Don’t kerb your enthusiasm for brick

Jason Hughes of Imperial Bricks explains how variations in brick colour, texture, size, and laying pattern all have a direct affect on the kerb appeal of your project, which impacts its future value Choosing the right cladding material is one... View Article

Futureproofing timber frame homes

Matthew Evans of Kingspan Insulation discusses how to ensure your timber frame home is well insulated so you don’t lose energy efficiency benefits Timber frame constructions are growing in popularity in the UK and now account for around 25% of... View Article

Refreshed regency elegance

Francois Belot and Andrea Buscone found a shared joy in their sensitive renovation and extension of an elegant Regency townhouse in south London TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES INNA KOSTUKOVSKY It was December 2019 when London-based couple Francois Belot and Andrea... View Article

Roaring into retirement

Embarking on the journey of self-building their retirement home along the south-west’s Jurassic Coast turned into a decade-long adventure for two septuagenarians. The result surpassed everything they could have hoped for TEXT EWEN MACDONALD IMAGES PHIL COFFEY Former city dweller... View Article

Permeable paving: the driving force behind SuDS success

Chris Hodson of Interpave delves into the impact of soon to be mandatory sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) in new residential projects, and the transformative role that permeable paving plays The wider application of concrete block permeable paving to reverse... View Article

Practically
perfect

Young newlyweds Euan and Fiona Coleman thought they had found their forever home, but once children arrived they reassessed their wish list of practicalities, which led them to embark on a renovation in Hertfordshire TEXT LAURA SHADWELL IMAGES JWB ARCHITECTS... View Article

Survey reveals UK self-builders’ challenges and aspirations

Younger people in the UK are vastly under-represented in the self-build community, according to a recent survey which also looked at key motives for self-builders including creating better quality and more sustainable homes.  The survey of 759 individuals undertaking homebuilding... View Article

The warm feeling of cost-efficiency

Dennis Milligan of the BFCMA explores the efficiency benefits of wood-burning stoves, how they work with heat pumps, and installation essentials Heat pumps work best when they are running at a constant temperature. A stove can complement a heat pump... View Article

The Window View: A look at safety issues

Victoria Brocklesby of Origin discusses what features to look for in your doors and windows in order to achieve the critical security you need for your home When undertaking a self-build project, it can be tempting to overlook home security... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

After overcoming a rocky start, Kerri and her family are now making headway with a self-build in the Suffolk village they’ve lived in for years. She says the excitement and enthusiasm is building as their new home starts to take... View Article

The versatility of contemporary bookcases in home design

Adam Brown, managing director of The Painted Furniture Company highlights the shift from mere book storage to bookcases becoming elegant feature pieces, serving as showcases for favourite reads and home accessories. From expansive floor-to-ceiling units that make a striking visual... View Article

Home Styling: Bathing in texture

LISTEN HERE Jorge Hernandez of Bathroom Brands Group explores how applying texture can make it transformative in modern bathroom design. From fluted accents to intricate tiles, discover how tactile and visual approaches can elevate your space Whether you want your... View Article

Ask the Expert: Floored by choice?

LISTEN HERE To assist self-builders exploring the myriad structural timber flooring options out there, Scott Wolters of EGGER UK provides a brief overview of the choices and solutions I’M LOOKING FOR A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION, WHAT’S BEST? Given the ongoing climate... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Home Offices

LISTEN HERE Whether it’s a dedicated room or an office nook for occasional home working, striking your balance between comfort and professionalism in a home office can be challenging. Here, we’ve gathered an elegant selection of items to help you... View Article

Bookended
sustainably

A home sitting at the end of a famous Edinburgh terrace has undergone a contemporary sustainable transformation, seamlessly blending with the locality while exuding its own distinct allure TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES WILL SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY This self-build project sits on... View Article

Leading brands predict bathroom trends for 2024

Now we are in the new year, many customers will be looking to invigorate their homes for the year ahead. In light of this, leading bathroom supplier Sanctuary Bathrooms has collaborated with leading manufacturers, brands, and interior experts to unveil... View Article

Garador is flying high!

This year, after 75 years, leading British garage door manufacturer Garador has reached new heights. As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, a special flying bi-plane has been built, complete with Garador insignia including Garador’s special anniversary logos. The Garador... View Article

Breathe easy

Jay Vitale of Air For Life looks at the essential importance of indoor air quality, and the practical considerations around purification systems, while addressing common self-builder concerns to help you breathe easier Building a home from scratch is a rewarding... View Article