As nature intended

As nature intended

An innovative home, built as a flatpack from modular timber blocks, has been constructed on a highly sensitive and much cherished family site in Norfolk. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES JIM STEPHENSON Gaining planning permission to build in a peaceful Norfolk... 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

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

Following a learning curve

Despite the tricky construction challenges presented by a crescent-shaped architectural design, a determined couple have succeeded in creating their dream ‘forever’ home in the countryside TEXT Jess Unwin IMAGES John Naccarato John and Debra Naccarato’s decision to embrace a striking... View Article

All in the detail

Jim and Jayne Smith have remodelled and extended a tired 1930s house, including rejuvenating the exterior with rugged local stone TEXT Debbie Jeffery IMAGES Dominic Jones “We were reminded of a bland 1980s Travelodge when we first viewed the house,”... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

For Eoghan, embarking on a self-build with his wife and son on the family farm where he grew up in County Kildare holds deep meaning, and sees him realise a further ambition to create a sustainable home in ICF. I’m... View Article

Cooking up your dream kitchen

To support self-builders who are looking to create their dream kitchen, Debra Hutt of Wren Kitchens shares her insights into how to get the most out of the process. With homeowners generally upgrading or replacing their kitchen space every 15-20... View Article

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