A green partnership

Heat pumps are often paired with underfloor heating, but a system featuring low-H2O radiators could provide greater comfort, control and efficiency. Jaga UK’s Claire Owen discusses why implementing renewable heating needs a ‘whole system approach’ to work best. Many people... View Article

Scandi balance

Embrace the Swedish trend of achieving a more balanced lifestyle using the concept of ‘lagom’, with tips from Catharina Bjorkman – of Swedish wood burning stove company Contura. The Swedish term ‘lagom’ (pronounced lar-gom) means ‘just the right amount’; ‘not... View Article

Warning for homeowners over builders’ insurance

Homeowners improving their properties have been warned to check credentials after it was revealed up to half of the UK’s building contractors may be underinsured. Experts at Construction Insure claim that around half of all UK contracting firms, including builders,... View Article

Baufritz fuses traditional and contemporary forms

German prefabricated housing designer and manufacturer, Baufritz, has unveiled its new show home, Heimat 4.0. Heimat 4.0., roughly translated to “feeling at home”, is designed to demonstrate how prefabricated housing can effectively combine traditional features with contemporary living. On the... View Article

MOCT Studio designed ‘3 x 5 House’ starts onsite

Bespoke architecture and design practice MOCT Studio has commenced work on its 3 x 5 House project, which received planning permission last year. The name of the project refers to the dimensions of the house in Voss Street, east London.... View Article

Editor’s letter

Hi and welcome to your May/June edition of Selfbuilder + Homemaker! We have the usual array of useful features offering advice to self-builders on product choices – and this month it includes how to choose mortar and cement to avoid... View Article

Barn stormer

In order to build in the Kent green belt, Richard and Susan Skelly had to exactly replicate the dimensions of an old barn they were replacing. Roseanne Field reports on how this constraint has given their home a unique character.... View Article

Shedding some light

Martyn Haworth from Bison Frames answers your questions about the wide range of window and door options available to self-builders, while describing some of the benefits of different styles and materials, and what to watch out for. Windows and doors... View Article

RHI Reforms: What they mean for GSHP’s & you

The long-awaited reforms to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) regulations have successfully passed through Parliament and came into effect on 22 May 2018. Impacting both the Domestic and Non Domestic RHI schemes, the reforms redress payment eligibility and introduce new... View Article