A Grand Home in Buckinghamshire – Case Study

THE SECOND ACT

Howard Reay and Amber Valentine both worked in TV and film, but this didn’t prepare them for the drama of their own journey to creating a grand home in Buckinghamshire. Roseanne Field of Selfbuilder & Homemaker reports. Tucked away up... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Home Office

Whether you’ll be working from home full time or only part, creating a cosy dedicated nook or designing a whole room, we’ve compiled products from desks and chairs to storage and lighting solutions to provide all the inspiration you need... View Article

Clay brick: A timeless material

With clay bricks capable of retaining structural integrity for more than 150 years, Rob Flello of the Brick Development Association (BDA) explains why self-builders are increasingly viewing them as a long-term investment.   Whether you consider buying or building, a... View Article

How much do ‘U-value’ insulation?

Matthew Evans of Kingspan Insulation GB discusses what to think about when it comes to insulating your self-build. Ensuring your new home is effectively insulated is an important consideration for all self-builders. It can help to significantly reduce your long-term... View Article
Mediterranean tranquillity

Mediterranean tranquillity

Behind the traditional stained-glass front door of an Edwardian terraced house in Southfields lies a remarkable renovation inspired by bright and airy Mediterranean living. TEXT JAYNE DOWLE IMAGES HATCH + MASON / CHRIS SNOOK Belonging to 32-year-old yoga teacher Molly... View Article
A modern approach

A modern approach

With the controversy over wood burning stoves, BFCMA’s Dennis Milligan explains why it is worth looking at the benefits of modern stoves.  Combined with quality wood, modern stoves offer significant benefits that align with reducing carbon emissions and improving air... View Article
A long time coming

A long time coming

Plans had been approved and Mark and Theresa Edwards were ready to get to work on their building project, but then they met architect Stuart Bagshaw… TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ELLIOT ROBERTS The Edwards had been holidaying in Cove in... View Article
Embracing nature’s light

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

A sustainable retrofit

In the retrofit and extension of his old bungalow, Michael Collins has teased something special out of the ordinary. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES JACOB MILLIGAN  Sometimes, the perfect home project doesn’t need to be the dream building plot. Sometimes, it... View Article
tiles

On trend with tiles

Following a year of exciting innovations and technological advances, María D Arráez of Tile of Spain UK and Clara Vicedo of ASCER outline the key tile trends set to dominate homes this year. From sensory, calm textures to dynamic dimensions,... View Article
Selfbuilder Diaries

Selfbuilder Diaries

For selfbuilder Carys and her family, their project has been an ongoing journey from a bungalow fit for retirement to a complete demolition and rebuild, all the while knowing that the value is in the plot rather than the bricks…... View Article
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