Selfbuilder Diaries

In the first of a series of first-hand articles by self-builders, we track the initial inspiration for Amanda Ritchie’s remote Scottish build, and the challenges of upping sticks to Skye My name is Amanda Ritchie and currently I live with... View Article

Energising inspiration

The organisers of the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (being held 30 Sept-2 Oct at ExCeL) say that UK’s first National Home Energy Week “opens up new opportunities” for the self-build sector  The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be... View Article

Lessons in landscaping

Ronan O’Dowd from AG Outside Rooms shares his top landscaping lessons for maximising your outdoor space and adding value to your property There was once a time when British gardens sat largely unused except for the sporadic BBQ upon sighting... View Article

New Rituals in the kitchen with Keller

The popularity of the industrial-style kitchen continues apace and Keller has, once again, come up trumps with the newest addition to the collection, Dark Rituals. The overall scheme incorporates, and combines, weathered materials, black, metal and stone. The door fronts used in... View Article

Trevor Huggins, licence to build

A James-Bond inspired home in Cornwall makes use of a steep sloped small unused space to create an architectural gem on the edge of the River Tamar TEXT & IMAGES EWEN MACDONALD When Trevor Huggins and his family envisaged a... View Article

Maximising small living spaces

Rising rent prices, shrinking property sizes and increased demand for shared accommodation means we’re now living in smaller spaces more than ever. Analysis of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) data by Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals the median floor... View Article

Garage door policies

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Enhancing your property and adding to its kerb appeal is all about making the right choice for your home’s exterior – the windows, entrance doors, landscaping and, of course, your garage door. Here, David O’Mara of Hörmann... View Article

Ask the Expert: Security first

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Kenny McHugh of Secured by Design answers self-builders’ questions on creating a physically secure home, from the layout and boundaries, to physical security and alarms Every self-builder will be looking to create a safe and secure home,... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Bedrooms

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Bedrooms should be somewhere that you can really relax and feel comfortable, beyond just places to sleep. From wardrobes to dressing tables to underbed storage, you can co-ordinate your pieces to ensure that the whole space feels... View Article

A different angle

LISTEN HERE Architect Lanre Falase adapted an existing design to create a striking home for his family in south London, full of unique quirks and clever elements that maximise its tight, triangular site TEXT TOM BODDY IMAGES LUKASZ WIELKOSZYNSKI &... View Article

Jackon showcases the future of self-building

HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW, EXCEL LONDON. STAND: F130 JACKON is a market leader in ICF – Insulating Concrete Formwork. This construction technique makes a positive contribution to the construction of energy-efficient buildings due to very low energy inputs required for... View Article

Defy Gravity with the Onyx Orbit

Designed for an out-of-this-world fireside experience, the new Onyx Orbit is an electric fire that defies the norm with a floating presence and ultra-contemporary styling. The Orbit creates a dramatic suspended centrepiece, particularly suited to open living spaces. For architects... View Article

Prevent heat loss at the base of walls

According to BRE, “Thermal bridging can be responsible for up to 30% of a dwelling’s heat loss”. So, what is a thermal bridge? Often referred to as a cold bridge, thermal bridging occurs in areas of a building that have... View Article

CaberDek Weatherproofs Flooring with Protective Film

CaberDek, from West Fraser (Trading as Norbord), is ideally suited to the UK’s unpredictable climate, being that it combines the company’s market leading particleboard flooring with a tough, waterproof and slip-resistant film. Compliant with BS EN312: part 5, CaberDek creates a safe... View Article

Garage doors – add kerb appeal

Enhancing your property and adding to its kerb appeal is all about making the right choice for your home’s exterior – the windows, entrance doors, landscaping and, of course, your garage door. Often overlooked, the garage can be one of... View Article

How to get started with a self-build

A self-build home is a house that has been built by an individual to tailor their every need – from walk-in wardrobes and sauna rooms, to open plan living spaces and ensuites. The number of people looking to take part in... View Article