i-Build September 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

UNDERSTANDING U-VALUES

S E P T E M B E R 21 - I S S U E 86

www.crossplatformmedia.co.uk

U-values can seem complicated to understand – but they don’t need to be. In this issue, The Rooflight Company explains how to interpret these values to ensure that you find the right product for your home.

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDIES

INSPIRATION

I-DEAS

ADVISORY

UPDATING A CHILDHOOD HOME

SLIDE INTO THE SEVENTIES

OUT ON THE TILES

FINALLY LOSING THE PLOT?

Open-plan living placed at heart of design brief for childhood home reno in Hampshire

It’s made a comeback in high-street fashion, and it’s edging its way into our interiors

We team up with CTD Tiles to bring you everything you need to know about updating your surfaces

How to stop chasing your tail and find the right self-build site for your dream home

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AVANTI ELECTRIC fires beyond imagination ony x fire s. co m

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ditor's Welcome

I-BUILD SEPTEMBER 2021

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 & STATISTICS: Klare Ball klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PUBLISHER: Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope.

No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor's hands. In the absence of an agreement, the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Cross Platform Media Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Cover story:

The Rooflight Company explains how to interpret U-values to ensure that you find the right rooflight product for your home.

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s we leave August behind and enter September, our thoughts turn to more autumnal elements – such as heating, cosy aesthetics and those all-important home security elements that tend to crop up at the last minute, around the darker Christmassy evenings. In this month’s issue, we’re forward planning for you with some inspiration that’s ideal for setting up those autumn/winter mood boards and to-do lists.

Firstly, within our Desired Designs features this month, we’re introducing earthy autumnal colours that are akin to the in-vogue seventies trend and investigate a richer, darker tone – emerald green – that’s sure to bring some character into your home. Turn to pages 06 to 08 for this month’s interior picks. Meanwhile, on page 26, we explore on-trend media walls. In this article, the Stovax Heating Group’s Annabelle Carvell explains how you can mix sleek looks and functionality with a TV media wall that incorporates a fireplace.

For the last instalment of our autumn introduction, Victoria Brocklesby from Origin offers her top six tips for securing the doors and windows within your home. Turn to page 32 to learn more.

If interior planning’s all but a distant dream and you’re yet to find your ideal plot, don’t fear. In this edition, we’ve talked to Peter Johns, Research Director at plotbrowser.com, for his advice on finding the perfect site to build your very own dream home. Lastly, Kris Baxter from Studio 11 Architecture is on hand for those courageous home builders that want to take on a Paragraph 80 self-build. As Kris explains, Paragraph 80 houses aren’t for the faint-hearted, but the rewards are certainly substantial. Turn to page 22 to find out all you need to know about taking on a Paragraph 80 home.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if you’re coming to the end of your self-build and would like us to feature your home as inspiration for other budding housebuilders, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your self-build journey and would be keen for us to document your progress, do get in contact.

Rebecca Rebecca Kemp Editor @ibuildmagazine

@ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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

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ditor's Picks

See page 20.

30 The Shoreway, St Mary’s Island, Chatham, Kent, ME4 3SL 01622 946150 www.crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PROTECT EXTERIOR WOODEN SURFACES Wood requires a finish to provide UV protection and strength against wind, rain and snow 3

LONGER-LASTING FLOORING Dr. Schutz offers an innovative solution that quickly and easily transforms tired, damaged floors

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www.osmouk.com I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

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September 2021 ADVISORY

INSPIRATION

06

Desired Designs: Slide into the Seventies

08

Desired Designs: Green with Envy

22

Style Guide: Working Out Worktops?

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It’s made a comeback in the realm of high-street fashion, and it’s edging its way into our interiors.

Love it or hate it, the seventies trend is back – and it may provide the inspiration you need for your interior.

As we approach autumn, we seek cosy interiors that offer a sense of warmth. Here are a few emerald green examples that’ll leave your guests green with envy.

Worktops can make or break a kitchen. Not only are there looks to think about, but it also pays to consider longevity.

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I-DEAS

26

HVAC

32

i-Scape: Security

34

Annabelle Carvell from the Stovax Heating Group describes how to achieve the perfect media wall – including an electric fireplace for the ultimate luxury, convenient heat.

Here, Origin offers its advice on the best features to secure your doors and windows.

i-nterior: Floor & Wall Tiles

We team up with CTD Tiles to bring you everything you need to know about updating your surfaces.

CASE STUDIES

Viewpoint

12

Rural Retreat

Contracts & Legalities

18

Urban Sanctuary

How do you plan the perfect extension? To find out, we speak to Robert Wood, Managing Director at loft, extension and basement specialist Simply Construction Group, to find out his practical advice for planning an extension to your home.

Does the new Paragraph 80 mean it will be easier to build your dream home in the open countryside? Kris Baxter, Founder & Creative Director of Studio 11 Architecture, investigates.

For Graeme and Amanda Hogg, creating a home that met the needs of busy family life was at the top of their wish list when looking to move. So, when the pair stumbled across a picturesque plot amidst the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire, they let their creativity run wild.

When Heidi and Vic Daniels embarked on a home renovation for Vic’s childhood home, they placed open-plan living at the very heart of the project brief.

Plot Searching

Peter Johns, Research Director at plotbrowser. com, reveals his top tips on finding the perfect plot to build your very own dream home.

MATERIALS

28

Lighting & Electricals

30

i-Build: U-Values

Are you looking for an alternative cooling method to air conditioning? Here, Greg Cooper, Managing Director at Radiana, compares some of the options available and the benefits of radiant cooling systems.

NEWS/PRODUCT GUIDE

36

Product Guide

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

At first glance, U-values seem very complicated to understand but they don’t need to be. Here, The Rooflight Company explains how to interpret these values to ensure that you find the right product for your home.

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I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns

©MINDTHEGAP

SLIDE INTO THE SEVENTIES

It’s made a comeback within the realm of high-street fashion, and it’s edging its way into our interiors. Love it or hate it, the seventies trend is back with a vengeance – and it could provide the inspiration you need for your interior.

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tatement prints, colourful retro fonts, mustard yellows, corduroy, and not to mention the iconic musical tracks – what is there not to love about the seventies? If your interior taste is somewhat on the bold side, these seventies-inspired accessories will look right at home in a new-build blank canvas.

However, incorporating tiny hints of prints and colour is a more sensible approach if you’re looking for something slightly more subtle. For those daring interior decorators, I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

YOURS TO BUY

why not opt for multi-coloured wallpaper, cushions and blankets? Coupled with lightcoloured wooden furniture and hanging elements – like egg chairs or rattan plant pots – these colourful prints provide interest and inject character into blank spaces.

On the other hand, if you’re cautious when decorating and swirly, loud prints have you panicking, focusing solely on material elements – such as light-coloured wooden furniture pieces and hanging baskets – is a discreet way of incorporating the trend into your space.

1. 1970s cut glass Czech chandelier, Skinflint, £1200

6. Bubbla amber votive tall, Abode Living, £9

2. Cover in chocolate tea towel, Red Candy, £11

7. Rotary 1970s-style retro landline phone, GPO Retro, £39.99

3. Outdoor beanbag in yellow, BeanbagBazaar, £49.99 4. Noguchi-style tribeca coffee table - oak, Pash Classics, £349 5. Panton-style S chair in red, Pash Classics, £59

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8. Purple and red aluminium lava lamp, Red Candy, £36 9. Storage sideboards Siena, ercol, £POA 10. Bohemia rainbow hammam towel, Bohemia Design, £42

DESIRED DESIGNS

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OUR BRAND PICK

iving It Up

Living It Up supplies a range of unique contemporary beds and sofas to the whole of the UK. With a wide collection of contemporary options, you are certain to find a unique design to suit your individual style.

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02

YOURS TO BUY

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1. Felix sofa, £715 2. Finn sofa - spring green, £945 3. Alexa sofa, £549 4. Coco sofa, £1180

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HOT PRODUCT

Cool corduroy

TOP TIP

No seventies theme would be complete without that infamous corduroy. From dresses and skirts to flouncing flared trousers, corduroy was the ultimate statement in the seventies. Today, the super-soft, ribbed fabric is used for all kinds of upholstery – and it doesn’t have to look outdated, as these pieces demonstrate.

YOURS TO BUY

1. Tammy accent chair, corduroy fabric, cream with black legs, Cult Furniture, £329 2. Marie pouffe, corduroy fabric, dark grey, Cult Furniture, £99

3. Kahlo large sofa bed, taupe corduroy velvet, MADE.COM, £399 4. Linden accent armchair, stone micro corduroy velvet, MADE.COM, £429

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Create a seventies-themed statement wall in your living space? Choose one wall – or two if you’re feeling brave – in a living, reading or dining room to apply an eyecatching, colourful wallpaper.

Paint the other walls in the room in a complementary, accent colour and place artwork, shelving, lighting and other wall-mounted elements here to leave the wallpapered wall as the main, standout feature.

I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns

©MINDTHEGAP

GREEN WITH ENVY

As we approach the autumn months, we seek cosy interiors that offer us a sense of warmth. An excellent way of turning up the temperature in these spaces is to introduce a darker, richer colour into your interior scheme. Here are a few emerald green examples that will leave your guests green with envy.

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

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I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

DESIRED DESIGNS

WORKING OUT WORKTOPS? Worktops can make or break a kitchen scheme. Not only are there looks to think about and how a material or colour choice will slot into the plans you have for the aesthetics of your kitchen, but it always pays to consider the longevity and suitability of your kitchen surfaces. Thinking about the scratch- and heat-resistant properties of your chosen substrate as well as hygiene aspects will undoubtedly pay off in the long run, ensuring a long-lasting and practical kitchen for years of enjoyment. Here, we list some kitchen worktop options that have caught our eye.

01

02

03 ©STUDIO PODRINI – HI-MACS

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05 1. Dekton® Avant Garde in Laurent – www.cosentino.com 2. Aria Nero Grafite – www.formica.com 3. Silestone® Sunlit Days in Faro White – www.cosentino.com 4. Corian® Cosmos Prima – www.cdukltd.co.uk

06 I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

5. HI-MACS Alpine White S028 – www.lathamsolidsurface.co.uk/our-products/hi-macs 6. Corian® Glacier White – www.cdukltd.co.uk ©DIANE BERRY KITCHENS/ CENTRAL PHOTOGRAPHY

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A

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31/08/2021 15:24

I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

LIGHTING URBAN RURAL RETREAT SANCTUARY & ELECTRICALS

The Self-Build Diaries:

Graeme & Amanda Hogg

For Scottish husband and wife Graeme and Amanda Hogg, creating a home that met the needs of busy family life was at the top of their wish list when looking to move. So, when the pair stumbled across a picturesque plot amidst the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire, they let their creativity run wild. The fruits of their labour, Mack Lodge – a contemporary black larch and white render self-build home that sports beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the view – is more than fit for family life.

@

macklodgehousebuild Follow this self-build story on Instagram

Be prepared to make a million decisions – and choices on things that you hadn’t even thought about! Have a budget but be prepared for costs to be more and take time to choose your contractors.

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n this month’s Q&A, i-Build’s Editor, Rebecca Kemp, talks to Amanda Hogg about family life at Mack Lodge.

Here, Amanda briefly discusses the behind-the-scenes design and build processes that have provided a striking home for her, Graeme, their two daughters, 11-year-old Laila and nine-year-old Lucie, grey cat, Kiki, and fox-red pup, Indie.

RK: What inspired you to embark on your own project rather than buying?

AH: The opportunity to build something to suit our everyday living.

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

AH: We wanted something spacious and full of natural light – and to make the most of the views that our plot offered.

RK: How did you approach finalising your design brief?

AH: We designed our home from the inside out – in terms of the space and rooms we wanted, and it took shape from there.

RK: Did your project need to cater for any special requirements?

AH: We did want to have a high energyefficiency rating.

RK: How and why did you choose this plot?

AH: Not only was it in the area we

were looking in, but it is also had a large south-facing plot with great views of the rural landscape.

I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

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

AH: Altogether, planning permission took around 12 to 15 weeks.

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

AH: It was our first venture into house

building. So, many lessons have been learnt along the way. That said, overall, the process went smoothly.

RK: Did you project manage the build yourself?

AH: Due to time and work commitments,

we decided on a custom build with project management through our main contractor.

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

AH: Yes, they helped us with the design

process and completed our planning and building warrant drawings.

RK: How did you approach material and product specification?

AH: We looked at many different houses to see what materials we liked and narrowed it down to our final choices.

RK: Did you install any renewable systems?

AH: Yes, we have an air source heat pump and solar panels (including Tesla battery storage).

RK: How does the property respond to passive house principles?

AH: It’s a highly energy-efficient house with a rating of ‘A’.

RURAL RETREAT

RK: How long did the project take?

AH: It took 12 months from planning to the completion of the build; and the build itself took 20 weeks.

RK: Did you remain within the original budget?

AH: We stayed within 5% of our budget. Our choices (kitchens and bathrooms mainly) dictated higher costs than our budget.

RK: Please provide an overview of the finished space.

AH: We wanted the building to feel very spacious

and light. We like things relatively neutral and add colour where it’s needed. We have a large entrance hall with floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the views. This leads into our open-plan kitchen/living area, where we spend a lot of our time. In the hall area, we have incorporated some internal stonework sourced from a local quarry. This stonework is also continued on the outside of the property, encasing our large feature window in our hallway. Other rooms downstairs include a playroom for our girls and a snug/TV room, a comfortable area to spend time in. We have completed some wood panelling in various spaces (the hallway and master bedroom), which adds some texture and warmth, and have polished concrete floors throughout the downstairs. We wanted upstairs (mainly the bedrooms) to feel more cosy and homely. As such, the rooms are all light with light grey carpets.

Outside, we opted for clean, off-white K Rend mixed with some black larch cladding and stonework.

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I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

RURAL RETREAT

RK: What was your vision for the garden?

AH: Our garden has a sloped area

and another flat area at the bottom, so from the house, it looks like the garden flows into the field in front, which is nice. We have many ideas for our garden; we want to build a patio/ seating area with some screening at the side to make the most of the evening sun. We also want to add some flower/bedding areas to add some colour. The garden isn’t very established yet, but we have a large grass area and some wildflower sections with trees. The garden is next year’s project!

RK: What does the local community think of the new property?

AH: There were no objections when it came to building, and it’s in keeping with the other houses around us.

RK: Is the final property everything that you hoped it would be?

AH: Yes definitely, I think when you

move in and start living in it, that’s when it becomes your home and not just a drawing of a house that you have been looking at on paper for the last six months. The layout of our home really works for us as a family.

RK: What’s your favourite thing about your new home?

AH: We love the open-plan area; it’s our favourite, we spend a lot of our time in it as a family, and it’s a great entertaining space.

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

AH: The only thing we would have

done differently was to add a balcony.

RK: Would you do the whole thing again?

AH: Yes, we’re already planning our next one!

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

AH: Spend time looking at different houses and designs to get ideas of what you like and choose a good architect as the design is the most critical area to get right; everything else follows from that. Be prepared to make a million decisions – and choices on things that you hadn’t even thought about! Have a budget but be prepared for costs to be more and choose your contractors carefully. It’s stressful at times, so having contractors you trust and get on with helps the process.

I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

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RURAL RETREAT

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I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

VIEWPOINT

Viewpoint R

obert Wood

is Managing Director at Simply Construction Group

If your builder is working on several projects at once, it means they’re not giving your job their full attention – and this can seriously delay your work being completed and then have a negative impact on other contracted tradespeople, such as plumbers, carpenters or plasterers

I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

How to: plan the perfect extension Robert Wood, Managing Director at London-based loft, extension and basement specialist Simply Construction Group, shares his top tips for planning an extension to your home.

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lanning an extension is no less challenging than building a house from the ground up; and if you’re not a professional project manager or builder, it can be a daunting task with so many moving parts. There’s a lot to consider and plan, but after a decade in the building business, I still believe the most important aspect to any successful project is knowing what you want and keeping that in mind throughout the entire process.

To start with, it’s important to consider what you want from your extension and what its ultimate purpose will be. Before you speak to a builder or even a project manager or surveyor, decide exactly what construction work you require. If you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for and what you want as your end result, you can provide an extremely clear brief for them, and they’ll then be able to give you a more accurate estimate of timescales and costs.

There’s also no point considering any building work until you know your home is structurally stable and safe. Simple things, like having bowed floorboards looked at, gaping cracks addressed, damp-proofing done – they’re all necessary and help to make sure your renovation goes more smoothly later down the line. Consider hiring a structural engineer to produce a building report, this will give you a solid base to start from.

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These planning steps mean your builders will be more likely to produce work you’re happy with and ultimately keep the project on time and on budget.

Planning really is key for any project, so make sure you do your research and plan ahead. If you know your builders will need access, make sure they have it; if you think you’ll need to move out of the home whilst the construction takes place, make sure you have somewhere to go etc. All small things like this should be considered at the beginning to make the process as easy as possible.

Finally, in the planning stage, have in mind a rough idea of what your top budget is before you begin speaking to any project developers, builders or contractors.

And don’t just consider the work itself – additional costs, such as professional fees and any new decorations you’ll want to finish the space – they all need to be factored in at the beginning to ensure the entire project is achievable. It’s always worth having a small buffer too, in case any unexpected costs are incurred during the build.

Once you have confirmed your house is structurally sound and you’ve done your research, you should look to book an appointment with a surveyor, who will visit your property and assess what’s needed. An experienced surveyor will take the appropriate measurements and sketches of your space, whether that is a loft, kitchen or basement space. The initial survey can take at least an hour, so leave yourself with a block of time to sit down with your surveyor and go over all the finer details.

VIEWPOINT

Your surveyors should then provide you with a detailed overview of how your project will look and function, and any necessary steps you need to take to get to that completed state. This will provide the basis for the project, and though prices could potentially fluctuate slightly, this should give a good indication as to the final amount of work.

The next step is for your surveyor to pass their detailed quote and floorplan sketches to your architectural team, who will start to create the architectural plans needed for your project – if you do not already have architectural plans in place.

Your architect will then be in touch with you about the specific elements of your project, and they will advise you on whether your project needs planning permission from your local council. If your project requires planning permission, you will also need to submit your detailed plans to obtain this, or if your project falls under permitted development, you will need confirmation of this from your local planning authority with a certificate of lawful development.

Before construction can begin, you will also need to obtain any relevant party wall agreements. Once you have obtained your party wall agreements and received approval from your local council (if needed), you will then need to assign your building team.

To ensure your builder is fit for your job, ask what similar projects they’ve carried out previously. And be sure to ask for testimonials from previous customers. Be cautious if they can’t provide you with customer testimonials, as most reputable builders will have these in spades. Additionally, you want to ensure you choose a builder who’s had a high percentage of their work pass Building Regulations.

At this point, you should also speak to your builder about realistic timeframes and any other ongoing commitments.

If your builder is working on several projects at once, it means they’re not giving your job their full attention – and this can seriously delay your work being completed and then have a negative impact on other contracted tradespeople, such as plumbers, carpenters or plasterers.

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This is now the stage when your project will begin to be constructed by your assigned building team, with payments needing to be made at various milestones. Realistically, it’s several weeks for a small, one-storey extension or a loft conversion, to six months for a doublestorey extension, comprising several rooms. It’s important that you keep this in mind as the build progresses because, at this stage, you don’t want anything holding up your project. It’s likely your building team will start with your outer structure, then your internals and finally your roof to seal the project.

Once the bulk of your project is completed, you will be asked to complete a snagging list, which will be a list of checks you want your building team to go through before they sign off on your project. Once happy with your finished project, it will be signed off by building control, and you will be issued with a completion certificate and, depending on your builders, warranty or guarantee paperwork for your new space.

www.simplyconstructiongroup.co.uk I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

URBAN SANCTUARY

Updating a childhood home When Vic and Heidi Daniels embarked on a home renovation for Vic’s childhood home – a 1950s bungalow based in Winchester, Hampshire – they placed open-plan living at the very heart of the brief. As keen entertainers and avid cooks, the pair turned to The Myers Touch for a relaxing yet fun kitchen scheme.

The resulting area is a charming space where friends and family can perch and chatter whilst meals are prepared and necessities, such as the utility room and home office, are innovatively concealed.

I

n this article, i-Build’s Editor, Rebecca Kemp, sits down with homeowner Heidi Daniels and Keith Myers, Designer at The Myers Touch, to discover more about the impressive transformation.

Heidi Daniels, homeowner

RK: What inspired you to take on this project?

HD: My husband grew up in the bungalow, and it was his

mother’s wish for us to move in after she passed away. We always knew the house had great potential for renovation.

We had a clear image of what it could look like. It is within walking distance of the village, marina and the New Forest.

It’s a very peaceful location and is perfect to live out the rest of our years.

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

HD: We have completed two other renovation projects in the past; however, this one is our last, and forever, home.

RK: What style and age is the building?

HD: The bungalow is a typical 1953 dwelling.

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

HD: We wanted the front of the building to fit in with

the rest of the street. From the road, you cannot see the renovations we have done. Every internal wall has been knocked down, and we have started from scratch, with a large extension on the back.

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

HD: Having a Swiss background, I have grown up around good-quality and stylish interiors. I knew exactly what colours and style I wanted for our forever home.

RK: How did you approach finalising your design brief ?

HD: An awful amount of research and numerous meetings with both the architect and The Myers Touch.

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

HD: It took approximately eight weeks.

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

HD: We tried to keep away from shiny

materials to keep a more contemporary yet rustic look. From experience, these are pretty hard to keep free from smears. We went for quartz worktops, as they are resistant to high temperatures and scratches.

RK: Did you remain within the original budget?

HD: The total budget was around

£230,000, but with all the extras and garden improvements, total costs were about £300,000.

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

HD: All our neighbours and friends are very impressed with the standard and design of our property. Residents of the road are happy we kept the original style.

RK: Is the finished space everything that you hoped it would be?

HD: The finished refurbishment is

everything and more than we could have hoped for. Since completion, we have inspired some friends and family to take on refurbishments rather than move house.

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

HD: We particularly love the open-plan

aspect; it’s so light and airy. The bi-fold doors give us that indoor-outdoor style of living that we both like.

RK: What is your favourite room and why?

HD: The kitchen/dining room is our

favourite; it’s where we spend nearly all of our time. The room feels cosy; however, it’s also brilliant for entertaining.

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

HD: The only thing we would have done is made the spare bedroom slightly larger.

RK: Would you do the whole thing again?

HD: We have really enjoyed the experience, but this will be our last renovation. We knew this would be our forever home when we started, so we appreciated this project the most – making decisions like choosing the colours of the bricks and picking the bathroom fittings and starting from scratch, so everything suits our lifestyle and needs.

Heidi and Vic’s kitchen/ diner budget: Kitchen: £44,725 Wine area: £9000 Utility: £3800

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RK: What advice would you offer to anyone looking to renovate?

HD: My advice would be to get yourself

a good architect, choose your builder carefully, get recommendations and check out their work before committing. Obtain a price for the job and get a fixed price in writing if you decide on any extras. If possible, move out and let them get on with the building work without interruptions.

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Keith Myers, Designer at The Myers Touch

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

KM: The most challenging aspect of designing

the kitchen was that there was too much space!

There was a large L-shaped spacious room to fill. I cut one section off the L-shape to make it straight and rectangular. Then, I used the part of that shape to incorporate the utility, pantry and boot room area behind the pocket door system – which is an excellent use of the space that Heidi and Vic loved.

It also brought the island into the central area of the kitchen/living space.

RK: Talk us through the products that were used.

KM: Heidi and Vic went for the SieMatic SLC

Handleless range with contrasting colours of Java Oak for the base and wall units, with the tall units in Agate Grey (where their home office and utility is neatly located and accessed through hidden doors between the kitchen and bar areas). The Daniels wanted a premium product and a very warm and cosy palette, so the SieMatic range was ideal. They also didn’t want any worktop joins in the kitchen island, so we created a stone breakfast bar. Here, we used a 12mm Dekton slab, and we ran a U-shape of 30m Silestone around it. This created a combination of materials and a perfect flow of the island to the breakfast bar. A bronze mirror on the sink splashback contributes more light to open up the room further, and the mix of Dekton and Silestone worktops with contrasting colours adds to the room’s mood.

www.themyerstouch.co.uk I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

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LIGHTING & ELECTRICALS CONTRACTS & LEGALITIES

ALL IMAGES: ©ANDREW HATFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

K ris Baxter

is the Founder & Creative Director of Studio 11 Architecture

Thinking of taking on a Paragraph 80 self-build?

Does the new Paragraph 80 mean it will be easier to build your dream home in the open countryside? Kris Baxter, Founder & Creative Director of Studio 11 Architecture, investigates.

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ith months of staying home behind us and working from home now the norm, many of us are re-assessing where and how we want to live. For those of us who have been cooped up in a city pad with only a balcony and a shared garden the size of a postage stamp, the idea of open space has, in the past, been somewhat of a dream. What’s more, planning policy has made it an ambition of only those with the means to take a significant financial risk to argue their case on why they should be allowed to live in the open countryside.

It all started back in 1997 when the then Labour Government introduced the ‘Country House Clause’, known as ‘Gummer’s Law’. In its earliest form, the clause stated: “An isolated new house in the open countryside may also exceptionally be justified if it is clearly of the highest quality, is truly outstanding in terms of its architecture and landscape design, and will significantly enhance I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

its immediate setting and wider surroundings. This means that each generation would have the opportunity to add to the tradition of the Country House which had done so much to enhance the English countryside.”

Alongside the Planning Policy, a Planning Policy Guidance Document was prepared (known as PPG7), which outlined the relevant criteria to meet the Country House Clause. Successive Governments altered the guidance document until it was finally replaced by Paragraph 55 of The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

More recently, with updates to the NPPF, the essence of the policy has remained, but the paragraph references have been updated. However, the latest version of the NPPF and Paragraph 80 does have some subtle amendments – which has the entirety of the architectural and planning world a little excited. The criteria have changed with the Government trying to increase and improve housing provision nationally. But what does this mean for the city-dweller dreamers, families wanting more space and those who have always dreamed of living in the countryside but don’t have a family farm to add to?

Paragraph 80 states: “Planning Policies and decisions should avoid the development of isolated homes in the countryside unless one or more of the following circumstances apply: 01. There is an essential need for a rural worker, including those taking majority control of a farm business, to live permanently at, or near, their place of work in the countryside

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02. The development would represent the optimal viable use of a heritage asset or would be appropriate, enabling development to secure the future of heritage assets 03. The development would re-use redundant or disused buildings and enhance its immediate setting 04. The development would involve the sub-division of an existing residential building; or 05. The design is of exceptional quality, in that it: Is truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards in architecture and would help to raise the standards of design more generally in rural areas; Would significantly enhance its immediate setting, and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.”

Let’s break this down:

Paragraph 80 (a) relates to people who are working in the countryside so they can live where they work.

Examples of this would be farm owners or managers and people working within forestry or horticulture.

Paragraph 80 (b) is in relation to the retention and maintenance of a heritage asset or listed building Paragraph 80 (c) relates to the re-use of redundant buildings, which are likely to be former agricultural barns, stables etc. It is a policy that sits alongside the

CONTRACTS & LEGALITIES

One thing to remember is that not all settings are of high quality, and the introduction of a new home may, in itself, significantly improve the immediate vicinity assuming that the house is designed to a high standard.

recently-introduced Class Q permitted development rights that allow for the conversion of agricultural barns into dwellings without the need for full planning permission.

Paragraph 80 (d) relates to turning one large home into smaller homes or apartments, possibly a mansion or an old, stately home Paragraph 80 (e) is the paragraph that has us all a little excited. In the latest edition of the NPPF, the wording of this paragraph has been re-written to exclude the word ‘innovative’ in an attempt to clarify the requirements for a new home in the countryside, which are as follows: The design is of exceptional quality Meaning the design of your home will need to stand out from the crowd.

However, it can be challenging to define what ‘exceptional quality’ of design is, and the interpretation of this can be very subjective across various locations and different local authorities. What is clear is that both building design and landscape design need to work together to create an exceptional design. Any Paragraph 80 home needs to sit in harmony within the landscape and its immediate surroundings. One option for demonstrating exceptional design would be to use a design review panel – an independent advisory body made up of built environment professionals.

A design review panel offers impartial advice and guidance on design issues and is an excellent way to demonstrate to planning officers the exceptional design of your Paragraph 80 home.

Be truly outstanding Whilst the innovation aspect of Paragraph 80 (e) has now been removed, this does not mean you cannot use innovation as a way to be truly outstanding, and consideration should be given to sustainability methods, construction methods and the building’s response to climate change.

Reflecting the highest standards in architecture Again, entirely subjective, but the essence of this is to ensure your home is genuinely bespoke and designed for the site and its local area.

Would help to raise standards of design more generally in local areas The question here becomes how do we define the local area? Is it the nearest settlement, district or wider? In our experience, this is determined by the local authority, but a reasonable interpretation would be the district. If you want to build your home in the open countryside, it has to be better than anything else in the district and raise the bar. There is a very good reason why only a couple of hundred Paragraph 80 applications are made each year, and of those, around only 50% are approved.

Would significantly enhance its immediate setting This means the design of your home must talk to the landscape in which it is set. It must be designed with consideration and compassion for what is around it. A great way of helping with this would be to enlist the skills of a landscape architect.

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Be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area The building should respond to the local area. Firstly, you will need to define what the characteristics are. This could be a specific style of architecture your design could nod to or locally-sourced materials.

In all cases, you will need to be able to demonstrate this to the local authority.

Unfortunately, there is no magic formula to ensure your home will be approved. Much of the above is very subjective and is dependent upon the opinion of the planning officers and local authority planning committee members.

Striking a balance between satisfying the requirements of the NPPF and creating the home you have dreamt of can be a very difficult task. You must engage the right consultants with the appropriate expertise to argue your case well and trust they will design a suitable space for you. There may have to be compromises along the way to ensure you stand the best chance of getting approval.

Taking on a Paragraph 80 house is still not for the faint of heart. However, the rewards are substantial. You can leave behind your cramped city pad or your conventional three-bed semidetached in the suburbs and live the dream in your one-off dream house in the rolling hills of the countryside.

The road to making it happen may just be as bumpy, long and windy as the single-track road to your new driveway with lots of applications going all the way to appeal.

The removal of the word ‘innovative’ may be one less hurdle to jump, but homes in the open countryside remain one of the biggest challenges architectural practices face.

www.studio11architecture.co.uk I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

PLOT SEARCHING

How to: f ind the right building plot Are you struggling to find a self-build site that meets all your needs? Perhaps you’re finding it tough to know where to start? This month, to offer a helping hand, we’ve talked to Peter Johns, Research Director at plotbrowser.com. Here, Peter reveals his top tips on finding the perfect plot to build your very own dream home.

F

inding a plot that’s right for you can be a challenge. It will probably be 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Keep an open mind and be realistic.

You might not find the exact size or shape desired, but if you use your imagination and think of the possibilities, you might end up with something spectacular. Many an award-winning house has been built on a narrow or sloping plot. Architects love a challenge; however, do bear in mind that this will likely cost more.

It’s also important not to dismiss renovations, conversions or an existing building that may be deemed too small – the latter can often be extended. The more options you give yourself, the better your chances. You need to be clear on your objectives.

Ask yourself how important the I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

location is, for example. The narrower the criteria you set on the area, the fewer the opportunities.

It’s also a good idea to let your local estate agents know that you are on the hunt. Some plots get snapped up in a matter of days, so it works to your advantage to have a bit of extra help. Use your initiative and ask around. Farmers, pub landlords or Government agencies might know something you don’t.

Use an online plot service, such as plotbrowser.com, at the start of your search. This will give you a feel for the number of plots that come onto the market in your search area and for the likely price you will need to pay. It will also help you identify those estate agents who specialise in building plots. Once you have identified them, it makes sense to keep in touch with them proactively and frequently.

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Be very wary of plots without planning permission. There is usually a reason why – a seller has a huge incentive to secure planning permission because it increases the price they can command. Planning permissions vary, so be aware of the difference between consents.

Outline permission isn’t as detailed, and once granted, further approval must be sought for the nittygritty details. Detailed planning applications submit all the facts of the proposed development from the beginning of the process.

Many plots are put on the market for sale by auction. Lots are listed at a reasonable price, particularly if in need of repair, and you might bag yourself a bargain. Another positive is that the seller cannot withdraw the sale. They will provide a legal pack for inspection, so you can make an informed decision in advance of the auction date. Auctions are not for the faint-hearted, however.

Therefore, it is a good idea to attend one or two with no intention of bidding to understand the process. If successful at an auction, you will need to make a substantial and immediate deposit.

www.plotbrowser.com

PLOT SEARCHING

Takeaways: Peter’s six top tips 1. Set a realistic budget Many self-builders fall at the first hurdle when it comes to building their dream home. There is no magic formula for finding a plot and whichever method you use, remember there are a lot of other people who will be looking too.

Setting a realistic budget is a good starting point. Remember that a plot price will reflect the final value of the house in that location.

2. Be open-minded Even seemingly unpromising plots can be the site of your dream home. Many award-winning homes have been built on narrow or sloping plots. Good architects love a challenge which can often bring out their best work. But bear in mind that it will probably cost more. An existing building that is too small but in the perfect location will almost certainly be worth looking at – permitted development rights will allow you to extend by at least 50%, but you may well be able to increase that.

3. Use free web listings Use an online web listing specialising in self-build plots, such as plotbrowser. com. It lists sites (and other singledwelling opportunities, such as conversions) throughout the UK. It’s free to use and is a good starting point to evaluate the number of plots and likely prices in your area. It will also help to identify estate agents who specialise in land sales in your search area.

4. Pester your estate agent Once you have identified likely estate agents, make sure they know you are a serious buyer. Keep in regular contact with them. Many plots are on the market for only a matter of days, so if the agents know you are cashed up and ready for a quick deal, then you are in the box seat – especially for sales that have fallen through.

5. Do the hard graft Don’t rely on others to find your plot.

Ask around at pubs, speak to farmers, leaflet the area in which you are looking and contact anyone who sells land, including Government agencies.

6. Beware of sharks!

If a plot appears to be too good to be true, then it probably is. Watch out for unscrupulous vendors selling land described as a ‘building plot’ that doesn’t have planning permission. In reality, it is simply agricultural land on the market at an inflated price.

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HVAC

How to get the perfect TV media wall TV media walls are all the rage, and you’ll no doubt have seen them flooding the interior design and self-build world. The concept of a media wall takes feature walls to new heights, with a space that offers both fashion and function. Here, Annabelle Carvell from the Stovax Heating Group describes how to achieve the perfect media wall – including an electric fireplace for the ultimate in luxury and convenient heat.

What is a media wall?

A media wall is designed to create a bespoke centrepiece to capture the attention of people when they enter the room. It’s typically a full wall installation of a variety of media appliances, from TVs and fireplaces to shelving and integrated storage. Many people opt to use the full available width and height of a wall by building a stud wall framework that allows you to mount a television and, most importantly, leaves space for a built-in electric fire for a focal point. It blends functionality with spectacle, combining everything that sits at the heart of the home in one entertainment space.

Choosing an electric fire

Having now decided to go ahead with a media wall, you’ll probably be looking at which electric fire to opt for. There are a huge variety of different sizes, technologies and flame visuals out there to choose from, but ultimately some key tips might be to look for a fire that offers the very best in energysaving features and offers the most authentic fireside experience. Brands such as Onyx offer an incredibly realistic I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

and immersive display from their Avanti electric range, with this fire also operable via a mobile app – the perfect companion for a media wall experience. With logs that have been modelled on real oak and birch, extensive lighting and flame effects, and one-, two-, or three-sided installation options, this electric fire is a must-have for anyone looking for the ultimate media wall.

Television size

One of the main considerations to make when choosing your appliances for a media wall is the size of your television. If you’re integrating storage into your media wall framework, you will want to think about if you prefer your TV centred, with shelves, cupboards and drawers on either side, or offset. If you think you might like to upgrade to a larger TV in the future, this is something you may want to think about doing before you start planning the dimensions of your media wall, especially if you’d like your fireplace to be roughly the same size as a television recess. As long as you know the dimensions of the TV, you can factor this into your design plan.

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HVAC

Peripheral devices

For the ultimate media wall, you may want to allow room for extra peripherals, such as speaker systems, games consoles and more. Don’t forget to account for these in your plan and provide space to accommodate them, along with the cable management involved for a tidy and neat finish. It’s good practice to plan where you’ll be situating your devices, and leave a route through which you can channel cables out of sight to wherever they need to go, such as a fireplace.

You might also want to consider any extras that come with your fireplace that may further boost the appeal of your media wall – such as mood lighting. The Gazco eStudio electric fire range, for example, can be selected with the optional mood lighting system, which allows you to position a flexible LED strip around the fire, under shelves or even around a TV to provide atmospheric mood lighting.

The LED mood lighting system for this particular fire can be

set to the same 13 vibrant lighting colours of the eStudio and is easily controlled with the fire’s Eco handset.

Enjoyment all year round

Perhaps one of the biggest draws to having a media wall that features a fireplace is the fact that most electric fires can be enjoyed with, or without, the heat. This means that at the entertainment hub of your home, you can be enjoying the same fireside ambience in the warmer months as you do in the winter, but with the bonus of being able to choose when you want heat – and when you don’t!

For more information and advice on choosing the perfect electric fire for your media wall project, we recommend speaking to your local expert retailer for advice, plus aftersales care.

www.stovax.com

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LIGHTING & ELECTRICALS

An alternative cooling method to air conditioning There’s always much debate about how we should control our indoor climate, never more so than when you are making big decisions regarding the specification of a system for your own self-build or property renovation.

Here, Greg Cooper, Managing Director at climate control specialist Radiana, compares some of the options available and the benefits of radiant cooling systems when it comes to build sequencing, health, wellbeing and creating standout for a property.

S

pecifying the right air cooling system used to just mean taking into consideration the size of the build, zones to cool and how the system is controlled. But there’s now a need to satisfy a much longer list of needs – from achieving the best possible air quality, wellbeing and comfort for those who’ll be living in the space to ease of installation, maintenance and the system’s long-term impact on the environment.

However, addressing all of the above and more needn’t be a cause for concern – it simply requires a change of physics, which radically alters how cooling systems work.

When it comes to cooling a building, air conditioning is often specified as a luxurious climate control solution, yet as a system, it can miss the mark on many of its aims – one being to cool a room evenly. If you’ve ever worked in an office with air conditioning on a hot day, you’ll know about the feeling of being chilly under the breeze of the AC unit, while a colleague a few metres away can’t feel any benefit and is asking you to boost the airflow. Not only is this unpleasant and ineffective, but this constant blast of air, especially if recirculated, could also spread virus particles around, whilst dehumidifying the air.

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Aside from often being an eyesore on the ceiling or wall in a domestic setting, air conditioning also consumes a fair amount of energy and, to function, throws warm air out of a building. This factor is contributing to the ‘urban heat island effect’ we’re increasingly experiencing in our major cities. The energy generated from all the people, buildings and modes of transport in these busy metropolitan locations is making the area warmer than the rural areas surrounding it and, in turn, decreasing air quality. All things considered, AC units can create a less-than-comfortable environment and don’t truly have the best interests of homeowners and planet earth in mind.

However, if we shift the physics and take a closer look at cooling spaces from a different perspective, it’s easy to see why radiant systems have increased in popularity as they tick many more boxes.

So, how does radiant cooling work and how effective is it?

Radiant cooling works by absorbing the heat radiated from objects and the rest of the room through cold surfaces.

This is achieved by passing cold water through pipes installed in the ceiling panels or tiles, which are discretely installed into the ceiling or walls as plasterboard-style panels, which, in turn, cools all the surfaces in the room.

When 70% of the ceiling surface area is fitted with ‘active’ ceiling radiant cooling panels, the result is a highlydesirable ‘3D cooling’ effect, with no hot or cold spots within a room.

By its very nature, this responsive, silent-running, radiant energy transfer method is also not dependent on the movement of cold air to cool the space – meaning there are no uncomfortable draughts and issues with virus particles circulating. This creates the ultimate thermal comfort and greatly improved air quality for everyone to enjoy, wherever they are situated in the room. Coupled with an intelligent control system, radiant cooling panels also provide total flexibility, allowing you to create different temperature zones within an open-plan space depending on solar gain and personal preferences.

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LIGHTING & ELECTRICALS

Radiana is a modular plasterboard ceiling panel

Radiana is a hidden climate control system

Temperature can be monitored and controlled using the Radiana app

The next, and arguably most crucial, benefit at the build stage, is ease of installation and build sequencing.

In the same way as traditional plasterboard is fitted, radiant cooling panels are quick and easy to attach directly to the ceiling frame. As such, in comparison to air conditioning, this new cooling technology reduces the number of trades to coordinate at your site – it also removes the need to sequence hot works and the handling of ozone-damaging gases. These are often aspects of a build that can cause delays and issues on site when traditional air conditioning has been specified and needs to be commissioned.

Once the radiant cooling panels are up and running, aside from providing total comfort for everyone to take advantage of, the environment and your bank balance

will also benefit from around 40% energy savings and less maintenance, compared with air conditioning. Taking it a step further, this innovative tech is also designed to effortlessly integrate with existing and emerging renewable technologies, with heat pumps being a natural choice to pair radiant water-based systems.

All in all, when compared with air conditioning, radiant cooling panels come out with top marks. Not only are they designed with the future of renewable technology in mind, quick to install and maintain, they also significantly enhance the enjoyment of the home, which is the ultimate goal when specifying products to create a property with unique, standout quality.”

www.radiana.co.uk

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I-BUILD - U-VALUES THE ROOFLIGHT COMPANY

A homeowner’s guide to U-values At first glance, U-values seem very complicated to understand but they don’t need to be. Peter Daniel, Product Innovation Director at The Rooflight Company, explains how to interpret these values to ensure you find the right product for your energyefficient home.

U

-values are a measure of thermal efficiency or, more simply put, how well a window stops heat from passing through it. The slower or more challenging it is for heat to pass through the window, the more energy efficient it is. The more energy efficient it is, the lower the U-value.

Windows with a low U-value reduce the flow of heat throughout your home, stopping heat leaving in the winter and ensuring that your home doesn’t get too warm in the summer.

This will save you money on fuel costs in the long run. The higher the U-value, the more heat is being transferred, leading to higher costs when heating and cooling your home.

As simple as that sounds, it can still get confusing. So, here’s how to choose the most efficient windows for your home:

Check the requirements

As covered in Part L of the Building Regulations, current legislation requires a whole-unit value of 2.0W/m 2K for newly-built homes and 1.6W/m 2K for existing homes.

For properties other than houses, the requirements are 2.2W/m 2K for new buildings and 1.8W/m 2K for existing buildings.

Take the Uw-value into account

While many companies report on the performance of the pane, which is the most efficient part of the window, heat loss will be higher around the edges of the window because joints and frames are harder to insulate. Therefore, any report of the U-value that doesn’t take this into account could lead to you choosing a less efficient option for your home. This will increase your household bills as it will take more to heat your home as the temperature drops. The Rooflight Company reports on the whole window unit (Uw), rather than just the glazing. This figure measures the overall efficiency of the window, including the value of the frame, the glass and the glass edge.

These figures will change depending on the size and shape of the window you’re installing, meaning you will need to check the value of the different windows you’re choosing for your home. Ensuring you have the lowest Uw-values throughout will ensure that your home is as efficient as possible.

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I-BUILD - U-VALUES THE ROOFLIGHT COMPANY

Consider the orientation of your windows

You need to know whether you’ll be installing vertically, as with a window, or horizontally as with a flat-roof rooflight, or somewhere in between. That’s because the regulations force manufacturers to report the U-values of all glazed products vertically.

But rooflights are usually oriented horizontally, with the sun directly beaming down onto them at a more aggressive angle. To account for this, a good rule of thumb is to add 0.5W/m2K (for double-glazed windows) to establish their real-world performance.

Our neo Advance, for example, may have a U-value as low as 1.06W/m2K, which equates to 1.56W/ m2K when horizontal, which is still well below the regulations set out in Part L.

Despite thousands of pages of regulations being published, all you really need to know are the U-value requirements. Remember that the lower the U-value of the window, the better the insulation and, therefore, the efficiency. This means you will save money on your bills in the future. Trusted companies will always provide these values with their products, allowing you to find the best window for your home.

www.therooflightcompany.co.uk

Look out for G-values as well as U-values It is important to recognise the difference between G-value and U-value when choosing windows for your property. The G-value of a window simply tells you how well the glass transmits heat from the sun, rather than how energy efficient they are. Like with U-values, the lower the G-value, the better as the unit transmitting less solar heat. It is useful to have a low G-value to ensure that the amount of natural light entering your home remains high, but that solar glare is factored in to manage overheating. Combining low U-values with this ensures maximum energy efficiency as heat from the sun will be blocked using glazing, as well as the other elements of the window that ensure energy efficiency.

Improve the thermal efficiency of your window units, if you can

Our patented Thermoliner and thermal shield are product specific. The Thermoliner is fitted within our steel rooflight range, and our neo Advance ranges use a thermal shield. This treatment ensures that the heat stays inside your home, while condensation and mould stay out. These windows can, therefore, be much lighter in terms of weight, as their low U-values mean you can choose a double-glazed, rather than triple-glazed, option.

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I-SCAPE - SECURITY ORIGIN

6 top tips for securing your home

Research shows that 40% of people believe that security is the most important factor when purchasing new windows and doors. Victoria Brocklesby, Chief Operations Officer at Origin, a leading UK manufacturer of aluminium doors and windows, offers her advice on the best features to secure the doors and windows in your home.

1. Glazing

Patio doors, such as bi-folding and sliding doors, feature large expanses of glass, but that doesn’t mean you need to worry about security. These doors are now required by law to be fitted with glass that meets high security standards. For added peace of mind, quality doors and windows will also come with an option to upgrade to laminated, reinforced or toughened glass. These glass types will have different structures that will ensure that doors are more capable of withstanding damage, over and above what is required by regulations.

2. Locks

The locking barrels are often a door’s weakest point, with 31% of intruders entering a home by forcing a door lock. However, high-quality doors will come with tamperproof options, such as coded magnetic keys or a threestar barrel. These options will ensure that your home is protected against intruders picking or drilling your lock.

Origin Windows, for example, either use the Yale Encloser lock or the Nemesis multi-point lock, which both have a strong reputation for quality, to offer ultimate reassurance.

These safety considerations should also be prioritised for your garage door. Using highly-secure locks on all points of entry to your home will ensure maximum security for your property.

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3. Handles

Apart from the locking barrels/cylinders, handles are the most vulnerable element of doors and windows. Given this, it is important to find the safest option for your home. Using a handle with a cast metal body, as well as hardened metal bolts, will ensure you are protected against brute force.

You can also add a cylinder guard – which will offer resistance against lock snapping – and a cylinder shield that will prevent intruders being able to drill the lock. This protection can be further bolstered by a chamfered backplate which makes the handle difficult to grip.

These backplates stop thieves from being able to use mole-grips or clamps to detach handles, ensuring you are kept as safe as possible inside your home.

4. Materials

The materials used to make doors and windows have a huge impact on security.

Our products are made from aluminium, which is much stronger and more

I-SCAPE - SECURITY ORIGIN

durable than the uPVC and wood alternatives. This means that they are less likely to become warped or weather, compared to weaker products on the market, given aluminium’s high strength-toweight ratio.

Unlike uPVC doors and windows, aluminium frames are resistant to cracking if hit with a sharp object and being cut or sawn, in the way a wooden counterpart could. Aluminium frames ensure that your doors and windows are not only robust, but also benefit from ultra-thin sightlines, helping to maximise the amount of light entering your home.

cycle tested 50,000 times to ensure they are secure. Hinge guards can also be added to ensure intruders cannot pry open windows along the hinged side of windows to add additional security to your home.

The safest hinges are made using strong metals like zinc and include special bolts and screws, which make it much harder to lever the frames off the hinges. Having a hinge that is strong and corrosion proof will ensure your home is safe from all types of damage, both now and in the future.

5. Hinges

For added peace of mind, look for trusted companies that are part of Secured by Design (SBD). SBD is a national police crime prevention initiative that aims to “design out crime” by using only the best designs and

Every element of your door contributes to its security, and the hinges are no exception. Our windows and doors come with corrosion-resistant, high-grade stainless-steel hinges, and are

6. Secured by Design

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features. These high security standards ensure quality over time, rather than just from one-off testing, meaning your house is secure both now and long into the future. SBD products are currently up to 75% less likely to be burgled, which is important when looking for the safest options for your home. Our bi-fold door, residential door, OW-70 window and OW-80 window are all part of this initiative.

Security should always be the top priority when considering which doors and windows to use for a project. Whether you are building, renovating or just updating your home, ensure you choose premium products that will keep your home as secure as possible for years to come.

www.origin-global.com I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

I-NTERIOR - FLOOR & WALL TILES CTD TILES

Varadero Azure hexagon tile

How to: update your home surfaces with a fresh new look The surfaces in your home play a key part in its overall look and feel and, as such, they often require a fresh new update from time to time. Interest can be added to interior surfaces through colour, texture and pattern to convey style or personality within a space, says Amanda Telford, Marketing Manager at CTD Tiles.

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ith more people becoming braver with their home styles, they are starting to make bold choices when redecorating their current interiors. When it comes to designing a space in your home, choosing the right tile will have an enormous impact on the overall look of the room. With decisions to make between colours, size and placement, bringing your chosen style to life with a true design statement takes careful consideration.

Transform a room with a feature wall

An exciting way to create that wow factor with surfaces is through a feature wall. It’s a design choice that delivers a striking look and, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t require just one solid block of colour. Any tile or surface can be used to create a feature wall that is distinctive, whether through intricate, detailed tiles or large maximalist patterns.

You can go for plain colours in a soft blue shade that can be used with coordinating patterned tiles for a really unique look; the result creates impact whilst keeping the interior grounded and on-trend.

Create a statement border

Cement Tech mini white tile

I-B U I L D/ D/A SE UP G/20 T E M B E R/21

This is a great choice for anyone wanting to make a bold impact, and it’s a look that can be achieved with wood, tiles or any material that is seen fit. To create a unique look, consider going for mosaic tiles, which can be cut to any size and used as a border or insert. This type of style can direct the eye to certain areas of the room, providing great contrast when used with plain tiles. Try using a decor tile paired with a contrasting plain tile, as this is guaranteed to bring character to any living space.

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I-NTERIOR - FLOOR & WALL TILES CTD TILES

Go open-plan with large tiles

Over the years, large-format tiles have become increasingly popular with homeowners, as the significant impact they can make within residential spaces is unparalleled when compared with any other kind of tile on the market – especially when it comes to creating a beautiful open-plan kitchen or dining space.

Bigger tiles can create an enhanced feeling of spaciousness and often are more hygienic too.

With fewer grout lines needed, your tiled wall or floor will have less joins, which will make the overall maintenance of the room much easier, as tiles are always easier to clean than the grout itself.

Add interest with texture

Arles Cream Décor mix gloss tile

As designs have evolved, interior tiles have also become more decorative and interesting, creating endless possibilities for statement walls and floors around the home. One key way to liven up a home is through a three-dimensional surface option.

3D decor tiles will add interest to any kitchen or bathroom setting.

With their raised surface, they provide the ultimate backdrop for ceramics or as an eye-catching feature wall to shower rooms. A raised, hexagonal pattern is a great tile choice to showcase a decorative honeycomb effect; it’s a surface that works beautifully with a toned-down colour palette of soft cream. The look can be further enhanced with traditional accessories and wood accents.

Pretty with pattern

There’s no denying that the increasing popularity of patterned and encaustic tiles has taken the interior world by storm. Whether you are updating the floors or walls of your home, a patterned tile will complement spaces with an individual appeal. There has been a particularly big increase in demand for encaustic-inspired ceramic tiles recently; the ornate detailing works beautifully across traditional interior schemes, guaranteeing character and sophistication.

They also work beautifully within modern interiors too; often contemporary-style tiles will encompass a more geometric shape which will complement the scheme beautifully. These tiles can then be paired with bold colour and statement finishes, resulting in a totally eye-catching aesthetic from top to bottom.

Marmori Calacatta white polished tile

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www.ctdtiles.co.uk I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: OSMO

Exterior Osmo finishes

Most homes have wood of some sort in their garden, be it decking, door and window frames, sheds, cladding and fencing. Wood has the ability to shrink, crack, peel and discolour – all things that will leave the surface looking old and tired.

External wood requires a finish to provide UV protection in the summer and protection against wind, rain, frost and snow in the winter months.

Sun protection for wood

Suitable for cladding, summer houses, fences, windows, doors and furniture UV-Protection-Oil Tints is essential for exterior wood as it provides 12 times the UV protection in comparison to untreated wood. Designed to protect, maintain and restore all types of wood from the effects of the environment, it not only protects the wood surface, but also enhances the natural look of the wood and will prevent damage. It is moisture regulating and reduces swelling and shrinking of the wood. This product overcomes the need for a heavy stain or a flaking varnish to keep wood looking natural.

It’s only natural

Suitable for cladding, summer houses, fences, doors, windows, carports and decking Natural Oil Woodstain provides a decorative and protective finish for all exterior wood. It offers a highquality finish that allows the wood to breathe and reduces the risk of swelling and shrinkage. Acting as a protection against all weather conditions, it prevents

I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

mould, algae and fungal decay, as well ensuring the wood doesn’t crack, flake, peel or blister. Osmo also offers an ‘effect’ range to provide attractive silver/ metallic tones. Meeting modern architectural demands, these finishes are designed to give the natural greying effect, with added silver metallic pigments.

Pop of colour

Suitable for cladding, balconies, windows, fences, pergolas, garden furniture and summer houses Available in 19 shades, Country Colour promises premium durability and a rich colour, hiding the natural colour and grain of the wood yet maintaining the wood’s natural texture. The solution not only rejuvenates the wood but leaves it protected against the unpredictable British weather. It can be applied to a range of wood species, including oily and exotic materials. 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 info@osmouk.com

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PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: VELUX

Controlling indoor comfort has never been more effortless

VELUX has announced the launch of VELUX App Control, the newest member of its mains- or solar-powered VELUX INTEGRA product offering, improving user experience for homeowners.

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n an environment where the home has become much more than a place to sleep and eat, consumers are optimising their living spaces and making sure their homes are perfect spaces to work and play. Smart homes are becoming mainstream with an estimated 175 million in the world 1, and with 3.6 billion smartphone users worldwide in 2020 2, consumers are also increasingly controlling more and more aspects of their lives, and indeed their homes, at the touch of a button.

“Without the need for wall switches and sensors, VELUX App Control makes for a simple and more affordable smart control option. Homeowners can easily control the comfort and security of their homes from anywhere, at any time, using their phone or voice control,” explains Anna Palner Kloch, Product Manager for VELUX. “VELUX App Control really is for anyone who would like the convenience of smart control to fit their home and individual lifestyle.”

Comfort

trip back home, as VELUX App Control can quickly and safely do it for you. When on holiday, homeowners can even schedule their VELUX INTEGRA blinds and shutters to open and close as if they were at home to deter any unwelcome guests.

Convenience

Using VELUX App Control, anyone in the family can operate VELUX INTEGRA products with multi-user access and voice control through ‘Hey Google’ and Apple HomeKit. Customisable room settings and group control help VELUX App Control seamlessly become part of a user’s daily routine.

Installation

VELUX App Control allows users to operate all mains- or solar-powered VELUX INTEGRA roof windows, blinds and shutters through a single tap on their phones or via voice command. By opening a window to let in fresh air or asking for the blinds to be drawn, homeowners can adjust the amount of fresh air and daylight in their homes to fit them perfectly.

Security

The ease which VELUX App Control brings to users’ lives also adds peace of mind, letting you double-check on your home – even when away. Forgetting to shut a window by mistake no longer means an unnecessary

Based on the existing VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO hardware (gateway) and user interface (app), VELUX App Control installation should be carried out by the user – meaning no extra work from the installer. Homeowners can buy the VELUX App Control starter kit here – https:// www.veluxblindsdirect.co.uk/product/smart-homeautomation/velux-app-control – for £89.00 excl. VAT, which will be sent to their home. They can then download the VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO app from App Store or Google Play and follow the in-app instructions to complete the speedy set-up. Controlling indoor comfort has never been more effortless!

1

https://comfyliving.net/smart-home-statistics/

2

https://www.statista.com/

statistics/330695/number-of-

smartphone-users-worldwide/

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www.velux.com 01592 778225 I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: WEST FRASER | CRL | EARTHBORN | IMPERIAL BRICKS

“CaberDek is our go-to flooring product,” says KRM Carpentry

Shower hardware solutions that bring spa-like luxury home

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hether working on a new build, an entire refurbishment project, or an extension or loft conversion, KRM Carpentry from Gillingham, Kent, always uses West Fraser’s CaberDek flooring. “We undertake various jobs in the Kent area and always use CaberDek. We fix the boards with CaberFix D4 as it gives a good bond and creates a watertight seal between the panels.

The boards are really hardwearing, and it’s good to leave the protective film on until the end of the job, so we leave the build with a nice clean floor,” said Kai, Owner of KRM Carpentry. “Over the years, we’ve tried other products. We found that plywood delaminates, so it’s no good in the British weather, whereas the protective film on CaberDek works well at keeping the rain, snow and muck off until the roof goes on.

We also use SterlingOSB Zero when constructing a flat roof as the rubber membrane bonds well to it,” explained Kai. Samples of CaberDek, and West Fraser’s other construction panels, can be ordered on uk.westfraser.com the website.

01786 812921

ith people spending more time at home and luxury spa breaks being hard to come by as a result of the pandemic, the range of shower hardware available from CRL helps bring that touch of luxury into the domestic bathroom. Bathrooms and shower rooms are increasingly being designed as extensions of our living spaces, a space to retreat, relax and rejuvenate rather than just for practicalities. CRL shower hardware taps into this movement, with colours and styles to suit all interior applications.

From hinges and U-channels to minimalist hardware for sliding shower doors, CRL has solutions for all projects and all spaces, with popular finishes including chrome, brass, brushed nickel, matte black and oil rubbed bronze featuring across the different systems. The range includes frameless solutions for the ultimate in wetroom-style luxury. Another highlight of the range is the CRL Geneva hinge, available in a wide choice of finishes and suitable for bespoke applications, enabling the shower www.crlaurence.co.uk area to be tailored to 01706 863600 fit any space. crl@crlaurence.co.uk

New paint range from Earthborn

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arthborn paints are healthier to use and better for the fabric of the building, offering a distinctive, mellow colour palette with a finish of the highest quality. Now, a new partnership with Country Homes & Interiors magazine brings you a beautiful collection of modern country colours, designed to work in harmony with the Classic Earthborn palette or as standalone shades, helping create the perfect backdrop to any home. After years of white, beige and grey, it can be easy to forget just how impactful a dose of colour is! Colours range from versatile pastels, through easy-going mid-tones, to the deepest shades, including Nutkin, Puddling and Yew Maze. To see the 12 new colours in more detail, download the beautiful digital booklet at bit. ly/2ThnTJj or request your free colour card on the Earthborn website. The new Modern Country Colours are available in all Earthborn finishes and sizes, including 100ml tester pots.

They can be purchased from Earthborn’s online www.earthbornpaints.co.uk shop or via any of its 01928 734171 stockists. sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

‘Look for the crown’ – Imperial rolls out branded bricks

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mperial Bricks is introducing a unique crown stamp to the ‘frog’ (as the indentation is commonly known) of its bricks throughout 2021/22. The new stamp means merchants, architects, developers and self-builders can identify genuine Imperial products and the quality and ethical manufacturing assurance that comes with the brand. Over the past 10 years, Imperial Bricks has revolutionised the traditional hand-made brick market, launching a range of bricks to match each region of the UK. All of Imperial’s manufacturing partners meet strict ethical and quality assurances: at least six out of seven internationallyrecognised www.imperialbricks.co.uk manufacturing and 01746 330994 supply standards. sales@imperialbricks.co.uk

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PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: DR. SCHUTZ

Dr. Schutz PU Sealer – making longer-lasting flooring

Dr. Schutz, the German floor care company, offers PU Sealer, an innovative solution that quickly and easily transforms tired, damaged or old floors, at a fraction of the time and cost of an entire floor replacement.

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s well as renovating any floor with a fresh and lasting finish, PU Sealer offers added protection for flooring areas prone to heavy traffic.

Such areas with a high foot volume tend to wear very quickly when they don’t have a hard-wearing product applied. Not only can this cost money, but it can be a time-consuming issue to fix. By applying the PU Sealer,

flooring can be kept in a great condition for many years.

The water-based, eco-friendly PU Sealer can be applied to most types of flooring, including vinyl, tiled and epoxy resin. Adding 40 microns of protective thickness to floors, PU Sealer extends the lifespan by up to six times and provides a lasting, clear matt finish. Thanks to

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the permanent sealing, it protects against friction and discolouration from chemical spillages.

Due to the product’s special waterbased substance, the PU Sealer also reduces dirt adhesion and the time needed for day-to-day maintenance. www.drschutz.co.uk 01296 437827 I-B U I L D/ S E P T E M B E R/21

WHAT DOES YOUR HOME SAY ABOUT YOU?

SAY IT WITH CARE

www.cedral.world

SAY IT WITH SUSTAINABILITY I-B U I L D/A U G U S T/21

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