HOMEBUILDING &RENOVATING EXTENSIONS | SELF-BUILDS | HOME IMPROVEMENT | CONVERSIONS
HOMEBUILDING&RENOVATING | OCTOBER 2014
Britain’s Best Selling Self-build Magazine
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO PLANNING | BUILDING REGULATIONS PART L EXPLAINED | MULTI-ROOM AUDIO | GETTING WINDOWS RIGHT
‘Survival Guide’ for Home Improvers 10 Tips on How to Keep Your Sanity!
REVEALED: THE FIVE THINGS YOU MUST HAVE IN YOUR NEW HOME
EXPERT ADVICE
Underfloor Heating for Renovators Storage Solutions Multi-Room Audio Treating Timber Decay How the New Energy Regs Affect You
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BBC2’S PIERS TAYLOR’S £15K SELF-BUILD PROJECT
AN ULTRA-LOW ENERGY TIMBER FRAME DESIGN
COVER STORY
Opening Up A 1930s House Gets a Modern Transformation
10 9 770960 086291
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Editor’s Letter
HB&R
HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING
Reflections on a Decade JASON ORME IS THE EDITOR OF HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING MAGAZINE
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his issue is a bit of a personal anniversary, marking 10 years since I took over as Editor of this fine publication. Things start moving worryingly quick as you get older of course, but even allowing for that, it has gone by in a flash. The process of building and improving homes hasn’t changed a great deal in that decade either. Back in 2004 we were introducing our readers to issues as diverse and familiar to today’s readership as structural insulated panels (SIPs), heat pumps, condensing boilers (known back then in the magazine as ‘energy-efficient boilers’), triple glazing, and so on. Homebuilding & Renovating has a tradition of scepticism about new technologies but, in many ways, these things – innovations back then – are now by a wonderful family; I’ve travelled thousands of miles firmly part of a home’s standard spec. seeing all different types of housing; visited dozens and Some things, such as the Code for dozens of your finished houses and taken something from Sustainable Homes and Community every one (not literally…); and learnt so much about Infrastructure Levy, have come and our mysterious world of homes, and continue to do so. gone in that time — perhaps for A decade on and I’m now in the middle of design work the better. Today’s Government is on a major remodelling and extension project. People tell me that a decade editing one magazine is a sign of pushing self-build in a way that, back in 2004, we could only have dreamed madness — and perhaps that’s true. Funnily enough, it’s of. But it’s probably just as difficult, also the number-one remark from ‘others’ about people if not more so, to get planning per- who take on self-build and renovation projects. mission for a new home in 2014 as When your day-to-day job is effectively a hobby, it’s it was back then. difficult to imagine doing anything else. Nothing beats Those 10 years have seen consid- a building project to rekindle those life energies and erable change for me, too. I’ve self- get you excited again. I’m still discovering and getting built a family home to later be filled excited about it all — that amazing new home, that great little idea, that smart product that solves a problem you never knew you had. The excitement really is building, for me – as I’m sure it is for you – and it has been a pleasure being with you for the ride. I won’t say here’s to another 10 – who can look that far ahead? – but I hope I’ll get to continue for as long as I can provide you, the reader, with interesting articles, and for me, that there is still stuff to learn. Enjoy the issue. n
In Between Issues
Homebuilding & Renovating experts and staff contribute daily to blogs and more at homebuilding. co.uk; you can also keep in touch with us through social media on Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Twitter
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Homebuilding & Renovating is Britain’s best-selling and most in-depth magazine for anyone building or renovating their own home. We aim to give you the confidence to take on your own project and provide you with the very best independent expert advice, design ideas for inclusion in your own home and the best examples from others who’ve already done it
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“The excitement really IS building, for me, as it is for you”
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HB&R October 2014 HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING
HO MES
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Pitch Perfect A modern self-build takes its cue from the vernacular to provide the best of both worlds
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Living Off the Land A new home on a 300-acre farmland site is the ultimate in sustainable living
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Opening Up A dated 1930s bungalow is transformed into a contemporary family home
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In Good Health A prefab package build makes for a modern eco home with health benefits
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Old Meets New A four storey extension and renovation transforms a Victorian property
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E XP ER T O T H E R W AY S W E CAN HELP YOU
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Charlie Luxton’s Home Truths The designer considers the real value of contemporary design
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How to Pour a Concrete Floor
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A Beginner’s Guide to Planning Permission
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Underfloor Heating for Renovators A look at the innovations making retro installations simple
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Piers Taylor: More with Less The architect explains how taking a different approach to construction can result in wonderful things — and savings, too
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The Normal Person’s Guide to the New Building Regulations Part L
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A Guide to Living on Site During a Renovation
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Project Clinic How to present your scheme and create a development plan to seek funding
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Timber Decay How to get to the bottom of the problem, and why eradicating damp is key
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Oak Frame Homes Your questions answered
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Essentials: How to Get Started Our must-read guide to building or renovating a home — plus our monthly mortgage table and build cost calculator
Homebuilding.co.uk Our website archives a huge amount of content — from readers’ homes and expert solutions to your problems, to advice features on all aspects of self-build and renovation
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Plotfinder.net Looking for a building plot or renovation opportunity? Plotfinder.net is the UK’s leading database of building plots. See page 129 for more, or visit the website
Visit the Shows Homebuilding & Renovating and Home Improvement Shows provide an invaluable resource for self-builders and renovators. See homebuilding show.co.uk for information
My Building Project Get a detailed estimate of your building costs and find a reputable tradesperson in your area at mybuildingproject.co.uk
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DE SI G N
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Product Roundup What’s new this month
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Five Design Must-Haves for Your New Home
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Clever Ideas for Storage Savvy ways of building storage into your new or existing home
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A Buyer’s Guide to Kitchen Worktops
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Multi-Room Audio We explore the options for achieving this technology in your home
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How to Get Windows Right
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Concrete: The Next Big Thing in Home Design? From worktops to walls, the pros and cons of using this material in your new home
HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING EDITORIAL
Content Director Michael Holmes Editor Jason Orme Content Editor Claire Lloyd Associate Content Editor Natasha Brinsmead Content Producer Daisy Jeffery Content Producer (Digital) Lindsey Davis EDITORIAL PRODUCTION Content Production Editor Melanie Griffiths Art Editor Billy Peel Deputy Art Editor Emily Smith Contributions by Michelle Cookson Karen Lawson SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MARKETING
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Spotting Potential A 1960s chalet bungalow redesigned to create a contemporary home
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In Hindsight One couple reveal how they built their own oak frame farmhouse in Devon
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Head of Marketing Melanie Graham 01527 834039 Subscriptions Manager Alex Worthington 01527 834435 Interim Direct Marketing Manager Clare Elwell 01527 834493 Customer Services Jayne Everton 01527 834484 Marketing Assistant Kim Thomas 01527 834409 Partner Marketing Executive Helen Troth 01527 834402 ADVERTISING AND EXHIBITIONS SALES TEAMS Group Advertising Director Gill Grimshaw 01527 834427 gill.grimshaw@centaur.co.uk Display Sales Executive Eliza Morris 01527 834496 eliza.morris@centaur.co.uk Classified Sales Executive Thomas Kerwin 01527 834492 thomas.kerwin@centaur.co.uk Exhibitions Commercial Director Anthony Hull 01527 834472 anthony.hull@centaur.co.uk Exhibitions Account Director Hellen Roche 01527 834418 hellen.roche@centaur.co.uk Exhibitions Account Manager Josh Mortimer 01527 834497 josh.mortimer@centaur.co.uk Client Partnership Director Chris Priestley 020 7970 4847 chris.priestley@centaur.co.uk MAGAZINE AND WEB PRODUCTION
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Mailbag Your views and project updates
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Upfront The latest self-build news, projects, upcoming events, products and must-reads
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Self-build Blogs We follow one self-builder in the midst of building a traditional-style cottage in a Cornwall Conservation Area
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A Day in the Life In the first of a new series going behind the scenes of the building world, David Snell spends a day with a contracts manager
Head of Production Bill Griffiths iPad & Print Production Manager Charlotte Dearn Online Production Manager Tom Burbridge Email Production Assistant Sophie Everton Production Admin Assistant Alice Sullivan HOMEBUILDING.CO.UK
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Online Commercial Director Jackie Sanders 01527 834426 jackie.sanders@centaur.co.uk Online Sales Executive Kelly James 01527 834481 kelly.james@centaur.co.uk Digital Sales Executive Elena Gill 01527 834494 elena.gill@centaur.co.uk Head of Digital Gill Dawson Web Services Manager Alison Nash Web Services Technician Laura Sturgess Social Media Editor Sarah Handley PUBLISHING AND EXHIBITIONS MANAGEMENT
COVER
Joint Managing Directors Peter Harris (Content and Marketing) Nick Noble (Commercial)
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Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation Jan-Dec 2013 23,383 Centaur Special Interest Media A Centaur Media Company Sugar Brook Court Aston Road Bromsgrove Worcestershire B60 3EX 01527 834400
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Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in Homebuilding & Renovating, the publishers can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. No guarantee can be made of the safe return of unsolicited text or photographs. Copyright for all materials published in Homebuilding & Renovating remains with the publishers. Designed using Apple computers. Printed by Wyndeham Group. Distributed by MarketForce. Homebuilding & Renovating ©2013 is published monthly. ISSN 1471-5791. Competitions: By providing your details you are consenting to receive information, news and offers from Homebuilding & Renovating and its parent company, Centaur Media. If you would prefer not to receive this information, please state ‘No contact’ on your entry. Occasionally, we may pass on your details to other carefully selected companies. If you would prefer not to receive this information, please state ‘No other companies’ on your entry.
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Mailbag
“RICS has to Provide Values which Reflect Rather than Lead the Market” Share your views on the magazine, your building experiences and more. All printed letters win a year’s subscription to Homebuilding & Renovating
Letter of the Month
WHAT IS IT WORTH?
Two letters featured in the August issue of HB&R mentioned the same problem: the fact that surveyors and valuers assess properties on their sale value rather than what owners wish they were worth. Until there is sustained demand for properties where higher-than-average capital costs are balanced by lower-than-average running costs, then valuations will prove to be disappointing. Magazines, architects and TV programmes are all telling the public about the advantages of these properties, but with a generally fragile housing market and many would-be buyers unable to get finance, values will remain low. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) has to provide values which reflect rather than lead the market. To do otherwise would be to mislead owners and leave valuers open to (justified) litigation. The route by which these standards can be raised is through Building Regulations — which are moving in the right direction, but cannot move quickly enough. Peter R Hastings, Scotland
THE REAL VALUE OF ECO HOMES
We welcome your opinions and take them into account when producing the magazine. We also want to hear about your project. Email us at mailbag@ homebuilding. co.uk or write to us at Mailbag, HB&R, 2 Sugar Brook Court, Aston Road, Bromsgrove B60 3EX.
Digital Mailbag
WHAT YOU’VE SAID ONLINE THIS MONTH
Opinion was divided on the social media channels this month when we shared the ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots of a Tudor-style Before remodel in Shropshire (RIGHT). On Facebook, Rhodri Morgan was “not keen” on the transformation, and Angela After Mumford thought it was “over the top”. On the other hand, Helen Stewart thought it was “inspirational” and James Butterworth argued: “I can’t believe the negative comments! So it’s not to everyone’s taste but I say fair play for seeing the potential in a bland detached house on a great plot.” For more on our lively social media communities and to join in, visit homebuilding.co.uk/social-media
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The main problem with valuing self-builds is that there’s little evidence of sales of similar homes, and any evidence available indicates that potential purchasers have no appetite for paying a premium for an eco build unless savings are reflected in their utility bills. The second problem is that the plot cost plus build cost does not necessarily equal the final value. The inclusion of expensive eco elements may prove to be costs too far and push the resulting home into a price bracket unsustainable for the locality. I recently carried out stage inspections on a self-build with an airsource heat pump. At final inspection, I asked the couple how their electricity consumption was doing. Their answer: through the roof, as the heat pump had a poor Coefficient of Performance (COP). Similarly, I visited a Victorian terraced property with solar panels. The homeowners produced documentation of their income from the electricity generated, however the property price had a specific amount included to account for the solar array. The bank’s rules prohibited me from taking account of the array and I had to down-value by that amount — the bank’s view was that you cannot mortgage something with a finite life considerably less than the length of the proposed mortgage. So, where are the real benefits? Tony Lyon, via email
A CALL FOR CHANGE
I sit here feeling very sorry, if not very cross, for David and Mrs Snell after reading about their troubles in the August issue’s ‘On Site with Snell’. What a sorry tale, and one we hear too often — even with 12 builds under his belt, David wasn’t able to get his scheme approved. This has to be an example to put in front of MPs to illustrate how the planning system, at times, simply doesn’t work. Anything involving planning takes too long. I work within the property and planning sector and I have asked case officers I know just how much time they actually spend working on an individual application. In many cases, the actual number of hours logged is quite small — it’s the whole
process that takes the time. Every communication takes a number of days, and every day delayed in responding or actioning something adds to the timeline. In my ideal planning world, I would make the planners and consultees meet once a fortnight, all in one room, with the applicant, and discuss the proposal and agree solutions. I want the David Snells of this world to build homes — they will be different and built to a good standard with lower running costs. Once read, I may well send my August issue to the planning authority in question. I hope they will be suitably embarrassed. Jeremy Murfitt, Leicestershire
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LONDON
LONDON, OLYMPIA 26-28 SEPT 2014
STAND J20
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Firing imaginations for over 30 years...
Over 30 years of British design and engineering have gone into creating the UK’s most comprehensive range of high quality woodburning, solid-fuel, gas and electric stoves and fireplaces.
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UPFRONT News
Self-build Find-a-Builder Service Launched
PARISH NOTES Government scheme news, corrections and more
A new scheme from the FMB and NaCSBA helps homeowners identify self-build-friendly local builders, says Lindsey Davis
Meeting Builders
Many builders won’t be interested in one-off homes, so this new scheme aims to help self-builders identify local firms who have interest and experience
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Self Build Contractor’ service is free to use, and holds a database of over 1,500 contractors with self-build experience. The service is the first of its kind in the UK, and can be accessed via the Self Build Portal, NaCSBA’s online resource for self-builders. MP Richard Bacon, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Self-Build, Custom-Build and Independent Housebuilding, said: “Finding a suitable builder can be a headache for many self-builders who lack first-hand experience of the construction trade. This
is where the FMB’s ‘Find a Self Build Contractor’ service can help you. Every builder belonging to the Federation must have satisfied a comprehensive set of background checks and also agreed to a rigorous Code of Practice and dispute resolution, offering peace of mind to potential clients. I would highly recommend that any prospective self-builders draw on the Federation’s knowledge and experience to help complete their dream home.” ● Access the service via selfbuildportal.org.uk
RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE (JULY ISSUE) In the July issue we featured an article on the Renewable Heat Incentive, and stated that existing heat pump installations would be assigned a seasonal performance factor (SPF) of 2.5 and that this is non-negotiable. This is incorrect — the SPF on legacy installations can be recalculated using the Heat Emitter Guide from Ofgem. This will ensure your system has the right SPF rating and you receive the correct payments.
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new service to put self-builders in contact with local contractors has been launched by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA). It is hoped it will ease the stress of finding a reliable builder with relevant skills. Over half of all self-builds in the UK are carried out by main contractors on behalf of private clients, so the new service will enable customers to find a contractor in their area with suitable knowledge of self-build. The FMB’s ‘Find a
GREEN DEAL HOME IMPROVEMENT FUND No sooner had we sent our September issue to print than did we receive the news that the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHPF) – one of the features in our How to Spend Less on Heating supplement – had reached the fund limit and is now closed to applications. The GDHPF was opened for applications at the start of June!
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UPFRONT
We Like…
Self-build Boost in Devon Teignbridge Council puts self-build in the Local Plan
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The Waste House in Numbers
Ephemera
The House of Waste A research project showcases new uses for old rubbish
At the University of Brighton, a building has been constructed almost entirely out of waste and surplus material as part of its research into zero-carbon building methods. The Brighton Waste House is the combined efforts of senior lecturer and architect Duncan Baker-Brown (of BBM Sustainable Design), undergraduate architecture students, volunteers, apprentices from the Mears Group,
20,000 toothbrushes, two tonnes of denim jeans, 4,000 DVD cases, 2,000 used carpet tiles and much more have gone into building The Brighton Waste House
and construction students at City College Brighton and Hove. The idea was developed along with Cat Fletcher of Freegle – a volunteer-run, UK-wide movement which sees usable items find new homes – who helped source unwanted materials to use in place of standard insulation and building materials. The team hope that the project will prove that “there is no such thing as waste, just stuff in the wrong place,” as items which may have been sent to landfill have been repurposed for the fabric of the building. Made from timber frame and scrap plywood, the structure has been filled with video cassettes, toothbrushes and jeans, and the thermal efficiency of these nonconventional building materials will be tested by sensors fitted in the walls by the university’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. The house has also been covered with a vapour control membrane made of vinyl advertising banners, and an external layer of carpet tiles for weatherproofing. If the results of the thermal performance tests are positive, self-builders working to a tight budget could be given all the inspiration they need to sustainably insulate their homes. Either way, much can be learnt from The Brighton Waste House’s alternative uses of what is usually deemed to be rubbish.
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A district council in Devon is among the first to write new provisions for self-build into its Local Plan. Teignbridge Council will force developers, who get permission for 20 houses or more, to make 5 per cent of the land available to self-builders. Council leader Jeremy Christophers feels the move acknowledges the difficulties faced by plot hunters in the area. He also said: “Teignbridge is positive about self-build, and as a council we are looking to support local people who want to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in to being part of the solution to the housing problem.”
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UPFRONT
Events
HB&R Live in Edinburgh A new show in Scotland in October
Products
An essential visit for anyone hoping to build, renovate or improve their own home, the Homebuilding & Renovating and Home Improvement Show comes to Edinburgh for the first time this autumn. The Show, which runs from 25 to 26 October, features all the essential products and services you’ll need to succeed, mixed with independent advice at free seminars and one-to-one advice sessions. ● For more, visit edinburgh.homebuildingshow.co.uk
Book of the Month
IMAGES: IRISH HERITAGE TRUST; EARTHBORN
Modern Country: Inspiring Interiors for Contemporary Country Living Homes in the countryside don’t need to be built to a template of traditional style, as the amazing interiors and homes featured in Modern Country go to show. The book contains rarely seen photographs from the French interiors magazine Côté Maison, and showcases Europe’s most desirable homes in the mountains, countryside and by the sea. The author offers décor advice alongside inspirational images for anyone designing a new country home, or renovating an existing building. ● Modern Country by Caroline CliftonMogg, £30, Jacqui Small Publishing
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Healthy Paint, Healthy Home A new generation of VOC-free paints mixes health pros with stylish schemes
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nyone who has ever tried to paint a poorly ventilated room will know that it is a recipe for headaches and sometimes dizziness or nausea, and there are some pretty nasty chemicals in conventional paints which could be responsible. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – found in most paints – are emitted as gases from solids and liquids, and can continue to be emitted up to five years after the paint has dried. Going for a low-VOC paint is one option, but there are ‘eco’ paints on the market which are petrochemical free. There are several highly recommended international products including Aglaia and Biofa, but if buying British is your bag, try Ecos or Earthborn. Earthborn paints are clay-based and allow your walls and woodwork to breath, which is particularly important when working on older homes, and helps to minimise condensation and mildew by allowing moisture to escape. What’s more, the thick paint provides better coverage and is incredibly durable, meaning you need less of it. The Irish Heritage Trust and the National Trust are fans of Earthborn’s range of subtle traditional colours and restoration-friendly ingredients. ■
Paints That Are Good For You
The new Earthborn range for autumn/ winter 2014 features great tones and are completely free of petrochemicals
● To find out more visit earthbornpaints.co.uk
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Products
Ideas for September
Materials | Finishes | Launches
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The Privilege Collection from Fiora combines a contemporary aesthetic with innovative technology, to create a striking look for your bathroom. The wall panels, combined with the matching shower trays (shown below in Wenge, but available in 13 other colours), cover gaps left by old tiles and are also coated with Fiora’s exclusive Nanobath surface. The use of nanotechnology means the trays become water resistant, for easy and safe maintenance, as well as repelling bacteria to keep your bathroom hygienic. POA (price on application). ● Fiora: fiora.es/en
Hansgrohe’s New ShowerSelect Thermostat
Max-Top Quartz Kitchen Worktop
Bi-folding door manufacturer Origin has launched a new range of flush casement and fixed-frame aluminium windows, available in a wide range of colours. Like its range of bi-folding doors, Origin’s new window frames have slim sightlines, are low-maintenance with no rusting or warping, and the glass benefits from an A-rated thermal performance. The windows come in a range of configurations to suit different homes: from fixed, side or top hung, to dummy sash and gable designs. The windows are also extremely secure thanks to their ‘Secured by Design’ Yale locking system. POA. ● Origin: origin-global.com
Max-Top’s new Quartz worktop combines the beauty of natural stone with a lightweight structure, thanks to its patented honeycomb interior. Suitable for both contemporary and traditional kitchens, the worktop is available in 10 finishes – including sparkling black onyx, warm grey and anthracite – is easy to install, and comes with a 25-year guarantee. The product, unlike traditional solid stone, also offers 100 per cent moisture protection. At a depth of 40mm, the Max-Top Quartz can easily replace old worktops without too much hassle — perfect for renovators looking for an upgrade to their kitchen. POA. ● Max-Top: 0161 224 0333
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Hansgrohe’s new ShowerSelect thermostat with integrated Fixfit hose connection and shower support can be combined with a range of hand and overhead showers. The buttons feature a matte finish and the flat handle enables the user to control the required temperature with ease. POA. ● Hansgrohe: hansgrohe.co.uk
The C714G Gas Hob from Caple
Aluminium Window Range from Origin
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The Privilege Collection from Fiora
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The new C714G gas hob from Caple features a stainless steel base with removable cast iron pan for easy cleaning. The hob consists of three semi-rapid burners, one rapid burner, and one triple-ring burner — ideal for wok cooking. The hob also has a safety device that cuts the gas supply if the flame goes out. It costs £294 incl VAT. ● Caple: 01179 381900
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Suitable for living spaces, kitchens and bathrooms alike, the new Sophia Dove collection from Topps Tiles offers a stylish touch, inspired by popular damask fabrics. The Sophia Dove Damask tiles (shown below) are made of etched marble and are available in both coffee and grey colours. POA. ● Topps Tiles: 0800 783 6262
e Agile Shower • Th Series from Mira The Impress Range from Moduleo
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The Sophia Dove Collection from Topps Tiles
Smeg’s updated SY4110-9 Symphony 110cm dual-fuel, four-cavity range cooker now features side-opening doors. The stainless steel cooker with gas hob features cast iron pan stands, is finished inside with easy-clean enamel, has a handy storage drawer, and includes Smeg’s Vapor Clean technology. The main oven also benefits from seven different cooking functions. POA. ● Smeg: 0844 557 9907
The new Impress range from luxury vinyl flooring manufacturer Moduleo, complete with registered embossing, creates a realistic wood flooring effect. The range of tiles, which is set to launch this month, will include five wood designs in 22 colours, featured in both dry back and click options for easy installation. POA. ● Moduleo: 01332 851500
Vogue (UK)’s Simplicity Arc Towel Warmer
The Simplicity Arc towel warmer from Vogue (UK) features a sleek, minimalist design which can be used in even the smallest of bathrooms. Available as a round or square tube in two different heights, the stainless steel towel warmer comes in both an electric version and a brass model, which includes Vogue (UK)’s ‘integral valve’, for central heating systems. POA. ● Vogue (UK): 01902 387000
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Mira’s new Agile high-performance thermostatic mixer shower collection features eight models, which have a compact, ‘unibody’ design, are easy to install and come with a five-year guarantee. While the showers in the range vary with eco options, a choice of valves and showerheads, plugin modules and accessories, all models feature Mira MagniFloTM — providing up to three times more flow, even at low pressure. POA. ● Mira: mirashowers.co.uk
Hergom Glance Woodburner from Eurostove
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The Premium Elm range from Shutterly Fabulous is crafted from deep-grain elm and allows you to create an earthy, rustic style with a choice of 10 Classic Poplar warm wood stains and an additional 10 paints and stains — meaning you can achieve the exact shade to suit your interior scheme. The shutters also come in four different slat sizes with either a front push rod or hidden rod design. Prices start from £290/m2. ● Shutterly Fabulous: 0800 012 6615
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Smeg’s SY4110-9 Symphony Cooker
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Premium Elm Wood Shutters from Shutterly Fabulous
Eurostove’s Hergom Glance woodburner offers 80 per cent efficiency performance through its cast iron double structure, has a single lever for air control, secondary combustion system, and choice of top or rear flue exit. The stove features stylish front and side ceramic glass vision panels, and top and side surround bars. It can also be freestanding or wall mounted and has a removable ash pan. It costs £2,890 incl VAT. ● Eurostove: 01934 750500
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PROJECT PORTFOLIO Take Inspiration from the Best New Individual Homes
PITCH PERFECT A modern self-build which takes its cue from the vernacular provides the best of both worlds for one couple SELF-BUILD | MANCHESTER | SIZE: 230m2 BUILD TIME: EIGHT MONTHS ARCHITECT: HUNTER ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS (0161 926 9039; HUNTERARCHITECTS.CO.UK)
High-Volume Hallway LEFT:
Inside, the vaulted ceiling provides cathedral-like proportions. A bespoke glass pendant light, commissioned from The Contemporary Chandelier Company, is the centrepiece of the hallway, along with the cantilevered landing
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esigning an individual home which sits comfortably within the streetscape can be a difficult task — but it’s a balance which this contemporary self-build, with its steeppitched gable ends and considered palette of render, stone and brick cladding, has successfully achieved. What’s more, the house not only embraces modern living – this thoroughly airtight property is built to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, as well as to Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design standards – but also manages to incorporate and reinterpret elements of the period properties in which the homeowners, Keith and Norma Justice, had previously lived. “Keith and Norma came to us with a brief which included a list of key features, but they did not have a set architectural style in mind. When we began to unravel what they liked about old houses, we discovered that it was features such as high ceilings and large windows which held particular appeal,” says Ian Hunter of Hunter Architects and Planners, the practice behind the design. Indeed, Keith and Norma’s previous family home was an Art Deco vicarage, and with Keith due to retire from
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Project Portfolio
A Sustainable New Home
PHOTOS: C/O HUNTER ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS
WORDS: CLAIRE LLOYD
Built to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, this thoroughly airtight home features solar thermal panels (which can be glimpsed on the roof pitch, BELOW); they provide the homeowners with hot water during the sunnier months. The house was also designed to Lifetime Homes standards, meaning even the bathrooms are accessible and could accommodate a wheelchair if required
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Project Portfolio
his role as a reverend, the couple’s thoughts had turned to building a new home, with low running costs, for the next chapter of their lives. It was perhaps poetic justice that the plot they went on to purchase was carved from the side garden of another former presbytery, and once sat within the curtilage of the neighbouring church. The plot was unique in that it contained a statue of the Madonna, mounted on a substantially constructed monument clad with stone over a reinforced concrete frame. It also presented some particular design challenges. “It’s a narrow plot, which could have resulted in a long house with dark internal spaces,” says architect Ian. “So we really pushed and pulled the floorplan to create something which worked here. “The garden is north facing, so we were aware of the need to reduce glazing on the rear elevation, but also balance where daylight was coming from; wraparound corner patio doors, for example, were designed to bring light into the rear living space,” adds Ian. “In addition, we wanted to maximise glazing on the south-facing front without compromising on privacy. The glazing above the front door now pulls in warmth and light.” The positioning of glazing was also influenced by the Lifetime Homes standards, a set of design criteria that provides a model for building an accessible and adaptable house. “It was not something which Keith and Norma had come across before, but once introduced, they embraced the standards — they even went beyond them by installing a lift.” This will allow access to the four first floor bedrooms if required in the future. Having built his own home in accordance with the Lifetime
Street-Facing Façade
The twin gable ends are a contemporary nod to the neighbouring properties on the street. Glazing has been maximised on this southfacing elevation – particularly to the doubleheight hallway – in order to bring in light and encourage solar gain. Pushing back one gable end not only reduces massing, but has allowed a first floor balcony to be created above the garage
Homes standards, Ian commends the benefits. “Lowering window openings to a maximum of 800mm above floor level in principal rooms means, for example, that you can see the garden when sat down on the sofa. We took them to floor level, meaning even our young children can see out when crawling about the floor.” The twin gable ends – which are defining features to both the street-facing and rear elevations – were a response to the neighbouring properties, but also take their cue from homes of old. “I doubt we would have got away with a flat roof here, and we didn’t want a ‘standard’ 30-35° pitch. The steep pitch, which is around 45°, instead looks back to more traditional roof pitches, particularly those common to Victorian properties,” says Ian. Internally, this roof pitch provided scope for a vaulted, double-height hallway with what Ian describes as ‘cathedral-like’ proportions — just the kind of tall ceilings Keith and Norma were after. Again, inspiration was taken from neighbouring homes for the exterior cladding, with rich, red brick, sandstone and render specified. “An ‘off-white’ colour was chosen for the render. When the sun hits white render, it can look cold, and we wanted to achieve something much warmer and inviting here,” explains Ian. Sandstone was also chosen for its warmth as cladding for the chunky chimney. This eye-catching feature serves to visually break up the rear elevation. “It breaks up the render, too,” adds Ian. “A fireplace was always part of the brief, but we wanted to make a focal point of it inside and out. Positioning glazing either side also draws the eye out to the garden from the living room.” ■
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Class of 2014
“ You Can’t Scrimp on Materials and Finish” This month we are following second-time self-builder Ash Theasby. He is half way through building a traditional cottage in a Cornwall Conservation Area
class of 2014 Each month we’ll catch up with one of our four Class of 2014 projects: real self-builds and renovations as they happen. Follow them all, live, online at homebuilding.co.uk/classof14 — don’t forget to send them your questions too! Meanwhile, meet the rest of the Class:
O
ver the winter I was really str uggling to make progress on the build. The weather was relentless, the old wall on site had fallen down, and there was a lot of unexpected extra expenditure. But I’m ASH THEASBY now happy to report Ash Theasby that the superstruchas demolished ture of the building is a dilapidated finally complete. industrial building So, what have I in a Cornish Conservation Area. learnt along the way He is replacing it so far? Well, firstly, if with a traditional you’re building in the cottage-style home winter – especially the main superstructure – allow for extra time and money. Things will take longer and inevitably cost a little extra. In my opinion you really can’t scrimp on the materials and finish during the build. I could end up eating my words, but I’ll wager the house will be worth a lot more when it is done because of the materials and quality craftsmanship. It has cost a lot more in the short run, but I think it will pay off. The stone I’ve used for the exterior, for example, is a lovely buff-coloured granite from Castle-an-Dinas Quarry (I don’t know anywhere else you can get this colour granite from; it looks like Cotswold stone) which is far from cheap compared to some of the other stone available in Cornwall. Obviously, there is no point spending a lot of money on the stone and not getting a quality craftsman to lay it, which I did with Nathan Eade. My pièce de résistance, however, (I think) is the chunky oak roof I had made by Carpenter Oak. It is easily the most expensive part of the house, but I think it was worth every penny. The huge beams and vaulted ceilings really give you a feeling of space and size, and I think it will
Class of 14 Oct 14.indd 27
JOE SHIMBART
be the talking point of the house. Each beam is lovingly handcrafted by Carpenter Oak and they truly look amazing (below). Now the main structure of the house is complete and is (almost) watertight, I can start to crack on with the slightly more fun part: the interior. The upstairs floorboards have already gone down and the next job is to lay the radon membrane downstairs (this being Cornwall), add the floor insulation, install the underfloor heating and pour the floor screed. The scaffold is finally gone too, and it’s great to see it come down — like unwrapping a present. In the mean time, first fix plumbing and electrics are going on inside so progress is continuing and hopefully all will be complete in another three to four months. n
Joe is building an oak frame home on a triangular plot in Hampshire. He plans to incorporate a number of eco-friendly technologies and methods into his build
DARREN FINDLOW Darren Findlow and his partner Anthony are first-time selfbuilders. They are building an energy-efficient oak frame house on a woodland plot in Cheshire
GILL MELLER River Cottage head chef, Gill Meller, is renovating a summerhouse near Lyme Regis in Dorset. He hopes to turn it into the perfect sustainable home by the sea, with the help of his wife Alice
l Check out the latest with Ash’s project online at homebuilding.co.uk/classof14
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living land OFF THE
Nestled into the landscape of their 300-acre farm, Neil and Mary Gourlay’s self-built home is the ultimate in sustainable living ECO SELF-BUILD | DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY | DEC 11 – 13 | SIZE: 340m2 PLOT COST: ALREADY OWNED | BUILD COST: £700,000 (£2,058/m2) | VALUE: £700-800,000
WORDS: CAROLINE EDNIE PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDREW LEE
28 HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING
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Homes
Carved from the Site
The brief was for a new home that would have as little impact upon the surrounding landscape as possible. This has been successfully achieved thanks to using materials such as stone and timber, sourced from the surrounding land, along with a sloping turf roof which matches the gradient of the slope into which the house is built
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“Our brief was for a long-term family home that would be sustainable and carbon negative, warm and airtight, and would not cost a lot in terms of power and heating�
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Homes
Recycled Materials
The exterior of the property features a mix of materials sourced from the surrounding farmland. The majority of the home’s façade is clad in oak from the site’s windfelled trees, while 500 tonnes of stone was collected from the neighbouring fields to create the dry-stone wall. The turf roof also uses grass from the site
s
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USING THE AUSTRIAN KACHELÖFEN BIOMASS STOVE “The Austrian stove is wonderful,” says Neil, who first came across the Kachelöfen stove while on holiday in the country. “I thought at the time, ‘This has to be the way to heat a house.’ It only takes about four logs a day to heat it; you bung the logs in and keep the air vent open so the oxygen is there to burn it down to the ashes, and then you switch off the oxygen and that’s all it takes, until the next day. “In layman’s terms, it could be described as a solid-mass pizza oven,” he explains. “A pizza oven is open, but when this fires up you close the door and it
Gourlay case study Sept 14.indd 32
heats the whole oven up, and it’s made from lime mortar rather than cement, which means that it can contract and expand without cracking. “It heats up the whole dry-stone wall that runs through the house,” Neil continues. “As it’s located in the wall between the main living space, an element goes into the snug room and an element goes into the study, heating all these areas — and it evenly distributes the heat, so you don’t have warm and cold areas. The biggest complaints from guests are that the house is too hot, even on this exposed site.”
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Homes Living Space
The primary living space on the ground floor is open plan to the dining and kitchen area, with the feature dry-stone wall containing a Kachelรถfen stove. The large triple-glazed windows, from Ling Joinery, offer views of the surrounding farmland. A staircase in the centre of the space leads down to the bedroom accommodation below
HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING 33
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Homes
W
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Going Green
Thanks to his knowledge of energy-efficient technology, Neil and wife Mary (ABOVE) can comfortably enjoy a new longterm home which is almost entirely self-sufficient
livestock and make sure there was someone there keeping an eye on the land,” explains Neil. The specific site eventually chosen for the build was based on a decision reached by the Gourlays in conjunction with their architect, Mark Waghorn, who was responsible for the design of Three Glens. “When we first spoke to Mark, our main brief was for a long-term family home that would be sustainable and carbon negative, warm and airtight, and that would not cost a lot in terms of power and heating,” Neil continues. “Already, we have no telephone or internet bills (we don’t have a landline), nor heating, electricity or gas bills, as a wind turbine services the house. All we’ve got to pay is the council tax and by the time we’re 65, we won’t even be paying for our TV licence! “We were also keen that the house would incorporate as many materials from the farmland as possible and blend into the landscape,” says Neil. “In the event, Mark chose a site where solar gains would be enjoyed yet at the same time where the house’s visual impact on the landscape would be minimal (a copse of trees and outcrop of rocks naturally frames the building). The final design also has a roof slope that has the same gradient as the slope of the hill — it has a view to die for!” The substantial five bedroom farmhouse finally emerged in 2013 following a 17-month build by 3b Construction, with the whole project managed by Neil himself. “Our main concern during the build was that water from the hillside would penetrate the property, so we started with a poured concrete wall and then a steel
s
hen Neil Gourlay set out to project manage his first major self-build, the experience saw the Dumfries and Galloway farmer extend his portfolio beyond the accolade of the UK’s ‘green energy farmer of the year (2011)’ to becoming one of Britain’s greenest self-builders. What has emerged following Neil and wife Mary’s ‘four Rs’ philosophy – reduce, reuse, recycle and recover – is Three Glens, a new long-term family home set among farmland, which is also something of a masterstroke of eco-savvy design and technology. “Our solution wasn’t to build an ordinary house,” explains Neil of the couple’s off-grid home, located on a 300-acre farm site which they bought back in 2002, and adjoins the Gourlays’ substantial, mainly grass farmland, which is also home to 3,200 ewes and 500 cows. The catalyst for building what is essentially their ‘retirement’ home – they are the third generation of the Gourlay family farming in the Cairn Valley – was actually the recent financial crisis. “I decided to take the family funds and put them back into my own hands, and do something that I had control over. My options were to do something with the land or on the land, and it was at this point that we decided to build,” explains Neil. Essentially, when it came to finding their self-build plot, there were 300 acres of farmland for the couple to choose from. “It was easy enough getting planning permission to build a house for agricultural use, in order to ensure the security and wellbeing of the
14/08/2014 10:18
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Homes frame; it had to be a steel frame to take the weight of the turf roof. We took the turf from the site and, as well as being visually attractive, it also keeps the sun off the Sarnafil flat roof and protects it from any deterioration.” In order to stay true to their ‘four Rs’ philosophy, Three Glens embraces the land from which it is quite literally built. Alongside the use of self-grown turf for the roof, the exterior oak cladding was sourced from the surrounding wind-felled trees, while 500 tonnes of stone from neighbouring fields have been used for the dry-stone wall which passes through the interior of the house. If that wasn’t enough, the couple have even used homegrown sheep fleece to insulate the property. “We clipped the sheep about four years ago and I took all the fleeces down to Bradford and had them scoured — there are only two wool scourers left in the country now,” explains Neil. “The wool went from there to a company down the road, John Cotton, which made it into batts. I took the wool fleeces down in my pick-up truck and it took two arctic lorries to bring it back; not from weight but bulk. There’s now 150mm of sheep’s wool insulation behind every wall.” Along with heavy doses of insulation, the property benefits from a plethora of energy-efficient solutions, including a Kachelöfen biomass stove, which sits at the heart of the house and warms up the interior dry-stone wall, evenly distributing the heat to create a constant ambient temperature. A ground-source heat pump (dug vertically to a depth of 100m) is also in place to power the underfloor heating, and a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system ups the ante in terms of energy self-sufficiency. A 34m-tall wind turbine also generates enough electricity for up to 25 homes, with the excess electricity exported to the National Grid and generating extra income for the farm. The only disappointment for Neil in terms of the kit installed has been the solar thermal panels on the garage roof, “which haven’t performed as well as the other systems, although I’m not blaming the equipment, just the weather!” The ‘reduce, reuse, recycle, recover’ build philosophy is also largely evident in the interiors, where reclaimed railway sleepers have been sawn, treated and polished by local craftspeople to create the wood floors and functional furniture; leather hide from the farm’s cows has even been used for the upholstery, too. “The advantage of project managing every aspect is that your research is done beforehand and you think about details and interesting features before taking on the build,” says Neil. “For example, the round clock in the living area was made on my father-in-law’s farm in Cumbria, using his mill wheel stone. I made sure that it was incorporated and built into the design — you can’t do these kind of things retrospectively. “Ultimately taking on a project like this, in addition to the ‘four Rs’, is also about the six Ps!” laughs Neil, looking back. “That’s ‘proper preparation prevents pisspoor performance’!” ■ Neil and Mary now provide luxury catered holiday accommodation at Three Glens. For more details, visit 3glens.com
Stepping Down
A gently turning timber staircase leads down from the main living area to a lower ground floor, built into the slope. Five bedrooms occupy this level, and double doors in a ‘lobby’ area open out to a lawn
The Lowdown NEIL AND MARY’S COSTS Construction materials Joinery Roof Windows/blinds/doors Flooring Heating and plumbing Electrical Kitchen 1 Borehole Ground-source heat pump Biomass stove Solar panels Other Total:
£300,000 £120,000 £16,000 £72,000 £14,000 £30,000 £22,000 £9,000 £7,000 £16,000 £8,000 £10,000 £76,000 £700,000
SUPPLIERS Architect Mark Waghorn Architects .............markwaghorn.co.uk Structural engineer, main contractor, stone finishes, plumbing and heating 3b Construction ........................ 3bconstruction.co.uk Concrete supplier Hansons ....hansonready-mixconcrete.co.uk Windows Ling Joinery ....................................................... 01931 714289 Sanitaryware Tynemouth Architectural Salvage .............................. ...................................................................................................... 01912 966070 Kitchen and appliances Stevenson McConnel ...... 01387 740112 Fleece scouring John Cotton .......................................01924 496571
▲
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Homes
What We’ve Learned What was your best buy? The Austrian Kachelöfen stove. The reclaimed railway sleepers that have been used for the upstairs flooring are also excellent — the railway sleepers, all porcelain sinks and loos, cast iron baths, etc. are over 80 years old. We went to Tynemouth Architectural Salvage and asked if, within three months, we could get seven sinks, two baths and six loos, and we got everything we needed within that time frame. What’s your favourite part of the house? The dry-stone wall is a highlight. We’ve taken the stones that were stacked in the corners in neighbouring fields and gathered them on the site – we used 500 tonnes of stone – and this is now one of the defining features of the house.
Floorplans With the brief for the home to have as little impact on the landscape as possible, the house is built into the hill slope with the living accommodation at ground level, and five bedrooms below. In order to maximise on the surrounding views, two large terraces lead out from the open plan living/kitchen/dining space, while a third terrace is accessed from the conservatory. A separate snug and study offer more private spaces to retreat to. To the front of the house, a section is dedicated to utility areas including a larder, timber store, double garage and a space to house the ground-source heat pump.
BED ROOM E/S
BED ROOM
BED ROOM
E/S
W/D
BED BED ROOM ROOM
LOWER GROUND FLOOR
E/S BATH
TERRACE
STUDY
DINING
GROUND FLOOR
KITCHEN
HALL
SNUG
TERRACE
CONSERVATORY
LARDER
BOOT ROOM
GREENHOUSE
TIMBER STORE
Gourlay case study Sept 14.indd 38
Are there any tasks you wished you had left to the professionals or trades? Neil: It’s been an ambition in my life to build a house. If it’s your passion, do it yourself. I have no regrets about project managing the build. What one piece of key advice would you pass on to other readers? Go for one builder. In a house as interesting and unique as this, to have different trades might have been a bit disastrous because if anything went wrong, they may have all blamed each other — with one contractor, that won’t happen. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt during this project? One thing we didn’t get right is the electrics. There are so many options and it all needs to be worked out from the outset. Know exactly what you want in terms of every fitting, switch and shaver socket right at the beginning.
TERRACE LIVING
Did you find anything surprisingly easy or hard while undertaking your project? Planning was amazingly quick (it took six weeks), but the building warrant wasn’t — it took 16 months. The house was not the norm in design terms so we think it went to and from different departments for comment.
GSHP
GARAGE
Would you take on another self-build again? This is our long-term family home, so there are no plans to take on anything similar for now.
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