Isn’t PVCu cheaper?

When it comes to windows, PVCu has been the most popular material for decades. This is largely due to price, as PVCu windows have traditionally been the lowest cost option. But Ben Brocklesby of Origin says this is beginning to... View Article

In pursuit of peace

By having their own ‘forever’ house built on the grounds of the long-standing family home in the village of Dinnington, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, Alison and Jonathan Berry have found peace, in all senses of the word TEXT JAYNE DOWLE... View Article

A green gift for mum & dad

Octogenarians Keith and Ann Lewis’ new home was not just a labour of love, but a real family affair, with the couple engaging the services of their son and daughter-in-law to create a self-build that combines barn-inspired architecture with ecology-friendly... View Article

Sustained efforts

Johanna Elvidge at Marshalls shares her advice for building sustainability into your home’s outdoor space to bring life-long benefits Creating a sustainable home is now a top priority for self-builders, from locally sourced materials to energy efficiency measures. When it... View Article

As right as rain

You don’t need to compromise on aesthetics or function when choosing a rainwater system for your home – Yeoman Rainguard explains why Doing your calculations is key when it comes to installing the right rainwater system. To ensure that gutters... View Article

Home Styling: Dedicated followers of fashion

When styling your interiors, the year’s emerging trends can be a great source of inspiration, and will help you incorporate fun, flair and individuality into your design. Paul Garland of Andrew Henry Interiors explains how Focusing on concepts which are... View Article

Converted to spirals

Installing and designing a spiral staircase for a conversion project is now simpler than ever, as Richard Harding of British Spirals & Castings explains Conversions offer a great opportunity to transform an unwanted building which is steeped with character, into... View Article

Covering practicalities

From increasingly popular large formats, to the importance of meeting British Standards, The Tile Association looks at technical tiling issues in bathrooms Tiles are among the most durable and stylish finishes that can be chosen for any bathroom or wetroom.... View Article

Natural remedies

Architect Ben Ridley used all of his expertise to upgrade an ageing London dwelling to create a low energy home for his family, whose minimalist interiors bring a focus on the natural materials used TEXT TOM BODDY IMAGES LORENZO ZANDRI... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Leanne and partner Mark recently took on a renovation in Barnsley, while also tackling the running of their own business and raising three girls When we first moved into our current home, we never planned to stay there long-term. 12... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Living rooms

Natural materials, which might even be reclaimed, combined with a focus on luxury for key pieces. These are the trends that are driving design of our living rooms at the moment, and here we offer some great ideas to inspire... View Article

Ask the Expert: Tips on going to ground

When investing in a ground source heat pump system you’ll want to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible. James Coe at Kensa Heat Pumps shares how to get the most out of your low-carbon heating installation WHAT FACTORS... View Article

Classical concert

Imagination and creative space planning saw an Edinburgh apartment refurb bring all the elements together to give the owners the ideal composition TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ZAC+ZAC When grandparents Alan Patrick and Cynthia Croatti spotted this West End apartment in... View Article

Future-roofing

With a global gas supply crunch, issues with renewables and strong demand pushing up energy prices, the energy efficient design of roofing and insulation is vitally important for homeowners, as Lisa Grosse from Cedral explains In 2025, The Future Homes... View Article

Sheffield steel

Kitchen thieves, a collapsing roof, and then a pandemic would be enough to make anyone throw in the towel on a renovation project, but Suzanne and David Williamson are made of sterner stuff TEXT & IMAGES HEATHER DIXON The Williamsons... View Article

Paving responsibly for rainwater runoff

Chris Hodson from Interpave explains the importance of taking a responsible approach to rainwater runoff from paving around both new and existing homes to protect them and the wider community Another year of flooding around the UK provides a timely... View Article

Best of both worlds

Dealing with planners can be a frustrating business, but to modernise a substantial Victorian building in Devon, Geoff Hall also had to negotiate heritage surveyors, ecologists, conservationists and archaeologists TEXT EWEN MACDONALD IMAGES CO CREATE ARCHITECTS A ramshackle 19th century home... View Article

Money to burn?

Installing a wood burning stove in your home can not only save you money on your heating bills but can also enhance the aesthetic value of your living space. Dennis Milligan of the British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers Association (BFCMA)... View Article