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GRAND DESIGNS TV HOUSE EXCLUSIVE

‘We built a home to protect our family’s health’ Unique allergen-free house NEW YEAR, NEW KITCHEN! Design ideas for cabinets and more

February 2019 £4.40

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North Bakewell 01629 812200 Blackburn 01254 693765 Bury 01204 772870 Cleckheaton 01274 862323 Doncaster 01302 364809 Eccleston 01257 806226 Fleetwood 01253 283786 Grimsby 01472 343853 Harrogate 01423 862286 Leeds 01133 910179 Lytham St Annes 01772 631316 Macclesield 01625 464955 New Mills 01663 746851

Northallerton 01609 780289 Retford 01777 707656 Shefield 01246 416642 Wirral 0151 632 1670 York 01904 479792

Midlands Coleford 01594 809682 Dudley 01384455755 Dufield 01332 842534 Gloucester 01452 310451 Hampton-in-Arden 01675 442705 Henley-in-Arden 01789 488899 Hereford 01432 262820

Leicester North 01530 833960 Leicester South 01455 561200 Ludlow 01584 871960 Northampton 01604 385050 Nottingham 01159 842842 Towcester 01327 358180 Wolverhampton 01902 710545 Worcester 01905 335408

East Anglia Attleborough 01953 482032 Cambridge 01223 466634 Halesworth 01986 835538 Ipswich 01473 742200

March 01354 662000 Norwich 01603 666161 Royston 01763 271991 Saffron Waldon 01799 583000 Stamford 01780 654321

South Abingdon 01235 554773 Arundel 01243 696700 Basingstoke 01256 810460 Bideford 01237 423444 Bourne End 01628 528712 Bradford-On-Avon 01225 783118 Brighton East 01273 628618

Bristol 01179 246002 Camberley 01252 522400 Chelmsford 01245 392792 Cheltenham 01242 251113 Chingford 0203 903 1813 Esher 01372 467464 Fareham 01329 223406 Folkestone 01303 647022 Fordingbridge 01425 650235 Fulham 0207 3840511 Godalming 01483 424466 Hazlemere 01494 718585 Helston 01326 565522 Horley 01293 786116

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Ingatestone 01277 350800 Ivybridge 01752 897800 London - Perivale 0208 616 2722 Lymington 01590 678767 Purbeck 01929 422345 Ringwood 01425 484731 Romsey 01794 338555 Sailsbury 01722 328777 Seaton 01297 22559 Sherborne 01935 817111 Staines upon Thames 01784 463909 Storrington 01903 741004 Taunton 01823 256369 Tring 01442 827997

Uckield 01825 766976 Wadebridge 01208 813231 Waterlooville 02392 176380 Whitstable 01843 593069 Witney 01993 704105 Wokingham 0118 978 3393 Worthing 01903 201901

Haverfordwest 01437 763623 Hay-on-Wye 01497 821374 Nefyn 01758 721081 Newport 01633 252187 St Asaph 01745 582786 Swansea 01792 790088

Wales

Channel Islands & Isle of Man

Abergavenny 01873 850911 Cardiff East 02920 485888 Cardiff West 02920 593969 Dyffryn Ardudwy 01341 242015

Guernsey 01481 710500 Isle of Man 01624 623222 Jersey 01534 865750

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Contents

February 2019

Regulars 11 EDITOR’S LETTER 21 KEVIN McCLOUD

Our editor-at-large expounds on the healing properties of a perfectly proportioned view; go heavy on the greenery 86 SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE

Get 13 unmissable issues for just £22.99 178 MY GRAND IDEA Architect Kim Loddo on designing a staircase to link a remodelled interior

13 119

141

News 13 ARCHITECTURE UPDATE

New and inspiring projects 17 DESIGN MATTERS Beautiful pieces to enhance your home 24 NEWS REPORT All you need to know about buying land or property at auction 119 KITCHEN NEWS The latest designs, surfaces and appliances 141 BATHROOM NEWS

Stylish new additions for the smallest room

17 MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 7

CONTENTS

Homes 30 TV HOUSE EXCLUSIVE

How one couple built their home on hypoallergenic principles to help relieve their children’s allergies 42 REMODELLED LONDON HOME

Eclectic colours and bold patterns add character to this Victorian semi that has been thoughtfully extended and updated 54 LOW-LEVEL AMERICAN BUILD

Clean lines and geometric shapes inluenced this Hamptons house 66

RENOVATED VICTORIAN HOUSE

A dark and damp period property is completely refurbished with a modern classic interior 76

HEBRIDEAN ISLAND HOME

A new-build project inspired by traditional local cottages

76

30 Projects 89 GRAND BUILD What to look

out for when inding your dream site for a self-build project 97 GRAND GUIDE Ten builds that unite modern and period styles 109 SIDE-RETURN EXTENSIONS

How to make the most of a redundant side passageway 123 KITCHEN CABINETS Find the perfect design for your space

135 BUYER’S GUIDE TO FRONT DOORS Choose a design that

creates a grand entrance with secure access 141 BATHROOM TAPS AND SHOWERS he latest innovations

in design and technology 155 BUYER’S GUIDE TO STRUCTURAL LIGHTING How to build lighting

into the fabric of your home

42

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Beautiful Architecture & Interiors since 1854 Including historic buildings and project management.

“We are practical and approachable and have built our own projects, so we know what it’s like.”

@waterhousearchitects www.waterhousearchitects.com Tel: +44 (0) 78 0170 8665 e-mail: waterhouse1854@icloud.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR KAREN STYLIANIDES CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ARABELLA ST JOHN PARKER ART DIRECTOR TONY PETERS DESIGNER ROBERT HEARN CHIEF SUB-EDITOR LEE GALE FEATURES WRITER JO MESSENGER IMAGE RESEARCHER KERRY GARWOOD DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT EDITOR JENNY McFARLANE DIGITAL CONTENT EXECUTIVE GEMMA PARKES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA ALLEN EDITOR-AT-LARGE KEVIN McCLOUD

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER RICHARD WOODALL SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE SUZANNE JACOBS CLASSIFIED SALES MANAGER ANDY McCALLUM CLASSIFIED SALES EXECUTIVE TRIPURA PATEL FOR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES, EMAIL RICHARD.WOODALL@ GRANDDESIGNSMAGAZINE.COM

MARKETING MARKETING DESIGNER EMMA LANGSCHIED

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION OPER ATIONS MANAGER NICOLA MERRY PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE JENNIFER TURNER PRODUCTION ARTWORKER MILENA BAILEY

PUBLISHING PUBLISHING DIRECTOR YVONNE RAMSDEN DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR JUSTIN LEVETT MANAGING DIRECTOR RICHARD MOREY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LEE NEWTON

SUBSCRIPTIONS Grand Designs magazine is published 13 times a year and will be delivered to your door. Call 01858 438 792 to place your credit card order, or email granddesigns@ subscription.co.uk. Annual subscription rate: UK £57.20; Europe £79; rest of the world £98.

Printed by William Gibbons (williamgibbons.co.uk).

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Text and picture material is sent at the owner’s risk. All prices and information correct at time of going to press. Grand Designs magazine is published by Media 10 in association with Channel 4 and Boundless. Grand Designs is a registered trademark of FremantleMedia. Based on the television programme Grand Designs, produced by Boundless (part of FremantleMedia UK) for Channel 4.

Licensed by FremantleMedia Enterprises (fremantlemedia.com). © 2019. ISSN 1742-0695

Welcome Did you know that halogen light bulbs can no longer be sold in the UK, once stocks have run out? According to a survey by lighting manufacturer Ledvance (ledvance.com), 42 per cent of those surveyed were unaware of the situation, and a further 33 per cent wished it wasn’t happening – perhaps because 38 per cent feel they will lose money as a result of the change.

LEDs, the modern replacement for halogen, are more expensive to buy, but they also last much longer and use less energy. Change can be a good thing, and sometimes it’s absolutely essential to embrace the new and innovative. Eco-friendly products can help us make the move to a more planet-friendly, energy-efficient approach, and they can also save money over the long term. On page 155, you’ll find an article that explores the versatility of LEDs and the clever ways to use a lighting scheme to enhance your home’s architectural features.

Safeguarding the planet’s future goes hand-in-hand with protecting the health of those dearest to us.

Grand Designers Born and Elinor Barikor had to learn everything they could about hypoallergenic and natural building products so that they could construct a home with minimal adverse impact on the health of their two sons, who both have severe allergies. Living in their new house has seen a marked improvement in the frequency and severity of both boys’ allergic reactions. Take a look at their inspiring story on page 30.

K AREN ST YLIANIDES, EDITOR

@StylianidesK

COVER PHOTO DAVID GILES

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MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 11

NEWS

Architecture update Original projects to inspire your own self-build or renovation

The American dream

Perched on a hillside with views of Snowmass Mountain in Colarado, Owl Creek, designed

by Skylab (skylabarchitecture.com), is an all-weather retreat for two families. It’s built on the idea that a physical place can deepen the connections between friends, families and the natural world. As well as the main build, a collection of lodge-like communal areas are clustered together, creating a space that is intimate and open.

Self-build specialist Potton has submitted plans to redevelop the site of its headquarters in Great Gransden in Cambridgeshire, to create a new custom-build development. The proposed project will provide 38 fully serviced plots of varying sizes and layouts costing from £140,000. Its design team has produced a selection of house styles that will have outline planning permission in place upon plot reservation (01767 676 400; potton.co.uk)

Blockbuster read Brick by William Hall (£14.95, Phaidon) showcases the world’s oldest man-made building material, illustrated with photographs of brick buildings from around the globe. As well as celebrating early architecture, it covers contemporary projects such as Islington Square in Manchester, shown here. The book also features some of the most celebrated architects, including Mies van der Rohe, as well as present-day innovators.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 13

NEWS

Architecture update Multi-generational build This distinctive house in Herfordshire’s Elstree was built for a family of four generations. The design of the three-storey property was inspired by the brickwork of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House in Chicago. Daniel Leon from Square Feet Architects (020 7431 4500; squarefeetarchitects. co.uk) took on board the family’s Indian roots and played with the idea of how Wright might have built a home like this in India.

Rural renovation Architect Selencky Parsons (020 8694 0713; selenckyparsons.com) was tasked with a brief to transform a 1970s bungalow into a striking contemporary home, with an open-plan living space, art studio and enough bedrooms to accommodate grandchildren.

It also had to be sensitive to its Peak District location. ‘Gaining planning permission could have been a challenge in a National Park,’ says director Sam Selencky. ‘There appears to be a change of culture within planning authorities, and by drawing on contextual materials, handled in a contemporary way, we were able to bring planners along with us.’ The project cost £2,100 per square metre.

On a tight, north-facing site, this contemporary build replaces a dilapidated bungalow in the back garden of a 19th-century Noting Hill villa. Designed by architect Gianni Botsford (020 7434 2277; giannibotsford.com), the new, partly subterranean property features a funnel-like roof, manufactured using glue-laminated timber and clad with copper strips. Internally it has been let exposed to create a decorative ceiling.

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WORDS JO MESSENGER PHOTOGRAPHY RICK McCULLOGH, FELIX MOONEERAM, ROBERT RECK, EDMUND SUMNER

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NEWS

Design matters A selection of new products and ideas to complete your project

Sleep soundly Rise & Fall (020 8964 4403; riseandfall.co) is a new ethical and sustainable bed linen company that offers its ranges in two weaves, one softer and the other crisper. Priced from £30 for a fitted double sheet and from £99 for a full duvet-sheet and pillowcases set, the bedding is produced without harsh chemicals in an Indian factory that runs on wind energy, recycles 99 per cent of its water and offers free education and upskilling to its predominantly female workforce. The products are sold without plastic packaging and the company donates £3 from each sale to the homeless charity Centrepoint.

In the round Dipping Lights by Barcelonabased designer Jordi Canudas for Marset are an experiment with light and paint. Available at Aram (020 7557 7557; aram. co.uk), the blown-glass globe diffusers are dipped in layers of paint, creating concentric circles and moderating the intensity of the light. They are available in six colours and two sizes, both with a brushed brass cylindrical base, from £242.

Tangerine dream Described by the manufacturer as ‘a gentleman with the heart of a lovable rogue’, this new Raffian three-seater sofa crosses the boundaries of classic and modern form. With set back swoop arms, slender tapered legs and a higher than usual buttoned back, it is available in a choice of fabrics and leathers. Prices start from £2,300, excluding fabric, from Rume (01273 777 810; rume.co.uk)

Hidden depths Bisca (01439 771 702; bisca.co.uk) designed and built this contemporary self-supporting staircase, with flush-fitting understairs storage, for a new-build home. It features a zigzag edge overhanging built-in storage with multiple doors. A clear glass balustrade, slotted into the treads without visible fixings, gives a clean, unfussy look and LED strip lighting is fitted into a concealed gap between the staircase and the wall.

A bespoke staircase starts from £22,000.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 17

NEWS

Design matters Coastal collection

Hot seat

Habitat (0344 499 4686; habitat.co.uk) has collaborated with three Brighton-based artists to translate how the city inspires them and the artwork they create. For this project, Becky Blair, Sophie Abbott and Lauri Hopkins have each designed a seaside-themed, limited-edition rug (clockwise from left: Undercliff, £400; Blue Rocks, £450; Night Swim; £500).

Congratulations to Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby (020 7033 3884; barberosgerby.com) on winning the award for production at the 48th annual Wood Awards for their Ballot dining chair, designed for furniture maker Isokon Plus.

The Wood Awards aim to recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation using wood. The Ballot chair is available in raw oak, below, as well as black oak, pale oak and clear lacquered finishes and costs £450 from Isokon Plus (0208 533 3933; isokonplus.com)

This year, the design world is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus, the most inluential art and design school in history. Some of the 20th century’s most iconic furniture was created by its teachers and students, including Marcel Breuer’s Wassily tubular steel and leather chair and Wilhelm Wagenfeld’s WA 24 table lamp.

Bold addition

WORDS JO MESSENGER PHOTOGRAPHY RORY GARDINER

Go Modern (020 7731 9540; gomodern.co.uk) predicts a move towards bold jewel colours this year and its latest ranges include this Soko sideboard by Italian brand Miniforms. Available in nine vibrant lacquer shades, including this intense blue, it features a laser-cut design and bright copper handles. It comes with three or four doors, with options for glass and lacquered wood shelves and prices start from £3,100.

18 FEBRUARY 2019 /

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EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Kevin

McCloud This month, our editor-at-large reveals the ideal recipe for a happiness garden… and it all goes back to our ancestors

I

don’t know if you spend your winter reading gardening books, hoping for inspiration for the coming spring. I’ve just read a new book by the environmental psychologist Lily Bernheimer, The Shaping of Us (Robinson, £14.99), in which she outlines how everything around us determines our behaviour, not just the natural world but the built world too.

It’s not really a gardening book, more an analysis of how we could design the whole of our environment to be better.

In her view, psychologists have spent far too long dismissing the context of human behaviour as just that: it’s often simply referred to as ‘the context’. She sets out to entertainingly chart the 20th-century history of research into how where we are shapes who we are.

It’s a timely volume given the current level of interest in the relationship between buildings and health. I’ve written previously about the NHS’s new Healthy New Towns initiative, which possibly counts as being the first proactive health strategy ever conducted by Britain’s health service.

My own business, HAB, signed up to it since we’ve long believed that housing schemes with rich public realm and plenty of greenery get people healthier.

Eight years ago we did some research with the now-defunct Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment to measure the impact of fruit trees, edible hedgerows and other delights of public-realm design on one of our schemes. They had developed a Green

Infrastructure Valuation Toolkit with DEFRA and the Horticultural Trades Association. The initiatives that we put in place included rainwater storage and swales for flood prevention, fruit and nut trees, play-spaces, an allotment and polytunnels for food growing. The extra cost for all these measures came to about £50,000 and yet the toolkit showed that we added about ten times that to the value of the scheme in the way we

‘It’s not really a gardening book, more an analysis of how we could design the whole of our environment to be better’

alleviated financial and load pressure on the local physical infrastructure (drains, for example) and social infrastructure (health benefits, dependency on social services and so on).

Of course, the value of good quality public realm shouldn’t be only measured in terms of financial returns. It should be measured in our well-being, too.

Our minds and our bodies (they are linked after all) are powerfully affected by what we perceive as our surroundings.

It’s well established that environments with limited sensory stimulation, like prison, for example, are places where the human body begins to mimic the symptoms of many conditions such as stroke or macular degeneration.

By turn, the better our surroundings, the better we are. Between 1971 and 1982, the eminent researcher into the relationship between environment and healthcare, Dr Roger Ulrich, discovered in an historic piece of research that, of 46 patients recovering in hospital from the same operation, the half who enjoyed a view of natural scenery also recovered more quickly, enjoyed better evaluations and took fewer severe painkillers than the half who had a view of just a brick wall. In a 2006 paper for The Lancet, he wrote, ‘There is growing evidence

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 21

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN Feeling peaky? Research shows that views of open countryside have benefits to human health

‘Create complexity at the detailed level with a mix of planting that is tactile and fragrant’ They felt most comfortable in relatively open landscape with a view of the horizon, an opportunity to quickly run to flee danger and the prospect of shelter under a tree or few, where there might be fresh water.

The commonly used term for this type of landscape is savannah and in its most perfectly developed form it takes shape as the rolling English parkland made so popular by Capability Brown in the 18th century. Lily Bernheimer refers us to the researchers Rachel and Steven Kaplan, who, from the 1970s onwards, identified this kind of landscape as the right blend of four important qualities: coherence, legibility, complexity and mystery. Together they make the recipe

for the perfect natural environment for human beings. Cooper Marcus goes further, prescribing the exact ratio between greenery and hard surfaces: ‘We found that a ratio of at least 7:3 seems to work best.’ If the paved areas increase above 30 per cent they suggest a plaza or shopping mall courtyard.

So there you have it. The perfect recipe for your 2019 garden layout. Or your hospital grounds. Or any piece of public-realm design. Take a minimum of 70 per cent shrubs and trees and no more than 30 per cent paving. Throw in a legible water feature in the distance.

Avoid abstract sculptures (they don’t soothe people who are sick and worried) and go for coherence. Create complexity at the detailed level with a mix of planting that is tactile and fragrant. And allow your open space to be populated by birds, insects and human beings to provide the most magical and reviving quality of all: mystery. Do all this and the serotonin will begin to flow and you will have made a happiness garden.

ARE YOU PLANNING A ?

TV’s Grand Designs is looking for exciting projects to feature on the programme. Does your build fit the bill?

Please visit granddesigns.tv/apply

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The positioning of this Herefordshire home means that every window provides a view like a work of art

PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN ARNOLD (UNSPLASH), MARK BOLTON, FRASER MARR

that higher daylight exposure in patients’ rooms reduces depression and pain, presumably via effects on serotonin... Research convincingly suggests that patients experience less stress and pain if they can view nature.’

That’s good. Stress reduces the ability of the body to repair and heal itself, not least because our bodies find it difficult to produce serotonin when under duress. And serotonin is the happiness drug that we make ourselves, a key facilitator of many essential physical processes such as appetite and sleep pattern (aiding repair) and a key player in mood.

Clare Cooper Marcus, emeritus professor of landscape architecture at Berkeley in California, is a keen hunter of serotonin and was an early enthusiast for Ulrich’s research. She has designed hospital gardens as well as conducting further in-depth research as to what exactly makes the best kind of ‘healing’ landscape. She outlined her results in Scientific American in 2012, and they are fascinating. It turns out that we do not indiscriminately prefer any kind of greenery to none at all but are drawn to one particular kind of landscape.

So, a flat expanse of lawn that provides very little interest will in turn provoke a weak positive response from us.

At the other end of the scale, dense lush planting that mimics a jungle or forest can sometimes have a negative effect because (it’s thought) it reproduces conditions in which our ancestors felt under threat from hidden attack.

It seems our forebears who, until just a few thousand years ago, were huntergatherers for up to a quarter of a million years, preferred the middle ground.

Make a bid for glory Buying land or property through the latest online auctions may be tempting but it pays to do your research WORDS JAYNE DOWLE

£278,000

here’s a new way to buy a building plot and it could help your project take off from the comfort of your keyboard.

It’s the modern method of auction, also known as a conditional or online auction.

‘In the past 12 months we have been instructed on 170 plots of land with or without planning permission across the UK,’ says Jamie Cooke, managing director of online auction specialist IAM Sold (0845 519 3126; iamsold.co.uk).

‘There’s a steady flow of all manner of building

T

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plots and redevelopment opportunities with a range of planning statuses.’

Disposing of land at auction is a longestablished method of sale, especially in rural areas. But now PropTech, technology connecting the auction houses with buyers, is propelling it forward. This modern alternative to the traditional auction house is gaining ground with sellers. ‘Over the last six to nine months in particular, we have seen an increase in the number of individual plots of land, and

ABOVE Online auctions are giving buyers more flexibility but finding the perfect plot still needs a great deal of groundwork

NEWS REPORT

£420,000

A pair of courtyard houses in London were designed by FORMstudio (0207 407 3336; formstudio.co.uk) and built on a site bought at auction for £420,000

a fantastic opportunity to create something of your own design,’ says Cooke. ‘But moving quickly to place a pre-planning application to give you a steer is critical. At the very least, have a conversation with the planning office.’

Online and traditional auction companies must adhere to the 1979 Estate Agents Act and regulations around Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. There is a self-regulatory body for valuers and auctioneers: NAVA Propertymark (nava.org.uk). Visit the website to search for a qualified professional.

Have your money ready land with outbuildings, being sold this way,’ says Robin Rathore, founder and director at Bamboo Auctions (0330 088 9659; bambooauctions. com). ‘Many are being sold by corporate or government organisations. They are starting to use online auctions as a fast, simple and transparent way to sell land, which otherwise would have sat unsold and unused.’

AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE TO BUYING AT AUCTION Make sure you know the basics before you place a bid

ONLINE ● The process is transparent so you can watch how bidding progresses. ● Plots are priced realistically to sell, so you could bag a bargain. ● Plots are displayed online with an auction timer, usually set for 30 days. ● You can register and place your bid 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so it’s convenient. ● At the end of the auction period, the highest bid wins. You must pay a reservation fee immediately by debit or credit card, or bank transfer. ● In most online auctions this reservation fee is a separate transaction from the price you pay for the property itself, so to get your total outlay, add the two together. ● The sale has 56 days to exchange and complete. This takes almost twice as long at a traditional auction. ● Some terms and processes can be confusing.

If you are not a cash buyer, you must arrange finance in advance to move quickly. ‘It is unlikely that a self-build lender will have completed their due diligence in time to get the funding in place,’ says Calum Kerr, self-build specialist at mortgage broker Anderson Harris (andersonharris.co.uk). ‘You’ll need to use a specialist bridging lender [which will hold your existing home ‘Organisations are as security], as this finance Avoid potential pitfalls can be arranged quickly.’

The last thing you want is to be starting to use CONVENTIONAL Meanwhile, your self-build landed with a plot that you can’t online auctions as ● Make sure you know the basics before you bid. It’s a well-established procedure. lender will be expecting you actually build on, or one affected a fast, simple way ● The closing bid seals the deal. to obtain planning permission, by serious issues such as flooding to sell land’ ● You sign the contract and you have if required, and arrange or subsidence. Everything must ROBIN RATHORE, to pay up to a 10 per cent deposit. contractors to carry out the be in order if you need a mortgage Other administration fees may apply.

BAMBOO AUCTIONS build. These will be basic or you may not secure the offer Completion is usually within 30 days. requirements of their agreement to lend. your project depends on. Gary Murphy, head ● The saleroom can be intimidating.

‘There’s no secret formula to winning,’ ‘If you’re buying at an auction using a of the residential auction department at Allsop says auction expert Gary Murphy at bridging loan, it is important to scrutinise the auctioneers (020 7437 6977; allsop.co.uk), auctioneer Allsop. ‘Fundamentally, you self-build lender that you will switch the loan recommends appointing a conveyancer before have to be the last person in the room with your hand up. You need to bid very to, in order to ensure you meet their basic you even begin to look for plots. clearly and promptly. Otherwise the criteria, including income multiples, affordability ‘Get this sorted early on and make sure you auctioneer may miss you or assume and loan-to-value,’ adds Kerr. send them the auction catalogue or online link that you’re out of the running.’ in good time so they are familiar with the lot you’re interested in,’ he says. ‘They will need time to contact the vendor’s conveyancer to obtain, and report on, the legal pack which £300,000 should contain the conditions of sale, title deeds, searches, details of the lease if relevant and any planning permissions.’ These should be carefully checked and any issues addressed before the auction.

With an eye on your maximum budget, you will need time to obtain quotes from architects and builders, and if you’re thinking of renovating existing buildings, arranging a full structural survey. ‘If the land is sold without the benefit of planning, this represents Beech Garth in Cumbria was designed

by Ben Cunliffe Architects (01539 488 122; bencunliffe.co.uk) and built on a £300,000 plot bought at auction

BUYER BEWARE Architect Tom Gresford of Gresford Architects (0207 249 1855; gresfordarchitects. co.uk) on buying a plot ● The best plots are those unusual ones with no planning permission and no building or a quirky structure in them. They should also be in an area where planning will be reasonably straightforward such as within a settlement boundary.

Try to avoid green belt, conservation areas, open countryside and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If the plot is in one of those, do your planning research properly. ● Planning permission in place always pushes prices up. The bargains to be had are for those willing to take a punt and buy without it, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. The best thing to do, and I swear by this, is to get a planning consultant to do a planning report on the site prior to the auction. It may cost £1,000 or so, but that money is well worth it if it means you snap up a bargain or avoid an expensive mistake. ● In the saleroom, don’t start bidding too soon, so you can try and get a sense of the room and who else is bidding. Whether you’re at a traditional auction or online, it’s critical to always set yourself a limit and stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away. ● If you really love a plot, it is worth asking if you can make an offer before the auction, but it will be very much down to the seller’s discretion. ● If you’re looking for an auction plot, you need to put in the legwork.

Trawl the auction websites and brochures, then go out and visit every site you are interested in before making up your mind about any you want to pursue. ● There isn’t a particular type of plot that should be avoided, but don’t kid yourself: plots are generally being auctioned for a reason. Sometimes that is because the seller has tried and failed to get planning. Do your due diligence.

Finding auction plots Research online auction management providers such as IAM Sold, Bamboo and Under the Hammer (underthehammer.com), which list plots and properties and conduct online auctions on behalf of estate agents. Some estate agents also advertise online auction properties themselves in conjunction with a specialist auction management provider. You can also find online auction properties for sale on property portals, including Zoopla (zoopla.

‘There’s a steady flow of plots and redevelopment opportunities with a range of planning statuses’ JAMIE COOKE, MD, IAM SOLD

co.uk) and Trovit (homes.trovit.co.uk) using the same search terms.

If you prefer the traditional option, there’s a directory of upcoming auctions compiled by UK Auction List (ukauctionlist.com). The Essential Information Group (eigpropertyauctions.co.uk) also offers a database of property auctions.

It’s helpful to know auctioneers in your chosen locations and keep in touch to receive advance warning of plots and brochures. It’s also useful to subscribe to local and regional newspapers and scour the property sections.

This nine-acre plot on Essex’s River Blackwater was offered for sale on online auction at a guide price of £325,000 by Zoe Napier Modern Property Auction (01621 840 333; zoenapier.co.uk)

£215,000

This detached house in Huddersfield, designed by the Northern Design Partnership (01484 854 848; northerndesign partnership.co.uk), was built on a 900sqm plot that cost £215,000

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£325,000

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Guy Stansfeld’s holiday home in Cornwall was built on a £320,000 auction plot, which included a dilapidated cottage that has been incorporated into the new-build

Architect Guy Stansfeld bought a long-abandoned plot at auction and built a dream holiday home for his family

‘There is always the hope that nobody else will be bidding and you’ll get an amazing deal’ An eagle-eyed property finder spotted a challenging plot up for auction and alerted his client, architect Guy Stansfeld (020 8962 8666; 318.studio), who was looking for a place to build a holiday home. Guy, 55, who’s married to Monika, 38, a HR administrator, and has two daughters, four-year-old Rosie and Evie, two, found that using an agent was invaluable. ‘We were based in London and didn’t have the time or knowledge to find what was available in Cornwall.’

At some point, the 10-acre plot at Redmoor, near Bodmin in Cornwall, had been used for

grazing animals but had been untouched for many years by the time Guy and Monika bought it for £320,000. Although it was cluttered with old cars, caravans, coils of wire, rusty sheets of metal and old bottles, it was exactly what they were looking for: wild, relatively remote and bordering onto a wildlife reserve. ‘The site included an extraordinarily ugly, semi-derelict cottage,’ says Guy. ‘But the fact that it already existed meant that we would be able to build a house on the plot.’

Guy drew up a design that allowed for renovation of the existing cottage and a long,

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NEWS REPORT

glazed corridor connecting it to an extension housing the bedrooms.

‘The relationship between the cottage, which is now our living room, and the bedroom extension works well,’ Guy says.

‘But my favourite feature is the wildlife pond outside our bedroom window.

I was exploring the site when I first visited it before the auction and came across a beautiful little circular pond with a tiny island in the middle of it that had been completely overgrown with vegetation.

That clinched it for me.’

The main bedroom at Guy’s retreat has glazed doors that open on to the wildlife pond and woodland

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‘The site included a semiderelict cottage. The fact that it existed meant that we would be able to build a house on the plot’ The 200 square metre house, constructed of timber, concrete, granite and galvanised steel corrugated sheeting, has one spacious living, kitchen and dining room, four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Its heating and hot water are primarily provided by a ground-source heat pump

but when the sun shines. Water is heated by solar thermal panels. There is also an array of photovoltaic panels that feed back into the national grid and generate enough income to pay for all of the family’s electricity. The property took three years to build and was finished in 2013. This leisurely pace, using Philip Watkins, a builder recommended by the local estate agent, was a deliberate policy on Guy’s part, who didn’t want the financial or practical stress of rushing construction from more than 200 miles away.

The auction was in Truro and there was at least one other bidder, which pushed up the price to the couple’s limit. ‘When you buy at auction, there is always the hope that nobody else will bid and you’ll get an amazing deal. I suspect more often, you end up paying the market value,’ adds Guy. Just a few short weeks went by from the couple hearing about the plot to actually buying it. ‘With a live auction, all the tension happens in one evening,’ he says. ‘As far as the process is concerned, you really must decide, beforehand, what the property is worth to you. It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement and over-bid. Once the hammer goes down you can’t just change your mind.’

PHOTOGRAPHY GOOGLE MAPS, GUY STANSFELD ARCHITECTS, BRUCE HEMMING, SIMON BLYTH ESTATE AGENT, TONY WEST, ZOE NAPIER PROPERTY AUCTION

High ceilings throughout the house, along with big windows and white walls, maximise the natural light.

Raw materials such as stone and concrete add texture

ADVERTISING PROMOTION When creating the Penny family home, Baufritz used its own in-house designers, project managers and construction experts

THE FAST-BUILD SOLUTION Use Baufritz for a beautifully designed, well-insulated and cost-effective home Christine and Duncan Penny from Berkshire approached Baufritz to replace their house that was becoming increasingly expensive to run. The property had been extended numerous times and as a result was piecemeal in its layout. The couple wanted a home that suited their young family. They considered the lifetime cost of a property, rather than just build costs, when making their decision.

The new house was to be welldesigned, well-insulated, cost-effective to maintain and had to fit its surroundings.

Planning was not going to be easy as the site adjoined a conservation area, but in discussion with planners, a solution was found where the home was divided up into three separate elements. Planners felt this would break up the mass of the house, and it ultimately dictated the building’s design.

Baufritz fulfilled its initial brief by creating a contemporary house, but it was the speed of construction that sold the project. Baufritz was able to plan the house with its designers, project-manage the

build and undertake the construction.

The exterior was erected in three days and the weather-tight shell provided a dry, clean internal working environment.

Sustainability is of great importance.

Prefabricated manufacture in the Baufritz factory ensures that material waste is reduced. Demolition and groundwork firm DG Site Preparations recycled 85-90 per cent of the demolished house. Basement builder Glatthaar Fertigkeller followed a similar philosophy of zero waste, minimising the build’s energy footprint.

The house is primarily south-facing, providing passive solar gain and natural light, and the kitchen benefits from direct sunlight. A sunken patio to the south leads out from the family room, using the sloping site to its maximum potential, creating a wonderful outdoor living area, which fulfilled the client’s brief of an inside-outside feel to the house.

‘The property is modern and has strong links between floors in the main living areas, with open galleries and large areas

ABOVE The family living space and kitchen make full use of south-facing windows, maximising natural light

of glazing,’ says Baufritz’s designer and architect Peter Cox. ‘There are terraces on three sides of the house as well as balconies to the bedrooms. This means that the outside spaces can be used all year round.’ ● Watch the video to hear the whole story YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=SLLPBTG2LCO

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‘We built a home that trust to protect our A good deal of research and careful sourcing went into the construction of this house designed on hypoallergenic principles WORDS JAYNE DOWLE PHOTOGR APHY DAVID GILES

HOMES TV HOUSE

we can family’s health’

IN BRIEF –

NAMES Born and Elinor Barikor AGES 36 and 37 LOCATION Richmond, south-west London PROPERTY Two-storey detached house BEDROOMS 4 BATHROOMS 3 PROJECT STARTED March 2017 PROJECT FINISHED February 2018 SIZE 250sqm BUILD COST £560,000

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B

orn and Elinor Barikor have built a unique house that has been designed to minimise the risk of their children being exposed to allergens while at home. Seven year-old Avery and his fiveyear-old brother Pascal have an array of allergies including severe asthma, which required regular medication and frequent trips to the hospital. Born, who is a sports entrepreneur, is also asthmatic. ‘Since Avery and Pascal’s diagnosis, and finding out more about their allergies, Elinor and I had many discussions about how we might live somewhere safe for them,’ he says.

The home that the couple dreamed of for their sons and twoyear-old daughter Blakely-Rae has taken shape as a four-bedroom house in London’s leafy suburb of Richmond. It’s built on a quarter-acre site that the couple bought after losing out on another one nearby, which was part of a large back garden. The plot cost £675,000 and was sold with existing planning permission.

Born and Elinor were able to adapt this to incorporate as many elements of a healthy home as possible. ‘The pre-approved plans had taken the site into consideration to ensure the space and planning constraints did not compromise on the light and living quality of the house,’ says Elinor, who is a digital art entrepreneur.

‘But we made alterations to suit our ambitions for the project and re-submitted the planning application.’

The airtight building is close to Passivhaus standard and includes a mechanical ventilation system to purify the air, non-toxic paints, flooring and joinery, and natural materials used wherever possible. In the garden, plants that are pollinated by insects rather than the wind, such as hydrangea, hosta and lavender, keep airborne pollen to a minimum.

Welcoming planters and a shingle path frame the front entrance, which is partly clad in larch. The wall luminaire is a Sammode Elgar Silver Light from Dyke & Dean

F L O O R PL A N S

CUPBOARD

WC PATIO

OFFICE

LIVING ROOM

BATHROOM

LIVING ROOM BEDROOM

BEDROOM

DINING ROOM BEDROOM UTILITY ROOM KITCHEN

COURTYARD

COURTYARD MAIN BEDROOM EN SUITE

PATIO

GROUND FLOOR

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BASEMENT

HOMES TV HOUSE

The family spends most of its time in the comfortable open-plan living area, which leads out to the garden

This is a cosy space where the family can relax, safe in the knowledge that the polished concrete floor, rugs and natural materials create a healthy environment

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There is a fantastic sense of light in the house and plenty of space for the family to enjoy hobbies and interests, such as the piano

An important stipulation of the planning permission was that the building must be just one-storey above ground level to minimise its impact on the surrounding houses, which meant digging out a basement to create a home large enough for the family. This required some careful consideration by the couple and their main contractor Enhabit, a company that designs and builds efficient and healthy living spaces. As a result, the living areas are on the first floor, so they benefit from natural light during the day and the bedrooms are in the basement.

‘We made the top floor open-plan and changed some of the window configurations to let in more light,’ says Born. ‘There’s a glass floor in the entrance to let light into the basement and we made the door bigger. It’s been a dream of ours to have an entrance hall big enough for five people. In the basement, the boys asked for a connecting door between their bedrooms and we made the plant room double up as a utility area.’

The revised plans were approved, and Born and Elinor engaged a project manager to oversee the build and liaise with the contractors. Early on, they had signed an agreement that MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 35

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granted limited access to their neighbours’ land for several weeks while the build took place. But the basement had not been part of the couple’s original plans and it was a race against time to get it completed as quickly as possible, involving the removal of 100 lorry loads of soil and adding an extra £10,000 to the cost of the project. The new basement, though, allowed for the creation of a beautiful sunken courtyard garden leading off the bedrooms.

A sufficient amount of natural light is an essential part of a healthy home so Born and Elinor specified full-height, wide glass doors for all the external openings.

They also brought in lighting consultant Darran Prior from Belisama Lighting to advise them on an artificial illumination system.

The couple had to look far and wide to find materials and furniture to meet their exacting hypoallergenic requirements. ‘We were surprised at how difficult it was to find healthy, affordable products and to understand the composition of typical items that we all have in our homes,’ says Elinor. ‘Before we began building this house, we’d never questioned the materials that make up our furniture and hadn’t heard of volatile organic compounds [or VOCs, which can be used in building materials, wood

The basement allowed for the creation of a beautiful sunken courtyard garden leading off the bedrooms preservatives and glues. They are released into the air as gases and may be harmful to health]. Now, we are shocked that retailers and producers are not obliged or regulated to inform us of the potential health implications.’

A good start was made in the kitchen with the help of Lisa Needham, a designer at Waterside Bathrooms & Kitchens, who sourced solvent-free lacquer-finished cabinets from Rational. The worksurfaces and tiles are made from natural materials, and outside, the decking is made from maize husks. ‘We didn’t have the budget to buy new every time, and found that it wasn’t always necessary as second-hand and upcycled pieces became our best friends,’ Elinor explains. Some of their best buys include a reclaimed scaffold-plank dining table and benches, Ercol chairs, Persian rugs and a salvaged church pew.

Although the house was not quite finished, the family moved in on Christmas Eve, 2017. ‘We lived in the house for a few days before the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery was switched on and within hours it felt as if the house had breathed a sigh of relief,’ says Born. ‘We all felt the good effect. Then the rain and snow came and we were cosy and warm without having to switch on the heating.’

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The streamlined kitchen was made in Germany by Rational, which produces units finished with solvent-free lacquer, while potted plants help to promote healthy air

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S U PPL I E R S

The bathroom includes a generous freestanding tub and leafy greenery

– PROJECT TEAM Design and build Enhabit (020 8380 8908; enhabit.uk.com) Finishing contractor Oasis Construction (0745 533 7029; oasisconstruction.co.uk) Basement contractor O’Sullivan Civil Engineering (020 8404 0006; osullivancivils.co.uk) Landscape design Landart UK (020 8979 9633; landartuk.co.uk)

Contractors (0203 369 5156; theconcreteflooring.com) Kitchen Rational (0114 399 6884; rationalgb.com) Bathroom and kitchen design Waterside Bathrooms & Kitchens (01302 325 450; watersidebathrooms.co.uk) Lighting design Belisama Lighting (07510 887 035; belisamalighting.co.uk) Roof lights Lamilux UK (01284 749 051; lamilux.co.uk) Exterior light Dyke & Dean (01424 429 202; dykeanddean.com Balustrades SHS Products (01922 743 842; shsproducts.co.uk)

STRUCTURE Zinc roof The Specialist Roofing Company (01753 867 288; thespecialistroofingcompany.co.uk) Heatsource pump BHive (01245 860 589; bhiveunderfloor.co.uk) FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES and Zehnder (01276 605 800; Ecodesign woodburner Charnwood zehnder.co.uk) (01983 537 777; charnwood.com) Electrics SG Electrical Artwork Degreeart.com (07957 390 850) (0203 701 7411; degreeart.com) Plumbing Jennings Heating Paint Crown Paints Breatheasy (0330 (07775 731 339; jheating.co.uk) 024 0281; crownpaints.co.uk) Paving and decking London Stone (01753 212 950; londonstone.co.uk) Wallpaper Abigail Borg (07793 033 922; abigailborg.com) Carpets Lano FIXTURES & FITTINGS (+32 5665 4000; lano.com) Concrete floor The Concrete Flooring

of VOCs and pollen typically found in a new-build property.

‘We were told not to expect great things as a new house needs a good year to settle and release any VOCs,’ says Born. ‘And the pollen levels were high. Even so, the care Born and Elinor had taken in the construction and furnishing of their home had a measurable effect. ‘The house smashed all the VOC levels and there was negligible pollen inside,’ Born says. ‘We take this as scientific proof that our healthy house objectives have been met.’

After several months of living in the house, the allergic reactions experienced by Avery and Pascal have virtually stopped and they’ve had fewer medical interventions. For the first time ever, the whole family is sleeping through the night. ‘We built a home that we can trust to protect our family’s health,’ Elinor says.

‘It is almost impossible to describe the feeling when we realise we have done it,’ adds Born. ‘It is still utterly overwhelming, and we have moments of immense pride and satisfaction.’

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Pascal, Avery and Blakely-Rae each have their own bedroom, decorated with VOC-free paint from the Crown Breatheasy range

The master bedroom is a peaceful retreat for Born and Elinor, with doors that open to the sunken garden MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 39

TV HOUSE

‘After several months of living in the house, the allergic reactions have virtually stopped’

The tiered garden’s planting scheme includes hosta and lavender, beneficial to allergy sufferers because they are pollinated by insects, not by wind power. Interest is added with textures of stone, and logs for the Ecodesign woodburner

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A triumph of teamwork A mix of colours and patterns has given this renovated house the character its owners wanted PHOTOGR APHY BR ADLEY VAN DER STR AETEN

HOMES EAST LONDON

IN BRIEF –

NAMES Ben and Anna Cave AGES 41 and 37 LOCATION East London TYPE OF PROPERTY Late Victorian semi-detached house BEDROOMS 4 BATHROOMS 2, plus cloakroom PROJECT STARTED November 2017 PROJECT FINISHED August 2018 EXTENSION SIZE 6sqm EXTENSION COST £18,000

ABOVE AND LEFT To create a richly textured exterior, Ben and Anna invested in soft red-grey brick slips for the extension as a contrast with the yellow-black brick of the house and the terrace of herringbone-laid paving bricks MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 43

HOMES EAST LONDON

The architect designed exposed, instead of recessed, spotlights positioned in pairs, together with 1950sinspired pendant lights

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Designed, made and installed by Uncommon Projects, the wax-oiled and lacquered shelving rests on top of a grille that was an on-site solution for disguising radiators and a means of adding another layer of pattern to the scheme

T

he smooth-running success of the extension and renovation of this family home can be attributed to one thing: ‘Finding the right people to work with is absolutely essential,’ says Ben Cave, who lives in the updated property with his wife Anna and their three sons. ‘The team we worked with were honest and very good at curbing our worst excesses,’ he says of architects George Bradley and Claire Holton from Bradley van der Straeten (BVDS). he family’s home is a late-Victorian semi-detached property near Epping Forest in East London. ‘We invited several architects to consider the project, telling them our budget, materials we preferred and the lexible way that we wanted to use the irst loor. Other projects that BVDS had done and the conversations we had gave us the conidence to trust them,’ explains Ben.

It was the arrival of the couple’s irst child that prompted them to ind a home bigger than the one-and-a-half-bedroom lat in London’s Dalston they lived in. A tight budget and the rise in property prices encouraged the couple to widen their search further east, which led to them buying the house. ‘It was in need of some work as it hadn’t been updated for 40 years by the lovely lady who lived there,’ explains Ben. Although their brief was quite open, Ben and Anna wanted a home that would look and feel playful, with eclectic colours and patterns. ‘Also, the ground loor needed a better connection to the garden and the dining table was to be the hub of the house,’ says Bradley.

As the narrow kitchen had two small windows and lacked a good view or access to the garden, a redesign of the room was the irst and most important step.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 45

Two concepts were drawn up by BVDS that opened out the space with diferent interior layouts. A third plan went a step further and enlarged the ground loor by extending outwards to one side – and this is the option that Ben and Anna chose. It required a straightforward planning application and ofered the couple an additional six square metres of living space.

‘We made the decision not to knock down walls and liked the idea of having rooms, particularly ones that can be used in diferent ways, with no set spaces for children and grown-ups,’ says Ben. Instead of building an extension across the full width of the back of the house, Bradley’s brick structure is L-shaped, with the vertical stem of the L attached to the house while the horizontal arm faces onto the garden. he design provided an opportunity to rework the layout on the irst loor, creating a study-music room, and a second bathroom in the process. A new, timber-framed glass window at the back of the house matches the extension glazing below.

ABOVE The original, classic-design French door was retained and forms a focal point visible from the garden and through the oak fixed-frame window seat 46 FEBRUARY 2019 /

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‘Texture was important, both inside and out,’ says Bradley, referring to the pale red brick and brick slips that have been used to create a wale efect on the extension’s exterior. hey contrast with a wraparound terrace of paving bricks laid in a herringbone pattern.

Inside, a vibrant yellow gives the sun-illed living room at the front of the house a wonderful sense of character. In the new kitchen, a combination of hard wax-oiled and colour-lacquered units, with bespokedesigned shelving and storage to match on the opposite wall, were designed and installed by Uncommon Projects. Altogether, the efect is a re-imagining of the 1950s, with cork, ply and colour.

‘We’re particularly keen on ply kitchens and were looking at options when we came across Uncommon Projects’ design,’ says Ben. ‘here was a eureka moment when we walked into the kitchen belonging to one of the company’s owners. We had to have one of our own.’

On the irst loor, the new layout includes a corridor that runs from the stairwell to the study-music room

ABOVE Contemporary, dark, slim-framed corner windows contrast with the traditional brickwork and pavers. Above, rainwater run-off is captured by a sedum roof

HOMES EAST LONDON

‘We liked the idea of rooms that can be used in different ways, with no set spaces for children and grown-ups’ that now stands above the dining area in the extension below. One side of the corridor is lined with bespoke, built-in storage, incorporating a utility space, with a walk-in shower opposite, while the position of the bedroom at the front of the house was left unaltered. he study-music room, with its wooden, wallmounted desk spanning the full width of the room, is simply decorated so it can be used by any of the family to play keyboards, drums and guitars, or to

study. In contrast, Ben and Anna’s new en-suite bathroom is boldly colourful. ‘We particularly liked a banana-leaf print that we’d seen in America, as well as the more playful aspect of Scandinavian furniture, and we’ve brought the two styles together,’ Ben states. he couple are still surprised by the amount of work that was involved in the project but enjoyed the creative process.

‘Our approach was, “How can we make the house better for us?” says Ben. ‘It was a co-operative experience from beginning to end and now that it’s inished, we realise that the quality of the work has given us a zero tolerance for other less well-designed places. he house is warm and comfortable and we love that we’ve chosen everything ourselves. his is a great part of London, with a lovely sense of community and the countryside is on our doorstep. We want our boys to grow up here.’

The lacquered hardwood-veneered plywood units were made bespoke, the rich tone adds colour to the pale wood scheme

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 47

F L O O R PL A N S

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

LOFT

GRASS SIDE ROOF

STUDY-MUSIC ROOM

BATHROOM

BATHROOM

BEDROOM

FIRST FLOOR GARDEN

DINING ROOM

KITCHEN SIDE PASSAGE

LIVING ROOM

GROUND FLOOR

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A bespoke curved oak staircase with copper spindles rises up through the glass atrium to an elegant balustrade that encircles a landing area.

This provides space for a piano and leads directly to the living space

The living room is painted an eye-catching yellow called Mister David from Little Greene

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HOMES EAST LONDON

A vintage Danish bureau was adapted to work as a vanity unit with the addition of a white slimline worksurface and two countertop basins

Ben and Anna wanted a home that would look and feel playful, with eclectic colours and patterns

The traditional bath was painted in a bold shade of yellow

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 51

HOMES EAST LONDON

A ply bunkbed by Made.com continues the Fifties-inspired theme in the older boys’ bedroom

S U PPL I E R S

STRUCTURE Brickwork clay pavers Global Stone (0845 6060 240; globalstonepaving.co.uk)

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Brick slip cladding The Bespoke Brick Company (01634 707 707; bespokebrick.com) Sliding doors Maxlight (020 8896 0700; maxlight.co.uk) Bespoke engineered timber flooring Bert & May (020 3744 0776; bertandmay.com) FIXTURES & FITTINGS Kitchen shelving and bench seat Uncommon Projects (020 8617 1554; uncommonprojects.co.uk) Shower room basin Lusso Stone (020 3370 4057; lussostone.com

MAGAZINE.COM

Shower room wall tiles In Opera (020 3137 1086; in-opera.co.uk); Fired Earth (01295 812 088; firedearth.com) Shower room floor tiles Diespeker & Co (020 7358 0160; diespeker.co.uk) FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Bath Aston Matthews (020 7226 7220; astonmatthews.co.uk) Main bathroom wallpaper Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com) Main bathroom pendant light Miguel Milá (miguelmila.com) Main bathroom brass taps Aston Matthews (020 7226 7220; astonmatthews.co.uk)

Shower mixer Bert & May (020 3744 0776; bertandmay.com) Bunk beds Made.com (made.com) Pouffe SCP (020 7739 1869; scp.co.uk) Living-room paint Little Greene (littlegreene.com) Architrave and skirting Benjamin Moore (01753 575 756; benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk); Farrow & Ball (01202 876 141; farrow-ball.com) Main bathroom wall paint Benjamin Moore (01753 575 756; benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk) Bath paint Little Greene (littlegreene.com) Children’s room wall paint Little Greene (littlegreene.com)

ADDITIONAL EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY JOCELYN LOW

– PROJECT TEAM Architect and interior design consultant Bradley van der Straeten (07789 478 519; b-vds.co.uk) Builder/contractor TBS Tutka (020 8200 2303; tbslimited.com) Kitchen design Uncommon Projects (020 8617 1554; uncommonprojects.co.uk) Garden design (excluding sedum roof) Martha Krempel Garden Design (07768 170 590; marthakrempelgardendesign.com)

Ballo.

Rethink seating with design that inspires.

Now available from www.houseology.com

Of form and function This low-level house is a design masterclass in clean lines and geometric shapes WORDS JULIET BENNING PHOTOGR APHY COSTAS PICADAS

IN BRIEF –

NAMES Bryan Young and Marina Vidal-Young AGES Mid-forties LOCATION Westhampton, New York TYPE OF PROPERTY Single-storey family home BEDROOMS 4 BATHROOMS 3, plus cloakroom PROJECT STARTED Autumn 2014 PROJECT FINISHED Summer 2015 SIZE 195sqm

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HOMES AMERICA

With a long, horizontal profile, the house is built on a concrete plinth raising it out of the flood zone

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 55

HOMES AMERICA

W

hen recounting the story of how his Westhampton, New York home came into being, architect Bryan Young appears remarkably cool considering the circumstances. ‘We were renovating our 1960s ranch house when it was destroyed in a fire. Thankfully, there were no personal belongings lost and no one was hurt. All things considered, we were very grateful that it wasn’t more serious.’

Turning a tragedy into a triumph, Bryan and his wife Marina built a new home from scratch that was perfectly tailored to their needs. ‘We used the foundations of the original house as a starting point,’ says Bryan.

‘They amounted to about 75 per cent of the new property’s footprint. It was an interesting parameter to be working within.’ The concrete base, built to raise the property out of the flood zone, became an important design element, prompting the long horizontal envelope of the architecture. Grass was laid on the slope up to this plinth to give a curving shape to the landscape.

As if paying respect to the burnt remains of the ranch house, Bryan opted for a charred cypress wood cladding for the exterior. The process, known as shou sugi ban, is a Japanese technique for preserving wood by charring it with fire. ‘The finish is low-maintenance so you don’t have to re-stain it every few years. And although it’s dark, it brings a tactile quality to the grain of the wood,’ explains Bryan.

Towards the rear of the property, to define the outdoor dining area, and to offer relief from the dark cladding, natural cedar wood brings warmth to the scheme.

Entrusting his vision to the project contractor, Vital Habitats, Bryan was a regular visitor to the site, creating a collaborative relationship. ‘Many of the details were resolved after we started construction, which allowed

‘We used the foundations of the original house as a starting point’

The ceiling height at the front of the house is lower, prompting more intimate spaces such as the family room. The mass of the dividing wall, painted in Benjamin Moore’s stormy sky, emphasises the incline of the ceiling 56 FEBRUARY 2019 /

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The centre of the house acts as a free-flowing space that is perfect for family gatherings. From here two wings, north and south, separate the bedrooms

F L O O R PL A N EN SUITE LIVING ROOM

MAIN BEDROOM

BEDROOM BEDROOM

KITCHEN LIVING/DINING ROOM BATHROOM BEDROOM EN SUITE POOL

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HOMES AMERICA

Bryan used cast aluminium panels to create an artwork for the living room

The contemporary space is filled with mid-century furniture against a backdrop of white walls and a pale wood floor

us to work really quickly,’ Bryan recalls. Although the project was started in autumn 2014, faced with a bitter winter, the majority of the work was completed in a swift four months between April and July the following year.

‘It was a smaller project than my architectural studio usually handles, so we were well-equipped to deal with it from a technical perspective,’ Bryan says. The planning process also ran smoothly with the local design review board approving the drawings with no amendments. ‘It’s a unique house in comparison to neighbouring properties but I think it also fits into its context and is widely appreciated.’

Working with a tight budget, the priority was for an efficient use of space. In spite of being single-storey, a series of ceiling level changes gaining height towards the rear of the house have created large internal spaces, which direct the view towards the pool and the deck. The wall height at the front door is 2.4 metres climbing to 3.6 metres at the back of the central atrium, allowing the spaces to shift in mood from intimate to more lofty and formal as you pass northwards through the property.

The floor plan is arranged with the centre of the house as its heart; a wing of three guest bedrooms is found to the north and the main bedroom and bathroom are to the south. ‘It creates a sense of privacy between our rooms and the guest bedrooms,’ Bryan explains. ‘Everybody comes to the middle of the house to meet, dine and live together, and that space spills out into the garden.’

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HOMES AMERICA

‘It’s a unique house in comparison to neighbouring properties but it also fits into its context’

The property, including the swimming pool, is environmentally friendly. The pool is heated via solar panels, which take advantage of the roof’s sloping pitch.

Spray foam insulation within the roof and walls make the house efficient at retaining heat, while carefully positioned windows maximise thermal gain. The sliding glass panels look south and the length of the roof’s overhang shades the summer sun when it’s higher in the sky, and captures all of the winter sun when it’s lower.

The uncluttered, contemporary interior is filled with a collection of stylish vintage furniture and old film posters, alongside the occasional statement light fitting 60 FEBRUARY 2019 /

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by Bocci and Muuto. ‘The house has a mid-century modern feel, although the ceiling and roof geometry is more modern,’ says Bryan. ‘It’s a good line to straddle in terms of being both welcoming and contemporary.’

The four bedrooms make it possible for Bryan and his partner Marina to host another two families, which they do frequently throughout the summer weekends, and being situated in the west of The Hamptons, the house is easily accessible from the centre of New York. ‘It has offered us a way to escape the intensity of the city, where we live in a small apartment,’ says Bryan. ‘It’s a major part of our lives and we feel so fortunate to have it.’

The dining area has views of the pool and outdoor spaces through two fullheight windows

HOMES AMERICA

The kitchen, with its teak cabinets, brings warmth to the white scheme and offers contrast to the oak flooring, which has a light whitewash

HOMES AMERICA Guest bedrooms have been kept relatively small so there is more space for communal areas A clean, white decor for all the bathrooms ensures they are low-maintenance

S U PPL I E R S – PROJECT TEAM Architect Young Projects (+1 718 330 9101; young-projects.com) Structural engineer Silman (+1 212 620 7970; silman.com) Contractor Vital Habitats (+1 631 537 8287; vitalhabitats.com) MEP Engineer Engineering Solutions (+1 212 840 1030; engsolu.com) STRUCTURE Windows Arcadia (arcadiacustom.com) Doors Arcadia (arcadiacustom.com) and Tre-Piu (+1 786 570 6867; trep-trepiu.com) Cladding (+1 512 385 1812; deltamillworks.com) FIXTURES & FITTINGS Kitchen appliances Miele (0330 160 6600; miele.co.uk) Kitchen sink Elkay (+1 630 574 8484; elkay.com) Kitchen woodwork Henrybuilt (henrybuilt.com) Kitchen tap Kohler (kohler.co.uk)

Bathrooms are fitted with inward-opening hopper windows for ventilation

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Bathroom plumbing fixtures Dornbracht (+49 2371 4330; dornbracht.com), Hansgrohe (01372 472 056; hansgrohe.co.uk) and Kohler (kohler.co.uk) Dining table chandelier pendant light Bocci (07794 587 325; bocci.ca) Kitchen island drop light DWR (+1 203 614 0600; dwr.com) Bedroom pendant light Muuto (+45 3296 9899; muuto.com) FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Dining chairs Vintage Eames (eames.com) Exterior zinc dining table Arxe (+34 629 544 677; arxe.info) Exterior dining chairs Vintage Eames (eames.com) Sculptura living-room wire chairs Woodard (+1 800 877 2290; woodard-furniture.com) Sofa CB2 (+1 630 388 4555; cb2.com) Large scale wall art in living room Cast aluminium panels by Bryan Young

‘Many of the details were resolved after we started construction, which allowed us to work really quickly’

The main bedroom is separated from the rest of the house in its own south-facing wing.

It is bounded on three sides by large windows, one of which leads to an exterior shower

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HOMES AMERICA

The roof’s overhang shades the summer sun when it’s higher in the sky, and captures all of the winter sun when it’s lower

Lighting, built into the rendered underside of the overhang, illuminates the decking and pool at night

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HOMES LONDON

Bespoke fitted furniture in the living room was made by a local joiner. Timber boards on the floor were sanded back and refinished

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The height of chic A long to-do list of improvements prompted the renovation of this much-loved London townhouse WORDS JULIET BENNING PHOTOGR APHY CHRIS SNOOK

IN BRIEF –

NAMES Julie Gardener and Kittie Cook AGES Early fifties LOCATION Wandsworth, London TYPE OF PROPERTY Victorian townhouse BEDROOMS 4 BATHROOMS 2 PROJECT STARTED July 2016 PROJECT FINISHED August 2017 SIZE 305sqm COST £640,000 CURRENT VALUE £3 million

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HOMES LONDON

I

t was not an exciting new property or plot that steered Julie Gardener and her partner Kittie Cook on their design journey.

It was the revival of the home that they had lived in and loved for ten years. ‘It’s a gorgeous house,’ says Julie, who was originally drawn to the building’s grand proportions and elevated position, with a flight of steps up from the street. ‘Although it’s technically Victorian, it was built around the time of The Great Exhibition in 1851 and has some Georgian influences.’

Living in a period property is never without its complications and after a decade the list of improvements and repair jobs was long. ‘It got to a point where we’d accumulated a few years’ worth of problems and we thought we should tackle them all at once,’ says Julie.

ABOVE Although built in 1850, around the time of The Great Exhibition, this imposing Victorian property includes elements of Georgian style, such as its tall windows and grand proportions

Although built in 1850, around the time of the Great Exhibition, the imposing Victorian house includes elements of Georgian style in its façade, such as the tall windows and grand proportions.

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Julie and Kittie’s eclectic style works with the original period features

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‘After two rounds of replacing rotten wood, the idea of low-maintenance steel was very appealing’ The couple planned a complete makeover. The house was to be gutted, electrically rewired and re-plumbed, the walls would be strengthened and steels put in, the interiors redecorated and new rendering applied to the rear facade to complete the project.

Julie and Kittie drafted in the expertise of Neil Gaskin from Sketch Architects, who had been recommended by a structural-engineer friend. Despite being in a conservation area, none of the alterations required planning permission, but the disruption was extensive enough to warrant the couple moving out for the entire duration of the work.

Both Julie and Kittie are writers in the entertainment industry and spend much of their time working from home, so they moved into a smaller property temporarily and continued with business as usual, while keeping a close eye on the project’s progress.

Gaskin found a solution to the basement kitchen, which had been extended in the past and was awkwardly broken up by steel downstand beams and had a doorway at the foot of a dark staircase. It was opened up and fitted with steel-framed Crittall windows.

‘The staircase had been impossible to see and I used the glazing to draw light into the corridor and act as a barrier to the other basement rooms,’ he explains. The opening

HOMES LONDON

Metal-framed glazing has transformed the previously dark stairwell and opened up views to the garden at the back of the house.

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The kitchen was updated, re-using many of the old units along with a new island and taller cupboards

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HOMES LONDON

F L O O R PL A N S

MUSIC ROOM OFFICE

EN SUITE

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

SECOND FLOOR

LIBRARY

EN SUITE

DRESSING ROOM

BALCONY MAIN BEDROOM

FIRST FLOOR

WC

LIVING AREA PATIO

GROUND FLOOR

UTILITY ROOM

WC LIVING SPACE KITCHEN

PATIO

To tackle a problem with damp, the room was completely gutted and dug out to half a metre. A new, polished-concrete floor has underfloor heating

LOWER GROUND FLOOR

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HOMES LONDON

‘It got to a point where we’d accumulated a few years’ worth of problems and we thought we should tackle them all at once’ for the window was designed so that it cuts into the timber joists that run side to side across the ceiling, and fit under the new steel beam that is left exposed. At one end of the room, timber doors were replaced with another set of Crittall ones to provide a view of the garden. ‘After two rounds of replacing rotten wood, the idea of low-maintenance steel was very appealing,’ Julie says.

The kitchen was stripped right back to deal with the property’s damp problem. ‘We took everything down to the soil, digging down by half a metre,’ Gaskin explains.

A new, fully insulated concrete slab was fitted alongside Sika waterproofing and tanking. The floor was then finished with underfloor heating and polished concrete.

With help from designer Sarah Newman at Harvey Jones in Battersea, the kitchen was updated, re-using many of the old units along with a new island and taller cupboards including a larder and American-style fridge.

Architect Neil Gaskin reworked the room Architect Neil Gaskin layout for the Juliespace and for reworked Kittie’s bedroom, Julie and Kittie’s dressing room and room bedroom, dressing bathroom. and bathroom

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Upstairs, the couple’s bedroom suite now has the look of a lofty Parisian apartment. Once two smaller rooms, Gaskin reclaimed space to create a dressing room leading off from the bedroom, which then leads to an adjoining bathroom.

‘I wanted to make the three spaces feel connected,’ Gaskin says. With the addition of tall double doors and a freestanding bathtub in the dressing area, the already impressive proportions have been given a greater sense of drama. Julie’s eye for decorative detail prompted both the deep-blue hue of the bathtub and the carpet of tiles beneath it. Fitted wardrobes, made by a local joiner, line the walls for a clutter-free look With the renovation complete, the improvements have given Julie and Kittie a renewed appreciation of their London home. ‘After moving in, we went for a shabby-chic look,’ says Julie. ‘Now we’ve chic-ed up the shabby. Our home is going to age happily with us.’

Double doors from Mann Made London (mannmadelondon. com) heighten the drama of the bedroom’s proportions

S U PPL I E R S – PROJECT TEAM Architect Sketch Architects (0203 773 4880; sketch-architects.co.uk) Structural engineer Deborah Setterfield, Benton Setterfield Partnership (020 8870 3666) Contractor M&M Crew (07783 902 421; mmcrew.co.uk) Decorating consultant Louise Hannah Design (07786 902 220; louisehannahdesign.com)

Wall-to-wall bespoke joinery fills the library, which is on a landing between the ground floor and first floor.

STRUCTURE Windows Crittall from Lightfoot Windows (020 8662 9090; lightfootwindows.co.uk) Polished concrete floor Lazenby (01935 700 306; lazenby.co.uk) Timber floor Woodrow Parquet (020 7228 8700; woodrow-hardwood-flooring.com)

Waterproofing and damp-resistance products Sika (0800 292 2572; sikawaterproofing.co.uk) FIXTURES & FITTINGS Kitchen design Harvey Jones, Battersea, London (0800 389 6938; harveyjones.com) Fitted furniture: dressing room MannMade London (020 3735 6470; mannmadelondon.com) Fitted furniture: living room and music room Patrick Melanaphy, Richmond Park Cabinets (020 8892 2871; richmondparkcabinets.com) Walls Farrow & Ball (charleston grey in the bathroom; wardrobes in

skimming stone; bedroom in elephant’s breath (01202 876 141; farrow-ball.com) Lighting Clippings (020 3808 9449; clippings.com) and Skipper pendant

by Tom Raffield at Heal’s (0333 212 1915; heals.com) Bathroom tiles Carpet Vestige by Aparici, from Potter Perrin (020 7223 1007; potterperrintiles.com) AV system Casey Barrett, Inspired Dwellings (020 7736 6007; inspireddwellings.com) FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Bathroom fittings Potter Perrin (020 7223 1007; potterperrintiles.com) Carpets Roger Oates flatweave (020 7351 2288; rogeroates.com)

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HOMES LONDON

With the renovation complete, the improvements have given Julie and Kittie a renewed appreciation of their home

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New rendering and Crittall windows at the back of the house have completely renewed its appearance and required no planning permission.

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IN BRIEF –

LOCATION Kilmoluaig, Isle of Tiree TYPE OF PROPERTY New-build attached to a traditional stone cottage BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 2 PROJECT STARTED March 2016 PROJECT FINISHED October 2018 SIZE 100sqm BUILD COST £200,000

The curved fibre-glass roof, with inset rooflights, was made entirely bespoke to fit Micheal’s design specifications

HOMES SCOTLAND

From a new angle The design of this Hebridean island home has been inspired by the traditional blacktop cottage beside which it stands WORDS CAROLINE EDNIE AND AR ABELL A ST JOHN PARKER PHOTOGR APHY DAVID BARBOUR

ABOVE Dark fibreglass replicates a traditional roof style, like the tarred felt variety seen locally. As such, the roof was the most complicated part of the build: it had to be laid, then taken down to add glazing units before being pieced back together

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HOMES SCOTLAND

Micheal and Lynne incorporated colours that would reflect those found in the nearby natural environment, such as yellow for gorse and buttercups

T

he mostly low-lying Isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides is just 12 miles long and six miles wide. It is a place of open skies, sea views and a generally mild climate with gusty winds that blow in from the Atlantic Ocean during the winter months. Architect Micheal Holliday grew up on this windswept isle, and three years ago he inherited a cottage there that had belonged to his grandmother.

The property, with cattle byre beside it, had been built with its ‘back to the wind, face to the sun’, as were many of the traditional houses on the island, which were orientated to keep them sheltered from the prevailing winds. But it also meant that the surrounding countryside and ocean beyond were hidden from view.

The cottage was too small for Micheal and thenpartner Lynne Cox’s needs, so they decided to renovate it as a self-contained, one-bedroom home and design another building that would be big enough for them to live in and which would enable them to enjoy the landscape. ‘Planning encouraged us to present the proposal either as an extension to the cottage or as a separate new-build,’ he says. ‘The same approval would have been required for either option.’

Micheal and Lynne decided to build an extension, designing it to stand at a 90° angle adjoining the cottage.

‘Our concept was to re-imagine the traditional Tiree house when designed for the 21st century. The island buildings have really thick, textured walls and lightweight roofs

F L O O R PL A N S BEDROOM

BEDROOM DINING AREA

LIVING ROOM KITCHEN BATHROOM UTILITY

KITCHEN BEDROOM

BATHROOM

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

ABOVE The entrance, positioned between the new-build and existing cottage, was designed with a cobbled floor as a practical surface to take off wellies or walking shoes 78 FEBRUARY 2019 /

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GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

The contrast between old and new is felt in the link entrance, with the rough textured stone of the original house to one side and smooth wood on the other MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 79

For a clean-lined look in the small kitchen, the couple chose smooth-fronted units.

Walnut worksurfaces and reclaimed brass door kick plates for the splashback add warmer tones to the scheme, while painted V-lined pine cladding is used to draw in the staircase

White painted timber slats predate plasterboard and are a common feature of Tiree’s traditional house interiors

with curved ridges, no overhanging eaves, and the windows are set deep into the walls. I wanted to incorporate these details,’ Micheal explains. The new addition features an aerodynamic, curved roof ridge that will withstand Atlantic gales, as well as heavily slate-clad walls, recessed eaves and deep-set windows.

Splashes of colour inspired by those found in the landscape – yellow for gorse and buttercups, and red for tractors and sheds – break up the monochrome palette of materials. ‘The juncture between the cottage and the

‘Our concept was to re-imagine the traditional Tiree house designed for the 21st century’ new-build forms a shared entrance; it’s like an air lock, standing between the textured stone of the old house and the wood finishes of the new addition,’ says Micheal.

The extension was bigger than originally anticipated and the roofline higher but the local planning office was sympathetic. ‘Because it’s set at a 90° angle, the ridgelines of both buildings aren’t visible side by side, so the planners were happy with the overall design,’ Micheal adds. For the roof, he and Lynne decided to use a darkened fibreglass, a material that looks like the black-tarred felt roofs, or

HOMES SCOTLAND

A laser level was used to make sure the pine timber cladding was perfectly aligned in the living area

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With impressive views from the upper floor, Micheal and Lynne flipped the design of the house, so bedrooms are downstairs

blacktops, of the traditional Tiree houses. It is also durable and suited to the apex curve and sunken rooflights included in the design. ‘Almost everything was all figured out for the first time on the job… It was the most complicated part of the build,’ says Micheal.

Taking advantage of an initiative set up by his and Lynne’s practice, Roots Architecture, and run by Tog Studio, Micheal decided to use the construction of the extension as an opportunity to run a couple of live-build courses for architecture students, so they could learn about construction techniques. As they were using a breathing wall timber kit of sheep’s wool and wood-fibre insulation along with slate and larch cladding, themes for courses came naturally: ‘The first was about timber kit construction and the second was cladding,’ Micheal recalls.

Inside, a timber core comprises the staircase, a plant room and storage space, and the south-facing, open-plan kitchen benefits from views to a nearby loch. The views also encouraged Micheal and Lynne to turn the layout on its head, with the two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the ground floor and the living area with a dining table on the floor above. With its curved ceiling, an echo of the ridge on the cottage next door, and roof lights looking out towards the Atlantic, this upstairs room is both spacious and cosy. ‘We used V-lining boards to clad the ceiling,” says Micheal. “It’s a traditional method on the island but ours are waxed to give them a modern, weightless look.’

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For the tadelakt wall finish, Lynne applied three different layers of plaster, with varying amounts of dye in each layer to achieve different depths of colour. The surface is then scraped back and polished

HOMES SCOTLAND

‘Lynne learned how to apply tadelakt Moroccan plaster so she could line the bathroom and bedroom walls’

Door kick plates bought on eBay have been painstakingly restored by Micheal and Lynne, and make a unique finishing touch for a bath panel

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 83

HOMES SCOTLAND

The finishes used throughout are meticulous and no detail or attention to quality was too small. ‘To help with the finishing work we employed David Vale, a local cabinetmaker who used to build super-yachts,’ says Micheal. Flourishes include a reclaimed cobble floor on the lower level, walnut worktops in the kitchen, built-in features made with reclaimed brass and windowsills made from the beds of salvaged slate snooker tables.

Lynne also learned how to apply tadelakt Moroccan plaster especially so she could line the bathroom and bedroom walls. ‘We were keen to make the walls feel as monumental on the inside as they are outside, and we remembered the tadelakt plaster walls we’d seen while on holiday in Morocco,’ says Micheal. ‘Lynne went down to [construction training centre] Goldtrowel in Essex for

a week and learned how to do it. She’s only the second person from Scotland to go on this training course.’

An air source heat pump, with underfloor heating downstairs and radiators on the upper level, keeps the house cosy. ‘We didn’t want to be reliant on hi-tech systems that we couldn’t fix ourselves, or to have to bring specialists over from the mainland to fix any problems,’ says Micheal.

The project took over two years to complete. During this time, Micheal and Lynne lived partly in the cottage, partly in the new-build. ‘Living on a building site was challenging,’ admits Micheal. ‘I am a trained architect, not a house builder, so it was a roller-coaster journey, but Lynne brought a fresh pair of eyes to the project. It was extremely gratifying to see the architectural ideas and years of labour come together into such a beautifully crafted house.’

The original blacktop cottage, on the right, was sheltered from Atlantic gusts, but this meant its views were limited. The new-build has a higher roof height, which provides a better perspective of the sea and the island’s interior

S U PPL I E R S – PROJECT TEAM Architect Micheal Holliday and Lynne Cox, Roots Architecture (01879 220 385; roots.co.uk) Structural engineer Woolgar Hunter (0141 332 0471; woolgarhunter.com) Foundations and fibreglass roof CKR Island Construction (07747 043 686) Internal fit out David Vale (07555 893 215)

84 FEBRUARY 2019 /

STRUCTURE Structural timber BSW Timber (0800 587 8887; bsw.co.uk) Larch cladding Russwood (01540 673 648; russwood.co.uk) Slate cladding Cupa (020 3904 3001; cupapizarras.com) Sheep’s wool insulation Thermafleece (01768 486 285; thermafleece.com) Air source heat pump Daikin (daikin.com),

MAGAZINE.COM

installed by The Natural Energy Company (01382 543 375; thenaturalenergycompany.co.uk) Fibreglass Cure It (03301 222 666; cureit.com) Woodfibre insulation Pavatherm (01844 338 338; pavatex.com) Rationel doors ADW (01236 780 022; adwlimited.co.uk) Windows GRS Trade Centre (01631 571 155)

FIXTURES & FITTINGS Kitchen Rembrand Timber (01382 323 200; rembrand.co) Flooring Ted Todd (020 7495 6706; tedtodd.co.uk) Wood-burning stove Morsø (01788 554 410; morsoe.com) Radiators Stelrad (01709 578 950; stelrad.com)

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PROJECTS

This secluded woodland site in Billericay, Essex was perfect for privacy

This month

PLOT-FINDING ●

PERIOD RENOVATIONS ●

SIDE RETURN EXTENSIONS ●

KITCHEN CABINETS

Find your dream site Sourcing a plot for your self-build has its challenges.

A methodical approach is crucial

●

FRONT DOORS ●

SHOWERS AND TAPS ●

STRUCTURAL LIGHTING

What to look for Bringing an architect on board early can be helpful when considering a site because they are trained to look for opportunities, assess building land for suitability and uncover potential pitfalls. It’s also worth remembering that a site that appears to be a bargain may be inexpensive for good

reason, so be cautious because it could leave you out of pocket.

If you find the perfect plot and are haggling over price, bear in mind that the cost is dependent

A site that appears to be a bargain may be inexpensive for good reason on the classification of the land (what it can be used for), location, size and potential.

Unfortunately for self-builders, residential or housing sites are always going to be the most

expensive. Agricultural or grazing land sells for a fraction of the price but sometimes it is misleadingly advertised as available with planning permission, and in these situations, you’re advised to steer well clear.

Search options Use multiple plot-finding options to further improve your chances of success.

Search the internet Established websites such as Plotfinder and PlotSearch advertise thousands of land listings. It’s also worth MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 89

PROJECTS GRAND BUILD

This plot on the Wirral, Merseyside came with a 1960s dormer bungalow, which was transformed into a stunning family home

checking out property portals, including Zoopla and Rightmove, to look for sites or potential knock-down-andrebuild properties.

Scan regional newspapers and their websites Local publications may provide details of plots for sale.

Sign up with estate and land agents Target several with offices in the area you want to build in.

Sound out local experts They can give you the inside track on upcoming opportunities. Speak to architects and surveyors, even builders, as they’re likely 90 FEBRUARY 2019 /

Opportunities, such as a portion of a neighbour’s garden, could be used as the plot to build your future home

the plot to build your future home, subject to approval for change of use.

Can you build on it? to find out about newly available plots early on.

Visit property auctions They may have sites suitable or houses – either as renovation projects or demolition and rebuilds.

Post enquiry letters Leaflet the letterboxes of properties in or close to your target area. Somebody may be keen to sell their property or know someone else in the same position.

MAGAZINE.COM

Walk, cycle or drive around your chosen area Look for potential sites. Note the details and contact the local planning department to see if an application has been submitted, or contact the owners through the HM Land Registry at gov.uk.

Look closer to home Opportunities such as an unused garage or even a portion of a neighbour’s garden could be used as

If you find a plot and are unsure of its potential, contact the local planning department. Take a look at the council’s land-use development plans online, which will indicate the classification of the site. Planning Portal (planningportal.co.uk) and your local authority’s website will indicate unitary development plans, which provide guidance on local development, conservation,

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PROJECTS GRAND BUILD

SEARCH TIPS Julia Riddle, director at Castle Planning (castleplanning. uk), offers her expert advice for finding your ideal site ● Contact local authorities in the areas where you are interested in finding a plot. All local authorities are required to identify sites for self-build and to keep a register of interested individuals. This is so they can understand the level of demand in their area and assist in identifying suitable plots.

By getting on the list, you have an added opportunity to find a site and, importantly, one that’s suitable and deliverable for a self-build project. The information about this register should be available from the local planning authority. But it’s worth noting that some local authorities are a lot more advanced in this process than others. ● Narrow down what you are looking for. It is useful to keep a fairly open mind when searching for a plot but sometimes this can make it feel like you are looking for a needle in a haystack. Try to identify your main priorities.

The following questions may help you be more precise about your requirements: • Is there a particular location you want to build a home in?

• Would you prefer a rural or urban location?

• Do you want a build that can be delivered quickly and with little risk?

• Are you looking for a site with few planning constraints and possibly an existing permission?

• Do you need a site that can deliver a particular house type?

The more specific you can be, the more effective your search.

Matt and Sophie White’s barn-style extension in West Sussex is linked to their 19th century gamekeeper’s lodge

PHOTOGRAPHY MATT CHISNALL, DARREN CHUNG, ANDREW WALL

● View as many plots as possible

regeneration and improvement activity. Check whether there’s already planning in place.

Planning permission may come with the site, or can be applied for either before or after buying the land. Unless you’re well versed in all aspects of planning matters, it is worthwhile obtaining professional advice.

Check the consent There are two types of planning consent: outline

Architects, surveyors and builders are likely to find out about plots early on planning permission (OPP) and detailed planning permission (DPP). OPP signifies that the local planning authority has agreed the basic principle of a proposed development and is subject

to the condition that full planning details will be submitted. OPP is valid for three years, within which time you’ll need to submit matters for a scheme. Then the approval will be valid for a further two years. Don’t dismiss a plot because you don’t like the permitted design. It is possible to submit an application if DPP exists, without invalidating the existing permission.

that meet your outline criteria and make a note of their advantages and disadvantages. This should help you make a fully informed decision before you commit to buying the site – or not. ● Turn to p94 to read Julia’s Q&As on plot-finding

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 93

PROJECTS GRAND BUILD

A &

Planning expert and adviser Julia Riddle has the answers on how to locate the perfect plot

1

Mark Edwards and Penny Talelli’s plot in a north London conservation area came with a dilapidated coach house, which they rebuilt and extended

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MAGAZINE.COM

Jon and Noreen Jaafar took a risk when they bought a derelict plot with no planning permission in Dursley, Gloucestershire for £85,000

Councils have to give ‘suitable development permission’ and may identify sites that can then be developed for self-build

2

If I sign up to the Right to Build register and the local authority offers me a plot, am I guaranteed first refusal on the site?

Once the council has given permission for sites, they should inform those on the register of their availability and provide the details of the land owner or agent. It is then up to you to contact the owner or agent and arrange the next steps in the buying process.

It’s worth bearing in mind that although local planning authorities should use the requirements of interested parties on the register to guide the location and allocation of sites, they are not obliged to give permission on land that specifically meets these requirements. The risk is that permitted sites may or may not meet the preferences of those on the list.

3

If I buy a plot on a custom-build site, will it automatically come with full planning permission?

As part of their obligation under the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act, councils are required to grant planning permission for suitable sites.

They have to give ‘suitable development permission’ and may identify sites that can then be developed for self-build, give outline or full planning permission for sites either on a stand-alone basis or as part of a wider development.

The guidance does not require that full planning permission is given, but that a serviced plot is provided. This is one that has access to a highway and is connected to utilities. You would need to check what planning status it has as this will affect the type of development and the process for achieving this.

ESSENTIAL CONTACTS PlotBrowser (plotbrowser.com) Plotfinder (plotfinder.net) PlotSearch (plotsearch.co.uk) PrimeLocation (primelocation.com) Rightmove (rightmove.co.uk) The Land Bank Partnership (thelandbankpartnership.co.uk) Zoopla (zoopla.co.uk)

PHOTOGRAPHY MATT CHISNALL, FRASER MARR

There’s a plot I’m interested in.

How do I find out who the owner is?

The first place to check the ownership of any piece of land is the Land Registry (gov.uk/government/ organisations/land-registry). From there you will be able to find the title register and title plan of the plot, which will set out the ownership and should also show details of anyone else who has a right to the land.

You could also contact the local planning authority, as they will have a record of all planning applications made regarding the land. Any past applications will also show the ownership of the plot, as the application forms ask who the owner is and that they are notified, even when an application is made by someone else.

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10 Find inspiration with schemes that unite period architecture and modern design WORDS REBECCA FOSTER

stunning home renovations A carefully planned refurbishment project provides a golden opportunity to maximise an older property’s potential, but to ensure the best result it’s vital to develop a design strategy that respects the historic charm and structure of the house. With professional help and a sensitive approach, you can improve thermal efficiency, add floor space, reconfigure the layout and modernise the design.

1

A WHOLE NEW ANGLE

Dissatisfied with the cellular layout of rooms in this grand Edwardian villa, the owners required a design solution that would help them establish spacious, light-filled living areas and a stronger connection to the garden.

Shepherd’s Bush-based Waind Gohil + Potter Architects (020 8735 5367; wgpa.co.uk) was commissioned to design an extension to replace an uninspiring conservatory at the rear of the house. Early discussions focused on whether to create a bold, modern structure or something more in keeping with the traditional architecture. Ultimately, the design drew inspiration from both sides. The brickwork echoes the palette of the original house, while the structure adds a contemporary twist. Angular glazing has been fitted in abstract shapes to mirror the wedge-shaped walls.

A similar scheme would cost approximately £3,000 per square metre.

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PROJECTS GRAND GUIDE

2

INSIDE OUT

Polly Jones lives in this terraced Victorian property in north London with her two teenage children. Keen to create a better sense of connection between the inside and the small courtyard garden to the rear of the house, Polly chose Edwards Rensen Architects (020 3227 0122; edwardsrensen-archictects.co.uk) to bring her idea of a light-filled ground floor to life.

She was initially surprised at the architect’s suggestion of installing a window seat next to the garden door, as she’d expected a plan to open up the width of the rear facade with glazed doors.

Now the project is complete, Polly loves having somewhere warm and comfortable to sit while she gazes at the outdoor space. The project, which also included landscaping and additional alterations to the ground floor, cost £160,000.

3

BRIGHT IDEA

The owner of this ground-floor mansion flat wanted to bring additional natural light into the interior. The lightwell at the centre of the seven-storey 19th century block was originally designed to bring brightness to the rooms on its perimeter, but in the ground-floor apartment, the bathrooms and storage spaces had been positioned in these areas.

Studio 1 Architects (020 7101 0356; studio1architects.co.uk) reconfigured the layout, and moved the bathrooms to open out the living area to the lightwell. The windows were also aligned so that there’s a view to the rear garden from the entrance to the property.

The project was completed for approximately £400,000, including interior renovation.

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PROJECTS GRAND GUIDE

4

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

As well as gaining more space for their family, Joe Suett and Bex Couper wanted a link connecting their living room and kitchen. A striking new side extension created an L-shaped, sociable, open-plan kitchen/dining area. Joe and Bex were keen for the exterior of the extension to contrast with the original architecture, so that a clear differentiation would tell the story of how the building has evolved over the years. Corten steel cladding was chosen to achieve this distinct difference. The crisp edges are juxtaposed against the uneven surface of the original brickwork, so the old and new parts of the building can clearly be identified. The scheme was completed for approximately ÂŁ100,000.

Crisp edges are juxtaposed against the uneven surface of the original brickwork

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 99

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PROJECTS GRAND GUIDE

5

MODERN INTERVENTION

When Chris Blaik and Melissa Porte bought their Victorian semi-detached property in south London, the lower ground floor featured a cramped, compartmentalised layout with low ceilings. There was also a rundown lean-to extension and much of the property’s charm had been lost over the decades. The lean-to was removed and the couple renovated the house from top-to-bottom with modern finishes, including polished concrete flooring on the ground floor.

A frameless slot window runs up and over the new rear extension to bring light into the lower storey and draws the eye out to the garden. A similar project by Gruff (020 8692 9130; grufflimited.com) would cost £2,500 to £3,000 per square metre.

6

ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL

Kate Ledlie and Alastair Dick renovated their four-storey, mid-19th century home with the aim of creating a modern living space for their family that retained a sense of Victorian grandeur. Campbell Cadey Architects (020 7965 7347; campbellcadey.com) reconfigured the floor plan so that individual storeys could be designated as a family space, a children’s zone, or for adults. The top floor is a light-filled area for the children, the first floor includes Kate and Alastair’s spacious en-suite bedroom, while an open-plan kitchen is in the basement.

To complete the refurbishment, original floorboards were sanded down and refinished, and a neutral colour palette introduced to provide a backdrop for the period features. A similar project would cost approximately £350,000.

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7

THE FULL WORKS

This Victorian end-of-terrace house in north-west London was in need of an overhaul when Peter and Marie Grainger moved in with their young children. Keen to establish a spacious family home, the couple brought in UV Architects (020 7407 9343; uvarchitects.co.uk). The scheme encompassed a loft conversion, side and rear extension, plus a new basement that spans the entire footprint of the house. However, the design had to be sensitive as the property is in a conservation area.

Peter and Marie wanted to avoid a stark, modern look, specifying metal-framed windows rather than frameless glazing and a timber kitchen. Walk-on rooflights at ground level allow the couple to see down into the children’s playroom in the basement.

The project was completed for approximately £1 million.

8

ENERGY EFFICIENT UPDATE

This Victorian house in north-west London had not been updated since the 1960s and was cold and draughty. Luigi Montefusco, director at LBMV Architects (020 7483 3880; lbmvarchitects.com) devised a scheme to improve insulation levels while respecting the heritage of the house. The building was extended to the side and rear, the loft converted and new insulating plasterboard was installed. Reclaimed timber herringbone floors on the ground floor provide an element of texture that maintains the character of the house.

A similar project would cost approximately £3,000 per square metre.

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9

VERTICAL SPACE The front facade of this listed, early Victorian

house has been left unaltered, while the rear of the building was completely transformed using a combination of new bricks and reclaimed London stock to help the new elements blend with the original. Giles & Pike Architects (020 7924 6257; gilespike.com) was tasked with renovating the property and creating extra living space.

The practice remodelled the house, adding an extension and basement conversion, and providing a double-height space that features a stunning artwork column (right) by interior designer Ben Kelly. The new basement cost approximately £3,500 per square metre, and the alterations to the ground and first floors cost in the region of £2,500 per square metre.

PHOTOGRAPHY BEN BLOSSOM, DAVID BUTLER, MATT CHISNALL, FRENCH + TYE, ADELINA ILIE, MORLEYVON STERNBERG

10

TALL ORDER

When the owners of this Victorian semi-detached house moved into the property, the ceiling on the lower-ground floor was so low that they couldn’t stand without bumping their heads. They drew upon the expertise of MW Architects (020 7407 6767; mwarchitects. co.uk) for a refurbishment and a new extension.

At the back of the house, a double-height void sits within the eye-catching glass box structure. A sweeping, bespoke, white-painted steel staircase with timber treads forms a unique architectural detail, replacing the awkward spiral stairs that originally linked the lower-ground level to the storey above. The floor on the lower-ground level was also lowered to provide extra head space. As a significant amount of structural work was carried out, the project came in at £2,500 per square metre.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 105

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PROJECTS SIDE-RETURN EXTENSIONS

The side alley of this Victorian maisonette was the ideal space for an extension by Resi (0208 068 4811; resi.co.uk). The bedrooms have been moved to the front of the property with kitchen, dining and living spaces in the expanded rear. The project cost ÂŁ55,000 for the build and glazing

Great returns Extending into a redundant side passageway can transform your ground-floor living space WORDS SAR AH WARWICK

Building out into your back garden is one of the best ways to gain extra room.

Extending at ground-floor level is a big hit with UK homeowners – applications for planning permission have fallen only slightly, with the number of decisions on household developments at 56,500 in the quarter ending June 2018, down from the 59,000 decisions in the quarter ending June 2017, according to Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government figures.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 109

PROJECTS SIDE-RETURN EXTENSIONS

Current trends Recent years have seen a rise in glass box extensions and, more recently, wraparound designs.

For 2019, architect Hugo Tugman (020 8332 2885; tugman.co.uk) anticipates a greater acceptance of contemporary design. ‘I see evidence that people will favour simple forms and surfaces, flat roofs with deep overhanging eaves and planes of glazing with a solid wall beneath. There’s now a move away from the ubiquitous glass box towards slightly more subtle compositions.’

Extensions don’t have to be sizeable to make a big difference to a property. ‘The popularity of side-return extensions has grown,’ says Ian Rock, chartered surveyor at Rightsurvey.co.uk. ‘This is partly down to word of mouth. Seeing neighbours’ homes transformed has propelled many to commission similar improvements. There’s a snowball effect, as more people see the profound difference such improvements can make.’

This style of extension will give a period property a more contemporary layout. ‘Victorian homes have numerous attractions, but commonly suffer from cramped narrow galley kitchens, sometimes with the original outdoor WC stuck on the back,’ says Rock. ‘Although there may only be space to add a metre or two in width, this is still sufficient to transform the layout of the rooms. One of the most sought-after features in any property is a spacious kitchen-diner with plenty of natural light. A good-quality side-return extension with a refitted kitchen is also likely to boost the value of a Victorian house by 10 to 20 per cent.’

THIS PICTURE AND ABOVE RIGHT Interurban Studios (020 3095 9748; interurbanstudios. com) designed angled fins for the glazed roof of this side return. The fins are structural, supporting the new extension, while also maintaining privacy from neighbours with no sacrifice of natural light

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LIGHT FROM ABOVE Architect Richard Skinner of Archea (020 7249 1206; archea.co) examines roof glazing options ● Fully glazed roofs can bring obvious benefits of increased light and also create a very contemporary and striking addition to a period terraced property. ● Where time and budget allow, a fully glazed roof with a self-cleaning finish is highly recommended as access to the roof will be limited.

There are minimum falls required to glazed roofs, typically between 3° to 5°, but it can pay to increase the fall as the greater the pitch, the more effective a self-cleaning treatment will be. ● The orientation of a side return can also be a factor when considering the roof. Some may be overexposed to direct sunlight and overheating can be a problem.

Smaller opening rooflights can create ventilation if this is the case.

This extension by Yard Architects (020 7407 8303; yardarchitects.co.uk) provided a bigger kitchen and dining space across the full width of the house. The grey limestone floor extends out into the garden

Design concerns The popularity of improvements that make use of the side return has also been fuelled by contractors offering standardised designs that take advantage of the similarity of the floor plans of Victorian terraces and semis, and which can provide a package including gaining necessary approvals.

For a more individual design, calling an architect could prove worthwhile. Look out for a professional who can show you similar projects and who has a good track record with local planners.

Extensions don’t have to be sizeable to make a big difference to a property

Jones Associates Architects (07980 288 502; jones-associates.co.uk) has used the extra space of a side return to create a light-filled living room. Total cost for the extension and ground-floor alterations, including fit out, was £170,000

Although many extensions can be completed under Permitted Development, this may not be for long. ‘At the moment, you can build up to six metres deep on most terraced or semi-detached houses if you go through a neighbour consultation process,’ says Tugman. ‘But that rule, brought in from 2013, looks like it will expire in 2019 and we’ll be back to full planning applications for all but the smallest side returns.’

● We often find that the side return of regular Victorian terraces is in poor condition and far from perpendicular. There is also, occasionally, a low-quality extension within the adjoining neighbour’s side return and/or limited views, limited direct light and overlooking from neighbours.

All these require solutions.

Cutting timber on site and installing a single-ply membrane or glass reinforced plastic (GRP) roof finish is straightforward, responsive to the site condition and doesn’t need to be booked months in advance. By using the timber roof structure and finishes as the bespoke, flexible elements that fill the irregular gap, more standard large-format rooflights can be installed, both in flat and pitched roof designs, at lower cost than a fully glazed roof. ● Standard rooflights are typically on a one-week lead time and offer large, uninterrupted glazed areas. Blinds can easily be fitted to these to retain privacy. The traditional roof offers high thermal performance and also creates a zone for installing internal lighting, kitchen extract ducting and electrical runs.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 111

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PROJECTS SIDE-RETURN EXTENSIONS

EMR Architecture (0207 384 6455; emrarchitecture. com) designed a side and rear extension to make space for an open-plan kitchen and dining area.

Crittall sliding doors are complemented by a glass roof. A similar project would cost around £100,000

PHOTOGRAPHY ROSANGELA PHOTOGRAPHY, NICK INGRAM OF INARCH, RICHARD CHIVERS, GARETH GARDNER, CHRIS SNOOK

Practical considerations

In this project by Vorbild (020 7193 9379; vorbild.co.uk), aluminium French doors offer views to the garden and Velux windows were fitted in the extension roof for additional light

The cost of a side-return extension will depend on the materials and whether bespoke elements are included, but the area in which you live and access to the site will also influence cost. As a broad rule, while 50 per cent of a budget is needed for structure and construction, the rest is required for the fit out. ‘As a guide, for a side-return extension of, say, 14sqm, I would expect a construction cost of around £25,000,’ says Tugman.

Although the area of a side-return extension may be modest, the disruption caused by removing load-bearing walls should not be underestimated.

A Building Regulations application with drawings and engineer’s calculations will be required. ‘A Building Regs application can take five weeks,’ says Rock.

Applying for planning permission can take eight weeks to obtain, while the construction work is likely to take three or four months.

An understanding of the circulation and movement of people, space and light in the house should be the starting point for your design. ‘The second stage is to see how feasible this will be in terms of planning,’ says Tugman. Planning applications bring factors such as boundary height and overlooking into roof glazing into the equation.

It may be necessary to reposition electrics and pipework, or a ground-floor bathroom or WC may need relocating. Neither should neighbours be forgotten, with a party wall agreement likely to be required. ● Turn to p114 to read the case study of a side extension MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 113

PROJECTS CASE STUDY

A sideways move Careful use of space and a large rear opening have created a modern kitchen/diner that works beautifully in this extended period home

P R O J EC T PROFILE –

LOCATION East Sheen, London TYPE OF PROPERTY Victorian terrace DURATION OF BUILD 5 months THE BRIEF To remodel the kitchen SIZE 25sqm COST £150,000 for a similar build

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To keep the space as open as possible, a ceiling recessed extractor was fitted above the hob

A combination of oak veneer and plain cabinet doors adds interest to the scheme. Schüller Kitchens, from £25,000, Kitchens by Holloways (020 8487 9422; kitchensbyholloways.com)

Sue Fletcher and her husband Thomas had previously updated the kitchen of their three-bedroom home by adding double doors, a breakfast bar and painting the units. Despite this, the couple was still dissatisfied with the room and called in Kitchens By Holloways (020 8487 9422; kitchensbyholloways.com) to completely remodel the space. ‘The design of the kitchen was an integral part of the project from the early stages,’ says architectural designer Martin Smith from the company. The first step for Sue and Thomas was to apply to the local authority for planning permission because the potential extra space provided by the side return was deeper than allowed under Permitted Development Rights.

Once permission had been granted, a small, single-storey outrigger at the rear of the property was removed. ‘This allowed the garden to become a better size and shape,’ says Smith. The couple wanted the expanded ground floor to include the kitchen with dining area, living space, a utility zone and WC. The final scheme arranged the kitchen and dining space at the rear of the property. ‘We moved the hall doorway a short distance into the kitchen, using a pocket fire door, to create room in the hall for a utility cupboard, and squeezed a WC under the stairs,’ explains Smith. ‘It’s small but perfectly usable.’

A priority for the couple was to create a better relationship between the house and the outside space. ‘An important requirement was to add a large rear opening to connect the kitchen/diner to the secluded walled garden,’ says Smith. ‘The internal layout needed to complement this arrangement.’

The ceiling of the side-return extension is raised above the level of the opening to the garden before the addition was constructed.

‘Often in these kinds of projects, we push the supporting steel up into the ceiling to gain the best possible height, but this does cost more,’ says Smith. ‘With this extension, we worked out that the tallest arrangement of the kitchen cabinets would line up nicely with the bottom of the steels and the top of the new rear doors. So we came to the conclusion that the extra expense of pushing the steels further up was not necessary as a similar effect could be achieved by building MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 115

PROJECTS CASE STUDY

A series of rooflights brings daylight into the heart of the kitchen

a plastered downstand above the main kitchen. It gives a really pleasing line of cabinets height, rear door and downstands.’

Although a fully glazed roof had initially been considered for the project, the final decision was to incorporate rooflights into the new side-extension flat roof and maximise their dimensions. Together with the full-width bifolding doors leading out to the garden, they draw plenty of natural light into the room. The garden doors are framed in dark grey aluminium that matches the frames of the skylights and the loft windows. Walls painted in a shade of off-white provide a crisp, clean backdrop to the frame colour. ‘The choice of gunmetal grey makes for a striking contrast to the interior decoration,’ says Smith.

Inside, the side wall of the kitchen has a symmetrical layout with tall cabinets on either side of a central workspace, which perfectly matches the width of the island. The front of the property has original Victorian features so the kitchen, although modern and functional, needed to complement the rest of the house.

‘The best option was to choose sleek, in-frame cabinets to maximise the kitchen’s storage capacity,’ explains Smith. ‘We also made sure that we used a combination of characterful materials, including oak veneer wall cabinets, brick wall tiles for the splashback and a timber floor’. ● Look out for next month’s feature on workspaces 116 FEBRUARY 2019 /

MAGAZINE.COM

A new stud wall enlarged the hallway to create space for a utility cupboard, which keeps laundry appliances out of the main space

PHOTOGRAPHY NICHOLAS YARSLEY

‘The tallest arrangement of the cabinets lines up nicely with the bottom of the steels and the top of the new rear doors’

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K I T C H E N N E WS

Colour contrast Designed by Harp & Harp (020 8401 2613; harpandharp.co.uk) and manufactured by Hexagon Furniture (020 8699 5999; hexagonfurniture.co.uk), the kitchen in this new extension combines oak with MDF panels, sprayed in Farrow & Ball’s Hague blue. The project replaces an old conservatory and the decorative window reveals reference the patterns in the hallway of the Edwardian house. The project cost £132,000, and a similar kitchen would be around £20,000.

In the pink Interior design duo 2LG’s (020 3590 5386; 2lgstudio.com) renovated kitchen/studio is the result of two collaborations.

They worked with John Lewis of Hungerford (0700 278 4726; john-lewis.co.uk) to design the Rise kitchen collection (from £6,750), and Cameron Design House (020 7372 7748; camerondesignhouse. com) to create the Capsule lighting collection, inspired by the classic strip light. From £2,600.

Modern finishes Franke (0161 436 6280; franke.co.uk) has expanded its range of coloured taps with the launch of Active Plus, a collection of pull-out spray designs available in metallic finishes of graphite, smokey mirror, brass and matt black, shown here. The singlelever tap features a contemporary L-spout design, which can rotate a full 3600 and costs £319. A chrome version, £249, is also available.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 119

K I T C H E N N E WS

Turkish delights

Big and beautiful

Colourful designs by Otto Tiles & Design (020 3488 3205; ottotiles. co.uk) are handmade in Istanbul using ancient techniques combined with modern technology. They are produced with Turkish cement sand with natural stone granules and colour pigment, and have an eight millimetre colour layer, compared with an industry norm of just two.

Designs include, clockwise from top: Cross Stripe Burgundy, £3.36 each; Green Leaves, £6.24 each; Big Yellow Leaves, £3.45 each; and Alhambra, £10.56 each. Bespoke designs also available.

From the Hand Grade collection, these engineered floorboards, nearly half a metre in width and up to four metres in length, are ideal for open-plan schemes. They are available in eight finishes, including Neston shown here, with a coating of hard-wax oil. From £271.14 per sqm at Havwoods (01524 737 000; havwoods.co.uk)

Fresh thinking

Off the wall This year, surfaces specialist Cosentino anticipates a growing demand for single-slab splashbacks that either match or contrast with kitchen worktops. Elegant and simple, using a whole slab in this way will show off a stunning design or natural veining. This Dekton Vera surface is resistant to heat as well as scratches and stains, and costs from £450 per sqm (01256 761 229; dekton.co.uk)

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PHOTOGRAPHY RORY GARDINER, ADAM SCOTT, MEGAN TAYLOR

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PROJECTS KITCHEN

Design ideas for cabinets and more Make your space stand out with the latest designs and innovations WORDS HAYLEY GILBERT

Create contrast

Bert & May has launched new kitchen designs with refined metals, beautiful patinas, copper islands, polished concrete worktops, solid oak drawers and plywood internal cupboards.

The Library, Forge, Warehouse and Yard collections start from £25,000 (020 3744 0776; bertandmay.com)

This year, kitchens in general are all about smooth polished concrete, dark cabinets and brassware, large copper appliances, metallic shelving and standout sinks in gold, marble or cement.

‘For many, concrete may seem like an unusual choice,’ says Adrian Stoneham, managing director at Stoneham Kitchens (020 8300 8181; stoneham-kitchens.co.uk), ‘but in the right setting its rustic, textured look can set just the right tone, particularly for those looking to create an industrial design. In its exposed, uncovered state, it has a bold, hard-hitting quality and is incredibly versatile as it can be cast into shapes and slabs or poured, smoothed and polished, making it suitable for worksurfaces and floors.’

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 123

PROJECTS KITCHEN Slab-style doors and statement colours will be big news in 2019.

Fuss-free and linear, they are easy to clean and provide a blank canvas for additional textures and colour. Otto Laminate range in rose walnut and Farrow & Ball’s arsenic, £7,500 at Burbidge (02476 671 600; burbidge.co.uk)

Material gains There is a huge market for raw materials at the moment, according to Bert & May’s founder Lee Thornley (020 3744 0776; bertandmay.com). ‘We suggest going for as many natural materials as possible,’ he advises. ‘Use re-purposed timber, natural ply, aged bronze and hand-moulded metal to create that bespoke-luxury-meets-understated-elegance look. Mix rustic finishes with refined elements, whether that is a polished concrete countertop or luxe gold tap.’

Dark cabinets are where it’s at right now: ‘This could be a navy or dark wash wood,’ Thornley states. ‘Sometimes

Plissé (pleated) cabinets are coming through in both kitchen and bathroom furniture designs. This TM Italia Miuccia kitchen costs from £40,000, Hub Kitchens (020 7924 2285; hubkitchens.com)

adding colour to a decorating scheme can seem like one of the most difficult tasks in the planning process, especially when you are introducing it into areas that can be difficult to update, such as splashbacks, counters and cabinets.’

Neil Lerner, managing director at Neil Lerner Design (020 7433 0705; neillerner.com) says that oak is on its way back but with a more natural wood finish complete with integral graining for authenticity.

‘Oak is ideal for combining with white and other colours as it’s such an excellent background,’ Lerner says. ‘Other materials such as porcelain and concrete are growing trends, as they are extremely durable and can be used for doors and worksurfaces, giving an all-encompassing synergy. Black is also back in a big way in oak and elm, and this is being followed through from doors to accessories and taps.’

Oak is on its way back, complete with integral graining for authenticity Another trend is to combine a timber veneered cabinet with a contrasting smooth, matt or textured door, such as the deep, knurled texture of burnt ash or the dusky tones of smoked oak veneer alongside a painted in-frame style or a dark wood combined with a metallic finish.

Melissa Klink, head of design at Cambridgeshire-based bespoke kitchen maker Harvey Jones (0800 389 6938; harveyjones.com), explains that they have expanded their internal carcasses to include oak and walnut finishes. ‘Units may appear the same from the outside but internally there are a variety of options to suit every scheme,’ she says. ‘In just the larder units, we have over 12 interior styles. We are also looking to maximise storage.’

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PROJECTS KITCHEN

In the frame Slab door designs are still leading the way with handleless designs and gloss or matt finishes. In-frame panelled styles create a classic and timeless Shaker look with painted doors that can be used to complement or contrast with worktops and other kitchen fittings.

Freestanding cabinets are flexible and moveable for an informal or rustic feel. Bespoke cabinets may cost considerably more than off-the-peg, but it does mean you get tailor-made furniture to specifically suit your space. Alongside the standard base and wall units, deep pan drawers and cutlery trays, designers are pushing the boundaries with custom-made features such as compartmentalised drawers and concealed USB ports.

To make the most of a high ceiling, full-height cupboards will create maximum storage and keep your appliances out of sight.

URBAN UPDATE Vittorio Naldi, branch manager at Scavolini UK (07818 260 0990; scavolini.com), on the appeal of industrial style

A space-saving tambour door slides away out of view. This Neil Lerner kitchen costs from £30,000 (020 7433 0705; neillerner.com)

● The industrial design trend has been popular since developers started converting warehouses into homes in the 1980s. These properties, with their wide-open spaces, steel-framed Crittal windows and exposed pipes and brickwork, lent themselves to reclaimed woods, metal fittings, stainless-steel surfaces and vintage furniture. Today, we don’t have to live in a converted warehouse to indulge in the industrial trend. Mass appeal has meant that everything from lighting and furniture to decorative finishes are available to create a utilitarian look.

This has made it easy to adopt the aesthetic in every room, particularly the kitchen. ● Industrial style allows us to connect to the past, lending our kitchens a sense of history.

A dining table crafted from reclaimed wooden flooring, for example, makes for a better story than one that has rolled off the factory line. In an age when we value individuality, pieces made from woods with natural imperfections or metals that have aged allow homes to have their own style and identity.

The easy-clean finish of Scavolini’s industrial-look Diesel Open Workshop collection include motley pattern matt quartz worktops and dove grey matt lacquered doors. From £15,000 (07818 260 0990; scavolini.com)

● The beauty of Scavolini’s Diesel Open Workshop is that it can adapt to its environment. It is an excellent choice for converted industrial spaces because it complements the structural elements of the space, including exposed brickwork and original wooden floors. However, Open Workshop also has the power to transform an ordinary new-build into something extraordinary.

For example, ribbed glass is a signature element of industrial interior design. It features heavily in the Open Workshop kitchen, allowing items to be on display but not open to the kitchen and liable to get dirty quickly. Metals are another trait.

We have incorporated these through soft steel or bronze frames for cabinet doors: both hard-wearing choices. Stoneeffect worktops are also a key feature of the collection.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 125

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PROJECTS KITCHEN

Slide show Pocket doors are the latest trend, according to Neil Lerner.

‘With sufficient storage the most challenging requirement in an open-plan kitchen, these compact units literally slide away to conceal a multitude of items,’ he explains. ‘What’s more, they can be easily adapted for all sorts of purposes.

The breakfast cupboard is probably the most popular as it’s often used as a tea or coffee point with a hot tap, sink and dishwasher inside, but this kind of storage also lends itself well to fully integrating other appliances such as ovens, washing machines and refrigeration.

Neil Lerner Design has recently launched bi-fold pocket doors that neatly fold away for additional storage.

‘Pocket doors are so adaptable,’ Lerner enthuses. ‘They can have a plethora of other practical uses too, such as a bar and wine storage, a desk unit and we have even done a sewing-cupboard version.

‘Consumers want cabinets to look and feel more like furniture’ With homeowners increasingly turning towards open-plan and broken-plan layouts, successful kitchen designs are blurring the boundaries between cooking, eating and living spaces with co-ordinated bench seating, display cabinets and study/homework areas.

‘Hidden workspaces and drinks cabinets have also become preferred features,’ explains Daniela Condò, sales designer at Life Kitchens (020 3972 0150; life-kitchens. co.uk), ‘with a particular focus on items being hidden by clever mechanisms such as pocket doors, which are a great solution for both open and broken-plan schemes.

The detailing of cabinets is also more of a consideration, as consumers want these to look and feel more like furniture, whether incorporating a freestanding larder into a fitted kitchen design or using an open metal-framed wall unit to add a decorative element.’

ABOVE Matt graphite MDF cabinets with a black fusion granite worksurface and splashback create a contemporary industrial look. Prices start from £25,000, Life Kitchens (020 3972 0150; life-kitchens.co.uk)

Up and coming

Pocket doors are a space-enhancing cabinet style.

In this bespoke scheme by Neil Lerner Design (020 7433 0705; neillerner.com), they are used to conceal a breakfast cupboard, blending in for a seamless effect. Kitchens start at £30,000

‘SoftTouch doors are going to be a new introduction for us in 2019,’ reveals Lerner. ‘This finish is a clever cross between lacquer and laminate to ensure no fingerprints on the doors – perfect for a household with young children. Handles are not making a comeback as far as our clients are concerned; it’s handleless all the way. We have also noticed an increasing popularity of doors and drawers with touch control, as this gives more of a flush look, creating a seamless kitchen.’

Tambour doors and electronically controlled shutters are great options for narrow spaces as the doors open outwards, which provide quick and easy access to the contents within. ● Turn to p128 to read the case study of a Scandinavianstyled galley kitchen in a Victorian townhouse MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 127

P R O J EC T PROFILE –

LOCATION Plymouth TYPE OF PROPERTY Victorian DURATION OF BUILD 4 months THE BRIEF To create light and space SIZE 26sqm COST £22,500, excluding worktops and appliances

Scandinavian beauty Combining timber fronts, marble, brass and reeded glass, this contemporary kitchen is light, bright and full of charm WORDS HAYLEY GILBERT PHOTOGR APHY ALEX STEELE-PERKINS

Packed with original period features, this Victorian townhouse in Plymouth belongs to a young family that was attracted to the property in a tree-lined street because of its architectural mouldings, bare wooden staircase and exposed timber floors. The existing kitchen, however, wasn’t so attractive to its new owners, Abe and Ellie Smith, who are both in their thirties.

‘We moved in about three years ago,’ explains Abe, ‘and the first thing that struck us was that the kitchen and hallway were very dark. While functionally there was nothing wrong with the existing kitchen, there were aspects that diminished the beauty of house. The way the old kitchen was structured reduced the amount of natural light coming into the room. There was a large imposing cabinet enclosing the boiler and fridge, which blocked the light from the corner windows, and the worktops were black granite, matching a black tiled floor. Not a happy space.

We wanted an open, light kitchen with natural materials that would complement the house’s period features.’

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The galley-style layout, with a door leading to the garden, needed to make the most of natural light

PROJECTS CASE STUDY

Marble surfaces and splashbacks help bounce light back into the room

Built-in downlights add ambient lighting to the glass-fronted unit

‘We wanted the kitchen to have a functional feel, so the handles have been handmade from solid oak and integrated into the cabinets’

Designers Matt Prall and Stephen Garland of Papilio (01373 485 088; wearepapilio.co.uk) took on the task of taking the Victorian property and creating something amazing, in keeping with the Scandinavian influences that feature throughout the rest of the home.

‘First we designed a layout that suited the shape of the space,’ explains Prall. ‘We decided on a row of parallel cabinets with a bespoke floating cabinet to sit above the run opposite the window. This eye-level unit balances the space and provides a shelf to display the owner’s collected pieces. Reeded glass panels framed in brass obscure, but don’t hide, what is behind, bouncing the light back into the space.’

Abe and Ellie were thrilled with their choice of kitchen company for the project, as Abe explains: ‘We had done a lot of research and after speaking to a few companies, we knew that Papilio was totally on our wavelength.

From our initial meeting with Matt and Stephen, it was clear they knew how to achieve our aims and because

they offer an entirely bespoke service, the kitchen they designed for us was exactly what we were looking for.’

As well as determining the materials to use, which included American oak, marble, brass and reeded glass, Prall and Garland discussed the handle detail at length with Abe and Ellie. ‘It is often an area that is considered too late in the process,’ says Prall, ‘and bolt-on handles can be expensive yet generic-looking. We wanted the kitchen to have a contemporary and functional feel, so the handles have been handmade from solid oak and integrated into the cabinets to achieve that sleek, minimal look.’

The American oak cabinets are the undoubted star of the show in this family friendly, relaxed kitchen space.

With a firm nod to 1970s Scandinavian style, the door fronts feature a vertical grain that’s eye-catching without detracting from the rest of the scheme. The warmth of the timber adds character and charm and is perfectly suited to the addition of the marble, brass and glass accents throughout the rest of the room.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 129

PROJECTS CASE STUDY

To help keep kitchen surfaces free of clutter, the designers opted for a four-way Zip hot-water tap, removing the need for a kettle. They also added pull-out fridge and freezer drawers and installed slimline downlights into the fabric of the floating wall cabinets, illuminating Abe and Ellie’s collected artefacts, with LED strips on the underside to enhance the worksurface below.

‘Originally, I was dead against any wall cabinets,’ adds Abe. ‘because we were trying to keep the kitchen as minimal as possible. However, Matt and Stephen had the brainwave of including a narrow, shallow cabinet with sliding brass-lined, reeded-glass enclosures. And what originally felt like a compromise of my minimalist tendencies ended up being the highlight of the room.’

Added features that have been introduced to the scheme include a pull-out bin and recycling system, as well as integrated fridge and freezer drawers. ‘We took a lot of care to ensure the longevity of the kitchen,’ says Prall, ‘so that the family can enjoy the space for years to come. This is a key consideration for all of the kitchens we design, so practical elements such as solid oak lips on cabinet edges, which helps prevent damage, are included as standard.’

Abe and Ellie are delighted. ‘We could not have asked for a better kitchen,’ smiles Abe. ‘It is a happy family space that is just a joy to be in.’

6 OF THE BEST UNIT IDEAS Style solutions and design tips for a fresh scheme

COLOUR CALL

DARKNESS AND LIGHT

To maximise storage, this Harvey Jones design (0800 389 6938; harveyjones.com) pairs traditional Shaker units with a bold island in two blue shades. From £18,000.

Update good-quality cabinets with new doors and handles. This black, softly textured finish is set off with minimalist fittings. Lighting is by QUU Design (quudesign.com), from £312.

DINE IN STYLE

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

The Mesa kitchen by Alfredo Häberli combines a range of materials and a 3D textured design.

Prices start from £20,000 at Schiffini (020 7935 0810; schiffini.com)

Mix sleek fitted cabinets and a marble-effect worksurface with Balterio Xpressions laminate flooring in milkshake from Carpetright (0330 333 3444; carpetright.co.uk). £21.99 per sqm.

TILE FILE

FINISHING TOUCH

Add a subtle touch of colour (this is soft sage) above neutral units with Metro wall tiles, 20x10cm, from Tile Mountain (01782 223 822; tilemountain.co.uk). £9.99 per sqm.

Contrast wood with marble and metallics.

Brompton accessories from Garden Trading (01993 845 559; gardentrading.co.uk) include cutters from £16 and canisters from £12.50.

● Look out for next month’s feature on dining areas

The wall unit features decorative fluted glass and brass detailing

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PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

FOCUS ON

Front doors Choose a design that creates a grand entrance and gives secure access WORDS ANDREA MANLEY

First impressions count and the style of your front door will set the tone of your property both inside and out. The choice of materials is vast, ranging from timber to composite and aluminium.

For self-build homes, there’s an opportunity to specify dramatic oversized doors, lots of glazing

and a contemporary porch or overhang. However, for period properties and conversions consistency is vital, so stick with a door style that matches the original architecture. But it’s not just looks that count when choosing a door: security, weather resistance and energy efficiency all need to be considered.

Grooved boarded oak door with sidelights. £4,200 including installation, Westbury Windows & Joinery (01245 326 510; westburyjoinery.com)

KNOCK ON WOOD Timber is the most widely used door material, and depending on your budget you can choose between off-the-shelf, made-to-measure or bespoke options. Hardwood is more durable than soft wood, but is expensive, so many manufacturers work with engineered timber, which has a layered construction, making it stronger than solid wood and less likely to warp. The stability of engineered wood increases design choices and it can be used to produce large-scale doors.

Modified timber is another widely used material and offers outstanding weather protection. Accoya is a type of modified wood produced from fast-growing softwood, such as radiata pine, which is treated through a non-toxic process called acetylation. This removes excess moisture to create a high-performance material. ‘Only around four per cent of the wood we use is hardwood,’ says James Upton, MD at Westbury Windows & Joinery (01245 326 510; westburyjoinery.com).

‘We mainly work with Accoya because it outperforms hardwood.’

Add light with an engineered timber front door, half-glazed with double-glazed panels and painted in squirrel grey. From £2,200, Lomax + Wood, including installation (01277 353 857; lomaxwood.co.uk)

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 135

PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

BE SECURE John Pass from Safe. co.uk (0800 432 0722) gives his advice on front-door security ● Homes with traditional

locks installed need one that conforms to British Standard BS3621 to be fully protected by insurance.

For added protection look for doors with Secured by Design accreditation, which takes into account the quality of hinges, the materials and strength of glass. ● Security of front doors for

new builds is controlled by Building Regulations so ensure doors are PAS 24 and Part Q approved. Doors with cylinder locks should be TS007 rated to prevent against lock snapping, which is a common method of burglary. ● Smart door locks let Robust and light aluminium Seamless SE 04 double doors and sidelights. From £2,160 excluding installation, Origin (0808 149 2605; origin-global.com)

MODERN MATERIALS Aluminium designs look stylish in a modern setting and are powder coated for a durable, maintenance-free finish. They are generally available in any RAL colour with gloss or matt finishes.

Doors are light but strong and achieve great U-values (the measurement of heat loss) thanks to a thermally insulating inner foam or timber core covered with a steel skin. It’s an expensive material, but designs are becoming more affordable as manufacturers introduce standard door sizes.

Composite doors are made from a combination of materials, usually a steel-reinforced PVCu frame with a rigid insulation core finished with a weatherproof plastic cladding. They have a glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) exterior skin made from robust polyester resins and fibreglass.

Low-maintenance and affordable PVCu doors come in a limited colour range but woodgrain effects can now look very realistic. ‘They can offer high resistance to extreme conditions,’ says Andy Leonard, sales director at Evolution Windows (01767 821 548; evolutionwindows.com).

homeowners open their front door via a code, smartphone, key card or fingerprint and keep track of who is coming and going. Some apps let you grant people entry to your home remotely by sending a virtual key to their phone. ● Video doorbells send audio

and video to your phone or an alternative device so you can see and speak to anyone at the door without opening it.

Look for one with night vision to see in the dark.

GO LARGE Glazing plays an increasingly important role in contemporary hallway design and many door manufacturers sell door sets with a range of complementary sidelights and transom windows.

‘With modern self-builds generally maximising on light and space, it’s easy to see why this is the case,’ says Matt Higgs, director at Klöeber (01487 740044; kloeber.co.uk). ‘It’s great to be able to see beyond the walls and connect with your outside space.’

Currently, there’s a fashion for oversized front doors and going bespoke lets you create an impressive entrance and a visual statement. Pivot doors can be a whopping three metres in height, while a set of double doors can create extra width. Keep the door itself free of furniture for a modern look.

‘Walls, porches and glazing all offer the opportunity to integrate plaques and numbers in a more minimalist way, such as opaque glass with a clear number on it or vice versa,’ states Higgs.

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This top-of-the-range steel-reinforced hardwood Rondo V E80 pivot door is painted an eye-catching cobalt blue with an Option 11 handle. From £7,519, including installation, Urban Front (01494 778 787; urbanfront.co.uk)

Design your own

Grand ntrance E

with our online door designer

Stylish. Secure. solidor.co.uk

Just one touch tells you all you need to know Open a Schueco sliding door and the rigidity, efortless action and solid clunk as it closes proclaim one thing: quality. Systems include doors that slide, lift-and-slide and have hidden frames that deliver outstanding panoramic views.

Also available: slender-proiled windows, slimline façades and super-secure entrance doors, all with the highest levels of insulation that can be up to Passive House standard.

For German engineering made in Britain, there’s only one name.

www.schueco.co.uk

PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

ECO CREDENTIALS Choosing an energy efficient door helps reduce heating costs. The insulating properties of an external door are represented as a U-value, and building regulations state that all new doors must have a value of 1.8W/m2K to comply. ‘The lower the number, the better the insulating properties’ says Elizabeth Assaf, founder of Urban Front (01494 778 787; urbanfront.co.uk). ‘Our e98 model is 0.89W/m2K, which is very low and meets Passivhaus standards.’

Its possible to further prevent draughts with good weather sealing.

‘Double or triple weather seals with double rebates increase thermal efficiency,’ says Assaf, ‘but the way the door is fitted to the fabric of the building is key, as around 70 per cent of the volume of air that escapes is usually from the frame and not the door itself.’

Stormproof Boxmoor PVCu door with double-glazed panels.

From £1,500 including installation, Evolution Windows (01767 821 548; evolutionwindows.com)

IS PERMISSION REQUIRED? For new-builds, doors will be part of the overall planning application and if you’re simply replacing the door in an existing property you won’t need planning permission. However, if you live in a conservation area, check with the local authority as there may be restrictions on work, and changing doors on a listed building requires Listed Buildings Consent.

‘Air that escapes is usually from the frame and not the door itself’ Klöeber’s jet-black engineered timber FunkyFront Hamburg panel door with two sidelight frames, bar handle and letter plate. £2,706, Klöeber (01487 740 044; kloeber.co.uk)

3

ELIZABETH ASSAF, FOUNDER, URBAN FRONT

OF THE BEST OUTDOOR LIGHTS

Illuminate your entrance with a welcoming exterior glow

AGE EFFECT

SLEEK SILHOUETTE

PERFECT CIRCLE

The Davey Lighting Narrow Box wall light in weathered brass features removable glass panels. £489, Original BTC (020 7351 2130; originalbtc.com)

Junko GoOutside aluminium LED wall light with a long-lasting bulb. £249, Urban Cottage Industries (020 7193 2119; urbancottageindustries.com)

Nordlux Marina Flatline Outdoor LED Sensor light in black or white. £95.94, The Lighting Superstore (01225 704 442; thelightingsuperstore.co.uk)

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Quality bathrooms without splashing out

B AT H R O O M N E WS Prints charming Artisans of Devizes Lily Pad encaustic tiles are inspired by natural patterns such as ice crystals, spiders’ webs and, of course, lily pads.

The 20x23cm tiles cost £3.96 each and can be rotated to create different designs.

Colours include Eden, blush rose and plum. Suitable for walls and floors. (01380 735 888; artisansofdevizes.com)

Bold modernism Italian brand Artelinea’s new Plissé collection of custom-made freestanding units is made from glass with metal detailing. Uniform pleats and folds in the glass give the designs a contemporary Art Deco appearance that works particularly well with industrial-inspired pieces and geometric lines. The collection is available in cream and bronze, shown here, £POA. Gessi Inciso three-piece mixer in antique brass, £1,350; Artelinea Gemme hexagon mirror, £POA. All at CP Hart. (0345 600 1950; cphart.co.uk)

Winning combination German designer Sebastian Herkner has been named Designer of the Year by Maison&Objet, whose biannual Paris trade fairs showcase the best in contemporary design. His collaborations include this Ribbon bath for Ex.t (+39 5533 3151; ex-t.com).

Made from Livingtec solid surface material, it costs around £5,000 and is available with or without a satin steel band to match a washstand.

Off the hook Available in any RAL colour and a range of metallic finishes, this slimline Hot Tree towel warmer from Livinghouse (01722 415 000; livinghouse.co.uk) can be made for electric, central heating or dual-fuel systems. Ideal for narrow spaces, awkward places or just as a quirky design feature – prices start from £792 for the chrome version; the white model, shown here, is £1,044.

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B AT H R O OM N E WS

Round up Following the success of its Globe pendant, Original BTC (020 7351 2130; originalbtc.com) has extended the range with the launch of a mini globe wall light.

It features globes in opal, anthracite or seedy clear glass, handblown in the UK, and comes in polished brass or chrome. £259, and IP44 rated for bathroom use.

Mix and match Crosswater’s new Infinity furniture collection consists of individual components designed to be joined together to create different sizes and configurations. There are two cabinet styles in three colours – storm grey, gloss white and Windsor oak (featured here) – that can be combined with Carrara marble-effect, glacier white and Windsor oak wood-effect surfaces and chrome or black handles. From £595.

(0345 873 8840; crosswater.co.uk)

All-in-one home spa

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Personal choice Exclusive to West One Bathrooms (0333 011 3333; westonebathrooms. com), the Portofino range is a customisable collection of brassware with five metallic finishes and a choice of handles. Available as basin, bath and shower controls in (from left) gold, brushed gold, brushed nickel, English gold and chrome, with handles in matt white or marble, or chiselled chrome. A single-lever basin mixer is from £495.

WORDS JO MESSENGER

The Metis multifunctional shower cabin

by Glass 1989 (+39 0422 7146; glass1989.it) is suitable for a corner space. Features include a thermostatic mixer and hand shower, lumbar jets, LED chromatherapy, tray, roof with overhead shower, steam generator, Bluetooth audio kit and essential oil aroma dispenser. It also performs an automatic rinse to prevent water build-up and limescale residue.

From around £2,000.

NOTHING WARMS BE T TER

w w w.vardes toves.com For more information or to view the full range of Varde woodburning stoves visit our website or call 01392 474509.

PROJECTS BATHROOM

Tap and shower innovations Consider the latest hi-tech and stylish options for your scheme WORDS HAYLEY GILBERT

The Uno collection from Axor features innovative technology with control at the touch of a button.

This floor-standing mixer in chrome costs £1,008.33 from CP Hart (0345 873 1100; cphart. co.uk). Basin mixers, lever-handle taps and wall-mounted showers are also available in a choice of 15 finishes

Material gains With such a wide array of designs, styles and finishes on offer, the main factors to bear in mind when choosing a new shower or tap are manufacturing and materials. By investing in good-quality products, you can be assured that your fittings will look and perform at their best for years to come.

‘Brassware needs to be durable,’ says Ben Smith, senior product manager at Kohler UK (0800 001 4466; kohler.co.uk). ‘It needs to

withstand regular use, be easy to clean and always look good. Go for long-lasting finishes that resist corrosion and tarnishing, as well as easy-clean showerheads.’

Most taps and showers are made from brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. After manufacture, plating is applied and this can be anything from chrome and nickel to tarnished brass. Some manufacturers offer anti-limescale solutions, most commonly on showers, with silicone nozzles that can be rubbed clean.

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PROJECTS BATHROOM

Design trends For a traditional-style bathroom, the drench overhead fixed showerhead looks authentic, while rainshowers that are integrated into the ceiling are ideal for larger, contemporary schemes and wet-room set-ups. The latest designs can incorporate chromotherapy and aromatherapy functions and Bluetooth for wireless streamed music, with the showerhead acting as a speaker. Dualfunction showerheads and hand showers are a practical choice, especially for busy family homes, where the hand shower is ideal for a quick wash.

The latest tap trends see angular shapes and taller versions that are specifically created to complement a countertop washbasin. Once, it was all about co-ordination with matching basin and bath taps, plus a shower from the same collection. However, this is starting to change and the design trend now leans towards personal customisation and a mix-and-match approach.

Crosswater’s MPRO brassware collection (0845 873 8840; crosswater.co.uk) in matt black is stunning against a white marble backdrop. Showerhead, £310; thermostatic shower valve, £539; handset, £175; basin tap set, £359. Dune LED mirror, £289; Avillas basin, £399; Seattle wall-mounted unit, £749

Perfect finishes

For a sleek, space-saving design, opt for the Mode Ando waterfall showerhead, £209, and team with the SmarTap smart shower system with black dual control, £699. Both at Victoria Plum. (0344 804 4848; victoriaplum.com)

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Your choice of brassware finish will have a direct impact on the overall look and feel of the bathroom and these days the choice is greater than ever.

‘Over the past five years, copper and rose-gold finishes have been extremely popular, not only in bathroom taps but also in interiors and accessories,’ says Yousef Mansuri, head of retail design at CP Hart (0345 600 1950; cphart.co.uk). ‘Now we’re seeing a move towards less-shiny, brushed versions or with a textured effect to create a more subtle tone and tactile softness. We have also been seeing more aged brass, with gold and bronze coming through, which all go fantastically well against a backdrop of the current trend for green and blue hues.’

Along with the warm metallics, it appears that the ongoing trend for matt black taps remains as strong as ever.

‘It’s bold, it’s neutral and it complements almost every style,’ adds Mansuri.

‘Increasingly, we see the mixing of finishes to add depth and interest to a scheme.

From a planning view, this also makes things easier, reducing the need to perfectly match the tone of every item.’

Top tech Tap and shower technology is also moving forward. ‘Many smart products are now available in the bathroom,’ says Paul Bailey, senior product manager at Grohe UK (020 8283 2840; grohe.co.uk), ‘from shower toilets to showers controlled by Bluetooth technology, helping to create the perfect home spa. This is driven by busy lifestyles and the desire for not only an optimised user experience, but also one that is personalised to an individual’s preferences.’

Smart systems are also better at resource management, upping efficiency by saving water and energy without impacting on performance. ‘Already well-known in public places, touchless taps are gaining in popularity in home bathrooms,’ adds Bailey.

‘This is due to the comfort and hygiene of hands-free activation.’

‘We have seen more aged brass, with gold and bronze coming through, which go well against a backdrop of green and blue hues’

Drummonds’ Bestwood collection of brassware is a collaboration with Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki and is available with lever or crosshandles. Prices from £672. (020 7376 4499; drummonds-uk.com)

BEST-BUY BRASSWARE Dena Kirby, designer at Ripples (0800 107 0700; ripplesbathrooms. com), on the latest tap trends ● Push select taps are an

excellent ergonomic control for the bathroom and in high demand at the moment.

At the touch of a button water is released, rather than handling the tap itself.

Water can be turned on or off instantly, saving water.

They are very efficient and fantastic if you have children as they are simple to use and require minimal handling. ● Wall-mounted concealed Perfect for a monochrome bathroom scheme, Waterworks’ Regulator gooseneck three-hole deck-mounted lavatory tap with black drop-lever handles are £2,340. (020 7384 4000; waterworks.com)

App control Grohe’s training manager Chris Penney reveals that app-operated products are also set to be big news: ‘Digitalisation in the bathroom has brought wellness, personalisation and luxury to the forefront of design. App technology has enabled products to deliver individual preferences instantly, whether it’s pre-setting your shower to the temperature you like or operating functions.’

Such features support the trend for a spa-inspired space within our homes. A digital bathroom is also a future-proofing exercise, giving added convenience for family members as they get older and less mobile. ‘A digital operation allows users ownership of their cleaning and hygiene,’ says Penney, ‘meaning a sustained independence for elderly users.’

bath mixers can break up the space surrounding your bath. Not only do they look great, they leave the bath rim completely free of fittings for a sleek finish that’s also easy to clean. ● When it comes to

brassware, copper is where things are heading.

Depending on the finish, an injection of copper can be utterly daring with an etched texture, or subtle and tonal, placed with pastels like peach or dusky green. Team with a statement radiator and a selection of elegant accessories for a stunning look.

The new Toto ZL tap features cutting-edge technology that provides a gentle flow of water without splashing.

It’s suitable for surface-mounted washbasins. £1,740. (020 7831 7544; gb.toto.com)

Identifying needs, designing solutions

www.cassellie.co.uk

PROJECTS BATHROOM

6 OF THE BEST BATH/SHOWER MIXERS Choose from these classic and contemporary designs to suit your scheme

STAND TALL

FLOOR SHOW

CLASSIC CHARACTER

This Edwardian-style bath/shower mixer from Imperial Bathrooms (0870 606 1623; imperialbathroom.com) is available in chrome, £550, antique gold, £675 and polished nickel, £675. Suitable for a freestanding tub, it can be teamed with floor-mounted standpipes in chrome, £245, antique gold, £465, or nickel, £465.

The Sofia is a sleek and contemporary freestanding bath/shower mixer from Pure Bathroom Collection (0845 634 4321; purebathroomcollection.co.uk), with a hose and handset for dual functionality.

Finished in chrome, it costs £835, and is a great option for a remodelled scheme.

Etros is a wall-mounted brass bath/shower mixer from Frontline Bathrooms (0845 470 2427; frontlinebathrooms.co.uk), which is ideal for teaming with a classic roll-top tub. Crafted in polished solid brass, it costs £425 and comes with ceramic lever handles and a bath/shower water diverter.

SIMPLE SOLUTION

COOL CONTRAST

SIMPLE STYLING

The Aquariss Camden bath/shower mixer tap has a brass body with a chrome finish, and smooth levers for an even control. It comes with all the kit you need for easy installation. £104.97, from Bathroom Takeaway.

(0333 305 8200; bathroomtakeaway.co.uk)

Go for a matt black design to stand out against a white backdrop and tub. The new Cube freestanding bath tap and handheld shower from Soak.com (0333 004 6333; soak.com), £499.99, is flexible, practical and has a contemporary finish.

For a modern take on a classic design, the Zyam bath/shower mixer for wall or deck mounting from Aston Matthews (020 7226 7220; astonmatthews. co.uk) is available in polished chrome, seen above, priced at £625.32, and astonite for £801.25.

● Turn to p150 to read the case study on a contemporary bathroom scheme

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 149

Bold thinking Striking mat black brassware has given this classic en-suite bathroom a modern twist WORDS HAYLEY GILBERT PHOTOGR APHY JENNY K AKOUDAKIS

P R O J EC T PROFILE –

LOCATION Warlingham, Surrey TYPE OF PROPERTY Detached, five-bedroom 1980s house DURATION OF BUILD 2.5 weeks THE BRIEF Luxurious en suite SIZE 4.4sqm COST £9,950

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In the compact room, a space-efficient showerbath replaced the separate bath and shower cubicle

PROJECTS CASE STUDY

For Jenny Kakoudakis, 39, and husband Anthony, 42, their latest project was to update their two bathrooms with a modern, classic feel. Jenny is the founder, creative director and writer behind interiors blog Seasonsincolour.com. Along with their son George, nine, and Bella the black Labrador, the couple live in a 1980s five-bedroom detached property in Surrey.

Both rooms were designed by Jenny along with Melinda Kiss, creative director at Keyhole Interiors (07889 836 093; keyholeinteriors.co.uk). It was the en suite that was of particular importance to Jenny.

‘Both rooms lacked storage space,’ she explains, ‘and the en suite felt quite cramped, with both a bathtub and a shower cubicle. As well as creating something more modern, we were keen to integrate some technology in a discreet way.’

To achieve this, the shower cubicle was removed and the bath replaced with a Carron Index shower bath (01324 638 407; carronbathrooms.com), which has a wider section for showering. A screen from Theshowerlab (01375 390 444; theshowerlab.com) was added with black hinges to match the fittings.

When it came to selecting brassware, Kiss explains that it had to be black. ‘Black taps continue to be really big in bathrooms,’ she confirms. ‘They feel modern and edgy. The Methven single-lever wall-hung basin mixer (0800 195 1602; methven. com) gives the finish that you would expect in a

A freestanding vanity unit provides storage while creating the illusion of space: the eye is drawn underneath the unit

‘Along with creating something more modern, we were keen to integrate some technology in a discreet way’

The black radiator and WC flush plate tie in with the black brassware

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 151

PROJECTS CASE STUDY

boutique hotel. It’s very on trend. Single-lever taps were a big thing at Milan’s Salone del Mobile.’

To continue the contemporary look, a threeoutlet valve was added in the shower, connecting a showerhead, hand shower and bath filler, all

by Methven. ‘I was keen to have a lean look with nothing on the bath rim,’ adds Jenny. ‘So the bath filler was a great addition. It takes the same time to fill the bath and is so easy to clean.’

To help make the room feel more spacious, the basin was moved away from the window and replaced with a large vanity unit offering plenty of storage for toiletries and cleaning products.

Existing downlights were replaced with Phoebe

A mix of black brassware, wood-effect porcelain and honed marble tiles give the room a contemporary feel with a warm touch to balance the coolness of the stone

‘When I said I was going to mix marble with wood, I got mixed reviews on social media.

But when people saw the result, the reaction was all positive’

Methven’s Breeze basin mixer tap in black is a wall-mounted design that frees up space on the basin ledge

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wall behind the bath and the floor, and the bathtub is clad in small metrostyle tiles. Behind the unit, a herringbone mosaic gives added texture.’

To bring extra warmth, wood-effect porcelain tiles were added behind the VitrA loo (01235 750 990; vitra.co.uk) and shower. ‘When I said I was going to mix marble with wood, I got mixed reviews on social media,’ reveals Jenny.

‘But when people saw the finished result, the reaction was all positive.’

Besides the smart downlights, a black LED mirror was added, along with pendant lights to create a soft, ambient light. Ceiling speakers are also included and connect via Bluetooth to play Jenny and Anthony’s favourite sounds. ‘The inspiration for this room was our favourite hotel in the small town of Elounda in Crete,’ says Jenny. ‘The bathrooms there have a separate shower room with blue downlights, a large niche for toiletries and there is marble everywhere. There is also a lot of smart technology and fantastic brassware. We wanted to replicate this look in our own home and the taps are the first thing that everyone notices. I don’t think people are used to seeing black taps. Of course, they all want to know if they clean as well as chrome taps and the thing is, they do!’ ● Look out for next month’s feature on ideas for bathroom walls and floors

PHOTOGRAPHY JENNY KAKOUDAKIS

LED Spectrums. These are controlled by the mains switch as well as via a smartphone app that allows the user to set a cool or warm light, or to turn on RGB coloured rings. ‘The lights also come with different-coloured magnetic bezels to match the finish in your room,’ says Kiss.

The classic grey and white tiles are from Mandarin Stone’s Alsace Honed Marble range (01600 715 444; mandarinstone.com). ‘A combination of three sizes adds interest without making the scheme look busy,’ explains Jenny. ‘The large tiles were added on the

TURN UP YOUR SHOWER EXPERIENCE GROHE SMARTCONTROL Choose the spray, control the volume, save the settings.

All with one control. Activate the spray pattern directly with the push button and turn it to find your individual shower volume. A truly innovative all-in-one solution which makes showering a pleasure. grohe.co.uk

UP TO

ÂŁ50 CASHBACK

PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

FOCUS ON

Architectural lighting

LED lighting in this project by UV Architects (020 7407 9343; uvarchitects.co.uk) was chosen to provide both interior and exterior light around the minimally framed sliding doors with LEDs within the open rafters of the ceiling

Creative ways to integrate lights in the structure of your home WORDS JO MESSENGER

Good lighting is an integral part of a successful build or renovation and is something that should be considered at the very early stages of a project.

Well-planned schemes incorporate layers of light sources that can be used together or independently and, with advances in LED technology, architects and designers are integrating lighting into the very fabric of a house.

ALL IN THE PLANNING It’s never too early to think about your lighting plans. Integrating it into your home is a long-term investment so you will want to get it right first time. It is crucially important that all the necessary electrics are in place before your walls are plastered, and any lighting that is built into a floor will require cabling and necessary fittings completed before underfloor heating is laid.

‘Architectural lighting should be discussed at the outset of a project,’ says Rebecca Weir, creative director at Light IQ (020 8749 1900; lightiq.com). ‘It needs to be part of the dialogue with your architect or design team. There are cost implications to this type of lighting, which should be present in your tender documents. One of the mistakes that is often made with new-build projects is that only a simple lighting scheme, often consisting of basic downlights, is included. Anything above and beyond this becomes an extra.’

Sally Stephenson, design director at Owl Lighting (01962 738 689; owl-lighting.co.uk), recommends splitting lighting into different circuits to set up lighting scenes. ‘Each type of light source may be wired in a different way,’ she says. ‘Setting the lighting design down on paper will help your electrical contractor install the cabling quickly and effectively.’

LEFT Light IQ (020 8749 1900; lightiq.com) used discreet recessed linear profiles to create an illuminated framework to the kitchen of a remodelled house by Norton Ellis Architects (020 7226 2004; nortonellis.co.uk)

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 155

Design Details Mat ter Finishing touches to complete your interiors

Shop our full range of products and colours at www.dowsingandreynolds.com

PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

THE FLEXIBILITY OF LED LED has opened up a wide range of design options. ‘Cool to the touch and available in all manner of shapes and sizes, LED allows a new range of possibilities for building light into our homes,’ says Melanie Shaw, director at Brilliant Lighting (01845 525 664; brilliantlighting.co.uk). ‘Use continuous linear LED fittings to create striking effects up and down walls, across ceilings and around key architectural elements. They will need hidden drivers to step down the mains supply and deliver a constant current. For low glare, plaster-in profiles make the light source indirect.’

‘Don’t be afraid to not light everything, and remember that it is important where the light falls in a space and not where the fitting is positioned’ SALLY STOREY, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, JOHN CULLEN LIGHTING

HOW TO SET THE TONE Eleanor Bell from Eleanor Bell Lighting Design (07930 442 515; eleanorbell. co.uk) offers advice on choosing the right colour temperature for a scheme ● Colour temperature is

an important consideration when designing lighting into the structure of the home. If the lights are different shades of white within the same space, it jars the eye and draws attention to the light source rather than what is being lit. ● A light’s colour can also

affect us both emotionally and physiologically. In a home, the warmer colours of 2500K to 3000K are relaxing and create a cosy atmosphere.

This recessed display shelving is backlit with a Contour HD24 LED strip light, £117 per metre, from John Cullen Lighting (020 7371 9000; johncullenlighting.com). It can be cut to size with 5cm cutting points and has a white light. Plus, closely grouped LEDs produce a less dotty light with a higher definition

ON THE UP Dropped ceilings or coffers (built-in recesses in a ceiling) can be emphasised with clever lighting. Lights fitted around the edge of a ceiling, creating a darkened centre, will help reduce the height of a room, while lights in the centre of a ceiling shining outwards will draw the eye, helping to add a sense of height and space. As LED fittings are small, it can be possible to fit recessed linear fittings into a ceiling without dropping it. LEDs can also be fitted behind panelling or cabinets for a warm glow. Choose good-quality products for long life-expectancy: you won’t want to change them too often.

Milward Teverini (020 8994 6612; milwardteverini.com) installed an LED strip into the top of bespoke panelling in this bedroom to add atmosphere and to light the feature wallpaper mural

● Extra warm white is similar to the colour of a halogen light. For living rooms and bedrooms, 2500K and 2700K are good as they have a restful colour and prepare the body for bedtime. ● Warm white 3000K is commonly used throughout the home and is best for kitchens, studies and utility rooms, where you may want a slightly whiter white for task lighting. ● Natural white is best suited in offices and rooms that are in use during the day. The whiter colour temperatures, including 4000K, contain more blue light and this has a stimulating effect.

However, it can interrupt our sleep cycle if viewed late at night. ● Daylight white is 5000K-6000K and is often used for painting and needlework, and other activities where the user needs to see they are true colours, as it is in natural daylight.

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 157

daykin mar shall s t u d i o Architects of extraordinary spaces

new homes refurbishments historic buildings bespoke extensions

daykinmarshall.com 020 3490 1727

PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

This staircase is part of the renovation of a listed cotton mill in Manchester by Scott Donald Architecture (0161 962 9962; scottdonaldarchitecture.co.uk).

Opaque lenses on the circular plaster-in fittings create a diffused effect, rather than scallops of light on the treads

WALL WASHING Fitted in the ceiling or the floor, wall washers illuminate a vertical surface, providing ambient lighting with a soft, diffused glow. Painting the walls in a pale, matt colour creates the best effect and it is a clever way of making a narrow room feel more spacious. Avoid light washing windows or mirrors to prevent reflections. Wall washing is also a good way to introduce elements such as creative colour but be careful not to overdo it.

The internally lit dividing wall in this lighting project by Brilliant Lighting (01845 525 664; brilliantlighting.co.uk) features a linear LED fitting mounted in the base of the glass wall. The contemporary freestanding bath is softly lit with recessed floor LED uplights

AT GROUND LEVEL Lighting the floor adds another dimension to a scheme and can increase height and drama. ‘Uplighting is another way of adding an extra layer, whether recessed into the floor or freestanding,’ says Sally Storey, creative director at John Cullen Lighting. ‘A grid of downlights does nothing for a room. Try to focus light where you need it, so it has a practical role, or towards a feature that you want to highlight. Shadow is also important so that the things you illuminate stand out.’

There are many ways of lighting a staircase. Concealing it within the structure itself can also solve the problem of a lack of wall space. ‘As well as fitting recessed wall lights evenly spaced up the stairs, LED strips can be recessed within the stringer, beneath each tread or below the handrail,’ says Eleanor Bell, owner of Eleanor Bell Lighting Design (07930 442 515; eleanorbell.co.uk). ‘This should be done in conjunction with the joiner so the recesses can be cut and the drivers are properly hidden.’

3

OF THE BEST RETROFIT SOLUTIONS

Introduce ambient lighting with these easy-toinstall options

DOOR DESIGN

QUICK AND EASY

ON THE SHELF

This unit from Ikea (0203 645 0000; ikea.com) is fitted with a Surtre LED light door with a dimmable wireless control, from £70.

Plug-and-play LED strip lights from Ledhut (0333 772 2111; ledhut.co.uk), can be cut to size and stuck to a surface. From £6.54 per metre.

These 11W dimmable LED under-cabinet strip lights can be fitted without an electrician. From £49.99, Lighting Direct (0843 317 7824; lighting-direct.co.uk)

MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 159

alexander design

chartered architects award winning, low-energy and contemporary architecture

winchester 01962 878 833

www.alexanderdesign.uk.com

COMING NEXT MONTH

ON SALE 30 JANUARY

In the MARCH issue

—

ALL YOU NEED TO CREATE YOUR DREAM PROJECT

TV HOUSE EXCLUSIVE

Twin homes built side-by-side ●

HERTFORDSHIRE ZINC-ROOFED BARN ●

RENOVATED WELSH STONE COTTAGE ●

EXTENDED LONDON TOWNHOUSE ●

FINNISH TIMBER-FRAMED NEW-BUILD

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Expert project guides DESIGN IDEAS FOR DINING AREAS ●

MAKE SPACE FOR A HOME OFFICE ●

PLUS 10 AMAZING TURNKEY HOUSES ●

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PHOTOGRAPHY FIONA WALKER-ARNOTT, ADAM SCOTT, EDMUND SUMNER

LATEST BATHROOM WALLS & FLOORS

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Available in Flat Matt, Matt, Satin & Gloss Buff/Brush/Roller application UV resistant & quick drying Very durable & spot repairable

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MAGAZINE.COM / FEBRUARY 2019 177

PROFILE

MY GRAND IDEA –

RIGHT Solid balustrades in muted grey contrast with the original stair style BELOW LEFT The staircase is now an ornate addition to the house BELOW RIGHT New stairs link the first floor to the roof

Where is the house?

‘It is one of a row of Victorian semi-detached houses in Chiswick, west London. It was in pretty poor condition when the owners bought it but they loved the architecture and that the house hadn’t been reworked or extended. They lived in it as it was for a while but then decided to do some work to it.’

— What was your brief?

‘They wanted more space and to improve the connection between the kitchen and the large garden at the back, without building an extension. Keeping the Victorian character, rooms and landings was important, which meant no openplan spaces or walls of glass.’

— Tell us about your plan ‘We remodelled the interior, building up and down instead of going out at the back. A new basement houses service rooms and a TV-music-fitness room, and we converted the loft to make bedrooms, a bathroom and a large play area for the children.

We also removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room, and opened up the enlarged area to the garden with a glazed sliding door.’

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— And your grand idea?

‘We refurbished the Victorian wooden staircase but to reach the new rooms in the roof, we needed to put in a new flight of steps up from the first floor. We wanted the staircase as a whole to be a strong sculptural feature that links the remodelled interior and allows light into the house, from top to bottom. The challenge was to design a structure that relates to the traditional stairs without being a pastiche, or too modern.

‘Our cue was the curve of a large archway that rises up over the firstfloor landing. We designed gently curved stringers that complement the arch as the new flight rises up from the first-floor landing, into

the roof above. The underside of the steps are plastered timber but the solid balustrade, which contrasts with the spindles of the traditional stair, is timber boarding and the grooves where the boards meet echo the vertical lines of the original.

‘At the top of the new staircase, the balustrade becomes a window seat beneath a fixed, frameless skylight, which we put into the roof so that the heart of the house is flooded with natural light all year round.

‘Finally, the entire staircase is painted with the same Giorgio Morandi-inspired palette of pale grey, pink and purple tones that we used throughout the house.’

IBLA (020 7580 8808; ibla.co.uk)

WORDS ARABELLA ST JOHN PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY BROTHERTON LOCK

Kim Loddo of architecture practice IBLA on how an interior has been transformed by a sculptural staircase addition

MY SIGNATURE. BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED. ALFREDO HAEBERLI, DESIGNER

VISIONARY DESIGN, SUSTAINABILITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE. The perfect synthesis of innovative design and sustainability without compromise: this visionary pair of buildings by designer Alfredo Haeberli is a brave concept for how we might live in the future. See and feel it today. www.baufritz-gd.co.uk.

Baufritz UK Ltd. enquiries@baufritz-gd.co.uk 01223 235632