Choosing the right slate

Steven Pearson at CUPA PIZARRAS explores the importance of material selection for longevity and why your new home’s roof is one area where it doesn’t pay to cut corners. If there’s one thing that’s certain about building your own home,... View Article

NSBRC Masterclass: Passivhaus

With rising energy costs and growing awareness of how our homes affect our health, Passivhaus is no longer a niche ambition. From new builds to deep retrofits, this proven performance standard is helping homeowners create comfortable, future-ready homes and the... View Article

selfbuilder Diaries

From reserving a serviced plot to moving into a high-performance home, Martin and Siobhann reflect on two challenging, rewarding years of self-building on the edge of the Lake District. If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be... View Article

Choosing a kitchen that lasts

Sebastian Aronowitz, founder of The London Kitchen Company explores why material choice is so important when designing a kitchen, deserving the same attention as the overall appearance. Kitchens are usually chosen for how they look. Layout, door style, colour and... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Home Office

With more of us working from home than ever before, it’s increasingly common for self-builders to create a dedicated working space. Find inspiration in our selection of products, whether your space will be a small-but-functional corner or a full blown... View Article

Heat pump evolution

James Parker speaks to Rick Clarke, product manager at NIBE, about why air source heat pumps are not the only answer, and how self-builders can benefit from an array of user-friendly smart tech to fine tune their heating’s efficiency. WHAT... View Article

Fashionable flooring

Lorna Williams at Amtico shares her insights on winter flooring trends for 2025 and how self-builders can use them to curate a cohesive interior scheme. Flooring is often one of the biggest decisions in any project, setting the tone for... View Article

Polished concrete perfection

Izzy Taylor-Wood of Woody’s Concrete Company explores how polished concrete has evolved to become a versatile design choice for contemporary self-builders. Polished concrete has quietly shifted from commercial settings into the heart of our homes. Once associated with warehouses and... View Article

Thermal comfort made simple

Chris Stammers of BEAMA explains how hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating creates a unique sense of thermal comfort by combining even heat distribution with efficient heat transfer. True thermal comfort is achieved when the indoor environment reduces the body’s need to... View Article

The perfect blend

Jason and Rachel’s extended Lincolnshire rectory balances period charm with contemporary design. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Andy Haslam The Lincolnshire Wolds may not have the same star power as the Cotswolds, but don’t let that fool you; they have their... View Article

The appeal of aluminium

Shaun Cartwright at Aluprof Living explains why aluminium systems are becoming the go to choice for self-builders who want to combine high performance with modern design. When planning a self-build, every decision should be regarded as an investment in the... View Article

A long time coming

Architect John-Barry Lowe’s award winning home in Dublin is designed to achieve Passive House standards of airtightness and is the first private home in Ireland to be built using cross laminated timber. TEXT Eve Dennehy IMAGES Andrew Campion In 2023... View Article

Exterior Inspiration: Outdoor Living

As we head into the colder months and dream of sunnier days there’s no better time to be inspired by our collection of outdoor furniture, accessories, and paving to ensure you have your garden ready for summer. 1. Keep your... View Article

Light fantastic

Designed around a courtyard to echo local farmsteads, Sarah and Jon Simpkin’s unique new home draws in light from every angle. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES DOM JONES When Sarah and Jon Simpkin set out to build a new home, it... View Article

Home is where
the hearth is

Percy Doughty explores how ambience shapes modern British homes and how self-builders can craft a truly warm, inviting space. As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, the focus naturally shifts indoors. Across the UK, homeowners are re-evaluating... View Article

Creative colourful cladding

Lisa Grosse at Cedral explores how cladding can improve aesthetics, support thermal performance, and offer weather resistance, sustainability and long-term cost savings for self-builders. Whether you’re planning a transformation or a new build, investing in a beautiful exterior means thinking... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Bedrooms

Your bedroom should be the ultimate retreat – a space for you to relax and rest. We’ve compiled a range of products to suit every kind of style, whether you’re creating a room with a contemporary feel or something more... View Article

Make your bathroom work

The Bathroom Association’s Tom Reynolds shares practical advice to help self-builders design better bathrooms – sustainable, compliant and perfectly suited to modern living. Bathrooms are among the most personal and most used spaces in any home, yet they’re often one... View Article

From draughty to dreamy

When Deborah Shafier and her husband Alex set out to transform their Edwardian home in London, they wanted more than just extra space; they envisioned a cosy, sustainable sanctuary.  TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Juliet Murphy/Iguana Architects “We spent most of... View Article

Transform spaces
using natural light

Victoria Brocklesby of Origin shares expert tips on how to use glazing to create brighter homes. Natural light is one of the most powerful design tools available to self-builders and renovators. It can transform a space by enhancing its aesthetic,... View Article