A modern approach

A modern approach

With the controversy over wood burning stoves, BFCMA’s Dennis Milligan explains why it is worth looking at the benefits of modern stoves.  Combined with quality wood, modern stoves offer significant benefits that align with reducing carbon emissions and improving air... View Article
A long time coming

A long time coming

Plans had been approved and Mark and Theresa Edwards were ready to get to work on their building project, but then they met architect Stuart Bagshaw… TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ELLIOT ROBERTS The Edwards had been holidaying in Cove in... View Article
Embracing nature’s light

Embracing nature’s light

Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight discusses the importance of effectively introducing the biophilic benefits of natural light into the home. In an era marked by technological advancements and urbanisation, the longing for a connection with nature has never been stronger.... View Article

Smarter heating, lower bills

As the UK moves towards a greener future, the way we heat our homes is changing. Heat pumps are at the heart of this transformation – an efficient, low-carbon alternative to traditional gas boilers.  By 2028, 600,000 are expected to... View Article

A sustainable retrofit

In the retrofit and extension of his old bungalow, Michael Collins has teased something special out of the ordinary. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES JACOB MILLIGAN  Sometimes, the perfect home project doesn’t need to be the dream building plot. Sometimes, it... View Article
tiles

On trend with tiles

Following a year of exciting innovations and technological advances, María D Arráez of Tile of Spain UK and Clara Vicedo of ASCER outline the key tile trends set to dominate homes this year. From sensory, calm textures to dynamic dimensions,... View Article
Selfbuilder Diaries

Selfbuilder Diaries

For selfbuilder Carys and her family, their project has been an ongoing journey from a bungalow fit for retirement to a complete demolition and rebuild, all the while knowing that the value is in the plot rather than the bricks…... View Article

Must-have flooring trends for 2025

From subtle, biophilic-inspired flooring to brighter, more confident statement designs, Amtico’s Lorna Williams explores the top five trends set to make a splash in flooring in self-builds next year. The big design trend currently, and likely to sustain into 2025,... View Article

Boosting thermal comfort & wellbeing

Chris Stammers of BEAMA’s Underfloor Heating Group explains how hydronic underfloor heating creates thermal comfort through even heat distribution and efficient heat transfer. Creating a sense of thermal comfort in a building is essential for the wellbeing of occupants. However,... View Article

Let the light in

Providing far more than a functional necessity, Victoria Brocklesby of Origin explores the integral role that internal doors can play in maximising natural light within in a home. Natural light has a significant impact on how homeowners feel in a... View Article

A home for the ages

Having built their own home once before, the world of self-build wasn’t new to Craig and Jane, but building a multi-generational house for their family was an entirely fresh challenge TEXT Jayne Dowle IMAGES Dug Wilders If building a brand-new... View Article

How to choose a lead-free flashing

Klober UK’s Nick King details six things self-builders and their roofers should be aware of when considering lead-free flashing.  Not all things are made equal, and this saying can certainly be applied to lead-free flashing. From the material the lead-free... View Article

Materials matter

Cedral’s Lisa Grosse explains why overheating and resilience are key factors when making decisions about the facade and roof of your home. Homes in the UK weren’t designed for the extreme heat that has been setting records, and which is... View Article

WIN! With Dulux Heritage

Enter to be in with a chance of winning Dulux Heritage paint for your next project! About Dulux Heritage Dulux Heritage provides the perfect blend of modern style and substance for any project. It has been skilfully crafted by professionals... View Article

The home swap

Sharon and Jer Holland swapped their family bungalow in County Cork for a traditional stone farmhouse owned by Jer’s parents but in need of an upgrade TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Lynda Kenny This photogenic farmhouse in County Cork in the... View Article

Exterior Inspiration: Outdoor Living

Our gardens can be versatile living spaces, offering both a refuge to relax and enjoy nature, plus a great entertaining space on a warm summer evening. Here we have compiled a selection of products to enhance your outdoor areas, from... View Article

Embracing nature’s light

Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight discusses the importance of effectively introducing the biophilic benefits of natural light into the home. In an era marked by technological advancements and urbanisation, the longing for a connection with nature has never been stronger.... View Article

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