A different aspect

Carol and David Fordham took a huge gamble when they bought a tired old 1930s house with the aim of starting from scratch and creating an ‘eco’ home TEXT HEATHER DIXON IMAGES HEATHER DIXON & DAVID FORDHAM The plot was... View Article

Doubling up

Jessica and Harry Gold doubled the size of a Victorian house in Surrey, combining traditional and modern features to create a stunning, light-filled home to relocate to from London TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES DAVID BUTLER “We didn’t have children when... View Article

Summer Party?

I suppose one thing lockdown has taught us is the value of spending time outdoors in your garden. The dream on the horizon by many is to spend some well deserved time with friends and family, face to face with... View Article

Tackling all obstacles

Two former rugby team-mates decided to pool their talents as project manager and architect to build a pair of semi-detached, thermally-efficient homes in Surrey. However a series of challenges tested their resolve, as Selfbuilder + Homemaker reports TEXT TOM BODDY... View Article

Building a new future

After a car accident devastated her family, Merula Frankel put all plans for a self-build on hold – but a few years later life took a new turn when she came across a company that shared her sustainable ethos TEXT... View Article

Luxury for less

With increasing focus on creating bathrooms as design-led, luxurious spaces, Sophie Schofield of Ribble Valley Bathrooms gives tips on how to create a spa-like retreat without blowing the budget After the events of the past 12 months, the way we... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Kitchens & Appliances

When it comes to making the ‘heart of the home’ function as healthily as it can, you need to choose the right units and appliances for your space and needs. This selection helps you pick from some of the latest... View Article

47 is the new 50 – have you switched yet?

To build safer, stronger structures requires more than just top quality joist hangers; equally important is choosing the correct sized joist hanger. Regularised timber is now the UK standard, which means 50mm hangers are yesterday’s news. Unlike rough sawn timber,... View Article

Kloepping TSS New Website

For many years Kloepping TSS Limited have created and installed bespoke feature staircases all over the country. They listen to the ideas and visions of their customers and develop them into unique designs. Through close collaboration with architects and builders... View Article

Launch of The Timber Cladding Handbook

The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) in collaboration with The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) have jointly published a new resource – The Timber Cladding Handbook.  Produced with support from the Wood Protection Association (WPA), Wood Campus and with technical input from Dr Ivor Davies, the... View Article

Case study: The Glebe, Cambridgeshire

A stunning five-bedroom house built to modern, energy efficient standards using SIPs Eco Panels and other innovative build technologies, whilst maintaining the traditional aesthetic of the surrounding village. Construction System: Sips Eco Panels Location: Cambridgeshire, UK  Materials: Full 169mm kit... View Article

Happy when it rains

Not only can a rainwater harvesting system be a first line of defence against flooding, it can also help you achieve long term sustainability in our unpredictable climate. Jae Lester of RainWater Harvesting explains In recent years the UK has... View Article

It’s time for timber

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association explains the basics around choosing structural timber, and why it holds so much promise for self-builds, particularly on sustainability grounds Structural timber is now used across over a quarter of all new homes... View Article

Small is beautiful

LISTEN HERE 🔊 With an increasing value being placed on outdoor spaces, Ronan O’Dowd of Acheson & Glover shares his top tips on how to make the most of a small garden The Covid-19 pandemic brought a new appreciation for... View Article

Forming an opinion

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Chris Stride at ICFA discusses why self-builders, particularly those looking to maximise energy efficiency, should consider building with Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) If you’ve been researching your new build project recently you will notice that the spotlight... View Article