i-Build April 21

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FOCUS:

SELF-BUILDS

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RENOVATIONS

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CONVERSIONS

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DIY

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EXTENSIONS

COVER STORY

INSPIRING BARN CONVERSION

A P R I L 21 - I S S U E 81

www.crossplatformmedia.co.uk

After five years of hard work, Alison Mabon has completed the Plantation – a previously run-down barn that is now a contemporary building that integrates beautifully with its natural surroundings

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDIES

I-DEAS

MATERIALS

ADVISORY

A TASTE OF HACKNEY IN HAMPSHIRE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT SIZE

DREADING THOSE APRIL SHOWERS?

Lose yourself in the minimal interiors and understated elegance of Hackney House

Get your garden summer-ready with this month’s expert tips and tricks of the trade

When it comes to choosing roof windows, there’s so much more to consider than just size

Learn more about modern approaches to flood resistance and flood resilience

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ditor's Welcome

EDITORIAL: Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Hannah Woodger

hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISING: Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Jim Moore

jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PRINT DESIGN MANAGER: Jack Witcomb

jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

DIGITAL DESIGN MANAGER: Matt Morse

matt@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

ACCOUNTS: Rachel Pike

rachel@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

SALES SUPPORT: Klare Porter

klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PUBLISHER: Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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Cover story:

It took five years of hard work, careful planning and dedication to bring the Plantation to life.

I-BUILD APRIL 2021

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or many, self-building and home renovating is an addiction – once one build is completed, home improvers will move on to the next and go bigger and better each time. The renovation bug certainly hit Nick and Tara Jordan hard when they completed their second project in London’s Hackney and began their search for a larger-scale project in the country. With backgrounds in architecture and interior design, the pair couldn’t dismiss the irrefutable potential offered by a barn in Hampshire’s countryside. Although it was a much larger project than the couple had initially intended to take on, Nick and Tara fell in love with the property straight away. They spent the next 12 arduous months transforming the rundown structure into an ultra-modern, aesthetically-minimal home named ‘Hackney House’. With the build now complete, Nick and Tara have recently sold the property and are imminently starting their next renovation project. For the ultimate barn conversion inspiration, turn to page 14 to read Nick and Tara’s full story and have a look around Hackney House.

Elsewhere, our second serial renovator, Alison Mabon, takes us on a tour of her renovated barn in pastoral north Devon. With seven acres of land in small Saxon hilltop market-town Chulmleigh, Alison

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took full advantage of planning amendments when Class Q was introduced – which permits the residential conversion of agricultural buildings via ‘prior approval’. After five years of preparation (which included a few planning-related knock-backs), hard work and a fair few stressful moments, the Plantation was born – a contemporary building that integrates beautifully with its natural surroundings. With striking interiors and a majestic exterior, the Plantation is regularly hired out – via Unique Homestays – for styled photoshoots. Turn to page 20 to learn more about the Plantation’s impressive transformation.

Meanwhile, the rule of six is back this month, and we’re here to help with some outdoor living inspiration.

Turn to pages 06-07 for a handful of ideas to get your garden in tip-top condition. Meanwhile, on page 08 and 32, we turn to a few outdoor cleaning products and tips that can help you blast those pesky cobwebs and mildew away from your garden.

Rebecca @ibuildmagazine

@ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

Download the i-Build app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search 'i-build'.

ditor's Picks

See page 20.

Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BZ 01622 232723 www.crossplatformmedia.co.uk

QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION Glass balconies and balustrades without a handle rail are now more straightforward, with CRL’s Posiglaze 3

BEAUTIFUL GARDEN ROOMS Norbord’s top-quality SterlingOSB Zero is used for H M Garden Rooms’ built-to-last garden buildings

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR Air purification expert Blueair has launched HealthProtect, its most advanced air purifier ever I-B U I L D/AP R/21

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April 2021 ADVISORY

INSPIRATION

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Desired Designs: Six is the Magic Number

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Viewpoint

08

Desired Designs: Time for a Spring Clean?

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Contracts & Legalities

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With the rule of six back in full swing, the weather getting warmer and the nights drawing out, it’s time to start planning your outdoor spaces so you can entertain in style – all socially distanced, of course!

It’s that time of year when we face the aftermath of winter’s effects on our gardens.

Luckily, there are items available to lend a hand.

Style Guide: Say it with Screening

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor centrepiece or zoning solutions to keep your external areas separate, screening is an ideal way to achieve your goals.

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I-DEAS

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i-nterior: Appliances

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i-Scape: Outdoor Maintenance

When faced with so much choice, what exactly makes a kitchen appliance great? To find out, we got in touch with Alex van Vliet from Fisher & Paykel. Here, Alex takes us through the questions to ask yourself before buying appliances.

Whether it’s catching some rays or preparing the BBQ, it’s great to be able to get your garden revived and refreshed. To help get you started, here are five top tips from Jeyes Fluid.

Indoor air quality can really affect our health and wellbeing, so it’s an important consideration when renovating a property. Here, we talk to Blueair about the causes of poor indoor air quality and the impact it can have on your health.

This month, we sit down with Verity Lovelock of BBD Architects for some help on mapping out a successful design brief and asking an architect for your dream home.

CASE STUDIES

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Waterproofing

To coincide with April’s unpopular typical climate, we talk flood resistance and resilience approaches for conversions and home renovations with Safeguard Europe.

MATERIALS

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Insulation

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i-Build: Roof Lights

Creating the ideal interior is about more than interior decoration – sometimes, it’s what you can’t see that makes the difference. Here, we talk to Insulation Superstore about why it’s essential to invest in insulation.

Rural Retreat

After 10 years of city life, Nick and Tara Jordan wanted to relocate to the countryside and take on a bigger project.

With backgrounds in architecture and interiors, the pair saw huge potential in two barns in rural Hampshire.

Impressive Innovation

It took five years of hard work, careful planning and dedication to bring the Plantation to life.

What was once a large empty steel-framed barn is now an ultramodern, luxurious hot spot for styled shoots.

Here, we sit down with the Plantation’s owners and relive their incredible renovation journey.

NEWS/PRODUCT GUIDE

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Product Guide

i-Build rounds up the latest innovative products in the marketplace, designed with your self-build in mind.

When it comes to roof windows, there is more to consider than merely size and colour. To help you choose the right roof windows for your build, we’ve spoken to Keylite about the various features and capabilities you should look out for.

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I-B U I L D/AP R/21

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns

SIX IS THE MAGIC NUMBER

With the rule of six back in full swing, the weather getting warmer and the nights drawing out, it’s time to start planning your outdoor spaces so you can entertain in style – socially distanced, of course!

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any of us haven’t seen friends and family for a long time. No doubt many of you passed the finish line on your homebuilding projects during lockdown, and I’m sure you’re all keen to give your nearest and dearest the grand tour of your newlydesigned homes. Well, indoor socialising is still off the cards, but we can now meet with up to six people in outdoor spaces – which includes private gardens.

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

YOURS TO BUY

While your home look fit for royalty, a frosty winter and the monotonous rain of late has left many gardens looking a little worse for wear. However, regardless if you’re the next Alan Titchmarsh or completely clueless when it comes to gardening and creating relaxing outdoor spaces, incorporating outdoor living into your lifestyle can be easy with a few simple ingredients. Here is our top 10 list of products for the perfect alfresco ambience this spring.

1. Mediterranean faux olive tree, CharlesTed, £174.50 2. Large floor cushion - sage, Lujo, $920 3. Ibride black yuan – stackable bowls and plates, Lime Lace, £148 4. Lavender plant, Sweetpea & Willow, £40 5. Ryston IP54 up-down outdoor wall light in black, Iconic Lights, £30

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6. Lighthouse 600 bioethanol fire pit – EcoSmart Fire, Lime Lace, £1145 7. Porto dining set, Cox & Cox, £795 8. Zipcode Design - Cecil stripes black/white rug, Wayfair, £86.99 9. Weber Spirit II E 220 GBS gas barbecue, Weber, £599 10. Ko Lanta sun lounger sage, Lujo, $2695

DESIRED DESIGNS

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OUR BRAND PICK

eber

Weber has been celebrating perfect BBQs since 1952 with superior knowhow and a unique range of products.

In the same way Weber invented the kettle barbecue in Chicago from a simple marine buoy, it continues to develop the world of barbecuing every day. The brand is synonymous with barbecuing innovation, perfect barbecue products and the ultimate experience.

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04 YOURS TO BUY

1. Master-Touch GBS E-5755 charcoal barbecue 57cm, £313.95 2. Weber Q 1400 electric barbecue with stand, £362.25 3. SmokeFire EX6 GBS wood-fired pellet grill, £1731.45 4. Spirit Premium EP-335 GBS gas barbecue, £1027.95

HOT PRODUCT

The trees and the bees A garden scheme isn’t complete without some form of biodiversity. Pick one tree – or two or three – and watch it grow into a mature organic wonder. Not only do they combat climate change, absorb pollution and create habitats for wildlife, but when grown, trees can offer sparse sites some much-needed shelter from the sun in the height of summer.

YOURS TO BUY

1. Citrus trees, Trees Direct, £22.50

3. Bay standard – Laurus Nobilis, Trees Direct, £60

2. Italian Cypress trees, Trees Direct, £80

4. Magnolias, Trees Direct, £27.50

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TOP TIP

Add some zoning to your outdoor space? Creating a patio area will differentiate your social spaces from your quieter areas. Add borders to your scheme by using paving slabs to contain your barbecue and dining set.

Then, find a calmer spot away from the house to create a corner of serenity. Look at pergolas or smaller-scale arches and plant climbers, such as wisteria, for the perfect springtime spot.

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns TIME FOR A SPRING CLEAN? It’s that time of year when we face the aftermath of winter’s effects on our gardens. Luckily, there are many items out there that can lend a hand. up Clean your act

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DESIRED DESIGNS

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SAY IT WITH SCREENING

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Whether you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor centrepiece, privacy from neighbours or zoning solutions to keep your external areas separate, screening is an ideal way of achieving your goals in an aesthetically-pleasing style. There are many screening solutions available on the marketplace – all in different sizes, materials, colours and patterns. For an ultra-modern look, leave screens bare of foliage and place them in front of otherwise dull areas – such as plain fence panels or brick walls – and light them up using up and downlighters. For a more traditional look, attach trellis panels to the top of fences and adorn them with sweetsmelling, pollinator-friendly climbers such as passionflower, honeysuckle, jasmine or clematis plants. Alternatively, if you’re trying to accomplish segregation between your outdoor spaces, screening offers the perfect opportunity to cordon off social areas from the rest of the garden.

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05 06 1. Screen with Envy – www. screenwithenvy.co.uk 2. Screen with Envy – www. screenwithenvy.co.uk 3. B&Q – www. diy.com

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

4. B&Q – www. diy.com 5. Garden Trading – www. gardentrading.co.uk 6. Garden Trading – www. gardentrading.co.uk

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I-B U I L D/AP R/21

VIEWPOINT

Viewpoint

Breathe it all in Do you ever think about the air you’re breathing in? Indoor air quality can really affect our health and wellbeing, so it’s important to consider this when renovating a property. Alexander Provins, Director EMEA of world-leading air purification brand, Blueair, explains the causes of poor indoor air quality and the impact this can have on your health.

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rom hygiene to general wellbeing, people are taking their health into consideration more than ever before. Recently, we have seen a higher demand for air purifiers, and we believe that COVID-19 has increased general awareness on the importance of having clean air indoors, whether that is at home, in schools or at a workplace. It is important to consider indoor air quality when building and renovating properties as this will aid your long-term health and give you peace of mind that you are building a healthy place to live and work in.

We spend around 90% of our time indoors, yet indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside.

Indoor air is made up of a concoction of particles including dust, mould, smoke, bacteria, viruses, VOCs and pet dander.

Other indoor activities, such as cooking and cleaning with chemicals, contribute to poor indoor air quality along with outdoor pollution from transport that makes its way inside. This causes a build-up of pollutants indoors, taking much longer to disperse than outdoor air pollution due to poor ventilation.

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

Breathing in fine dust or PM2.5 (also known as fine particulate matter) can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory difficulties, heart and lung problems and a host of other diseases. Indoor air can also affect other parts of the body in addition to the respiratory system.

Atmospheric factors such as air pollution have been implicated in premature skin ageing – this includes air pollutants such as smog, ozone and particulate matter. Studies also show a correlation between higher levels of PM2.5 and air pollution with the increased number of people suffering from skin problems such as pigment spots and wrinkles, hives and eczema.

Polluted indoor air can also affect your sleep. Clean air helps to promote deep sleep, and people who live in areas with higher levels of air pollution are 60% more likely to sleep poorly than those living in areas with cleaner air. Repeated exposure to poor indoor air quality – especially in an enclosed space with poor ventilation – can bring on

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headaches, fatigue, dermatitis and more – many of the same symptoms often used to diagnose Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

A lot of people are under the impression that air purifiers are only needed by those who suffer from allergies. However, ample evidence links air pollution to asthma, autism, chronic chest problems and stunted lung development, as well as a decline in mental and cognitive health. This is likely to have a huge impact on generations to come.

Clean air is extremely beneficial for your health, so it’s important to use products like air purifiers to combat indoor air pollution in the long-term. We also recommend using air purifiers during the renovation process – from construction dust to VOCs released from painting, the particles released when decorating and renovating can be harmful to your health.

Here are some ways you can reduce the levels of air pollution in your home and make sure you are breathing the cleanest air possible:

VIEWPOINT

1. Ventilation – indoor air is on average five times more polluted than outdoors, so good ventilation is a great way to improve your indoor air quality. You can do this by opening a window, depending on where you live, or by installing an effective ventilation system.

2. Avoid scented candles and incense – toxins from paraffin candles are the same as those in diesel fumes 3. Avoid log burners and open fires if possible – particularly if you have small children 4. Vacuum frequently and regularly wash bedding and other textiles to reduce common allergens such as dust and mites 5. Reduce or remove carpets; these trap unhealthy particles such as dirt, fungi and dust mites 6. Avoid unnecessary chemicals – use natural cleaning products instead 7. Cut down on the use of perfume and hairspray 8. Put an air purifier in the rooms where you spend most of your time. Always select a brand with a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and high filtration performance.

Blueair air purifiers remove at least 99.97% of airborne pollutants as small as 0.1 microns in size from the air you breathe.

We predict that air quality will certainly be of greater importance to self-builders and renovators as there is huge demand for health-related products. Make sure you are clued up on your indoor air quality and

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take measures to reduce air pollution in the home when renovating properties, as this will benefit your overall health and wellness.

www.blueair.com/gb I-B U I L D/AP R/21

RURAL RETREAT

The Self-Build Diaries: Nick and Tara Jordan

After 10 years of city life in London and renovating their previous home in Hackney, Nick and Tara Jordan wanted to relocate to the countryside and take on a bigger project. With backgrounds in architecture and interiors, the pair saw potential in two barns in rural Hampshire. One laborious year later, and Hackney House was born – a truly inspirational, contemporary barn conversion that’s perfect for 21st-century living. Here, i-Build Editor, Rebecca Kemp, talks to Nick about the renovation journey he and Tara undertook to achieve this first-class agricultural-cum-contemporary architectural marvel.

@ hackney_house

Follow this self-build story on Instagram

I would recommend keeping to a restricted material palette. At Hackney House, we have used a simple combination of polished concrete, plywood, brass brassware fittings, black metalwork and muted paint colours I-B U I L D/AP R/21

RK: Had you always wanted to pursue your own project?

NJ: Working in the design industry,

I am used to creating interiors for clients, but we both have a real passion for design and architecture.

Our property development journey began by renovating a small twobed flat on the south coast, followed by converting our home in London’s Hackney, so the next step for us was to build and create something new.

RK: How and why did you choose this property to renovate?

NJ: We decided to look for a property in Hampshire as it was an equal distance from family in Oxfordshire and on the south coast. As soon as we drove up to the stables, we saw the potential – even though it was a bigger undertaking than we were looking for. We recognised the opportunity and ceased it!

RK: What style and age is the original building?

NJ: The original building consisted of

two separate breezeblock stables that were built in the 1950s. As the existing stables were located within an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), we had to work with the existing structure. So, we focused on how best to transform them.

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RK: How did you combine the original building’s style with the extension?

NJ: As we are located in AONB territory, we were

inspired by the agricultural architecture found locally – particularly by barns on two local farms.

This informed the property’s aesthetic language and materials, such as the use of black larch cladding and corrugated roofing.

RK: What was the vision and inspiration behind your new home?

NJ: Externally, we wanted to create a piece of

architecture that slots seamlessly into the local landscape. Internally, we wanted to create a light, open family home that connected to the architecture. So we continued the use of natural, informal finishes inside to create one cohesive look.

RK: How did you approach finalising your design brief?

NJ: As soon as we had our offer accepted, we

began to sketch out layouts and had a clear idea of transforming the stables into our family home. It came together very quickly, and rather than finalising a design brief; we kept going back to the initial vision to ensure we were going in the right direction.

RK: How long did it take to gain planning permission?

NJ: Planning permission was already granted on

the stables when we bought them. We made some changes under a Section 73 application to make some of the original detailing more contemporary and add more glazing to improve light and space.

RURAL RETREAT

RK: Were there any challenging aspects to the project and build?

NJ: The most challenging part of

the build was the financial side. We were confident about the design elements; however, the red tape and complexities of mortgage stage payments, structural warranties, increasing costs and remaining on budget and programme resulted in many sleepless nights!

RK: Did you project manage the build yourself?

NJ: Initially, we had a project

manager to kickstart the build, but we eventually took over and completed the build ourselves.

RK: Did you work with an architect at any point in the process?

NJ: I have over 15 years’ experience designing interiors for clients, and I have just founded my own interiors and development company, Studio Jordan (www.studio-jordan.com – coming soon), so I designed all aspects of the build myself. Luckily I could lean on the expertise of architects, structural engineers and M&E consultants I have worked with previously; to form one coordinated design scheme ready for construction.

RK: How did you approach material and product specification?

NJ: We worked with a number

of suppliers I have worked with professionally for years, such as Parkside Tiles, Wever Ducre, Lusso Stone, Joinery Fabricators etc. The biggest challenge was tailoring the scheme to our budget. I have been fortunate to work on large luxury residential projects with budgets to match. For us, however, it was about being creative with details and materials – plywood became a firm favourite!

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I-B U I L D/AP R/21

RURAL RETREAT

RK: Are there any particular materials that you would recommend?

NJ: I would recommend

keeping to a restricted material palette. At Hackney House, we have used a simple combination of polished concrete, plywood, brassware fittings, black metalwork and muted paint colours. This stripped-back aesthetic can then be highlighted using considered lighting or uplifting understated materials using detailing, such as routing outlines in a simple plywood sheet – simple tricks which can make all the difference.

RK: How long did the project take?

NJ: The project from start to

completion was 12 months.

Initially, we were hoping to complete the build in nine months; however, we lost some time over the winter months. We moved in after seven months once the build was watertight and livable.

RK: Did you remain within the original budget?

NJ: We managed to bring

the build in on budget, but we did have to take on more and more ourselves as the project progressed – from project managing to making all the bespoke joinery.

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

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RURAL RETREAT

RK: How does the building respond to its surrounding landscape?

NJ: The way we designed the house was all about connecting with the surrounding landscape. As a result, we opted for large window apertures, which all frame the local landscape.

RK: What does the local community think of the refurbishment?

NJ: We’ve had very positive feedback

from the neighbours. Located in the countryside, we often have cyclists passing who aren’t afraid to view their opinions, both good and bad!

RK: What do you love most about your new home?

NJ: The connection to the landscape

and the light, open space is perfect for our family living. My favourite room is the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area – it’s a remarkable multifunctional space that is great for relaxing and entertaining.

RK: Is there anything that you would have done differently?

NJ: I would try and bring in more

trades to support towards the end of the build; however, the budget dictated that we needed to finish it ourselves.

RK: Would you do the whole thing again?

NJ: Yes, but not for a while!

RK: What advice would you offer to anyone looking to renovate or self-build?

NJ: Be organised, be in control of your

finances and don’t give up, you will get there, and it will be worth it.

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I-B U I L D/AP R/21

LIGHTING & ELECTRICALS CONTRACTS & LEGALITIES

How to ask for your dream home: An architect’s guide to coming up with the design brief for your project Verity Lovelock of BBD Architects, a renowned Hampshire practice that specialises in bespoke residential design, provides a step-by-step guide to get you started on your self-build or renovation.

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hatever your reasons for wanting to renovate or build your own home, one thing is certain – you want to do it right. That means ending up with a quality build that comes in on time, within budget and gives you the home you imagined and works perfectly for you.

Making sure you get exactly what you want starts with a great design brief. But for a first-timer, thinking through all the aspects you need to consider can feel a bit overwhelming.

But, help is at hand! I’ve come up with an easy guide that will help you through the process and equip you with all the knowledge you need to begin your home-building and renovating journey with confidence.

First, understand what’s not working

This is vital if you’re undertaking an extension or renovation project, in particular, but even if you’re beginning a new build, understanding what didn’t work in previous homes you’ve lived in can help you avoid recreating those problems.

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Take a walk through your home, paying attention to how you transition through each room, how it feels, the degree of natural light and whether there are any level changes. Look out for what you don’t enjoy about this walk – making a list of these points for each room.

Keep an eye out for the darkest spaces; areas left unused or places that feel too busy, if it’s too hot or cold and how things change through the seasons.

Consider access out into the garden and your views and any blockages.

Take a moment to write down what it would mean to you to have these pains solved.

Then, get inspired

This is a really enjoyable part of the process – and no less important for being good fun. You need to start thinking about exactly what you want in a home, so you need to think about what you love, how you want your new home to feel, and how you want to live in your new space.

Think about other spaces and homes that you have visited or lived in – what aspects did you enjoy? Consider everything from the materials to the feeling – and then make a list.

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V erity Lovelock

is an Architect at BBD Architects

Ask yourself how important natural light is to you. Which spaces do you feel are enhanced by it? This will impact everything from how you use each room to the orientation of the building.

Then, think about function. Don’t make the mistake of opting for a ‘standard’ list of rooms – dining room, living room, etc. It is so crucial to think about how your family lives.

Have you turned your dining table over to table tennis? Perhaps a games room will serve you better than a formal dining room?

Is your hobby lacking a dedicated space?

Write out all the spaces you think will benefit your family based on function alone – you may be surprised at what makes the list and what doesn’t.

The most important question in my view is, how do you want to feel in your home? Be as honest and as full as you can because further down the line, your architect is going to work to translate those feelings into your home.

Finally, think about the aesthetics and style. Gather images from magazines and online, search for examples from architects in your area, and bring together your favourites to paint a picture of your new home. Pinterest and Houzz are useful online tools, and a physical moodboard including samples of materials can help bring your ideas to life.

CONTRACTS & LEGALITIES

Request a copy of Verity’s downloadable ‘toolkit’, Design Brief Course, by emailing verity@bbd-architects.co.uk

times and costs to help you consider your choices.

Hand in hand with budget planning comes a methodical programme. Set out a flow chart of key phases – design, planning, detailed drawings, final pricing, build – noting the professionals you’ll need to engage and the practical and legal requirements of each phase.

Overlapping planning with design and construction is a high-risk and potentially costly approach.

Then define your energy goals

Photo ©Martin Gardner

Next up, understand your site

Before embarking on a selfbuild or renovation journey, you need to know what planning restrictions and considerations you’ll need to take into account.

Are there planning policy constraints? Nearby protected sites? Is the building listed? Or subject to conservation area controls?

Are you in the greenbelt, an area of outstanding natural beauty or near a site of special scientific interest?

Is this land that will need consideration towards ecology or trees? Is the site subject to any covenants or easements? Take a look at your local authority’s development plan and what falls under permitted development.

Think about services to site and access – the journey to the site as well as the immediate access – which could have an impact on your construction choices.

Start managing your budget early on

The key to working out an accurate budget is actually to work backwards. Know what funds you have available, and before you work out your construction budget, take off all the other costs you need to cover.

These include: VAT at 20% if you’re extending, unless it’s a new build or listed building Professional fees, which will likely include an architect, planning consultant, structural engineer, ecologist, quantity surveyor and energy consultant – and possibly an arboriculturalist, interior designer and landscape designer. Make some calls and do a bit of homework to get realistic figures.

Statutory fees – planning, Building Regulations, insurances, etc.

Purchase of land (if applicable) Rent if you need to live elsewhere for a period A 5 to 10% contingency.

Then, factor in your must-haves, which might be anything from materials and windows to types of structures and interiors. This will ensure you don’t stray from your home’s vision in a mire of fees and costs and end up diluting the essence of what you want.

It’s an excellent time to explore construction methods, from traditional cavity walls to prefabricated insulated blocks, making a note of

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How far you want to go in creating a sustainable and energy-efficient home is something you need to factor in early on. Your goals here will be based on meeting or exceeding Building Regulations, installation or running cost economies, and your carbon footprint.

You may want to achieve recognised green building certification standards, such as Passivhaus, or maybe even move towards RIBA 2030 climate challenge goals.

This is a good point to do your homework and research some of the renewable energy systems which could help you achieve your goals.

Some – such as air source heat pumps – must be included in any planning application. In contrast, others, such as photovoltaics or solar hot water, depend on orientation and shadow and need to be addressed early in the design phase.

Insulation is another key factor, and there are many options – from internal to external – which will impact your design.

The end goal

A well-designed building should enhance the way you live. What you get down on paper in those early stages will become your home, so it’s vital you put in the homework and thinking time early on. With this handy guide to help you define your vision and goals, you’ll be ready to task an architect with translating them into the beautiful and life-enhancing home of your dreams.

No project goes without a hitch, but if you’re methodical in your planning and preparation, hire a great team and have faith in the process, you will end up with a home that you love and that works perfectly for you.

www.bbd-architects.co.uk I-B U I L D/AP R/21

IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

Picture-perfect pastures at the Plantation ‘The Plantation’ is a modern home with pitched ceilings, a floating staircase and enormous windows looking out onto rural north Devon from serene bedrooms. Outside, the wood-clad exterior fuses modern architecture with the natural world. A formal pond mirrors the lap pool through the glass, and 400 newly-planted trees form the beginnings of a fledgeling woodland.

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ocated in Chulmleigh, Devon, this sleek and modern barn conversion is surrounded by blissful, rural landscapes.

With one acre of verdurous gardens and six acres of fields to play with, along with clean lines and a swimming pool inside, it’s a regular location for styled photoshoots.

With bright, spacious interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the open-plan living area and bedrooms, the Plantation is the epitome of luxury.

However, the build wasn’t always steeped in luxury. It took five years of hard work, careful planning and dedication to bring the barn to life, and it’s thanks to Alison Mabon that we can appreciate its beauty today. Here, i-Build’s Editor, Rebecca Kemp, sits down with Alison to find out how she restored the Plantation.

RK: What inspired you to take on this project?

AM: We have always been interested in

properties and have completed relatively small renovation projects over the years.

We are also avid watchers of Grand Designs, which added fuel to the desire to take on an extensive and exciting project at some stage. We moved to Devon from the Cotswolds 15 years ago, and we absolutely love living here. When planning introduced Class Q, we realised that we could apply for one of our barns in our field. It would tick two boxes for us – the desire to continue living in the area we’d come to love and also the opportunity to take on an exciting conversion project.

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We already owned the seven-acre field and four large barns within it.

The main farmhouse that we were living in has some beautiful thatched traditional barns and outbuildings next to it, but we preferred the idea of the modern barns a little further away, in the next field. Where our house now stands, there was a farmyard and four large modern, steel-framed barns – these were 12 years old and had been used for machinery and grain storage.

We had always wanted to pursue our own project but have been too busy with careers and bringing up children – until the last five years.

In hindsight, we now realise that waiting was the right decision. We wanted to be very involved with the project – it’s been pretty full-on!

RK: What was the vision and inspiration behind your new home?

AM: Grand Designs and thousands

of hours on Pinterest! We have always lived in period properties. In fact, the farmhouse we have recently moved out of is a Medieval property and is packed full of original features.

We felt inspired to create something very different to our previous houses.

This wasn’t because we didn’t like this style anymore; instead, we felt ‘change was as good as a rest’, and it seemed to make the project more exciting. We really had to think outside the box and not just go with what we had always chosen.

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Alison’s advice: “Spend as much time planning the build as you can and avoid decisions on the hoof as much as possible.”

RK: How did you approach finalising your design brief?

AM: We worked out which rooms we wanted

in the conversion, their sizes and the rough layout. We then approached an architect who worked with us to combine his ideas with ours, finalise everything and draw up the plans.

RK: How long did it take to gain planning permission?

AM: Two years in total. We failed to

get approval on the first barn, so we chose a different barn on the same site.

Altogether, it took five years from first having the idea to eventually moving in.

RK: Were there any challenging aspects to the project and build?

AM: There is a lot of glass, which proved

to be a challenge to get right. Some measuring errors and warping meant some replacement panes were necessary.

Also, COVID-19 had a significant impact on the timescales, cost and availability of materials. We went from having eight to 10 people on site most days to one inside and another outside.

IMPRESSIVE RENEWABLES INNOVATION

RK: Did you remain within the original budget?

AM: Having planned everything

RK: Did you project manage the build yourself ?

AM: No. Our Builder, Graham

Cannon from Cannon Construction, did the project management for the actual build. But, we were on site every day too. We managed the lighting, kitchen, bathrooms, heating and landscaping ourselves.

RK: Did you work with an architect at any point in the process?

AM: Yes, we worked with our Architect,

Peter Brodbelt from Roderick James, at the design stage. We also employed Landscape Designer, Duncan Rice, for the outside areas surrounding the house as well as the gardens, driveway and planting.

RK: How did you approach material and product specification?

AM: Peter, our Architect, recommended materials for the actual structure, and we sourced the aspects that were also important aesthetically – such as the wood and stone cladding, floorings, roofing etc.

RK: Are there any particular materials that you would recommend to others looking to renovate or self-build?

AM: We are particularly pleased with the heat-treated poplar wood cladding on the outside of the house. Poplar is a fast-growing, cost-effective wood. Heat treatment helps it overcome its two main problems – instability and the tendency to rot outside. For us, it has the added benefit of being a dark brown colour and having a smooth appearance.

RK: When was it completed?

AM: We completed the build during lockdown last year, and we moved in straight away. We were only moving in from next door, and there were still COVIDrelated restrictions in place, so we transferred the essentials ourselves using a telehandler bucket!

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meticulously and not adjusting any plans along the way, we really thought that we would nail the budget, but, unfortunately, we did go over what was predicted by the quantity surveyor. COVID and the resulting inefficiencies was one reason. We had considerably underestimated the cost of fitting the wood cladding to the building. In the end, we decided to screw the cladding into place rather than use nails, which will mean it stays in good condition for a lot longer, so it will pay dividends in the long term. Extra costs that we couldn’t have predicted also arose, such as the borehole where we found our water to need more treatment than presumed.

RK: How does the building respond to its surrounding landscape?

AM: The landscaping and planting

are still ongoing. The building is tucked down into an open dip within a field, so it is not visible from the lane. We have built the land levels up around the driveway, so it runs along the bottom of a small open ‘V’.

This, combined with the fact that we have also planted mixed woodland trees along the driveway, means it blends into the landscape. What’s more, the wood cladding looks at home in this rural location.

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IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

RK: What does the local community think of the refurbishment?

AM: The property is very

rural and sits on seven acres of its own land, so the local community can barely see it. Those who have visited the house, however, have commented very positively about the conversion. The other three large barns that were on the site have been removed, and 400 new trees have been planted ,so the project has added a lot to the landscape.

RK: What do you love most about the property?

AM: The glass. We are in the

perfect location – nobody can see inside, but we can view the beautiful countryside and wildlife around us from every room in the house. My favourite room is the 9X9m kitchen/dining room/snug. We also love the vast Stûv woodburning stove, which we light regularly. The room just works with the different areas; it’s where we all live most of the time. The hallway comes in as a close second as we love the cantilever staircase!

RK: Is there anything that you would have done differently?

AM: We would have made

the living room a little larger.

We underestimated the space taken by the fireplace and the 2m-wide pocket door, so we specified the room a little smaller than we should have done.

RK: Would you do the whole thing again?

AM: It’s been a fantastic

experience, and we’ve learned a lot and ended up with a dream house. However, we wouldn’t do it again at the moment – it’s all-consuming and pretty stressful.

RK: What advice would you offer to anyone looking to renovate or self-build?

AM: Spend as much

time planning the build as you can and avoid decisions on the hoof as much as possible.

www.uniquehome stays.com 01637 881183 I-B U I L D/AP R/21

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IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

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INSULATION

Why it’s important to invest in insulation As any self-builder knows, creating the ideal interior environment is about more than just interior decoration – sometimes, it’s what you can’t see that makes all the difference. Dan Greatrex, Manager of online builders’ merchant Insulation Superstore, takes a closer look at the different solutions available to help you find the most appropriate products to suit your project and your budget.

Why insulate?

All properties lose heat through the building fabric.

The challenge is to reduce this as much as possible, which means that roofs, floors and walls all require attention – and insulation.

Investing in appropriate insulation is one of the wisest choices you can make, and it’s an important cost to factor in right from the very start. It’s also an essential purchase if your project is going to be able to meet the required Building Regulations and as the stipulated targets can vary depending on the size and style of your build, and the requirements themselves often changing, it’s always worth double-checking before you buy.

The thermal performance of insulation can be measured by the U-values they can achieve, and generally speaking, the lower the U-value, the more heat retained. This can make a massive difference to energy costs – a wellinsulated home will require less heating – and to the environment – as a more I-B U I L D/AP R/21

energy-efficient property will have a much smaller carbon footprint. Fortunately, there are several solutions available that not only meet current requirements but exceed them, which makes it possible to ‘future-proof’ your project and create a better long-term investment.

Big plan, small budget

It’s important to take a holistic approach to improve the energy efficiency of a home. So it may be appropriate to look at installing insulation in as many areas as possible. It, therefore, makes good financial and environmental sense to choose a multi-purpose product.

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Traditional board insulation remains a popular choice owing to its costeffectiveness, versatility and low thermal conductivity.

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) boards are great allrounders and can be used for various applications, including roofs and walls. Thanks to its high compression value, it can also be used as underfloor insulation, although it’s not suitable for rooms with heavy loads such as garages. An extra benefit is that the design of PIR boards typically includes a foil face to provide additional protection against moisture.

Insulation boards constructed using phenolic foam are also an excellent choice for projects where insulation is required in multiple areas. You can effectively use them to insulate floors, roof space and solid or cavity walls.

Although usually a little more expensive than PIR board insulation, phenolic foam performs better and is excellent if you want to achieve low U-values but are limited in terms of space.

RENEWABLES INSULATION

Sustainable solutions

For projects with stringent environmental targets, or self-builders on the lookout for something a little different, there is the option of using products made from naturally-sourced or sustainable materials such as wool, hemp and recycled plastics.

Although the thermal performance of this type of material is not as competitive as others, it does offer a wide range of benefits and is suitable for use in walls, floors and to insulate loft spaces. Wool insulation, for example, has a natural fire resistance owing to the moisture in the fibres preventing it from igniting easily. It’s also easy to work with and can help reduce humidity and even absorb some atmospheric pollutants to help purify the air that enters a home.

Climate control

A key focus on insulation is understandably its ability to help a property retain heat, but it’s also important to consider what happens when outside temperatures begin to rise. Often referred to as ‘space blanket’ insulation, multi-foil insulation is efficient at not only keeping your home warm during winter but cooler during summer. Using multiple layers of aluminium foil (hence the name) works by reflecting heat into its source and can effectively insulate walls, roofs and floors. The heat loss isn’t subject to the same diminishing returns as traditional insulation; however, it’s worth noting that you will need to consider an extra 25mm of space on either side of the insulation for it to perform at its best.

Don’t forget your floors

It’s usually only necessary to insulate at the ground floor level. Still, it’s worth considering adding insulation to any floors that are directly above any unheated spaces, such as garages or storerooms, to prevent additional heat loss. Polystyrene boards are a good choice for underfloor applications, but it’s essential to check their kPa rating, indicating how well the insulation can withstand extremely high pressure. The higher the rating, the more suitable the product will be for use under house foundations, in garages or for commercial or mixed-use buildings.

In older properties where access to the floor joists may be more of a challenge, using a flexible product like mineral wool insulation is much easier to handle and work

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with because it is formed in slabs rather than boards. This type of insulation is also an excellent fit for multi-storey properties. You can use it to insulate floors in between individual dwellings, such as flats and apartments, to reduce heat loss and limit noise transmission.

As well as offering outstanding acoustic performance, the best mineral wool insulation also provides fire resistance for added peace of mind.

For most people, the choice of insulation will come down to two factors – where you’ll use it and how much you want to spend.

However, if you spend a little more time looking at all the options available, it’s incredible how much you can save.

www.insulationsuperstore.co.uk I-B U I L D/AP R/21

INSULATION WATERPROOFING

FLOOD SYSTEM 01

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The rain falls mainly on the plains

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Building on flood plains is obviously undesirable but sometimes inevitable owing to land pressures.

Similarly, conversions and renovations in areas previously ‘dry’ may be at risk owing to the increased frequency of extreme rainfall events.

If you’ve found yourself vulnerable to flooding, Hudson Lambert, Director at Safeguard Europe, is here to help with modern approaches to flood resistance and flood resilience.

FLOOD SYSTEM 02

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here’s no doubting that the UK is increasingly subject to extreme rainfall events, regardless of the arguments about the nature and causes of climate change. These extreme rainfall events put the UK’s infrastructure under great pressure, and urban and suburban flooding is now much more frequent.

According to the Environment Agency, more than five million homes in England and Wales are at risk of flooding. The crucial need to contain and control rainfall – to protect people and property – is leading to more stringent legislation and standards; impacting upon public authorities, developers and contractors and the design elements necessary to better manage these extreme events.

It has been the case that design solutions for flooding were described as either ‘flood resistant’ or ‘flood resilience’.

However, use of these terms had become muddled and occasionally used interchangeably. Consequently, less mistakable terms are now being employed, namely: ‘water-exclusion strategy’ (i.e. resistance) and ‘water-entry strategy’ (i.e. resilience).

A ‘water-exclusion strategy’ house is built so that water cannot get into the building and cause damage. A ‘water-entry strategy’ means constructing the house so that although water may enter, the impact is lessened, structural integrity is maintained and drying and cleaning are made easier.

The likely depth of flooding will impact the choice of design. For low water depths, a ‘water-exclusion strategy’ typically is recommended. A ‘water-entry strategy’ is needed for higher water levels. A difference in water level of over 0.6m between inside and outside can cause significant structural damage to standard masonry buildings.

In practice, a pragmatic combination of both is taken because it is often either prohibitively expensive or impractical to provide a completely flood-resistant building – especially in cases where flood protection is being retrofitted to existing buildings.

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01: 02: 03: 04: 05: 06: 07: 08: 09: 10: 11: 12: 13: 14:

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Dryzone® damp-resistant plaster (rough coat) Dryzone® damp-resistant plaster Dryzone® hi-lime finishing plaster Dryzone® mould-resistant paint Tiled floor 0.6m flood level Dryrods®/Dryzone® DPC Drybase® liquid-applied DPM Stormdry® masonry protection ream Stormdry® FD coat Stormdry® repointing additive no.2 Screed Drybase® tanking slurry (two coats) Drybase® universal mortar fillet

WATERPROOFING RENEWABLES

Designing in flood resilience

FLOOD SYSTEM 03

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Designing in flood resistance

In a new-build situation, the best way to stop water penetrating is to ensure that all concrete used is waterproof and to seal all construction joints with specifically-designed proprietary tapes. Services coming in through walls and floors should be designed to be watertight.

As a second line of defence, and if budget and circumstances allow, a cavity

drainage membrane can help with the management of floodwater. A cavity drainage membrane, such as Oldroyd, directs the water down the walls into a perimeter drain with the water running to a sump where it can be evacuated using a pump.

This type of approach is also popular as a retrofit measure to existing buildings, used in combination with measures to upgrade the resistance of the existing masonry, such as tanking and repointing.

When designing for flood resilience, the goal is to make it as easy as possible to clean the interior of a house after a flood. Floors and walls should be finished with an easily cleanable surface such as tiles – glazed ceramics or porcelains are preferable to sealed stone. If the floor surface isn’t watercompatible, it should be easy to take up and replace.

Water-compatible doors and woodwork should be considered. Electrical circuits and sockets should be situated above the expected water level, and in a kitchen, appliances can be raised up off the floor.

Apart from floorcoverings and joinery, it is interior decoration that can take the biggest hammering – especially where walls are finished with gypsum- or lime-based plasters. A report from the University of Portsmouth, ‘The Effect of Moisture on Plaster Performance’, supports the use of damp-resistant plasters instead. This costeffective system utilises breathable, moistureresistant plasters to allow the fabric of a flooded building to dry out while providing a durable finish that will be resilient to future flooding. Moistureresistant screeds have also been developed using similar technology.

After a flood, you can – for all practical purposes – simply hose down and sterilise the wall. The makeup of these plasters means they have large pores and a high pore volume. This allows salts to form within the plaster rather than on the surface, and the high pore volume results in high water vapour diffusion (breathability) and higher thermal resistance, reducing the risk of condensation.

Vital details

Drawing upon its 35 years of experience, Safeguard Europe has created several flood management systems, which illustrate the various mechanisms by which floodwater can

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enter a property and how to stop it, as well as detailing the internal and external remedial works necessary for habitable reinstatement.

Selecting the correct approach is categorised into three flood systems that employ these strategies, or a mixture of each, to anticipate every flood scenario. The foundation for the system is ‘Flood System 1’, which provides basic resilience by employing the company’s Dryzone damp-resistant plaster and a specially-designed lime-based skim coat as a flood resilient wall coating, together with secondary chemical DPC rods installed above design flood height.

Deploying two strategies, resilience combined with basic resistance, ‘Flood System 2’ helps external walls resist floodwater with Stormdry masonry protection cream and Stormdry Tough Coat limiting the amount of water seeping through the walls and speeding up the drying time after a flood.

‘Flood System 3’ boosts the level of protection to the internal walls by, in effect, tanking them with Drybase tanking slurry, a cementitious tanking product that provides waterproofing at negative pressures up to 5 bar. This can be applied up to 0.6m to stop floodwater getting into the premises and is particularly suitable where very low-level flooding (<0.3m) is expected.

When considering the right combination of measures and products, it may be necessary to get specialist advice from a consultant or from the technical team of a supplier such as Safeguard. As with any system designed to protect from or manage water, it is vital to get the detail right at the design and installation stages.

www.safeguardeurope.com Download the guide to flood resistance, resilience and water-entry by visiting: www.safeguardeurope.com/ applications/flooding I-B U I L D/AP R/21

I-BUILD - ROOF LIGHTS KEYLITE ROOF WINDOWS

Roof windows explained When it comes to roof windows, there is more to consider than simply size and colour. To help you choose the right roof windows for your build, David Loughran, Technical Team Leader at Keylite Roof Windows, discusses the various features and capabilities, advising on how the correct specification can maximise daylight, reduce energy consumption and improve the thermal performance of your home.

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s with any windows in a home, one of the first considerations for roof windows will be aesthetics. There are so many finishes available these days that you’ll be spoilt for choice, whether you want clear lacquered pine, white-painted pine or white PVC. The finish you opt for will transform your finished build, so you must consider all options before deciding on which is best for you.

Glazing

It’s an area often overlooked, yet the glazing of your roof window is essential. There is a lot to consider, with options ranging from standard double glazing to triple glazing and U-values from 1.0 to 0.6W/m²K. If you are after high thermal efficiency, then triple glazing is an excellent choice. If you are building next to a busy road and would like to prioritise noise reduction, then any roof window with a laminated inner pane would be best.

Operation

Next, you should consider the operation of your chosen roof window, be it manual or electric.

Operating options include wall-mounted switches, remote control, solar power or a smart home solution where you can manage the windows via a mobile app.

Your chosen opening mechanism is also essential. When specifying a roof window, consider the opening options and how they will work from both an operational and aesthetic perspective.

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What is a U-value?

U-values are used to measure how effective elements of materials in buildings are as insulators. The lower the U-value of a material, the more slowly heat can transmit through it, therefore, keeping your home warmer for longer.

Thermal performance

If you want your roof windows to improve your home’s energy efficiency, one thing to think about is the glazing area. By increasing your glazing area, you improve the amount of natural light in a space while also increasing solar heat gain. The more light and heat gained, the less you rely on artificial heating and lighting systems, leading to lower household energy bills. If you are building a new home, then the energy impact of glazing will be assessed during the design process. Compared with vertical windows, roof windows allow up to three times more daylight than a vertical window of a similar scale.

Size matters

If you don’t want to install one large roof window, another option is to install two or more roof windows side by side or vertically. This way, you not only increase the amount of natural light pouring in; but also create a unique feature in your space. Combination roof windows help create the feeling of being outside, from the comfort of your home, bringing real life and character to a room.

I-BUILD - ROOF LIGHTS KEYLITE ROOF WINDOWS

Health and safety

If your roof window will be used as a fire escape, it’s imperative to check with your local planning authorities before specification. For a roof window to be considered a means of escape, it should have an unobstructed opening area of at least 0.33m², and the opening must be a minimum of 450mm wide and 450mm high. Similarly, construction legislation requires both new and existing dwellings to be Part F-compliant and provide a means of ventilation for people in the building.

Accessories

Flashing and accessories complete your roof windows and ensure practicality as well as pleasing aesthetics. There is a range of accessories available for all types of roof windows, including security locks, opening restrictors, opening poles and blinds. Blinds come in all shapes and sizes, including electric operated and solar-powered options.

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Ease of installation

Whether you’re fitting yourself or using a trusted trade professional, you should always check that the roof windows you’re specifying have been designed with ease of installation in mind. The gap between ‘as designed’ and ‘as built’ is often caused by incorrect installation. This isn’t always the installer’s fault, but often poorlydesigned products. Looking out for patented design and installation features is a good start. Many manufacturers offer online stepby-step installation videos too.

www.keyliteroofwindows.com I-B U I L D/AP R/21

I-NTERIOR - APPLIANCES FISHER & PAYKEL

F&P DishDrawer ©Shannon Mcgrath

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F&P induction hob ©Lauren Bamford

questions you should ask yourself before purchasing kitchen appliances

There is a massive renovation renaissance that has been driven by a seemingly everlasting lockdown. Now that consumers have spent time working from home and living in less-than-ideal conditions, manufacturers have seen a huge demand for appliances from self-builders and renovators. But when faced with so much choice, what exactly makes an appliance great? Alex van Vliet, Market Product Manager at Fisher & Paykel, takes us through the top seven questions you should ask yourself before purchasing appliances for your kitchen.

1. Hygiene

The kitchen is changing; it is now where we work, live, home school and relax at the end of the day. Many of us are demanding more from the kitchen in the form of more frequent dishwasher loads, bigger food storage requirements and an increase in how much we cook at home.

While we live, work and play in the kitchen, hygiene has crept onto our radar. How do we spend so much time in one place and keep it looking its best? Choose appliances with innovative technology that keeps germs at bay and helps you to achieve maximum hygiene in your kitchen with minimal effort. Dishwashers I-B U I L D/AP D/ MUAR/21 D/A R/21 G/20

with a sanitise mode are an excellent option for making sure you kill 99.9% of bacteria.

Self-cleaning ovens are also a good option for peace of mind that you are cooking in a clean environment without the effort of cleaning the kitchen yourself.

predict that appliances in drawers will become a core feature of the future of kitchen design. It’s essential that you surround yourself with products that aid your long-term health rather than hinder it.

2. Ergonomic appliances

We are seeing a massive demand for quiet appliances.

The last thing you want on your Zoom or Teams call is the washing machine starting to go into a spin cycle. We recommend looking for appliances that have been Quiet Mark-approved to ensure they do not distract you from living your everyday life – especially now that we are spending more time at home.

Research shows that 80% of people will suffer from back problems in their lives due to their sedentary lifestyles. Being sat in front of a computer can take its toll on our necks and backs, worsening with time.

Manufacturers should have a motive to design appliances that are ergonomically orientated around making homeowners’ lives easier. We

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3. Quiet appliances

I-NTERIOR - APPLIANCES FISHER & PAYKEL

Fisher & Paykel CoolDrawer ©Shannon Mcgrath

©Shannon Mcgrath

F&P DishDrawers

4. Products that adapt to your lifestyle

The kitchen is no longer just a place where food is made. It is where we meet to talk about our day, where homework is done and where we engage and interact as families and friends. Appliances should embrace your life rather than complicate it. Look for appliances with intuitive controls and easy-to-use functions – after all; we want to be able to use an appliance straight away without having to worry about a complicated interface that takes weeks to understand. We also know that human connection is more important now than ever, so appliances should do the hard work for you at the end of the day when you want to socialise with your family. Products that can function at the touch of a button are a must-have in a kitchen if you are designing it to be a social hub.

5. Sustainable/eco-friendly products

At Fisher & Paykel, we harbour a deep curiosity about the life lived around our appliances that drives us to design better, more sustainable products. We have seen that people’s needs and wants have changed in favour of the environment. There is a lot to consider when looking for sustainable appliances, but one of the first things you should look at is the energy labels to make sure the products are energy efficient. It is also essential to look at the different appliances on offer. Some people love the open flame that comes with a gas hob, but an induction hob is more eco-friendly as it uses much less energy. You can also save a lot of water by investing in dishwashers with eco options. Dishwashers generally use a lot less water than you would use when washing up in the sink – the average kitchen sink will hold about 20 litres of water. In contrast, our DishDrawer uses only 6.7l of water per cycle.

6. Design for a changing world

We all know that the working environment has changed forever because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether they live in urban or rural areas, people want to improve their home environment. We have seen that the majority of self-builders and renovators are open-planners who wish to increase their downstairs space and seamlessly open out into a garden. They want to escape by looking out into their gardens and sit in the kitchen area while helping their children with their homework – or relax at the end of the day after a sea of Zoom calls. Through this, we have seen a trend for appliances that are easily hidden away behind furniture doors or are so aesthetically-pleasing that they take centre stage in their kitchens.

We are consistently told by our retail and A&D partners that we have some of the most beautiful products on the market. Those looking to create a more beautiful life at home must invest in aesthetic and timeless appliances that make life at home visually pleasing.

7. Longevity/durable products

Appliances are an investment, so you want to make sure these will stand the test of time.

Choose appliances that have been designed and engineered using only the finest materials, finishes and manufacturing methods for lasting qualities.

You should also ask the retailer about the warranty options available – after all, we want them to go the distance. Fisher & Paykel UK, for example, offers a five-year manufacturer’s warranty on all appliances, which is great for peace of mind.

www.fisherpaykel.com/uk

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I-SCAPE - OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE JEYES FLUID

Getting your outdoors ready for sunny days As the days get longer and the weather becomes warmer, Brits will finally get a chance to spend some much-needed time in their gardens and outdoor areas. Whether it’s catching some rays, getting green-fingered or preparing the BBQ to be fired-up, it’s great to be able to get the area revived and refreshed.

T

o help get you started, here are five top tips from Jeyes Fluid to jump-start your spring garden cleaning.

Prepare the patio

The patio is an important part of the home, and acts as an extension to your living space, so it should be given the same amount of attention as the interior. After you’ve cleared away the clutter, use a specialist outdoor cleaning product such as Jeyes Fluid, which can be used on a multitude of surfaces like your patios, paths, driveways, decking areas, shed and more. It can also be used to help clean drains, limescale and rust on outdoor tables, killing up to 99.9% of germs.

Use every couple of months when the dirt and algae start to build up again to keep your garden clean and sparkling.

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Add a lick of paint to the fence

To revitalise your fence, start by inspecting it for mildew, dirt marks, chipped wood and peeling paint.

Next, give it a deep-clean using a specialist cleaner, typically with a pressure washer or garden sprayer.

To further remove any debris, use sanding paper to smooth the surface and help the paint go on evenly. Then, apply a layer of primer to all the panels of the fence and let it dry completely – this will help give it a better finish.

Finally, add the finishing touches by painting your fence a neutral colour.

Brushstrokes should be applied in the same direction as the grain.

Remember not to overdo it as two thin coats will give a much better result than one thick coat.

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Get green-fingered

The key to growing a garden that blooms all year round is to understand the preference of flowers and the environment that suits them best. For example, if your garden has spring flowers as well as autumn flowers, you’re likely to have colour all year round. Daffodils, for example, are the most well-known spring flowers.

Delphiniums and cornflowers, on the other hand, are perfect for the summer as they can endure the humid heat that causes spring flowers to die. For colder months, opt for resilient flowers such as roses and cosmos. To make sure your garden stays green all year round, opt for succulents such as portucalaria or haworthia, which survive every season.

I-SCAPE - OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE JEYES FLUID

Add a splash of colour

Get creative and revive the colours of your old throws and cushion covers with DYLON’s easy-to-use Machine Dye Pods. To use, simply pop the pod into your washing machine alongside the fabric you want to dye. The dyes can be used on most cushion materials such as cotton, viscose, linen, canvas and ramie.

They come in a range of 22 beautifully intense shades that provide permanent colour and are perfect for updating linens that you might have lying around.

Tropical Green and Vintage Blue are expected to be the most popular ones for 2021.

Pay attention to the garden furniture

Did you know that a garden table has as many germs as a bin lid? So if you’re planning to haul your garden furniture out of the garage or shed to make the most of the warmer weather, it’s vital that it is thoroughly cleaned to avoid germs being spread.

When dining outdoors, it’s advisable to wipe down your garden table with a specialist cleaner before and after every use to avoid a build-up of bacteria. Bring your hardwood garden furniture to life by using a stiff bristle brush to remove all the excess dirt that has accumulated. Plastic furniture can be washed down with a sponge or cloth and a bucket of warm, soapy water.

When cleaning your garden furniture, much like your kitchen table or countertops, be sure to use a disinfectant, such as Jeyes Multi-Purpose Disinfectant, to ensure that your furniture is just as squeaky-clean outdoors as it is indoors.

Tackle the BBQ

The secret to a good burger is a clean BBQ. Before you start, remember to take the necessary safety precautions like disconnecting the gas canisters.

Tackle your BBQ’s interior by turning on the grill to its highest temperature setting and closing the hood.

Wait for 10 to 15 minutes, then open the lid and scrape the grates with a non-bristle metal grill brush, getting rid of the grit.

Make sure you’re extra careful when cleaning to ensure you don’t burn yourself. Move onto the grill’s interior ‘grillbox’ – as a lot of grease and food particles tend to end up here. Empty and wash it out with a mild detergent and warm water solution. If the debris has already hardened up, use an old metal knife or old spatula to scrape the sides of the grill chamber. Lastly, don’t forget to clean the exterior as the knobs and handles could be greasy.

www.jeyesfluid.co.uk

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I-B I-BUUIILLD/ D/AP M AR/21 R/21

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: CRL | BLUEAIR | ABODE | NORBORD | WICKES

Industrial styling on tap with Fraction

I

nject a touch of industrial style

into the kitchen with Fraction, a

new design-led tap range from Abode.

Featuring a cog-

inspired detail on the

handle, Fraction is designed to blend architectural and industrial

Blueair launches its most advanced air purifier to date

chic, perfect for the contemporary kitchen. The tap’s 90°-angled

spout provides a sharp yet sophisticated style, while its elongated, slim single-lever handle ensures ease of use. Fraction can also be

S

wedish air purification expert Blueair has launched HealthProtect, its most advanced air purifier ever.

Combining three new revolutionary technologies, the HealthProtect air purifier provides protection against viruses and bacteria, even when it is on standby. Today, Blueair can also confirm that the HealthProtect has been proven, in independent third-party laboratory tests, to remove the airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus. HealthProtect uses HEPASilent Ultra, Blueair’s most advanced filtration technology to date. This technology combines electrostatic and mechanical filtration to remove up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, dander, mould, VOCs (including formaldehyde), odours and nanoparticles down to 0.03 micron and removes up to 99.99% of viruses and bacteria. Compared to traditional “true HEPA” filtration used in most air purifiers, HEPASilent Ultra silently delivers 50% more clean air and uses 55% less energy and 10% less noise than traditional standard HEPA filtration. www.blueair.com

chosen with the added functionality of a pull-out spray feature neatly hidden. This option offers the same chic styling as the single-lever tap, with the

benefit of a spray function

which is useful for a variety of cleaning tasks.

www.abodedesigns.co.uk 01226 283434 info@abodedesigns.co.uk

Garden rooms made beautiful with SterlingOSB Zero

H

aving searched for garden offices for

themselves, and finding a

limited choice of well-priced,

good-quality options, Jordan Hickson and Jordan Marsh,

both with over 20 years’ experience in the construction

industry, set up H M Garden Rooms. Using quality materials,

they produce a range of built-to-last, aesthetically-pleasing garden buildings that their clients have put to a multitude

of uses. One of the top-quality materials the company relies on for these structures is Norbord’s SterlingOSB Zero. All of H

M Garden Room’s buildings are clad in a variety of beautiful

materials but, Jordan has found that clients are increasingly asking for the SterlingOSB Zero to be left exposed on the interior as part of the design finish.

www.norbord.co.uk 01786 812921

Glass balustrade installation made simple with Spig-Lite and Posiglaze systems

Wickes launches first Fitted Home Office range

T

M

ore attention is being focused on renovation projects than ever. Tasks such as adding a balustrade or a balcony are particularly popular changes.

Installing glass balconies and balustrades without a handle rail for a minimal, high-end finish is not only trending but is now more straightforward than ever, with the CRL Posiglaze system. Fully adjustable even on uneven surfaces, Posiglaze features a unique clamping design and a quick and easy adjustable method to align glass panels without a handrail. The system is lightweight yet extremely strong. Installation is possible in four easy steps; fit the base channel to the substructure, clip the glass side clamps to the bottom edge of the glass panel, position the glass in the channel and attach the cover strip and bead gasket. Also suitable for residential projects, CRL Spig-Lite Pro is a fully adjustable glass balustrade system with a unique clamping design that removes the need www.crlaurence.co.uk to hold the glass with 01706 863600 locking pins. crl@crlaurence.co.uk

he Fitted Home Office range is available

through a Wickes design consultant who will help customers every step of the way. Much like

the retailer’s showroom

kitchen and bathroom offering, a free virtual or in-store design appointment will reveal interactive 3D visuals with 360º views of your new home office. Furthermore, these products are

available to customers as supply only or with Wickes-approved installers, who are ready to build your new space. This new offering, will provide options for all types of home office

requirements, whether that is a standalone office space within

a multipurpose room such as a spare bedroom, or using space that is wasted, such as open-plan living space or under the stairs.

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

www.wickes.co.uk

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Counter-balanced operation for ease of use Telescopic handrail & large treads for comfort and safety

Heavy duty ladder for strength & durability (load rating of 200 kg/tread)

The Elite loft ladder offers strength & ease of use...

www.premierloftladders.co.uk/elite 0345 9000 195 | sales@premierloftladders.co.uk

DIRECT FROM THE M A N U FA C T U R E R DOUBLE GLAZED FIXED F L AT R O O F L I G H T S Our Fixed Flat double glazed rooflights provide a top quality spec at a great price.

Quick and easy to install, full aluminium, marine grade powder coated, easy clean glass and 20 year unit seal warranty all as standard.

Same day collection or delivered to site in 48 hours* *subject to availability and location

F I X I T, F L A S H I T, FORGET IT To get a quote call us today on

0116 214 5797 visit our website

www.roofmaker.co.uk

35

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: OSMO

A pop of colour

The one activity that has seen most of us through lockdown is walking.

We’ve all become more familiar with our neighbourhoods as we have wandered around the local streets on a weekly basis (daily for those who are more energetic) for almost a year.

H

aving never really taken the time to do this before, and with more homeowners using lockdown to refurbish their properties, we are noticing the different house styles, upgrade work that’s been completed and landscaping choices for front gardens.

Never has it been so apparent what a difference an upgraded front door, cladding system or garden fence can make to a property. Homeowners are proud of their properties and want them to look the best that they can be.

Having taken note of the upgrades that are being done, Osmo UK has observed a trend towards more standout colours being used – in particular, blue.

Making small upgrades that make the world of difference does not need

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

to break the bank. You don’t need to install brand-new products when there are fantastic refurbishment options available to you that are affordable, easy to use and provide the desired pop of colour.

Country Colour from Osmo UK offers an opaque, satin wood finish for exterior wood. Available in 19 standard colours, 186 RAL Classic and 1950 NCS colours, it is the ideal finish to renew previously stained, weathered or discoloured wood surfaces and provide a standout colour feature to your property.

The range promises premium durability and a rich colour, hiding the natural colour and grain of the wood whilst enhancing its natural texture.

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The finish not only rejuvenates the wood, but leaves it protected against the unpredictable British weather for many years to come.

Country Colour can be applied to a range of wood species, including oily and exotic materials. Based on natural vegetable oils, the finish allows the wood to breathe, preventing it from cracking, peeling or blistering.

Requiring only two coats, it can be applied using a roller or brush and has an approximate drying time of eight to 10 hours.

www.osmouk.com 01296 481220 sales@osmouk.com

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I-B U I L D/ M AR/21

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: DR. SCHUTZ

Get spring-ready

Now that the days and evenings are becoming brighter, brown patios, green fencing and grubby outdoor furniture are just some of the sights we’re beginning to see.

T

Intensive Cleaner

o aid the dreaded task of exterior cleaning and maintenance, Dr. Schutz brings you three of its most popular products perfect for transforming your outdoor spaces.

Wood Refresher

Restore the natural colour of your outdoor wood with an intensive cleaning agent for all wood surfaces that have turned grey with Dr. Schutz Wood Refresher. The product has good adhesion and a non-drip formula, making it easy for any surface to be refreshed.

Stone Care

A thoroughly-effective and powerful deep cleaner for the removal of dirt, grime, algae, moss, grease and microorganisms from any outdoor surface. Garden furniture, decking, fencing, stonework, brick walls, garden ornaments, steps, driveways, paths, patios and concrete are just some of the surfaces which can benefit from using this cleaner.

Stay on top of your cleaning and maintenance game this spring with Dr. Schutz.

A concentrated cleaner for the removal of dirt, grime, grease and other microorganisms on stone and tile floors.

This product benefits from a high coverage of 1000m2/litre.

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

www.drschutz.co.uk 01296 437827

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The ideal low maintenance, rot-resistant alternative to traditional cladding material that will give your home a timelessly beautiful facade.

ü low maintenance ü factory applied colour ü easy to install

more at cedral.world Housebuilder 185x131mm.indd 1

16/01/2020 12:34

Unbeatable Quality at Unbeatable Prices GARAGES • EXTENSIONS • GARDEN ROOMS & ORANGERIES • LEISURE BUILDINGS & POOL ENCLOSURES • STABLING

www.ehbp.com 01424 838643

Celebrating 30 years of British Craftsmanship

E

nglish Heritage Buildings started with one man’s fascination with restoring oak frames in the late 70s; leading to the formation of our company and the manufacture of new oak frame buildings in 1990. This ignited a British revival in oak framing and since then we have led the way in oak frame manufacture.

With our dedication to continued improvement in both product quality and the service we provide, we became the first - and still the only - oak frame

manufacturer to achieve Q-Mark certification from BM TRADA. Our Green Oak Building System BSYS-006 is also recognised as a NHBC accepted MMC system.

With our vast experience and understanding of oak framing - carpentry, technical details, weathering and structural requirements - we have been producing oak frame buildings for three decades. From garages to extensions, garden rooms, leisure buildings and stabling, each building is tailored and

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designed to your own specification and exclusively manufactured here in the UK. We deliver both across the country and export around the world.

By coupling traditional English craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, we will transform your dream project into a reality. Our precision, attention to detail and unparalleled quality sets us apart from the competition, leaving you with a beautiful and timeless addition to your home.

Recognised as a NHBC MMC accepted building system

Only oak frame company to achieve Q-Mark certification verified by BM TRADA

I-B U I L D/AP R/21

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