Improve Magazine Summer 2021 by Christina Shaw

Summer 2021

IT’S TIME TO BRING YOUR DREAMS TO LIFE

Bring the Outdoors In! Kelly Hoppen talks Steel-Style Windows and Doors, openplan space, natural daylight and lots of plants!

Make Light Work

Ensure you maximise natural daylight in your home working environment – it’s good for your well-being says Crittall Windows… Summer 2021

Stanier Road, Porte Marsh Industrial Estate, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9PX T 01249 816 969 • F 01249 815 234 • E deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com

BEAUTIFUL WINDOWS MAKE BEAUTIFUL HOMES Deceuninck is one of the world’s major PVC-U window and door systems companies and has been established for over 30 years in the UK, with production, distribution and head office in Wiltshire.

Summer 2021

Contents 6

EXTENDING YOUR HOME & NEW BUILD PROPERTY

C E L E B R I T Y F E AT U R E !

With Kelly Hoppen CBE. Designer to the Stars!

Nestled into the beautiful backdrop of the highly soughtafter Lincolnshire village of Ruskington is a new-build property that’s turning heads for all the right reasons. The stunning property has been expertly constructed to fit perfectly into its lush surroundings with sweeping views of an expansive garden. Read about this fabulous property as well as our many case studies on renovations and extensions.

C R I T TA L L W I N D O W S AND DOORS

A big impact of the Covid 19 Pandemic is that far more of us are now working from home. Ensure you maximise natural daylight in your home working environment – it’s good for your well-being says Crittall Windows…

44 CLADOVERS

IMPROVERS HOMES

Imitations not allowed! Conservatory industry experts explain the pitfalls and dangers of ‘cladovers’. The problem of cladovers comes when we think we are being offered a named brand of roof but the installer is simply picking up timber, insulation material, tiles and plasterboard from their local trade counter and assembling a roof on your existing conservatory. Choosing a trusted brand who specialise in solid tiled roofs, is essential.

Our readers share their homes with Improve Magazine. This new regular section features ‘Hannah and The House’, an ongoing forever home transformation. We have some before and after photographs, including a video, of a fabulous front door renovation and Mark Walker of Selecta Systems takes us through his pub shed build.

F R E E G I V E A W AY P R I Z E S !

HARDWARE & SECURITY

Buying new windows and doors is a major investment and many people can find it daunting when presented with the many options available. It’s great to be spoiled for choice and you now have a free hand to get exactly what looks best on your house. However, when selecting your windows and doors, and who installs them, be sure to ask what security guarantee they come with. It’s important to know.

Fancy something for free? We have five books to give away of Kelly Hoppen’s exclusive brand-new book. Two more self-watering garden planters are up for grabs and On Level are giving away LED Spartan Spigots, ideal for illuminating your frameless glass balustrade. Enter now!

CONSUMER ADVICE & I N F O R M AT I O N

If you book an appointment for an electrician to come and work in your home, or someone to work on any of your gas appliances you rightly assume that they have been trained and carry the right qualifications to prove that they can do the job. However, perhaps when you engage a company to come and replace your windows and doors, or build you a conservatory or orangery you don’t think about it the same way? But you should.

102 THE SHOWCASE – READY TO SHOP?

Check out our round up of products. Our showcase includes bi-folding doors, solid roofing, roof lanterns, windows & doors, balustrades & balconies. Whatever your home improvement needs, we have you covered.

7 0 FA Ç A D E S

Create your own cladding transformation! With the continuing trend for home improvements, now that many are spending more time at home, external cladding has seen a surge in interest. But how exactly can cladding be used?

Summer 2021

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Christina Shaw Editorial Director

Welcome to the Summer Edition of Improve Magazine! Improve is all about bringing you the latest products and design ideas to help create and improve living spaces, within your home and garden. Whether you are building from new, extending, or simply refreshing an existing room, you will find some great ideas within this edition. If like me, you love checking out other people’s homes, there is plenty for you to see! We have a fantastic celebrity feature with Kelly Hoppen CBE, who talks to us about her design inspiration, Crittall doors and bringing light into the home. Our readers share their homes in our new regular section featuring ‘Hannah and The House’, an ongoing forever home transformation. We have some before and after photographs, including a video, of a fabulous front door renovation and Mark Walker of Selecta Systems takes us through his pub shed build. Conservatory industry experts explain the pitfalls and dangers of ‘cladovers’. The problem of cladovers comes when we think we are being offered a named brand of roof but the installer is simply picking up timber, insulation material, tiles and plasterboard from their local trade counter and assembling a roof on your existing conservatory. Choosing a trusted brand who specialise in solid tiled roofs, is essential. Fancy something for free? We have five books to give away of Kelly Hoppen’s exclusive brand-new book. Two more self-watering garden planters are up for grabs and On Level are giving away LED Spartan Spigots, ideal for illuminating your frameless glass balustrade. Enter now!

If you can think it, you can improve it!

GET IN TOUCH

All Enquiries Christina Shaw T: 01302 278756 E: christina@improve-magazine.co.uk W: www.improve-magazine.co.uk

Christina

PHOTO CREDIT: Front Cover Image - Kelly Hoppen CBE The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Improve Magazine and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, Improve Magazine does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of Improve Magazine and therefore cannot take responsibility.

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Improve Magazine is published by Lazenby Shaw Creative Ltd.

Summer 2021

EXTENDING / NEW BUILD

The

WOW factor!

When Mr and Mrs Bevan decided to build a new kitchen extension, they would never of guessed the end result would be so stunning. In this new build extension, MK Construction decided upon the Korniche Roof Lantern.

Summer 2021

PROJECT OVERVIEW Build location: Washpool near Swindon Architect: Gordon Greenwood Name of builder/installer: MK Construction www.glazedextension.com Build details: New build kitchen extension Customer name: Mr & Mrs Bevan Customer comment: Mrs Bevan is absolutely over the moon with the new extension and kitchen and would highly recommend MK Construction Build time from start to finish: 16 weeks

The award winning Korniche transformed the space and allowed for maximum natural light to flood in. Self builders and homeowners around the UK favour the Korniche because of the well thought out design, which is engineered to perfection, plus the fact it is so easy to fit and literally transforms any space within the home. The Korniche Roof Lantern looks great – Slimmer with fine architectural lines it has less frame, delivers more light and elevation. Flat roof extensions with Korniche become a much more vibrant and open space providing an architectural feature which looks at home in any traditional setting, and was recently the winner of the Homebuilding & Renovating Award for ‘Best Rooflight Supplier 2020’.

The Lantern is easy to specify, easy to build on-site and maintenance free! The net result is a product that can be ‘Installed in minutes, glazed in seconds’ by the trade but also delivers a slim, refined lantern for the homeowner which is the strongest and one of the most thermally efficient Lanterns on the market today.

Improve Magazine asks: Why did MK Construction choose Korniche for the roof lantern? “We use Korniche a lot, it’s a fantastic roof system. We love the engineering gone into making it, its easy to fit and always delivers amazing results.” Mike MD of MK Construction

The Lantern is available in any square or rectangular size up to 6mx4m. The new Korniche Aluminium Bi-Folding Door is also available now. Download brochures or obtain a quote: www.korniche.co.uk MK Construction 01993 244188 www.glazedextension.com Summer 2021

SLIMMER

WARMER

STRONGER

EASY INSTALL

THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING KORNICHE ALUMINIUM ROOF LANTERN

A BRIGHTER CHOICE Ask your builder or specifier about Korniche today. Engineered aluminium products that deliver class leading structural and thermal performance. Uninterrupted sightlines provide unrivalled interior views.

enquiries@korniche.co.uk

www.korniche.co.uk

‘Being voted Best Rooflight Supplier is a reflection of how well regarded Korniche Aluminium Systems is amongst its customers and the industry’ The Faster, Stronger, Warmer and Slimmer Korniche started a revolution in roof lantern design when it was launched in 2016. Since then it has been successfully installed in thousands of home extension projects throughout the UK and become the market leader.

The best looks to complement your project • Slim • Traditional • Clean Lines • Attention to Detail • The Finishing Touch

BESPOKE SIZES UP TO 6MX4M The most efficient in class • Complete Roof U values from 1.2 • 100% Thermally Broken • High Performance Glazing

FIXED 25˚PITCH

The strongest on the market • More Glass, Less Roof • Highest Quality Weatherproofing • Security • Exceeding Standards

3 STOCK RAL COLOURS

24MM DOUBLE GLAZED UNITS DUAL COLOUR AVAILABLE

BESPOKE RAL COLOURS

transformation

Summer 2021

Mr and Mrs Booth fell in love with their old stone home in Woodall, Yorkshire, but they knew it would need some tender loving care. In just five days, thanks to the expert work by double glazing specialists Global Windows, the home was given an award-winning makeover, complete with new uPVC windows, a new feature front door, and both a stable door and aluminium bi-fold door at the back. Joint Managing Director Liam Hulme shares the details…

While this old stone property exuded classic character and charm, the timber windows and doors that had originally been fitted needed replacing with something warmer and more energy efficient – uPVC. After visiting the Global Windows showroom in Sheffield, owners Mr and Mrs Booth opted for uPVC flush casement windows in an Irish Oak finish on a white flush sash – white on the inside to look clean and modern, while keeping the character of wood on the outside. The flush sash windows used provide the best in functionality in terms of their opening and closing action, their A-rated energy efficiency, and their security. They also feature a stylish smooth corner weld, creating a perfectly smooth corner joint. With slim sightlines that sit flush within the frames without any unsightly lumps or bumps, the casement windows used blended seamlessly with the property, retaining the home’s elegance while still functioning as high quality windows that will stand the test of time, providing a cost-effective and worthwhile investment.

Summer 2021

PERFECT REPLACEMENT As the home was in a listed conservation area, the installation had to first be approved by the local council. Traditionally, timber sash windows are the preferred choice in conservation areas because of their unique character, but as long as their appearance is not considerably different to the original design, uPVC can be used as a replacement. The Global Windows team managed to prove to the council that their flush sash windows are designed to tastefully replicate the appearance of traditional timber windows – made using the highest quality uPVC, they are not only indistinguishable from genuine timber, but are also more thermally efficient, and require less maintenance.

Summer 2021

PROJECT OVERVIEW • Build location: Woodall, Yorkshire • Installer: Global Windows

S E C U R I T Y F E AT U R E S In addition to replacing the home’s windows, the Global Windows team also updated its large front timber vestibule door, creating a beautiful feature entrance space using a large combination window. The team also replaced the home’s back timber door with a Solidor composite stable door in Irish Oak finish – featuring a dog flap to accommodate the furry members of the family. These doors offer superb security features, including a key-control password protection system and a £1,000 guarantee against forced entry for up to 10 years, giving the homeowners ultimate peace of mind. Afterwards, Global Windows replaced the 6-pane wooden bi-fold doors at the back of the house with aluminium ones, creating a seamless link between home and garden. These doors offer a range of benefits to any home – they’re strong, secure, energy efficient, and provide a stunning aesthetic both inside and out.

HAPPY CUSTOMER An undertaking like this certainly came with its challenges, including having to get permission from the local council, having to work around old stonework, and avoiding damage to an already installed swinging staircase near the front vestibule door – from surveying to processing, to ordering and fitting, this was one of the most bespoke projects Global Windows had every carried out. But their skilled team pushed themselves and all did their best to get this project done successfully, even scooping a prestigious GGP Installer Award for their efforts. Judged by an independent panel of industry experts, the awards celebrate the hard work of the UK’s very best window, door and conservatory installation companies, both in residential and commercial sectors. Global Windows loves nothing more than a happy customer, and this project is an example of how proud they are to help homeowners around Yorkshire transform their living spaces.

• Build details: Replacing the home’s timber windows with uPVC flush casement windows, installing a large front timber vestibule door as well as a Solidor stable door and an aluminium bifold door at the back of the house. • Cost of installation: £20,000 • Build time from start to finish: Five days • Customer name: Mr and Mrs Booth • Customer comment: “The products we chose were second to none. This was a very big deal for us and we were very happy with the outcome.”

GLOBAL WINDOWS

Global House, 12 Orgreave Drive, Handsworth, Sheffield General Enquiries: sales@global-windows.co.uk Quote Enquiry or Call Request: liam@global-windows.co.uk Visit us online: www.global-windows.co.uk

Summer 2021

REVEALED the latest colour and style trends for windows A new survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of leading window and door system company Deceuninck UK, has identified the most popular colours – and styles – that homeowners look for when choosing new windows. When we talk about the influence of colour in a home, the first thing that usually springs to mind is interior design. You don’t necessarily have to be a design expert, or know your ‘Oak Apple’ from your ‘Bath Stone’, to appreciate the important role that colour plays in helping define the spaces we live in. Most of us understand that colours can be much more than just decorative. That they can actually have a positive – or negative – impact on how we feel in our homes. But the role that colour can play in enhancing the look and feel of our homes does not necessarily have to be confined to our bedrooms, bathrooms or living rooms. An influx of exciting new styles and colours for windows and doors means that we can apply similar principles to improving the exterior of our property, in order to enhance that all important kerb appeal.

Summer 2021

Does this mean that basic, white PVC windows are a thing of the past? It’s true that standard white casements still account for a significant proportion of the windows that are fitted into homes these days - but only where price or functionality are overriding factors. In most other instances, colour and style are right at the top of the list of priorities. How do we know this? New research, commissioned by leading window and door system company, Deceuninck UK, and carried out by YouGov, has revealed exactly what homeowners look for when choosing new windows. “As a leading window and door systems company, we already knew from the feedback from our customers that demand for colours such as greys, creams, greens and finishes that can replicate the effect of various woodgrains has been increasing for some time,” says Rob McGlennon, MD of Deceuninck UK. “For some of our customers, plain white windows now only account for 40% of what they sell.

“And while this has helped to shape our products and our service, to increase the range and availability of the colours we can offer, we knew that we could do more to really understand the factors that come into play when purchasing new windows. As a result, we commissioned an independent survey, which was carried out on our behalf by YouGov,” continues Rob. “The findings have been illuminating!” At a headline level, the YouGov report found that 75% of homeowners surveyed said that choice of colour was important in shaping their purchasing decision, and 96% said that a match to the overall appearance of their property was also key. Drilling down further into the data, the research discovered that 17% of those surveyed would choose greys, including Anthracite and Agate, as a first colour choice if they were to change their windows. That compares to 7% and 6% respectively for an Irish Oak or Rosewood finish.

The survey was also able to reveal that older homeowners had a greater preference for woodgrain options, but only 5% of the over 55s liked greys. In contrast, greys and blacks were the first choice of 12% of the 25-34 year old age group. A result that’s perhaps not all that surprising when you consider the natural contrast in fashion sense between young and old! And while the report was able to determine exactly which colours are most popular for a wide range of different age groups, it also identified that the age of the property itself played a part in the decision making process, especially when it came to older, period homes. Owners of properties built before 1919, for instance, were much more inclined to opt for a colour finish, with white selected by just 36% of respondents. “Our survey proved that when it comes to purchasing windows, the choice of colour can depend on a multitude of options, and that the popularity of

Summer 2021

colours will vary from house to house, and person to person. But that’s not the end of the story,” explains Rob. “The results also revealed that a majority of homeowners still consider security and energy efficiency when replacing windows and for some groupings, price was also a significant factor, although less so for the over 55s - a demographic that is more likely to include those who are free of their monthly mortgage and have much greater reserves of cash in the bank. “Windows that could provide a high level of sound proofing were also important to around 50% of all the people that were surveyed, a result that emphasised a requirement from homeowners to reduce noise pollution as much as possible,” continues Rob. One of the most powerful insights of the research, however, was homeowner preference for window styles. Given the choice between a standard window, or a Heritage Flush option – which with slim, balanced sightlines has been designed to replicate the look of traditional timber window - at 62%, the vast majority would rather have the latter, no matter the age or style of the property they own.

Summer 2021

“While it may seem counterintuitive for a ‘Heritage’ window to be fitted to anything other than a period home, the beauty of our Flush Sash is that it’s also a perfect match for more contemporary properties,” explains Rob, “The secret to its success comes back to colour! Combined with a wood effect foil, you would struggle to tell that it wasn’t made from real timber. But match it with a smooth grey finish, and it becomes a highly convincing alternative to an aluminium window. “The bottom line is that colour and style is now one of the most effective ways to enhance the overall aesthetic of any property,” concludes Rob. “It’s for this reason that our products are not only engineered to deliver the high levels of security, sound proofing and energy efficiency that are expected of modern building components, but they are also designed to satisfy the increasing demand for windows and doors that can transform the look and feel of your home.”

For more information call 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk.

Summer 2021

WHETHER YOU ARE EXTENDING YOUR HOME OR BUILDING FROM S C R ATC H , T H E B I - FO L D N E T W O R K H A S

THE PRODUCT RANGE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS.

• Bifold Doors • Windows and Entrance Doors • Heritage Windows and Doors • Patio Doors

Summer 2021

Contact us today to find a local installer or call us for a friendly, no obligation chat. www.bifoldnetwork.com Email us to find your local installer: info@bifoldnetwork.com If you would like further help please call our friendly staff on 0114 231 3133 Summer 2021

C R E AT E C O O L , C A L M A N D S O P H I S T I C AT E D S PA C E S

Creating a balcony with a seamless glass balustrade gives this home unprecedented views of the outside landscape.

As temperatures rise and the amount of daylight increases each day, designers and homeowners alike start to turn their attention to the great outdoors. The first waft of freshly cut grass in the air often signals the start of outdoor preparations and our desire to get our gardens looking great for outdoor living. In recent years the trend to make the most of your outdoor space has increased dramatically with home owners and families wanting to make the most of fresh air and the great

Summer 2021

outdoors. Kitchen and rear extensions, orangeries, and multifunctional spaces with large expanses of glass, bifold doors or sliding doors are now commonplace throughout the UK. These adaptable rooms which ‘bring the outside in’ by retracting or opening glass doors transform spaces into perfect places for alfresco living.

with stunning glass balustrades

When building an extension with a flat roof, consider utilising the roof space and creating a roof top terrace, finished off with beautiful glass balustrades to ensure an uninterrupted view.

In addition to the popular trend for large expanses of glass, bifold and sliding doors is the demand for external balustrading and the dividing or screening of decked and outdoor areas. As we well know, the great British weather isn't always that reliable, even in the middle of summer! Therefore, to make the most of our gardens and outdoor spaces we need to shield ourselves from some of the elements. Glass balustrading is perfect for this, especially frameless glass balustrading which provides protection from the wind whilst maintaining views.

Furthermore, as frameless glass balustrades provide a sleek ‘all glass look’ they don't impose on the eye, creating the feeling of space rather than restricting the sense of room. Frameless glass balustrades are ideal for decked areas and perfect for creating secure areas for children and safe barrier protection from height. So, if you’re looking to get your garden or external space looking cool, calm and sophisticated this summer then consider frameless glass balustrading to give protection from the great British weather, provide safe and secure areas whilst maintaining the sense of space and unrestricted outdoor views beyond. Summer 2021

DEKTEK ALUMINIUM DECKING ONLEVEL’s New Non-Combustible Aluminium Decking SystemONLEVEL are proud to announce the introduction of DEKTEK, a fully non-combustible aluminium decking system, perfect for residential and mixed-use developments. The product development team at ONLEVEL have been busy again, DEKTEK is the fourth new product launched in 2020. The innovative A2 fire rated aluminium decking system features non-combustible deck boards, subframe and adjustable cradles. DEKTEK has been designed to replace frequently used non-fire rated products to provide peace of mind, better performance, and easier installation. Made in the EU from structural grade 6063 T6 aluminium DEKTEK is ideal for high rise concrete balconies, terraces walkways, roof terraces, pubs, gardens and numerous other decking applications and public areas. It is simple to install with an adjustable cradle and deck support system, the cradle spacing extends up to 1800 mm in width to aid installation The system is lightweight for efficient transportation and ease of installation. Furthermore, DEKTEK is a low maintenance system offering a cost saving up to 50%, when compared to other systems.

Contact us to find your nearest supplier: Tel: 0161 804 9500 Email: info@onlevel-uk.com or Visit: www.onlevel.com ONLEVEL are proud to announce the introduction of DEKTEK, a fully non-combustible aluminium decking system, perfect for residential and mixed-use developments.

Summer 2021

TRANS LEVEL FRAMELESS GLASS BALUSTRADE

TL 6020 1.5 kN TOP MOUNT TESTED ACCORDING TO BS6180

T +44 0161 804 9500 | F +44 0161 804 9505 sales@onlevel-uk.com | www.onlevel.com

CHESHIRE PLAINS, ENGLAND Summer 2021

TURNING HEADS Jackson Windows b y Tr a d e g l a z e delivers high quality for Chanceoption Homes directors

Nestled into the beautiful backdrop of the highly sought-after Lincolnshire village of Ruskington is a new-build property that’s turning heads for all the right reasons. The stunning property has been expertly constructed to fit perfectly into its lush surroundings with sweeping views of an expansive garden. The home’s owners are Nick and Lisa Allen, Directors of well-known property development company Chanceoption Homes. With nearly three decades of experience, the couple knew exactly which fenestration products they wanted in their own home, combining great aesthetics with the exacting high-quality standards they achieve for the properties they build.

Summer 2021

The project Exquisitely constructed and designed to bring in copious amounts of natural light, the Allens’ Ruskington property is magnificent. Throughout the property are Liniar windows and doors, in solid cream to complement the brick work of the building. To the front of the property are two three-segment PVCu bay windows and a vast seven-segment PVCu casement window - both featuring Georgian bars. To the rear, you’ll find the real gems of this home. An impressive 3.6m tall gable PVCu window in the kitchen provides the homeowners with unrestricted views of their rear garden whilst the first floor offers a set of French doors opening onto a glass balcony featuring artificial turf. A mix of modern and contemporary, Nick and Lisa knew exactly who they wanted to install their statement windows and doors - the company they’ve worked with for more than a decade, a Lincoln-based manufacturer Jackson Windows by Tradeglaze. The initial surveys for the Allens’ home were carried out in July 2020, with the windows and doors fitted and finished by Jackson Windows in February 2021. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the build wasn’t heavily impacted by COVID-19. Jeremy Wetherall, Director at Jackson Windows, says, “We were really pleased to be able to deliver this project in full and on time during what has been a tough period for the industry. Lead times have been under pressure, however, due to our excellent relationships with our key suppliers we have been able to meet Nick and Lisa’s timescales.” “Manufacturing and supplying double glazing to new-build homes requires quality products, very high levels of attention to detail and good communication, particularly during unpredictable times we have seen through the pandemic.” Brian Pearson, Senior Accounts Manager at Jackson Windows, adds, “We enjoy that we can take care of the detail for our customers so they can focus on what they do best – build new homes and deliver their projects on time. It has been a real pleasure to supply our products to Nick and Lisa’s new family home, which is a spectacular, high specification property.”

Summer 2021

Why Jackson Windows? Chanceoption Homes and Jackson Windows have worked on projects together for over ten years. Nick states, “We chose to work with Jackson Windows our two previous developments and I can honestly say that the standard of the work is incredible.” “They have excellent fitters who have become part of our team; they are always friendly and happy to help. It really takes the pressure off when I know we can keep building rather than having to spend time fixing problems.”

Summer 2021

Why Nick and Lisa choose Liniar For many years now, Nick and Lisa have chosen Liniar windows and doors to install in the developments they’ve worked on – so when it came to their own home, Liniar was the clear choice for the windows and French doors. “The Liniar profile is superior to any other PVCu window profile on the market. It looks great and the soundproofing capability to cut out outside noise is an important factor in our decision to use Liniar windows,” Nick comments. “We love the solid cream finish which gives a softer look to our homes than the standard white colour. We plan to use it on all our Flaxwell Fields development homes, too.” “We pride ourselves in building high quality homes. It’s incredibly important that we work with suppliers that can advise us on products that both meet our quality requirements but also boast the aesthetic qualities that homeowners are looking for.”

View all current and upcoming projects for Chanceoption Homes on their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/chanceoptionhomes. Learn more about Jackson Windows by visiting www.jacksonwindows.co.uk. Discover the Liniar range of PVCu windows, doors, conservatories, building products and outdoor ranges at www.liniar.co.uk.

Summer 2021

Inspiring

S PA C E S 30

Summer 2021

From its inception over a decade ago Dutemänn’s mission has been to supply quality products that stand the test of time. Supplied through its nationwide network of approved installers and renowned within the industry as the best trade supplier, Dutemänn has gone from strength to strength.

up to 1500mm wide x 2600mm high! So, you can now order a Dutemänn Schuco bifold door 4500mm wide with just 3 panels. “LESS PANELS MORE GLASS”.

From day one, the Schuco ASS70FD bifold has been an integral part of the Dutemänn offering, leading to Dutemänn becoming the largest trade supplier of this product range in the UK.

When it comes to insulation, we’ve got you covered. Keep your ‘heat in’ and the ‘cold out’ with a combination of state of the art thermally broken aluminium profiles and modern glass technology that reflects cold out and heat in. The Dutemänn Schuco bifold door can be either double or super insulated triple glazed, just speak to your approved installer for their professional advice.

The Dutemänn team has decades of industry knowledge which they have made full use of, leading to a quality that you can depend on. Unlike many, Dutemänn takes full responsibility to ensure their products not only meet, but, exceed security standards; meaning you can rest assured that not only are their doors highly functional, allowing light to fill the space, but they are also very secure. Dutemänn test to the highest security standard in the UK, PAS24-2016, so when ordering your door insist your Dutemänn approved installer has a certificate of proof to hand. As the largest fabricator of the Schuco ASS70FD bifold in the UK, this means Dutemänn are at the forefront of any upgrades, the latest of these means you can now specify each panel to be

You can personalise your doors using a choice of hundreds of RAL colours, however Dutemänn have taken time to stock the top six colours used in the UK, so you can have the BEST bifold in the BEST colour with the BEST security delivered in a time that suits YOU! Over the last decade, the Dutemänn Schuco ASS70FD has proven to be the best bifold door you can fit into your property. Dutemänn are so sure doors made to their specification will give you a life time of effortless operation, they offer a 20-year warranty on every Schuco ASS70FD they manufacture.

Your Next Step... Call Dutemänn on 01322 771 213 or email sales@dutemann.co.uk and their customer care team will put you in touch with your local approved installer. Summer 2021

DUTEMÄNN

THE BEST BI-FOLD JUST GOT BETTER! •

NEW PANEL SIZE 1500MM WIDE x 2600MM HIGH

• NATIONWIDE NETWORK • 20 YEAR GUARANTEE

Tel 01322 771213 sales@dutemann.co.uk

www.dutemann.co.uk

PICTURESQUE views all year round 34

Summer 2021

The extension and renovation of this beautiful house in the tranquil scenery of Northamptonshire was a carefully considered project. Homeowners, Chris and Gillian, wanted to be able to take advantage of the picturesque views at all times of year, whatever the weather. The UK has a reputation for unpredictable and often undesirable weather – you can experience four seasons in one day – so weathertight windows that enhance the comfort of the living space were a necessity for Chris and Gillian: “the large expanse of glass traps the heat wonderfully well, as well as helping to circulate fresh air throughout our home – it’s a really important part of the design.” The large windows and folding doors have enabled Chris and Gillian to soak up the views at all times of day, whatever the weather, from the comfort of their own home.

Summer 2021

“The bi-fold doors are probably my favourite element of the house – we have three of them in total and they are simply beautiful. It’s clear to me why Schüco is considered one of the best on the market”.

“It’s wonderful having people over. Everybody has remarked how beautiful the house is and how it has such a modern feel yet still has a sense of belonging among the surrounding environment. The whole project was worth the wait.” When asked what were the most successful elements of the newly renovated home, Chris went straight for the glazing and the contribution it makes to the aesthetic of their home, “the bi-fold doors are probably my favourite element of the house – we have three of them in total and they are simply beautiful. It’s clear to me why Schüco is considered one of the best on the market”.

Summer 2021

The bespoke gable windows are another eye-catching feature. Tom Grant and his team of fabricators at Thomas Charles Grant Ltd, a Schüco partner, thought long and hard about the design, manufacture and installation of the Schüco systems. They managed to install them deep into the recess to allow for a generous interior windowsill. Photography credit – John Selby

For more information on Schüco and to find your local Schüco partner visit https://www.schueco.com/uk/more-than-a-view, call 01908 282 111 or email: mkinfobox@schueco.com.

Summer 2021

C R E AT I N G A S E A M L E S S L I N K B E T W E E N YO U R H O M E , G A R D E N A N D PAT I O A R E A W I T H C R I T TA L ® STYLE BI-FOLD DOORS

a contemporary trend that will transform

your forever home

Summer 2021

As we ease ourselves out of lockdown and we look forward to sunnier days, many of us have a new appreciation for our homes and gardens and the comfort they can bring. While we are not enjoying the space in the same way, you can still bring the outdoors in and enjoy your garden all year round while keeping the cold weather outside where it belongs. Origin Bi-fold doors create a seamless link between your home, garden, or patio area, giving you an uninterrupted view, while creating light and space – and adding value to your home. We are an approved installer for Origin – the UK’s leading manufacturer of aluminium doors and windows which means we the knowledge and expertise for every aspect of their range, including the stunning on-trend Georgian bar finish.

A S T Y L E T O S U I T E V E R Y TA S T E If you have been looking for new windows or doors recently, you will have no doubt come across a look known as Crittal®, Georgian, or Astragal bars. In fact, once you’re aware of the style, you’ll start seeing it everywhere. Classical, modern, commercial, or minimalist, whether an internal or external door, it complements any type of home. Either set inside sealed units of glass or installed on top, bars are placed depending on the look you would like to achieve – a grid being more traditional, horizontal lines more contemporary, and repeated diamonds more classical. Whichever you choose, the addition of bars changes the feel of any space, bringing a sense of security, depth, and snugness, while still welcoming vast expanses of light. We are now seeing a growing trend for Georgian bars to feature on Origin Bi-fold doors, as the style complements their slimline frames.

Summer 2021

WHY CHOOSE ORIGIN’S PREMIUM ALUMINIUM BI-FOLDS? Created bespoke, Origin Bi-folds range from 1-8 door sets, and each individual panel can be manufactured from 400mm1200mm wide and up to 3,000mm tall. Designed to operate to suit your needs, Origin’s Bi-folds ensure safety for all the family, featuring finger safe gaskets to stop little fingers from getting trapped and low thresholds to remove tripping hazards. While aluminium frames may be 67% lighter than steel, aluminium is incredibly strong, and the Origin range of Bi-fold Doors exceeds the latest security standards – so you can let the light flood in and keep unwanted visitors out.

HEHKU ON HAND If you would like advice on the best way to open up your home while complementing your unique style, our design specialists and architectural surveyors are here to advise and work closely with you through every stage of your project, so you can enjoy your home in a new way while adding value, all year round.

Summer 2021

Impressive Glazing Solutions to Create a Fresh Contemporary Style devine by design inspiration for your home Completely transform your home and bathe your living space in natural light with our stunning range of aluminium windows & doors. Hehku specialise in the design and installation of bespoke aluminium bi-folds, sliding doors, windows, roof lanterns and sky lights that are meticulously designed to provide that extra special finishing touch to your home. Based in the South East our experienced team will work with you to provide a professional service with the highest standard of customer care. Our range of quality products have been carefully selected to be competitively priced, 100% British made, offer a unique set of safety features, deliver exceptional energy efficiency, offering an industry-leading guarantee of up to 25 years. We are pleased to be able to offer a 3 to 5 week lead in time from survey to ensure your project is finished on time.

www.hehku.co.uk

enquiries@hehku.co.uk 01634 298026 Summer 2021

GET IN THE KNOW

with garden buildings

Over the past year, the garden has been a wonderful luxury for homeowners at a time when holidays, day trips and dining out has been off the cards.

Summer 2021

And now as we journey out of lockdown, many of us are still planning to make the most out of our outdoor areas, utilising this perfect private space for peace and quiet after a long, hard day. And your garden isn’t just a great place for you to relax and unwind. Making improvements to your outside space is a great way of upping the value of your property. In fact, a garden building can add around 5% to the value of your home* and is a great option if you’re looking to create additional living space. And in most cases, a garden building doesn’t require planning permission for installation, making it even easier to add that much-needed extra space you require for your family. Read on to discover what you need to know when adding your very own garden building to your outdoor living space, as shared by the experts at Eurocell Home.

Consider the purpose From a peaceful office space to an at-home gym, playroom or just simply a place to relax, a garden building offers a functional area that can work for you and your family.

Prepare your plan In 90% of cases, Eurocell Home’s Garden Buildings don’t require planning permission**, being designed to meet, if not exceed, building regulations whilst ensuring that the height falls within permitted development.

The range of garden buildings from Eurocell Home are customisable to suit your preferences. From size, colour and finish, to French or bi-fold doors, there are plenty of options to choose from to create a living space that suits its intended purpose.

But it is essential that homeowner’s make plans in advance and double check that no other stipulations will stop the garden building from proceeding.

By deciding on this prior to purchasing your garden building, you can ensure that the space offers all the added benefits you’re looking for in an extension of your home.

On rare occasions, you may require permission for your garden room if you want to build in front of the principal elevation of your home, live in a conservation area or a listed building.

The finishing touches At Eurocell Home, we offer a range of customisable options to ensure your garden building is a true reflection of your style and fits effortlessly with the aesthetic of your home.

If you are unsure, your local planning office can look into this for you.

You can also opt for upgrade packs, with wall cladding, vinyl flooring and PVC-U skirting amongst other additional extras to create a luxury-looking finish to your new garden building.

The foundations Often a final thought for many homeowners, a strong, stable foundation is essential for maintaining a sufficient support for your garden building for years to come. In most cases, we would recommend installing a garden building on a level concrete base or with ground screws. These are large screws that are secured deep into the ground, providing a level surface for your garden building to be built on safely. Location, location, location Selecting the position of your garden room is also a vital part of the planning process when installing a garden building. At Eurocell Home, our garden buildings have been designed to blend seamlessly into the surroundings, so will work in any space throughout your garden.

With a 10-year guarantee, customisable options and sustainably sourced materials, at Eurocell Home, we can help you to easily plan a garden building designed to work for you in no time. * Leaders Property Lettings, 2019 ** Eurocell, 2021

For more help and advice from the team at Eurocell Home, please visit the website at www.eurocell-home.co.uk.

Summer 2021

CLADOVERS

I M I TAT I O N S NOT ALLOWED! If you are looking to replace the existing roof on your conservatory, probably your first port of call is Google, with a search term such as ‘Solid Roofs for Conservatories’. I did this this afternoon and found, on the first page, references to an array of national brands along with some local suppliers. Also on that first page was a Technical Guide from the LABC on ‘Solid Roofs on Conservatories and Porches’.

A brief look through the aforementioned pages should tell a prospective buyer of a solid roof about the pitfalls and regulations. But If this were the case, why are ‘Cladovers’ apparently outselling the genuine article? The answer has to be clever selling and attractive prices coupled with the fact, we as homeowners, are still not aware enough of the pitfalls we could potentially face, when it comes to replacing our conservatory roof. Let’s take a simple scenario. You have an ageing conservatory with a polycarbonate roof and, understandably, you’d like it replaced and a solid roof will make it more habitable, year round. A quotation from any of the recognised roof manufacturers through one of their approved installers will, undoubtedly, be more expensive than a quote from an unaffiliated installer. Why? Because they may well be offering a ‘Cladover’. The problem comes when we think we are being offered a named brand of roof but the installer is simply picking up timber, insulation material, tiles and plasterboard from their local trade counter and assembling a roof on the conservatory. Sometimes

Summer 2021

this may be done without even removing the polycarbonate roof but rather sandwiching this between the batons, felt and tiles and plasterboard and some insulation that is fixed underneath. From all appearances it would look pretty good. The snag is that the original PVCu structure that carried the polycarbonate roof, or even a glass roof, is probably not structurally robust enough to take the solid roof. As an unknowing homeowner, you end up with a roof for half the price of the branded product, and it looks OK. However, what happens when something goes wrong? A heavy fall of snow or even the PVCu structure simply bending under the load? No problem, there’s the 10 year warranty and Building Control Certificate…..ah! they haven’t got either of those.

window structure. I asked if they had any issues with solid roofs not having Building Regs and his reply was a no. And what about ‘Cladovers’, I asked? “We usually pick those up” he said, “when they try and sell the house.” Now my particular council seem to be on the ball, but I also understand that some large authorities are unclear as to whether Building Regs are required. There is also the issue of ‘passing off’ whereby the installer purports to be offering branded solid roofs and even display company logos on their website but are actually selling ‘Cladovers’. Some of the roof system companies have challenged these people and got them to remove claims to be offering their roofs, usually with an apologetic: “Sorry guv, it’s a fair cop, we’ll take the logo down.”

A quick phone call to Building Control at my local Council and I was told immediately that replacing a conservatory roof with a solid roof was subject to Building Regulations. When I told the gentleman I was from the media and why I was asking, he knew all the branded solid roof products and the need for corner post supports to ensure that the roof was self-supported rather than relying on the PVCu

Is this ‘Cladover’ issue a big problem? I’m led to believe that the market for solid roofs, through the branded systems, is around 1,000 roofs per week. However it is also estimated that around 1,500 ‘Cladovers’ are sold every week. I’d say that was a big problem. I’ve heard of companies being ‘phoned by a homeowner, saying: “I’m having one of your roofs fitted at the moment but there seems to be a lot more timber

“Saving money in the short term may not only be dangerous, as your roof could literally cave in, you will ultimately end up paying a lot more in the long run. It’s not worth it financially and it’s not worth it from a safety point of view.”

involved in the construction than I saw on your website.” The request for some photographs to be sent through from their mobile ‘phone soon establishes that it isn’t the roof they thought it was. The “Leave it with me” comment from the householder probably indicates a major row with the installer or a call to Trading Standards. And it appears Trading Standards in some areas know of the problem. You may ask why as a homeowner you can’t see that the new roof is a ‘Cladover’? It’s not unusual for a working couple to leave the installer to do the job while out at work and, without cutting a hole in the plasterboard ceiling, who’s to know what’s hidden inside? My concern is a collapsed ‘Cladover’ on top of little Jimmy, who is playing with his bricks in the conservatory. Our synopsis? Saving money in the short term may not only be dangerous, as your roof could literally cave in, you will ultimately end up paying a lot more in the long run. It’s not worth it financially and it’s not worth it from a safety point of view. Do your research and if a company is proclaiming to offer a national brand, check it out direct with the manufacturer.

Summer 2021

As solid as a roof! In the last 2 to 3 years the home improvement market has experienced a surge in interest in conservatory upgrades, in favour of installing roofs that would allow the use of the room all year round. As that demand has grown, so have the product options offered to homeowners, which broadly come in 2 types: a solid roof offering, which is a complete replacement, and a clad over – or wrap around, where additional tiles and / or insulation are added to the existing roof. Choosing between options can be mind-boggling, particularly when your priorities lay between value and efficiency.

As a homeowner ask yourself the following: • Do I want to add value to my property and help sell my house in future?. • Do I want the best performance? • Am I doing this as a quick fix or for the long-term? • Is structural integrity important to me?

Summer 2021

DO I GET ADDED VA L U E A N D W I L L MY HOUSE SELL I F I H AV E I T I N S TA L L E D ? It will come as no surprise to be told that a standard conservatory adds limited value to a property. Generally difficult to heat or keep cool you either use it only occasionally or spend a lot of money trying to make it more usable. On the other hand, a room with a “solid” roof, tiled, insulated, compliant with building standard requirements, will transform it into a proper room, with a traditional timber roof construction. And it will save you on heating costs! So when it comes to selling your property, don’t be the homeowner that opted for an Icotherm roof AFTER they had originally been sold a clad-over, only to be told by the surveyor that they would not been able to sell their house. Why did that happen? Many cladovers keep the full existing roof structure and glazing underneath, effectively hiding it all with tiles on top and quick to install insulation.

P E R F O R M A N C E , W H AT S H O U L D I BE LOOKING FOR? Insulation A better insulated room will likely be one of the main reasons you are considering changing your roof. Most manufacturers will publish their U-Value (the measurement unit used to indicate how good something is at insulating). The lower the better. Icotherm roofs are specified at 0.16, whilst other are at 0.18. still good of course, but not as good. Icotherm will also manufacture for the Scottish market which required a lower U-value (0.12) Ventilation All roofs need ventilation (just check your own house roof) to allow air to circulate. The only way to have proper circulation is to ensure the air comes in, and out again (using a chimney effect). Icotherm’s pitched roofs are specifically designed to permit this. Doesn’t ventilation just mean draught? A correctly ventilated solid roof will allow air circulation where it matters the most: well away from the room it sits on top of, right under the tiles and above the insulation. No condensation One of the main reasons for ventilation is to remove any risk of condensation. Atmospheric gas turns into droplets of liquid when faced with sudden changes of temperature (something as simple as temperatures dropping in the evening). This is called interstitial condensation. Ventilation, by circulating the air, will prevent a build of damp. So to make sure your selected solid roof will not create interstitial condensation: Ask your installer if there is suitable ventilation, that the design will stop cold bridging and prevent warm air from reaching the rafter and that there is a vapour barrier to stop the room’s atmosphere from entering the roof cavity

Summer 2021

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY Cladovers and roofs cut on site by builders (vs sourced from a specialist manufacturer) do not have the benefit of being already building control compliant Reputable roof systems companies like Icotherm have had their designs tested for structural integrity, condensation risk, insulation performance, making it easier to obtain building control approval. This will mean that all roofs are constructed following clear specification guidelines, and offer you, the homeowner with the reassurance you need. Cladovers by their very nature (various components added to the structure) do not have their own calculations as they rely on an already existing roof. That roof will not have been designed to take the added weight, and was most definitely not designed to be encapsulated in insulation and tiles.

Summer 2021

Create a room that you can use all year-round

The solid roof company For conservatory roof replacements or new single storey extensions

Eco-friendly timber

Thermally efficient

Fully ventilated

Sustainably sourced timber, making for the ultimate green building solution.

The Icotherm roof helps maintain optimum temperature in the room, protecting from the summer heat and retaining warmth in winter.

Unique timber pod construction which speeds up installation and the roof is fully ventilated to prevent condensation.

To find an installer near you, email us on info@icotherm.co.uk Summer 2021

for your beautiful build 50

Summer 2021

The market for solid, insulated and tiled roofs is on the rise for both new installations and for the important and emerging conservatory replacement market. However, such product ranges vary widely in terms of design and performance, as do the practices employed by installation companies. But will this have a detrimental effect on the development of the sector and the product life cycle? The answer is YES.

Companies have started to offer ‘clad over roofs’ which means they are doing little more than fixing basic timber and plasterboard to the inside of a conservatory, and low-grade tiles to the outside, to replicate the feel of a solid roof, with failures literally happening within weeks. There are many dangers to clad over roofs that installers and homeowners alike need to be aware of. First and foremost, there is a fundamental and important structural feature in a conservatory that must be considered. The roof structure is designed to take the weight of the glazing material and any additional loads imposed by wind and snow in that geographical location. It was not designed to carry the additional loads imposed when fixing timber, plasterboard and roof tiles to the structure. Also, the side frames, base and foundation type may not be structurally sufficient. These all need properly assessing. And in many cases, they aren’t. The clad-over roof construction will also trap air in the voids in the roof structure which will heat and cool with the seasons. This will cause condensation and heat build up as the seasons come and go. The best case is a leaking roof, and worst case is a full roof failure with the resulting collapse causing damage not only to the house but detrimentally to the homeowners too.

To ensure quality and safe building practises in the UK, current building regulations must be taken into consideration and all installation companies are aware of this. Clad-over roof systems generally do not get approval due to their low thermal value and lack of structural integrity. Homeowners should always ask if the installation work is being carried out in line with the local authority building regulation approval process for that location. To ensure homeowners have peace of mind, Prefix Systems’ WARMroof system has full building regulations approval by recognised bodies LABC, LABSS and JHAI. And to validate the quality of the roof, it was recognised as the best offsite constructed solid roof system by the ‘Conservatory & Orangery Awards’. Which we are immensely proud of. Failure rates are already increasing, and we’ve seen several poor performing clad-over installations removed and replaced with our own proven & award winning WARMroof system. With around 3 million conservatories at some point in time in need of repair, refurbishment or replacement. It is crucial installation companies assess the structural implications of installing a heavier roof in all projects. Clad over roofs should be avoided at all costs and with us having over 25 years’ experience in this area and a unique, structurally proven range products, why not use our expertise on your next replacement project?

Summer 2021

AHEAD OF THE GAME Established for over 20 years, award winning company Prefix Systems Ltd has grown from one to four manufacturing sites. Improve Magazine Editor, Christina Shaw, talks to the Directors of Prefix Systems and asks them: ‘Why are you ahead of the game?’ Founded in 1996 by Chris Baron and Chris Cooke, Prefix Systems has grown to become one of the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of a wide variety of home improvement systems including aluminium windows and doors and glazed and tiled roof home extensions. With a business ethos based on first class service combined with high level of before and after sales support, Prefix moved to larger premises in 1999 and gradually evolved opening its second distribution premises in Northampton in 2006 to allow the company to distribute nationally, then a third in Swansea in 2008 and the South Coast in 2017. “We can now deliver to any part of mainland UK and our own delivery fleet can deliver direct to premises or to any site,” they explain. A company that never stands still, Prefix realised the benefit to both trade and homeowners of having showrooms for consumers to visit: “Our expert staff are on hand and customers can visit to see products on display. “In more normal times there is no appointment needed and we have no salesman – just the opportunity to see products such as sliding and bi-folding doors, windows and hardware, with expert technical advice, in a relaxed and informal setting. Due to Covid-19, we do ask that you call us to book an appointment as we are limited to the number of visitors we can have in the showroom.” The company can also put customers in touch with local installers who they work with, or clients can source their own installer or builder. Prefix have developed their own unique

Summer 2021

aluminium brand of windows and doors, Opal. Aluminium has recently become the choice over PVC for a number of reasons including primarily it’s longevity – aluminium lasts up to 50 years, nearly double that of PVC. Along with this it is stronger and more durable, more secure, energy efficient and heat resistant. “There are also many more colour choices, finishes and textures with our Opal Aluminium range compared to PVC. We include a powder coating which ensures long lasting colour and performance,” Chris Baron explains. Understanding lifestyle changes and customer needs is key to the success of Prefix Systems and they have a clear vision and understanding of how work and home lives are changing: “Many more people are now choosing to work from home, or are keen to extend their outdoor living spaces and there is much more desire to improve rather than move. We have 25 years’ experience of home improvement products, single storey extensions, orangeries, tiled roofs, canopies and verandas. We manufacture and supply anything from a simple aluminium window to full offsite construction,” they explain. The company has won numerous awards and one they are especially proud of is the recent ‘Best Solid Roof Award’ at the Conservatory & Orangery Awards. “We are honoured to receive any award,” Chris Cooke says. “But it is particularly important to be recognised by your peers.” Prefix Systems Ltd was also the only company to win three awards in one night at the prestigious Red Rose Awards. “We feel we won the awards because we are different,” Chris Baron explains. “Innovation is hugely important to us and we never stand still. From creating our own Opal aluminium range to working with revolutionary new products such as heated glass which removes the need for radiators and underfloor heating.”

The company is also beginning to work with virtual reality software which will allow customers to view 3D CAD drawings for single storey extensions and they also have online designer programmes where clients can design their own front door. Partner feedback adds further testimony to the company’s outstanding product design, quality and service: “Prefix Systems are absolute experts, they provide quality not just in their products but also in their service,” was one comment at the opening of the showroom with another adding: “The company is ahead of the game in terms of engineering, as well as being fantastic to work with.”

Under the current circumstances, the showroom is now by appointment only so we can accommodate visitors safely. Our opening times are: Monday to Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 9am-4pm Weekends by appointment

Prefix Systems Ltd Systems House, Cunliffe Road, Whitebirk, Blackburn BB1 5UA Tel: 01254 871800 Email: enquiries@prefixsystems.co.uk www.prefixsystems.co.uk

If you are unable to visit our showroom, allow us to show you our products another way. We can provide 3D CAD drawings for single storey extensions and we have designer programmes where you can design your own front door. We offer free, no obligation advice when replacing an existing conservatory roof, or for new build extensions. You can also visit our website or call or email us for a complimentary brochure.

Summer 2021

HARDWARE / SECURITY Buying new windows and doors is a major investment and many people can find it daunting when presented with the many options available.

Q-secure Windows & Doors

GUARANTEED TO PROTECT

The industry has progressed rapidly in recent years and now homeowners are left in the happy position of having lots of choice over and above ‘white squares’, including the following: • Which material? • White or colour? • Smooth or woodgrain finish? • Rebated or heritage flush design? • Bi-Fold doors or an inline slider? Or maybe a state of the art lift/slide patio door? It’s great to be spoiled for choice and you now have a free hand to get exactly what looks best on your house. However, when selecting your windows and doors, and who installs them, be sure to ask what security guarantee they come with. It’s important to know. If the installer fits products that are covered by VBH’s Q-secure Security Guarantee you could receive up to £8000 if your home is broken into through you doors or windows.

As a hardware expert who has been supplying top quality products to the industry since 1975, VBH can help you source windows and doors that are GUARANTEED to be secure. We recognise the need for a meaningful security guarantee for the end-user and have put together the Q-secure guarantee after having our security-related hardware tested at BSI to the latest security standards. In fact, all the security hardware covered by Q-secure (locks, hinges etc.) is included within our BSI Kitemark in respect of building hardware used in windows and doorsets. The Kitemark is an instantly recognisable badge of quality. There are three huge benefits to home owners who buy Q-secure approved windows, doors and patio doors. 1) Only companies who use top quality uPVC/PVCu and aluminium window and door systems can become Q-secure approved. 2) Consumers can buy safe in the knowledge that all the hardware on their windows has been independently tested to the latest security standards both in the UK and in Europe 3) In the unlikely event of a successful break in being achieved due to the failure of the hardware on a Q-secure installation, VBH will pay the customer up to £8000 in compensation. We can to do this because we have supreme confidence in how our hardware performs and on the window systems used by our partners. Q-secure is offered by a growing network of Approved Installers and covers uPVC/ PVCu windows and residential doors, composite doors, uPVC sliding patio doors, aluminium lift/slide doors, and our most popular product – aluminium bi-folding doors. Some of our installer network also offer aluminium Q-secure windows. Only Approved Installers using our Q-secure hardware can offer the guarantee.

Summer 2021

To become part of the network, installers must commit to using products geared with our Q-secure approved hardware (covered by Kitemark KM727991). In addition, they can only use the brands of uPVC/ PVCu or aluminium frame material that we have tested our hardware on. This way we can be sure that your windows and doors are exactly the same as the tested products.

Summer 2021

We are building up a network of Approved Installers with the aim of having nationwide coverage soon. This target has been helped greatly this year with the addition of three more highly respected companies who can all supply you with Q-secure windows and doors. Armour Windows with Flair, Nolan uPVC Ltd and Everglade Windows Ltd are based in The Midlands, South Wales and London respectively and supply in and around their surrounding areas.

Visit www.qsecure.co.uk to find out how your new windows and doors can give you 10 years peace of mind and to find an installer near you. Alternatively, view our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvmiosDqu7E

Summer 2021

In addition, Tradesmith Ltd, an existing Q-secure Approved Manufacturer, are set to expand their existing Q-secure range to their installer customers in and around Sussex. Remember, although most windows and doors will give your home a beautiful make-over, not all are guaranteed to keep burglars out. By choosing Q-secure approved windows and doors, you have the peace of mind of knowing that they are designed to protect, and VBH will pay you up to £8000 if they don’t.

Your Castle, Your Family, Your Home

PROTECT IT ALL with

Windows & Doors Guaranteed To Keep Your Castle Safe

Provided By

Receive up to £8000 compensation if your property is broken into

10 Year Peace Of Mind Guarantee

BSI security standard PAS24 On Tested Windows & Doors

Find Your Q-secure Installer Today! Join the Q-secure Network Today! If you’re looking to add quality windows and doors to your home, qsecure.co.uk/join-our-network opt for super secure products with the added benefit of the Q-secure Guarantee. We are proud to offer the Q-secure guarantee across our product range. All hardware has been exhaustively tested to the latest qsecure.co.uk/find-an-installer security standards at BSI.

A Growing Network Of Installers Offering Top Quality Windows and Doors

Backed by VBH, Europe’s Top quality products largest supplier of quality with hardware a MULTI-BRAND since 1975 security guarantee

info@vbhgb.com www.qsecure.co.uk | www.vbhgb.com 01634 263300 | sales@vbhgb.com www.qsecure.co.uk Connect with us on social media @vbhgbltd @VBHGB @vbhgb 01634 263 300

OPEN THE WINDOW TO A SMARTER HOME

with keyliteConnect There are over 15 million ‘smart homes’ in the UK and Ireland, a figure growing year on year with no sign of slowing down. But whilst it’s easy to get blindsided by the smart tech that connects our homes with added security and comfort, it’s important to remember the health and cost saving benefits that a smart home can offer.

Summer 2021

Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite) suggests that fresh air ventilation, natural daylight and thermal protection are amongst the top factors in making your house a healthy and comfortable home. But with day to day life and energy efficiency often putting the three out of balance, Keylite wanted to see how smart home technology could align both convenience and home productivity. With that in mind, Keylite has designed a brand new smart home technology product range called keyliteConnect®, which includes app-enabled Keylite Roof Windows and Blinds, and wireless technology to transform the way we experience natural daylight and fresh air in our homes. Using the keyliteConnect® app and hub, homeowners are able to monitor and operate their smart app-enabled Electric and Solar Powered Roof Windows and Blinds from anywhere in the world. The app allows users to set pre-timed actions, such as airing the building for a certain duration, or automatically lowering blinds in the evening, meaning users can keep their homes running efficiently and conveniently, no matter whether they’re at home or away. If you leave home and forget to close your windows, just one tap of a button will close all your windows on the keyliteConnect® app. Leaving windows on vent while you’re out and about can often be a worry, but by switching the roof windows to the trickle ventilation position on your app, fresh air is able to enter the property while ensuring the building’s safety is not compromised, as windows remain in the fully locked position.

And to provide peace of mind for those days where you just can’t predict the weather, the smart rain sensor will automatically close windows in the event of a downpour, eliminating the risk of deciding between ventilated rooms and soggy floors. One of the biggest appeals to smart home technology is the long term cost savings. As keyliteConnect® appenabled Solar Powered Roof Windows and Blinds are powered completely by solar energy with no requirement for mains electricity, the operation of the windows and blinds is extremely cost effective. Harvesting solar energy, the roof windows retain power in the window’s battery system, enabling operation day and night.

With double and triple glazing, Keylite’s Roof Windows match the thermal efficiency of the roof when closed, ensuring minimal heat loss. This, partnered with the ability to open and close windows and blinds at any time can ensure heat is kept in, and energy bills are kept low. Easy to both operate and install; the app allows users to create personalised settings for individual rooms and even users. The keyliteConnect® hub remains at the centre of this technology. Ensuring maximum security, once connected to Wi-Fi, the hub ensures only those chosen can operate the applications remotely via the keyliteConnect® app.

For more information on Keylite Roof Windows and its keyliteConnect® range, please visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com/connect, call 01283 200 158 or email info@keyliteuk.com.

Summer 2021

Adore your FRONT DOOR 60

Summer 2021

When it comes to your home the exterior look of your property is equally as important as the interior. We’re all aware of the expression, ‘first impressions count’. And they certainly count when it comes to viewing a new house, as a well-maintained entrance can make a huge difference and lasting impression. If you’re looking to move house or simply want to add a new lease of life to your property, investing in a new front door can provide that much desired kerb appeal, as well as a range of additional benefits. Many homeowners find it difficult to know where to start when deciding on a new door. The experts at Eurocell Home, suppliers of UPVC products including windows, doors and garden rooms have shared their knowledge on where to start and how to choose a front door, which perfectly suits your home. Consider Composite When looking for your new front door it’s important to consider the type of material your door will be made from, with the most popular choices available being; UPVC, wooden, composite or solid wood. With a huge range of colours and styles available for composite doors, the popularity in this style of door has grown considerably, with many opting for the convenience and security of a composite door. How can a composite door work for you? Made with a glass reinforced plastic skin, composite doors are extremely tough, rigid and waterproof. And, unlike wooden alternatives, there’s no risk in warping, swelling or shrinking, which ultimately means the door won’t stick or let in any cold draughts. They are also extremely efficient and the range at Eurocell Home is designed to greatly reduce any loss of heat with 100% recycled thermal inserts enhancing the thermal efficiency and sustainability of your home. Step up the style Although our front doors serve a practical purpose of protecting our homes, many of us also want to ensure it stands out in the style stakes. With such an expansive choice of styles and colours to choose from, it can be easy to lose your way when trying to decide what is the best style for your home. Although we very often would choose a home interior item based on personal taste, considering the look and feel of your property is essential to really get that polished final design outcome. One easy way to achieve that ‘put together’ final look with your front door is to carefully select a colour and style that matches with the era and, of course, colour scheme of your property. With plenty of designs and patterns to choose from, your front door can certainly continue the interior design scheme

from the outside, in. From handles to letterplates, door knockers to glass panels, the finishing touches are also just as important for creating that polished final look. An expert in the field, like the team at Eurocell Home, will best advise you on the style and colour of door that will work best with your property. By utilising the online configurator, Eurocell Home can even help you to design a door that’s personalised to your property, for a front door that fits all your preferences. Stay Secure Along with the look of your front door, keeping your home secure is a key element when deciding to make an exterior home upgrade. Most reputable brands will ensure the doors provided are created with security in mind, offering the very latest security technology to ensure doors can withstand a range of burglary tactics. Made with a combination of different materials for extra strength, the Eurocell Home range of composite front doors allow you to feel safe in the knowledge that your home is fully secured, whilst also protecting against daily wear and tear. With independent approval from the Secured By Design scheme, our range of premium door styles offer style and, most importantly, security for you and your family.

For more help and advice from the team at Eurocell Home, please visit the website at www.eurocell-home.co.uk. Summer 2021

CONSUMER ADVICE & INFORMATION

TRAINING AND Q U A L I F I C AT I O N S

The hear t of the Fenestration Industry If you book an appointment for an electrician to come and work in your home, or someone to work on any of your gas appliances you rightly assume that they have been trained and carry the right qualifications to prove that they can do the job. However, perhaps when you engage a company to come and replace your windows and doors, or build you a conservatory or orangery you don’t think about it the same way? But you should. Those who install windows and doors and create beautiful livings spaces in your home should also have undergone practical training and carry industry relevant qualifications in just the same way as those who come to your home to carry out other works. Training and qualifications are as readily available in the Fenestration Industry as in any other and have been for many years. Today’s industry is governed by stringent building regulations to which those manufacturing and installing windows and doors must adhere, and most companies are investing widely in their staff, ensuring they have the right skills to do their work to the highest standards. The fact is that many window and door installers do carry these qualifications and you should always ask them the question; it is a sign of their commitment to quality and an assurance for you that you are likely to get a job well done. GQA Qualifications is the fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications writing body and we are committed to playing a key role in driving standards up within the industry.

#BIGGREENQ Mick Clayton CEO of GQA Qualifications 62

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“QUESTION – ARE Y O U FA M I L I A R W I T H W H AT T H E WORD ‘ F E N E S T R AT I O N ’ M E A N S ? “Answer - Fenestration is the placing of apertures in buildings to provide light, shelter and security. It has been taken up for centuries by builders, and is a process dating back to the earliest examples of construction such as castles and other historic buildings”.

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“Question - Did you know that this is the most recognised image associated with the UK for visitors from overseas”? We all recognise it of course as the front door to 10 Downing Street, but more importantly it is Fenestration, and a great symbol of the role our industry plays in society.

Think about all the buildings you have ever seen, here in the UK and on your travels abroad and ask yourself this question, “What’s different about this building?” “Answer – it is the only man-made structure deliberately designed not to have any windows or doors in it!” Can you think of any others? The answer is probably ‘no’ which tells you how important a role the use of windows and doors plays in everyday society, and why with a turnover of £4.6 billion per year the Fenestration Industry is so incredible. 64

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“With a turnover of £4.6 billion per year the Fenestration Industry is an incredible industry and offers over 80 career paths for those looking for a home for their skills”.

As we have said, the Fenestration Industry offers over 80 career paths for those looking for a career for their skills and ambitions. Among many partnerships it is involved in GQA is a major supporter of the Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration a Career of Choice campaign which was established to raise awareness of the industry as a great place to forge a career and to attract new entrants to the market. And on this subject, homeowners may be interested to see the results of a YouGov survey commissioned by GQA into the attitudes of over 1,000 parents with school-age children concerning university attendance and vocational training. The survey results revealed that over 60% of respondents agreed that for decades we have been recruiting too many young people onto university courses that do nothing to

improve their life chances or help with their career goals. In addition, over 75% agreed that vocational training, careers and/or vocational qualifications could be beneficial to young people as an alternative career path to going to university. Heartening for GQA was the survey’s revelation regarding how the fenestration industry is perceived by the parents questioned. Over half of respondents were not averse to their children one day entering this industry. It is to be hoped that year on year more and more parents will encourage their children down this route when they are of employable age. The government’s recent white paper on its commitment to greater funding for vocational training reinforced the view held by those that responded that there is clearly need for a different approach in the future, and organisations like GQA and industries like the Fenestration Industry are in the perfect position to help to bring this to fruition.

For more information about the careers in the industry, and vocational training opportunities email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk or visit: www.buildingourskills.co.uk. More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

Summer 2021

Shaped shading for your shaped glass

Glass is – quite literally – a window to the outdoors which allows us to enjoy natural light and views from the comfort of our homes and businesses. For many, they have been a saving grace during this time of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders.

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In broader terms, glazing is increasingly becoming used as a feature piece in buildings thanks, in part, to a desire to implement biophilic design. With this, a huge array of fantastic shapes and sizes have come onto the market and, with such brilliantly shaped windows, it makes sense to complement them with a blind or shutter which neatly fits the structure. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking shading devices are limited to standard shapes and sizes of glass but even circular windows can be shaded using pleated, roller or Venetian blinds or even shutters. But it doesn’t end at circles - almost shape of glazing can have a shading device fitted be it triangular, rhomboid or a mix of

Photo: S:CRAFT

different shapes! You name the shape and there’s almost definitely someone in the shading industry who can help shade it. Beyond the obvious visual benefits of considering adding a blind or shutter to your window, there are other reasons why you should complement your glass with a blind or shutter. For a start, the comfort and energy saving benefits of are clear to see. Open your shading in the morning and let the light flood in and heat the building in the winter. When the clouds come over, close the blind and keep the warmth in and use them the opposite way when there is too much light or heat. And you needn’t even be there to do this…

Photo: Grand Design Blinds Summer 2021

Summer 2021

Photo: S:CRAFT

Like most things in life, the shading industry is currently undergoing somewhat of a technological revolution. When it comes to operating blinds, shutters and awnings, motorisation is an option which is now offered across the board by BBSA members and brings with it a number of benefits. You can connect your blinds to your smart device and home hub so you don’t have to get off the sofa to close them or you can set a timer to close them automatically if you’re not there. Motorisation is also inherently child safe. Raising awareness of the importance of window blind safety is

the shading industry’s top priority and, because operation is done via neatly concealed motors, this eliminates the need for operating cords and chains. Visit www.makeitsafe.org.uk for more information. Furthermore, automation also brings the added benefit of increased security. Windows and glazing can be a security weak point in your home or business but with motorisation you can close your blinds or shutters wherever you are and whenever you want for peace of mind while you’re not there. By Daniel Surey, BBSA

Visit www.bbsa.org.uk for more information about the shading industry and to find your nearest BBSA member.

Photo: Decora Summer 2021

FAÇADES

create your own

C L A D D I N G T R A N S F O R M AT I O N

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With the continuing trend for home improvements, now that many are spending more time at home, external cladding has seen a surge in interest. But how exactly can cladding be used? Freefoam Building Products have put together a handy guide with some examples of how cladding can be used in different ways to update and improve the look of any home.

C R E AT E A N AT T R A C T I V E F E AT U R E FA C A D E O V E R B R I C K The majority of properties in the UK are constructed using brick. Whilst brick is incredibly hard wearing, on larger properties an expanse can look bland and unappealing. Many homeowners are looking for exterior coverings that they can colour coordinate to windows and doors,bring a new aesthetic to their home and create instant kerb appeal. Freefoam ‘Misty Grey’ Fortex weatherboard cladding was recently used on the brick front elevation of this detached property in Cheshire. Used in conjunction with a render finish, the grey cladding at Grey Goose House perfectly matches the new garage door and general colour theme throughout the house. Homeowner Katrina loves the ‘New England’ look and wanted to use this style to modernise her home. With the new cladding and render, the house is completely transformed and the whole family are delighted with the results.

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REPLACE HANGING TILES In the 1960’s and 1970’s hanging tiles placed on the front elevation of a property were a popular method of construction. Fifty years later tiles have become cracked and discoloured and can be costly to replace. This detached property in Brightlingsea had dark brown hanging clay tiles fitted to the first floor elevation right up to the gable. The tiles were removed, wooden battens fitted and Fortex Weatherboard cladding in ‘Misty Grey’ was installed. With the addition of grey windows and doors this home has had a complete make over, creating a smart contemporary coordinated look. Whilst windows and doors significantly improve the look of a property, the difference that cladding can make is on a much larger scale, and the results can be spectacular, particularly when done in tandem with other home improvements. Homeowners can also feel confident that by selecting pvc cladding they are choosing an ultra low maintenance long lasting option.

If you are looking to add cladding to your home go to mycladding.com, Freefoam’s website dedicated to all things cladding! Check out what others have done, and let Freefoam find you a local cladding installer to get your project under way.

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COVER PEBBLE DASH Exterior pebble dash is commonly seen throughout the UK. But over the years it can become discoloured and even breakdown to become unsightly and a potential cause for damp problems. Painting is an option but can be costly, time consuming and only a short-term solution. This couple in Cornwall wanted to upgrade their three-storey house, which was covered in a grey pebble dash that had become stained and discoloured over the years. Located on a sloping site, the back of the house was very high, bumping up the cost of repainting the pebble dash. So their installer advised them to use ‘Colonial Blue’ Fortex cladding on the top storey and to paint the lower half of the house cream, to great effect.

Photos courtesy of: Penryn Plastics, Ian Fenton Design and Build & Academy Windows

Summer 2021

CELEBRITY FEATURE

K E L LY H O P P E N C B E

designer to the stars!

Nothing screams luxury like a Kelly Hoppen design... With nearly 45 years’ experience at the forefront of her industry, London’s worldfamous ‘Queen of Interiors’ has been designing rooms for the super-rich and super-famous for decades.

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“Working together with the GREAT campaign has been rewarding and exciting, and I look forward to continuing to support and mentor UK SME’s and entrepreneurs, which is more important now than ever!”

The design doyenne and former Dragons’ Den investor talks to Angela Sara West about her illustrious career, incorporating wellbeing in design, and her secrets on how to let in the light this summer and get the luxe look for less! BAFTA-nominated Kelly Hoppen’s unique flair has won her abundant accolades, including a recent Luxury Lifestyle Award and becoming the very first recipient of the ‘Oscar’ of the industry, the Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Award. She tells me her greatest achievement, however, was receiving her much-coveted MBE for her services to interior design. “It was a huge honour to meet the Queen and be presented with such an award!” As a proud Government-appointed ambassador for GREAT, which showcases the very best Britain has to offer, her subsequent CBE for services to the Government’s GREAT campaign recognises Kelly’s exceptional contribution to the UK as an entrepreneurial and self-made female business owner, and a powerful example of the talent and forwardleaning nature of global Britain. “I am truly humbled and thrilled to be honoured for work that I feel so passionate about. Working together with the GREAT campaign has been rewarding and exciting, and I look forward to continuing to support and mentor UK SME’s and entrepreneurs, which is more important now than ever!”

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A SIMPLE DESIGN PHILOSOPHY Known for her taupe palette and minimalist taste, the design doyenne’s cool’n’contemporary signature stamp is emblazoned on copious commercial projects, private jets and superyachts worldwide. Having achieved iconic status, the interiors queen is THE go-to designer to the stars, counting close friends the Beckhams and the Lampards among her A-list clientele.

KICKING OFF A COVETED CAREER… Kelly’s big break came at sweet 16, when her father’s friend asked her to design his kitchen. “It was my first assignment and I haven’t looked back since,” she says. “The passion grew stronger and the projects bigger!” Constantly in demand, creative Kelly’s currently working on countless exciting projects worldwide. “We have designed lots of projects in London over the years…” she tells me. “But what I love the most about the work we do at Kelly Hoppen Interiors is that it’s so diverse – from Australia to Surrey!” 76

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C O L L A B O R AT I O N , C O L L A B O R AT I O N , C O L L A B O R AT I O N … Having clocked up over four decades in the industry, the diverse designer’s designed a statement wooden floor tile range with Hakwood, a designer premium electrical accessories collection for Focus SB, and luxury door handles with Joseph Giles. Over the years, she’s also collaborated with Lord Alan Sugar, Samsung and L’Occitane, designed bowls for Wedgewood, wallpaper and rug Mickey Mouse collections, plus a carpet range for Brintons. Always keeping her core values of high quality, simplicity and timeless elegance, Kelly has also created cutting-edge fabrics for Richloom, unique luxury leathers for Pavoni, and joined forces with many other like-minded brands. When she’s not donning her interior design hat, popping up on our screens as an interiors expert or championing and mentoring entrepreneurs, she’s designing products for her copious collaborative home and commercial ranges including Joseph Giles, not forgetting her modish homeware line for QVC.

“My most exciting recent product collaborations are the most stunning collection of wallpaper designs for De Gournay, and exquisite residential rugs for Italian rug experts Loloey,” Kelly reveals. “Both collaborations are each unique, but inspired by everything I love about the East-meets-West aesthetic, combining exquisite textures and elegant neutral tones with classic Asian iconography. I’m delighted with how well received all of my collections have been!” Her furniture designs can also be found at Andrew Martin’s flagship Chelseabased showroom, as well as online at www.andrewmartin.co.uk/collections/ kelly-hoppen-retrospective. Kelly’s collection encompasses vintageinspired pieces in organic textures and blended material combinations, all exuding the desirable luxury, shape and cleanliness that has carved the adored Kelly Hoppen aesthetic. Oh, and she’s also busy writing books…

GET THE LUXE LOOK FOR LESS! Despite her struggles with dyslexia, Kelly has written bounteous books on style and design. Penned in lockdown, she’s launched a new title just this month. “My new book, ‘Essential Style Solutions for Every Home’, is a manual that everyone with any design scheme can use to create their ideal home,” she discloses. “It’s full of all of my tried-and-tested techniques to curate a beautiful and functional home that suits each individual’s needs and priorities. With easy-to-follow advice and costcutting suggestions, I purposefully made this book small in size so that you can easily carry it around to consult when visiting showrooms and stores.”

TELLING YOUR STORY… IN YOUR HOME…

pieces that I have discovered and acquired over the years, in order to create that sense of calm and relaxation within my home,” she reveals. “The best feeling is breathing a sigh of relief as you step inside the door, to a home that really fits like a glove. It’s so important to capture that feeling when I’m working with all of my clients. For me, that’s what accessories do... they act like jewellery; they’re the finishing touch bringing everything together, telling your story in your home...”

LIFE IN THE DEN – A N A B FA B S M A L L & S I LV E R S C R E E N S TA R ! Frequently starring on ‘This Morning’ as an interiors expert, Kelly’s loves giving home improvement advice and showing how to get a luxury look for less. In September 2020, she helped give the ITV show’s green room a makeover, unveiling the new look to delighted presenters Holly and Phil on their return from their summer hols. She has also starred as a discerning judge on BBC Two’s ‘The Great Interior Design Challenge’, and even graced the silver screen in a cameo role in the much-loved ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ movie alongside Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. “When I was asked to be in the movie, I jumped at the chance… Filming was so much fun and I loved being part of such an exciting, star-studded film.” As a former ‘Dragons’ Den’ star, Kelly enjoyed her time investing as a TV Dragon on the hit BBC Two show. “Filming ‘Dragons’ Den’ was great!” she says. “I’m really pleased with the investments that I made and I met incredible people. Unfortunately, with the size of my business, it was too much to do as a long-term project, but I had an amazing time there…”

When at home in London, the multiaward-winning interior goddess says her own homelife is all about cosiness and serenity. “I like to feel a sense of harmony in my house, cocooned in comfort and surrounded by gorgeous

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A H I G H LY- I N F L U E N T I A L SOCIAL DESIGNER & BUSINESS ADVISOR In 2017, Vogue listed the global game changer among their list of 100 Inspirational Women, and Kelly also clinched the Inspirational Award from WIE (Women: Inspiration & Enterprise), the network set up by June Sarpong. With hundreds of thousands of followers on her social media channels, Kelly’s among the country’s leading design influencers, and regularly puts out positive messages on her public platforms. “I feel incredibly lucky to have such a large social media following,” she says. “It allows me to offer insight into my work, as well as other aspects of my life, on a personal level. I always try to make my social media a positive and inspiring space for my followers.” Her digital platforms also allow her to mentor and nurture both emerging and established entrepreneurs. “I try to offer advice as much as I can. This helps me channel everything I’ve learned over the years and pass the knowledge on to young creatives all around the world. I have a real desire to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs… there is 78

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so much fresh talent emerging, and I love how social media allows me to connect directly with them.” Altruistic Kelly always makes time for both her apprentice and well-established followers alike. “During lockdowns especially, I really want to help people stay positive and feel less alone, so I post daily videos on Instagram, chatting to my followers and giving a little advice and encouragement for the day. If it helps even one person feel better and more motivated, then it’s all worth it!”

T H E K E L LY H O P P E N S H O W ! The celebrated designer also chats candidly with gamechanging, successful businesswomen renowned in their industries on her eponymous podcast series, ‘The Kelly Hoppen Show’. Among the UK’s top entrepreneurs, famous faces including Karren Brady, Dame Kelly Holmes, Jo Malone, Melissa Odabash, Lisa Snowden, Amanda Wakeley OBE, Trinny Woodall and the CEO of BAFTA Amanda Berry, talk about building their businesses, successes and failures, along with love, life and business for Kelly’s popular podcasts on iTunes and Spotify.

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN! In order to bring natural light into the home, Kelly says Steel-Style windows and doors will continue to be a huge trend in 2021. “Not only are they a perfect way to ‘zone’ an open-plan space whilst maintaining a natural flow, they allow so much natural daylight into the room and elevate the feeling of spaciousness. She advises adding plants aplenty. “I find that a lovely way to feel connected to nature and the outdoors is to have copious amounts of plants and flowers throughout your home. However, don’t fear if you don’t have green fingers – nowadays you can get amazing-quality artificial plants; I especially love using artificial eucalyptus in different-sized vases to bring the feeling of nature into a space.”

DESIGNS ON WELLBEING When it comes to wellbeing, Kelly focuses on the positive… and has a rule. Her secret weapon? “Wellness! I work out every morning… it helps set me up for the day. Starting the day with exercise and without my phone is a non-compromise.” Stylish Kelly’s a firm believer that age doesn’t matter. “I’ve never thought about it, which is why I’ve always been honest about my age.” Celebrating her 60s, she says she feels amazing and comfortable in her skin, and despite her full-on work schedule, the flawless inspirational style icon never fails to look amazing. “My daughter, Natasha, who is a cooking author, has taught me many delicious and healthy recipes. I’m not a natural cook, so I follow her recipes to a T for best results. And sleep and drinking loads of water are essential with my workload.” With wellness now an extremely important factor in everyone’s daily life, and offices becoming firm fixtures in our homes during lockdowns, Kelly told her staff to take advantage of the commuting time saved to start working out. “Exercise not only makes you feel better, it helps you to thrive on both a professional and personal level,” she says. “It’s my daily motto, and one of my driving forces as a creative.” The dedicated fitness fanatic has even encouraged fans to join in with one of her workouts live on Instagram with one of her personal trainers, Cecilia Harris.

DESIGN INSPO A big believer in visualisation, the multiaward-winning designer designs to music, which serves as inspiration for her work, as does her London locality. “I think that wherever you live or hang out will always have an influence on your inspiration. I loved living in Chelsea, and generally in London.” Her ‘go-to’ interiors shops? “There are so many nowadays! The Cloth Shop in Notting Hill is one of my favourites and Portobello market.” As for trade fairs, “London Design Week is exciting; it’s where I often find something inspiring and unique,” she says. “Decorex is another great one… always packed.”

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DESIGNS ON HOME GYMS As a long-time Technogym collaborator and cheerleader, the fitness ambassador says the pandemic has automatically changed the way we all view design and our homes, which have never been more important. “Because we’ve been spending more time at home, design has become a main focus and, for many of us, our home and office spaces have intertwined with the gym,” she says. Many people have created garden rooms to give themselves homes gyms, but fear not if you don’t have the room for workout apparatus – Kelly has the answer! “For those lacking space, gym equipment has become a natural part of the design in combined areas. Juxtaposing with different textures and spaces remains at the heart of my design process, as it brings life and energy to any interior. I love exploring the boundaries…” She says Technogym’s designs fit her ethos. “I enjoy merging all the equipment throughout. I think it looks brilliant to see a running machine in the living room just as one would view a beautiful piece of furniture, and Technogym has an incredible affinity to making beautiful, aesthetically-pleasing machines with great design lines. They almost look like pieces of art – sculptures, spheres… so cool! They also make you feel good and get you into shape. The amount of exercise from just one of the Technogym products is amazing!”

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WELLNESS – “ A S I LV E R L I N I N G ”

WORK HARD, P L AY H A R D !

With wellness our ‘Silver Lining’, Kelly says wellness in design is here to stay. “And I think great design will come out of the pandemic. It’s certainly given me that push to become more creative with space. Even very limited space can be exciting and different. Collaborations will be important, too, and design communities… People have to support people.”

Striking a life/work balance is especially important to Kelly. “I work in a very focused way, and when I finish, and at weekends, I relax and recharge my battery, unless filming. I’m lucky... a great team of people behind the scenes helps me balance everything.”

“We’ve all spent an unprecedented amount of time in our homes over the past year, and it’s so important that the home is a relaxing sanctuary and escape from the anxiety of the current times.” However, our homes also now need to serve us in other ways. “We’ve been forced to work, exercise and socialise from home, and ‘zoning’ an open-plan living space to separate the home office from the kids’ play area and chill-out zone is really helpful to avoid stepping on each other’s toes and to keep a productive and positive mindset.”

As former stepmom to Hollywood actress Sienna Miller and sister Savannah, with whom she remains very close, Kelly always finds time for loved ones. “They’re the most important thing, and for now, as we can’t see each other, I always try to make time to call or video call my family.” But her business is also very important to her, so is never far behind. “There’s a lot to do, but I enjoy every bit of it and my family and amazing team’s support makes things a lot easier. I think it’s about working hard, putting all that you have into your projects and making sure the relaxing time is the most incredible holiday or time out!” When it’s time for R&R, South Africanborn Kelly chooses the coast: “I have such a hectic schedule, so my downtime is very valuable to me to recharge. I love a beach and some real relaxation, and when I can, I head to the LUX* Belle Mare in Mauritius, which I designed. A couple of years ago, I launched my designs at LUX* Grand Gaube, and have another exciting new hotel which I will be launching soon for LUX*” 2019 saw a self-imposed social media ban on a family trip to Italy. “I wanted to just be present with my loved ones and give myself a creative break. I highly recommend a regular digital detox; I was anxious for the first few days but after that, it was so nice to be engaged without any interruptions.”

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DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2021 She says statement design pieces will be a key feature of 2021 trends, especially with lighting. “Huge centre ceiling lights will be popular, and will be paired with hidden up-lighting for a warmer glow in bedrooms and living rooms. Hanging lights are a beautiful way to make an impact in a room, whilst still offering a soft and homely feel. Larger beds are also a key way to make a statement, as well as making a bedroom appear bigger whilst fulfilling our need for comfort. And she also recommends adding antiques. “There are incredible statement pieces to be found in vintage shops; with the urgency for sustainable living growing, investing in statement antique items will become an increasingly-popular and resourceful way to reuse and recycle when curating a space.” One of the main ways that the pandemic has already impacted on design is in the area of hygiene. “At Kelly Hoppen Interiors, we have worked in Asia for 25 years, and increasingly the UK and the rest of the world is adopting the hygienic design measures that have long been popular in Asia. Going forward, designers will factor specifically-dedicated rooms for washing and sanitizing into their projects, and utilise more easy-toclean materials with minimal grooves or indentations. The necessity of having facemasks, sanitisers and shoe covers in the house will mean more of us investing in beautiful baskets or vases to store these essentials in a stylish way.”

TEAMING UP W I T H T E S S D A LY FOR THE PRINCE’S TRUST A dedicated supporter of good causes and the championing and nurturing of young entrepreneurs, philanthropic Kelly is an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and sits on their committee, cultivating young talent and inspiring young people to pursue their business ideas. “Helping young people to realise their dreams and be mentored to live the lives they deserve has been one of the greatest achievements in my career,” she says. She’s teamed up with Tess Daly in the past to raise funds for the charity, most recently developing a limitededition TRUST candle collection with the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ host, with 100% of the profits donated to the Trust. “This was the second time Tess and I had come together to create something on behalf of The Prince’s Trust. It’s always fun working with Tess and she’s a great friend. I’m so proud to be an ambassador for this charity, and it was fantastic to be able to celebrate HRH’s 70th birthday by creating this collection in honour of him.”

TONINO LAMBORGHINI CHENGDU Kelly Hoppen Interiors recently unveiled a new design project in collaboration with the luxury Italian brand Tonino Lamborghini in China. Its interiors expertly curated using Kelly’s signature award-winning “East-Meets-West” style, the project is grounded in timeless neutrals with accents of warmth and touches of dynamic texture, perfectly capturing the sophistication, luxury and modernity of its surroundings. “I am so proud to share the end results of this exciting project with Lamborghini. This apartment is a beautiful sanctuary in the incredible city of Chengdu.” Harmoniously creating a calming home environment to balance the vibrant and busy city buzz, exquisitely highend-sourced marble flooring is graced with Kelly’s trademark runner design features, while natural neutral linens are placed alongside sumptuouslysoft velvets and complemented by magnificent Italian leathers. From hard flooring to soft, plush scatter cushions throughout the bedrooms and living space, contrasting textures bring tactile dynamism to the living areas. Kelly and Lamborghini have worked to ensure that each element has attention to detail and practicality, whilst keeping the essence and elegance of the overall design, with each space masterfully handcrafted to create bespoke and carefully-designed joinery. The warmer tones of timber bring an inviting and softer touch to carefully balance with contrasting modern black timber moments, with the subtle continuity created throughout the rooms elevating this interior design to the next level.

STILL TO COME… Up next for Kelly Hoppen? Along with the launch of her handy new book this May, the inspirational designer divulges she’s currently launching two dazzling design projects in Asia. Located in the Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Chengdu, the luxury apartment designs are stunning examples of Kelly’s classic “East-meetsWest” aesthetic, for which she has become so well known and sought after. Kelly says she will continue her avid support for The Princes Trust and anti-bullying charity The Diana Awards, alongside her role as ambassador for the government’s GREAT campaign, and 2021 sees a plethora of other projects in the pipeline. “I am working on many exciting projects around the world and can’t wait to share these with you. I’ve never felt so in love with my job or excited about what is to come. I can’t wait to reveal more soon!”

Summer 2021

HOME STYLING TIPS

FROM A TOP INTERIOR DESIGNER! In Kelly’s eyes, cramming a room full of different colours can overcrowd it.

“A room is a beautiful thing, a space to make your own, and I feel that neutral colour palettes always complement best.”

What makes a room work?

“For me, it’s having an explosive mix of textures… I’m all about texture and adore the mood, depth and layers it creates. Linen, velvets and leather are materials that I use a lot, and I love using accessories in these textures to add the perfect amount of sensuality and depth. Materials like velvet and suede absorb light and create warmth, while silks and satins appear cool and alluring.”

Getting the lighting right is crucial, helping to set the tone.

“More styles mean more mood choices, so always plan more than you need. Natural light is always best but isn’t always an option, so beautiful lamps and uplighters help bring a room to life. And always consider your design decisions from different viewpoints.”

According to Britain’s first lady of interior design, the most important element for transforming the ordinary into the show-stoppingly extraordinary is to go the extra mile.

“It’s not always about designing the room to perfection, but looking at the project as a whole and how everything works together. The finishing touches; artwork… lighting… photographs… right down to the scent of the room, are vital. Art and personal stamp are key.”

Limited budget?

“Revamp! Give your home a second life with a lick of paint or shuffle around existing furniture. It’s possible to substitute expensive materials with more affordable ones which are just as sophisticated, and mix textures to result in a high-end look.”

And what should no home be without?

“A dash of personality…your home is YOUR home and should fit your lifestyle like a great pair of jeans, so make it feel that way. No-one wants to live in a show home; fill it with photographs of loved ones and personal touches.”

‘Kelly Hoppen’s Essential Style Solutions for Every Home’, was published earlier this month by Quarto Knows (Frances Lincoln Books) and is available on Amazon.

K by Kelly Hoppen is available from QVC: www.qvcuk.com/KellyHoppen Kelly Hoppen Interiors: www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com Summer 2021

CRITTALL WINDOWS AND DOORS

make light work

(IN ‘SOHO’) small office/home office A big impact of the Covid 19 Pandemic is that far more of us are now working from home. Ensure you maximise natural daylight in your home working environment – it’s good for your well-being says Crittall Windows…

Summer 2021

Photo: Nicola Hicks Design/Charlie Round-Turner/Lightfoot Windows (Kent)

Summer 2021

The small office/home office (SOHO) trend has been growing for some time. With the Covid-19 pandemic dramatically impacting on how - and where - we work, it looks set to be an even bigger part of modern living. Increased home working for more people will be the norm as the majority of businesses consider it to likely be a permanent feature. A survey of almost 1,000 firms by the Institute of Directors (IoD) shows that 74% plan on maintaining the increase in home working. Over half planned to reduce their long-term use of workplaces. While some companies are not likely to switch fully to home working, a smaller survey of bosses whose firms had already cut workplace use suggested 44% of them thought working from home was proving ‘more effective’. The BBC questionnaire found that 24 firms did not have any plans to return workers to the office. Other studies have revealed that nine in ten workers who worked from home during lockdown want to continue in some form and suggest most people working from home are as productive, if not more.

I N B R O A D D AY L I G H T Daylight flooding into workplaces, schools - and homes has a positive impact on our daily lives, and that’s not just a vague feeling, it’s scientifically proven. For example, the 2017 Nobel Prize for Medicine went to three American scientists working on understanding circadian rhythms – the 24-hour cycle also known as the internal body clock. Daylight suppresses the hormone inducing sleep and the ultraviolet wavelengths in natural light have a positive effect on the body’simmune system. Daylight induces wakefulness, cognitive function, productivity, general health and healing. No wonder in a 2018 survey 80% of UK office workers said daylight was important to them. That applies to the SOHO setting too.

Using natural light to define a space is a key element within a home’s design - and should be a significant consideration for your home working environment; whether it’s a home office, study, converted playroom, your bedroom, at the kitchen table or in a garden annex.

Photo: Davenport Kitchens

Summer 2021

F E E L G O O D FA C T O R

LIGHTEN UP THE INSIDE

“Evidence suggests it’s important to have a feelgood factor inside your home.Our positive well-being depends on frequent exposure to light, and daylight is the most powerful way, especially during these times of the pandemic, with more of us working from home and creating a home office or working zone,” says Russell Ager, managing director of steel window and door manufacturer Crittall Windows.

A plentiful supply of natural daylight in to and throughout a building, combined with good insulation, adequate ventilation and acoustic control all form part of an elaborate jigsaw.

“Our homes play a big part in our sense of well-being and their design; lighting and exposure to natural light through windows and doors really do impact. Steel-framed windows are ideal with their inherent strength allowing large expanses of glass, elegantly slender frames and the slimmest of profiles. Passive daylight reduces reliance on artificial lighting which in turn reduces energy consumption while ensuring their occupants benefit from being inside. “The window is the most obvious component for assisting this design outcome. Its size, positioning, frame and glazing play a key role in the ‘collection’ and ‘distribution’ of natural light through the interior. It’s time to do away withdaylight robbery!” The hallmark of a Crittall window is the slender steel frame that is so much slimmer – and therefore admits so much more light – than alternative window systems which require far larger profiles due to the basic differences in the frame material and their relative strengths. Adding bright, beautifully crafted walls of glazing and slimprofiled windows can reflect the timeless style of a period house, adeptly define spaces in a townhouse, minimalist urban loft, warehouse apartment or a self-build project. Glazing expanses within external walls give a greater sense of space and light to achieve a beneficial connection with the outdoors. When working at home a clear outdoor view of a landscape, garden, patio, trees or a park can be inspirational for that great creative idea – and good for our well-being For a new extension, combining outdoor space with an internal area under structural glazing, removing barriers so you have a level threshold, or creating a courtyard with stunning full-length glazing, are great ways to achieve impact and add value to your property.

On-trend steel interior screens and sliding doors offer open plan living witha different dimension - so you can partition areas to create contemporary ‘zones’ including your homeworking area, without impacting light or space. Crittall’s slim profile windows and Innervision internal glazed steel screens with sliding or hinged doors are designed for modern living, providing a sense of space without compromising aesthetics. Innervision’s understated beauty with clean lines, subtle detailing and excellent technical properties can transform your property. Combining style with functionality, a distinguished-looking installation makes a wonderful talking point. Slim profile steel windows and partitions give a retro-look with a contemporary twist; ideal for a home office extension with a dramatic steel-framed glazed screen forming a lightfilled area off the kitchen, or a partition from bathroom to bedroom. Advanced glazing options mean bespoke steel framed screens maximise natural illumination without compromising your security. Cosy for comfort in the cooler weather, enhanced acoustic properties keep noise at bay. Every iconic Crittall window, door and screen is tailored for each unique application, reinforced as authentic Crittall with the addition of a manufactured plaque which is factoryapplied into the web of all opening windows and doors. Crittall Windows offers a complete service from start to finish via its Crittall Specialist Partners (CSPs) - an appointed, dedicated and experienced network who offer a stress-free service from initial enquiry through to installation and aftersales. They give free, no obligation, quotes and a warranty covering windows, doors, glass and installation.

C R I T TA L L C O M M U N I T Y Crittall has launched a Crittall Community for homeowners and renovators to display their installations and bespoke use of Crittall products. A new area on its website provides an open platform for members (customers with Crittall windows, doors or internal screens installed) to share ideas and inspire each other, showcasing their installations, and reinforcing their customer journey from start to finish of their project. An annual award will be given for the ‘Crittall Home of the Year’, which will be promoted via social media. Full details are available at www.crittall-windows.co.uk.

www.crittall-windows.co.uk T: 01376 530800 | E: hq@crittall-windows.co.uk

Summer 2021

In a series of case studies we take a look into the homes of our readers.

In this case study we follow the journey of Hannah and the House, an ongoing full home renovation. I fell in love with Hannah’s Instagram story and couldn’t wait to get this featured in the magazine! As an ongoing full house renovation, we will be following Hannah and her family in the next few editions of Improve Magazine, so bear with us for the ‘after’ pics’! Hannah and her husband (with the help of their four children) have completed the majority of the renovations themselves, calling in the professionals as and when required. This feature covers the story so far and includes works on the windows, sliding doors, glass walls and roof lantern. So, let’s start with some family and project background! Is this your first renovation Hannah? Hannah: Goodness no! In fact we’ve moved house 16 times! My husband is a now a consultant cancer surgeon but while training as a junior doctor he had to work in many different hospitals, hence a lot of house moving! Some were rentals but the ones we bought we always renovated. Each time putting money aside in order to buy and renovate the dream house. We have had to forgo nice holidays and new clothes but always make a home that really works for us and our noisy family. So it’s fair to say you are an experienced renovator? Hannah: I learnt pretty quickly that many jobs (as long as you are prepared to get your hands dirty) are quite easy! So armed with a Reader’s Digest DIY manual, I’ve become the project manager, the buyer, the designer, the insulator, the plasterboarder, and I also do basic electrics and plumbing, just bringing in the professionals if there’s something I physically can’t do myself. We even put in the roof lantern ourselves (which automatically closes when it rains, a feature we absolutely love)! When I met my husband I was an options broker. Wearing suits, heels and going to the gym every day. Now I put on yesterday’s filthy clothes as I know I’m going to get dirty again! I installed all of the underfloor heating myself and have done the majority of tiling in the whole house! That’s some achievement! Will this particular renovation be for your forever home? Hannah: I never say never! We have put our heart and soul into this renovation and we’re turning it into the perfect family home for our four children. While it was uninhabitable (and during the pandemic) we lived in ‘the shed’ a two bedroomed 88

Summer 2021

bungalow in the garden. Now we are currently enjoying the space of being back in the main house. We still need to save for carpets and we can’t do a new roof over the oldest bit of the house until this coming winter. This is due to bats in the tiniest space above the attic bedrooms, at the west end of the house. Once the new roof is in we can put on our external wall insulation. I still don’t have a kitchen and I don’t expect it to be completely finished until 2022, but yes, I believe this will be our forever home! What tips and advice could you offer to someone else who is thinking of renovating? Hannah: Well this is the first time I’ve ever used an architect and I’m glad I did. Sam Organ of C02 Architects was our choice and we asked Sam to take us out of our comfort zone as I’ve only ever lived in period properties. He said the planners would want to see a big contrast between the old part of the house and the new extension, so we went very modern with lots of glass. The layout is all my design, however, Sam was definitely the glass wall / glass void instigator, which I totally love! It means I can see the kids playing in the garden almost wherever I am in the house and the light is fantastic. Some of the rooms were very dark and damp and now everywhere is light and warm.

So your top tip would be to appoint an architect? Hannah: We started this project with a local contractor who had the gift of the gab. He promised it would all be completed by August 2019. But sadly he just told lies, didn’t ever turn up when he said he would, put nice guys but very inexperienced workers on the job and I knew more than them! Every invoice had mistakes on! For example they would claim for people who had been on site but who I have never met, slightly strange given I’m here every day! Probably the most important thing I’ve learnt is if they don’t turn up when they say they will and you no longer trust them, then don’t be frightened to ask them to leave. You will find another builder.

FRONT OF PROPERTY The wooden windows were produced by a local company who has carried out work for HRH Prince Charles, so Hannah felt she was in good hands! The front door is a red composite door and a Portico is currently being built around the entrance. The frontage of the property is to be finished in pink.

How do you manage the renovation, without a contractor? Hannah: I don’t have a contractor because I do most of the work myself, but its still really important to pull in the professionals when I need them. I have a handful of people for specific jobs, brilliant Bryn Rees, Digger Jones, Jaden, Olly, Marek, WDS for my renewables and Green Park Power. David Davies did my wooden sash windows, who is a local guy and has made windows for Prince Charles in the past, so I knew I was in good hands! Glasshouse have done all of my aluminium windows. Covid put a spanner in the works and delayed things and pushed the price up on lots of materials, but my husband and I just rolled up our sleeves again! I chose Glasshouse because I could afford their quote and I loved the fact the doors were so light and easy to slide. I actually went to the showroom to test them which is not something I often do! So in general, without a contractor, just call in the specialists when needed, and if they are too busy, we just crack on with it ourselves!

With eight bedrooms, this renovation needs a lot of windows!

You know we are so excited to see your ‘after’ pics?! When do you expect the renovation to be complete? Hannah: Well we still have the roof to finish, carpets to fit and the external wall insulation to do. We envisage the property will be completed by Summer 2022 and you will be the first to see the photographs! We’ve tried to be as eco friendly as possible with a ground source heat pump and solar panels, so each part of this project has taken longer than your average house renovation! We’ve got a rental at the back of the property which I’m concentrating on at the moment, in order to earn some money to fund finishing the rest of the house!! All of the house is going pink too, as it was originally, so once I’ve got that done and cleaned the windows, I’m hoping to have some great images ready for you and your readers!

Hannah comments: “Our first process was to get in as many quotes as we could but so many were out of our price range! Glasshouse were one of the affordable ones. I went to visit the Glasshouse showroom in Cardiff and just loved the way the Reynaers doors opened. They work on a lift & slide system so are easy to manoeuvre. The fact you can lock them shut a bit, whilst leaving open, means you don’t have to have ugly window vents and they are so light and easy to open and shut. The staff at Glasshouse couldn’t have been more helpful, including the fitters. I would definitely recommend them!”

Sliding doors installed to Master Bedroom and Dining Room

New front door, sidelong shot Summer 2021

ROOF LANTERN & GLASS WALL Lantern roofs are a modern home improvement that allows homeowners to let natural light flood into their property. These innovative roofs can be installed into a wide variety of conservatories, orangeries and properties to bring a bright and spacious feel throughout. Hannah chose this type of roof lantern because of the generous glazing areas and slim sightlines which maximises the amount of light coming into her home. The minimalist design gives a modern flair, offering a roof design that offers the very best in both function and form. ANR specialists ltd supplied a full contract lift package to install a curtain wall at Hannah’s house, the weight of each glazed unit was 285kg. Each section took perfect planning and made easy work to this amazing project.

It’s going to be an amazing view!

An example of a completed roof lantern installation, as provided by Glasshouse Ltd, Cardiff

I can stretch, but I can’t reach the top!

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Roof Lantern is in!

SLIDING DOORS & GLASS GOING IN Hannah chose these large span sliding doors to make the most of her stunning view of the Welsh mountains. Manufactured by Glasshouse in Cardiff, the Reynaers CP 130 lift and slide doors are a premium insulated sliding system combining great aesthetics with high weather performance with enhanced security. The system glides smoothly on durable, stainless steel wheels that are lifted into place with a simple rotation of the handle before opening and closing. This reduces the friction and makes the operation smooth and effortless. In the

closed position, the lift and slide door is lowered onto the track, providing the additional weather resistance. The CP 130 lift and slide door can be even be opened and locked when just a few centimetres ajar, allowing a little fresh air in. Glasshouse have combined the first floor doors with an integrated, frameless glass balustrade so that the doors can be opened wide to enjoy the panoramic view. A sliding door opens up a multitude of possibilities, discover more of the Reynaers product range at reynaersathome.co.uk.

Master Bedroom Large Span Sliding Doors - cavity is ready to be installed And the glass is going in!

An example of a completed sliding door installation, provided by Reynaers At Home

You can follow Hannah’s journey on Instagram: @hannahandthehouse

Cranes and Careful Handling Required!

To keep up to date with our Improver’s homes, please follow us: @improve_magazine

Summer 2021

PUB SHED AND GARDEN MAKEOVER

on a budget and all under £6k… Over the course of the last 15 months or so, the restrictions on movement and travel have had a positive impact on the home and garden improvement market. With so much time spent at home, some of which on furlough, combined with the restrictions on hospitality and holidays, homeowners have utilised the time and disposable income to improve and renovate their living space and accommodate their new-found lifestyle.

Summer 2021

It appears that gardens have now become more of an extension to the home, an entertainment or place of respite and relaxation or for those working from home, a working space or office away from the distractions, which they may encounter in their house. Mark Walker of Coseley, West Midlands, is one of the many who got the home and garden improvement bug!

Rubble, rubble, toil & trouble! The hard work begins!

When Mark’s company temporarily shut down, owing to the pandemic, on 26th March 2020, he started to take advantage of his new-found free time to catch up on some internal home decorating. Initially Mark started to tackle the larger internal decorating and DIY jobs, that the wife had very kindly reminded him that he had put off owing to previous work and social commitments. It wasn’t long before Mark found out that DIY jobs weren’t as demanding and arduous as he first thought, and it became apparent that a greater challenge was required! Eventually Mark decided to start the garden renovation at the end of April 2020, something he had had on his wish list and planned to fit in around work and other commitments. Mark explains, “I had already drawn up plans and designed my new external recreation area and relaxation retreat. A new decking area, artificial grass, BBQ shack and the coveted ‘man cave’ / pub shed were all part of the plan. Having begun my research online, watched many videos and tutorials, joined social media groups and pages for gardens, man caves and pub sheds, I was amazed at seeing the volume of projects on the go and the timescales for delivery of materials and of course the desired ‘man cave’ / pub shed. I was working to a relatively tight budget, considering the work I had in mind and so I planned to carry out all the work myself, although my experience of carrying out works like this was very limited! YouTube and Google became my trusted working companion over the months and I learnt so much about myself and what can be achieved just from watching videos and my on-line research.”

Mark Walker, proud Proprietor of The Piston Broke!

A cosy cabin, fresh green lawn and sturdy, secure doors.

Insulation is key for staying warm and cosy when sat at the bar!

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“After engaging in conversations with many suppliers of garden rooms and summer houses, it became apparent that there was indeed a big surge in demand and I finally settled on a design and supplier, but inevitably I would have to wait until the end of July 2020 for delivery and installation. I was prepared to wait for something that I wanted, rather than compromise. I had contemplated completing the build myself, but after prepping and stripping the garden and building the base, I decided on purchasing one so that I could carry on with the rest of the garden makeover. The 4.8m x 3m (16x10) pent roofed summer house was purchased from a garden room manufacturer in Telford for £1775, which at the time was very reasonable and not much more than buying the materials and carrying out a self-build. The cost was for the ‘shell’, delivery and installation as I planned to insulate, board and build the interior myself.” “Whilst waiting for the ‘man-cave’ to arrive, I continued with the garden renovation, with a 2.4m x 2.4m wooden decking area attached to the already prepared man-cave base with materials coming in at just over £200. Next, I built a 2.4m x 1.8m timber BBQ shack with a pitched felt roof at a cost of approximately £300, which was to serve as a mini outside bar too.” “I spent time shopping around for artificial grass and settled on a 42mm pile, which had good reviews from a local supplier and was to cover an area measuring just over 7m x 4m. The area was prepped, with approximately 75-90mm of hardcore laid and with the use of a compactor hired for just £30 for the weekend. A weed barrier was put on top of the hardcore followed by 75mm of sharp sand, with the compactor used to provide a nice flat

Summer 2021

finish. The artificial grass was pinned down and secured with a timber frame surround, with a slate path and sleepers separating the two areas and the perimeter of the grassed area. Allin-all, with the slate, sleepers, timber, hardcore, sand and artificial grass, it came in at a very reasonable £750!” “I remember my excitement on the day of the summer house arriving and watched as the structure was installed on my ready-made base and couldn’t wait to start to turn it in to a pub shed. I’d arranged for a commercial double sliding door beer fridge, my most expensive buy for the inside at £450, to arrive the same day as I set out my plans for the internal build. I’d already found some bargains on Facebook marketplace, with two pub tables for just £12 and following a pub closure 11 chairs, 6 stools and 2 bar stools for a bargain £80!” “I started the internal renovation of turning it in to a pub by insulating the walls and ceilings with a lightweight thermawrap, a bubblewrap type of insulation which was the equivalent to 65mm polystyrene insulation. Electrical cables were run around the internal walls for four ceiling lights, one bar light, two external light fittings and eleven double plug sockets – you can never have too many plug sockets, trust me! A mini consumer unit was fitted with armoured cable to the house unit, which was carried out by a qualified electrician – luckily we have a member of the family who did this for me.” “The walls and ceiling were boarded using 9mm plywood, with the total cost of insulating and boarding coming in at around £700. The floor was insulated, and I laid laminate flooring at a total cost of £200. It meant I could start to build the bar, although I had already

started to build the frame so that I could position and plan around the main feature of the build.” “I used 47x47mm timber for the framework and boarded the exterior with 9mm plywood. 75x25mm timber was used to make a wooden panelling effect, which I carried on around the bottom part of the build and painted it a shade of grey. The bar top was made from scaffold boards! At just £13 each, they were a bargain and once sanded, a wood dye used and three coats of yacht varnish they provided a lovely looking and simple bar top.” “Decoration consisted of using a brick effect wallpaper on the top, with the grey wooden panelling effect on the bottom as the project started to take shape and look like my planned pub. I added a traditional hand pull beer pump, which is great for beer in a box ales and ciders, with the pipework going through the side of a small beer fridge I purchased off marketplace to keep the ale chilled at the right temperature. Heating comes from a 2kw electric fire, which has been enough to keep it toasty during the winter months.” “It was now all about adding those extra’s to the project with a surround sound system added, 32” tv, projector and screen and of course the obligatory dartboard! Luckily, I used a surround system and tv that I already had whilst I purchased a projector from Amazon, which was a bargain and does a good job for the money. I’m quite into my music and a former DJ so adding disco lighting was a must! The addition of seven lights and lasers with a smoke machine enabled to create great lighting effects for when the party starts. You can get some great lights from the likes of Ebay and Amazon for anything between £25 and £50 each,

which create great lighting effects. I’ve also added a retro arcade games system to relive my youth with the likes of Pacman and Space Invaders, whilst also moving the Playstation in to create a father and son entertainment area.” “I work for Selecta Systems, who are a PVCu window and door systems supplier and so being in the business, I’ve recently replaced the existing wooden French doors with new Advance 70 PVC French doors, for better security, thermal performance and noise reduction. The windows are next to be replaced with double glazed Anthracite Grey ones to match the doors.”

“Electrical cables were run around the internal walls for four ceiling lights, one bar light, two external light fittings and eleven double plug sockets – you can never have too many plug sockets, trust me!” and what you can achieve with perseverance and the right mind set. I’ve done things I never thought I could do, but have a new found confidence to tackle DIY jobs and projects that I would never have considered doing previously. The garden and pub shed build has so far cost approximately £6000 and is in my opinion the best

thing I’ve ever done and money well spent! In fact, plans are already afoot to extend on to the side with an under cover outdoor seating area, for those summer evenings. For those of your thinking about tackling a project like this, give it a go, you’ll be surprised what you can do and achieve, much like I was…”

“With a lot of blood, sweat and beers the whole project was completed at a steady pace over six to seven months, but I must admit I’m still adding and buying Nik Naks to put on the walls or features within the pub shed and the garden. Many others have also proclaimed that you never really finish your pub shed and you just add, change and develop what you’ve got. I must agree, it’s definitely the case as it becomes a hobby and passion!” “This project has been so enjoyable and I’ve learnt so much about myself

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In this case study we take a look into the home of one of our readers, who has shared a Front Door Renovation. Helen Park-Weir loves a bit of DIY, so when she decided to strip her front door, she thought maybe the 4 day Easter weekend would be enough time to complete the project. Little did she realise that 80 hours of sanding later, the door still needed much more TLC to bring it back up to its former glorious condition. Once the sanding was done, the door frame needed some attention and a local carpenter was brought in

Helen Park-Weir to replace this. Next on the agenda was to protect the beautiful bare wood. Seven coats of varnish later and voila! When chatting to the carpenter about this unique door, Helen discovered that it is thought to date back

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to around 1970 and would probably of been a bespoke hand carved commission, at that time.

door. We agree, we love it too, and how pleasing to transform something into its original state.

Needless to say, Helen is delighted with the final result and loves her new front

Take a look at the video, which shows the full renovation in quick time.

AFTER

BEFORE

You can follow Helen on Instagram: @helenparkweir Keep up to date with our Improver’s Homes and follow us on: @improve-magazine Do you have a renovation project you’d like to share with us? Please email: christina@improve-magazine.co.uk.

Summer 2021

P R I Z E G I V E A W AY

EXCLUSIVE BRAND-NEW K E L LY H O P P E N B O O K G I V E A W AY ! Kelly Hoppen’s love of design and understanding her clients’ needs has been at the heart of her hugely-successful business for over four decades. Her ever-evolving style, defined by a subtle fusion of clean lines and neutral tones, intuitively balanced with opulent warmth, has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards and accolades. Passionate about making her design ethos accessible to the masses, Kelly has authored no fewer than nine books, partnered with select brands to create a range of products for the home, and is often featured on numerous TV shows, including ITV’s ‘This Morning’, where she regularly shares her expertise. Having created a multitude of multifaceted couture interiors and changed the face of the design industry, Kelly KNOWS what works, and now shows YOU how to do it! Look no further than Kelly’s new book for her tried-and-tested techniques for creating a beautiful, functional and relaxing home… With over 200 images carefully selected and curated by the world-renowned design guru herself, Kelly Hoppen’s Essential Style Solutions for Every Home, published by Quarto Knows (Frances Lincoln Books), has the answer to all your home design issues, in a portable, easy-to-annotate format.

“I really wanted to create something that helps to break down the thought process when designing your space,” says Kelly. “And the new format means you can keep referring to it whenever you fancy a change.” By bringing together creative ideas and inspiration, along with a wealth of professional know-how, practical advice and cost-effective style solutions that can work for every home, whatever its size, she says her new title offers something for all. “My new book is for everybody’s home, large or small, no matter if you’re renting, a first-time homeowner or looking to completely redesign. I’ve designed it to act like your design index, so whenever you’re faced with a design question, you will find the answer!” Get the luxe look for less and give your home a dash of Kelly Hoppen glamour with her brand-new go-to bible, and create a beautiful, functional and relaxing home that seamlessly suits your individual needs and perfectly reflects your personality.

Kelly Hoppen’s Essential Style Solutions for Every Home includes: ● Tried-and-tested tricks of the trade that show you how to use colour and tones to make your rooms feel bigger and brighter ● Room-by-room case studies, core elements and top styling tips ● Clear and easy-to-follow advice on the first principles of style, including tones and colour, texture, light and finishing touches ● The lowdown on practicalities, budgeting and prioritizing from Kelly’s expert perspective ● Tips on how to dress and accessorise rooms for maximum impact ● Cost-cutting suggestions to inexpensively refresh your rooms regularly, or splash out on quickand-easy seasonal updates

FREE PRIZE DRAW!

Improve Magazine is delighted to team up with Kelly Hoppen and offer 5 of our lucky readers a copy of Kelly’s indispensable Kelly Hoppen’s Essential Style Solutions for Every Home, in our FREE prize draw. Simply click here to enter. Winners will be selected at random and informed via email. Closing date: 30th June 2021. Along with her brand-new book, Kelly’s previous bestselling books, including Kelly Hoppen Home, Kelly Hoppen Style and Kelly Hoppen Ideas, all are also available on Amazon. 98

Summer 2021

S PA R TA N LED SPIGOT Ambient lighting is a major feature in any landscape design, and our new elegant frameless spigot glass system brings your whole entertaining area to life. The combination of low iron glass, a patented spigot and LED lighting is unique. The plug and play LED lighting kit is easy to install, and changing lights is a breeze. Perfect for your pub or restaurants outdoor space, or for your home decking area… or for fun! OnLevel LED Spartan Spigots are a BS6180 tested and certified plug and play solution to illuminate your frameless glass balustrade.

Improve Magazine have teamed up with On Level, to offer one of our lucky readers x 2 Spartan LED Spigots, the value of which is £315!

COMPETITION

TIME! ENTER HERE

FREE G I V E A W AY ! Wo r t h £ 3 1 5 !

Closing date: 9th August 2021

Watch our video for more information!

Height: 162mm Material: Stainless Steel Glass Thickness: 12-15mm Surface: Black, Mirror Polish

You can use this product on your existing glass balustrade. If you don’t currently have a balustrade but are looking to purchase one, On Level are also offering a 10% discount to Improve Magazine readers. Simply email for more information and we will send you some literature. If you know your dimensions, simply let us know, and we will organise a free, no obligation quote. Email: christina@improve-magazine.co.uk

Summer 2021

SUMMER TIME

garden

Let watering take care of itself with these super stylish self-watering planters! With more people than ever working from home and longing to establish a healthy green oasis in their gardens or urban spaces, this collection of planters from garden4me offers the perfect blend of functionality and stylish design. Versatile enough to enhance any living space, from the kitchen or home office, through to roof terraces or gardens, a garden4me self-watering planter is a low-maintenance grow-your-own solution, indoors or outdoors.

100

Summer 2021

FREE PRIZE DRAW!

Improve Magazine is delighted to team up with garden4me and offer two of our lucky readers their very own planter, in our FREE prize draw. • A truly great way to enhance your home. • Planters are available in a range of four granite effect colours and three bright colours. • 20-litre self-regulating reservoir keeps plants watered at all times. • Double walled construction keeps roots warm and speeds up healthy growth.

• Just minutes to assemble without the need for any tooling. • Frost proof, crack proof and life-time guarantee against rotting. • Perfect for growing your own herb garden right where you want it, vegetables, salad leaves, tomatoes, strawberries and many other food types.

Simply click here to enter. Winners will be selected at random and informed via email. Closing date: 9th August 2021. In addition to this fantastic prize, anyone who wishes to purchase a planter can enjoy a £25 discount, courtesy of Improve Magazine! Just quote IMPROVE when placing your order. The planters retail at £264 each.

www.garden4me.co.uk Summer 2021

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SHOWCASE SKYLIGHTS & ROOF LANTERNS

A BRIGHTER CHOICE THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING

ALUMINIUM LANTERN

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CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES

Create a room that you can use all year-round

BI-FOLD DOORS

08/02/2021 08:39

Bring Bring in in the the

LIGHT LIGHT

The solid roof company For conservatory roof replacements or new single storey extensions

O P E N U P YO U R S PAC E A N D E N J OY T H E V I E W ! O P E N U P YO U R S PAC E A N D E N J OY T H E V I E W ! Visit us online to DESIGN A BIFOLD DOOR

Eco-friendly timber

Thermally efficient

Fully ventilated

Sustainably sourced timber, making for the ultimate green building solution.

The Icotherm roof helps maintain optimum temperature in the room, protecting from the summer heat and retaining warmth in winter.

Unique timber pod construction which speeds up installation and the roof is fully ventilated to prevent condensation.

To find an installer near you, email us on info@icotherm.co.uk

w wus w online . b i f otolDESIGN dnetw o r k . cDOOR om Visit A BIFOLD See how a sliding folding door would look w ww.bifoldnetwork.com on your property. Choose the size, number Seepanels, how acolours slidingand folding door would look of handle colour options on generate your property. Choose size, anumber to a design andthe receive quote of panels, and handlelocal colour options from one colours of our approved, installers. to generate a design and receive a quote from one of our approved, local installers.

Email us to find your local installer: info@bifoldnetwork.com If you would further helplocal please call ourinfo@bifoldnetwork.com friendly staff on 0114 231 3133 Emaillike us to find your installer: If you would like further help please call our friendly staff on 0114 231 3133

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Summer 2021

To advertise here please call 01302 278756 or email christina@improve-magazine.co.uk WINDOWS & DOORS

BEAUTIFUL WINDOWS MAKE BEAUTIFUL HOMES Stanier Road, Porte Marsh Industrial Estate, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9PX T 01249 816 969 • F 01249 815 234 • E deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com

IMPROVE MAGAZINE_DPS_DK.indd 13

BI-FOLD DOORS

Deceuninck is one of the world’s major PVC-U window and door systems companies and has been established for over 30 years in the UK, with production, distribution and head office in Wiltshire.

BALUSTRADES & BALCONIES

12/08/2020 14:59

TRANS LEVEL FRAMELESS GLASS BALUSTRADE

TL 6020 1.5 kN TOP MOUNT TESTED ACCORDING TO BS6180

Impressive Glazing Solutions to Create a Fresh Contemporary Style

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devine by design inspiration for your home Completely transform your home and bathe your living space in natural light with our stunning range of aluminium windows & doors. Hehku specialise in the design and installation of bespoke aluminium bi-folds, sliding doors, windows, roof lanterns and sky lights that are meticulously designed to provide that extra special finishing touch to your home. Based in the South East our experienced team will work with you to provide a professional service with the highest standard of customer care. Our range of quality products have been carefully selected to be competitively priced, 100% British made, offer a unique set of safety features, deliver exceptional energy efficiency, offering an industry-leading guarantee of up to 25 years. We are pleased to be able to offer a 3 to 5 week lead in time from survey to ensure your project is finished on time.

www.hehku.co.uk

enquiries@hehku.co.uk 01634 298026

CHESHIRE PLAINS, ENGLAND

Summer 2021

103

Bring in the

LIGHT

O P E N U P YO U R S PAC E A N D E N J OY T H E V I E W !

Visit us online to DESIGN A BIFOLD DOOR

www.bifoldnetwork.com See how a sliding folding door would look on your property. Choose the size, number of panels, colours and handle colour options to generate a design and receive a quote from one of our approved, local installers.

Email us to find your local installer: info@bifoldnetwork.com If you would like further help please call our friendly staff on 0114 231 3133 104

Summer 2021

Improve Magazine Summer 2021

Articles inside

CELEBRITY FEATURE

IMPROVERS HOMES

CRITTALL WINDOWS AND DOORS

FAÇADES

CONSUMER ADVICE & INFORMATION