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selfbuilder +homemaker ALL YOU NEED IN ONE PLACE Losing the plot

selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 1: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

selfbuilder+homemaker

ALL YOU NEED IN ONE PLACE

Losing theplot

Page 2: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 3: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 4: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

selfbuilder+homemaker

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ALL YOU NEED IN ONE PLACE�� ��������������������� ���������������������������������������� ������������� ����

Losing theplot �������� �������������� ������� ����� ����������������

DIARY

Page 5: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

Self-build sector records third consecutive annual rise in growth

Page 8: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 9: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

Trio of announcements bolster self-buildassociation’s Task Force

Page 10: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

The National Self Build &Renovation Centre (NSBRC),located just off the M4 in Swindon,

is a must-visit for any novice self-builder,providing all the advice you could needunder one roof. The permanentexhibition centre is home to an array ofexperts and suppliers and plays hosts toa number of events throughout the year. The NSBRC, which celebrates its 10th

birthday this year, was launched bymortgage broker BuildStore in 2007.Since then it has welcomed more than200,000 visitors, many of whom returnthroughout their project for help, tipsand advice. It’s believed to be the onlyfacility of its kind across the whole ofEurope, spanning 67,000 ft2. Since November 2014 the NSBRC has

been owned and operated by TheHomebuilding Centre, an employee-owned business. Last year alone thecentre is thought to have helped over16,000 self-builders. The centre is dedicated to serving a

growing self-build market, with more andmore people choosing to build their ownhouse every year. “Around 13,000people will take on a self-build projectthis year,” explains Harvey Fremlin,NSBRC managing director. “Theybenefit from a huge degree of choice;from where the house is located, how itis constructed, and the energy efficiencyof the building fabric through to the levelof finish they will enjoy once moved in.”Offering advice on everything from

planning and finance to structuralelements and design, a visit to theNSBRC is likely to prove invaluable.Alongside its regular events, the centrecontains many features to guide andeducate visitors towards real solutionsto problems and ideas to make theirprojects work better. “There are severalroutes available to individuals wantingto design and build a bespoke, wellfinished, energy efficient home and the

NSBRC provides the knowledge andsupport people need to make aninformed decision on which route isbest for them,” says Harvey. “Our aimis to inspire, educate, and provideimpartial advice.”

PLANNING & FINANCEThe NSBRC has elements to help self-builders through every stage of theirproject, starting with the things thatneed addressing before a foundation isdug or a brick laid. Finding a plot of landis the first hurdle to contend with, andone that many aspiring self-builders findthemselves falling at. BuildStore’sPlotSearch is believed to be the UK’slargest database of land available forself-build, and has its own stand at theNSBRC to help those who are strugglingto find a plot. Another obstacle people often find

themselves facing is how a project willbe funded. While some are luckyenough to have the cash available for a

self-build, more often than not someform of mortgage or loan will berequired. BuildStore also has a stand atthe centre dedicated to financialplanning, with a resident expert offeringadvice on the various types of fundingavailable, from short-term loans tospecialist mortgages.

The NSBRC isdesigned tohelp self-buildersthrough everystage of theirproject

Looking for guidance on your self-build? The National Self Build andRenovation Centre in Swindon is the place to go for help with anyaspect of a project, as Roseanne Field reports

Everything you needunder one roof

FEATURE

More than 220 suppliers and manufacturers have stands

Page 11: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

GETTING YOUR HOUSE BUILTOf course the most substantial – andpotentially most daunting – part of anyproject is the build process itself.“Please don’t feel nervous if you havenever set foot on a building site!”Harvey says. “The majority of our visitorsare not in the building trade, and we willhelp you understand the various stagesinvolved in a building project.” The NSBRC is laid out as an

‘educational journey’, designed to takevisitors through the chronology of a self-build. The journey has been brokendown into six core phases: ‘plan & siteset-up’, ‘groundworks’, ‘walls &structure’, ‘roof’, ‘services’ and ‘finishes’. The ‘plan & site set-up’ area has been

created to educate self-builders on thejobs that need taking care of beforework begins. A range of equipment is ondisplay such as mixers, cranes andexcavators, as well as information onhow to make sure things such as water,power (and portaloos!) are ready for thecontractors. Tips are also provided onhow to run and manage your site.The ‘groundworks’ zone is broken

down into three sub-sections. The firstsection focuses on foundations – lookingat which are right for your site andspecifically its soil – as well as variousfloor systems. The next section gives thelowdown on the all-importantunderground services that needconsideration, such as drainage. Thefinal section gives visitors the chance toconsider the design and constructionchallenges of building a basement. The next stop is the ‘walls & structure’

zone – one of the centre’s most popularexhibits due to the impact it has on theoverall design and look of a house. Thezone displays both new and ‘tried andtested’ construction systems, withvarious combinations of materialschosen based on individualperformance, and how they work as anoverall system. Each wall also features adifferent type of intermediate flooring. The ‘roof’ zone showcases four types

of construction type: cut or traditional,attic truss, structural insulated panels(SIPs) and fink trusses. The displays alsofeature options for coverings, dormers,rainwater disposal and chimneys. Thesection demonstrates to visitors howroofs can be used as additional livingspaces and provides information on thevarious choices of prefabrication thatcan speed up the build process.The ‘services’ zone addresses issues

such as how you can heat your homeand its hot water and how you’ll lightand ventilate it, with energy efficiency atthe forefront. A variety of systems and

options are on display, such as heatpumps and boilers, to help you decidewhat will work for your project as all suchdecisions will impact the performancerating of your self-build.The last zone on the educational

journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibitinga range of staircases, doors, floors andwall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pmNSBRC staff offer a guided tour of theeducational journey. The help desk (open Wednesday to

Sunday) offers visitors the chance tospeak one to one with in-house expertson topics ranging from “planning tobudgeting and plot finding to BuildingRegulations,” Harvey Fremlin explains.“A common question we get asked is‘what materials shall I build my housewith?’ We can show examples of manydifferent building methods including oakframe, insulating concrete formwork(ICF), brick and block, structurally

insulated panels (SIPs), Passivhaus andmore. Crucially, we can explain the prosand cons of each.”

DEMONSTRATION PROJECTSA permanent show home is on display atthe centre, offering an example of thetype of house and finish that can beachieved. The show home is a 2,300 ft2

Potton Ruskin house, part of thecompany’s Renaissance collection. Itdemonstrates how a modern interiorwith all the latest smart hometechnology can blend with the type oftraditional-looking exterior that’s likelyto satisfy planning authorities. It alsoallows you to see what kit homeproviders like Potton can offer, beyondthe frame and its construction.The NSBRC features a zone dedicated

entirely to the restoration andrefurbishment of older properties, asopposed to new builds. The zone is

The courses held at the NSBRC are some of the centre’s most popular anduseful offerings, covering everything you need to know to successfully completeyour project on time and on budget. Here are the views of two satisfiedattendees:

“It’s been the best value for money I’ve spent in a long time, the course paid foritself on day one, mostly through lots of good advice that will help us to savesignificant money on our self-build project as well as ensuring we make betterinformed decisions.”

“I attended the Self Build course with absolutely no knowledge whatsoever andwas worried that I would look a bit of a fool among others on the course. It wasreassuring to find out that, despite our varied projects, we were all beginnerswith a similar level of understanding. I now feel I am well informed and canconfidently talk to architects, planners, builders and contractors with a gooddepth of knowledge and understanding behind me. I left feeling very positiveand excited.”

COURSES

FEATURE

Renovation House

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Page 13: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

designed to help those working on anykind of renovation project – be itcompletely overhauling a house that’sseen better days or simply modernisinga dated property. The main attraction here, and one of

the highlights of the whole centre, is theRenovation House, which is a recreationof an old and dilapidated property thattransforms into a dream home. “Withcareful planning, renovating a house canbe one of your best investments, or yourmotivation may be to turn an ancientwreck into a family home,” Harvey says.“In either case, a tour of the RenovationHouse is a must.”The house – which is typical of a

property built during the interwar period– features problems such as damp,damaged brick/stonework, leakyguttering, broken window frames androtten timbers. “The house shows thefour main stages you will need tofollow,” Harvey explains. “Assessmentand design, strip out/build down,renovation first fix and final finishes.” A 30-minute audio tour – with

commentary provided via a hard hatwith built in speakers – guides visitorsthrough the renovation process,highlighting common problems,recommending solutions and explainingstep-by-step how to refurbish such aproperty. “While not a complete blankcanvas, major renovation projects willthrow up similar choices to new buildsand many of the options available in anew build can be applied,” says Harvey.The centre also offers midday guided

tours of the house every Friday andSunday with its resident technical expert.

TRADE VILLAGEHere is where you’ll find the centre’spermanent exhibitors, divided intocategories such as Professional Services& Associations, Foundations &Groundworks, and Roofing & RoofingStructures. Over 220 suppliers and

manufacturers have stands in the centre,showcasing up-to-date products andtechnologies in the self-build market.The NSBRC is claimed to be the onlyplace in the UK where customers haveaccess to these products all year round. Many of the exhibitors’ products are

also showcased in various exhibitionsthroughout the centre, allowing you toview them in-situ, as they would appearin your home, as well as on the stand.Visitors are also issued with scanners,allowing you to request furtherinformation from the specific exhibitors’products that you’re interested in.

EVENTSOne of the NSBRC’s biggest sellingpoints is the variety of events that takeplace within it through the year. Theserange from workshops and courses toexhibitions, covering everythingbudding self-builders need to know. The National Self Build & Renovation

Show and The Big Green Home Showeach take place over a three-day period.Along with the regular features of thecentre, the shows include livedemonstrations and seminars as well asthe chance to network with and learnfrom fellow self-builders. “The shows arethe ideal opportunity to discover howthe concept of self-building works orsimply to explore the options forinjecting new life into your existinghome,” explains Harvey.Free workshops are also on offer on

key topics that combined together covereverything you need to know, says theNSBRC. Four eco workshops areavailable, covering matters fromsustainability-oriented design andplanning to heat and energy. A designand build workshop also runs four timesa year, teaching you how to take fullcontrol of your project, including theundertaking of all or part of theconstruction. Held in association with RIBA, an Ask

an Architect programme runs five timesa year, offering a 25-minute consultationduring which you can talk through anyideas or aspects you might need adviceon. These sessions must be booked inadvance.In addition to the free workshops

three in-depth, paid-for courses are runby the NSBRC for those who “want tobe more involved in their project,”explains Harvey. The one-day projectmanagement course, costing £150,covers everything from budgeting andinsurance to site management andhealth and safety. The heat and energycourse (also a one-day session costing£150) aims to simplify what can be a

complex and confusing topic, explainingthe basics and solutions available. The most comprehensive offering is

the three-day self build course, whichcosts £375 and covers a total of 11topics. These include design andspecification, Building Regulations andeco legislation, providing an all-in-oneintroduction to the world of self-build.“All our courses are packed with usefulhints and tips from the experts to helpyou save money and stay on budget,”Harvey says.

For more information on the centre visitwww.nsbrc.co.uk

“Brilliant in every way. Drovedown from North Wales and wasthere for about three hours. It’s amust do for people consideringself-build as you will learn a lot.My wife and I both left thereexcited about a potential self-build!”Wesley Jones, via Facebook

“BuildStore, the National SelfBuild & Renovation Centre and itsvarious partners have beeninvaluable – I cannot fault theirexpertise and advice – they havereally made this project mucheasier, and cheaper, for us!”Paul Vaughan, via BuildStore

“On the recommendation of afriend who knows our interest instarting out on renovation projectsand hopefully, new build, my wifeand I visited the NSBRC. From theoutset, the welcome was warmand the information available wasvery impressive and extremelyuseful.”Peter Cornthwaite, via BuildStore

“Whether you are a self-builderplanning a whole house, orthinking of extending, NSBRC isworth a visit either with yourarchitect or on your own tounderstand how bespoke you can be.”Richard Bowman, via Facebook

“Blown away, this place reallydoes have everything you needfor new builds and extensions”Shane Reeve, via Facebook

TESTIMONIALS

FEATURE

The NSBRCfeatures a zonededicatedentirely to therefurbishmentand restorationof older houses

Page 14: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

SECRETS OF SUCCESS

When we left you last time, we were on tenterhooks. A decision had to be made

about number 41. We were living in a house that needs to either be knockeddown or have major surgery. After losingtwo builders we had to decide whetherto abandon plans to rebuild and refurbishthe existing house instead. There was athird option, although very unlikely, whichwas to find a project manager to overseethe build.It was our architect Dan who came up

trumps. He was working with a projectmanager called Paul on a modern housebuild just two miles from our plot, and better still there was a chance hewould be available. We didn’t hesitate. We asked Dan to set up a meetingstraight away. While all this was going on, Andy and

I were also working on Plan B. We were

in talks with a local building companywho seemed keen to refurbish ourhouse. After two meetings, discussionsof plans and a site visit to a propertythey had completely refurbished, wewere hopeful that they would be able to bring in a proposal on budget. Anyway, we met up with project

manager Paul and he seemed up forbuilding the house. He charges a flatfee and works with a team of people he trusts.At the first meeting, he reckoned

he could build the house within our budget. He did some calculationsbased on the house that he’s currentlyworking on. We decided to take it tothe next level and get some more accurate figures. Meeting number twowent well. The first things he worked onwere coming out at the right prices andit looked pretty likely that rest of the

costings would follow suit. Paul is now our project manager.

He got started on fleshing out the pricing and started the ball rolling ongetting the house ready for demolition– including moving the gas and electricsa safe distance away from the action.There have been a couple of issues

on the later costings – Brexit has hit us, and steel prices are up. There was

When we heard from first-time self-builders Sarah and Andy Ball in the lastissue, they were at a crossroads, unsure if their Derby build would goahead. Things have changed however, and the demolition notices are in

Chapter two: preparing for demolition

There have been acouple of issues onthe later costings –Brexit has hit us, and steel pricesare up

Page 15: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

almost £23,000 of steel in the design tohold up the cantilevers and give thenine metre sliding door protectionagainst deflection. The other part of thebuild that was coming in far higher oncost was the foundations. We had al-ready had a survey of the soil and fromthe calculations knew we would need additional depth on the side next to the trees in the car park.Paul would see if he could get better

prices on these and in the meantime wewould look at compromises in other areas. We could remove budget out ofthe bathrooms, kitchen, staircase, walland floor finishes. Having done a few refurbishment projects before, I like this part of the process. I am a savvyshopper and will happily do my researchto get the best prices.

MAKING SENSIBLE CHOICESNext up for consideration was the airsource heat pump, underfloor heatingand HVAC. This was something we discussed from early on. We can see theadvantages of storage batteries for the long term and felt a good way to reduce long term running costs wouldbe to make the house self-sufficient for power through a combination of solar thermal and PV, air source, anoversized water tank to store energy anda battery wall. Although we hoped wewould never have to do it, we wanted tobe able to go off grid should poweroutages become a big issue.But battery prices are up, making our

return on investment less favourable. A gas boiler to power the underfloorheating would be a reasonable option.We can keep the HVAC as the benefitsof air changes and keeping dust levelslow, are important to us.We also looked at window and door

systems for the house at the FIT Show, a trade show for the glazing industry.We were there as exhibitors with ourmarketing agency, but it didn’t stop us having a good look round at all thesystems we might need for our build.Aluminium sliding doors were definitelyin vogue, and there were loads of newproducts on display. All the main UK

manufacturers had stands and they allseemed to be offering bigger door leafsand slimmer frames.It was great to see because our

biggest consideration is the slidingdoors from the open plan living spaceto the garden. Given the span for these doors is almost nine metres, we want to make sure that we have theslimmest frames to gain the maximumeffect from our architect’s designs.We’re also keen to work with a reputable UK manufacturer so we canavoid the horror stories you see on TVwhen the glazing turns up weeks oreven months late.We also saw some very good looking

aluminium windows that would fit our

design just perfectly. We are looking for something that has a chamfered orcurved bead as the very square edgedsystems might look too commercial for our house.And finally, good news! Project man-

ager Paul is due to meet with the steelmanufacturers. He thinks that there’s anargument for reassessing the steel andthat could have a knock-on effect to thefoundations – he’s talking about shavingup to £10,000 off the prices.We are waiting for the gas and elec-

tric suppliers to come back with a date,and then the house can be demolished.

Look out for the next chapter of Sarahand Andy’s story later in the year

I am a savvy shopper and willhappily do my research to get thebest prices

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Potton celebrates 25 years of helping self-builders’ dreams come true

Page 18: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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INTERIOR INSPIRATION:BATHROOMS& WETROOMS

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Page 22: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 26: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

Set back from the main A22 road andtucked in to a tight site behind large treesand bushes, it’s hard to fathom why Alan

and Elizabeth Berryman’s self-build in thedesirable East Sussex town of East Grinsteadwould have initially been refused planningpermission. But the couple’s journey has by no means

been an easy one. Their substantial and elegant current house,

built in the 1960s, is situated in a large plot atthe end of a long driveway, the gardenincluding a small parcel of land to the frontwhere they initially decided to build a modestnew home for Elizabeth’s elderly mother.Sectioned off by an assortment of trees, theplot is in line with various other houses thathave been built on adjacent plots throughoutthe years.

TWO-YEAR STRUGGLEThe first hurdle was arranging a meeting with aplanning officer – at a cost of £100 – atHaywards Heath Council, to discuss the wayforward. Showing up for the appointment, they found they were meeting someone who dealt only with extensions and couldn’thelp them. They were told that while there was no

guarantee they would meet the relevant

person, they would have to apply for another meeting, and find another £100. Upon hearing this, “my mouth droppedopen,” says Elizabeth, who ran a chocolateshop before retiring, adding: “The more I try to find out about planning, the more I realise I don’t know.”Nevertheless they persevered, and it was

during this second meeting they discoveredthat their proposed plot was classified as ‘C1countryside’, meaning it can only be built on inexceptional circumstances. Despite beingsomewhat disheartened, a visit to GrandDesigns Live proved to be a turning point.“We met a young designer called Will Fosterwho had won several awards,” explainsElizabeth. “He said, ‘I’ll get your planningpermission,’ and a great deal of time andmoney later, he did.”The design that was eventually given

approval was a low, circular house with a smallchunk missing to allow for existing trees. Alan,a former IT specialist, explains that as well as

ABOVE The house had to be rotated sothat it faces the hedgebordering the A22 road

OPPOSITEThe construction of theScandia-Hus was one of themost straightforward parts ofthe whole process

THE BEST LAID PLANS

“I think the mostfrustrating thing is stillthe planning permission.It took far too long andwas far too irritating.”Elizabeth Berryman

LOW POINT

A visit to GrandDesigns Live proved tobe a turning point

For many self-builders, finding a plot to build on is the biggest hurdle, butfor one retired couple using their own land proved just as problematic, for ahost of reasons. Roseanne Field reports

© Alan Berryman

Page 27: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

two bedrooms, it had a lounge and open-plankitchen diner, and its circular design allowedevery inch of space to be utilised. “It was quiteclever, actually,” he says. However, during 18months of design tweaks required to getthrough planning Elizabeth’s mother passedaway, which naturally meant the project wasput on hold.

Despite the trouble their design had facedgetting planning, permission for two newhouses was granted on an adjacent plot ofland fractionally bigger than their site, anddemolition began within six weeks of theprevious owner moving out. It was this state ofaffairs that steeled their determination to goahead and build.

A CHANGE OF PLANAlthough the ‘round house’ design hadplanning, they decided against it due to cost,opting instead for a two-storey dwelling, asAlan explains, saying: “It worked out that itwould be the same cost to build a two-storeyhouse.” They also contemplated selling theland, but decided it wasn’t worth it, due to the risk that “somebody could build anything.”

Following all the delays, they wantedsomething that would be quick to build, aswell as good quality, so they paid a visit to thenearby showroom of Swedish timber frame ‘kithome’ firm Scandia-Hus. Impressed, theydecided on a two-storey, split roof designImages © Mikey Pooley

Page 28: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 29: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

which would limit the height of the house andthus make it more discreet.

However there was a further twist in thetale. Alan and Elizabeth discovered that theirassigned planning officer, having not been inagreement with the decision to allowpermission for the houses next door to theirplot, was not minded to grant furtherplanning. This was complicated by objectionsfrom a neighbour to the house (seeminglysensibly) facing the driveway, claiming itwould overlook their swimming pool, despitenumerous tall trees in between. Confusingly,the planning officer said that “he would havegranted permission, if we had any trees!”,comments Elizabeth.

The house had to be rotated 90 degrees sothat it now faces the hedge dividing the plotfrom the road beyond it, but this meant thedesign had to be altered. “It was going to havea carport on the side with a balcony above it soyou could see the South Downs,” explainsAlan. It also had to reduced by a metrehorizontally, in order to sit at least five metresaway from another neighbour’s trees. “Thismade things like wall widths and positioning ofthings much more critical than they would havebeen,” says Alan. A bath was to go in one ofthe ensuites, but had to be replaced by ashower: “It’s only a metre, but that has made alot of difference,” adds Elizabeth.

They sought the help of a local councillor,who along with Scandia-Hus helped themfight their case with the planning department.They attended the planning meeting, and

were finally granted permission – with amajority of 11 to one.

BUILDING (FINALLY) BEGINSOnce actual activity began on site, things wenta little more smoothly. However there was acostly misunderstanding with the drainagesystem. A surface water drain was mistaken fora sewage drain, meaning a pumped systemhad to be connected to an alternative drain atthe rear of their existing house – at a not-insubstantial cost of £15,000.

Things really began to motor in October2016, but Alan and Elizabeth weren’t there tosee it. Following what was a stressful fewmonths, they flew to America for a well-earnedbreak as the block and beam floor was beinglaid, but returned to find a very a differentscene on their plot. “We went away for fiveweeks and when we got back we had ahouse!” says Elizabeth.

The relatively compact four-bedroom housebegan as a simple adaptation of a Scandia-Husmodel but became more and more bespokewith the necessary changes required toachieve planning. It has been constructedusing a combination of blockwork and timberframe with the ground floor rendered and thefirst floor covered in wood-effect cladding. Theroof design reduces the height of the buildingto the extent that it isn’t visible from theirexisting house.

There are three bathrooms, including twoensuites, plus an additional downstairs WC.The bathrooms have all been finished to a

“Without a doubt the[building of the] house!”Elizabeth Berryman

HIGH POINT

Page 31: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

high standard and are fully tiled. On theground floor, efficient warmth is provided by awater underfloor heating system, while thereare radiators upstairs. One of the two ensuitesfeatures another space-saving addition, anelectrically-heated wall, which is a cleveralternative to a heated towel rail. All of thebuilding’s windows are triple-glazed andaluminium coated.The two floors are connected with a central

modern oak staircase with a glass balustradewhich creates an impressive focal point uponentering the house. No expense has beenspared in the kitchen, which sits to the left ofthe entrance hall. The modern, dark brownunits feature three integrated ovens (twostandard and one steam), a microwave anddishwasher, while an island/breakfast barhouses the hob with a downdraft extractor thatsits hidden in the worktop when not in use. Aseparate utility room includes space for awashing machine and tumble dryer.The living room sits to the right of the

hallway, a bright room with double doorsleading out to the garden. The landingfeatures a large window and skylight, while thetwo front bedrooms benefit from floor to

ceiling windows, filling the space with light.Leading off the driveway up to their existing

house, the new dwelling’s good-sizeddriveway offers plenty of parking, and the restof the outside space is turfed. A row of hedgeswill run up the side of the existing driveway togive the house some privacy and separation. As well as erecting the frame, Scandia-Hus

provided a full design service – including allchanges needed, as well as constructing theentire framework including all internalsupporting walls. The main contractor Head &Southon – recommended by Scandia-Hus –managed the project and sub-contracted allother trades, including the groundworkers whoconstructed the block and beam floor. The main contractor is based locally, which

Alan and Elizabeth say has been a majoradvantage compared with working with aLondon-based builder – as has been theirprevious experience. “It makes a bigdifference,” Alan says. The majority of the construction work took

place over winter which meant predictabledelays caused by weather conditions andChristmas and New Year. The blockwork gotwet during winter rains and therefore therendering was delayed while it dried out. Theyalso struggled to get hold of the edge tiles forthe roof which Alan puts down to “the generalslowdown in the industry last year.”Scandia-Hus’ eco credentials as well as build

quality influenced the couple’s decision to gowith the firm. However, the air tightness levelsprovided means an MVHR ventilation systemwill normally be required to remove stale air.They planned to install this, but it had to beabandoned as it upset the SAP (StandardAssessment Procedure) calculations forBuilding Regs compliance. “If we wanted thatwe would have had to have a woodburner,”

CONTACTS/SUPPLIERS

SCANDIA-HUSwww.scandia-hus.co.uk

INSURANCE: CRLwww.c-r-l.com

TILES:Barge Tilesbargetiles.co.uk

SEWAGE PUMP: Kingspan Klargesterwww.kingspanklargester.com(Installed by Coppard PlantHire, www.coppard.co.uk)

KITCHEN UNITS: Schüllerwww.schueller.de/en/index.htm

KITCHEN APPLIANCES:Bosch; Cookology(halogen hob)www.bosch.co.uk/en/ukwww.thewrightbuy.co.uk/cookology

KITCHEN SINKS:Carron Phoenixwww.carron.com

BATHROOM FIXTURES & FITTINGS: Pura; RAK Ceramics; R2; Kudos; Carron; Thomas Dudleywww.purabathrooms.co.ukwww.rakceramics.com/uk/enwww.r2bathrooms.co.ukwww.kudosshowers.co.ukwww.carronbathrooms.comwww.thomasdudley.co.uk

STAIRS:Stairplanstairplan.com

CLADDING:Marley Eternit (Cedral)www.marleyeternit.co.uk/Facades/Weatherboard

CARPETS:T P Martin01342 326598

BUILDERS: Head & Southon, Lingfield01342 833833

The house began as asimple adaptation of aScandia-Hus modelbut became more andmore bespoke with thenecessary changesrequired for planning

Page 32: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

says Elizabeth, “but we didn’t, so we had to goaround it.” They instead installed extractorfans in the toilets and could also only use acertain type of combi boiler to satisfy SAP. Butlooking on the bright side, she says: “Actuallyit saved us quite a bit of money!”The installation of the utilities also proved

somewhat frustrating. “The services were anightmare,” Alan says. They arranged for thewater and electrics work to be done on thesame day to prevent the road from being dugup twice, but only one of the two turned up.They also experienced a wait between eachstep of the electrics and gas installation –having to wait for one job to be finishedbefore the next could even be arranged. “It’s asequential problem,” Alan says. They also had to pay £3,500 for a telegraph

pole to be moved 15 feet and discovered thatthe utility companies “will not work underscaffolding,” says Alan. He says, resignedly:“It’s the little things like the services that havecaused us more grief than building the house.”

LESSONS LEARNEDReflecting on their experience, they agreethere are lessons for others from what was anexpensive process. “It really is quite scary,”says Elizabeth. “For example, suddenly allsorts of people want different surveys which all cost money.” Alan gives one example of anunexpected sudden charge in the form of theSANG (Suitable Alternative Natural

Greenspace) payment, which they discoveredwas compulsory when building on empty land. They also found themselves paying a fee for the build due to it being within 7 km ofthe Ashdown Forest, plus various soil tests.Elizabeth says one of her biggest frustrations

with the process is what she perceives as a lackof rights when appealing decisions or arguingadditional or unnecessary charges. She citesthe example of the drainage issue, for whichthey paid the council for a sewage map only tofind it so out of date their existing house isn’teven on it. “You pay your money and there’sno redress,” she says.They have also found other extra costs

cropping up that hadn’t originally beenallowed for. “Because we’ve got a slightlysloping site, we’ve had an additional cost toput steps down out the back,” says Alan,giving one example.

ENDING ON A HIGHAlthough the project has taken longer thanthey had originally anticipated, Alan andElizabeth had no specific deadline to finish byand so were not feeling unduly stressed as theproject neared its end. Says Elizabeth: “On thewhole, it’s most likely taken longer than wethought it would, but our motto throughoutwas ‘It doesn’t matter’.” The ‘inside-first’ efficiency of the Scandia-

Hus construction method has impressed Alan.“Because they put the interior of the house up

Page 33: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

first, it’s waterproof and all the windows go instraight away, they’re able to work through allthe cold weather.” He adds: “You haven’t gotthese scenes like you see on TV where all thewater’s pouring in.” Elizabeth agrees it was avery smooth process: “It went up easily andthey were there to support us.”

They are still undecided as to what they willdo with the house once completed. But despitethe rollercoaster ride they’ve been on to gethere, remarkably the pair say they would takeon a self-build again – providing they could findland with some form of building, and thereforeutilities, already in place!

“We like the house, we think it’s been wellbuilt and we haven’t really had any problemson that front,” summarises Elizabeth. “Wewould build another!”

“We like the house, wethink it’s been wellbuilt and we haven’treally had anyproblems on thatfront – we would buildanother!”

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Page 35: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided
Page 36: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

We manufacture, supply and install:

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Visit our showrooms in London, Cambridgeshire or Buckinghamshire

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Page 37: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

BUILDING FABRIC & EXTERIORS

It may not seem so to the casualobserver, but bi-folding doors are notall built equal: the quality and finish

can vary enormously and there is nosubstitute for seeing, operating and‘feeling’ the product for yourself. Themechanism and ease of use can varydrastically between brands. A bi-folding door can be superb

addition to your home, adding value andsaleability for many years; however somebrands use cheaper parts which couldresult in a shorter lifespan and demandmore upkeep. For example, nylonrunners are far less effective and not aslong lasting in comparison to their morerobust stainless steel counterparts.

WEATHER RESISTANCEHigh quality manufacturers producesecure systems which don’t rattle in thewind and offer extensive noise reductionfrom both weather and traffic noise – animportant factor for any door. With a good quality bi-fold door you

can achieve a noise reduction of 44 dBand full protection from the elementsduring inclement weather, while stillallowing natural light to flood throughthe property, bringing a homely warmthto relax and unwind in.Sometimes people ask ‘how can I

determine whether a bi-fold systemmeets my requirements?’ MichelleSpangehl, marketing manager atSolarlux, explains: “I have come acrossthis question many times duringexhibitions. My advice is to ask forcertificates that indicate the system’sperformance. For instance, DIN ENregulations for protection against driving rain, resistance to wind load

and air permeability. “As an example Solarlux always tests

its systems to the highest standards sothat we’re able to achieve protectionagainst driving rain up to class 9A, windload B4 and air permeability class 3according to DIN EN regulations.Another tip is to ask for cross sections ofthe doors. The more sophisticatedlyengineered the profiles and floor tracks the better the performance – be it weather resistance, security orthermal efficiency.”

THERMAL PERFORMANCEAlthough bi-folding doors are all aboutcreating open spaces, they also need toperform when closed. Manymanufacturers now offer triple glazeddoors and are pushing this productoption. However, it’s not necessarily allabout triple or double glazing – if theprofiles are of high quality triple glazingwon’t be necessary to reach the key Uwvalue for window thermal performanceof 1.1. If the door’s frame is of poorquality triple glazing will not offset thedifference.It’s worth keeping in mind that the

quality of a bi-fold door is alsodetermined by what you cannot see.Generally, heat is lost via the profiles, sohigh quality manufacturers incorporateprecisely engineered thermal breaks (airchambers) in order to reach a low U-value and prevent condensation. Whencomparing Uw values ask manufacturers ifthey have considered the profile andframe within their calculation – often theyrefer to the glass only.Previously to achieve a Passivhaus

standard you had to choose a system

When it comes to buying bi-fold doors, there arevarious factors to bear in mind before laying outcash on such an important purchase. Solarlux breaks down the key areas to consider

Bi-fold door specification made clear

All images © Solarlux

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BI-FOLD DOORS

SLIDING DOORS

GLASS BALUSTRADES

SLIDE & TURN SYSTEMS

MOVEABLE WALLS

WINDOW & ROOF SYSTEMS

We’ve taken the worry out of home improvementWhen you choose any glazing solution from IDSystems, you can relax knowing that you’ve had the highest

and security installed in your home. We’ll also give you a no-stress 10-year guarantee on our glazing system and workmanship for even more peace of mind.

CONTACT USt 01603 408 804 e [email protected] idsystems.co.uk

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manufactured with a combination oftimber and aluminium; however, this hasnow changed. The Bi-Fold Door bySolarlux is believed to be the firstaluminium system to achieve thermaltransmittance values corresponding tothe guidelines for Passivhaus suitability,with a Uw value as low as 0.8 W/m2K.Achieving good thermal performancedoesn’t mean compromising on currentcontemporary design trends.

BE SECURITY AWAREWith bi-folding doors featuring so muchglass and making your house open for allto see, you may fear it could attractuninvited guests. Three point locking is amust, and five point is even better. Glass should be toughened and aminimum of 4 mm thick – you may evenchoose laminated glass as an upgradedsafer option. The optional security specification RC2

for bi-folds and RC3 for sliders is aEuropean security upgrade which issimilar to Secured by Design, thecertification preferred by the Britishpolice. This means that the system willwithstand a prolonged attempted break-in and it comprises additionalcovers for various door components,making them even less accessible for

burglars. These additional securityspecifications are available for selectedaluminium systems only, but generallyhigh quality bi-folds will provide goodsecurity as standard.

SLIDING VS FOLDINGThe alternative to bi-folding doors issliding doors. Subject to design andtype, they are often the more expensiveoption. Sliding doors are usually madeup of two, three or four panels with one or two panels fixed. When closed,you can enjoy uninterrupted viewsoutside due to the fact there are lessvertical profiles than with bi-folds;

however, there is always an occupiedarea reducing the overall usableopening width. Martijn Venema, managing director of

Solarlux generally advises: “Sliding doorswork best closed, bi-folds work bestopen. A solution should be chosendepending on the room and thesituation. For example, adult-only andpet-free families can choose either,whereas families with busy lifestyles, petsand or children can rather choose a bi-folding door.” Where the space is often used a bi-

folding door is recommended, as it istypically easier to open as one panel canserve as a traffic door. Kitchensespecially are where the family andfriends often gather, so a bi-fold enablesmaximum access to the garden.However, large houses with fantasticviews might rather choose a sliding doorto enjoy an almost completelyuninterrupted view.Both sliding and folding doors can

create a seamless transition from houseto garden and can be combined with aglass or brick extension. Consult yourlocal dealer, compare the doors’ featuresand test and try the systems to find yourown bespoke product solution that suitsyour personal needs.

BUILDING FABRIC & EXTERIORS

All images © Solarlux

There is nosubstitute forseeing,operating and‘feeling’ theproduct foryourself

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Operate a Schueco sliding door and the rigidity, e�ortless action and solid clunk as it closes proclaim one thing: quality. Systems include doors that slide, lift-and-slide and use frameless technology to deliver outstanding panoramic views. Also available: slender-profiled windows, slimline façades and super-secure entrance doors, all with the highest levels of insulation that can be up to Passive House standard. For German engineering made in Britain, there’s only one name.

For more information and your nearest Schueco Partner installers:www.schueco.co.uk

Just one touch tells you all you need to know

Page 41: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 42: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

steel reinforced natural hardwood doorsentrance doors | internal feature doors | garage doors

oversized doors | passive housemade and designed in UK

urbanfront.com | 01494 778787visit our new website

steel reinforced natural hardwood doors entrance doors

internal feature doors garage doors

oversized doorspassive house

urbanfront.co.uk+44 (0)1494 778787

Replacement aluminium windows for period and new homes

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For expert advice call 08008 401 508 www.thwc.co.uk

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Contact us for specialist services and advice by calling 01869 220 050. Alternatively you

can email us on [email protected] or visit the website www.century-stone.co.uk

Specialists in stone cladding

Page 45: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

In a sector where aesthetics anddurability are equally important andindividuality is a unique selling point,

natural stone is the ideal material.Quarried and mined from the earth,

and thus bearing unique characteristicsthat are the result of complex geologicalprocesses, natural stone offers thespecifier more than just a material – itoffers a story.

No two pieces of natural stone will beexactly the same, and when its use isembraced by specifiers, this material canprovide a wealth of options in bothtexture and colour.

Stone Federation is the official tradeassociation for the natural stoneindustry, working with specifiers,architects, designers and clients toconnect you with the ideal material andcompany for your project. Thefederation has over 100 years’experience helping the professionalunderstand and therefore benefit fromthe inimitable qualities of natural stone.

CHOOSING STONESelecting the right material for theproject in hand is crucial to the successof any job, and there are three key steps

to follow to ensure correct stoneselection for a particular project.

The first step is to ensure that thesamples are up to the task in hand,namely giving you a true representationof what the final product will look like.One key factor in this is looking atrange/control samples. These will showyou the range of geologicalcharacteristics typically found within thebed of stone as opposed to the smallsnapshot you would find in a singleindicative sample piece. This helps avoidany confusion as to what the finishedfloor, wall or countertop will look like.

BUILDING FABRIC & EXTERIORS

Stone Federation’s Matt Robb discusses what he sees as theunique visual appeal of natural stone, and what you shouldconsider before using it in your self-build

Naturally beautiful

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Eccles Stone is a family run business with over 30 years experience in themanufacturing of Arti9cial Pre Cast Stone Products. We are committed toproducing quality products and providing 9rst class customer service.

We supply all types and sizes of commercial, residential and private projectsthroughout the UK. We have a large range of products which includes Arti9cialStone Lintels, Cills, Mullions, Jambs Quoins, Steps, Porticos and Bay Windowsand we can also manufacture bespoke units to your own speci9cation.

ARTIFICIAL STONE MANUFACTURER IN LANCASHIRE

[email protected] 671151 www.ecclesstone.com

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However, it is worth bearing in mind that this is a natural product, andtherefore each stone will have its ownunique features.The second step is the quarry or mine

visit. Stone Federation strongly advisesthat a visit is made so that the stoneproposed for the project can be carefullyinspected. This is also the ideal stage atwhich to involve an independent stoneconsultant to come and provide youwith an expert opinion. This allows youto be a part of the unique journey ofyour material; to connect the finalmaterial to its origins and story.The last of these three steps is the

technical assessment of the stone. Thereare various tests that help build a pictureof a stone’s potential suitability for aparticular application, and while pastprojects are a good indicator, recent testdata on the CE certificate andDeclaration of Performance should beexamined. Natural stone is the idealmaterial for a wide range of applications,but choosing the right materials for thedesired application is important, and thisis where testing can really help. When it comes to choosing the right

stone for the project in hand, it’s worthexploring the wealth of options thatnatural stone offers the architecturalindustry. The Natural Stone Awards celebrate

the best examples of the use of naturalstone across a wide range ofapplications. The winners are ashowcase of the successful use of natural stone in cladding, interiors,repair and restoration, landscaping and so much more. Both the 2014 and 2016 awards saw a

wide range of natural stones used in thesuccessful projects stretching all the wayfrom British limestones through to Italianmarbles. The finished projects covereverything from the dramatic to theunderstated, but all have one thing incommon – the architect or designers’

skill in choosing the perfect stone for thedesired applications.

NATURAL STONE’S OFFERINGFrom the fossils found in limestone tothe natural, subtle layers of slate, textureis a strong selling point for using naturalstone. The three-dimensional dynamicthat a feature wall of unpolished,naturally textured stone can provide isstunning and definitely a trend that is onthe increase. Unlike many other materials, the same

piece of stone can be finished in anumber of ways to provide the texturebest suited to the application. Flamed,honed, blasted, sanded, polished andline textured are all finishes that can givethe same piece of stone a very differentvisual impact.When it comes to creating visual

impact, geological striations and naturalcolour streaks found in marble creates astriking aesthetic which is seen across awide range of applications, from hotellobbies and city cladding projectsthrough to floors and church steeples. Ina market where individuality is key, theunique visuals that natural stone cancreate are striking, bringing a strong identity to interior spaces of all description.Stone also of course has strong

credentials on durability. As a result ofthe geological processes, the thousandsof years of compression, natural stone isan incredibly hard-wearing material. You

need only look at the centuries-oldlimestone clad streets of London, thegranite paved streets of Aberdeen orthe Clipsham stone-rich buildings ofOxford to see evidence of the longevityof this natural material.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIRMStone Federation has a membership ofover 240 natural stone firms, coveringeverything from international stonesuppliers and British quarry operatorsthrough to design consultants andsealant manufacturers. Each member isvetted and approved and has access toa vast resource of technical backup,training and guidance documents on allthe latest Government legislation andguides to best practice.There are a number of ways in which

you can find the right company for yourproject. The Natural Stone Source Bookacts as a source of information andinspiration, containing a full directory ofmembers alongside project profiles. The‘Search for a Member’ tool on thewebsite allows you to find the rightmember for your specific projectrequirements.Our free technical helpline is also a

great way of accessing expert advice oneverything from stone selection andtolerances through to British Standardsand slip resistance.

Matt Robb is digital media executive atStone Federation

This uniquematerial canprovide awealth ofoptions in both textureand colour

BUILDING FABRIC & EXTERIORS

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The self-builder market isincreasingly looking towardsunderfloor heating (UHF) systems

as a cost and energy efficient way toheat a building. However, the energysavings that UFH can deliver to ahomeowner often fail to be maximisedbecause the correct design protocolshave not been followed. Modern homes have a number of

inherent heat loss areas built into theirdesign, which can limit the effectivenessof UFH. One way of countering this isby considering the right type ofinsulation at the design stage.UFH is becoming increasingly popular

with the self-build market, for a numberof reasons. It offers a more convenientalternative to traditional radiatorheating systems. Not only is the systemessentially invisible, since it works bytubing embedded in the floor, but itcan also be cheaper to run and is oftenmore energy efficient than radiators.It works by pumping a controlled flow

of warm water from any heat source suchas a boiler or heat pump, through pipesinstalled underneath the floor. This alsomeans that pipework is hidden, andthere is no need to hang traditionalradiators on the wall, which can take upconsiderable space in properties.

INSULATIONInsulation is an important considerationwhen installing UFH – we alwaysrecommend that self-builders installinsulation with UFH systems. It ensuresthat as much heat as possible goesupwards into the house, limiting theamount of heat which travels down intothe ground. The general rule is that the

more insulation you have, the smallerthe amount of heat you are losingthrough the external fabric of abuilding. This also means that the

heating demand on your UFH system isgreatly reduced.

MATERIALSMultiple types of suitable insulationexist, falling into various categories.You can have polystyrene insulation,which is considered the more traditionaltype, or glass fibre insulation, a productcommonly used in lofts. Some builds will require glass fibre

insulation. This is often used for joistedfloors on the ground and for the firstfloor in older buildings where it is usedwith spreader plate systems. A lot of self-builders also like to use

an expanded foam insulation with a foilbacking. This has particularly good heatretention properties. Which of these materials will be more

effective largely depends on theapplication and the type of building.However, it is almost a foregoneconclusion that at least 95 per cent ofnew builds or extensions will use a foil-backed foam insulation. Generally speaking, the way modern

buildings are being constructed meansthey’re creating a demand forexpanded foam insulation. For manyyears, self-builders and installers usedvery basic insulation which had to beextremely thick. Expanded foam has asignificantly higher heat retention ratethan many other forms of insulation.The advent of expanded foam has alsogreatly reduced properties’ heat loss.

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONSOnce you have selected your type ofinsulation, there are still furtherdecisions that need consideration. Forexample, the position of insulationwithin the floor structure always needsto be considered. In 2002, changeswere made to Building Regulations,stating that all new builds must have

insulation below the concrete slab. Allscreeded floors will already haveinsulation below them, regardless ofwhether an UFH system is installed.When it comes to the question of

how much insulation to use, the answeris – really as much as possible.Regardless of whether or not UFH isinstalled, you can never have too muchinsulation under a floor. Most properties will emit a fairly

constant amount of heat due towindows and doors. Even the bestquality double glazed unit will emit heata lot more easily than a brick wallwould. When you consider the currenttrend to have open plan rooms in

Toby Howard-Willis of JG Speedfit offers someadvice on how to achieve the full benefit of aninsulated underfloor heating system

Maximising the benefits from below

Insulationensures that asmuch heat aspossible goesupwards intothe house

BUILDING FABRIC & EXTERIORS

Page 49: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

BUILDING FABRIC & EXTERIORS

modern buildings, and more glass andwindows, insulation becomes evenmore important since the heat lossareas have been increased.There are also various aspects to take

into account when installing insulationin order to ensure you get it right first

time. The type of building, floorconstruction, and height allowance ofthe floor will all help to dictate whichtype of insulation to use. It’s always advisable to use an UFH

manufacturer that offers a free ofcharge consultation and full design

service prior to commencing anyproject. Some will further support thiswith aftersales technical support,should it ever be needed.

Toby Howard-Willis is technical salesmanager at JG Speedfit

The waymodernbuildings arebeingconstructedmeans they’recreating ademand forexpanded foaminsulation

THOMAS CARTER LTDbuilding tomorrows standards today

0845 263 8250www.thomascarter.co.uk

We are an innovative company who specialise in the design and building ofsustainable homes, extensions and conversions. Our main form of structureutilises Structural Insulated Panels. These panels are extremely versatile intheir application and provide unrivalled performance both in air tightness andinsulation. We are a registered delivery partner for Kingspan Tek the leadingproducer in the UK and Europe for insulation Technologies.

Page 50: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

Trends by their nature tend to comeand go in interiors, but whenconsidering designing a kitchen,

homeowners will want to ensure they aremaking sound investments which willstand the test of time. There are manydecisions to be made when choosing akitchen design, from the style of thecabinets to appliances, flooring andfurniture, all of which need to worktogether to create a fluid, functional andbeautifully-designed space.Recent projects of ours have taken a

lot of style inspiration from the ‘modernindustrial’ trend – a basic and earthy stylethat uses industrial textures. By workingto achieve the correct balance in aneclectic mix of modern and rustic designelements, a modern industrial-styledkitchen can look as good in a countryhome as it does in a chic city apartment.

CREATING INDUSTRIAL STYLEThe style often incorporates and makesthe best of existing features. Inrenovation projects this might includeexposed brick, wooden beams ororiginal wooden or tiled flooring. Inmodern homes this could be steelbeams, polished concrete floors orexposed pipes seen in warehouse styleapartments. Plainer, earthier oaks onfloors or furniture are best suited tocomplement the ‘industrial’ materials.Although the style works with both

modern flat panel and traditional shakerstyle cabinets, avoid gloss kitchencabinets or highly grained woods suchas walnut or cherry. A neutral colourpalette is ideal, naturally achieved withwarm woods, metals and brickworkwhich can be exposed to their originalcolour for a warm feel to the kitchen orpainted without plaster to add contrastto the scheme.Adding colour to this style of kitchen

should be carefully considered as themain interest comes from the mixture oftextures and the contrast of modern andretro styling. However, bold darkneutrals work well. Blacks, greys, darkblues and dark greens all complementthe natural materials perfectly.

CHOOSING APPLIANCES, FURNITURE & LIGHTINGFor appliances take inspiration fromworking commercial kitchens. Stainlesssteel range cookers and fridges, showertaps and large dual sinks are allinfluences from restaurant kitchenswhich have become common in homesand add to the industrial feel. Butlersinks are practical, hardwearing and atimeless trend in kitchen design. Retrofurniture and lighting are a must-have inthis style of kitchen.For feature lighting, look for reclaimed

factory lighting – go for glass domeswith old-fashioned Edison bulbs orsimply hanging from the ceiling on oldfashioned twined fabric cable. When itcomes to furniture antique and retropieces work really well. Look for chunkywooden tables, metal or leather chairsand stools. Accessorise with warmcolours, natural textiles such as wool orlinen and plants. It’s reassuring to know that getting the

on-trend modern industrial look needn’tcost the earth. The mix and match styleof old and new means you can makesavings by making the best of existingfeatures and sourcing reclaimedmaterials such as floorboards and castiron radiators. Antique furniture looksgreat in these kitchens and is a costeffective and sustainable way tocomplete your project.

Interior designer Gina Everett of Create Perfectgives some style tips on achieving the key currenttrend of a modern industrial look in the kitchen

INDUSTRIALREVOLUTION

HOME STYLING

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A feature of a recent refurbishment ofa large family kitchen diner in a homein the Cotswolds was blocks of colour,added by using painted kitchencabinets. After initial meetings, Icollaborated with the client remotelyusing online folders to collate ideas.3D renders were then created toillustrate exactly how the finishedproject would look. In completing the project we harnessed our network of sources for trades andfurnishings to save our client lots oftime and money.Achieving the look comes hand in

hand with great craftsmanship.Sourcing a quality handcrafted kitchen

from an independent kitchen companymeant the client could add someunique touches. Deep blue paintedkitchen cabinets in Zoffany Paint’s‘Como Blue’ are enhanced withtraditional brass cup kitchen handles.A natural stone floor and Farrow andBall’s ‘Ammonite’ grey white wallskeep the kitchen light and bright while allowing the cabinets to be thestar of the show. Warm woodenshelves made of reclaimed oakprovide storage to display vintagetreasures. The grey doors lead to an old fashioned pantry and utilityspace with signs on the glass to leadthe way.

CASE STUDY IN THE COTSWOLDS

PICTUREDCabinets with brass handles and painted in adeep blue stand out against a contrasting naturalstone floor and grey white walls

The mix-and-matchstyle of old and new

means you canmake savings

Page 52: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 54: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 55: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

Once the walls are painted, thefloors are laid and the wiring andplumbing is all finished, it’s time

to start thinking about what furniture willbe decorating your new home. One ofthe first choices to be made when buyingfurniture is whether to commission abespoke piece or buy a professionally-designed, readily-available item.Perhaps you’ve had a plan for your

furnishings right from the beginning ofthe project, or perhaps seeing it come tolife has given you reason to rethink yourchoices. Whatever stage you’re at,finding the perfect pieces of furniture toturn your house into a home can be aschallenging as it is exciting.

BESPOKE“Bespoke furniture is a great option ifyou’re looking for something that’sunique to your home,” comments AdamBrown, director at The Painted FurnitureCompany. “You may have a certainawkward space you’d like to fill, or aparticular colour scheme in mind.Whatever you’re planning, going for atailored option means your furniture fitsyour specifications exactly, withouthaving to compromise.”Having furniture that’s been made to

measure means it can be completelycustomised to your requirements or style,explains Adam. “These designs caninclude highly efficient storagecapabilities, be it concealing officeequipment and wiring or includingadditional storage,” he says. “By lookingat your own requirements, you canensure that the piece of furniture fitsprecisely into your life and does exactlywhat you need it to. For example, if youhave a huge shoe collection, why not askabout including a shoe rack within yourwardrobe, or extra storage spaceunderneath your bedframe?”Bespoke furniture can also be

designed to match the specific space, no

matter how inaccessible or small. “Thiscan be particularly useful in smallerspaces or rooms that are an unusualshape,” Adam continues. “Awkwardnooks and crannies, like the spot underthe stairs, might usually go unused but bycommissioning a piece to its exactmeasurements, such as one of our low bookcases, you can turn it into

a practical and beautiful feature of yournew home.”Manufacturers of bespoke furniture can

also offer various options when it comesto colour options etc. “Bespokemanufacturers can offer collections inbespoke sizes, along with a choice ofcolours and handles to make each designas personal as possible,” Adam

FIXTURES & FINISHES

Both bespoke furniture and ready-made pieces have their own set ofbenefits for self-builds – Selfbuilder & Homemaker speaks to two experts inthe field to get their views on which way to go

Bespoke v ready made:which is right for you?

Page 56: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

concludes. “You can also let them know ifyou want a certain combination ofdrawers and shelves, or a certain finish.On top of this, expert teams can evencolour match your furniture to ensure thatit fits into your scheme seamlessly.”

READY MADEAlternatively, there are many ofbeautiful ready-designed piecesavailable on the market. RachelEdmonds, founder of Newtons Furnituresays: “Professionally designed furnitureis just that. It’s beautifully crafted and

designed by someone with years ofexperience. Not only is professionally-designed furniture more readilyavailable at the click of a button, but italso looks and feels amazing.”Ready made furniture is designed

and created by people who have apassion for interior design, explainsRachel. “Selecting the right pieces is awonderful way to imprint yourpersonality on the overall design ofyour room,” she adds. “For example, ifyou love the look of French furniture,there is nothing like hand designed andhand carved furniture. In this instance,it’s always best to go with the expertswho specialise in a particular look. Anexpert will always have knowledge onwhat will and won’t work, and shouldbe happy to advise on what will workbest in your scheme. They take theworry out of the design process.”The other benefit to selecting

something ready made is the savingsthat can be made from both a time andcost perspective. “You don’t have towait weeks to sign off on a design andcan always be sure of finding otherfurniture pieces to match your scheme,”Rachel explains. Companies oftencreate complete sets of furniture,meaning “you can create the perfectroom in your desired look safe in theknowledge that each piece of furniturecomplements the next,” Rachel says.

“More importantly, you can send it backor exchange it should the colour, size ordesign not live up to yourexpectations.”Both choices clearly have their

benefits. While bespoke furniture isoften more unique, and best fordistinctively shaped rooms,professionally designed pieces are easyto buy and are often a better option ifyou’re looking for a stylised look. Whatever path you take, one thing

which cannot be argued is the oldsaying ‘buy cheap and buy twice’. Whenselecting a piece of furniture which willstand in your home for years to come,often undertaking daily use, quality isthe most important feature. There aremany bespoke and pre-made furniturecompanies in the UK which make themost of dedicated experts andcraftsmen to ensure that their productsare of the very best quality and willstand the test of time, so a bit ofresearch can go a long way in makingsure you get the best possible productfor your money.The furniture you choose for your

dream home is a very personal decision.What may be the best option for oneperson may not be the same foranother, and so the best policy is toconsider all the options available, andselect the piece which fits best into yourlifestyle and design tastes.

FIXTURES & FINISHES

When selectinga piece offurniture whichwill stand inyour home foryears to come,quality is themost importantfeature

Page 57: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

Capital Fireplaces offer a wide range of UK designed contemporary and traditional fireplaces, fires and stoves www.capitalfireplaces.co.uk

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The classic Stanford stoveWhether you’re looking for a featurefocal point to an open-plan living spaceor a central attraction for a cosy livingroom, there’s nothing like the warmthand charm of a wood burning stove.With a powerful heat output andattractive view of the flickering flameswithin, the Stanford collection willinstantly elevate any interior and caneven add value to your home. TheStanford range is available in threedifferent models to suit your needs. Each

design is crafted from high quality cast iron with a traditional blackfinish and is created to burn both seasoned wood and smokeless coal.Please contact Eurostove for more details.

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Page 58: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

Astaircase is generally the firstfeature on view when entering aproperty, meaning it creates the

perfect opportunity for a wonderful firstimpression. Having a specially designedstaircase in the hallway will furtherenhance this effect while reflecting onthe style of the property and thecharacter of the owner. Ultimately,choosing the right stair is a reallyimportant decision.

BUT HOW BESPOKE A STAIRCASE CAN YOURBUDGET STRETCH TO? Bearing the importance of getting stairsright in mind, while a closed softwoodflight with carpeted treads and riserswould be the most economical choice,would it give the right impression? Thereare several key elements to beconsidered in specifying a moreinteresting, custom-made flight withopen risers, which will affect the price.

THE SHAPE OF STAIRS TO COMEThe simpler the shape of the staircase,the cheaper the cost of the flight. Astraight flight staircase is therefore thecheapest to produce, followed by aquarter turn (90 degrees) and then a halfturn (180 degrees). Spiral staircases (steps arranged

around a central pillar) can be fairly costeffective depending on the materialsused. The most expensive option is toadd curves to the staircase – whether ina complete curve (helical shaped) or justwith a swooping entrance. While acurved stair can look stunning it costs asignificant amount to produce.

SUPPORTING STRUCTUREAbove and beyond the conventionaldouble timber stringer construction,there are many other methods ofsupporting the steps of a staircase.Steel is very popular due to the fact a

smaller amount can support a greater

weight, and therefore appear less bulkythan timber. Steel stringers can be cut toa specific desired shape or can belocated under the centre of the stair toform a spine.

TREADS & BALUSTRADESHardwood is generally the first choicefor custom-made staircase treads butglass, granite and stone are alsopopular.Conventional timber spindles tend to

be the standard balustrade on a basicsoftwood stair, but for a more modern,open and light feel a custom-made flightis likely to have a glass balustrade orstainless steel spindles or rails. Glass isextremely popular and is generally heldin place between timber or steel newelposts or bolted to the edge of thestringers or treads to give a frameless‘no newel’ appearance. Horizontal rails are attractive and a

little less costly than glass, but checkyour building inspector is happy withthem before purchasing. They can beviewed as forming a ladder effect andtherefore being climbable.Spindles are also available for custom-

made staircases and are oftenconstructed in steel or stainless steel. They are generally thinner inprofile than their traditional timbercounterparts and the cost of spindles willgenerally be less than glass, dependingon their finish.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONSMany custom-made, modern staircaseshave open risers to allow the passageof light. Building Regulations stipulatethat the gap between each step cannotexceed 100 mm for safety reasons. Allspecialist companies will be aware ofthe Regulations and will have solutionsto reduce the gap, but if they havemultiple methods for doing this theymay not include the cost in their quote.

Instead they might list and cost theoptions separately, so check thequotation carefully. Another item to consider that can add

considerably to the costs is therequirement for a landing balustrade.This is to offer protection around anyvoids over the stairwell and generallytakes the form of a balustrade thatmatches the staircase. A company islikely price this per metre so be sure towork out how much you need andcalculate accordingly. Installation is another cost to be

factored into the budget. Mostcompanies will offer a supply only, or a

The staircasecreates theperfectopportunity for a wonderful �rstimpression

Complete Stair Systems’ Nick Rackham explainshow to choose a custom-made staircase whilesticking to a budget

Tread withconfidence

FIXTURES & FINISHES

Page 59: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

FIXTURES & FINISHES

supply and installation cost, giving youthe option of self-assembly. Given manycustom-made staircases arestraightforward to fit, it may well prove amore economical option to have yourbuilder install yours – but make sure youget a price first.Any installation price a company

provides will most likely be a littleinflated to allow for any necessary travel and accommodation, which ofcourse would not be part of yourbuilder’s fee. To keep your new staircase within a

respectable budget, the best advice isto keep the design simple. The mosteconomical solution would be atraditional, straight flight formed withsoftwood treads and stringers and plyrisers. However this style is unlikely toprovide the impact of a custom-madedesign. If you are looking for somethinga little more striking and modern inkeeping with your new build orrefurbishment, gather some inspirationfrom the internet, magazines and TVshows and put together a mood boardof your favourites. It is important to prioritise a list of the

elements and materials you wouldreally like to have – for example oaktreads, glass balustrade – and beprepared for the fact that you mighthave to make sacrifices to meet yourbudget. Perhaps opting for stainedbeech rather than walnut steps, orhaving a stud wall at the first floor levelinstead of a matching glass balustrade,might be a better fit for your budget. If you can influence the design at the

early stages and need to keep costsdown it’s advisable to specify a straightflight configuration – or at least stayaway from curves! Your architect andbuilder should be able to give you anindication of costs at this stage, before

you filter down your selection andcontact specialist companies for aprecise quotation.When getting quotations ensure they

are for a ‘like for like’ product and checkif the price includes fitting or is supplyonly. Also check if it is possible to seethe product in a property or a showroomto ensure you’re satisfied with thequality before proceeding.There are more specialist staircase

companies operating in the UK thanever before, each with their ownbeautiful array of designs. Enjoygathering inspiration, but remember themore ambitious the design and shapeand the more unusual the materials, the higher the price of the stair is likely to ascend.

Nick Rackham is managing director atComplete Stair Systems

Be prepared for the fact that youmight have to make sacri�ces tomeet your budget

Page 60: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Page 61: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

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Lighting has been a ubiquitousfeature in our homes since time.immemorial. Granted, the methods

we use to light our homes may havechanged over the years, but the basicpremise has remained the same.We’re now entering a ‘new age’ of

lighting, moving away from the days of mere ‘on’ and ‘off’ to embracingtechnology as a way of improving how lighting affects the appearance and feel of a home.Interestingly, many people don’t give

lighting much thought when it comes to budget allocation, however, it’s often the single biggest influence on the way we feel when we’re in a space, so getting it right is key. Lighting can be used to highlight features, furnitureor favourite works of art. It can be used to zone areas, which is especiallyuseful if your build is of the open-plan inclination.It’s important to consider different

sources of light when planning spacesfor your home. If we think of an open-plan kitchen/diner, we might haveseveral different light circuits – somespotlights in the kitchen ceiling, somependant lights over the dining table,perhaps a floor lamp, and some LEDstrip underneath the kitchen cabinets.Controlling all of these circuitsindividually would be a real pain. That’s where smart lighting comes in.

SMART LIGHTINGIn it’s simplest form, smart lightingaffords you greater control over the lights within your home.There are many options out

there – from bulbs that you can purchase from your high street electricalretailer, to much more advancedsystems that integrate with other aspects of your home.More advanced smart lighting systems

allow you to create ‘moods’ or ‘scenes’,by creating pre-set combinations of different lighting circuits, colours and brightnesses.

INSTALLATIONThe technology of today moves at lightning speed, keeping up with thefact that lifestyles are increasingly fast-moving too. Your wiring infrastructure isthe backbone of your home. While it’s easy to replace devices such

as motion sensors or switches, having to open up walls to pull extra cables ismuch more costly and inconvenient.Therefore it’s important to speak to your electrician or find a smart home professional early on in the buildto help design a suitable system that

will work for you and your home.There are different ways you can

wire a smart lighting system.Traditionally, lighting circuits are wiredon a ring main. Smart home systems can be wired on a ‘bus’ basis or ‘star-wired’ back to a central point, andsome solutions offer a more flexible,free-form way of wiring.Whichever option you choose,

it’s important to consider thefunctionality you require from yourhome, and to plan for anything you maybe considering in the future.

FIXTURES & FINISHES

Omid Nikroo of Loxone UK shares some advice on smart lighting and whyyou should consider it for your build

See the light

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FIXTURES & FINISHES

This could mean ensuring you pull cable to the garden for lighting and audio, or to the loft space if you’re thinking of having solar panelsput in at a later date.Of course, there are also wireless

options. Smart light bulbs offer a very quick and simple way of controllingyour lights through an app, but be aware that it’s often difficult to integratethese type of products into a wider smart home system.There are options on the market for

fully integrated lighting that don’trequire any rewiring – the upfront cost of these solutions will likely beconsiderably more than if you were to opt for a piecemeal solution such as a smart bulb. However, like many thingsin life, you get what you pay for: in terms of functionality, you’ll get much more value for your money if

you’re able to have a fully integratedsystem put in at the first fix stage.

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONSIn addition to the physical wiringinfrastructure of your lighting, it’s alsoimportant to think about flexibility, doyou want to control certain circuits, oreven individual lights automatically?Individually addressable lights can beuseful if you’ve not yet decided onplacement of furniture or key pieceswithin a space, and they’re a greatchoice if you’re keen to maximiseenergy savings.Colour is another important

consideration. Do you just want a whitelight, or would you like to add colour to your home? When choosing a white light, most people tend to opt for a ‘warm’ white, which has a softertone and doesn’t feel as harsh as a

colder white. A very popular option for colour lighting is LED strip, which is usually used for indirect lighting. LED strip is commonly installed underkitchen cabinets, behind televisions, or underneath shelving and stair treads, to provide a subtle light and drawattention to a particular feature. Thecolour-changing aspect of this type oflighting is ideal if you’re looking to instantly transform the look and feel of the home.

SWITCH PLACEMENT Traditionally, light switches have alwaysbeen installed near the entrance/exit toa room. In some rooms, however, it’smore helpful to have a switch closer tohand – for example, next to the sofa toeasily dim lights and lower the blindswhen you’re watching a film, or by thebed to switch off all the lightsthroughout the house without leavingyour nest. If you’re planning a large kitchen

which includes an island for foodpreparation, a wireless switch nearbycould be used to do anything frommaking the lights brighter, to adjustingthe volume of your music or starting theextractor hood.The most important thing to do if

you’re considering smart lighting is toreally think about your home and howyou will live in it and interact with it. If you’re going to be pulling cables for your lighting system, considersolutions that offer greater smart home functionality, such as heating and security automation, as these are likely to be the most reliable and offer the greatest value for moneyover the long term.Whether you’re embarking on a

self-build, extension, renovation or just re-doing your kitchen; considerreaching out to a smart home expert who can help you realise your dream home.

Omid Nikroo is a home automationspecialist at Loxone UK

Advancedsmart lightingsystems allowyou to create‘moods’ or‘scenes’

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Unique Calacatta from COMPACInspired by the beauty and elegance ofnatural stone, Unique Calacatta fromCOMPAC is a stunning quartzworksurface featuring a grey veiningdesign running through a pure whitebackground characteristic of marble.Every reference for this new worksurfaceis unique, because just like in nature,each slab presents different nuances andpatterns in design. The natural hardnessof quartz comes hand in hand with awaterproof, hygienic finish offering even

greater resistance to heat and scratches. This means that UniqueCalacatta is especially appropriate for intensive use areas such askitchen and bathroom worksurfaces, floor tiling or wall cladding.

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Page 68: selfbuilder homemaker · journey is the ‘finishes zone’, exhibiting a range of staircases, doors, floors and wall finishes. Every Saturday at 12 pm NSBRC staff offer a guided

The Levato Mono porcelain paver system is the pinnacle of external raised � ooring technology; enabling the speci� cation of lightweight, slip resistant and attractive raised � ooring solutions, combining incredible technical properties with uncompromising aesthetics; making them the ideal choice for commercial and domestic use alike.

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system

www.thedecktileco.co.ukt: 0845 2700 696 e: [email protected]

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120

‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes

Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings

Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test

Lightweight – 45kgs per m2

High load bearing and impact resistance Timber & stone effects; 40+ fi nishes available

Completely non porous Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use

Fire & frost proof Height-adjustable supports from 9mm up to 550mm