A work in progress

Jack Wooler speaks to Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, CEO of the National Custom and Self Build Association, on why England lags behind the developed world on levels of self-build, and what can be done Self- and custom-build homes make up around 40... View Article

The path to green finance

The Government’s Green Homes Grant offers homeowners up to £10,000 for energy-saving home improvements. Jack Wooler explains how you can take up the opportunity, and enhance your project’s sustainability Able to fund up to two-thirds of the cost of energy-saving... View Article

The perfect front door

Bethaney Larkman, marketing manager at Distinction Doors gives practical advice for selecting the right entrance door for your self-build or renovation project An entrance door is a subtle yet effective way of enhancing your home. It is the exterior definitive... View Article

Small wonder

In just six months, Max Tillings and Katie Roach built their bijou coach house on an awkward infill plot, using reclaimed materials to complement the neighbouring Victorian property TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES MAX TILLINGS & KATIE ROACH Few people would... View Article

Get on top of sustainability

With the Future Homes Standard about to change how we heat and power homes for ever, self-builders wanting to future-proof their homes should consider integrated green roofing solutions, says Marley’s Stuart Nicholson Time is now ticking for everyone in housebuilding,... View Article

Unintended consequences

Lizzy and Rupert Atkins hadn’t intended to do a self-build, but when faced with moving out of the area they loved, they decided to embark on a major renovation project to transform an ‘ugly duckling’ Atkins had been living and... View Article

Pocket and planet

Here Paul Bailey of Grohe UK answers FAQs on how water-saving products can be incorporated into self-builders’ bathroom projects, to save them money and help the planet With a staggering 32 per cent of household daily water usage used for... View Article

Strategic approach to climate change is critical, says RTPI

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published a report on best practice for strategic planning for climate resilience across city regions. Research was undertaken by RTPI staff working with the Liverpool City Region and constituent councils during 2019 and... View Article

Cerys’ Palace in Crystal Palace

This project sits in the Church Road Conservation Area in Crystal Palace, South London and consists of a complete refurbishment of a beautiful, historic five-bedroom house and a rear extension Unlike with many other projects, the brief here was not... View Article

Introducing Sun Slice House & Dark Spa…

Neil Dusheiko Architects has recently completed the striking transformation of a Victorian semi-detached house in South Cambridge. The result is a meticulously designed extension, enveloping the existing house and marked out by a series of skylights creating an abundance of natural... View Article

The beauty, range and versatility of natural stone

David Mahyari, CEO of boutique stone supplier SolidNature, explains the key to creating distinctive kitchens and bathrooms in self-builds. Natural stone should be a priority when planning a new kitchen or bathroom as it’s sustainable, versatile and adds an element... View Article

Trends for 2021

2021 is set to be very exciting in terms of new innovations within the industry. Research and experimentation mean we are seeing fresh new materials coming through based on recycled products, as well as alternative greener technologies, which take a... View Article

Right to Build boost will help SMEs, says FMB

The Government’s announcement of a review to increase self and custom builds will prove valuable for local communities and SME housebuilders, says the Federation of Master Builders. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “It’s no secret that this... View Article

Going green on the Government

Offering homeowners grants of up to £10,000 for energy-saving home improvements, Jack Wooler explores the Government’s Green Homes Grant, explaining what it is, what it can do for you, and how to apply. Able to fund up to two-thirds of... View Article

Origami House

Eve Dennehy of Structur Communications explores Origami House, a one bedroom garden building at a family home in West London that features complex geometry in its folded plate ‘origami’ style roof. Over the past ten years the average age of... View Article