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GRAND DESIGNS GRANDDESIGNSMAGAZINE.COM

Glorious glazing ideas Guide to choosing the perfect windows and doors for your home KITCHEN REPORT From budget to bespoke – what you get for your spend

November 2020 £4.40

THE UK’S BEST-LOVED SELF-BUILD BRAND KEVIN MCCLOUD ‘How have you adapted to our home-centric culture?’

OFF-GRID LIVING 10 houses to inspire energy self-sufficiency BATHING BEAUTIES Latest baths and basins round-up

IDYLLIC CONVERTED BARN Oxfordshire home designed

by TV’s Charlie Luxton

A CLEAR DIVISION Buyer’s guide to internal glass walls and doors

A Perfectly Coordinated Modern Kitchen Get the look for less

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Contents

November 2020

Regulars 11 EDITOR’S LETTER 17 KEVIN McCLOUD

Our editor-at-large on how our homes have changed due to the pandemic

72 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

Get Grand Designs magazine delivered for £2.30 per month 138 MY GRAND IDEA An easy-to-assemble garden room by architect Ben Allen

13 News 13 ARCHITECTURE UPDATE

New and inspiring projects 103 KITCHEN UPGRADE The latest designs, surfaces and appliances 119 BATHROOM EDIT Stylish new additions for the smallest room

103

138 MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 5

CONTENTS

Homes 20 CONVERTED BARN Created by

Charlie Luxton Design, this home nestles in the Oxfordshire countryside 34 TERRACED LONDON HOME An ingenious reworking of internal space provided an extra bedroom and storage 44 SINGLE-STOREY RENOVATION

Overcoming site challenges was key to transforming this Victorian house 57 SURREY SELF-BUILD A spacious home with integrated technology tailored for the needs of one family

20

Projects 69 RENOVATION DIARY At last, the

family finally get to move in to their updated and extended home 73 GRAND GUIDE Ten off-grid houses that are energy self-sufficient 81 WINDOWS AND DOORS Ideas and advice to ensure you choose the best glazing for your home

6 NOVEMBER 2020 /

MAGAZINE.COM

93

BUYER’S GUIDE INTERNAL GLAZING Bring light into dark

spaces with these products 109 PROJECT KITCHENS A look at

what to expect from your spend 123 PROJECT BATHROOMS The

latest innovations in bath and basin design

81 73

Make your change

for good

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Up to four times more efficient than a boiler, a Daikin Altherma heat pump harnesses the power of renewable energy from the air. So you can enjoy heating, cooling and hot water that’s more sustainable, while also benefiting from the Green Homes Grant or Renewable Heat Incentive to help finance your change for the better.

With a range of systems to suit every property, our heat pumps are designed for year-round performance and engineered for exceptional energy efficiency, with no compromise on comfort.

Plus our Sustainable Home Network of experts is available at every stage of your project to help you make the right choice for your property type, helping you to reduce your home’s carbon footprint and save on running costs too.

Find a local Sustainable Home Expert, or visit your nearest Sustainable Home Centre to see our products for yourself: daikin.co.uk/installerfinder

Be the Energy for Change for generations to come.

Visit energyforchange.com to kickstart your change today.

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EDITORIAL

GO ONLINE Find more from Kevin McCloud and our exclusive TV house tours, plus inspiring self-builds, real-life extensions, conversions and home-improvement projects.

GRANDDESIGNSLIVE.COM GRANDDESIGNSMAGAZINE.COM

EDITOR K AREN STYLIANIDES ART DIRECTOR TONY PETERS CHIEF SUB-EDITOR MATT GL ASBY ACTING ASSOCIATE EDITOR JO MESSENGER IMAGE RESEARCHER KERRY GARWOOD DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR HUGH METCALF DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER BECCA GREEN EDITOR-AT-LARGE KEVIN McCLOUD

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MARKETING & DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR ROB NATHAN MARKETING MANAGER DAVID ROBINSON SENIOR DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE CHRISTINA CHRYSOSTOMOU

PRODUCTION instagram.com/ granddesignstv

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PUBLISHING facebook.com/ granddesigns

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

Licensed by FremantleMedia Enterprises (fremantlemedia.com). © 2020. ISSN 1742-0695

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MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 9

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EDITOR’S LETTER

n September, John Lewis & Partners (johnlewis.com) published a report that indicated how homes are being adapted due to the Covid-19 pandemic’s effect on our way of living. The Flexible Living Report, based on a survey of 1,000 people, revealed that one in five reconfigured an open-plan space to enable multiple activities such as working, exercising and home-schooling. More than a third of those who took up a new hobby during lockdown have made room for it in their home.

And three quarters of those surveyed who said they were saving for their home during lockdown are now planning to spend up to £5,000 to make improvements.

Is this something that you can identify with? With alterations having been completed or still to come, Grand Designs magazine’s editor-at-large Kevin McCloud and I would appreciate hearing what you have done to reconfigure rooms, modify spaces or even extend your home in the past few months. I’m writing this letter from my kitchen, which these days doubles up as my home office, where I’ve set up a (relatively) quiet corner and can look out on the garden while tapping away on the keyboard. Having a room in the garden would be an even better solution though.

Kevin will tell you more in his column on page 17, as well as how to contact us.

Those of you looking for inspiration and advice on building a dedicated home office, stay tuned for a special feature on the subject coming up in the December issue.

I

COVER PHOTO JIM STEPHENSON

K AREN ST YLIANIDES , EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY JIM STEPHENSON

@StylianidesK

This Berkshire new-build

by Spratley & Partners uses structural glazing to take advantage of the countryside views (spratley-partners.uk).

See page 81 for more

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 11

NEWS

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

Age appropriate

Quarter House in Weybridge, Surrey, has been purpose-built for multigenerational living. The owners wanted to replace a bungalow with a home that would include grandparents on the ground floor and their daughter and grandchildren on the first floor.

Architect TE-A came up with a five-bedroom design, envisaged as quarters and split in two by a full-depth skylight. Each storey has a bathroom, kitchen, dining and living area, and the grandparents can choose to use a separate entrance. Built for £450,000, the house also has a flat roof due to height restrictions imposed by planning. (te-architects.com)

Six finalists have been announced for Home of 2030 (homeof2030.com), a government-funded design competition created to encourage green homes for all. One example, Janus by London-based Outpost (outpostlondon.com), comprises units and houses built using EcoCocon (ecococon.eu): 98 per cent renewable panels of straw insulation enclosed by a wood-fibre layer.

Robo build Design studio Hannah has found a way to avoid wasting huge quantities of beetle-infested timber from America’s ash trees.

The team used precision 3D scanning and robotics to give irregularly shaped logs, which can’t be processed by timber mills, a second lease of life, resulting in the prototype Ashen cabin in Upstate New York. Sitting on 3D-printed concrete stilts, it is clad in timber sliced by a robotic arm along the contours of the logs. ‘It’s a combination of our design research and thinking in response to the urgent condition of our natural environment and possible modes of intervention,’ says Leslie Lok, Hannah’s co-principal. (hannah-office.org)

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 13

NEWS

Architecture update Narrow escape Threaded through a forest without the demolition of a single tree, the super-slim House of the Big Arch by architect Frankie Pappas takes its relationship to nature seriously. The site, in South Africa’s Waterberg region, was laser-scanned and a digital 3D model of the 3.3m-wide building was produced so that critical decisions could be made for every tree branch. (frankiepappas.com)

Wash and brush up

Design heritage

The high life

Contemporary design squares up to traditional red brick in this conservation-area house in Hampstead, north London. Alexander Owen Architecture replaced a two-storey addition with a dramatic three-storey extension that tied in with the existing red brick detailing at the front. Brick piers bookending the glazing were built from hand-made, imperial-sized chamfered bricks, which were stack-bonded to give depth and texture. Angled recesses in the brickwork accentuate the height. The project cost £682,000. (aoarchitecture.co.uk)

14 NOVEMBER 2020 /

MAGAZINE.COM

Nature, tradition, personality and community are some of the values examined in Living In: Modern Masterpieces of Residential Architecture (£45, Gestalten, 2020), a collection of 30 extraordinary homes curated by design magazine Openhouse. Explore cuttingedge contemporary architecture and case studies of homes by mid-century masters, guided by the perspectives of their owners and architects. (gestalten.com)

WORDS CAROLINE RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD CHIVERS, ANDY CHEN, FRANKIE PAPPAS, MATT CLAYTON, FRENCH + TYE

Cox Architects’ patience paid off when it crowned Lime House in Clapham, south London, with a loft, completing a £300,000 transformation that began eight years earlier. Turning the derelict end-of-terrace commercial property into a light-filled, four-bedroom family home involved building a new street facade behind which the house could expand without eating into the garden. Its name comes from the thin hydraulic lime ‘slurry’ which gives a very matt, veil-like wash over the bare brick, complemented by a pale wood stain on the timber window frames. (coxarchitects.co.uk)

MY SIGNATURE. BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED. ALFREDO HAEBERLI, DESIGNER

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

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

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Kevin

McCloud This month our editor-at-large invites you to share how you’ve adapted your home in these extraordinary times

C

harles Darwin, author of On the Origin of Species, wrote, ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change, that lives within the means available and works co-operatively against common threats.’ If Darwin was right, and on the whole he was, in our new order where Covid is the common threat, those who can adapt to change, be resourceful and think creatively are going to fare better.

Until eight months ago our homes were the impregnable bastions of privacy, our sanctuaries and places of rest. Daily life was a predictable cycle of eating, lounging, sleeping and staring

How many of us have turned part of a room into a place to work?

at our phones. For many of us our homes were the retreats that bracketed our days spent in cars and offices.

Now all that has changed. Our homes have had to become schools, workplaces, pubs and parcel depots.

Our routines have become dizzyingly complex as we lurch from hometeaching to FaceZooming family and friends to ordering sourdough kits online to finding some miserable corner of a room that we can squeeze our entire working life into while balancing our laptop on a pile of ironing that has been there for 14 weeks.

It is chaos out there and it is chaos inside too, so how can we resiliently adapt our homes to be lockdown-

‘Our homes have had to become schools, workplaces, pubs and parcel depots’ compliant? I’m not asking what our one-off, architect-designed new homes are going to look like post-Covid, but how we can all change the homes that we’ve lived in and loved for years. Our semis and bungalows, flats and terraces.

How are we supposed to squeeze all those activities in?

I’m not pretending I have all the answers. Or even one. I have a few suggestions though. I’d like to see some fitted mini wardrobes for a landing or small bedroom with maybe a fold-out desk on one side and a fold-out bed on the other. A fold-out door would be useful and maybe a fold-out toilet too.

I thought about designing this piece of furniture and then realised someone had already done so and called it a caravan.

For it to work properly it also needs foldout children.

Another idea I had is to reinstate a wartime dig-for-victory invention: the productive garden. As a 1940s

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

From classroom to bakery to yoga studio, our homes must be adaptable like never before

and traditionally never did. Clothes washing was done outside for hundreds of years, so why not put your machines in your garage? Or combine an awning with some decking to create your very own ‘stoop’ on which to balance a rocking chair, smoke a pipe and whittle a stick or two? The dog will also want to hang out there with you in your new ‘outdoor room’ which you could also rechristen as the ‘outdoor classroom’ for eleven months of the year.

To re-quote Darwin, ‘In the long history of humankind (and animal kind too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.’ This, then, is a call-out to all of you, a serious appeal to every one of our readers. Darwin talks of collaboration and, working co-operatively, my editor Karen

and I would like to hear your ideas for how you have converted, adapted and reworked your homes in these extraordinary times. We want you to write to us with your experiences and your dreams of how you might adapt your dwelling to our new home-centric culture where the buildings we live in become more important to us than ever. We’ll then pool the best of them and produce what will be, I think, a remarkable, resourceful and indispensable guide for how we can adapt our homes to be fit to survive.

You will be the authors of it. We will be the editors. I promise to contribute only one short article about earth closets.

Write to us at Grand Designs magazine, Media 10, Crown House, 151 High Road, Loughton IG10 4LF, or email info@granddesignsmagazine.com.

ARE YOU PLANNING ?

A Joe Stuart and Lina Nilsson built a space-saving London home

18 NOVEMBER 2020 /

MAGAZINE.COM

TV’s Grand Designs is looking for exciting projects to feature on the programme.

Does your build fit the bill? To apply, please visit granddesigns.tv/apply

PHOTOGRAPHY BEAZY, JESSICA LEWIS, DEBBIE WIDJAJA, MICHAEL SOLEDAD, KARI SHEA, FIONA WALKER-ARNOTT

machine for the efficient production of food it only worked properly in tandem with an earth closet. Imagine replacing your flushing loo with a metal bucket and a simple delivery system for covering each deposit with a few handfuls of dry earth. In just a week or two you’d have rich compost in which to grow brussels sprouts. It’s a virtuous closed-loop cycle made complete by siting the entire thing at the bottom of the garden. Forget buying a fashionable home studio, just build a ramshackle dunny by the compost heap and – hey presto! – you have freed the indoor toilet ready for use as a home office.

I have long railed at the British obsession with indoor toilets. Many homes these days have more toilets than occupants so, of course, we should be thinking of how to convert them into mini-classrooms or craft workshops.

If you have a spare loo near the front door it’s probably already an Amazon goods-in warehouse, and if you have a downstairs shower, that can easily be converted to deliver a sanitising jet spray of 95 per cent propyl alcohol for all deliveries, post and Ocado shopping.

If you already have a long-drop brickhouse at the bottom of the garden and have converted every space inside the building, I’d consider repurposing a garage, shed or Wendy house. I am converting a tin shed into a recording studio for podcasts with some doublesided tape and 15 sqm of foam rubber.

I’m hoping it’s insulating as well as sound-proof – although so many of the daily activities we get up to at home don’t need to take place inside the thermal envelope of the building

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HOMES OXFORDSHIRE

True to form A cluster of tumbledown barns has been reinvented as a family home that pays homage to its agricultural past WORDS ALICE WESTGATE PHOTOGR APHY MARK BOLTON

IN BRIEF –

LOCATION Oxfordshire TYPE OF PROPERTY Barn conversion BEDROOMS 3 PROJECT STARTED September 2015 PROJECT FINISHED March 2018 SIZE 236sqm LAND COST £550,000 BUILD COST £650,000

Believed to date from the 17th century, the barns have been converted using local ironstone found on site.

The central courtyard has become a sheltered garden, divided into outdoor rooms by stone walls MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 21

A

s they contemplated turning some ruined barns into a home, Alex and Evelyn Christopher came across a 17th-century painting of the area. ‘We kept it as a reference point,’ says Alex, ‘because we felt that the new design should look just as natural in its setting. We wanted it to remain a barn, to be agricultural rather than industrial.’

Alex, 43, who is a healthcare consultant, and Evelyn, 39, a GP, began hunting for a renovation project in 2011.

‘We were looking for a house in Oxford that we could gradually improve, but everyone else was searching for the same thing and we were outbid every time,’ Alex explains.

They gradually increased the radius of their search.

Armed with details from an estate agent, they drove into deep countryside, along a farm track, down a steep hill and through some woods. ‘When we emerged, the most magical view came into sight,’ says Evelyn. ‘It was like opening up a book.’

22 NOVEMBER 2020 /

MAGAZINE.COM

ABOVE Keeping the doors and windows in their original positions means that the eye is drawn across the kitchen and into the garden beyond

HOMES OXFORDSHIRE

The roof trusses, which have been sand-blasted and treated, reveal the original internal structure of the main barn. Dark green kitchen cupboards contrast with offwhite walls and pale porcelain floor tiles

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 23

The dining table was made by Alex from timber salvaged during the roof renovation.

A double-sided Ekol woodburning stove takes up a central spot in the open-plan room

24 NOVEMBER 2020 /

MAGAZINE.COM

HOMES OXFORDSHIRE

The three single-storey barns were arranged in a U-shape, with straw and manure on the ground and birds nesting in the walls. ‘Despite the feeling that it was a huge task, we decided to go ahead because the setting was just so beautiful,’ says Alex.

They appointed the architectural practice Charlie Luxton Design to oversee the project as they were fans of the company’s previous barn conversions. ‘We shared the same vision,’ says Alex. ‘You don’t want any misalignment with a project like this. You don’t ever want to feel as if you’re swimming upstream.’

Charlie and his colleague Henrietta Smart decided the surviving elements of the barns should dictate the design.

‘The key thing with any conversion is to let the building tell you what it wants,’ says Charlie. ‘It’s a mistake to have preconceived ideas. We wanted to recreate the memory of the barns with their interesting levels and incredible views.’

They proposed that the barn forming the bottom of the U-shape should become an open-plan kitchen, dining area

‘The key thing is to let the building tell you what it wants. It’s a mistake to have any preconceived ideas’ and library, with the main bedroom at the far end taking full advantage of a west-facing view across miles of open countryside. The downward slope of the site at this point would allow an extra room to be slotted in underneath – perfect for the couple’s daughter, two-year-old Rose. One of the adjoining barns would house a guest bedroom and utility room, the other would be renovated at a later date.

The plan included plenty of eco-friendly features, from using huge amounts of wool insulation to lime plaster for breathability and a biomass boiler. It also adopted a fabricfirst approach, which would involve reusing the ironstone that was already on the site and facing any new sections of wall with paint-blackened timber. For the most part, the door and window openings would remain exactly where they had always been.

‘We felt that it was important to retain the same lines of sight,’ says Charlie, ‘so you can still see right through the main barn and out of the other end.’ Alex and Evelyn had to adjust their expectation for having lots of glass. ‘We soon realised that we needed to rein this in and that each existing window would act like a picture frame around the best view,’ says Evelyn.

From a boot room for muddy wellies to a huge kitchen for hosting visiting friends and family, the new design aligns perfectly with the couple’s way of life. ‘Alex and MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 25

26 NOVEMBER 2020 /

MAGAZINE.COM

HOMES OXFORDSHIRE LEFT A change of level means the library is lower than the main living area. The wall space features bespoke shelving for books and the ladder recalls the building’s agricultural past RIGHT This desk is tucked underneath the walkway that leads to the main bedroom. The dark engineered-oak flooring forms a visual link to the colour of the bare stone walls

I love cooking. Every meal is a banquet and we like to share the process with lots of people,’ says Evelyn.

Another consideration was their passion for books, which led to the library with its wall of shelving accessed by a sliding wooden ladder. ‘Lots of spaces are devoted to reading, whether it’s a deep windowsill where you can curl up with a book, or the library itself,’ says Evelyn. ‘This part of the house has surprised me most, and the ladder echoes the building’s past life as a stable.’

For paint colours, fabrics and furniture, the couple collaborated with family friend and designer Joanna Pope, as well as the team at Minima in Birmingham. ‘Lots of

the furniture that we’d had since our university days was well overdue for the tip, so we pretty much started all over again. We felt that these big spaces needed a new approach,’ says Alex. ‘So I built the generously sized dining table myself with some old beams that we weren’t able to re-use for the roof.’

The building continues to offer rewards for its rescue, not least the daily treat of fabulous sunsets viewed from the main bedroom. ‘We loved the whole process of creating this house so much that, if we weren’t so in love with it, we’d look for another one and do the whole thing again tomorrow,’ says Evelyn.

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 27

LEFT In this guest bedroom is a metal-framed bed and an antique wooden bench that echoes the exposed roof trusses above ABOVE This wall in the main bedroom is panelled to match the bathroom woodwork. A wide washbasin and contemporary towel rail keep the lines simple

28 NOVEMBER 2020 /

MAGAZINE.COM

HOMES OXFORDSHIRE

New additions to the original structure are finished in black-painted larch, which complements the dark-framed metal windows

F L O O R PL A N S BATHROOM BEDROOM

DRESSING LIBRARY

LIVING AREA BEDROOM

KITCHEN

EN SUITE

UTILITY

BEDROOM

GROUND FLOOR

LOWER FLOOR

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 29

HOMES OXFORDSHIRE In the main bedroom, a huge window on the end wall gives far-reaching views across Oxfordshire.

Wooden chairs by Jørgen Bækmark and Ercol offer a stylish way to contemplate the scenery

‘We soon realised that each existing window would act like a picture frame around the best view’

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 31

HOMES OXFORDSHIRE Despite the original property’s rundown condition, Alex and Evelyn fell in love with the setting and vowed to keep the buildings agricultural rather than industrial

S U PPL I E R S – PROJECT TEAM Architect Charlie Luxton Design (charlieluxtondesign.com) Construction Hook Norton Construction (01608 737 392) Structural engineer Monson (monson.co.uk)

Biomass boiler installation Cotswold Green Energy (cotswoldgreenenergy.co.uk) Guttering Lindab (lindab.com)

FIXTURES & FITTINGS Kitchen cupboards Wilkins Joinery (as before) Sanitaryware Duravit (duravit.co.uk) Kitchen flooring Cotswold Stone & Wood Tiles STRUCTURE (cotswoldstiles.co.uk) Windows Internorm Wooden flooring Town & Country Flooring (internorm.com) (townandcountryflooring.co.uk) Front door Wilkins Joinery Paint Farrow & Ball (farrow-ball.com), (wilkinsjoinery.co.uk) Little Greene (littlegreene.com) Biomass boiler Windhager (windhager.co.uk)

32 NOVEMBER 2020 /

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Woodburning stove Ekol (defrastoves.com) Radiators Apollo Radiators (apolloradiators.co.uk) Kitchen worksurfaces Oxford Granites (oxfordgranites.com) Exterior lights Garden Trading (gardentrading.co.uk) FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Kitchen chairs Ercol (ercol.com) Sofas Sofa Workshop (sofaworkshop.com), The White Company (thewhitecompany.com) Range cooker Lacanche (lacanche.co.uk)

Floor lamp Rockett St George (rockettstgeorge.co.uk) Vintage poster Classic Vintage Posters (classicvintageposters.com) Office chair Staples (staples.co.uk) Bedroom chairs Hay (hay.dk), Ercol (as before) Guest room curtains Jane Churchill (janechurchill.com) Interior consultants Joanna Pope (joannapopedesign.co.uk), Minima (minimauk.com) Garden sculpture Nicholas Lehmann (nicolaslehmann.com)

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HOMES LONDON

IN BRIEF –

LOCATION Stoke Newington, London TYPE OF PROPERTY Terraced house BEDROOMS 3 PROJECT STARTED January 2017 PROJECT FINISHED December 2019 SIZE 125sqm COST £110,000

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Levelling up Four tonnes of plywood and some clever organisation has turned a modest terraced house into an ingeniously planned family home WORDS ANNA WINSTON PHOTOGR APHY FRENCH+T YE

Combining the kitchen and living space makes the most of the house’s generous width OPPOSITE A planning issue meant that Andrew and Beth’s house was one of the few on their estate that couldn’t add an extra level within permitted development rights

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 35

W

hen Andrew Dainty and Beth Navin-Jones bought their home on an estate in Stoke Newington, north London, they had plans to make alterations. The house’s location was ideal for them – close to good schools, near to a lively high street with coffee shops and pubs, and within easy reach of Beth’s work as part of the sponsorships team at Tottenham Hotspur FC. As other houses on the estate had been extended upwards, the couple figured that gaining planning permission for something similar would be relatively straightforward, but they never imagined that a planning requirement would force them back to the drawing board again and again.

Andrew, 35, and Beth, 36, bought the two-storey, two-bedroom house in February 2016, aiming to renovate and extend in two phases, as this would give them time to raise the funds for each stage of the work.

They wanted to combine the living room and kitchen to make the most of the property’s 6m width, keep the garden intact and extend up a level to create an extra bedroom. ‘The house hadn’t been touched since 1972, which gave us a good opportunity to put our own stamp on it,’ says Andrew, who works as a risk analyst.

The couple asked architect George Bradley, co-founder of Bradley Van Der Straten Architects, who lives on the same estate, to work with them on the project. He soon pointed out a potential problem with their plans: their home was one of two neighbouring properties that differed from the estate’s other buildings. ‘Most of the houses are long with a single pitch roof,’ he explains. ‘The longer the house, the taller the roof pitch.’ But Andrew and Beth’s home was shorter and has a lower roof line than others that had been extended upwards. The local authority would not permit building any higher than the tallest point

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HOMES LONDON

LEFT The textured Mortex render on the wall and 5m-long stainless-steel worksurface with welded-in sink give the scheme an industrial edge RIGHT The cabinets feature bespoke fronts created by the contractor and finished with Farrow & Ball paint MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 37

LEFT In the interlocking upper levels, plywood has been used for both the structure and the furniture to make the design feel as seamless as possible RIGHT A narrow console with hairpin legs, white metro wall tiles and a fitted bath increase the feeling of space in the bathroom

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HOMES LONDON

of the roof, which meant that a single-storey loft extension was completely out of the question.

A two-and-a-half-year back and forth with the planning department ensued, with various attempts at finding ways to work around the decision. Finally, they came up with the solution of reconfiguring the interior and using just the half floor-level space in the roof, so the project could be completed within the permitted development rules.

Remodelling the ground floor was relatively simple, with the dividing wall that separated the narrow kitchen from the more generous living space demolished. The new kitchen area runs along the right-hand wall and includes a 5m-long, custom-made, stainless-steel worksurface. The back exterior wall was knocked out and replaced with a set of sliding glass doors, each on its own track to enable independent movement. This allows the couple and their two children, George, three, and nine-month-old Max, to effectively double their living space in the summer by removing the barrier between the house and the garden. ‘On summer afternoons, we sit at the table indoors and still eat in the sunshine, which is a pretty nice way to end the day,’ says Andrew.

Two interlocking levels now occupy the area formerly taken up by the top floor and the roof space.

The new top level contains George’s bedroom, while the space below contains the main bedroom and en suite, a bathroom, and a second bedroom that is currently serving as a home office, but under normal circumstances would be a nursery for Max. A creative use of materials, including a hidden steel frame that supports the change in the roof profile, helped to exploit every millimetre. The ceiling of the existing second bedroom is encased in a plywood box that creates a platform for George’s bed in the room above, and this built-in furniture creates the illusion of a taller space. The architects also added a 1.5m-tall storage space accessed via double doors from the landing, which Beth jokes is her favourite room.

An internal window on the landing allows Andrew and Beth to keep an eye on George and lets natural light into the hallway. ‘If we are downstairs we can pop up to the landing and quickly check if he is OK up there,’ says Andrew, who explains that getting the

Two interlocking levels now occupy the area formerly taken up by the top floor and the roof space

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 39

HOMES LONDON

LEFT The plywood theme continues in the bedroom furniture, which helps to create a sense of continuity throughout the different areas of the house

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design of the extension right was a balancing act. ‘It was like a jigsaw puzzle. If we increased the size of George’s room, we had to take space away from the landing.

Every decision was a trade-off.’

Four tonnes of plywood have been distributed throughout the house, covering the walls, and used for seating, storage, a bed platform and stairs. The timber creates a continuity that helps the house feel significantly bigger than it is. It’s a tactile surface that has another unexpected benefit. ‘Everyone says it smells good,’ says Andrew. Finished with a matt lacquer, it does require some maintenance to keep the plywood looking fresh, but the couple feel the effort is more than worthwhile.

After so much time spent trying to make it happen, the second stage of the project, with the reconfiguration and extension of the upper levels, only took nine months – and with a relatively modest budget of £110,000.

Andrew and Beth feel the planning stage delays were worthwhile. ‘It’s OK now because of what’s been achieved,’ says Andrew. ‘If we’d built just another dormer, the house would not have had a special feel to it. And we appreciate it even more because of what we’ve been through.’

LEFT Although it’s currently a home office, the second bedroom will one day become Max’s nursery.

Its ceiling is encased in a plywood box that creates a platform for George’s bed in the room above RIGHT In the main bedroom, leaving the structural elements of the ceiling exposed and adding new roof lights provides a much greater sense of space

F L O O R PL A N S STORAGE LIVING ROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM

VOID

BEDROOM BATHROOM UTILITY

KITCHEN

GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 41

HOMES LONDON

A big interior window in George’s room brings light into the triple-height stairwell and the hallway BELOW George’s bed sits on a plinth that doubles up as the ceiling structure for the bedroom below

S U PPL I E R S – PROJECT TEAM Architect Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects (b-vds.co.uk) Structural engineer Constant Structural Design (constantsd.com) Contractor Gregos Builders and Decorators (07427 332 883) STRUCTURE Plywood James Latham (lathamtimber.co.uk) Windows Velfac (velfac.co.uk) Roof lights Roof Maker (roof-maker.co.uk) Roofing membrane Sika Sarnafil (gbr.sarnafil.sika.com) Insulation Kingspan (kingspan.com/group) Sliding glass doors Maxlight (maxlight.co.uk) Mortex kitchen wall render Beal (bealinternational.com) FIXTURES & FITTINGS Light switches Astra (astra247.com) Timber finish Bona (bona.com) Kitchen counter Cavendish Equipment (cavendishequipment.co.uk) Kitchen cabinet carcasses Howdens (howdens.com) Paint Farrow & Ball (farrow-ball.com) FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Lighting QAZQA (qazqa.nl) Kitchen table and chairs Maisons du Monde (maisonsdumonde.com) Vintage Ladderax storage shelving Diagonal Furniture (diagonalfurniture.com)

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HOMES CUMBRIA

IN BRIEF –

LOCATION Brampton, Cumbria TYPE OF PROPERTY Semi-detached bungalow BEDROOMS 3 PROJECT STARTED 2009 PROJECT FINISHED 2018 SIZE 120sqm (plus 30sqm extension) PROPERTY COST £110,000 BUILD COST £185,000

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I n fo r t h e long haul Despite the challenges of transporting materials to and from this single-storey house, its renovation has delivered on every level WORDS REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOGR APHY JOHNNY BARRINGTON

The cladding on the bungalow’s extension was sourced from the same quarry as the existing drystone wall. The old slate roof tiles were stripped off and laid on the public-facing side

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 45

HOMES CUMBRIA

R

uth Allan’s career as a humanitarian consultant had taken her all over the globe, sometimes for years at a time.

In between assignments, she would return to her parent’s house in Cumbria. ‘I really wanted my own permanent base to come home to,’ she says. ‘In 2010 I’d just returned from Darfur in Sudan when I noticed a house advertised in a local estate agent’s window.’

The semi-detached, single-storey house she’d spotted was close to her parents’ home and in a great location. ‘It’s the last house before you hit the fells. The open countryside, with remnants from the coal mines and old lime kilns, makes it dramatic and spectacular,’ Ruth explains.

Originally a row of miners’ cottages, built in around 1850, they were later knocked together to form the bungalow that Ruth bought. It was damp, dark, badly insulated and the layout had been divided up over the years.

Ruth had stayed in touch with a group of friends she made while studying at The Bartlett School of Architecture in London. ‘I initially thought we could work on improving the house together,’ she says. ‘It was so exciting!’ But after a couple of years, their busy lives and changing circumstances bought the project to a halt.

‘I looked for a local architect to take the scheme forward, but I couldn’t find the right person,’ says Ruth.

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The pattern for the kitchen’s parquet flooring was inspired by the Petit Palais in Paris. Ruth used paper cut-outs to create a guide for the fitter to follow MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 47

F L O O R PL A N S BEDROOM ABOVE STUDY BEDROOM

EN SUITE

KITCHEN

BATHROOM

SHOWER ROOM

STUDY LIVING AREA

BEDROOM

DINING AREA

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HOMES CUMBRIA

ABOVE Instead of building a wall to close off the main living area, this partial partition with a woodburning stove allows for views from one end of the property to the other RIGHT This corridor links the spaces between the bathroom and the front door, which opens on to a hallway in the gable-end extension

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 49

Several years later, Tim Norman-Prahm, one of the friends who had initially helped Ruth with the house, set up his own architectural practice and agreed to take the project on. Plans included building an extension to the gable end, along with a second addition to the rear.

Ruth wanted to emphasise the long form of the house by opening up the interior to create views that extended from one end to the other. ‘The challenge was to break down the partitions to create an open-plan layout, and to build in elements that allowed certain spaces to be closed off for privacy when needed,’ says Tim. Despite the house being located within a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Area of Outstanding National Beauty, obtaining planning permission was straightforward. The design was in-keeping with the area, and paid respect to the heritage of a Cumbrian longhouse.

It wasn’t until the construction was underway that things got more complicated. ‘I was out of the country most of the time and Tim is based in London,’ says Ruth. The pair 50 NOVEMBER 2020 /

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had long catch-up conversations via Skype, but the build was challenging. ‘Because of the land’s status, there were restrictions on what we could do to structurally reinforce the access road, which goes over ancient mining tunnels,’ explains Ruth. ‘The builders had to use small vehicles to transport materials and they couldn’t bring skips.’ It was also one of the reasons a lightweight timber frame construction was chosen for the extension.

‘The site is very exposed and it sits quite high in comparison to the surrounding area,’ says Ruth. ‘When the bad winter weather hit, the builders weren’t able to bring a vehicle up the track at all because of the snow and ice.’ On several occasions, work had to be paused until the conditions had improved.

Inside, bespoke joinery designed by Tim created the adaptable living spaces Ruth wanted. ‘I can close off the bath by sliding the bookcase across, and push it back to be able to see from the tub to the front door,’ says Ruth.

A birch ply base was used for most of the built-in

HOMES CUMBRIA

‘I can close off the bath by sliding the bookcase across, and push it back to be able to see from the tub to the front door’

ABOVE Due to the addition of the extra bedroom above, the study is the only room without a vaulted ceiling. This makes it a cosy place to work RIGHT The sliding bookcase in the bathroom can be drawn back to create a private space when the bath is in use

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 51

HOMES CUMBRIA

elements, along with other materials and various salvaged items picked up along the way. ‘There are bits of timber and brass that Ruth collected. They weren’t part of the original design, but I was open to weaving them in and so were the joiners,’ says Tim. The guest bedroom in the gable-end extension has become one of Ruth’s favourite parts of the house. ‘The floor level is raised and you can see directly out of the window from bed,’ she says. ‘It’s like waking up in a tent, because the bed is on the floor, you’re close to the pitched ceiling and the fells are right in front of you.’

Ruth’s home is the outcome of a decade-long evolution, and she is ecstatic with the result. ‘It does everything I wanted it to do – and things I didn’t expect,’ she says.

‘The joinery wasn’t complete until late 2018 and I spent the whole of 2019 in Lebanon. It was only earlier this year, when the Covid-19 pandemic came, that I finally had the chance to live here properly. It’s been magical.’

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RIGHT The built-in shelf above the bed in Ruth’s bedroom is where she displays some of the items she has collected while working around the globe BELOW Ruth opted for seamless polished cement finishes on the walls and floor in the en suite

A birch ply base was used for most of the built-in elements, along with other materials and salvaged items picked up along the way

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 53

HOMES CUMBRIA To compensate for the loss of the original attic, the floor level of the guest bedroom has been raised to create more storage space underneath BELOW An opening hatch in the wall of the guest bedroom allows visitors to have tea in bed delivered in the morning

S U PPL I E R S – PROJECT TEAM Architect Norman-Prahm architects (normanprahm.com) Main contractor Roland Hill (rolandhills.co.uk) Structural engineer AL Daines & Partners (aldaines.co.uk) STRUCTURE Windows and external doors AJ&D Chapelhow (ajdchapelhow.co.uk) Stone cladding Alston Natural Stone (alstonnaturalstone.com) Electrical installation Tim McGregor, Electrical & Technical Services (wepsglasgow.com) FIXTURES & FITTINGS Bespoke joinery, internal fitted furniture and room linings Silo Design & Build

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(silodesignandbuild.com) Internal doors Lassco Three Pigeons (lassco.co.uk) Woodburning stove Charnwood (charnwood.com) Arne Jacobsen door handles eBay (ebay.co.uk) Cast-iron bath Cumbria Architectural Salvage (01697 476 420) FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES Wall lighting Wo & Wé (wo&we.com) Dining table and bench Automatic Antiques (atomica.me.uk) Assorted chairs The Peanut Vendor (thepeanutvendor.co.uk) Teak dining table L’Enfant Gallery (+1 202 625 2873)

HOMES SURREY

Glazed sliding doors in the kitchen provide a clear view of the garden with its evergreen living wall

A smart decision How a plan to refurbish and extend became a self-build project for one enterprising couple

IN BRIEF –

LOCATION Cobham, Surrey PROPERTY Detached self-build house BEDROOMS Six (one converted into a gym) PROJECT STARTED October 2017 PROJECT FINISHED December 2018 SIZE 280sqm BUILD COST £630,000 CURRENT VALUE £1.6 million

WORDS NICOL A WILKES PHOTOGR APHY MATT CANT

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 57

A

t the end of summer 2013 Toby King was living in the annexe to a friend’s house when he bought a dilapidated 1930s property. A building services engineer specialising in designing energy-efficient systems, Toby planned to renovate the house from top to bottom. ‘The only furniture I had to start with was a futon and an outdoor table for a TV stand,’ he says.

Shortly afterwards he met his future wife Emma, 44, who is head of design for a hotel chain. With her help Toby, 47, submitted plans to modernise and extend the house, but the application was refused as the proposed design didn’t fit in with the other homes in the area.

Then a year later a second application with a redesigned exterior was successful. But when the cost of the work was presented, the contractor explained to the couple that it would be cheaper to knock the house down and start again, as new builds are exempt from VAT. When Toby and Emma were given the opportunity to buy 70 square metres of land

from their next-door neighbour, they went back to the drawing board and submitted plans for a new-build on this bigger plot. ‘The quotes we had to extend and spruce up the original house were around £450,000,’ Toby explains.

‘With the VAT included, the total amount would have come to £540,000, which was not far off the estimated construction cost of a completely new home.’

The couple’s plan was for a house big enough for Toby’s two teenage sons, Asa, 15, and Tom, 13, to have their own bedrooms when they came to stay, but not so spacious that it would feel empty without them. An open-plan ground floor was an important part of the final design.

‘We wanted to be able to walk into the house and see right through to the garden and for there to be a lovely view,’ says Emma. Hence the evergreen living wall, which provides year-round foliage. It’s supported on a low wall that’s set at the same height as the kitchen worksurface to create a sense of continuity.

The couple designed the house with the aid of the 3D software that Toby uses in his work

LEFT Buying 70sqm of land from the next-door neighbour created space for a new detached home with an exterior designed to blend in with the style of the surrounding properties 58 NOVEMBER 2020 /

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HOMES SURREY Amid the open-plan space downstairs, the snug feels like a separate room in its own right, with a built-in fireplace and TV flanked by integrated cabinets

‘We would walk around a virtual version of the house with VR goggles on, finding solutions to any issues,’ he explains. They used this method to remedy clashes such as the utility room window sill being lower than the worksurface.

‘Easy to fix in a computer model, much more difficult when the windows are in,’ adds Toby.

Most of the rooms include discreetly integrated technology and smart controls using off-the-shelf products that were combined and installed, mainly by Toby. ‘We didn’t want any tech to be visible,’ says Emma. ‘Nor did we want multiple complicated systems.’ Their DIY approach was cost-effective. ‘Everything added up to about £7,500, including the music systems, security cameras, lighting and door lock. I got a quote of £80,000 from one company for something similar,’ adds Toby.

Underfloor heating was installed on all three levels and the property includes energy-saving features such as photovoltaic panels that are

‘The couple designed the house with the aid of the 3D software that Toby uses in his work’ integrated into the roof tiles for a flush finish.

‘The first-floor blinds are controlled based on sunset time and the outside temperature, and close automatically when the temperature exceeds 30°C,’ Toby explains. ‘The majority of our lights are also smart-controlled.’

At £40,000, the oak staircase proved to be a significant cost, and was the result of a happy accident. The couple had placed a verbal order with a supplier when a salesperson for Jarrods Staircases drove past and stopped to ask the couple what plans they had for a staircase. ‘We explained the issues we were having getting the design of the turns right in the small space we had allocated,’ explains Emma. ‘Jarrods was able to supply us with exactly what we wanted.’

Despite the lengthy planning process and after a year-long build, the couple agree that project-managing everything themselves was worth it. ‘We knew that by drawing on our combined skills and knowledge we could build something unique but, even so, we’re surprised at how well it’s turned out,’ says Toby.

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HOMES SURREY

To keep the kitchen design sleek and unobtrusive, the induction hob is fitted flush into the granite worksurface. Everyday items such as the toaster and the coffee machine are kept hidden away from view in the cabinets

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 61

F L O O R PL A N S

GYM WALK-IN WARDROBE

BEDROOM

EN SUITE WALK-IN WARDROBE

SECOND FLOOR

WC GAMES ROOM WALK-IN WARDROBE

EN SUITE

ABOVE On the first-floor landing, the wooden panelling conceals storage and the entrance to the games room. The elegantly curving handrail was designed to avoid hard angles

BEDROOM OFFICE

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

BATHROOM

FIRST FLOOR GROUND FLOOR

GARAGE UTILITY

DINING AREA

WC

KITCHEN

SNUG

GROUND FLOOR ABOVE The guest bedroom has the same wall panelling as the landing and features no smart technology, so visitors can focus on relaxing and enjoying the space 62 NOVEMBER 2020 /

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HOMES SURREY

In the serene main bedroom the en suite has a steam shower inspired by the luxury of a designer hotel.

It can be switched on via Alexa or a secret button under the basin

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 63

HOMES SURREY To increase energy-efficiency, photovoltaic panels are integrated into the roof tiles

S U PPL I E R S – PROJECT TEAM Project managers Toby and Emma King, The Emarra Company (emarra.co.uk) Building regulations drawings Freehaus (freehausdesign.com) SAP Calculations Surrey Energy Management (surrey-energy.co.uk) Piles and Ring Beam Berry Piling (01293 772 422) STRUCTURE Windows The Heritage Window Company (theheritagewindowcompany.co.uk) Precast concrete floors FP McCann (fpmccann.co.uk) Tetris insulated ground floor Tetris (tetrisfloors.co.uk) Flat roof and tiling Kingsley Roofing (kingsleyroofing.co.uk)

64 NOVEMBER 2020 /

Steel supports Traleda Construction (traleda.co.uk) PV panels Solstice Energy (solsticeenergy.co.uk) Door architrave temperature sensors Titan Products (titanproducts.com) Floor sound insulation Sound Insulation Store (soundinsulationstore.co.uk) Steam generator Living House (livinghouse.co.uk) Ventilation fans Vectaire (vectaire.co.uk) Decking and project finishing Mocan Construction Services (01932 988 384) FIXTURES AND FITTINGS Basins and WCs Vitra (vitra.com) Sanitaryware Hansgrohe (hansgrohe.co.uk), Lusso Stone (lussostone.com),

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FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES Duravit (duravit.co.uk) Kitchen chair Moroso (moroso.it) Shower screens Roman Showers Bar stools Nest (nest.co.uk) (roman-showers.com); enclosure Fabco Pendant lights Made In Design (fabcosanctuary.com); trays Kaldewei (madeindesign.co.uk) (kaldewei.co.uk); brassware and shower Drinks cabinet Pinch (pinchdesign.com) Dornbracht (dornbracht.com) Dining room pendant light Cameron Peters Wooden flooring Havwoods Fine Lighting (cameronpeters.co.uk) (havwoods.co.uk) Dining table Heal’s (heals.com) Stairs Jarrods Staircases Dining chairs Gubi (gubi.com) (jarrodsstaircases.co.uk) Snug sofa and tables Moroso (as before) Tiles Tiles Direct (tiles-direct.com), Johnson Wall light and lamp Utility Design Tiles (johnson-tiles.com), Mandarin Stone (utilitydesign.co.uk) (mandarinstone.com), Target Tiles Main bed De La Espada (delaespada.com) (targettiles.co.uk) Carpet Lano Carpet Solutions (lano.com) Side table and chair Viccarbe (viccarbe.com) Lamps Marset (marset.com), Lighting control panels Lloret (lloret.co.uk) Anglepoise (anglepoise.com) Boiling water tap Zip Water (zipwater.co.uk) Pendant light DCW Editions External floor slate The Natural Slate (dcw-editions.fr) Company (theslatecompany.co.uk)

ADVERTISING PROMOTION See the inspiring HUF HAUS show home in Weybridge

EXPERIENCE A NEW WAY OF LIVING Visit the HUF HAUS show home and be inspired by the possibilities With extensive open spaces and stylish interiors that are flooded with natural light, the HUF HAUS UK show home represents the essence of the company’s design principles. A visit to this stunning house in Weybridge, Surrey, enables you to gain first-hand experience of the excellent build quality, top-class materials and bespoke design possibilities that are at the heart of the company’s ethos.

With more than a century of experience in building dream homes, HUF HAUS has mastered the art of creating sophisticated and mindful living spaces. The company has received many awards and commendations for its contemporary architecture, and its determination to become the market leader in green construction. It is easy to be ecofriendly in a HUF HAUS home, where integrating sustainability, eco-luxury and precise engineering comes as standard.

Experience the inspiring world of HUF HAUS for yourself and spend some time at the company’s most refined design yet.

Take a tour of the light, modern and spacious interior

● Visit the UK show home at RIVERVIEW, THE HEIGHTS, WEYBRIDGE, SURREY, KT13 0NY Call 01932 586 550 or email LONDON@HUF-HAUS.COM MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 65

Turning your dreams into reality.

ELECTRIC

01952 200 444

GAS

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marketing@charltonandjenrick.co.uk

WOOD BURNING

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www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk

M U LT I - F U E L

Converted from an old stone hut in the Mallorcan mountains, The Purple House is one of a pair of off-grid buildings making a virtue of simplicity. See more on page 73

PHOTOGRAPHY PIET-ALBERT GOETHALS

PROJECTS

Renovation diary: part 14

Inspiring off-grid homes

Advice on windows and doors

Internal glazing guide

69

73

81

93

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 67

ADVERTISING PROMOTION

HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTH IS Offering the widest range of stoves in the UK, Stovax is the place to find your ideal heating solution Whether you want a traditional woodburner or a sleek contemporary stove, the Stovax collection has many stylish designs to choose from. Each model offers high-efficiency heating and many are suitable for installation in any area of the UK, thanks to their low-emission burning performance.

Perfect for period houses or modern homes, the Chesterfield range is a classic design incorporating cutting-edge technologies. The cast-iron door, top and base feature bevelling that frames the stove’s generous viewing window to create a stunning centrepiece for your room.

The 5 Wide model’s expansive flame visual has a slimline profile allowing for a variety of installation options. These stoves are offered in 68 NOVEMBER 2020 /

woodburning and multi-fuel versions, with each incorporating convector heat systems for easier fitting and great heat delivery.

For a more contemporary design, the stunning woodburning Stovax Studio Freestanding range, with its minimalist styling and landscape format, makes a bold statement.

Responsive controls let you adjust the flame height easily, and the powerful internal air jets keep the glass viewing window clear.

The Stovax Studio Freestanding Ecodesign models come in a variety of sizes and heat outputs, from the 5kW Studio 1 to the 12.6kW Studio 3. All designs in the range can be installed with a contemporary stove bench for a bespoke look.

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TOP The Studio 1 Freestanding stove can be hearth-mounted or, as here, installed on a stylish bench. Stove from £2,539, Stovax ABOVE For a classic option that exceeds air-quality standards, try the Chesterfield 5 woodburning Ecodesign stove, from £1,229, Stovax ● For more information, visit STOVAX.COM

PROJECTS RENOVATION DIARY

Reena and daughter Isla in the kitchen.

To maximise prep and storage space the island has no integrated appliances

The joy of moving in

WORDS NAME HERE PHOTOGRAPHY NAME HERE

Although it’s not yet completed, the house is hastily made ready for Reena and her family to finally take up residence

Reena Simon, 37, interior stylist and blogger (hyggeforhome.com), lives in Cardiff with her husband Matt, 41, and their three young daughters. Follow the family’s progress each month as they convert a 1960s bungalow into a two-storey home

I am so happy to tell you that we have moved in at last! There have been several moments over the past few months where Matt and I really struggled to imagine that we would actually get to this point because of several setbacks the project has been through. But at the same time we were determined to make it happen in 2020.

The uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic has also galvanised our efforts over the

past few weeks. Matt and I concentrated on making the house safe and functional as quickly as possible, so that we could move in without any further delays and before another lockdown.

With the help of our main contractor, we created a timeline of work that ensured the two most important rooms, the kitchen and bathroom, were ready for day-to-day life. We also

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ABOVE The kitchen cabinets are made from cross-sawn timber, which gives depth and texture RIGHT The timber theme continues in Poppy’s bedroom, with Waxed Floor’s Treehouse flooring

prioritised installing the electrics, the boiler and radiators.

Although the kitchen cabinets were ready for our moving-in date, some of the fittings are temporary.

The chrome tap will soon be replaced with an unlacquered brass boiling-water tap, and the plywood worksurfaces will make way for off-white concrete. There will also be a set of shelves fitted on the back wall for our plates, glassware and decorative pieces.

We are really pleased with the cabinets: the doors are dark wood and have copper handles to add a touch of warmth. It was quite a brave move to choose such a deep shade, but I wanted to echo the charredwood exterior cladding – and also to complement the woodland area at the back of the house behind our garden. And they have turned out just as well as I’d hoped.

I would say the overall interiordesign theme for the house can be

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‘The interior design theme for the house is earthy, Scandi and rustic’ described as earthy, Scandi and rustic, which I have created by choosing a limited palette of tactile, natural and textured materials such as concrete, timber and steel.

The idea of keeping to a restricted palette throughout the house was to create a sense of connection between each area and to give a harmonious look overall. Matt and I agreed that I would make most of the interior design decisions because it’s what I love to do.

All that’s left to finish in the bathroom is to add the light fittings and the shower screen. The walls are finished in waterproof Tadelakt,

PROJECTS RENOVATION DIARY

Over time, these unlacquered brass fittings from Crosswater’s MPRO 2 range will patinate naturally

RENOVATION PROJECT PLANNING GUIDE

1

FINDING A PLOT OR RUNDOWN PROPERTY Search via land and property websites, contact local estate agents and get on the mailing lists for upcoming property auctions.

2

SEEK PLANNING PERMISSION It’s required before you start any work, apart from changes completed under permitteddevelopment rules.

3

SET A BUDGET AND HIRE YOUR TEAM Work out a budget and then secure funds as a priority. Seek recommendations for architects and builders. Visit their completed projects.

4

MANAGE THE PROJECT Give your team a clear brief for the build. Set a schedule of works and make sure that the legally binding construction contract is ready.

5

PHOTOGRAPHY MARIE PALBOM

PROJECT TEAM Architect Downs Merrifield Architects (downsmerrifield.com) Builder REG Construction (regconstruction.co.uk) Concrete floor Premier Concrete Design (premierconcretedesign.co.uk) Electrics Liam Broad Electrical (07948 834 166) Interior architecture Alex Nikjoo (nikjoo.co.uk) Kitchen DeVol (devolkitchens.co.uk) Landscape architect Victoria Wade Landscape Architecture (victoriawade.co.uk) Lighting Nicholas Merchent, Home Lighting & Design (hldstudio.com) Planning consultant LRM Planning (lrmplanning.com) Plaster Vale Venetian (valevenetian.com) Staircase Ad Hoc Designs (adhocdesigns.co.uk) which is a traditional Moroccan plaster, so even without the screen we have been able to use the shower without causing them any damage.

There are not too many Tadelakt suppliers in the UK but, much to my surprise, I managed to find a local specialist. To go with the plaster I chose some handmade Moroccan clay wall tiles, which form a wide column of tiling in the shower.

REENA’S RENOVATION TIP Plan as many of the interior finishes as you can early on, because towards the end of a long project you may experience decision fatigue.

We also painted most of the house. For each of our three daughters’ bedrooms I created a different shade of dusky pink using a limewash brand. A limewash prep coat was applied to the plaster before the final coats went on, giving a lovely soft matt finish.

Next, we plan to finish the utility and laundry room cabinets and choose all of the light fittings.

MAKE REGULAR INSPECTIONS Visit the site to ensure that everything is in order and the work is progressing as planned. Address any issues as they arise.

6

SIGN OFF THE PROJECT Take a tour of the finished work with your build team and note down any snags that need to be corrected before signing off on the renovation project.

● Next month: Doors and stairs go in as the project edges closer to completion

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10 These pioneering projects have achieved energy self-sufficiency in a variety of ways

Outstanding off-grid houses The dream of self-sufficiency is attainable almost anywhere. From the Australian Outback to the English countryside, architects are creating homes that are able to generate enough energy to power all the devices, gadgets and appliances required of a modern lifestyle. Some even have an excess of energy, which can be sold to the grid.

Meanwhile, off-gridders keen to escape the all-mod-cons approach are building retreats where hi-tech convenience plays second fiddle to a connection with nature.

WORDS ANNA WINSTON

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ECO LOOKOUT Hovering above a meadow overlooking Lake Berryessa in California’s Napa Valley, USA, Goto House is a hexagonal home with four covered decks and a rhombus-shaped courtyard in the middle – a result of pushing and pulling the design to make the best of the site’s 360° views. The 230sqm property sits on a reinforced concrete slab that tapers up towards its cantilevered edges, removing the need for heavy foundations. A spring supplies water and solar panels provide electricity, powering on-demand hot water and in-floor heating, supported by a battery pack for energy storage.

Architect IwamotoScott (iwamotoscott.com) was asked to create the retreat by a client who had previously bought a home including some of the practice’s work. The single-storey house has four main zones – a living, dining and kitchen space, a main bedroom, a kid’s bedroom, and a yoga room with guest bathroom. The architect approached each area as an individual design with its own size, proportion and view of meadow, mountain or lake. Construction cost around £5,015 per sqm, including the freestanding garage, pool, landscaping, water and power infrastructure.

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PROJECTS GRAND GUIDE

2

SINGLE-STOREY PRE-FAB

3

FLOATING HOME Measuring 3.5m wide by 18m long, the Dusky Parakeet is a houseboat with a surprisingly generous interior, thanks to

Friends Lab House was built by a couple with four children who wanted to add a cottage next to the main house on their Hampshire farm to host extended visits from family and friends. Designed by Spanish firm AMPS Arquitectura Y Diseño (amps.es), the four-bedroom, pitched-roof structure riffs on the shape of classic timber barns.

A skin of black-stained Accoya wood battens was added to make it look like an agricultural building.

The £1.8 million house was built using pre-fabricated contra-laminated timber panels, with heavy insulation and windows selected for their thermal performance. Although connected to the electric grid, it’s rarely needed.

Sufficient power is provided by the 40kW solar plant, while water is sourced from a borehole on the site and heated by a ground-source heat pump.

a design by 31/44 Architects (3144architects.com). Builder Daa3 (daa3.co.uk) used Douglas fir, a particleboard called Valchromat and tulipwood to shape the space with handcrafted joinery and floors. Storage is tucked under the steps and seating areas, in the partition between the living and kitchen space, as well as the bedroom and shower room. Including purchase, the project cost £180,000.

The doors and worksurfaces in the kitchen are made of a recycled plastic created by Smile Plastics using old yoghurt containers. The boat is currently moored at St Katharine Docks near London’s Tower Bridge, but it can be moved at any time. A 500-litre water storage tank and solar panel array mean it is fully off-grid, making it possible to moor anywhere without requiring access to power. A gas-incinerating toilet avoids the need for a septic tank. While underfloor heating, double glazing and an insulated hull keep the boat cosy in winter.

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THERMALLY EFFICIENT Architect Derek Latham (lathamarchitects.co.uk) wanted to build a house in the defunct

quarry in the garden of his previous home, but planning was an issue due to the Green Belt location in Little Eaton, Derbyshire. It was eventually granted under Paragraph 55, thanks partly to the 230sqm, four-bedroom house’s outstanding eco-credentials. Designed as an energy-plus house that can funnel extra power back to the grid, the layout means it can also adapt to the needs of Derek – now retired – and his wife, a local MP, as they grow older, with enough space for their grown-up children to come and visit.

Among the sustainable materials used are drystone walling made from quarry rubble and timber from the self-seeded sycamore trees that were on the site. The building is bedded into a steep bank and is so thermally efficient that a woodburning stove would produce too much heat. It has its own borehole, and a monopitched roof covered in photovoltaic panels provides enough power in the summer, but Derek is in the process of installing energy storage batteries that will allow the house to go fully off-grid. The project cost an estimated £900,000.

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RURAL INNOVATION Off-grid architecture can be experimental as well as practical. Architect Lily Jencks (lilyjencksstudio.com) created Ruins Studio as a home for her family in a remote rural location in Dumfries, Scotland. Designed with Nathanael Dorent Architecture (nathanaeldorent.com) on a budget of around ÂŁ400,000, the property was inspired by the layers of history on the site.

The 180sqm, two-bedroom house sits in the ruins of a farmhouse, with the old stone walls and views determining the location of doors and windows.

A black, EDPM rubber-coated, pitched roof sits inside the walls creating a weatherproof shell, with the shape echoing the building that once occupied the space. White, tube-like structures made from styrofoam and plywood covered in glass-reinforced plastic separate the interiors, with the kitchen, study, living room and dining area inside the undulating walls, and the bathroom and bedrooms in the spaces between the tubes and the heavily insulated black outer shell. The house is solar-powered and has two woodburners for warmth, with water piped over from a nearby farm.

5

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PROJECTS GRAND GUIDE

6

LOW-COST CONVERSION

7

CLIMATE SHIELD On top of a hill in the middle of a bull farm near Tamworth, Australia, Upside Down Akubra

Brambles Barn in Baylham, Suffolk, was a labour of love for Matt Bell, director of sustainability-focused Modece Architects (modece.com). ‘I wanted to live in the way I advocate in my work,’ he explains. The decision was also financial – it was no more expensive to set up self-sufficient energy generation than to connect the former barn to the grid.

Costs were reduced further by recruiting Matt’s two brothers as contractor and off-grid systems supplier, allowing him to squeeze in technology such as a bespoke lighting system for a total cost of £2,000 per sqm. Sheep’s wool insulation in the walls and roof keeps the two-bedroom home warm.

Inside the 65sqm space, sliding-door cupboards house the utilities, thermal store and woodpellet boiler. The bulk of the off-grid kit, including a battery bank and a back-up generator, is in a nearby converted shipping container, which cost an additional £5,000.

House has an 560sqm overhanging roof which is 2.5 times the size of the building underneath it. Architect Alexander Symes (alexandersymes.com.au) wanted to create a self-sufficient, three-bedroom family home while retaining the 360° views that led the farm’s owners to select this exposed site in the first place.

Inspired by the wide-brimmed Akubra hat, the roof stops the summer sun from overheating the house, but allows the winter sun to warm it, as well as collecting rainwater for the 107,000-litre tank running the waste-treatment and fresh-water systems. The design also celebrates the technology needed to sustain a home in extreme weather conditions – the canopy over the garage is made of glass modules embedded with the photovoltaics that provide most of the house’s power.

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8

LOVE OF THE LAND

9

BACK-TO-BASICS HIDEAWAY Nestled in the Tramuntana mountains on the island of Mallorca and surrounded by olive

groves, The Olive Houses are two small, off-grid buildings created by architects Ask Anker Aistrup and Mar Vicens Fuster (marplusask.com) as a retreat for themselves and to lend to other architects, artists and writers. Totalling just 25sqm combined, the buildings contain only the bare necessities, with the functions of a whole house split between them and no artificial lighting.

The Purple House, pictured above, was named after the shade of stucco used to finish the surfaces and converted from a 100-yearold stone hut. It has a simple kitchen and dining space, with two gas rings and a sink, as well as a wood-fired oven and a solar-powered fridge. A small toilet and storage space can be accessed from outside. Cave-like new-build The Pink House is bedded into the terraces of the site, using the ground to keep the space cool in summer and retain warmth in winter. It functions as the bedroom, with a fireplace and shower that features an open roof light created by the shape of the rock. The shower uses water from a natural spring on the land.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BRUCE DAMONTE, ALBERTO MARCOS, CAROLINE BRIDGES, SERGIO PIRRONE, BARTON TAYLOR, PIET-ALBERT GOETHALS, JOHN MADDEN, AUCOOT, LEXI RIBAR, MATTHEW BELL

Inspired by Scandinavian design, The Hut was built

by Greg Dutton of Midland Architecture (midlandarch.com) with his brother Chris and father John on the family’s cattle farm in Ohio, USA. Sitting on a bank above a lake, the one-bedroom home looks like a treehouse, with its cedar-shingleclad exterior framed by the forest.

The land was a former strip mine that the family has worked to restore by nurturing the trees and grassland.

Continuing this approach, The Hut treads lightly on the ground, with a minimal foundation of concrete piers.

It’s supplied with energy from solar power, and rainwater is collected.

Greg describes the interiors as country minimalism, with bleached eastern pine floors and white-painted wall panelling.

At the rear, a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows looks out over the landscape.

The Hut measures 56sqm and cost around £1,650 per sqm.

PROJECTS GRAND GUIDE

10

MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING Franklinford House, which sits in the middle

of an open field in the Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia, is meant to be shared. It was built by Modscape (modscape.com.au), a design firm specialising in prefabricated, heavily insulated, modular homes, for a young family who wanted a weekend and holiday retreat where they could host their extended family.

Their house is arranged in a L-shape, and oriented to make the most of the winter sun. A generous kitchen, dining and living space occupies the shorter, wider wing, with access to a 70sqm, north-facing deck that – combined with floor-to-ceiling glazing – extends the house outdoors. The longer, narrower wing includes four bedrooms, with each of the two main ones separated from a shared kids’ room by a bathroom. The energy-storage system is contained in a nearby shed. There is also an 80,000-litre water tank. Modscape homes cost from around £1,690 per sqm.

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PROJECTS WINDOWS AND DOORS

Glass works Advice and inspiration to ensure you choose the best windows and glazed doors for your home WORDS CAROLINE RODRIGUES

planning application. To create impressive spans of glass, your project could include structural glazing: large panels that can bear weight, allowing them to be used without framing. ‘Structural glazing generally needs to be double-glazed as it is no different in terms of heat-loss to a window. The difference is that a window has a frame element which also needs to be considered,’ says Kim Loddo of architect Inglis Badrashi Loddo (ibla.co.uk).

When designing this new-build in Cookham, Berkshire, architect Spratley & Partners (spratley-partners.uk) took advantage of the views with structural glazing by IQ Glass (iqglassuk.com) forming a gable-end window

PHOTOGRAPHY JIM STEPHENSON INTERIOR DESIGN LOUISE HOULT

In a recent survey commissioned by Origin (origin-global.com), a manufacturer of aluminium doors and windows, it was found that the most sought-after feature in a home is ample amounts of natural light. When constructing your home there’s a lot of flexibility for bringing in light, and your architect will steer you towards choices that highlight the design of the building, particularly as the windows and doors form part of the overall

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The right replacements For an existing house, new windows need to be in harmony with the architecture and period of the property, particularly at the front, while at the back you might want to open things up with wide expanses of glazing. You can replace doors and windows with like-for-like versions without planning permission, but do check if the property is listed, in a conservation area, or if you’re altering the design or position of windows, as restrictions may apply and permission may be required. Allow between six to 12 weeks for your windows to be manufactured and delivered, unless you pick off-the-peg versions, and choose an installer approved by Fensa (fensa.org.uk), or you’ll need to get Building Control approval yourself. Select a well-established company who will carry out the initial measurement survey as well as the installation.

New windows for a whole house renovation might cost 20 per cent of the project budget.

RIGHT For the house in Cookham, Berkshire (see previous page), IQ Glass supplied and fitted the structural glazing, plus minimal sliding doors to the garden and courtyard, fixed frameless windows, and casement windows by Sieger (siegersystems.co.uk), for £114,000

LEFT Since parts of this cottage in Bucklebury, Reading, were nearly 600 years old, traditional-style windows were a must, but the owners also needed them to be easy to maintain.

Thames Valley Window Company (tvwindows.com) fitted Evolution Storm (evolutionwindows.com), double-glazed windows, made from uPVC with slim, 82mm frame-depth timber-look joints, wood-effect foil finishes, deep external sills and discreet trickle ventilation.

They cost £17,500, including installation

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ABOVE AND RIGHT This extension to an east London house was designed by Mustard Architects (mustardarchitects.com) to seamlessly join inside and out. It achieved this with a 6m-long structural glass roof light and by concealing the outer framing of the triple-track sliding doors. The glazing package from IQ Glass cost £45,600, of which the doors were £23,400

Seek thermal efficiency The windows and doors you choose will be a crucial part of reducing heat loss from your home. Windows are given a Window Energy Rating, calculated using U-values, a measure of heat loss. The highest are rated A++. If you are comparing U-values, make sure they are for the whole window, not just the glazing. In a new-build project the U-values of glazing will be factored in to the calculations for walls and general airtightness of the

The windows and doors you choose will be a crucial part of reducing heat loss from your home building. Double glazing has an air gap between the panes providing a level of insulation which can be significantly increased if the gap is filled with an inert gas. By including triple glazing, with three panes and two cavities, your project could even reach Passivhaus status, requiring virtually no heating at all.

Triple glazing can have U-values of 0.8W/m2K or less, but remember: ‘They typically cost around 15 per cent more than double glazed,’ says Chris Herring, director of Green Building Store (greenbuildingstore.co.uk).

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ABOVE AND RIGHT This raised diamond lantern was structurally glazed in order to hide the steel frame and powdercoated aluminium glazing sections.

Architect Inglis Badrashi Loddo refurbished and extended the house in Highgate, north London.

The Door Company (thedoorco.co.uk) supplied and fitted the roof light and three sets of SchĂźco (shueco.com) sliding doors for ÂŁ56,000

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Choose your glass Glazing is more energy-efficient when coatings are added, and these are often available in combination, allowing you to customise the glass to suit your needs.

Low-emissivity or low-e glass has a transparent coating on the inside panel to prevent heat from escaping the room. It also allows energy and light from the sun to pass through the glass and warm the interior. In some cases such as a loft skylight or sunny extension, the aim is to keep excessive heat out. Solar glass has a coating to reflect heat from the sun back out of the room.

Windows that are hard to reach can be supplied with a self-cleaning finish. This is a coating that reacts to UV rays, triggering the decomposition of organic dirt and making it wash away more easily when it rains. If your home is on a busy road, keeping the noise down is vital.

This can be done with acoustic glass. It has an interlayer that dampens and absorbs sound, preventing vibrations transferring from one pane to the next.

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PROJECTS WINDOWS AND DOORS

Other options are high-clarity glass, which is made with a low iron content for more transparency and light transmission, and electrochromic glass, which turns from transparent to dark blue when it’s switched on and a current passes through it. Though expensive, it can be used instead of blinds or curtains.

High-clarity glass is made with a low iron content for more transparency and light transmission In some situations, such as a window that is below 80mm from floor level, or a glazed door and any glazing surrounding it, safety glass will be required. Check the Building Regulations to see how your project is affected.

For more information on the different types available, turn to our Buyer’s Guide to Internal Glazing on page 93.

RIGHT AND BELOW Architect Inglis Badrashi Loddo transformed this terraced house in Highbury, north London. The rear extension has structurally glazed roof lights, a fixed window, and a powder-coated aluminium, thermally broken Schüco sliding door recessed into the brickwork at either end. The glazing package was supplied and fitted by The Door Company for £19,000

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ABOVE AND LEFT Scullion Architects (scullion.ie) updated this 1930s house in the Dublin suburbs with an extension modelled on a traditional conservatory. It selected slim, elegant, steel-framed windows from Aru Joinery (arujoinery.ie) in keeping with the era in which the house was built. The steel framing is powder-coated to a dark teal matt colour, and the units are triple glazed

In the frame For contemporary homes, aluminium frames can be a great option, because they’re strong enough to support large expanses of glazing without being too bulky. They can also be finished in a huge selection of colours. Steel and bronze frames combine strength with narrow sightlines, upping their appeal for a home with sleek facades. Timber frames have an inherent aesthetic appeal, and are a favourite for casements and sliding sashes. They don’t need to be difficult to maintain – check out the Wood Window Alliance (woodwindowalliance.com) for advice.

For the best of both worlds, composite frames are made from timber and then clad in aluminium, making them suited to harsh weather conditions. ‘For a three-bedroom house, made-to-measure aluminium windows would start from around £20,000. Expect to pay around five per cent less for timber or 20 per cent more for alu-clad,’ says Matt Higgs, director of Klöeber (kloeber.co.uk). uPVC windows get a mixed press. Durable, virtually maintenance-free and inexpensive, they used to come as clunky versions of traditional frames, though the latest versions have slimmed down so that they can now mimic wooden sashes quite convincingly.

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PROJECTS WINDOWS AND DOORS

ECO OPTIONS Futureproof your home, says Chris Herring, director, Green Building Store (green buildingstore.co.uk) ● To meet climatechange targets most of our existing (non-airtight) buildings will need to be very significantly upgraded no later than 2050. As goodquality windows can be expected to last up to 60 years it is logical to go for high-performance triple glazing when windows are replaced to be compatible with the future energyefficiency upgrade. ● Typical triple-glazed whole

window U-values can range from 0.85 to 0.68 W/m2K, while good double-glazed U-values are in the region of 1.2 to 1.4 W/m2K. In cold weather the inner pane temperature of triple glazing will be much warmer than with double glazing, resulting in a more comfortable home with less need to compensate by increasing the air temperature. ● Modelling a new home with

suitable software such as the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) can help ensure that the amount of glazing will be optimal from an energy perspective, and also in balancing the free heat from the sun with potential overheating from large areas of glazing. ● Most windows are filled

with argon gas to make them more efficient. Krypton is denser and therefore better for glazing with narrow cavities. But it is much more expensive and good windows should not have glazing with narrow cavities, so krypton should not be needed.

ABOVE For boundary reasons, vertical windows were not an option for this kitchen extension in Bradninch, Devon. The owners chose centre-pivot, double-glazed roof lights in a white-painted finish, measuring 114x118cm. £600 each,

by Velux (velux.co.uk)

Door design ideas For great views and easy access to garden space, glazed doors are a must. The choice of glass is similar to windows.

For framing, consider traditional wood or composites for period-style French doors. Steel, aluminium and bronze have inherent strength, allowing for slimmer frames, which are ideal for bi-folding and sliding doors for the wide openings of new-build and extensions. The threshold is important to allow drainage. Flush versions are available, or fit a weather-tested version with an upstand.

● All good glazing units

now utilise high-performance, low-e soft coatings and include warm edge spacers, which have replaced the inefficient old aluminium spacers.

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Concertina style Bi-folding and sliding doors have their own visual and practical advantages, but there’s a difference in cost.

‘Our two-panel aluminium K-Fold bi-folding doors start at around £2,280, and our two-panel aluminium KustomSlide Mono sliding doors from around £2,780,’ says Matt Higgs, director at Klöeber. ‘This is due to the type of mechanisms involved.’ Bi-folds can be fitted to a corner or to negotiate a curve, and can open inwards or outwards, which avoids losing internal space. Even set-ups without a fixed supporting corner post are possible, though this entails having a cantilevered roof. The system can be top-hung, where the weight is carried by the top track, or bottomrolling, where the floor track carries the weight.

Sliders and pivoting options

ABOVE AND BELOW When adding a side extension to this house in Crouch End, north London, architect A2studio (a2studio.co.uk) included a powder-coated, aluminium-framed 1,435x2,183mm pivot door, fitted with a full-height tubular handle with a mid-height lock, incorporating a deadbolt lock at the floor and at the top. It cost £6,000, including fitting, from Maxlight (maxlight.co.uk)

PHOTOGRAPHY JIM STEPHENSON, TIM CROCKER, BROTHERTON-LOCK, CHRIS SNOOK, RICK MCCULLAGH, AISLING MCCOY

Sliding doors have less framing than bi-folds, maximising the view. On a triple-track system, several panels can stack behind one another, so that you can open up 75 per cent of the glazing. Pocket sliding doors are another option, if planned early in the build. This is where the glazing slides into a slot in the wall. For effortless opening, large doors can glide on the ball bearings of a lift-and-slide system.

With some options, the doors can be locked in any position.

These systems have advanced weather-sealing, security and thermal performance.

Pivot doors are an impressive alternative to standard French doors. Widths of up to three metres are possible.

They have a floor spring/closer that regulates how fast the door opens, preventing any danger of it slamming and trapping people’s fingers.

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ADVERTISING PROMOTION

Custom-made shutters like these gable-end options can be colourmatched to complement your decor

SOME LIGHT ON THE MATTER Bespoke window furnishing specialist Thomas Sanderson has bright ideas to suit every space Your home is as unique as the people who live in it, but often this can result in non-standard-sized windows and doors. With more than 25 years’ experience, Thomas Sanderson crafts beautiful solutions for individual homes with custom-made shutters, innovative blinds and luxurious curtains.

It can be hard to achieve the perfect mix of light, privacy and temperature, particularly if your home has large windows or internal glazing features. Specially created to overcome 90 NOVEMBER 2020 /

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these challenges, Thomas Sanderson’s range of blinds includes energy-smart Duette, glare-reducing Pirouette and light-dispersing Silhouette. Powered options are also available, giving you complete control from the comfort of your sofa via the stylish Pebble remote, a smartphone app, even voice command.

Using the highest quality materials, Thomas Sanderson creates custom-made shutters for every size and shape of window and door – and

LEFT These pearl grey Duette blinds can be adjusted effortlessly by remote control, smartphone app or voice control BELOW Luxury Harlequin fabrics have been crafted into exquisite, Entity Plains Chilli velvet curtains and Issoria Peacock Roman blinds

they’re not just for period properties. From ice white to matt black, there are paint shades and wood stains to complement any setting, as well as a premium colour-match service too.

Vinyl shutters are ideal for high-humidity areas and can help you to achieve a consistent look throughout your home.

Away from the summer sun, glass can feel cold. Warm up the room with Thomas Sanderson’s collection of Harlequin fabrics

custom-made into curtains and Roman blinds, which come in sumptuous chenilles, delicate embroidery and soft velvets, with plentiful colour choices and hand-finished detailing.

If you’re not sure exactly what your space requires, book a complimentary consultation with a Thomas Sanderson design expert.

Because its window furnishings are custommade to your specifications, you can work together to make your home truly your own.

● For more information, call 0800 688 8118 or visit THOMAS-SANDERSON.CO.UK

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 91

BESPOKE ARCHITECTURAL GLAZING

01842 766807 www.ppsug.ltd

PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

FOCUS ON

Internal glazing Include glass doors, screens or windows in your interior scheme to bring light into gloomy spaces WORDS ANDREA MANLEY

In this converted bakery, a double-height, glassand-steel Crittall partition enhances the vaulted ceiling and divides the open-plan space. From £8,635.13. Project

by Jo Cowen Architects (jocowenarchitects.com)

SAFETY MEASURES Internal glazing installations must comply with Building Regulations, which outline specific areas or critical locations where safety glass must be used.

These include installations up to 1,500mm above the finished floor level for doors and side panels that are within 300mm of door edges; and between the finished floor level and 800mm above this point for glazing such as partitions, walls and internal windows.

There are two types to choose from. Toughened glass is heat-treated to make it more durable and will break into harmless pieces upon impact, while laminated glass has a bonded interlayer, which holds the pane in place if broken. Toughened glass is the cheaper option, but if security, noise reduction or UV resistance are a priority, opt for laminated. To seek advice from a glazing expert, contact the Glass and Glazing Federation (ggf.org.uk).

RIGHT This sandblasted glass wall is a decorative feature and allows light from the bathroom roof light to brighten the corridor. Toughened laminated pane, 2.4x2.6m approx, with a sandblasted pattern on the inside of the glass. From £100 per sqm. IQ Glass (iqglassuk.com) MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 93

PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

FIRE-RATED FITTINGS In both new-build and retrofit projects, any glass door or wall next to an escape route such as a stairwell is required to be fire-rated, according to Building Regulations Approved Document B. It includes information on which rating is needed, but if you are in any doubt, an architect or glazing professional will be able to provide clarification.

‘If the emergency exit route from the first floor

DOOR OPTIONS Enabling a decent flow of light is one of the biggest advantages of fitting a glazed door, and this is particularly useful in small or windowless spaces. Choose from hinged, sliding or pocket designs, which can be custom-made.

Or Spaceslide (spaceslide.co.uk) has off-the-shelf hinged and sliding versions made from toughened or laminated safety glass, from £286.20 for a 1,960x678mm clear-glass hinged door A pivot door can be used as a room divider as it opens and closes via pivot points at the top and bottom of the frame and will stay open in any position. Similarly, bi-folding doors with aluminium or timber frames can be used to create an open-plan look downstairs, while providing separation when needed.

RIGHT This pivot door measuring 2.7x 2m has an anodised aluminium frame, 6mm tempered glass and decorative grid profiles. It’s a striking feature of this split-level space.

From £3,000, PortaPivot (portapivot.com) 94 NOVEMBER 2020 /

MAGAZINE.COM

of a house is down the stairs and out of the front door, you’ll need to ensure that the route is protected from fire to allow escape,’ says Rebecca Clayton of IQ Glass. ‘Most timber door sets are fire-rated and provide the proper protection. If you want to use glazed doors in these areas, they must include suitable glass alongside a fully tested framing and fixing system.’

Added to an existing opening, this steelframed window, 1.7x1.5m, is a light-enhancing alternative to a solid door or wall. Price from £5,000. Project

by Stiff+Trevillion (stiffandtrevillion.com)

PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

This steel-frame screen was a bespoke commission. It measures 2.4x2m. From £6,000, Clement Windows (clementwindows.co.uk)

MEANS OF DIVISION Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, partitions and screens can be frameless or framed. Steel frames suit all types of homes, from new-builds to Victorian renovations, and their slim profile adds architectural detail while keeping the glass the star of the show. They are stronger than aluminium profiles and prices start around £3,000 for a made-tomeasure glazed partition. ‘The glazing can be toughened single-glazing, or laminated glass can be used for additional strength or to incorporate a decorative layer within the pane,’ says Rebecca Clayton.

Steel frames suit all types of homes and their slim profile adds architectural detail When greater privacy is needed, such as for a home office within a living area or bathroom within a bedroom, reeded glass allows light through, but obscures a view of the room. ‘It’s good for utility rooms and larders, hiding possible mess and chaos, but keeping the space bright. The glass also adds visual interest when the doors are shut,’ says Chris Eaton, associate director of Stiff+Trevillion.

RIGHT Using reeded glass emphasises the geometric lines of this scheme and gives each space a greater sense of privacy. Design by Stiff +Trevillion.

Similar glazing costs from £5,000 MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 95

PROJECTS BUYER’S GUIDE

OVERHEAD GLAZING Bring some daylight into a basement conversion or home extension, says architect Jo Cowen (jocowenarchitects.com) ● Installing walk-on glass

panels, also known as floor lights, in the room above a basement will allow light to penetrate down and brighten up a gloomy room.

Set flush to the floor, walkon glass flooring is most effective when positioned directly under a roof light to take full advantage of the natural daylight. Structural calculations need to be done before installation, and the glass will need to be toughened and fire-safety approved. ● Specify low-iron glass

if you can and always go for the lowest iron content that your budget allows. Low-iron glass is often referred to as ‘extra-clear glass’ because it usually allows a higher percentage of light to pass through. ● Frameless glass panels

Designed to bring light from the south-facing kitchen into a north-facing living room, this steel-framed window measures 1.5x3.5m and cost around £4,000. Project by EMR Architecture (emrarchitecture.com)

LIGHT PORTAL

● Another way to bring light

If you don’t want or need floor-toceiling glazing, internal windows punctuate a solid wall to borrow light from adjacent spaces. Clerestories, a row of windows above eye level, allow you to keep some solid wall beneath for furniture or shelving.

But for the best sense of connection between rooms, position windows at eye level. A steel-framed modular window measuring 1,200x300mm costs around £265 excluding fitting, but you can expect to pay upwards of £1,000 for bespoke designs.

RIGHT An internal window allows you to see through to the living room and beyond, but each space remains clearly defined in this project by EMR Architecture. The steel-framed window measures 1.6x3m and costs around £5,000 96 NOVEMBER 2020 /

are beautiful but expensive.

With clever detailing, internal frames can help to conceal some frames in the glass above. Enlist the help of a design professional to ensure that you are gaining the full potential of your glazing and benefiting your internal space at the same time.

MAGAZINE.COM

into a basement is to put in a glazed staircase and balustrade to access the basement internally. This way, maximum light from the floor above can penetrate into the basement. Toughened glass and anti-slip treads on the stairs are a must.

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BATHROOMS

KITCHENS &

Make a statement with a colourful basin and bold tiles. Concrete Rectangle basin, 538x360mm, £900, The Poured Project (thepouredproject.com).

Melrose Sage porcelain tiles, £43.13 per sqm, Mandarin Stone (mandarinstone.com)

MAGAZINE.COM / OCTOBER 2020 101

KITCHEN UPGRADE

Work ethic Scavolini’s latest Diesel Open Workshop collection takes its cue from industrial styling and robust materials such as concrete and wood. This versatile range offers the freedom to mix and match different finishes and textures within the same scheme. Pictured are the Concrete Jersey textured melamine base units with Earth Grey melamine wall units. Prices start from £15,000. (scavolini.com)

Slide along The Chef Control feature on Whirlpool’s new range of 6th Sense black-glass induction hobs allows pans to be moved from one cooking zone to another without a change in temperature. The FlexiSide function uses bridging technology to combine the zones to heat bigger pans. Choose from 600mm or 770mm widths. From £449.99. (whirlpool.co.uk)

A bright notion

Effortless attraction

Developed by lighting designers Scarlett Hampton and Niki Wright, MatchiMatchi offers lampshades that can be customised and adapted to create unique lighting designs. Choose from a collection of 27 pre-made pendants, or create your own combination using a range of colours, fabrics and finishes.

Prices start from £255. (matchimatchi.com)

Tubist is a new range of elegant single-lever taps from Abode, available in matt black, polished copper or brushed nickel. The collection includes Tubist Professional, which has a detachable pull-around spray with magnetic attachment for simple, secure release and reconnection. Ceramic disc valves aid smooth operation and temperature control.

From £179. (abode.eu)

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 103

KITCHEN UPGR ADE

Neat fit Rupert Bevan has launched its first stacking chair, exclusive to the RB Designed collection. Each chair is crafted from solid oak in three finishes, Raw, Fumed or Ebonised, and comes with bright or patinated solid brass rods. Seat cushions are an optional extra. Measuring 820x570x555mm, with a seat height of 475mm, the Oak and Brass Stacking chair costs from £1,104. (rupertbevan.com)

Lasting beauty CRL Stone has introduced three new marble-inspired finishes to its Ceralsio ceramic surfaces collection. Umbria teams soft, neutral grey tones with a textured finish, while the deeply dark Belvedere Black and cool grey Bianco Silver both feature distinctive patterned veining and are available in a natural or polished finish. Suitable for walls, floors and worksurfaces, these robust sintered stone slabs are heat, stain and scratch-resistant.

From £350 per sqm. (crlstone.co.uk)

Just roll over German manufacturer Eggersmann has been producing kitchens since 1908. Motion, a moveable worksurface system, continues its reputation for innovative, contemporary design. Hidden rollers enable surfaces to slide back to reveal sinks and hobs or to extend as tabletops for dining and food preparation. Bespoke kitchen with Motion system, from £40,000. (eggersmann.com)

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Walls and Floors’ Raku tile collection is designed to emulate a traditional Japanese firing technique dating back to the 1550s, which uses natural materials to create distinctive glazed ceramics. It comes in seven textured colours including these black tiles, which measure 400x200mm and cost £33.95 per sqm. (wallsandfloors.co.uk).

WORDS PAULA WOODS

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For pricing and design advice to help you with your project, call our sales office on 01937 538188 or email to enquiries@bradclad.com.

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PROJECTS KITCHENS

From budget to bespoke

Kitchens don’t have to be sterile spaces.

This Ladbroke handless option in walnut with black quartz worktop is both austere and elegant. From £10,000, Naked Kitchens (naked kitchens.com)

When buying a new kitchen, make sure you know what to expect for your spend so you get the best value for money WORDS PAUL A WOODS

Buying a kitchen is a big investment with the average cost coming in at around £10,300, according to home design website Houzz (houzz.co.uk). The site’s kitchen trends survey of nearly 5,000 respondents also revealed that 49 per cent of us budget between £5,000 and £20,000, 19 per cent spend less than £5,000 and 18 per cent splash out more than £35,000. But, apart from the price, what are the differences between buying a budget-friendly kitchen and investing in a one-off design?

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 109

Affordable options According to market researcher JKMR (trend-monitor.co.uk), 44.5 per cent of us will head to a DIY store, out-of-town retailer, or trade supplier to buy a kitchen. In this area of the market, prices start from as little as £1,000 (excluding appliances), with an average spend of around £8,000.

At this price, units are machine-made and come in standard 300mm to 600mm widths. Often you’ll find there’s a choice of entry-level and more high-end appliances available from the same retailer.

Check that the carcasses are constructed from at least 18mm melamine-faced chipboard (MFC), and fitted with quality hinges and runners for durability. Ikea includes Blum fittings, which have a 25-year warranty (Ikea.co.uk).

Most budget door and drawer fronts are made of MFC or medium-density fibreboard (MDF), faced or wrapped in vinyl, laminate, melamine or veneer.

RIGHT The 18mm melamine-wrapped particleboard Metod cabinets come with a 25-year guarantee and can be teamed with a wide range of door and drawer fronts. Prices for this Metod/Bodbyn flat-pack kitchen start from £825 for a typical eight-cabinet layout, including cabinets, drawers, doors, worksurface, sink and tap, Ikea (ikea.co.uk) BELOW Wren Kitchens has both flat-pack and ready-assembled cabinets to suit all budgets. Its rigid Infinity Plus range is made to order and includes the Autograph Elements kitchen, £4,502 for the units shown (wrenkitchens.com)

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PROJECTS KITCHENS

ABOVE Custom Fronts creates stylish doors, panels and drawer fronts to fit Ikea cabinets. Made from durable birch ply, they can be left natural, spray-painted, or finished with hardwood veneers, laminates, even solid brass. The fronts in this kitchen cost from £3,500 (customfronts.co.uk) Many companies offer an in-store design service at the very least, but you will need to take your own measurements as home visits will not be part of the deal. Request several design options to cover all layout possibilities. If your budget allows, choosing more expensive worksurfaces, taps and handles will upgrade the look of the kitchen.

Flat-packed furniture costs less than ready-made units, but the potential extra cost of assembly and installation should be taken into consideration when weighing up the pros and cons of either option. ‘Readyassembled designs are professionally finished prior to delivery, making them easier and quicker to install,’ explains Julia Trendell, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery (benchmarxkitchens.co.uk).

Some DIY store flat-packed units can be taken home immediately. Otherwise, delivery only tends to take a few weeks, and installation can be arranged either through the store or independently. According to JKMR, 27.1 per cent of people buy through a trade supplier, such as Benchmarx or Howdens (howdens.com).

To do so, you’ll need to hire a contractor first, as purchases must be made via a trade account.

ABOVE The Garcinia Shaker kitchen with integrated handles combines 18mm chipboard and high-density fibreboard (HDF) carcasses with MDF fronts, and comes with a 25-year guarantee.

Part of the GoodHome range, costing from £1,848 for an eight-unit flat-pack kitchen, B&Q (diy.com)

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 111

PROJECTS KITCHENS

LE

Great-value alternatives Further ways to buy on a budget include online suppliers and upgrading carcasses with custommade doors. Abigail Ahern x Herringbone Kitchens (herringbonekitchens.com) offers a ready-made, modular kitchen from £5,000, which is supplied primed ready for painting. ‘Investigate companies making bespoke fronts for Ikea units,’ suggests Sarah Wallis, interior designer and project manager at One London Property (onelondonproperty.co.uk).

Try Custom Fronts or Husk (madebyhusk.com), and expect to pay from £1,000-£6,000.

Further ways to buy on a budget include online suppliers and upgrading carcasses with custom-made doors ABOVE Having remodelled her London home, Sarah Wallis of One London Property created the kitchen using off-theshelf, pared-back Ikea units and timber worksurfaces.

It cost £3,000 LEFT British Standard Cupboards’ range of modular units are traditionally made using a combination of melamine-faced birch plywood carcasses and poplar timber fronts.

They are delivered ready-primed, from £8,000 (britishstandard cupboards.co.uk) RIGHT Schmidt offers customisable, made-to-measure solutions from its network of showrooms.

Contemporary designs include the new Arcos Edition in terrazzo and Supermat Nano Black with Nano Black worksurface, from £10,000 including delivery and installation (home-design.schmidt)

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EFT

Mid-range choices If you have around £10,000-£20,000 to spend, there are a whole host of brands, some available on the high street, producing cabinet ranges that are hand-built to order and customised to fit your space. While not truly bespoke, because materials and styles will be limited to the ranges on offer, these tend to have a good choice of fixtures such as worksurfaces, internal fittings and lighting to choose from.

Carcasses are built from materials such as birch plywood or MDF veneer. Door fronts can be made from a range of materials including timber, wood veneer, birch plywood, MDF and high-grade laminate.

Access to an experienced designer, showroom consultations, site visits and a measuring service are all part of the package, and the fees for these services may be included in the total cost of the kitchen. ‘The design process should feel more bespoke, as the company provides a complete experience and aftercare service,’ says Nick Cryer, founder of property and construction company Berkeley Place (berkeleyplace.co.uk). Delivery lead times will be in the region of ten to 12 weeks.

LEFT Pure Scandi

by Naked Kitchens supplies robust plywood flat-pack cabinets, fronts and accessories in various styles and finishes, so you can design and order an entire kitchen online.

Limed Grain units, from £7,000 (purescandi.co.uk)

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 113

Diffusion lines Many high-end, bespoke kitchen suppliers offer collections that adhere to the same design principles and craftsmanship as their main ranges, but on a supply-only basis.

Sustainable Kitchens’ timber and ply Honest Kitchens (sustainablekitchens. co.uk) and Mowlem & Co’s online Kin

by Mowlem (kinbymowlem.com) are two examples that include the option to customise units.

RIGHT Diffusion lines offer top craftsmanship at costeffective prices. Kin by Mowlem is a new off-the-peg cabinetry range from bespoke furniture brand Mowlem & Co, Available online and in standard sizes, the Shaker framed or unframed units are supplied primed, ready for painting. From £9,680 LEFT Bespoke services design spaces specifically tailored to your needs. The island in this minimalist kitchen was adapted to take into account structural supports.

Linear Edge kitchen, from £20,000, Harvey Jones (harveyjones.com)

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PROJECTS KITCHENS

Going bespoke When commissioning a one-off design, the kitchen is built to your exact specifications and precisely tailored to the space. All the cabinets are individually crafted, taking into account any structural anomalies and architectural features in the room. The client has a great deal of control over every aspect of the design, which will be unique to the project and of the highest quality.

Hiring an architect or interior designer is one way to do it. They may charge fees by the hour or day, so establish the level of service you want early on, from a design proposal to a complete project-management service providing detailed drawings, specifying suppliers and appointing contractors.

A specialist bespoke kitchen company is another way to go. Prices start at around £20,000, rising to more than

£50,000. The process involves several meetings with a dedicated designer, and contractors making regular site visits. ‘You may visit showrooms to choose appliances and stone or marble suppliers,’ says Nick Cryer.

Select an established company with a proven reputation for quality craftsmanship and materials. It’s also wise to use the company’s own fitters and, in many cases, there may be no option to do otherwise, especially when installing luxury or innovative materials and products.

This will not be a quick process. ‘Allow six months,’ says Iain O’Mahony, director for research, development and special projects at Smallbone (smallbone.co.uk). ‘One month for research, one month for the design and approval process, three months to build and one month to install.’

BELOW Bespoke designers cover every aspect of the kitchen, including lighting and interior schemes, while providing access to specialist materials and finishes. Urbo handle-less matt lacquer and roughsawn oak kitchen, from £30,000,

by Roundhouse (roundhouse design.com)

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 115

PROJECTS KITCHENS

Protect your investment Whichever route you choose, don’t forget to read the small print of your contract to make sure you’re aware of the terms. Product guarantees vary from ten to 25 years, but in addition to the length of time, check which parts of the kitchen are covered by the guarantee and to what extent.

Choosing trades accredited by TrustMark, the Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) or the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BIKBBI) can help when it comes to resolving any issues that arise. Paying by credit card will protect you if a business goes bust as you’ll be entitled to a full refund from the card provider on purchases between £100 and £30,000 (under section 75) and £60,260 (under section 75a).

Keep a record of all the quotes, briefs, plans and communications you receive, and make sure to establish, in writing, what the price covers, including a list of responsibilities for the work and requirements specific to your project.

LEFT Blakes London uses skilled carpenters to install its high-quality kitchens.

Items can be made, built and adjusted on site should the need arise. Bespoke kitchens from £45,000 (blakeslondon.com) RIGHT This project by interior designer Alessia Mainardi features a minimalist Binova Milano kitchen complete with ceramic-clad island and pocket doors system in herringbone black wood finish. £75,000 (alessiamainardi.com)

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When commissioning a one-off design, the kitchen is built to your exact specifications and precisely tailored to the space

TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH There are many more ways to buy a kitchen, says interior designer and project manager Sarah Wallis of One London Property (onelondonproperty.co.uk) ● Hiring a carpenter or

cabinetmaker ensures a unique design that can often rival the price of bespoke kitchen companies. Ask to see examples of previous work, and ideally seek personal recommendations.

Alternatively, your designer or architect should have good contacts. The Guild of Master Craftsmen lists recommended artisans (guildmc.com). ● Buying an approved

This substantial kitchen is built for entertaining. Central to the design is a sociable island with a framed hanging rack and brass foot rail, while pocket doors open to reveal a bar. It cost around £70,000, Day True (daytrue.com)

second-hand or ex-display kitchen from specialist companies such as The Used Kitchen Company (theusedkitchencompany. com) or Used Kitchen Exchange (usedkitchen exchange.co.uk) can cut the price of a designer kitchen by 50-70 per cent.

Viewings, dismantling, collection and delivery can all be arranged, but you will be responsible for fitting, so ask about any affiliated fitters. ● It’s also worth

approaching local builders’ merchants and kitchen showrooms and leaving your details, as many will be happy to sell on discounted ex-display kitchens at the end of the season. Style, size and layout choices will inevitably be limited, and there’s unlikely to be any of the usual after-sales service. ● You don’t have to buy

your entire kitchen from a single supplier. Take advantage of free online planning tools to create a design, then mix and match the furniture and fittings.

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B AT H R O O M E D I T

Made to fit Frontline’s versatile, wall-mounted furniture can be configured to suit a range of room sizes and storage needs. Encompassing shelves, drawers, doors and basins, this modular solution is available in White Ash, Grey Ash, Wildwood and Urban Grey. Grey Ash wall-mounted shelf, from £135, storage drawer, from £425, open shelf unit, from £445, and stone wall-hung basin, from £515. (frontlinebathrooms.co.uk)

In clear view Task lighting is an important element of any bathroom scheme, and the new Pimlico wall light from Garden Trading combines practical illumination with Art Deco styling. Featuring an elegant, brushed-brass finish, swan neck, fixed, fluted glass shade and matching pull cord, this IP44-rated light measures 19.5x10.5x16cm and costs £45. (gardentrading.co.uk)

Modern simplicity

Counter measures New from Aston Matthews, the Astonian Dune countertop basin features a pleasingly tactile matt finish and is available in a variety of subtle shades, including Dove Grey, Chalk and this Ice Blue.

Measuring 40cm in diameter, it comes complete with matching waste cover, and costs £533.76. (astonmatthews.co.uk)

British design firm Bisque has broadened the options for its bathroom heating products by introducing Optic. This contemporary, square-tubed towel radiator is available in six sizes and three standard colours: Matt Black (pictured), Traffic White and Classic Chrome. It can also be customised on request via Bisque’s colour-matching service. Prices from £234. (bisque.co.uk)

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B AT H R O OM E D I T

Fine design Philippe Starck has collaborated with Duravit on six ME by Starck bathroom solutions, including a new furniture washbasin. Finished in white satin matt ceramic, it’s a minimalist design with a deep inner bowl. Available in four widths, from 630mm to 1230mm, and one or two-tap options, it goes with Duravit’s L-Cube, XSquare, XViu, Ketho, Brioso and XBase ranges. ME by Starck furniture washbasin with L-Cube vanity, £2,348. (duravit.co.uk)

Behind the scenes A concealed shower system does away with tangled hoses for a neat look and ease of use. Hansgrohe’s sBox retractable hidden hose glides in and out, extending to a length of 1.4m. The system can be fixed to the bath itself or within a tiled rim, providing it is wider than 71mm, and teamed with a showerhead of your choice: shown here is the Raindance Select E Hand shower 120 3jet, £144.24.

Prices start from £326. (hansgrohe.co.uk)

Semblance is a new range of antibacterial porcelain from stone specialist Lapicida.

Silver ions are infused into the surface to create a permanent antibacterial shield that eliminates up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria. It’s available in four marble effects, Moon, Desert, Stone or Carbon, and 900x900mm tile or 2,600x1,200mm slab formats.

From £118.80 per sqm. (lapicida.com)

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WORDS PAULA WOODS

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PROJECTS BATHROOMS

Bath and basin ideas New design inspiration for your scheme that will reward all the senses WORDS PAUL A WOODS

According to a recent poll commissioned by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (bathroom-association.org.uk), nearly a third of UK homeowners are planning a partial or full bathroom refurbishment in the next 12 months. Crucial to the success of a scheme is finding the right bathtub and basin, and manufacturers have been working hard to ensure their new designs are a pleasure to look at, touch and use.

Make a statement with a circular, freestanding tub.

This 1,050mm diameter bath is made from a mix of natural mineral and polyester resin, and is available in a matt or gloss finish. Origin tub, ÂŁ6,415, West One Bathrooms (westonebathrooms.com)

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PROJECTS BATHROOMS

Standalone style Teamed with beautiful brassware, a freestanding tub commands attention and can be used as a centrepiece for the room wherever it is placed. ‘Pair with a floormounted tap for the ultimate showstopping effect,’ says Sally Cutchie, marketing manager at BC Designs (bcdesigns.co.uk).

Measure the area and make sure that there is sufficient room to include your chosen design, allowing enough space around the bath for fittings as well as access for cleaning and maintenance. ‘There are models that measure up to 1,950mm in length, but they can also be as little as 1,500mm. For small rooms, you could also consider choosing a slipper bath or a backto-the-wall design,’ advises Sally.

ABOVE Colour is back in the bathroom. This cast-iron rolltop bath with acrylic skirt can be supplied painted or primed. Bute 1,710x 730mm bath, £5,982, Drummonds (drummonds-uk.com) RIGHT Suitable for smaller bathrooms, this compact natural-stone bath measures 1,524x800mm.

Vicenza Petite bath in ClearStone, £2,299, Clearwater (clearwaterbaths. com)

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A freestanding tub commands attention and can be used as a centrepiece for the room wherever it is placed

MAGAZINE.COM

Double-skin acrylic retains heat well.

The Happy D2 Plus bath, 1,800x800mm, has acrylic panelling in graphite super matt or white and two internal backrest slopes, ÂŁ4,063, Duravit (duravit.co.uk)

Another option is a plunge bath.

The water-resistant teak Geo Deep from William Garvey measures just 1,000x700mm and is 700mm deep (williamgarvey.co.uk).

For a classic look, rolltop designs come in different sizes and materials.

So do contemporary baths, which can have angular or curved profiles.

Technology is also having an influence on design. Those who prefer not to have a conventional overflow spoil the smooth surface of their tub will appreciate the Essence bath by Grohe, which is fitted with an electronic water-pressure sensor instead of an overflow hole (grohe.co.uk).

RIGHT A stone and mineral composite bath that was inspired by an antique design. Rockwell in Willow, 1,700x800mm, from ÂŁ5,952, The Water Monopoly (thewatermonopoly.com) MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 125

Try fitting in Inset and built-in baths are space-efficient and available at a wide range of price points, from standard enamelled steel or acrylic tubs to more expensive composite designs. There are models that can be sunk below a surround, whirlpool options, and increasingly diverse shapes including the circular BettePond from Bette (my-bette.com), all of which lend themselves to luxurious spa-style schemes.

RIGHT This tub brings the elegance of a freestanding design to smaller spaces, thanks to a single straight edge that can rest snugly against a wall. BetteStarlet 1 Silhouette bath, from ÂŁ5,138 for a 1,650x750mm bath, Bette (my-bette.com) BELOW A built-in design made from glazed titanium steel. Available in three sizes, it has a tiny rim that allows it to almost disappear into the surround. BetteLux Oval, from ÂŁ2,553 for a 1,700x750mm tub, Bette

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PROJECTS BATHROOMS

COME ON DOWN Consider the practicalities if you want a sunken bath, says Pereen d’Avoine, architect and founding director of Russian For Fish (russianforfish.com) ● Most baths measure around

500mm in height, so in order to install one to submerge yourself in you need to accommodate a change in level. This works well in spaces where you’d usually step down, or where the ceiling is high enough to raise the surrounding floor. Alternatively, you could create a raised nook in which to sink the bath. ● A full bath is heavy, so

make sure the void into which it is to be sunk is robust or suitably reinforced and, of course, watertight. ● Think about maintenance

access. You need to be able to reach the pipework – most of which will be low down – without cutting holes into a beautifully finished floor or wall. ● If you choose to install a

shop-bought tub, take care to ensure the joints between the bath and the surrounding material are sealed perfectly. ● You can decide to have

This curvaceous, solidsurface design is available freestanding, semi built-in or inset, as shown here.

Dune bath, £13,230, West One Bathrooms

● Introducing a subtle lip to

the edge of the bath, or using a different floor texture around the edge, can help quietly indicate a tub’s presence. ● How you get into the bath

Surface deep There are several bathtub materials that have good heat-retention properties to keep your bath water warmer for longer, notably cast iron, copper, brass, solid surface, quality acrylic and stone. But some of these can be very heavy, particularly cast iron and stone.

This can pose problems when installing on a suspended floor, which may need to be strengthened to take the weight. Make sure you know how heavy the tub is before you buy it, and make plans for reinforcement work, if needed, prior to delivery. Because

the tub and surrounding floor fabricated from the same material: perhaps Corian, resin, terrazzo or even tile – a look not unlike a small swimming pool.

When selecting the material, think about tactility: do you want something smooth and luxurious or textured and earthy?

they’re lighter in weight but durable, enamel-coated press steel, exposed or plated copper, and quality acrylic are all good options for classic rolltops.

For contemporary styles, double-skinned acrylics such as the new Acrymite system from BC Designs provide seamless forms that are moulded to shape and very strong. Similarly, the latest composites and solid-surface materials, made from a mixture of ground stone or minerals and resin, can take any shape and are warm to the touch, but also easy to repair.

is also important – entry has to be safe and non-slip. If there are older or unsteady members of the household, you might want to consider fitting grab handles. ● Think about cleaning.

Remember, you’ll be leaning down to clean the bath or wash the kids, and you don’t want to put your back out every time you bend over.

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PROJECTS BATHROOMS

Basin inspiration Advances in production technology and collaborations between leading designers and bathroom manufacturers have led to a crop of exciting basin designs. Though refined, these new ceramics are intended to be seen, mounted on countertops, washstands or vanity units.

Extra-thin ceramics such as Fineceramic from Roca (roca.com) and SaphirKeramik by Laufen (laufen.com) allow for super-slimline walls and edges. Dutch designer Marcel Wanders’ The New Classic range for Laufen sees the material

These refined new ceramics are intended to be seen, mounted on countertops, washstands or vanity units interpreted in a more traditional way with elegant basins and washstands, while Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola’s striking Sonar basins have a thin, rippled edge that’s also replicated on the freestanding tub.

For a more understated look, try the Happy D.2 Plus collection by Sieger Design from Duravit (duravit.co.uk). In this range, elegant ceramic curves seamlessly integrate into the furniture and washstands thanks to the patented C-Bond technology used throughout.

VitrA Hygiene glaze kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria and is used across all VitrA’s ceramics, including the Equal Collection

by Claudio Bellini.

Elm washbasin unit, £872, lower unit, £1,260, VitrA (vitra.co.uk) LEFT Seam-free mineral and acrylic blends can produce striking shapes.

Rexa basin, 300x 450mm, from Day True, where bathrooms start from £8,000 (daytrue.com) RIGHT This basin is available with a matching bath, and teams a highly textural mineral and resin surface with a soft matt finish.

Argile basin by Kallista, £1,737, West One Bathrooms

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LEFT For a textural finish consider a terrazzo basin. This angular 420x420mm countertop design comes in black or grey and costs £135 from Tikamoon (tikamoon.co.uk)

Keep it clean Solid-surface materials can also produce a seamless, streamlined finish that’s hygienic and easy to clean, such as the custom-made and 100 per cent recyclable Surfex from Roca.

Further hi-tech advances include ceramic surfaces impregnated with particles formulated to kill off bacteria, and easy-clean glazes such as VitrAClean from VitrA.

The Poured Project’s water-resistant concrete basins have a naturally smooth finish, but a subtle etched effect can be created for a more organic feel. Round 422mm diameter basin, £680

PHOTOGRAPHY OLI DOUGLAS STYLING SUSIE CLEGG

A call for colour No longer only found in various different tones of white, baths and basins now come in almost any shade you can imagine. The entire range of titanium steel basins and baths from Bette is available in a choice of more than 400 colours, while Kast (kastconcretebasins.com) and The Poured Project (thepouredproject.com) make concrete basins in a spectrum of shades, as well as grey.

BC Design’s Cian solid-surface collection of baths comes in soft, matt hues, and Victoria & Albert (vandabaths.com) offers 194 exterior matt colour finishes on many of its Quarrycast basins and baths.

For added interest, solid surfaces can be found stamped with pronounced textural designs and graphics. Burlington (burlingtonbathrooms.com) even provides bespoke painted motifs or lettering across various ceramic basins. ● Turn to p130 to read the case study featuring a focal-point freestanding bath MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 129

P R O J EC T PROFILE –

LOCATION Cotswolds STYLE OF PROPERTY 16th-century cottage DURATION OF BUILD 3 months approx (entire project 18 months) SIZE 12sqm COST £10,000

Best seat in the house A stone bath and copper basin go together beautifully in this cottage bathroom WORDS PAUL A WOODS PHOTOGR APHY MARK BOLTON

Having started his career in the construction industry as a bricklayer, company director Dominic Jude, 50, was perfectly prepared for the work involved in converting two adjoining 16th-century cottages into a single home.

Despite the Grade II listed houses being almost derelict, Dominic was happy to 130 NOVEMBER 2020 /

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manage the entire renovation project himself. But when it came to the interior design, he sought help from Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co (gunterandco.com).

‘I met Irene when she was a student at the Inchbald School of Design in London,’ explains Dominic. ‘Since then we have worked together on several

PROJECTS CASE STUDY

LEFT The bath is positioned to take advantage of the views, and stands on practical, painted oak floorboards. Arezzo 1,650x690mm matt white, solid-stone, curved, double-ended bath, £999.95, Victorian Plumbing (victorianplumbing. co.uk). Mac Kinley 05 Tuscan Bronze bath set tap with fixed vertical connections, £POA, Nicolazzi (nicolazzi.it) RIGHT The wall opposite the console is dedicated to the loo and a striking Crittall-inspired shower enclosure designed by Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co. Tuscan Bronze oversized shower head, hand shower and Mac Kinley 05 built-in thermostats, £POA, Nicolazzi BELOW Rather than match all the elements, Irene Gunter chose bronze brassware and a copper basin. Mac Kinley 05 Tuscan Bronze washbasin wall-mounted taps, £POA, Nicolazzi

A pared-back palette of neutral tiles and palepainted plaster walls helps the basin, brassware and shower screens stand out projects over the years and I have complete confidence in her choices.’

Dominic designated a first-floor bedroom to become his main bathroom, and was keen to include a bath and shower.

Irene suggested a scheme centred around a freestanding bath placed in front of the window. ‘I chose a stone design measuring just 1,650x690mm, which allowed me to claw back floorspace for the shower enclosure, washstand and loo,’ she explains.

Irene teamed the bath with a copper basin and dark bronze brassware. ‘The basin has a lovely hand-beaten quality,

and copper is practical in a busy bathroom,’ she says. It sits on a timber and metal console, which was designed by Irene and made by craftsmen on site.

The metal-framed shower enclosure on the opposite wall was designed by Irene and constructed using a steel fabricator and glazier. ‘Fluted glass brings a little privacy to the space without blocking the light,’ she says.

A pared-back palette of neutral tiles and pale-painted plaster walls allows the basin, brassware and shower screens to stand out. ‘Somehow, Irene was able to visualise the look even before I knew it was what I wanted,’ says Dominic. ‘As it’s all about the view, I’ve made myself a handy timber rack to complete what, for me, is one of the best seats in the house – the bath!”

MAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER 2020 131

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PROFILE

MY GRAND IDEA –

Arriving on site pre-cut and easy to assemble, this home office is both robust and adaptable, says architect Ben Allen

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process in a way that minimises their worries as much as possible is important to maintain a good relationship. Being realistic but respectful of budgets and quick to resolve issues that may arise really helps too.

— How did you make the structure?

It was fabricated on a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, which uses computer-generated data to precisely measure and cut materials. The exterior cladding, internal wall and floor linings are made from wood-based panels such as plywood, triply and wood fibreboard, all of which were cut in this way. Working with CNC gives architects a direct connection with the fabrication process.

— What benefits did this bring to the build?

We designed the connections between the structural plywood

MAGAZINE.COM

panels so that they would be able to slot together with no measuring and cutting needed on site, which ensures the office is very stable.

The CNC process is very accurate, permitting just 1mm of tolerance, which isn’t possible when cutting on site. As a result, we were able to use inexpensive materials such as plywood – and much less of it.

The office can be disassembled, if needed, to be reused elsewhere or elements can be taken apart and recycled.

— The cladding is really quite spectacular The original idea was for it to have zinc cladding, but taking advantage of the opportunity to do the whole building using CNC proved irresistible. The cladding is made with a new 100 per cent waterproof MDF that’s suitable for exterior use. A spray-paint finish, applied in the factory, provided an extra layer of protection as well as a choice of colours to have some fun with.

Studio Ben Allen (studiobenallen.com)

ABOVE Inside the space, which is just under 15sqm, is a desk, shelving, a bench seat with hidden storage, a fold-out bed and some wallmounted hooks LEFT This outdoor room was quick to construct, taking just 20 days from start to finish at a cost of £28,500

WORDS HUGH METCALF PHOTOGRAPHY BEN TYNEGATE

Tell us how this project came about My brother Jonnie and my sisterin-law Dr Rachel Allen wanted to build an office in the garden of their home in south London. It was designed primarily for Rachel, who is a nutritionist, as a base for her work, but Jonnie, who is a partner at a global engineering firm, also used it during lockdown. My team is interested in making spaces that are suitable for multiple uses, so the office can also serve as a spare room, a play area for their two children and as a quiet retreat – which was particularly useful during lockdown.

— How did you find having family members as clients?

Jonnie and Rachel know my work quite well and they were generous enough to allow me a lot of creative freedom. Any project, no matter what size, can be stressful for the client. Guiding them through the

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