A challenging undercurrent

Seasoned self-builders Frank and Kerry’s stunning cantilevered house in a picture-postcard location overlooking a gently curved stretch of the Avon is just how the experienced self-builders envisaged it, but a series of unexpected problems tested them to the limit. TEXT... View Article

An Irish fairytale

When Naimh and John Willis fell for a 200-year-old cottage, they embarked on a sensitive, design-led renovation that honours their home’s heritage. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Jess Glynn Mention a traditional home on Ireland’s west coast and a stone-built cottage... View Article

Preserving character with plaster

Neil Turner at Ecological Building Systems explores how natural thermal plaster products can achieve modern thermal performance requirements without compromising on the original architecture of traditional buildings. When it comes to renovating older properties, the challenge often lies in selecting... View Article

Underfloor heating delivers

Chris Stammer at BEAMA’s Underfloor Heating (UFH) Group explains how hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating delivers thermal comfort, improved air quality and design freedom – and why selfbuilders are ideally placed to make the most of it. One of the most... View Article

Horizontal vs vertical cladding

Lisa Grosse at Cedral discusses the benefits and design possibilities of horizontal and vertical cladding styles.  Did you know that you can fit weatherboards vertically as well as horizontally on your home’s exterior? The creative use of cladding can change... View Article

Protect your project

James Parker speaks to Jake Fitness, operations manager at Self-Build Zone, about why specialist insurance is essential for protecting your self-build project, satisfying mortgage lenders and safeguarding your investment. DO I REALLY NEED TO INSURE MY PROJECT AGAINST SOMETHING THAT... View Article

The future of retrofit

James Parker speaks to Nick Whant, sustainability manager at the NSBRC, about the viability, performance and sustainability of retrofitting properties.  IS RETROFIT A VIABLE OPTION FOR ANY TYPE OF PROPERTY? In short, yes! Depending on your budget, you may be... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Kitchens & Diners

Whether you’re designing a space to cook and eat with the family or for entertaining large groups, find inspiration in our selection of products and fittings for your kitchen and dining spaces.  1. The Barney extending kitchen table (pictured in... View Article

Maximise your space

Jessica Smith of Curated Spaces and Studio Smith Interior Design shares her top tips for maximising space, improving flow and avoiding costly mistakes during your project. Most people assume an interior designer comes in at the end, once the walls... View Article

NSBRC Masterclass: planning permission

For many self-builders, securing planning permission can feel like the finish line. In reality, it is something quite different: a milestone – significant, yes – but only one step in a longer and often more complex journey. What follows a... View Article

Life on the edge

Jane Ramsay and Neil Manfield’s self-built home is a love letter to a happy childhood in west Wales. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Martin Gardner Perched on a cliff above the west Wales coast, Jane and Neil’s self-built home is all... View Article

Wall panels vs tiles

Amanda Mills at Saniflo looks at how wall panels compare with traditional tiling in terms of installation time, maintenance and long-term performance. Tiles have long been the default choice for bathroom walls, valued for their durability and familiar aesthetic. However,... View Article

Separating fact from fiction

Joe Raftery at Samsung Climate Solutions explores the most common myths around heat pumps and explains how modern systems offer a reliable option for UK homes. More UK homeowners than ever before are looking for modern, efficient ways to heat... View Article

Bungalow reborn

Isabel & Henry’s remodelled Norfolk property is unrecognisable, transformed into a family home offering the combined benefits of plenty of extra living space, Passivhaus-standard low-energy costs and a timeless character and charisma. TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES ISABEL BADGER With the... View Article

Recipe for success

Take one traditional childhood home, deconstruct it, then add delicious curves to whip up a stunning property for chef Andrew Wong and his family. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES JAMES MCDONALD British-born chef Andrew Wong grew up in the same Pimlico... View Article

Low carbon heating

Niall Parkin at Calor discusses the role of LPG and BioLPG as a long-standing and dependable heating solution for off-grid domestic properties. Self-build is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with more than 64,000 individuals now registered on local authority... View Article

Renovation finance unlocked

Thomas McSherry at BuildStore explains how Light Renovation mortgages are helping buyers finance uninhabitable homes and unlock the potential of renovation and retrofit. Buying a home that’s currently uninhabitable can be an opportunity, but it’s also where many purchases fall... View Article

The ‘unfinished’ house

Simon Gittings and Lauren Jorgensen gave their 1950s home an extraordinary industrial-inspired makeover and extension, exposing original materials and embracing the principles of reuse and salvage. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Agnese Sanvito/OEB A 1950s semi-detached, three-bedroom home is a common sight... View Article

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