Welcome to the March/April issue of The Selfbuilder.

Case studies in this issue include:

• Converts to the Passivhaus way
  The completion of one couple’s project has brought joy and a sense of achievement, delivering more living space, greater energy efficiency and a comfortable environment to suit their needs. See page 20…
• An auspicious decision
  When James and Amy Savage moved from Hong Kong to Wiltshire, they took a chance on a poorly converted byre, transforming it into a unique, futureproofed home. See page 30…
• A highland hideaway
  For many self-builders, the prospect of a steep sloping site surrounded by the inaccessible Scottish Highlands might feel overwhelming, but for Suzanne and Mark McPhillips, it was a chance to put their experience as architectural designers to good use. See page 44…

Our product features in this issue include:

• Take the first step
  A staircase can be far more than a way of connecting storeys. Tom Blakeman of Winthill Engineering explains what makes a successful staircase and considers practical and aesthetic factors. See page 37…
• The rise of seamless wall panels
  Offering ease of installation and aesthetic flexibility Amanda Mills of SFA Saniflo UK (Kinedo) explains why seamless wall panels are emerging as an alternative to traditional tiling, painting or wallpaper. See page 42…
• Paving perfection
  Trevor Knight, head of group technical operations at Marshalls, shares expert tips to help you make the right choice for your self-build project. See page 49…

It would be great to hear what you think about The Selfbuilder. Should you have any ideas or suggestions for future editions then please email rfield@netmagmedia.co.uk