Orchard Farm submits planning application for 25 self-build plots

Orchard Farm, Kent’s first authentic self-build community, today announced that it has submitted a planning application to Ashford Borough Council for the first phase of 25 self-build residential plots to hit the market in autumn 2023. Orchard Farm Kent Ltd. (OFKL) is a partnership between Steenvlinder, the community-driven developer for individual and collective self-builders, and Urbanise, a Kent-based developer. ... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Leanne and partner Mark recently took on a renovation in Barnsley, while also tackling the running of their own business and raising three girls When we first moved into our current home, we never planned to stay there long-term. 12... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Living rooms

Natural materials, which might even be reclaimed, combined with a focus on luxury for key pieces. These are the trends that are driving design of our living rooms at the moment, and here we offer some great ideas to inspire... View Article

Ask the Expert: Tips on going to ground

When investing in a ground source heat pump system you’ll want to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible. James Coe at Kensa Heat Pumps shares how to get the most out of your low-carbon heating installation WHAT FACTORS... View Article

Classical concert

Imagination and creative space planning saw an Edinburgh apartment refurb bring all the elements together to give the owners the ideal composition TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ZAC+ZAC When grandparents Alan Patrick and Cynthia Croatti spotted this West End apartment in... View Article

Future-roofing

With a global gas supply crunch, issues with renewables and strong demand pushing up energy prices, the energy efficient design of roofing and insulation is vitally important for homeowners, as Lisa Grosse from Cedral explains In 2025, The Future Homes... View Article
Sheffield steel

Sheffield steel

Kitchen thieves, a collapsing roof, and then a pandemic would be enough to make anyone throw in the towel on a renovation project, but Suzanne and David Williamson are made of sterner stuff TEXT & IMAGES HEATHER DIXON The Williamsons... View Article

Paving responsibly for rainwater runoff

Chris Hodson from Interpave explains the importance of taking a responsible approach to rainwater runoff from paving around both new and existing homes to protect them and the wider community Another year of flooding around the UK provides a timely... View Article

Best of both worlds

Dealing with planners can be a frustrating business, but to modernise a substantial Victorian building in Devon, Geoff Hall also had to negotiate heritage surveyors, ecologists, conservationists and archaeologists TEXT EWEN MACDONALD IMAGES CO CREATE ARCHITECTS A ramshackle 19th century home... View Article

Money to burn?

Installing a wood burning stove in your home can not only save you money on your heating bills but can also enhance the aesthetic value of your living space. Dennis Milligan of the British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers Association (BFCMA)... View Article

Building a case for keeping it clay

A campaign has been launched to inform self-builders on why they should stay with clay brick rather than look at concrete newcomers. Keith Aldis of the Brick Development Association explains further The campaign we have launched features an illustrated comparative... View Article

Converted to Class Q

For Kat & Tris Baxter-Smith, the challenge of converting an agricultural barn on the farm belonging to Tris’ family – to his own design – became a lesson in the pros and cons of Class Q permitted development  TEXT ROSEANNE... View Article

De-mystifying lighting design

Lighting plays a vital role both inside and outside our homes, setting the ambience and affecting the overall feel of a space. It’s imperative therefore that any lighting decisions are taken with consideration and care to ensure optimum performance. Here,... View Article

Home Styling: Designs that work for you

Hybrid working is here to stay, so it’s no surprise that a dedicated workspace has become a staple of houses’ layouts. But where do you start when planning a home office? Steve Hird of Edward Thomas Interiors gets down to... View Article

Ask the Expert: Fully kitted up

Your choice of construction method will affect almost every aspect of your project. Derek Dawson of Scandia Hus answers some common questions on kit homes, explaining how they can be the ‘ultimate solution’ for a self-build WHAT IS A KIT... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Lighting

Whether it’s for accenting individual items, creating overall ambience, or achieving the right light levels for working from home, getting lighting right is one of the first priorities for a great interior design. Here we round up a selection of... View Article

Fit for purpose

During their long saga to build a home with stables on an exposed site on the west coast of Scotland, David and Louisa Wallace discovered that bigger isn’t necessarily better when they had to edit their plans down TEXT NIK... View Article

Nine interior design trends for 2023

When it comes to interiors for 2023, this year is about bold colours, 70’s glamour and an opportunity to bring personal style and vigor to your space. Whether it’s a renovation or a refresh, interior designer Benji Lewis predicts the... View Article