EcoHaus design challenge launched for 2014

Challenging convention and inspiring innovation The British Homes Awards have been pivotal in providing a catalyst for change in the way we design and construct our homes and in the process recognise and showcase exemplars of best practice In his... View Article

Designing for the future

A cleaner, greener and more sustainable built environment at Ecobuild 2014 Each year Ecobuild hosts the most comprehensive showcase of sustainable construction products in the world. As architects, structural engineers, contractors and developers continue to play a vital role in... View Article

Versatile style

Nicola Seymour of Marbrex explores the potential of decorative yet highly practical internal cladding systems over more traditional wall coverings – from reducing labour costs and timescales to ease of installation; long-term cleaning and maintenance When it comes to creating... View Article

Pooling resources

When two generations of the Wilson family found neither could afford a self build, they did what families do – they pulled together to create a stunning home. By Mark Williams Marion Wilson has abiding memories of looking after her... View Article

Making self build make sense

You may be about to embark on your self build journey but as the experts and self builders at The National Self Build & Renovation Show know, this is just the beginning! Perfectly timed to coincide with the majority of... View Article

Self builders warm to the idea of underfloor heating

Any self build project will benefit from flexible electric underfloor heating. Jenny Smith, marketing services manager at Vent-Axia explains how advances in technology means electric underfloor heating is a choice that is set to grow in popularity Underfloor heating is... View Article

The evolution of the smart home

Rob Sutherland, managing director of Inspired Dwellings, specialists in the design and installation of home technology, shows how smart homes are evolving The smart home has been around as a concept since the 1970s. Early smart homes were primarily limited... View Article

A bright idea

By Lee Green, technical director at Kloeber UK Ltd In the last few years roof lights and sky lights have featured heavily in building design and with good reason. Natural daylight is an essential element of any interior space but... View Article

Which ventilation system is right for your home?

With today’s houses becoming more air tight, quality ventilation systems are even more important. What’s new on the market that satisfies energy efficiency requirements yet ensures good air quality for modern homes? Kevin Hippey, general manager Vortice Ltd, explores the options­... View Article