultural buildings and could put up the frame with the aid of another local contractor. This allowed for all the original oak frames to be retained and exposed for aesthetic purposes. The steel was also kept exposed in parts, to be in keeping with our approach of having the structure of the building on show wherever possible.

“I’m surprised how little steel frame is used in house-building, and I would recommend that others consider this as an option, particularly when working within an existing building as we were. It gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to the internal layout and it can be erected quickly.

“The project took two years in total to complete and we managed the project ourselves. During the last stages of the build, we moved into the farmhouse with my parents to allow us to better manage the project. All in all, the build costs have fallen within the projected £180k budget. To cover the initial investment for the ground source heat

pump and associated infrastructure, we applied for an interest-free loan of £10k from the Robert Owen Community Banking Fund, which provides capital for homeowners in Powys for home improvements and renewable technologies.

“The layout features double-height voids which allowed us to include a mezzanine level with a library. With 240m² to play with, there was plenty of space, so we’ve incorporated two generously proportioned bedrooms on each floor. Downstairs features an open-plan kitchen, lounge, office, utility room and snug. We love the generous split-level open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that includes a mezzanine space.

“Everyone who has seen the building loves it.

There’s a strong sense of community in the area, so the fact that a young couple have moved home and saved an old barn from ruin was always going to go down well. People appreciate how we have kept the character of the original building, working with the original layout and not shoe-horned a new house into an old barn.

“We’re delighted with it but it is still not quite complete yet. The upstairs and landscaping still

needs to be finished. In hindsight, I would have spent a bit more time designing the bathroom layouts. Although they work, I think they could have been better.”

Geraint concludes: “My advice to people looking to take on their own self-build project is not to rush into it. Spend a lot of time planning, looking at plans and consider all options before deciding on the final design. Take as much time on the planning stage as you intend to spend in the construction stage. Then when you start building, don’t be tempted to change the plans, have confidence in the choices you’ve already made.

“Our initial plans went through several reincarnations before we ended up with the finished design, and we are very happy with how the building turned out. Because we thought about each part of the building so much, even the less successful parts we are comfortable with because we know there was a good reason for doing what we did. We have no regrets.”

www.kensaheatpumps.com

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Conservation Areas

Everything you need to know about demolition in a conservation area Here, Planning Portal discusses the key things to consider when planning a demolition in a conservation area.

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f you live in a conservation area, you will need planning permission for relevant demolition to carry out the following works: Demolish a building with a volume of more than 115m3. There are a few exceptions to this – you can get further information from the relevant council.

To demolish a gate, fence, wall or railing more than 1m high next to a highway (including a public footpath or bridleway) or public open space; or more than 2m high elsewhere.

Applications for planning permission The application for planning permission for relevant demolition in a conservation area form (Application for planning permission for relevant demolition in a conservation area Town and Country Planning Act 1990) should be used for proposals which involve substantial demolition of any unlisted building or structure in a conservation area if permission is required.

Please note that in a conservation area you do not need permission to demolish a building which does not exceed 115m3 or to take down

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any wall, gate or fence which is less than 1m high where abutting a highway, or less than 2m high elsewhere.

What is a conservation area?

Local authorities have the power (under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to designate as conservation areas, any area of special architectural or historic interest.

This means the planning authority has extra powers to control works and demolition of buildings to protect or improve the character or appearance of the area.

How are conservation areas chosen for designation?

Conservation areas are usually chosen as places of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which should be preserved or enhanced.

The special character of these areas is not just made up of buildings, it is also defined by other features which contribute to particular views and the familiar local scene.

For example: The way roads, paths and boundaries are laid out Characteristic building and paving materials The way buildings are used Public and private spaces, such as gardens, parks and greens Trees and street furniture.

Conservation areas give protection across a broader area of land than listing individual buildings and all features within the area, listed or otherwise, may be recognised as part of its character.

Please note, this permission does not apply to listed buildings, or the demolition of an ecclesiastical building in ecclesiastical use, for example, a church; the demolition of a scheduled monument and the demolition of any building in other certain categories.

The demolition of an unlisted building in a conservation area, without the permission of the local planning authority is a criminal offence.

It is often helpful to discuss your proposal with your local authority before you send in your application – this is known as ‘pre-application advice’. Your local authority will normally have details of how to go about this on its website.

www.planningportal.co.uk

i-build

Advice on the use of cladding in selfbuild projects

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imber cladding is proving popular for lots of reasons. It offers a beautiful natural look which enhances the appearance of a building but, most importantly, timber can be sustainable.

Modified woods are also growing in popularity as self-builders seek performance and longevity in their projects.

The key advantages of timber cladding are design, flexibility, the appeal of good aesthetics and sustainability credentials.

For exterior projects, timber cladding offers self-builders a durable and flexible material which is able to provide professional finishes to buildings. Often used to define a building’s facade, cladding also helps to highlight the true character of a project. Timber cladding is easy to work with and is often used to create distinct shapes and patterns that would be simply too difficult to do in another material.

Some types of woods are easy to machine and work with in terms of steam bending and

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cutting which can make them ideal for more complex design projects.

Timber cladding is relatively easy to maintain, as long as the timber being specified is durable. Many facades are left to weather naturally and durable timbers will ensure they remain relatively easy to maintain for decades. However, coatings are becoming far more popular and all coated timber cladding will require a level of ongoing maintenance to preserve the desired look.

As long as the wood species is durable then there is no need to apply a coating. However, it is important to consider that exposed wood will eventually weather to a silvery grey and the environment in which the cladding is placed needs to be considered. As a natural product, wood is subject to movement and timber can still be prone to splits.

www.lathams-accoyacladding.co.uk

ŠRusswood: supplier of Accoya cladding ŠPhotography: Nigel Rigden

In 2017, more timber cladding was specified in the UK than ever before.

Here Richard Mosson, Group Project Manager for Lathams, looks at why timber cladding is on the rise and what advantages it offers.

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Doors & Windows

Finding the perfect doors for your self-build project Where doors are concerned, there are so many off-the-shelf options available that it’s easy to overlook the potential that bespoke designs can deliver. But as Ian Chubb, Founder of luxury manufacturer Deuren, explains here, taking a tailored approach could be the secret to finding your perfect door.

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here’s no denying the fact that the most important feature of a door is its functionality. Ultimately, it’s there to get you from A to B – everything else is a bonus. But for a self-build project, where so much individuality is channelled into each step of the process from concept to completion, injecting personality into the smaller details can have a striking impact on the overall look and feel of a space.

Internal, external and garage doors all have the potential to become central design features if given the right amount of attention. But as with everything in the modern self-build and renovation environment, the amount of choice alone can be overwhelming.

So how should you go about finding the perfect doors for your project?

Start looking early A key factor when it comes to choosing doors is to begin looking and planning as soon as possible.

Whilst doors and windows are often elements that are left until the latter stages of a self-build, the earlier they’re considered, the more flexibility there is around mechanisms and sizing. As soon as the walls are up, choices are immediately limited.

It’s far more convenient to fit a door – whether hinged, pivot, sliding or oversized – within an opening that’s been specifically left for it, rather than creating space after the event. Plus, factoring doors into decisions from the start of a project can help with the plethora of choices surrounding windows, finishes and other visual considerations.

Map out the journey Wandering through a home is a kind of journey – albeit a short, self-contained one – so creating

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Doors & Windows a sense of coherence throughout can have a resonant impact on the overall feel of the surroundings. Mapping out this walkthrough from start to finish can be a great exercise in working out what you’d like to achieve. Is uniformity important to you? Matching garage and external doors can help create an impactful first impression, whilst riffing on one consistent internal door design – by mixing up glazed and non-glazed options, for instance – is a sophisticated way to add a splash of creativity to an overall house style.

Subtle vs striking As part of this journey-mapping, consider the effect you want your doors to have within your build. Do you want them to fit seamlessly into the surroundings? Or stand out as one-of-akind centrepieces? Bespoke designs can be a brilliant solution for both ends of the subtle vs striking spectrum – affording you the ability to match the finish and hardware perfectly to the wider colour palette and materials you’ve chosen, or opt for contrasting hues to create an attention-grabbing effect.

Plan for the future Longevity is a major consideration when it comes to more permanent fixtures in a self-build project.

It’s far more straightforward updating things like wall colour, window dressings and furnishings as tastes and trends change, so choosing style over current fashion is a good idea when it comes to finding the right doors for your project. Timeless doesn’t have to mean traditional though – there are plenty of modern finishes that are endlessly versatile and have long-lasting appeal. For instance, external and garage doors with an anthracite grey finish have been one of the most

popular styles for the past few years, whilst oak, walnut and ash can be great options for both contemporary and more rustic homes.

Focus on solutions, not problems All effective design solves a problem, and the same is true with doors. So if you’re weighing up whether or not to have an open-plan kitchen-diner, or trying to maximise the space in your garage, don’t limit yourself with standardised options. For example, fullheight sliding pocket doors can be a brilliant way of opening up a space – allowing you to transform two rooms into one when needed – whilst there are myriad mechanism choices where garage doors are concerned. Roller and sectional doors are excellent space-savers, with side-sectional configurations additionally affording easy pedestrian access – perfect for multi-functional garages.

Think outside the box Similarly, don’t be constrained by your idea of what a typical door is – the options for creativity are practically endless. Pre-hung doorsets are becoming an increasingly sought-after option amongst self-builders and renovators, as they offer a made-tomeasure entryway solution, removing the familiar DIY headache that fitting a door in a frame entails. When it comes to design, the freedom afforded by a bespoke approach shouldn’t be overlooked – from oversized, full-height options to unusual shapes and even curved panels. And don’t forget the details – magnetic latches, hidden hinges and hi-tech security mechanisms might seem like small considerations, but they can make a huge difference to a door’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

www.deuren.co.uk

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Blinds & Shutters

What to consider when choosing blinds for your self-build Blinds 2Go, one of the UK’s largest online window blind retailers, gives its top tips for picking the best blind for you.

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ith a wide range of made-tomeasure blinds, curtains and shutters for an array of different windows on offer, there are a number of things to consider when buying blinds.

Is the window a standard size and shape?

If your window is a square, standard shape, then you should be able to purchase a wide range of different styles of blinds, curtains and shutters. For non-standard shapes such as circular or rectangular windows, you would need to go to a specialist supplier for blinds to fit these apertures.

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Which room of the house is it?

What are your considerations for accessing light and the view?

you might want to choose a voile blind or curtains. Roller and roman blinds are also a good choice as they can be pulled up or adjusted for light control whilst still being able to see out of your window.

In addition to these considerations, there are some specialist windows and doors which are particularly popular in selfbuild properties where you may not have considered using blinds, for example, blinds for bi-fold doors, blinds for patio doors and roof window blinds.

If you want to be able to allow more light or see the view through your windows, then

www.blinds-2go.co.uk

If it is a bedroom, then you should consider blinds that are room darkening, such as blackout roller blinds or pleated blinds. If it is a bathroom or kitchen, then you should choose something that is suitable in humid conditions such as polyester blinds/curtains or polymer shutters.

Bricks & Blocks

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Contact us on 01384 636365 to arrange a free no-obligation survey.

www.stormwindows.co.uk

Sanitaryware

How to install a bathroom sink If you’re confident with DIY, you may be able to fit your new bathroom into your self-build without any professional help. In this guide, Sanctuary Bathrooms takes you through the installation of a pedestal sink.

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efore starting anything, turn off the water in your home at the mains.

Once you’ve found your mains water valve, turn it clockwise to turn it off.

The water will not stop immediately, so run a test by turning on a tap until the water stops coming out. You can turn your water back on by turning the valve anti-clockwise. Now to start installing your new sink.

1. Assemble the taps and fix them to the basin

Assemble your bathroom taps according to the instructions, then attach them to the basin. Use a small spanner to ensure all pipes and parts are firmly fitted.

2. Install the waste

Place the waste into position (the basin hole), and remember to place the rubber and nylon washers into the bottom of the waste to avoid leaks and wear and tear between the waste and the basin. Use an adjustable wrench to make sure the waste is in tight.

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You will need: Adjustable wrench Tape measure Adjustable pipe wrench Pencil Sealant gun and sealant Spirit level

Screwdriver set Rawl plugs Electric drill Small spanner Basin Pedestal Basin waste Taps

3. Place your basin

6. Attach the basin and pedestal

4. Drill pilot holes

7. Seal it up

Place your basin and pedestal up against the wall, using a spirit level to ensure it’s even. Make a mark of the pedestal position with your pencil and through the holes used to fix it to the wall, so you know where to drill your holes. Now, move the basin and pedestal away from the wall.

Use an electric drill to make pilot holes in the wall for the rawl plugs and fixing screws you’ll need to secure the basin against the wall.

Once your holes are complete, fit the plugs, then insert the screws as they will go using a screwdriver.

5. Connect the waste and taps

Attach the hot and cold water lines to the pipes of the tap and link up the basin waste to the waste pipe. This method can change according to the type of taps and sink you’ve purchased, so check the instructions to be sure of the method.

Place the pedestal in position underneath where your basin will be installed, then place the basin back on top of it. Make sure it’s level and aligned with the securing bolts, then attach to the wall using the nuts (by hand). Use a spirit level once again, then tighten the nuts with an adjustable wrench.

After the basin and pedestal are secure, apply the silicon sealant around the top of the basin and at the foot of your pedestal. Wipe any excess away with a damp cloth before it dries to ensure a clean, tidy finish.

8. Turn the mains back on

Turn the water back on at the mains, then try your taps. Ensure there are no leaks and the hot and cold water are working as they should. If any leaking occurs, turn the water off again, then tighten the bolts and pipes with an adjustable wrench until the leaking stops.

www.sanctuary-bathrooms.co.uk

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Home Automation

Home automation: bring your self-build to life While planning and budgeting for your self-build, you’ve probably had a good think about what you want it to look like, how it functions as a home and how it performs in terms of energy efficiency. Many self-builders also like to have the latest digital technology incorporated within their homes – from heating and lighting to audio-visual systems. These devices are all designed to make life easier, and give the homeowner more control of variables commonly found in the home. What’s slightly ironic about these ‘smart’ systems, however, is that they all have their own controls – whether it’s an app, a switch, remote control or motion detector – and when these systems fail to cooperate with one another, it can be slightly inconvenient to homeowners.

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o what if there was a more convenient way of controlling these systems, and improving the efficiency of the technology in your self-build? Allan Corfield Architects, with the help of Nick Thomson, Director of Connected AV, explain more.

What are the benefits of a smart home automation system?

A well-planned and executed smart home installation should bring many benefits, but primarily the aim is comfort, convenience and control.

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A common connection between all the various systems in the house should allow more global control; for example, an ‘away’ button on a switch at the front door turns all internal lights and music off, but illuminates the drive and porch for five minutes until you have left. Equally, a ‘home’ button could illuminate the pathway through the house to the kitchen for when you are arriving home carrying shopping bags.

A home automation system can also cut down on the amount of switches/sensors/controls that are on your wall. If you have many independent systems, traditionally, they will all come with

something that needs to be installed to allow you to use the system. The difficulty with this is that it can lead to a rather clustered look, and can be confusing to operate. These could all potentially be replaced by one switch to run the lighting control for both rooms, read the temperature, turn the music on – and the schedule for the floor would be controlled in the app. Overall, it is a big gain in aesthetic appeal, particularly when most manufacturers' controls all look vastly different.

Another benefit of tying systems together is that they might be working against each other, unless closely monitored. Take, for example, a home with a UFH heating system, and also an AC system. Without a common link between them you could have the heating on and also the AC running at the same time, depending on what set points have been selected. Why not have one system that decides if the room needs heating, or cooling?

If you’re going away on holiday, smart home automation can be really advantageous. After selecting ‘holiday mode’ on the system, as you leave the house you know that the UFH is off except to protect against frost; the AC is off; the towel rails won’t turn on and all the lights and music are off. Presence simulation is taking care of switching on/off lights in the evening as if you are living there, adding to the security of the house. Of course, at any time you can remotely connect to it, look at your CCTV cameras – and when you are heading home, you can turn the house back on so that it is warm when you walk through the door.

www.acarchitects.biz

Show Previews

The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns to ExCeL to help build visitors’ property plans To help equip and upskill consumers’ intent on taking matters into their own hands when it comes to creating their dream home, the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show is returning to ExCeL from 21st to 23rd September.

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he event, which will be sponsored this year for the first time by Checkatrade – a directory of recommended and trusted tradesmen – will provide practical help and advice to those who want to progress with their property ventures.

The show, which will also be sponsored by Nethouseprices, a platform that provides free access to the latest house prices for England and Wales, will offer self-builders and renovators the chance to discover innovative products from over 360 specialist brands that will be exhibiting. Visitors will also have access to over 45 free seminars and masterclasses, and 750 plus advice sessions on a wide range of sectors including architecture; kitchens; bathrooms; ventilation; lighting; doors and windows etc.

The event will be filled with free advice on any issues a self-builder or renovator has, and will host a multitude of resources for every project all under one roof. In addition, real case studies who have gone through the building process will be available to talk to on site, so visitors can discuss similar challenges they’re facing.

Consumers can hold 15-minute discussions with celebrity TV property experts on the Saturday of the event. Charlie Luxton, Sustainable Architectural Designer and

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Presenter of Channel 4’s ‘Best Laid Plans’, will be talking about eco living, new architectural ideas and homes of the future. Julia Kendell, Interior Design Expert for BBC’s ‘DIY SOS the Build’ and ITV’s ‘60 Minute Makeover’, will be assisting visitors who are looking to transform their houses through stylish and resourceful interior designs.

Attendees who would like to discuss their building plans with an array of property experts will benefit from the Ask the Expert area inside the Advice Centre, sponsored by Internorm, a Europe-leading window brand.

This area will welcome visitors to hold free consultations with eight residential property specialists via interactive sessions.

In the Advice Centre, show-goers can also explore the Ask the Builder area and meet members of the Federation of Master Builders.

In addition, the Ask the Architect area will be welcoming over 15 experienced architects from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to assist consumers in achieving their dream home, maximising their budget and developing solutions to improve their quality of life.

There will also be live presentations in the Tricks of the Trade section hosted by experienced tradespeople who’ll be laying bare up-to-date

information on how to save money on everyday DIY jobs undertaken around the house.

The number of visitors attending the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows who are working on a live project is increasing year on year, according to new research from the event organiser Future PLC. The last show of 2017 emphasised the quality and commitment of the show’s audience with 80% of visitors undertaking a live project, significantly increasing the ROI for exhibitors.

As a result, the organisers are now issuing a call for entry to those that are interested in exhibiting at this year’s London and Harrogate events taking place in ExCeL between 21st and 23rd September, and HCC from 2nd to 4th November.

Standard tickets are £12 in advance or £18 on the door (children under 16 go free).

www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/london

Show Previews

100% Design announces 100% Build London 100% Design, one of the UK’s longest-standing annual design events, returns for its 24th edition this year and is delighted to announce a shake-up to its core programming. New for this year is 100% Build London, a dedicated show within Olympia for the construction and architectural industries.

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emonstrating 100% Design’s renewed vision to be the unmissable show for design industry professionals in London’s creative calendar; 100% Build London launches as a response to demand from increasing numbers of visitors within the construction trade attending the show each year.

Featuring the latest construction materials, innovative glazing technology, exterior surfaces and integrated automation technology; it is the only event to bring together construction, high-end architecture and interior design.

100% Build will also feature an extensive educational programme which includes a talks forum, CPD hub and an area dedicated to digital construction including BIM. A number of brands taking part will push the boundaries of contemporary living, debuting models for the future, including Starck with Riko and Tesla.

Philippe Starck will present a P.A.T.H. construction with Slovenian engineering and manufacturing brand Riko, which specialises in industrial prefabrication and energy production technology. Riko first teamed up with Starck in 2014 to unveil a new home featuring rooftop energy-producing technologies, wind turbines, rainwater recovery and heating pumps.

Tesla, a brand dedicated to accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy, will showcase Powerwall. The device integrates with solar to store excess energy generated during the day making it available only when you need it, minimising reliance on other forms of energy.

Westbury Garden Rooms is the designer, builder, planner and manufacturer of high-end timber conservatories, orangeries, kitchen extensions and poolhouses. From initial consultation to the final coat of paint, every step is undertaken in-house.

Over the past 30 years, it has earned an impressive reputation for outstanding design, superior quality and ease of maintenance.

The team at Temple Tiles offers a refined collection of marble floor and mosaic wall tiles that exude luxury, style and sophistication. The range of products offers options to perfectly reflect the boldest or most understated of tastes.

Imperial Bricks is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of the finest traditional handmade, wirecut and pressed bricks. Using timehonoured manufacturing methods, skilled brickmakers expertly reproduce authentic colours and textures, making bricks perfect for the restoration, renovation and conservation of period properties, whilst offering an authentic look for new-build projects.

BENCHMARK by Kingspan’s architectural facade systems provide a range of tested and certified high-performance and rapid-install envelope solutions.

Additional brands confirmed to exhibit at 100% Build London include: Kinetura, a Belgian company creating state-of-the-art architectural lighting; Croft, which has 150 years’ experience in manufacturing the finest brass and bronze architectural hardware; Puertas Sanrafael, producer of doors that combine the artisan and the innovative; and Vimar, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wiring accessories and home automation.

100% Design takes place across four days at Olympia, London, from 19th to 22nd September and attendance is free for trade industry professionals who register in advance.

www.100percentdesign.co.uk

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Show Previews

Grand Designs Live returns Whether you are starting out on a renovation or extension, building a new home from the ground up, redecorating a room, installing a new bathroom or simply looking for inspiration, Grand Designs Live, which takes place from 10 to 14th October at NEC, Birmingham, is the must-visit event for anyone looking to learn about the world of interiors, design and self-build.

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isitors can discover the latest innovations, explore current trends and preview unseen products. The NEC show is also following suit from its London instalment by banning plastics bottles, straws and cutlery; replacing them with biodegradable alternatives, aiming to turn the tide on plastic pollution.

Once again hosted by Design Guru and TV personality Kevin McCloud, this unique event will showcase a series of educational, exciting and interactive features over each of its five days. Kevin will be joined by various industry authorities, such as Property Expert and TV Presenter Kunle Barker, along with some of the Grand Designers from the new series of Grand Designs. Together, these experts will provide a wide-reaching range of informative seminars at the Grand Theatre, sponsored by Airflow.

Established favourite, the ‘Ask an Expert’ area will return, offering visitors the opportunity

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to consult with specialists across a range of home improvement areas, from finance to architecture, interiors and much more.

A new selection of Room Sets, sponsored

by AXA Insurance, created by a selection of pioneering interior designers will showcase bespoke interiors for visitors to browse and pick up inspirations for their own grand designs. Returning due to popular demand, Kevin’s Green Heroes will showcase the most ground-breaking and eco-friendly products on the market; and this year, visitors can experience live demonstrations of current and past ‘heroes’ at the show.

With over 400 exhibitors making their way to the NEC, there will be something for everyone across the different sections of the show covering Build, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Gardens and Interiors, plus a ‘Technology Trail’.

www.granddesignslive.com

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

call 0845 680 4328 or visit www.kensaheatpumps.com/evo

i-scape

Repurposing your shed for the 21st century Sheds today are used for more than just garden storage. In fact, sheds are now more likely to have Wi-Fi access than a wheelbarrow, with many people using them for hobbies or work as opposed to gardening. Garden specialist Oeco Garden Rooms has put together a handy guide on how to turn your old garden shed into an effective space for the future.

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he flexibility of working from home over the past decade has seen a steep rise in homeowners repurposing their garden shed as an office, a place where they can concentrate away from the hustle and bustle of the main house.

Many also choose to repurpose their garden shed for hobbies such as painting or working out, while some choose to create a relaxing space in which to unwind. So how do you repurpose your garden shed?

Repair any issues first If the garden shed has been sitting unused or unloved for some time, the first thing to do is repair any issues that the structure might have.

This includes fixing leaky roofs, wood rot, broken windows or uneven floorboards.

Starting off with a solid structure will make the rest of the build run more smoothly and cause less headaches in the future.

These types of repairs are things you can do yourself, but if you feel more comfortable hiring someone, these repairs are relatively cheap to rectify.

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Add some thermal insulation Thermal insulation is a great idea to install in your shed, especially if it is to be used all year round. Specially designed insulation keeps the structure cool in the summer and warm in the winter, it also makes the building more energy-efficient, saving you money on heating the shed in the winter months.

Painting the shed After the shed has been repaired and is watertight you can paint it to give the structure an updated look. Painting the exterior of the shed a bright colour will make it stand out and create a focal point in the garden, while painting it a darker colour will make it blend into its surroundings and help the foliage take centre stage.

Treat the inside of the shed as another living space; neutral or muted colours are perfect for creating a relaxed environment, while bright and bold colours can help alertness and concentration levels.

Install PVC-U doors and windows Fitting PVC-U windows and doors in the shed helps to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Patio doors in particular can improve access to and from the garden and allows plenty of natural light to enter the building.

PVC-U windows and doors are also manufactured to the highest level of security, meaning that you can be safe in the knowledge that your possessions are protected.

Run electricity If you haven’t already, add electricity to your shed as this means that you can get a lot more use out of it. Whether you want a place to store a spare freezer, work on projects with power tools or create a cinema room, the possibilities are endless.

Running electricity from the main house to a shed is a job for a fully trained electrician, do not try to do this yourself.

Adding storage and countertops Adding storage and countertops to the shed will allow it to be used for a multitude of purposes from a home office to a relaxing hideaway.

Whatever you decide to use your shed for, make sure it feels like an actual room and an extension of your home, this will ensure that you are more likely to use it regularly. Little things like adding a rug or putting up some artwork can go a long way to making the space feel more homely.

www.oecogardenrooms.co.uk

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i-nterior

How can you take indoor planting to the next level?

Make your home more biophilic Here, Karndean Designflooring explains how you can bring a touch of the outdoors into your space; not only to create a harmonious and tranquil living area, but to also enhance your health and wellbeing.

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he innate biological connection we have with nature can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. There are so many articles documenting how biophilic design can reduce stress, improve cognitive function and creativity, as well as accelerate the rate at which we recover from illness.

Recognising the impact our environment has on our mental state, it’s vitally important to get the balance right.

It may sound like the obvious place to

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begin, but introducing plants, flowers and greenery into your living area is fundamental for neurological nourishment. Try choosing several small- to medium-sized planters, placing them around the room so that greenery is always in eyeline.

If you have tall ceilings, consider indoor hanging baskets or sky planters – these create quite a spectacle. In smaller spaces, think about creating a funky terrarium. You can make wonderful homemade ones using Kilner jars, old glass cafetieres and even old lightbulbs.

Artificial green wall panels are perfect for creating a striking visual. You can cover an entire wall or use the lightweight panels individually as wall art. Research has shown that even looking at pictures of nature scenes can elevate our spirits, so why not head out with your camera to your favorite park or green space. You can then display your prints around your self-build.

From the fabrics in your soft furnishings to the colour on your walls, take inspiration and use natural materials wherever possible.

Maximising natural light is also important.

Firstly, make the most of the natural light that enters your self-build. Paint your walls white so light can reflect and bounce around your space easily, or think about changing your drapes for a lighter fabric. There are also many fantastic artificial lighting options that can recreate the benefits of natural light, perfect for smaller dwellings.

If you’re a city dweller or perhaps don’t have instant access to the outdoors, poor air quality could be impeding on your wellbeing. Consider a Himalayan salt crystal lamp. An inexpensive solution, these salt lamps are powerful, natural air purifiers. Eliminating allergens and pollutants – they’re also rather beautiful.

www.karndean.com

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i-DIY

How to antique a mirror Here, Jenna Sue of Jenna Sue Design explains how to give a modern mirror an antique feel in just a few easy steps.

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f you Google how to antique a mirror, you’ll find a variety of methods, many of which have you use muriatic acid, which is a harsh chemical. Save yourself the trouble – regular bleach and water work just fine.

It’s important to note that every time you do this your results will be a little different, it’s just as much of an art as it is a science, and you have to let go of trying to make it ‘perfect’.

Practice will certainly help though.

Step one I removed my mirrors from their frames, but you don’t necessarily have to do that if it makes more sense to leave them in. You do need access to the entire back of the mirror though, which is where you’ll be doing all the work.

On the back of the mirror you’ll see a painted layer, which is usually grey in colour.

Underneath that is the reflective surface and, finally, your glass. You’ll need to remove the back layer of paint to get to the reflective surface, and gel stripper is the way to go.

Brush it on as thick and evenly as possible – you want the paint to come up nice and smoothly. I left my paint stripper on for nearly an hour, but all mirrors are different.

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Step two Next comes the trickiest and most important part of the entire process – removing that first layer. You want to scrape it off completely without breaking through the thin reflective surface below. It’s a very delicate balance. I’ll be honest, this part is not fun and it’s quite messy. But if you get it right, it’s smooth sailing from here. Fine steel wool can help remove some of the stubborn paint, but again be careful not to rub too hard.

Step three I mixed one-quarter parts bleach with threequarter parts water in a spray bottle, and began misting the back of the mirror.

I like to focus more on the edges which is where mirrors will naturally age. Use a finer mist for an even appearance, and throw in some larger droplets for random spots of heavier ageing. This is the fun part, where you get to watch it magically transform before your eyes. Within minutes, the spots will begin to darken.

Use a sponge to blot some of the areas for a more natural look. You can experiment here to find the technique you like.

You will need: Bleach Spray bottle Paper towels Paint stripper Optional gold/ bronze paint

Black or dark grey paint (spray paint is best) Putty knife Paintbrush Sponge

The longer you leave the bleach water on, the more it will eat away at the reflective coating and the darker your age spots will be. Do a little bit at a time, flipping the mirror over frequently to monitor your progress. Keep in mind that you can always add more, but you can never bring the reflective part back. Make sure to pat down the back before flipping it over so the bleach doesn’t drip and create run lines – not a good look!

Step four If you remove too much mirror by accident, you can minimise the damage by applying a ‘mirror-effect’ spray paint to the back. There is no paint out there that can mimic the reflective qualities of a real mirror, but you can at least get to a nickel colour.

Step five Once you are happy with the level of distressing, it’s time to turn it back over for paint. You can use grey or black paint here, but I love the way gold tones look. If you aren’t using spray paint, you want to make sure to avoid brush strokes so I dabbed on the paint.

www.jennasuedesign.com

The wood burning stove perfected

CLEARVIEW SHOWROOMS Ludlow, Stow-on-the-Wold and Whitchurch, plus stockists throughout the UK Manufactured at More Works, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY9 5GB Brochure Line: 01588 650 123 www.clearviewstoves.com

Product Guide

The key to improving the kerb appeal of your home Whether you have just moved in, want to smarten up the look of your house, or are planning to put your property on the market, when it comes to improving the appearance of your home, it is important to consider how just a few key changes to the exterior could instantly improve the kerb appeal and increase the value of your home by a considerable amount.

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C

lean windows, tidy lawns and freshlypainted walls are all quick fixes, but to ensure longevity there are several more permanent changes that can be made, including the installation of a new entrance or garage door. This may seem like a big investment, but upgrading your current set of external doors, whether it’s just your entrance door or garage door, can have a hugely positive impact on the value and kerb appeal of your home. With so many styles and designs to choose from, it can be hard to pick a door that is right for you. One of the main things to consider is the overall style that you are trying to achieve. For example, a traditional, suburban home will suit a different type of entrance or garage door to a country farmhouse, or a coastal getaway.

Hörmann UK’s range of steel front doors are an ideal option for those looking to create a chic, contemporary feel. They not only provide high levels of thermal efficiency, but also exceptional security features as well. Hörmann UK’s steel front doors are available in an extensive range of colours and finishes, and come with the option of including glass panelling in the profile to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, making them a great choice for a modern home.

Product Guide If you’re looking to replace your garage door, Hörmann’s sectional garage doors are an eyecatching alternative to the traditional up and over garage door. With the best levels of thermal insulation on the market, sectional garage doors are recommended when the garage and the home are directly connected to save heat from being lost. Designed to open vertically upwards and suspended under the ceiling, they are ideal if you are looking to save space both inside and in front of the garage. However, if headroom is limited, side sliding sectional garage doors are available as a good alternative to the traditional upwards opening sectional style.

So whether you are looking to sell, upgrade or renovate your home, sometimes you only get one chance to make a good first impression as David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK, confirms: “When it comes to improving the overall look of any home, people are much more likely to focus their time, money and attention on making sure the interior of their homes look the part, before even considering the exterior. Entrance and garage doors are such an integral part of any home, yet they are often overlooked during the design process.

“No matter whether your property has a large, medium or minimal approach, making your entrance door a focal point and your garage door a key feature, will always improve your property’s kerb appeal, as well as provide added security and performance to meet the demands of modern life. Many people deem entrance and garage doors as more of an essential part of the home, rather than a stylistic choice. However, by simply taking the time to consider which doors would best suit the style of a property, you can create a more coordinated look and subsequently boost the kerb appeal and value of your home. It may seem obvious, but an old-fashioned door or a garage with peeling paint, makes any property look tired and will ultimately affect a buyer’s overall opinion.

Compare that with a sophisticated entrance or garage door and people visiting will have a positive, lasting memory of your home, especially if the doors are matching.”

With so many doors to choose from, it is important to be able to differentiate between the various options before deciding which door is right for you. Throughout the decision process remember that a high-quality product, carefully selected, will add to a property’s appeal for years to come.

www.hormann.co.uk info@hormann.co.uk 01530 513000

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Product Guide

Bring the outside in with Folding Doors 2 U Folding Doors 2 U (FD2U) supplies a range of high-specification home improvement products throughout mainland UK including a complete range of aluminium, uPVC and timber bi-fold doors. Recognising the strong demand for folding sliding doors, the company successfully introduced aluminium bi-fold doors to the product range in 2007. FD2U’s bi-fold door products are available for supply only and, in many parts of the UK, it can provide a full supply and fit service which ensures professional and experienced fitters install doors. The company’s website has been specifically designed to provide full technical details and instant online quotations for its complete range of bifolding doors together with a variety of other products.

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

The future is bright for self-sufficiency Turn the clock back 20 years to the pre-subsidy support era, and the idea of being energy selfsufficient was not even on the cards. Fortunately, things are looking much better these days.

Heat losses in new buildings have been steadily decreasing. What would have been considered state-of-the-art 20 years ago is now average. The peak heating load of a modest family home could now be as low as 2 to 3kW, with seasonal averages around half this figure.

If self-builders want to minimise a property’s carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills, the installation of a ground source heat pump will make a significant difference.

Ground source heat pump manufacturers like Kensa Heat Pumps have been working to improve the energy efficiency of their ground source heat pump products with compressors, heat exchangers and pumps all benefitting from significant innovations aimed at enhancing performance.

The increased efficiency of new product ranges, like Kensa’s Evo Series, not only reduces the running costs, but also maximises the income available via the Government’s RHI scheme (Renewable Heat Incentive).

Accounting for the gains made through renewable heating systems and lower heat losses, a modern family home can typically be around 25% more efficient compared to 20 years ago. In fact, it is possible to heat some new properties using only around 10kWh of electricity a day; quite a remarkable reduction compared to the historical average.

www.kensaheatpumps.com enquiries@kensaheatpumps.com 0845 680 4328

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Classic design with modern functionality Introducing a classic design with modern functionality, BLANCO has designed the VICUS range of taps. These mixer taps combine elegance with classical design, and are the perfect centrepiece in your kitchen. The VICUS family consists of the twin lever, the bridge twin lever and the single lever spray. An additional key feature of the VICUS single lever is the pull-out spray from the hose which can be used to clean the extended work area. All three models are available in chrome, pewter and brushed brass with matching soap dispenser.

www.blanco.co.uk 01923 635200 info@blanco.co.uk

Remmers to showcase at W18/ Elements exhibition Environmentally-friendly and sustainable aren’t just buzzwords for Remmers (UK), which will showcase its new LW-722 [eco] stain finish at the W18/Elements Exhibition which starts 30th September. Replacing fossil fuels with biomass process technology, it has used cutting-edge technology to create a coating that protects both wooden windows and the environment. Manufacturing high-quality wood coatings since 1949, Remmers is a family-run company based in Germany turning over €300m annually. Remmers (UK) offers options for factory and site application, including state-of-the-art, environmentally- and user-friendly, water-based systems. Visit Remmers (UK) from 30th September to 3rd October, at stand P210, hall 6, NEC, Birmingham.

www.remmers.co.uk 01293 594037 sales@remmers.co.uk

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AT ZEROWE WE CAN CATER FOR ANEMOSTAT ALLEXCEPT YOUR DOOR HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS; IN FACT SUPPLY EVERYTHING THE DOOR! INCLUDING AMONGST OTHERS; ZERO DOOR SEALS, VISION FRAMES, SLIMPORT AT ZERO WE CAN CATER FOR ANEMOSTAT ALL YOUR DOOR HARDWARE OTHERS; ZERO DOOR SEALS, VISION FRAMES, REQUIREMENTS; SLIMPORT PORT PORT IN FACT WE SUPPLY EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE DOOR! INCLUDING AMONGST OTHERS; ZERO DOOR SEALS, ANEMOSTAT VISION FRAMES, SLIMPORT PORT HOLES, FBLS FIRE RATED LOUVRES, FINPROTECT FINGER PROTECTION, IN FACT SUPPLY EVERYTHING THE DOOR! INCLUDING AMONGST AT ZEROWE WE CAN CATER FOR ALLEXCEPT YOUR DOOR HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS; HOLES, FBLS FIRE RATED LOUVRES, FINPROTECT FINGER PROTECTION, AT ZERO WE CAN CATER FOR ALL YOUR DOOR HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS; OTHERS; ZERO DOOR SEALS, ANEMOSTAT VISION FRAMES, SLIMPORT PORT HOLES, FBLS FIRE RATED LOUVRES, FINPROTECT FINGER PROTECTION, FRICTION STAYS, FLUSH BOLTS AND MANY OTHER ITEMS OF DOOR HARDWARE. OTHERS; ZERO DOOR SEALS, ANEMOSTAT VISION FRAMES, SLIMPORT PORT IN FACT WE SUPPLY EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE DOOR! INCLUDING AMONGST FRICTION STAYS, FLUSH BOLTS ANDEXCEPT MANY OTHER ITEMS OF DOOR HARDWARE. IN FACT WE SUPPLY EVERYTHING THE DOOR! INCLUDING AMONGST HOLES, FBLS FIRE RATED LOUVRES, FINPROTECT FINGER PROTECTION, FRICTION STAYS, FLUSH BOLTS AND MANY OTHER ITEMS OF DOOR HARDWARE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COPY OF OUR 276 PAGE PRODUCT CATALOGUE. HOLES, FBLS FIRE RATED LOUVRES, FINPROTECT FINGER PROTECTION, OTHERS; ZERO DOOR SEALS, ANEMOSTAT VISION FRAMES, SLIMPORT PORT PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COPY OF OUR 276 PAGE PRODUCT CATALOGUE. OTHERS; ZEROFLUSH DOOR SEALS, ANEMOSTAT VISION FRAMES, SLIMPORT PORT FRICTION STAYS, BOLTS AND MANY OTHER ITEMS OF DOOR HARDWARE. PLEASE CONTACT USRATED FOR A LOUVRES, COPY OUR 276 PAGE PRODUCT CATALOGUE. FRICTION STAYS, BOLTS AND OF MANY OTHER ITEMS OF DOOR HARDWARE. HOLES, FBLS FLUSH FIRE FINPROTECT FINGER PROTECTION, HOLES, FBLS FIRE FINPROTECT PROTECTION, PLEASE CONTACT USRATED FOR A LOUVRES, COPY OF OUR 276 PAGEFINGER PRODUCT CATALOGUE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COPY OUR 276 PAGE PRODUCT CATALOGUE. FRICTION STAYS, FLUSH BOLTS AND OF MANY OTHER ITEMS OF DOOR HARDWARE. FRICTION STAYS, FLUSH BOLTS AND MANY OTHER ITEMS OF DOOR HARDWARE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COPY OF OUR 276 PAGE PRODUCT CATALOGUE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COPY OF OUR 276 PAGE PRODUCT CATALOGUE. ZERO SEAL SYSTEMS LTD ZERO SEAL SYSTEMS LTD UNITS 43-45SYSTEMS LADFORD COVERT SEIGHFORD STAFFORD ZERO SEAL LTD UNITS 43-45 LADFORD COVERT SEIGHFORD STAFFORD TEL - 01785 282910 E-MAIL - SALES@ZEROPLUS.CO.UK UNITS 43-45SYSTEMS LADFORD COVERT SEIGHFORD STAFFORD ZERO SEAL LTD TEL - 01785 282910 E-MAIL - SALES@ZEROPLUS.CO.UK ZERO SEAL SYSTEMS LTD WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK TEL 01785 282910 E-MAIL - SALES@ZEROPLUS.CO.UK UNITS 43-45 LADFORD COVERT SEIGHFORD STAFFORD WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK UNITS 43-45 LADFORD COVERT SEIGHFORD STAFFORD ZERO SEAL SYSTEMS LTD WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK TEL 01785 282910 E-MAIL SALES@ZEROPLUS.CO.UK ZERO SEAL SYSTEMS LTD TEL - 01785 E-MAIL - SALES@ZEROPLUS.CO.UK UNITS 43-45282910 LADFORD COVERT SEIGHFORD STAFFORD WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK UNITS 43-45 LADFORD COVERT SEIGHFORD STAFFORD WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK TEL - 01785 282910 E-MAIL - SALES@ZEROPLUS.CO.UK TEL - 01785 282910 E-MAIL - SALES@ZEROPLUS.CO.UK WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK

ST18 9QG ST18 9QG ST18 9QG ST18 9QG ST18 9QG ST18 9QG ST18 9QG

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Product Guide

Choose an independent for your next DIY project Tony Dark, Director of Trading for The IPG, outlines the benefits of visiting one of The IPG plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists when planning your next DIY project.

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re you thinking of having a bathroom upgrade? Maybe you want to change your tap, or a leak has sprung? If you are thinking of doing it yourself, there are a number of things you should consider when looking for new designs, styles, parts or tools to get the job done.

These include well-priced, reputable merchants with lots of products in stock and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions. I’m sure you will find all of these things and more when you visit one of The IPG plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists.

Here’s why The IPG’s independent merchants offer an in-depth, knowledgeable service. Many have worked in the trade themselves so

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know their way around a U-bend! Some have been in business for decades, meaning that knowledge is carefully passed on from generation to generation and their reputation is outstanding. You will also be supporting a local business in your community whilst having the reassurance that you will be getting the best quality products at an affordable price.

Location is another plus – if you search your local area for IPG independent plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists, you will be surprised to find how many might be near you. Trust in the fact they will offer a higher quality, tailored service and can react to your needs because they are close by.

The independent companies that are part of The IPG pride themselves on their customer service. If something goes wrong

and one of the products you’ve purchased turns out to be faulty, you can be safe in the knowledge that they will do everything they can to resolve the issue, both quickly and efficiently. Staff will be on-hand to offer unbiased, expert advice through a simple phone call or in-store visit – without having to wait on an automated call for ages or talk to a chatbot.

Put simply, The IPG independent merchants go above and beyond to make sure their customers are fully equipped and prepared for their next job, no matter how big or small.

Want to know what your bathroom will look like once it’s finished? Many of The IPG members have their own showrooms open to the public, so you can ensure it matches with your desired style.

So next time you’re thinking of upgrading your bathroom, or fixing some faulty plumbing, pop down to your local IPG plumbing, heating and bathroom specialist and experience these benefits for yourself.

In just under five years, The IPG has developed into the fastest-growing membership group in the plumbing and heating sector. The IPG now works with 90+ suppliers and has over 200 member locations across the UK.

www.the-ipg.co.uk talktous@the-ipg.co.uk 01903 771699

For years, it’s been the home improver’s holy grail, but finding products that offer stunning vintage aesthetics, outstanding modern performance and wipe-clean maintenance, all without breaking the bank, has always been a headache – until now.

Product Guide

Timber look without the compromise Roseview’s Ultimate Rose does what it says on the tin – it’s the most authentic timber alternative sash window ever created, and one of the first to be cleared for use in some of the country’s most sensitive conservation areas.

With its slim, timber-like profile and 35mm midrail, no other uPVC sash window looks as authentic. And with period features as painstakingly detailed as full mechanical joints, deep bottom rail and external putty lines, it would take an expert to tell it apart from a genuine timber sash. A soft white woodgrain finish adds an extra touch of authenticity, but any RAL colour is also available.

What’s more, you get all that careful craftsmanship, historic detailing and vintage appeal with the all-round exceptional performance of 21stcentury uPVC. It’s why it’s called the Ultimate Rose.

www.sashwindowsuk.com info@roseview.co.uk 01234 712657

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i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

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Product Guide

All images ©Sean Matthews

All images ©Sean Matthews

Stunning staircase transformations with StairBox When it comes to updating your hallway or entrance, you may not have considered modernising your existing staircase – but with a few simple changes using new stair parts, it could make a dramatic difference.

T

here are always new and innovative designs to incorporate into your staircase, and with the StairBox stair parts shop you have free reign to design your own unique staircase renovation.

From handrails to trims and mouldings, the little details are what count. Install stunning new spindles and paint them to match your colour scheme or incorporate a glass balustrade with chrome or brushed steel clamps to create a sleek, stylish and modern masterpiece.

You can choose between solid or veneered oak newel cladding as a quick and easy solution for refreshing your timber staircase too. Many StairBox customers work with joiners and carpenters to create real masterpieces, such as this latest project which

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has proven incredibly popular from StairBox’s regular customer SM Carpentry.

The businessman in Caerphilly, South Wales, was on the hunt for someone who could supply refurbishment stair parts to help him refurbish his existing staircase and incorporate a bespoke under stairs wine cellar.

Sean Matthews of SM Carpentry took the original concept, the exact measurements and specifications and developed a unique solution using StairBox’s online staircase designer tool.

The staircase was completely refurbished using StairBox stair parts, which included wrapping the existing posts in the StairBox Newel Cladding Kit. This updated the existing newel posts and gave the appearance of a solid oak post with a newel cap.

The stringer was clad in Oak Faced Apron lining to hide the existing panel and now looks like a brand-new solid oak stringer.

The staircase was finished off with an embedded glass balustrade system using Oak ClearChoice handrails, which was specified using the StairBox online glass builder tool.

The design was finished with the under stairs wine cellar which has surpassed expectations. It has since generated a number of enquiries for SM Carpentry on social media with people asking for a similar installation.

www.stairbox.com hello@stairbox.com 01782 608470

fo r yo 5% mm u on r o dis 09 l r c 5 th ine der ou e o e nt ph r o ith o on ve er ff e r

ULTRA SLIM SLIDING PATIO DOORS, BIFOLDING DOORS AND CONTEMPORARY ROOF LANTERNS Allow natural light to flood into your home with our range of slim-line contemporary roof lanterns, aluminium sliding patio doors and bifold doors complete with solar control double glazing.

High specification products designed to add the WOW factor to any home at affordable prices.

sales@foldingdoors2u.co.uk

01621 834123

www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk

h er Sas l Timb a in ig r O

w Windo

THE ULTIMATE IN AUTHENTICITY

Simply the most authentic timber alternative sash window ever created Elegant, authentic, and quintessentially British, the Ultimate Rose blends vintage timber aesthetics with the unrivalled all-round performance of uPVC

by

• Full mechanical joints emulating traditional joinery • uPVC profile with authentic woodgrain finish • Accepted in many conservation areas across the country

• • • •

35mm midrail and Ultra slim sightlines Traditional Globe Claw furniture Run-through sash horn Energy ‘A’ Rated

Call today on 01234 712 657

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