The perfect blend

Jason and Rachel’s extended Lincolnshire rectory balances period charm with contemporary design. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Andy Haslam The Lincolnshire Wolds may not have the same star power as the Cotswolds, but don’t let that fool you; they have their... View Article

The appeal of aluminium

Shaun Cartwright at Aluprof Living explains why aluminium systems are becoming the go to choice for self-builders who want to combine high performance with modern design. When planning a self-build, every decision should be regarded as an investment in the... View Article

A long time coming

Architect John-Barry Lowe’s award winning home in Dublin is designed to achieve Passive House standards of airtightness and is the first private home in Ireland to be built using cross laminated timber. TEXT Eve Dennehy IMAGES Andrew Campion In 2023... View Article

Exterior Inspiration: Outdoor Living

As we head into the colder months and dream of sunnier days there’s no better time to be inspired by our collection of outdoor furniture, accessories, and paving to ensure you have your garden ready for summer. 1. Keep your... View Article

Light fantastic

Designed around a courtyard to echo local farmsteads, Sarah and Jon Simpkin’s unique new home draws in light from every angle. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES DOM JONES When Sarah and Jon Simpkin set out to build a new home, it... View Article

Home is where
the hearth is

Percy Doughty explores how ambience shapes modern British homes and how self-builders can craft a truly warm, inviting space. As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, the focus naturally shifts indoors. Across the UK, homeowners are re-evaluating... View Article

Creative colourful cladding

Lisa Grosse at Cedral explores how cladding can improve aesthetics, support thermal performance, and offer weather resistance, sustainability and long-term cost savings for self-builders. Whether you’re planning a transformation or a new build, investing in a beautiful exterior means thinking... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Bedrooms

Your bedroom should be the ultimate retreat – a space for you to relax and rest. We’ve compiled a range of products to suit every kind of style, whether you’re creating a room with a contemporary feel or something more... View Article

Make your bathroom work

The Bathroom Association’s Tom Reynolds shares practical advice to help self-builders design better bathrooms – sustainable, compliant and perfectly suited to modern living. Bathrooms are among the most personal and most used spaces in any home, yet they’re often one... View Article

From draughty to dreamy

When Deborah Shafier and her husband Alex set out to transform their Edwardian home in London, they wanted more than just extra space; they envisioned a cosy, sustainable sanctuary.  TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Juliet Murphy/Iguana Architects “We spent most of... View Article

Transform spaces
using natural light

Victoria Brocklesby of Origin shares expert tips on how to use glazing to create brighter homes. Natural light is one of the most powerful design tools available to self-builders and renovators. It can transform a space by enhancing its aesthetic,... View Article

Burning bright

Peter Mintoft of Charlton & Jenrick explains the Government’s decision to allow woodburning stoves in new homes under the Future Homes Standard and the impact for self-builders. Despite increasing environmental regulations, the UK Government has confirmed that woodburning stoves will... View Article
A foundation of trust

A foundation of trust

Jane and Sam Arman admit that they were complete novices when it came to the world of building renovation, but as professionals themselves, they decided to pay heed to the advice they were given. TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES ZAC and... View Article

Opening the door to space, style & smart living

Louise Stacey of Eclisse discusses how pocket doors can transform your home by maximising space, enhancing light and creating seamless flow between rooms. For anyone embarking on a self-build journey, every design choice matters. From the orientation of the windows... View Article

Whole-home integration is the future

From comfort and efficiency to long-term resilience, Rick Clarke at NIBE reveals why whole-home integration is essential for today’s self-builders. Self-builders today aren’t just designing houses, they’re shaping futureproof, connected homes. In the UK’s self-build and renovation market, the focus... View Article

Unlocking finance for your dream home

BuildStore Mortgage Services’ Tom McSherry tells The Selfbuilder’s James Parker how self-build mortgages work, the options available, and why early financial planning is key to a successful project. What are the different types of self-build mortgages on offer, and how... View Article

Structural timber: a smart choice

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) looks at timber as a sustainable, low-carbon building choice, increasingly popular among UK self-builders for its environmental and practical benefits. In recent years, structural timber has emerged as the material of choice... View Article

Beyond the looking glass

Al and Lily Chen’s renovated and extended Edwardian home is a masterclass in space and light. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES WILLIAM TOZER ASSOCIATES “We were looking for a family home with potential for expansion,” explains Lily Chen, who has two... View Article

Smarter by design

Theben Automation’s Paul Foulkes explores how smart homes are moving beyond timers and schedules, embracing real-time, sensor-based automation for greater comfort, efficiency and intuitive living. For decades, home automation has promised ease and efficiency. But early systems, reliant on fixed... View Article

The best laid plans

Lettie and Tom Fardon fell in love with a timber-framed 1950s bungalow ripe for renovation and bought it at auction, but didn’t realise just how much work would be involved in bringing it up to modern standards. TEXT JAYNE DOWLE... View Article