Five steps to a more sustainable self-build eco-home

Our building legislation contains many sustainability standards to be met. But for many self-builders these are merely the starting point rather than the finish line. Passive House advocates, for instance, argue that the sole focus on carbon emissions, rather than... View Article

A compelling case for composite

Indi Sarkaria of Arbor Forest Products talks through the pros of choosing composite decking, including aesthetics and sustainability, while outlining the most important factors for installation Given the love that Brits have for outdoor spaces, it’s no surprise that the... View Article

Let your garden shine this summer

Steve Grimwood of Osmo UK offers his advice to self-builders on how best to prepare your garden for summer with the right decking Many of us spend a considerable amount of time creating homes and gardens to be proud of.... View Article

Metallic moments

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds of home decor specialist Dowsing & Reynolds explains why metallics are a great trend for interiors, and gives practical advice on how best to bring striking accents to your home Whether it’s handles, light fittings or switches and... View Article

Simpson Strong-Tie’s fastener range goes premium

Introducing the brand new Premium Fasteners range by leading construction manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie; featuring superior strength nails and screws to cover almost every application and showcased in the newly released Premium Fasteners Catalogue. Europe’s leading range of superior nails and... View Article

Ask the Expert: Why we need permeable paving & SuDS

Chris Hodson of Interpave answers the questions on why a responsible approach to rainwater drainage – in both new and existing homes – is key WHAT’S WRONG WITH OUR DRAINAGE? As our towns and cities continue to grow, more rainwater... View Article

MVHR: sourcing the essential resource

EnviroVent’s Larry Soper gives his top tips on specifying the correct MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system to provide fresh air to your air-tight property Self-builders are increasingly choosing MVHR as their preferred choice for ventilating a new home.... View Article

Buying into the concept

Wanting to be part of the self-build hotspot that is Graven Hill, Dheeraj and Taniya Malik found a building system that they liked so much, they set up a business based around it TEXT Jess Unwin IMAGES Jess Unwin &... View Article

Meeting UK energy efficiency targets with Eurobrick

The BBC recently reported that nearly two thirds of UK homes fail to meet long-term energy efficiency targets, with more than 12 million homes falling below the C grade on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Due to the amount of older... View Article

Lifeline for ChildLine

Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has stepped into help leading children’s charity, ChildLine, with extra funds to help it through the Covid-19 pandemic. The charity, which supports some 800 young people each day, needed an urgent cash injection... View Article

Passive impressive

LISTEN HERE A retired eco building enthusiast fulfilled a dream to create an ultra low energy home by upgrading a barn he originally built in North Yorkshire using ‘Passive House’ principles Text:Jayne Dowle Images: Green Building Store When Pete Smith... View Article

Hope for the best

LISTEN HERE Nicki Hogg’s self-build saw her and her partner go from surprise auction to acquiring a desirable south Devon plot in Hope Cove for their forever home Text & Images: Ewen Macdonald It was a chance visit to a... View Article

Open House London

Despite having no initial plans to alter their traditional Victorian family home in Greenwich, David and Nicola Fleming ended up reinventing it, building two highly contemporary extensions which dramatically improve look and layout Text: Debbie Jeffery Images: Joseph Trayler/Henri Bredenkamp... View Article

A different view

LISTEN HERE Despite a distinct lack of windows and character in general, Philippa Neilson-Factor and husband Tony took a punt on reinventing an uninspiring Essex bungalow with potential for an amazing outlook Text Karen Wilson Images ODC Door & Glass... View Article

An opportunity our industry MUST take

With an open Government-led consultation to review the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings, Paul Richards, Managing Director of Aquarian Cladding Systems, discusses why a balanced explanation is needed to enable... View Article

Home wellness: bringing the spa into your home

The wellness boom is showing no signs of slowing down, with the industry forecast to be worth more than £20 billion by January 2021. Most recently, the wellness industry has been turning its focus to creating healthier living spaces. From... View Article