Fact of the Week – 30th July 2018
On July 28th, 1945, a US Army bomber crashed into the 79th floor of New York’s Empire State Building, killing 14... View Article
Revised National Planning Policy Framework published
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has been revised by the Ministry of Housing including new rules intended by the to make it easier for councils to challenge poor quality development, and provide communities with a greater voice on how... View Article
Editor’s Letter
What is the first thing we do these days when we want to find out information about anything? Answer – do a Google search. (In case you were wondering, a quick Google reveals that its unusual name is derived from... View Article
Over one third of people believe self-build is an effective route to owning their own home
According to the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC), 39 per cent of people surveyed at its Self Build & Renovation Show would consider building their home because they believe self-build is an effective route to owning their own... View Article
Quote of the Week – 23rd July 2018
“For me, architecture is not just creating a space to protect people but to make them dream as well” – Mario... View Article
Keep it fresh
Beautiful, warm weather is never a bad thing for us, but it can be hard for our blooms. Read on for top tips on how to keep your bouquet fresh this season (starting with the basics), from the UK’s top-rated... View Article
How to keep your home cool during the heatwave
With the weather staying consistently hot for the longest time since 2013, Jason Orme and Julia Kendell, property experts for The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (21-23 September, ExCeL, London; www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/london), provide their advice on how to keep your home cool. Jason... View Article
Fact of the Week – 16th July 2018
There are 1,792 steps to the top of the Eiffel... View Article
Home improvements more popular than holidays as Brits stay put for the summer
School’s out for summer – but forget notions of families packing their trunks and jetting off to the sun. New AA research reveals Brits are twice as likely to be planning DIY projects at home this summer (48%) than heading... View Article
Turning your home into the ultimate identity statement
As recent reports reveal that people are now only moving to a new house on average twice after their first purchase, as opposed to four times, we see homeowners taking to renovation and interior design projects instead as a way... View Article
House extensions to cost more after Brexit
Homeowners have been warned that the cost of extending their houses could rocket due to Brexit as a lack of skilled foreign workers causes insurers to increase the price of premiums. Experts from ConstructionInsure.co.uk claim high stamp duty rates and house prices... View Article
Quote of the Week – 9th July 2018
“The two elements the traveler first captures in the big city are extra human architecture and furious rhythm. Geometry and anguish” – Federico Garcia... View Article
Decorating on a budget
Julia Kendell, BBC’s DIY SOS guest designer and spokesperson for The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (21-23 September, ExCeL, London), shares her tips on how to decorate a home on a budget: Panel power If you’ve got a small budget but big... View Article
Large garden and swimming pool top dream home wish list
A large garden and swimming pool are the top two features people over 18 years old in the UK would most like in their dream new home according to research conducted by BLP Insurance, the specialist residential warranty and commercial... View Article
Fact of the Week – 2nd July 2018
The world’s largest Gothic cathedral is in new York City. It is the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street. The cathedral measures 601 feet long, 146 feet wide, and has a transept measuring 320... View Article
Lay of the land: why homeowners need to know what lies beneath before making more space underground
With the cost of moving continuing to rise, Britain has seen a 183% increase in planning applications for basement extensions, as homeowners seek to create more space for less. For those in highly populated urban areas, where space and new... View Article
Thoughts that keep every self-builder up at night
Charlie Luxton, sustainable architectural designer from More4’s ‘Building the Dream’ and guest expert at The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (21-23 September, ExCeL, London), shares his challenges around self building and offers tips on how to overcome them from his experience of... View Article
FAKRO loses smear campaign against VELUX
FAKRO, Polish roof window competitor to VELUX, loses a complaint to the EU Commission, which since 2012 has been used as the basis for a smear campaign across most of Europe against The VELUX Group. The European Commission rejected the... View Article
Quote of the Week – 25th June 2018
“All architecture is great architecture after sunset; perhaps architecture is really a nocturnal art, like the art of fireworks.” – Gilbert K.... View Article
Fact of the Week – 18th June 2018
Although construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg started in 1015, it was not until 1439 that the spire was... View Article