Wraptite® – a unique solution for airtightness

By combining vapour permeability and airtightness in a unique, self-adhering membrane, Wraptite offers a fast and effective solution to unplanned air leakage and its detrimental effects on energy performance. With BBA certification for a comprehensive range of wall and roof... View Article

Obsidiana COMPAC wins International Design Award

Obsidiana COMPAC, a unique surface made from 100% recycled glass, has won a prestigious FX International Design Award at an online ceremony recently held in London. The panel of 28 renowned judges said Obsidiana COMPAC was ‘practical, beautiful and sustainable’... View Article

Going underground

Selecting and installing underground rainwater harvesting tanks can be a complicated process for self-builders, here David Stagg of Graf UK provides advice People’s increasing interest in rainwater harvesting, which was particularly noticeable during Covid lockdowns, means there is now a... View Article

Choosing a home lift

Steve Hill of Terry Lifts discusses the benefits and specifications for modern home lifts, and what you should consider when futureproofing your home Whether you are planning a self-build or renovating your home, it’s likely you will want the house to... View Article

What makes a great roof?

Before embarking on any self-build or renovation project it’s important to understand the difference between offsite manufacturing (OSM) and traditional build roofing. Here Chris Powell from Pasquil explains the differences, and highlights the benefits of OSM What makes a great... View Article

Restoration drama

Carl and Rachel Philips invested everything they had in breathing new life into one of the oldest, and most fascinating, properties in Stratford-upon-Avon TEXT HEATHER DIXON IMAGES CARL PHILLIPS Carl and Rachel Philips’ house is so old, and so ‘wonky,’... View Article

Factoring in the future

Implementing some planning wisdom into your build will help you design a home that meets your needs, as you get older. Yola Mealing of Stiltz explains There is an excitement that comes with planning a new build. Alongside the practical... View Article

A window to the future

Phil Brown of Pilkington UK looks at three advanced glazing trends that can help make your project more sustainable, as well as some of the regulatory measures you need to be aware of when building or renovating your own home... View Article

Sussex ups and downs

For Ian Perry and his wife, building their own home in the Sussex countryside meant finally fulfilling a dream they’d held onto for many years, but it was a voyage of several discoveries, including Covid challenges TEXT ROSEANNE FIELD IMAGES... View Article

True to their words

When Astrid Woloszczuk and her husband set out on their self-build journey, they wrote a list of key words that captured how they wanted their new home to feel. The result’s a project that has realised all their dreams –... View Article

A cracker of a project – self-build in Lincolnshire

Fulfilling the meaning of “Crackerjack”, which means an exceptionally good person or thing, everything about Crackerjack Barn is exceptional; from the barn style building itself to the stunning views of the surrounding land, and incorporating Jo’s Great Grandfather’s name Jack.... View Article

A brighter future

A couple looking to turn their cramped Victorian house in east London into a bright, open and spacious home for their growing family, used a fairly unproven architect to help them strike the right balance TEXT ROSEANNE FIELD IMAGES ADAM... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Lighting

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Different aspects of lighting such as colour and brightness have the power to influence how you feel about a room – which is why it needs to be considered in the early stages of design. Here are... View Article

Home Styling: Post-lockdown on the farm

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Richard Bradley of V33 offers styling tips on achieving the ‘modern farmhouse kitchen’ look, and plants some seeds on possible finishes to go for in your build Most people would understand completely what a traditional farmhouse kitchen... View Article

Ask the Expert: Cut your losses and save CO2

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Improving insulation is at the heart of the country’s mission to reduce CO2 emissions in new homes. Matthew Evans of Kingspan Insulation answers key questions around the materials and details to consider to avoid heat loss in... View Article

Highland society

LISTEN HERE 🔊 After seven years in a caravan and the birth of their daughter, Ailsa and Jonny Laing decided it was about time to set up a proper home in the Highlands TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES DANIEL WILCOX PHOTOGRAPHY... View Article