A sustained effort

The end result of Sarah and Andy Ball’s somewhat gruelling self-build saga is a sleek, modern ‘forever’ home in Derby, with wide-open views of landscape plus space, comfort and sustainability Over the past couple of years we have tracked the... View Article

Pushing the boundaries of home entertainment

New innovations in technology designed to mitigate the risks in wet environments are pushing the boundaries of where AV equipment can be enjoyed in the home. Will Uttley of ProofVision looks at the latest products Over the past two decades,... View Article

Get a head start with Rapid Level CT 3220 from Mapei

Rapid Level CT 3220 is the latest addition to Mapei’s extensive product range, offering a levelling compound that promises a quick drying time of just 45 minutes prior to the installation of ceramic and porcelain type tiles. Suitable for internal... View Article

Familial territory

While most people undertaking a project will buy an unfamiliar plot or house, possibly even in an unfamiliar area, a couple in Cheshire took the opposite approach, building next door to the in-laws Some would shy away from a property... View Article

Pellet stoves: style and substance

Specflue’s Ian Sams explains why pellet stoves offer an ideal heating solution for self-builders, from their environmental credentials and aesthetic appeal to the best units’ ease of use and installation As any self-builder knows, the secret to a successful project... View Article

Child’s play

Play experts Foamë offer a ‘how-to’ guide on taking the right steps towards creating a safe home environment for children which still looks great While children should always be monitored, their curious nature means that it can seem impossible to... View Article

Going green on top

Victoria Ramwell from Kemper System discusses specification best practice and the key considerations for green roofs, including design, location and waterproofing aspects Green roofs are evolving rapidly, transforming from a specialist eco-feature to a more mainstream technology which can be... View Article

Good things come to those who wait

Finally moving in to their dream self-built home in Norfolk was a very long time coming for David and Deanna Martin One of the most intimidating aspects of buying a plot of land and building your own house is worrying... View Article

Stepping into the light

Despite having an architecture degree, Tom Holliday and his wife Carly turned to an architect friend to help them transform a dark, dated cottage into a light and spacious family home near York If Carly and Tom Holliday had known... View Article

Introducing Kevin McCloud’s new Green Heroes

Kevin McCloud’s ‘Green Heroes’ will return to Grand Designs Live at The NEC, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements from 9 – 13 October 2019. These ground-breaking products have been hand-picked by design guru Kevin McCloud, to showcase the very... View Article

Building good health

Built on a wooded rural site on the coast near Bristol, a stunning family home has been created that was prefabricated in Germany using natural materials, and designed with health and wellbeing in mind Those who have holidayed in the... View Article

What’s in store?

Grand Designs Live returns to Birmingham in October, providing a ‘one-stop shop’ for anyone looking for inspiration for their self-build, renovation or interior project Whether you’re starting out on your first home renovation, building a new home, adding the finishing... View Article

Decorex International – highlights for 2019

Decorex International makes its debut at Olympia London, from the 6-9 October, marking an exciting new chapter in the show’s 42-year history. As Europe’s leading show for the luxury interior design trade, it will host over 400 exhibitors showcasing the... View Article

Open to debate

Jay Patel of aїr aluminium looks at the merits of bi-fold doors versus lift and slide options, and which may be better suited to your self-build. Wide-span glazing has become a critical part of any self-build project, with bi-folding and... View Article

Do you dream of a “low energy, low cost home?”

Then look no further… Take four pages of free advice on: insulation specification, air tightness, whole house ventilation with heat recovery, underfloor heating, Thermal mass, solar shading to reduce over-heating. Then add a well-designed Nibe Ground sourced heat pump for... View Article

FAQ: Dumbwaiters & Service lifts

In this blog post we’ll clear up some of the most common questions we’ve heard about Microlift dumbwaiters and service lifts. Read on… What is a ‘service lift’? These lifts go by various names including dumbwaiter, kitchen lifts, catering lifts, service lifts, trolley lifts,... View Article