An industrial edge

Architect Richard Norwood has transformed James Sellicks’ former builders’ yard in Uppingham into a characterful new home, where industrial inspiration, local materials and clever planning unlock a remarkably generous modern family home. In the picturesque East Midlands market town of... View Article

Four storeys of light

James and Rachel Tilson saw an opportunity to create a 21st century home in this Victorian terrace with subsidence. Any major build project or renovation is an act of creation that demands faith in the process and sometimes just sheer... View Article

The Garden Connection

A small extension and clever redesign transformed the connection between James Lockwood’s Edwardian home and his exquisite garden. Architect James Lockwood wanted more living space and was considering self-building when he noticed an elegant villa for sale. This Edwardian home... View Article

Smart, stylish kitchens

Magali Reisser at Schmidt shares five layout solutions to optimise every square centimetre of your kitchen while elevating the space, proving that clever storage and striking design are never mutually exclusive. Between the desire for beautiful design and the need... View Article

NSBRC Masterclass: Improving energy efficiency

For many homeowners, a renovation project begins with a practical need. Perhaps you need more space, a better layout or simply want to modernise an ageing property. Increasingly, however, renovation and retrofit projects are also driven by a desire to... View Article

Render boosts kerb appeal & value

When it comes to updating a tired and dated exterior or completing a new build, first impressions matter. Jason Nicholson at K Rend explains how silicone renders can enhance the visual impact of a home, improve kerb appeal and boost... View Article

Rise of timber frame & closed panel solutions

As timber frame and closed panel systems gain popularity, Demi Kinghorn of Fleming Homes explores how offsite manufacture can give self-builders greater control over costs, timescales and the construction process. For anyone embarking on a self-build journey, the dream is... View Article

Close suppliers make for a better finish

Door provenance is about accountability, not patriotism. Deuren’s Ian Chubb explores how a door designed, built, and fitted by one team can become a defining feature of the entire space. A self-build project draws on dozens of suppliers, and many... View Article

More room in the roof

Matthew Evans at Kingspan Insulation GB explains why getting the insulation right is crucial for loft conversions. Loft conversions are a great way to unlock extra living space, potentially raising the value of your home by over 20%. When planning... View Article

Radiating the right style

Richard Lister at The Radiator Company explores how the choice of designer radiators can help to establish a successful interior design scheme and create a truly personal aesthetic. It is important to consider radiators at an early stage in the... View Article

Build smart, glaze first

Paul Higgins at TuffX explains why glazing should be considered early in a whole-house strategy. For self-builders, glazing is one of the most exciting elements to specify in a new home. It helps define the architecture, draws daylight deep into... View Article

Reshaping heating controls with AI

Tom Sheppard at IMI Heatmiser explains how AI is shaping the evolving role of heating controls. Heating today presents a clear challenge for homeowners and self-builders. How do you balance comfort with lower energy use, ensure homes stay warm without... View Article

Understanding light

Understanding how light transforms colour is the secret to getting your paint choices right first time, saving time and money on your project as Kathryn Lloyd at Crown Paints explains.  When you’re investing time and money into a self-build or... View Article

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