The natural choice

Neil Turner of Ecological Building Systems looks at why sustainable insulation offerings present a ‘natural choice’ for self-builders Natural insulation materials are experiencing a resurgence as self-builders are increasingly seeking sustainable materials that can offer similar performance, but with lower... View Article

Following a learning curve

Despite the tricky construction challenges presented by a crescent-shaped architectural design, a determined couple have succeeded in creating their dream ‘forever’ home in the countryside TEXT Jess Unwin IMAGES John Naccarato John and Debra Naccarato’s decision to embrace a striking... View Article

How to avoid running out of money on your self-build project

Homebuilding & Renovating Show expert Tim Phillips, quantity surveyor at Quantiv, says: 1. A quantity surveyor is useful for all project sizes Hiring a quantity surveyor might seem like overkill for a smaller self-build, but Phillips emphasises that a QS can... View Article

All in the detail

Jim and Jayne Smith have remodelled and extended a tired 1930s house, including rejuvenating the exterior with rugged local stone TEXT Debbie Jeffery IMAGES Dominic Jones “We were reminded of a bland 1980s Travelodge when we first viewed the house,”... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

For Eoghan, embarking on a self-build with his wife and son on the family farm where he grew up in County Kildare holds deep meaning, and sees him realise a further ambition to create a sustainable home in ICF. I’m... View Article

Cooking up your dream kitchen

To support self-builders who are looking to create their dream kitchen, Debra Hutt of Wren Kitchens shares her insights into how to get the most out of the process. With homeowners generally upgrading or replacing their kitchen space every 15-20... View Article

Sustainable steps forward for fires

Simon Bower of Percy Doughty discusses how the stove and fireplace industry has worked tirelessly to reduce emissions and improve sustainability On 1 January 2022, only wood burning stoves that comply with the Ecodesign Regulations were able to enter the... View Article

Passivhaus proves low carbon building is possible

Conceived more than three decades ago in Germany, the Passivhaus standard has shown what is possible when creatinghealthy, comfortable and low-energy buildings. There are now thousands of certified Passivhaus projects worldwide, ranging from homes and schools to commercial and healthcare buildings –... View Article

Upwardly mobile

Donald and Anne Alden have transformed their tired semi-detached Devon bungalow into a show-stopping two storey contemporary home – in a design which reveals spectacular views of the countryside TEXT Debbie Jeffery IMAGES Tom Hargreaves “One minute we had a... View Article

Making it clear

Graham Lindsay of Weru UK outlines six key areas to think through when considering upgrading and installing new windows Your windows, along with your front door, often create the first impression of your home. But replacing older, tired, window systems... View Article

Marrying old & new, sustainably

Lucy and Marc Hudson’s sustainable renovation of a west London Victorian terrace successfully blends period style with modern textures and materials TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Pierce Scourfield/Mitchell + Corti With their first child on the way, Lucy, a doctor by... View Article

Choose to live in a place that benefits the environment

Pol MacDonald, a director of the Place team at SLR Consulting, says that traditionally people tend to choose to live somewhere due to its affordability and simple practicalities, however, through education we can change people’s thought process to consider an... View Article

Home Styling: Make your home work for you

Cathy Dean of interior architecture and design firm Studio Dean explores how thinking like an architect about how your home functions can transform the way you live your everyday life I love this definition of architectural interior design: “if you were... View Article

Knowledge is key for the Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show

The Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Korniche, will be highlighting the latest trends, technology and regulations with the help of its innovative seminars and masterclasses at the Harrogate convention centre from 1st to 3rd November. Trade visitors to the show... View Article

Putting experience into practice

A few previously unencountered bumps in the road on John and Sue’s fifth project were no match for these seasoned self-builders TEXT Jayne Dowle IMAGES CillaCam Photography As a veteran self-builder, John Askew has plenty of advice to share. When... View Article

Making a visual splash

From innovative fixtures to minimalist, seamless designs and natural colour palettes, Hayley Bowman of Frontline Bathrooms explores likely trends for 2025 in the bathroom to help inspire your choices As we near the end of the year, we start to... View Article

A total transformation

Building projects are not normally renowned for being ‘joyous adventures’ but David and Suzanne say their experience in Fife has been exactly that TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Robert Perry The couple’s self-build adventures commenced in August 2021 when the couple... View Article