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

Taking Home Security Seriously

October is National Home Security Month. Alongside the evenings getting darker and the nights becoming longer, home security is increasingly front of mind for homeowners. Roland Etheridge of IronmongeryDirect, discusses key considerations to help keep a property safe and secure.... 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

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

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

Selfbuilder Diaries

Navigating a few significant bumps in the road hasn’t deterred Sally and Nick from persevering with a conversion from a Class Q to a full planning permission in Devon, knowing that dream can now become a reality People ask why... View Article

Ask the Expert: The comfort factor from underfloor heating

Andrew Curry of Schlüter-Systems discusses the benefits and installation options for underfloor heating systems, and how to create a cosy and energy-efficient heating solution What are the key benefits of using underfloor heating systems compared to traditional heating methods? It... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Bedrooms

For many of us our bedroom remains the important sanctuary – the ultimate space to switch off at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re creating your own relaxing retreat, a functional yet fun kids’ room or a peaceful... View Article

Offsite timber systems are on the menu

The Structural Timber Association talks through timber-based offsite technology and how it can provide self-builders with the ultimate solution in terms of accuracy, control and cost-effectiveness Any structural method created in a factory away from the building site comes under... View Article

Navigating the world of wastewater

Sequencing Batch Reactor technology should be the way forward for wastewater management, says David Stagg of Graf UK The world of wastewater treatment has become a dynamic, complex, and challenging one. Nutrient neutrality that requires reductions in nitrates and phosphates,... View Article

Having the vision

Alissa and David Talbot transformed their cramped London maisonette into a beautiful and practical home to house their growing family TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Joe Whitmore/Carta Nova It was the summer of 2021 and Alissa and David were living in... View Article

More brands, more stands, more fun

27-29th September Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre Screwfix LIVE, the “omnichannel” retailer’s flagship event dedicated to trade and DIY enthusiasts, is coming back to Farnborough in September. The free-to-enter show is returning to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre... View Article

Passivhaus comforts, ‘automatically’

Tyron Cosway of Loxone looks at the role building automation can play in maximising the comfort and liveability of low energy Passivhaus designs As the demand for sustainable living solutions rises, the concept of Passivhaus design has garnered significant attention... View Article

Scandi style

Paul Berry and his Swedish partner Pernilla have built a Scandinavian-inspired contemporary family home in Surrey with copious natural light TEXT Debbie Jeffery IMAGES Jonathan Reid “We were actually living in New York when we first started our self-build project,”... View Article

Futureproofing homes forever

For many customers, the ability to continuing to live in the same house as they age is a huge driver. Vaila Morrison of Stannah discusses the home lift types available to fully futureproof your home In the 1980s, people moved... View Article

To the Manar born

France’s loss was Scotland’s gain when a couple decided to abandon ideas to renovate a French chateau and took on Manar House in Inverurie instead TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Elliot Roberts Christina and Dean Horspool have always had big ideas,... View Article