i-build January 2018

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS January 18 Issue 42

Download the free app to your tablet or mobile. Search 'i-build'

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COVER STORY:

Dramatic black shades for a sophisticated interior

ALL-GLASS ELEGANCE Top tips on specifying glass for your self-build project

JARGON-BUSTING LISTED PROPERTY INSURANCE ADVICE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE – BUILD YOUR OWN DECKING

PRE-FAB PERFECTION

LIGHTEN UP WITH LED

ENCHANTING DESIGNS

Contemporary selfbuild nestles seamlessly into picturesque Perthshire hillside

One London mews property has been creatively illuminated with striking lighting

Fairy-tale tree house mirrors quintessential English country garden surroundings

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

l UNDERFLOOR HEATING

l DECKING

l TREE HOUSES

ULTRA SLIM SLIDING PATIO DOORS, BIFOLDING DOORS AND CONTEMPORARY ROOF LANTERNS Allow natural light to flood into your home with our range of slim-line contemporary roof lanterns, aluminium sliding patio doors and bifold doors complete with solar control double glazing.

High specification products designed to add the WOW factor to any home at affordable prices.

sales@foldingdoors2u.co.uk

01621 834123

www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk

Welcome Note

i-build

Welcome to the January issue of i-build

www.i-buildmagazine.com

Editorial:

Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com

Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Sarah Croft

sarahcroft@mixedmediainfo.com Print Design Manager:

When taking the decision to build your own

Elsewhere in the issue, we delve into the

home, ultimately, many decisions come down

world of LED lighting for a London mews

to your vision and what you really want to get

property on page 24 where Design Director

from your new abode. Building a home means

at John Cullen Lighting, Luke Thomas, talks

a solution can be developed for any qualms

i-build through the project and on page 10

you had about your previous home.

Dulux Trade’s Paul Dougherty discloses the

After spending 15 years living in and renovating

best way to achieving the right finish.

a gorgeous Grade II Listed Georgian house, Gill

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if

jack@mixedmediainfo.com

and Stewart Siddall had enough of the expense

you’re coming to the end of your self-build

Digital Design Manager:

of trying to keep their draughty home warm. So

and would like us to feature your home as

they decided to embark on a self-build journey

inspiration for other budding house-builders,

inspired by the well-insulated and draught-free

then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

homes of Scandinavia.

Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your

Jack Witcomb

David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com Production Assistant:

Sofia Franchi

sofia@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts:

Immediately won over by the efficiency of pre-manufactured self-builds, the Siddalls

self-build journey and would be keen for us to document your progress, do get in contact.

Sam Ball

hillside. On page 18, i-build gets to take a look

Paige

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

at the little hillside haven the pair have created.

paige@mixedmediainfo.com

Charlie Ivy

charlie@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director:

developed an ambitious plan to create an EnergyPlus house that would become an eyecatching masterpiece, nestled on a Perthshire

@ibuildmagazine

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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

Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA T: 01622 873229 F: 01622 320020

Editor’s picks

www.mixedmediainfo.com 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 editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information 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.

Why long-lasting composite decking systems are increasing in popularity: See page 42 Illuminate your new home with stunning lights from Lighting Sensations: See page 41 'Plug in and play' system allows home-builders to fit skylights without qualified electricians: See page 40

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Cover story: Achieve that sought-after all-glass aesthetic with IQ Glass' top tips.

See page 30.

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Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

January 2018

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24

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38

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In this issue: Desired Designs

ON THE COVER

A look at the latest innovative products and styles for your new home.

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Contracts & Legalities ON THE COVER

10

Paints & Coatings

12 14

The Listed Property Owners’ Club discusses insurance for listed properties in this jargon-busting, detailed article.

Whether you’re hiring a painter and decorator or undertaking work yourself, industry expert Paul Dougherty from Dulux Trade reveals the key to achieving a perfect finish for your paintwork.

Passivhaus

If you’re new to the self-building realm, then the Passivhaus standard could be the answer to all your energy-efficient dreams and aspirations.

Viewpoint

Having worked in a range of building trades, Ryan Abell can identify the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to hiring builders.

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Build It Live Preview

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Rural Retreat ON THE COVER

The team at Build It Live return for not one but two jam-packed events in February.

Caorann is an ultra-energy-efficient self-build nestled on a Perthshire hillside. Won over by the efficiency of pre-manufactured self-builds, homeowners Stewart and Gill Siddall turned to Hanse Haus to deliver their contemporary hillside haven.

& Electricals 24 Lighting John Cullen Lighting has been appointed once

ON THE COVER

again for a spectacular project at a London mews property. Here, i-build takes readers on a tour around the impressive home.

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

Download the free app to your tablet or mobile. Search 'i-build'

January 18 Issue 42

06

20 +

COVER STORY:

Dramatic black shades for a sophisticated interior

ALL-GLASS ELEGANCE Top tips on specifying glass for your self-build project

Self Build & 28 National Renovation Show Preview

i-build previews this year’s show, highlighting key exhibitors and self-build and renovation specialists to look out for.

& Windows 30 Doors This month, i-build has picked the minds of the

team behind the scenes at IQ Glass to advise selfbuilders on glass specification.

32 i-DIY Our very first instalment of i-DIY offers moneyON THE COVER

saving self-builders and home renovators a stepby-step guide to building your own decking.

JARGON-BUSTING LISTED PROPERTY INSURANCE ADVICE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE – BUILD YOUR OWN DECKING

PRE-FAB PERFECTION

LIGHTEN UP WITH LED

Contemporary selfbuild nestles seamlessly into picturesque Perthshire hillside

One London mews property has been creatively illuminated with striking lighting

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

l UNDERFLOOR HEATING

ENCHANTING DESIGNS

l DECKING

Fairy-tale tree house mirrors quintessential English country garden surroundings

l TREE HOUSES

Subscriptions: You can subscribe to receive i-build each month free of charge at i-buildmagazine.com/subscribe

34 i-build VELUX explains how roof windows can transform ON THE COVER

any loft space into a fresh, bright and inviting space.

36 i-nterior One self-build couple in Suffolk have turned to heating ON THE COVER

specialist, Gaia, for their underfloor heating needs.

38 i-scape Tree house designer Blue Forest has been invited to ON THE COVER

create an enchanting children’s tree house design to nestle amid a mature apple tree within an English country garden.

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Desired Designs

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LBD – little black decor

Everyone knows how sophisticated a little black dress can look but you may be doubtful about using such a dark colour at home on your walls or through an abundance of accessories. Black can be bright, beautiful, super-striking and wonderfully chic. Here’s how to add the new neutral of 2018 to your self-build.

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he use of black in interior design can create a stunning and dramatic decor. Using this bold colour on a wall can add a focal point in any room. It can anchor a whole interior scheme together and will add a sophisticated look to any room in your self-build. Simple, yet stylish, black is a tone that enhances any product it adorns, making every outline a sharp and bold statement. Black in accessories – think light fixtures, trims or one bold piece of furniture – is ideal for creating a theatrical and daring interior. Black gives a fresh, clean and unquestionably luxurious and elegant look to any room and is often far more forgiving than brighter, lighter shades. If you’re unsure about this dark hue, just a small number of black interior accessories in any self-build room is usually sufficient to make an impression and, if used in the right way, the colour black will help you create something truly special.

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1. Raja black lion with gold crown statue, Artisanti, £44

2. Monkey candelabra, The

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French Bedroom Co, £199

3. Strata black marble dining table, Furniture Choice, £299.99

4. Vita black gold light shade,

Dowsing and Reynolds, £POA

5. Petra bathtub, Maison Valentina, £POA

6. Forbidden II, KOKET, £POA

7. Baltic rug, Covet House, £POA

8. Mx Synaptola cabinet by

Wonderbold, Lime Lace, £3490

9. Reeves chair, Essential Home, £POA

10. Robin three-seater leather sofa, Danetti, £POA

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1. Rozy table medium indoor, £520 2. Albert dining table Live Edge, £1890 3. Cruz Cocoon chair, £418

Desired Designs

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4. Loop lounge chair, £304

4 2 3

Nordic Mood Based in Manchester, online homeware retailer, Nordic Mood, offers a wide selection of Scandinavian-style furniture and home accessories that capture the cosy contentment of a traditional Norwegian existence and bring a touch of ‘Koselig’ lifestyle to the UK. Passionate about design and quality, and inspired by the soft muted colour palettes of the country, a collection of furniture, lighting and accessories have been created that encapsulate the cosy, congenial mood of traditional Nordic home life and promote emotional wellbeing.

Top tables

i-build loves...

Often all you need to finish off the decor of a room is one eye-catching accessory or piece of furniture that is not only functional but also beautiful to tie a room together – a table can be that centrepiece you’re looking for.

1. Park Lane black and gold console table, Alexander & Pearl, £725 2. MENU turning table, Black by Design, £449.95 3. The Draper console table, Sweetpea & Willow, £1239 4. Marble coffee table 90, Urban Avenue, £POA

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Contracts & Legalities

Left: It is illegal to undertake unauthorised work and failure to obtain consent before altering a listed building may result in a fine or even a term of imprisonment

costs. Additional things to consider include architect fees, demolition, removal of debris and dealing with contaminated land.

When it comes to the buildings sum insured, remember that it is not the same as its market value. It is the cost to rebuild your home from scratch using appropriate methods and materials as specified by your conservation officer, which will vary depending on its age, size, construction and location.

Non-standard construction

A guide to insuring your listed property A property purchase is most likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make, and when that property is listed you need to take extra care to ensure that it is properly insured. Here, The Listed Property Owners’ Club helps decode insurance cover and terminology.

K

nowing exactly what cover your insurance policy provides can sometimes be daunting when policy wordings are not in plain English. Here are some simple explanations to provide some clarity on terminology.

Policy terms, conditions and endorsements Policy endorsements are amendments that are made to your policy by the insurer which may add, remove or change the scope of cover offered. Endorsements may be used to apply specific additional terms and conditions to your policy. If you have endorsements on your policy, they may be included in a separate document or form part of your policy schedule, in either case you should take care to ensure that they are read in conjunction with the policy wording.

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Building sums insured There are three main ‘sum insured’ values: one for the building, one for its contents and one for fine art/antiques and valuables. These are the amounts you would receive if you were to lose all of your buildings, all of your contents and your fine art, antiques and valuables. Your sum insured will be higher than the combined value of rebuilding your house and replacing everything in it as it will also include the cost of rebuilding the boundaries and outbuildings, professional fees, debris removal, solicitor’s fees, securing statutory consents and any other costs involved in correctly reinstating your property. It is down to you to tell your insurer the value of the buildings and contents to be insured. You will need to consider the total rebuild value of your home, the replacement value of your contents, fine art, antiques and valuables, and any associated

‘Standard’ construction generally refers to properties with brick cavity walls, concrete floors and tiled roofs. ‘Non-standard’ construction refers to a building which is constructed of anything other than the materials listed previously (such as historical timber framing, cob, stone and traditional brickwork). These tend to require specialist skills which are often more costly and timeconsuming. Your insurance policy must be designed to cover the use of such skills should the property need to be repaired or reinstated.

Unauthorised work Unauthorised work means that work has taken place to the listed property without the correct Listed Building Consent being in place. This is illegal and failure to obtain consent before altering a listed building may result in a fine or even a term of imprisonment. If a previous owner made alterations to your building without consent, the local planning authority may require you to reverse those alterations at your own cost. When you are buying a listed building you should always ensure you make suitable searches in order to make sure that all alterations have the correct consent.

Curtilage listed Curtilage is the area of land around a listed building which is ancillary to it. If your property is situated within the curtilage of or attached to a listed building it may also be listed. If this is the case, you will require listed building insurance even if your home does not have a listing of its own.

www.lpoc.co.uk

Aluminium

Eyebrow

Traditional and modern gutters, pipes and hoppers come in a comprehensive range of aesthetic styles, materials and colours to suit all buildings and budgets.

Sub-brow

We have a style to match yours

For more information please call 0113 279 5854 or email info@rainguard.co.uk

GRP

Cast Iron

Copper, Zinc & Stainless Steel

w w w. r a i n g u a r d . c o . u k 9

Paints & Coatings

Left: When making preparations to start a decorating job, make sure surfaces to be painted are sound, clean and dry

T Dulux Trade’s Paul Dougherty reveals the key to achieving the right finish With decorators, self-builders and renovators facing increasing time pressures, finishing a job on time has never been so important. At Dulux Trade, we dedicate a huge amount of time to understanding appliers and specifiers’ real needs to ensure that the products we produce facilitate the best results and allow the decorator to work with optimum efficiency.

hrough research and development work, our technical team have worked to improve the application properties of our products for an even better finish and easier application, while still delivering excellent opacity and texture. Decorators don’t want to have to thin paint before it is applied.

At the same time they want a paint that can be used for a variety of application methods, whether it’s with a brush, spray or roller, whilst still delivering great results.

When making preparations to start a decorating job, make sure surfaces to be painted are sound, clean and dry (in particular, new surfaces must be fully dry) and remove all loose and defective paint. Special precautions should be taken during preparation of pre-1960s paint surfaces over wood and metal as they may contain harmful lead.

Where necessary, wash the surface to remove dirt, grease and powdery or dusty residues. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry. Seal surfaces that remain powdery after thorough preparation with an appropriate plaster sealer.

If needed, rub down and then wipe off with a damp, lint-free cloth to avoid dust. Any surface defects should be filled with the appropriate Polycell Trade Polyfilla.

We would recommend the new Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt for all normal interior wall and ceiling surfaces. It has an improved in-can consistency that can be applied with or without thinning.

The new formulation has a smooth flow for easy application and the benefit of reduced fly-off for a more enjoyable and efficient decorating process, making it an excellent choice for self-builders. The improved consistency also supports the delivery of a high-quality uniform finish, whilst continuing to deliver outstanding opacity and coverage.

Suitable for all normal interior wall and ceiling surfaces, the formulation offers great colour retention, and as a low-sheen matt, it is ideally suited to covering imperfections for a consistently brilliant finish with a coverage rate of up to 17m2/l.

The paint has been put through rigorous testing processes, both in the lab, through the Dulux Academy and with numerous professional domestic and commercial appliers to ensure that what we’ve delivered will meet their expectations.

www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk

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Passivhaus

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All images © Adrian James Architects/Kiss House

Comfort comes first Comfort is fundamental to the purpose of a building. So why do we find it so hard to ensure our buildings are actually comfortable? Why does our ‘world-class’ architecture still fail to provide comfortable buildings to live, work, learn and play in? Here, Architect and Passivhaus Designer, Elrond Burrell, explores the level of comfort a Passivhaus can offer.

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he Passivhaus standard is known as the world’s foremost building energyefficiency standard. And it is that, but it is also a comfort standard. The Passivhaus standard delivers radically energyefficient buildings with excellent occupant comfort.

“After all, what is the point of a building being energy-efficient (or low carbon for that matter) if it compromises the functionality and comfort of the people who use the building?”.

By definition, “a Passivhaus is a building, for which thermal comfort can be achieved solely by post-heating or post-cooling of the fresh air mass, which is required to achieve sufficient indoor air quality conditions – without the need for additional recirculation of air”.

The internal temperature and the constant supply of fresh air is provided by ventilation, so the air in a Passivhaus is unlikely to get stale meaning there is no real need to open windows. Bad smells and unwanted moisture will also be extracted.

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“They provide exemplary comfort for the occupants by maintaining a healthy, comfortable temperature, by being quiet, by having fresh air and by being draught-free.

“Architects and designers rarely give much attention to specifically eliminating draughts and as a result most buildings are not draughtfree. And it only takes a tiny hole, gap or crack to allow a cold draught to whistle through into a building and cause discomfort. People rarely think about how much discomfort even a small draught can cause since we’re all pretty used to the odd cold draught here and there.

The reality is though, to be comfortable when we feel a cold draught, we need the room to be a few degrees warmer to counter the discomfort the draught causes. This is another example of designing or constructing a building that doesn’t perform as it should, and then consuming more energy in an attempt to remedy the situation.”

2 The insulation in a Passivhaus doesn’t just keep the property warm in winter, but it also it keeps the heat out in summer meaning with the use of ventilation, both temperature and humidity can be effectively controlled.

“The Passivhaus standard is a ‘fabric-first’ standard, which means that the building must be insulated to an optimum level for the climate it is located in. Contrary to what is sometimes thought, Passivhaus doesn’t require a set U-value (or R-value) for walls, floors and roofs. The U-value is dependent on what climate the building is in, more insulation is required in extreme climates and less insulation in milder climates.

2: The insulation in a Passivhaus doesn’t just keep the property warm in winter, it also it keeps the heat out in summer 3: Having an optimum level of insulation ensures that the inside spaces stay warm in cool seasons and cool in warm seasons

Passivhaus

1: The Passivhaus standard delivers radically energyefficient buildings with excellent occupant comfort

4: Overheating is a risk that mustn’t be forgotten, even in relatively cool climates like the UK

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4 “Having an optimum level of insulation ensures that the inside spaces stay warm in cool seasons and cool in warm seasons.

Importantly, it also means that the inside surfaces of the building fabric (the walls, for example) maintain a comfortable temperature and never feel like cold radiators!

“Being a fabric-first standard means Passivhaus also requires higher performance windows and doors than is typical in most locations. This means that in the UK, for example, triple-glazed windows are required.

However, in milder parts of New Zealand, for example, it is possible that high-performance double-glazing is suitable. The result is the

same for insulation – comfortable inside temperatures and comfortable surfaces on the inside of the glazing. Many of you will no doubt be familiar with the cold radiant effect of a typical window in winter if you live in a cool climate like I do in the UK – you don’t stay near it for long!

“Keeping the temperature so stable inside does mean the sun needs accounting for; external shading will often be required.

Overheating is a risk that mustn’t be forgotten, even in relatively cool climates like the UK. Good Passivhaus design and modelling will ensure the right shading is included to prevent excessive solar gain in summer.

“The Passivhaus standard requires that the building fabric is airtight. This ensures that the heat inside the building doesn’t unintentionally escape out through small gaps and cracks in the construction. Even a tiny gap can compromise the insulation performance, never mind the moisture risks it introduces.

“In most climates, the Passivhaus standard requires mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

This ensures that the warmth inside the building isn’t thrown out the window when fresh air is needed.

The ventilation system recovers the heat from stale outgoing air. This heat is used to warm up the fresh air being brought into the building. This way fresh incoming air arrives at 16°C or more, certainly not at the freezing outdoor winter temperatures!

“All this adds up to excellent indoor temperatures that are more easily controlled by the people. Did you ever notice that with ‘natural ventilation’ you have no choice when it comes to comfort? (Except in perfect climates!). If you want fresh air in winter, you get cold when you open the window. And, in summer when you want fresh air, you get hot!

“There are also fewer fluctuations in temperature to contend with. Of course it gets warmer and cooler depending on the sunshine, the heating system and people’s activities. But the fluctuation is comfortably low.

“Similarly there is very low stratification of internal temperatures. This might seem like a minor detail, however, having cold feet (for example, with an unheated concrete or tile floor) and a warm head can be very uncomfortable!

“With Passivhaus, being a comfortable temperature is more than just the number on the thermostat!”.

Passivhaus is a tried and tested approach to designing and constructing low-energy buildings, with a number of examples built over the last 20 years all over the world. In adopting Passivhaus, the sector can be confident in providing buildings that really deliver the cost-effective, long-term energy performance targets clients are asking for.

www.kisshouse.co.uk www.elrondburrell.com

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Viewpoint

Qualities of the best builders Ryan Abell, owner of building company Abell Building Services, describes how working in a range of building trades has helped him to instantly recognise a house-builder that is great to work with. In this article, he explains what makes the best house-builders stand out to help you make the right choices when hiring a builder for your project.

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erhaps the most important attribute of an excellent builder is their level of skill. Time and time again, you will see that the best builders have a mixture of skills. These experienced individuals are particularly good to work with if they’re happy to take a moment to share how to undertake a skill with others. If they

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teach the team around them to work as efficiently as them the whole team becomes more skilled and more effective providing a strong workforce with multiple skill sets that can be relied upon to get the job in question completed on time without complications.

Reputation is powerful when it comes to the building trade. No one will last long in

the industry if they don’t take what they do and how they do it seriously. When in search of a builder for your self-build or renovation project, look out for online reviews and take the time to read through them.

As a builder, it’s vital to be honest with your client about how long a job will take, how much it will cost and own up to any mistakes

Viewpoint that have been made. Similarly, having respect for them and their homes goes a long way. Make sure you look for a builder with good etiquette, even if it’s as trivial as taking their boots off at the door or cleaning up after themselves.

Builders that have respect for other tradespeople is also extremely important. Understanding what others do and having an appreciation for their skill sets means that a builder will find it easier to work on projects (and you, as a client, actually might end up learning a thing or two).

When you’re working as part of a team – particularly on a self-build project where numerous people are on site day-to-day pulling their weight – having someone use their initiative can be priceless. If supplies aren’t easily available or something goes wrong, having a member of the team say “don’t worry, I’ll sort it” can save a huge amount of hassle for the rest of the team; alleviating stress and pressure from everyone on site.

Of course, being safety conscious should be ingrained into any house-builder, but having a team member who wanders off instead of holding onto a

ladder or who leaves cables lying around can be more of a burden than a blessing. Not being professional when it comes to health and safety can lead to serious concerns on site. Remember, a builder that adheres to health and safety regulations is a reliable one.

There’s the saying that if you want something done, ask someone who is busy. To some extent, this can be true with builders. Being organised and prioritised means that you’re always busy because you’re getting a job done and then moving onto the next as soon as you can.

One crucial aspect of organisation in my experience is planning the tools, equipment and materials you need for the job ahead. This is important when it comes to working with other trades too, so people are not held up or the job slowed down in any way.

Being organised means that builders can keep things as simple as possible, whilst ensuring that a job runs smoothly. Sticking to a plan means that the team don’t get stressed and are dedicated to getting the right tasks done in a sensible order and on time.

Top left: It’s vital to be honest with your client about how long a job will take, how much it will cost and own up to any mistakes that have been made Top: Make sure you look for a builder with good etiquette Above left: When you’re working as part of a team – particularly on a self-build project where numerous people are on site day-to-day pulling their weight – having someone use their initiative can be priceless Above: Perhaps the most important attribute of an excellent builder is their level of skill

www.abellbuildingservices.co.uk

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Build It Live Preview

Left: Build It Live South East will be taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th February at the awardwinning Kent Event Centre, and Build It Live North West will take place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th February at Manchester’s EventCity

Take a look inside a build In the Naked House you’ll be able to see a section of a new-build home as it comes together. Get first-hand insight into how products and materials are installed, from insulating concrete formwork (ICF) to underfloor heating.

Final Fix gallery – exclusive to Build It Live North West

What’s on at Build It Live If you’re planning a self-build, renovating a property or looking to add light, space or value to your current home, then a trip to Build It Live will be an essential part of your preparation.

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uild It Live South East will be taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th February at the award-winning Kent Event Centre, and Build It Live North West will take place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th February at Manchester’s EventCity, both providing a whole weekend of inspiration and expert guidance all under one roof.

Here’s what you can expect from the show: 100s of exhibitors Meet hundreds of the UK’s leading suppliers, see thousands of products on display and specify the right items for your project.

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Free workshops, seminars and demos Build It Live features dozens of free live daily seminars and workshops available all weekend.

From eco-friendly construction techniques, to securing a plot for your build, or simply learning from real self-builders who have already completed their projects, our interactive talks are there to guide you in the right direction.

Ask our experts Meet Build It’s team of experts, ask them questions and even show them your plans for top tips on making your project a success. The Ask Our Experts zone is extremely popular, so make sure you book a session early in the day.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect kitchen, bathroom, designer radiator or interior addition, source some great finishing touches for your dream home in the Final Fix Gallery.

Find your dream plot Make sure you visit PlotSearch Zone for some expert one-to-one advice on finding the right plot for your build. Receive valuable tips for finding land, from the experts at PlotSearch, the UK’s largest and most accurate live online database of genuine self-build land, renovation and conversion opportunities.

Eco-building demonstrations Hear how to build a sustainable home and gain one-to-one advice on a range of issues, including renewable energy and environmentally-friendly building techniques.

Tool zone Fancy doing some of the work yourself? Identify the right tools for your project. Find power and hand tools from major brands, watch live demos, quiz the experts and source your tools at great show prices.

www.builditlive.co.uk

Rural Retreat

A hillside haven Nestled on a Perthshire hillside is something quite special; Caorann – an ultra-energy-efficient contemporary self-build which stands out for its unique, sophisticated design and innovation. It’s not only beautiful, but smart, built to follow ‘Active House’ principles meaning it gives more than it takes, creating a healthy and comfortable environment without negatively influencing the climate or environment.

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aving spent 15 years living in and renovating a beautiful Grade II Listed Georgian house, Gill and Stewart Siddall decided they wanted a change from a draughty and expensive house to heat. Inspired by their frequent business trips to Scandinavia, the couple soon developed ambitious plans to design and build a house that emulated these typically wellinsulated and draught-free homes.

The Siddalls were immediately won over by the efficiency of pre-manufactured self-builds.

Though being manufactured to pinpoint perfection off site, on-site construction is completed in a matter of days with minimal disturbance to the local surroundings. The all too frequent horror stories of spiralling costs and delays weren’t an issue with a fixed price and stringent build plan and, therefore, the pre-manufactured self-build route was the obvious choice.

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The 7am start in late September saw the arrival of the specialist Hanse Haus construction team.

“The whole process was precisely planned and worked like clockwork,” said Gill Siddall, who watched each piece of the house craned off and positioned methodically. By 10:30am, the west and south walls were in position and by the end of the day, the walls, windows and doors were in position. The following day saw the heavy materials, such as tiles and baths craned into the correct area of the house. By 4pm on day two, Caorann was erected and completely watertight.

The Siddall’s plan to create an EnergyPlus house gave life to an eye-catching masterpiece.

FSC-approved, non-chemically treated timber frame construction, and thick continuous glass wool insulation in all the walls and roof sections and other energy-saving technology, ensures minimal thermal losses and a snug airtight envelope that better retains heat and thus uses less energy to keep warm.

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Rural Retreat

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1 1: The Siddalls were immediately won over by the efficiency of premanufactured self-builds 2: By 10:30am, the west and south walls were in position and by the end of the day, the walls, windows and doors were in position 3: Caorann is an ultra-energyefficient contemporary self-build which stands out for its unique, sophisticated design 4: The Siddall’s plan to create an EnergyPlus house gave life to an eye-catching masterpiece

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Rural Retreat

They adored their two acre plot for its wonderful views across the Perthshire valley to the Ochil Hills and with these views to die for, three sides of the house are dominated by huge triple-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows that invite these picture-book panoramic views inside. Alongside this, they also have a functional purpose – capturing natural sunlight to maximise solar gain. Clever large overhanging eaves stop overheating in the summer and additional automated external window shutters fitted with a sun sensor lower if the sun is too intense and provide an extra layer of insulation on cold winter nights.

With a number of large windows, glazing balustrades and glass stairwell there is a distinctive use of glass throughout which acts to bounce light around every room, enhancing the sense of space and providing a seamless transition between internal living and the great outdoors. The interior is a spacious 311m², with the lower ground floor (or basement) being used as a master bedroom with an en-suite, dressing room, sitting room and office. There is also a twin guest room, with an en-suite at the rear, all of which are flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The kitchen and living areas are on the ground floor and are all open-plan interconnecting spaces, dominated by windows and that maximise the impressive view. There is a further bedroom at the front of the house with its own large circular balcony with glass balustrade and en-suite bathroom. A hallway giving access to the various rooms runs the width of the house and joins a stunning oak and glass staircase, connecting the lower ground floor with the ground floor.

Timber cladding and local stone ensures Caorann blends into the hillside and the surrounding two acres have been dedicated to wildlife; a native wildflower meadow and wildlife pond have been created to enrich native species.

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1: With a number of large windows, glass balustrades and a glass stairwell there is a distinctive use of glazing throughout 2: The kitchen and living areas are on the ground floor and are all open-plan interconnecting spaces 3: A hallway giving access to the various rooms runs the width of the house and joins a stunning oak and glass staircase 4: The extensive use of glass throughout bounces light around every room 5: The interior is a spacious 311m²

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Rural Retreat

Rural Retreat Notably, the house is EnergyPlus, powered solely by electricity and renewable energy, such as solar panels, a ground source heat pump and heat recovery ventilation. Combined with the extremely well-insulated and airtight shell, the house generates 10% more electricity than it needs, with the excess being exported to the National Grid. Falling into an EPC and C02 band A, it is near Passivhaus standard.

“It’s exceeded our expectations – it’s just a wonderful house to live in. We love the height of the ceilings. The floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the beautiful views and even the smaller windows frame the scenery a bit like a picture on the wall. The house really works with its surroundings. Because the house is so well insulated, we have a constant warm temperature and it is completely draught-free, of course!.

“Perhaps most excitingly though is the fact that we are generating more electricity in a year than we import from the grid. With the feed-in tariff the house is actually making us money,” said Stewart Siddall.

www.hanse-haus.co.uk

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Above: The floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the beautiful views and even the smaller windows frame the scenery a bit like a picture on the wall Right: Notably, the house is EnergyPlus, powered solely by electricity and renewable energy Below right: Combined with the extremely well-insulated and airtight shell, the house generates 10% more electricity than it needs

To Create the most beautiful buildings Customs and Bespoke Self-Builders The UK’s first Amphibious house, Marlow “as seen on Grand Designs”

Follow the Butterfly Around 20,000 people will build their own home in the UK this year. That’s less than 10 years ago, and a fraction of what are built in mainland Europe. In Austria for example 80% of people self-build. According to the Building Societies Association, 53% of UK people would consider building their own homes. Even more people add an annex, garage, or garden lodge. You could be one of them.

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Lighting & Electricals

Adding the sparkle to a private mews house Mr and Mrs Lawson were looking to create a home from home in their London mews property. Having worked with them previously on their country house in Devon, John Cullen Lighting was familiar with their taste and keen eye for detail. Here, Design Director, Luke Thomas, talks i-build through the project.

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hat had changed for this project was the introduction of LED lighting to our tool box of luminaries. LED technology with its low heat and long life expectancy gave us the ability to incorporate lighting into architectural features where it would have not been possible with halogen or fluorescent solutions. Its small size was also an advantage, making it much easier to conceal from view.

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Natural light was very limited in this mews house with windows only on the front elevation of the property. As architects on the project, Harrison Sutton Partnership were very creative in their use of glass to allow the spread of daylight through the property. Firstly, three large skylights at the top of the building allow for direct natural light down into the building.

The space below this is left clear down to the ground floor with the clever use of glass for the landings and lift shaft, allowing the light to travel.

At night-time, the skylights sparkle with in-built LEDs which cannot be seen during the day, and the glass landings glow from within. A Contour LED strip was designed into the support frame around the glass floors to highlight the frosted patterning that also acts as a non-slip surface.

This was a perfect example of when a client, architect and lighting designer come together to find solutions and create something out of the ordinary that pulls the whole house together.

This required a significant investment in mocking

windows only on the front elevation of the property Left: This project was a perfect example of when a client, architect and lighting designer come together to find solutions and create something out of the ordinary

Lighting & Electricals

Far left: Natural light was very limited in this mews house with

Middle: Mr Lawson has an incredible collection of original apothecary jars which he was keen to accommodate within the house Below: Having worked with them previously on a country house in Devon, John Cullen Lighting was familiar with Mr and Mrs Lawson's taste and keen eye for detail

up samples and coordination. The Crittall glass wall on the first floor adds to the flow of light and allows for the staircase, with wall-mounted lights skimming down polished plaster, to remain a key feature from all angles. Regardless of the abundance of natural lighting within the stairwell, getting the artificial lighting correct throughout the whole building was a key part of the project.

Mr Lawson has an incredible collection of original apothecary jars which he was keen to accommodate within the house, and one of our challenges was to light these within a display case. To find the most effective solution required lots of testing with the bottles which were of varying colours and transparencies. The final solution was to use made-to-measure LED 'sheets' which produce an even illumination across their surface. These were positioned at the back of each shelf with a layer of frosted Perspex in front to prevent glare. The effect of the light glowing through the different

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Lighting & Electricals coloured bottles and making them seem like they are glowing from within is stunning. Most bottles had a label on the front to describe the contents and during testing we noticed that the backlighting left the label in darkness.

To resolve this, we completed the design by adding a Contour LED strip in an opal diffuser at the front of each shelf to light back towards the label. At the top of the unit were some special bottles which were lit using a UV light source making a chemical inside the glass glow. The unit made for quite an unusual but spectacular addition to the entrance hall.

Spread across the entire first floor is an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room. The lighting needed to be flexible to accommodate various activities, from cooking, to dining, to entertaining. Each area of the room has several zones of light which give the option to create different moods to meet the requirements of the client and help to break up the space. Rather than having a huge bank of dimmer switches on the wall, the lighting is wired to a central control system designed by Clear Sphere AV which amalgamates the circuits into convenient scenes operated through a touchscreen device or hard button keypad by the entrance to the room. There is a key lighting feature which helps to define each space. The McCarron & Co. kitchen has a central island and lowered ceiling directly above which mirrors the shape, and these are enhanced by the use of an LED tape to give a soft floating effect. The key with this effect is to ensure that the dots of the LED strip are not seen. In addition, Square Double LED downlights are used

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for focused downlight to the work surfaces.

The dining area has a softer approach with downlights only used to light artwork and the main ambient lighting comes from a pendant over the table that gives a very soft glow with exposed filament lamps. A Contour LED strip concealed behind the banquette for an uplight to the wall gives the option to create a little drama when dining. In the seating area the focal point is a large station clock, restored and refurbished by Andy Nebbett Designs to accommodate some internal lighting and this forms an integral part of the lighting scheme.

Polespring downlights are used for light within the bar to create an amazing sparkle effect through the glasses and are also used with a narrow beam angle to focus light onto the coffee table.

www.johncullenlighting.com

Top: The Crittall glass wall on the first floor adds to the flow of light and allows for the staircase to remain a key feature Middle: Getting the artificial lighting correct throughout the whole building was a key part of the project Right: The lighting needed to be flexible to accommodate various activities

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The National Self Build Impressive & Renovation Innovation Show

Make your dreams a reality The National Self Build and Renovation Show returns this month for a packed three days of live demonstrations, free seminars and an unrivalled line up of experts on hand to share their advice. It’s a brilliant event if you are thinking about extending your home, buying new windows and doors to keep out the cold or even building a new house from scratch!

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roduced by the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), Swindon’s award-winning visitor centre, the January Show is always the best attended of the three major events it holds each year.

With 53% of people in the UK interested in building their own home, the exciting line-up of seminars on offer will cover everything you need to get started. From planning and plot finding and to financing and timber frames, the free talks are a great way to pick up a wealth of valuable information, for both newcomers and skilled professionals.

Over 240 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and technologies with experienced representatives on hand to demonstrate, answer questions and offer their professional advice. Guided tours of the fantastic educational zones, featuring the life-size ‘Renovation House’ and brilliant ‘New Build Journey’ are the perfect way to help visualise these products as part of your finished project.

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The NSBRC’s own team of impartial experts along with architects, project managers, designers, planners and eco consultants, will be on hand to meet for one-on-one sessions throughout the show. Offering free advice, they will happily talk through your ideas with you, no matter how big or small, and offer their expert opinions and guidance on even the trickiest of questions.

Whatever stage your project is in, there will be an expert available to offer feedback and support on every step, no matter how big or small. Whether that’s where to start, the best building methods and materials for the job, advice on the latest legislation or just checking that a quote sounds reasonable.

Show highlights: Over 20 seminars, live demonstrations, case studies and panel debates each day Guided tours of the NSBRC’s fantastic life-size educational exhibits Over 240 exhibitors Free self-build course taster sessions One-to-one expert advice.

The National Self Build & Renovation Show is easy to get to with the NSBRC located on junction 16 of the M4 and parking is plentiful and free.

The show runs from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th January with tickets £12 per adult on the day. You can still claim free advance tickets by booking through www.nsbrc.co.uk.

www.nsbrc.co.uk

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Doors & Windows

Five top tips for specifying glass on a self-build Here UK-leading architectural glazing specialist, IQ Glass, advises on glazing specification for that sought-after all-glass aesthetic.

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ecognised nationwide as one of the leading experts in windows and glass door systems, IQ Glass is the perfect source for some top tips on specifying glass on a self-build.

Get an idea of design early on Considering and narrowing down your choice for glazing at an early stage will limit the amount of compromises you have to make on the design.

Deciding between large sliding doors and bifolding doors can help you choose the positioning of steel supports. Choosing whether you want a steel, timber or aluminium window frame can help narrow the choice for wall cladding. Do you want glazing bars on your patio doors? If so, how will they

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line up with surrounding cabinetry or wall details?

If you do this it will also help your resulting selfbuild feel more cohesive and well-thought-through.

Beware of the U-values The U-value of a material denotes its thermal insulation. The lower the U-value of a material, the better the thermal performance.

When it comes to the U-values of glass there are actually three different types of U-values you need to know about. The Ug value is the thermal performance of the glass, this is sometimes known as the ‘centre pane’ thermal performance. The Uf value is the thermal performance of the frame.

The Uw value is the overall thermal performance of the window/door installation. This is calculated

using the Ug value and the Uf value as well as the configuration and size of the glazing installation.

For example, a sliding door system may use a glass unit with Ug value of 1.1 W/m2K. When installed into a thermally broken frame the overall thermal performance (Uw) is likely to be about 1.6 W/m2K. It is the Uw value that is the important factor.

This is the thermal performance value that is governed by Building Regulations and other building regulatory bodies.

In some cases, glazing companies will advertise their systems stating a ‘U-value’ performance that looks too good to be true. That is normally because it is and what they are actually quoting is the Ug value (centre pane thermal performance through the glass). Watch out and make sure your glazier specifies what U-value they are talking about.

Check the glass specification Glass is the main element of a window or glazed door so it is important that the right glass is chosen.

Insulated glass should have a Ug value of at least 1.1 W/m2K in order to give you a good level of thermal insulation. But there are other areas of performance to consider.

Is any roof glazing designed for maintenance loading? This allows the glass to be walked on for access, maintenance, cleaning and allows the glass roof to be walked on in cases of emergency escape.

Is the glass exposed to a lot of sunlight? If so, you should specify that the glass includes a solar control coating. This reduces the amount of solar radiation that can come through it and reduces overheating.

Doors & Windows

But when it comes to comparing quotations make sure that you are comparing like-for-like.

If one company has quoted for a true steel door frame and one has quoted for a steel-look frame then of course the costs are going to be different. Some glazing companies will include installation as standard whereas others won’t.

Some quotes will exclude essential services like site surveys which you will have to pay for later.

If you are in doubt about what is included in your quotation or what the difference between two quotations are, just ask. Your glazing company will be able to explain exactly why their quote is more or less than their competitor's and will also be able to tell you exactly what is included and excluded. There is nothing worse than thinking you are getting a bargain only to be hit with hidden costs down the line.

Make sure you understand the drawings

Left: Glass is the main element of a window or glazed door so it is important that the right glass is chosen Top: Insulated glass should have a Ug value of at least 1.1 W/m2K in order to give you a good level of thermal insulation Above: If the glass is exposed to a lot of sunlight you should specify that the glass includes a solar control coating

Any overhead glass should be made with a toughened laminated inner pane. This protects internal spaces and people in the case of glass breakage or accidents.

Other areas of performance like acoustic insulation, fire protection and wind loading should also be addressed.

Compare like-for-like quotes It is only natural that you would want to get multiple quotes from a few different suppliers. The quotation process will help you narrow down to your chosen supplier and different companies may give you a different idea as to what you want on the build.

When you place an order your architectural glazing company will issue you with drawings to approve prior to manufacture. Make sure that you check the drawings properly and understand what you are looking at. Some of the high-end glaziers will produce quite detailed and technical drawings.

It is from these design drawings that your glazier will place all the orders for the materials.

If anything on the drawings is incorrect or they have misinterpreted what you want then what ends up on site will also be wrong.

Things to watch out for are handle locations, opening configurations, glazing bar designs (if applicable), glass specification and colour choice. When looking at the drawings take a note of whether the window/door you are being shown is from an internal or external view. Some companies draw things from an internal view, some from an external view. This will be clearly labelled on the drawing but can trip some people up.

If you are unsure about reading technical drawings you can employ your architect, builder or project manager to do it for you.

The best advice is to speak to a selection of glazing companies and don’t be driven solely on cost. Remember, if something is cheap there is normally a reason. If you are investing in the glass on a project make sure you visit the showroom and see the glazing installed outside in a true building environment, not propped up in frames in a warehouse.

www.iqglassuk.com

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i-DIY

All hands on deck A deck is the perfect way to extend your living area to the outdoors – creating what is essentially an open-air extension.

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ecking is flexible, perfect for lazy summer evenings watching the sunset or cosy winter nights under a multitude of blankets drinking a hot beverage – they really are a year-round living area. Building your own deck shouldn’t be a daunting task, so if you’re a fearless DIY-er, who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty, below is a step-by-step guide to help you create your dream decking.

Plan, plan, plan!

Before you reach for the power tools there are some things you need to consider before even attempting to begin building your new garden deck. It’s advised to check for underground cables and pipes in the area you plan to build and it’s a good idea to decide on the overall design of your deck as early on as possible. It’s a good idea to do a dry run of the decking first too, so you know you have enough deck board.

Top tip: Timber deck boards require a 5 to 8mm expansion gap along the length of the deck boards and a 3mm gap along the ends of the deck boards.

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Prepare the site With the planning phase complete, it’s time to set out your deck. Using your plans, mark out the site with pegs and string. Make sure you clear the site of vegetation including any turf. A top-tip is to lay a weed killer in the area to ensure no pesky weeds are going to ruin all your hard work. This whole phase is crucial, so take your time – if you get your measurements wrong your deck could end up being a disaster.

Measure your deck frame and cut to size.

Next step Make two pencil marks on each end of the deck frame’s two outer joists as a guide to where the coach screws will go. Make the marks to align with the centre of the adjoining outer joist. You will need to make a total of eight marks – two in each corner of the outer joist frame.

Next, use a flat wood bit to drill recesses into each of the eight marks you previously made.

These should be the depth of the screw’s head.

These recesses ensure the screw heads will be flush with the joist surface for a neat and professional looking finish.

Drilling You’ll need a thinner drill bit than your coach screw’s shank for the next step. Line up the neighbouring outer joists and drill a pilot hole as a guide hole to help direct the screws through the centre of the recess, from the outer joist into the adjoining outer joist. With the pilot holes drilled, it’s now time to fit the coach screws. Once the outer frame is assembled and in position, it’s time to secure the inner joists.

Laying the decking Start in one corner of the frame you’ve built and position the first board across the inner joists, so that the deck board is in the opposite direction to the inner joists. Make sure that board is flush with the frame. Mark a cutting line for the end of the first board and cut it.

The deck board has to be secured to every joist it covers over the sub-frame with the decking screws into the pilot holes.

Top tip: If laying grooved deck boards facing upwards, pop the screws at the bottom of a groove.

Finishing touches Use sandpaper to smooth over any cut ends and once smoothed down, add water- and weatherproofing products to protect the timber from rot and decay.

T: 01622 790 356 W: flooringmegastore.co.uk

i-build: Loft Conversions

Trade

Secrets Ensurin : g and ade you have prop quate v e entilatio r in your new n space is ly converted hugely another im conside portant ration

Converting a loft is a fantastic way to create extra space in your home Roof windows bring in more natural daylight that can transform a loft area into a new bright, fresh living space.

Here, VELUX offers its top 10 tips on selecting roof windows for your loft conversion.

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t’s recommended that your glazing in the roof takes up an area equal to 15 to 20% of the floor space to help make the new room feel even more spacious, and provide you and your family with a more comfortable home environment.

So with that in mind, here are VELUX's top 10 tips to help you create your stunningly light, bright and airy loft conversion.

Tip 1 Realise your room’s full daylight potential Being clever with design.

The more roof windows you install (and the bigger they are), the more natural daylight you will enjoy in your loft space.

More than just the quantity, the positioning of your roof windows will also affect the amount of light that can enter the room. So make sure you speak to your architect or builder about making the most of the daylight in your new space.

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Tip 2 More white means more light Where style meets function.

VELUX white-painted roof windows help reflect even more daylight into your space. They also complement other white windows in your property, creating a smart, contemporary and unified look.

That's why our roof windows come with two different white finishes to suit your needs: White painted – our white-painted finish gives a stylish and natural look that’s perfect for new living spaces, bathrooms and bedrooms that can result from converting loft space.

White polyurethane (PU) – a wooden core encased in a special polyurethane coating for a durable and moistureresistant finish. Ideal for humid rooms such as bathrooms.

Above: Light-coloured walls, ceilings and floors all bounce and reflect daylight into areas that might normally be quite dark Above right: VELUX roof windows bring warmth and light into your loft conversion.

Controlling these elements is key to creating an ideal indoor climate and optimum comfort.

Making your loft conversion a comfortable place of peace and calm Feel, hear and see the difference.

Your new space can be whatever you want it to be.

A new living room, bedroom or deluxe bathroom.

Whatever function your new space takes, VELUX roof windows can help make the space more comfortable, peaceful and calm.

Tip 8 Research is key There are several glazing options available to suit your specific needs.

If you live near a motorway, airport or any other loud area, then consider VELUX enhanced noise reduction glazing.

For a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor climate, where you optimise heat gain and minimise heat loss, consider VELUX energy efficiency glazing.

i-build: Loft Conversions

Tip 7

Tip 9

Tip 3

Tip 5

Maximising your ventilation The difference fresh air can make.

Ensuring you have proper and adequate ventilation in your newly converted space is another hugely important consideration when planning your loft conversion.

Well-designed, natural ventilation replaces stuffy, stale air with fresh air from the outside, which makes for a more comfortable environment. It also helps the flow of cooler air through the house, which reduces overheating.

If you are using your loft space as a bathroom or en-suite, then proper, effective ventilation is even more important.

Roof windows can help you create a more comfortable indoor climate and a space you and your family will want to spend time in.

As well as considering how and where daylight enters, the internal finishes you incorporate are also important. Light-coloured walls, ceilings and floors all bounce and reflect daylight into areas that might normally be quite dark.

Tip 4 Creating a more comfortable loft conversion Be in complete control of your new living environment.

Top-hung roof windows that open outwardly to give unobstructed views are ideal for loft conversions, giving you a smart and simple way to add more daylight and more fresh air to your new space.

Tip 6 Stay in control of light, heat and privacy VELUX roof windows bring warmth and light into your loft conversion. Controlling these elements is key to creating an ideal indoor climate and optimum comfort.

Our range of blackout and energy blinds and shutters allow you to take complete control of the amount of light, heat and privacy in your loft conversion.

VELUX awning blinds are easily installed to the outside of your roof window and diffuse the sun's rays before they hit the pane.

You can soften incoming light and add some colour to complement your interiors with VELUX pleated blinds. VELUX blinds can also be a great choice for the design of your bedroom or bathroom, with our easy-to-clean Venetian blinds. The VELUX pleated blind is an elegant way to provide privacy while bathing your room in a pleasant, soft light.

The earlier you plan for more light, the better We can’t stress enough how important it is to bring in a good professional as early as possible. Not only will they steer your project from start to finish, and work within your budget to help you get the loft conversion you want, but they’ll also come up with ideas that you might not have considered.

Here’s a quick checklist of things to consider: Work out your budget Sounds obvious but it’s vital to look at all aspects of your project and work out how much you have to spend. You should allow a 15% contingency to cover any surprises.

Find professional help Ask friends and family for a recommendation of an architect or builder - you should then check to see whether or not they’ve got past experience with loft conversion projects. Useful websites for finding architects and builders are:

Tip 10 Set a time frame This will help you manage your expectations and, more importantly, your budget.

Take the next step...

We hope we’ve given you lots of inspiration and ideas on how adding more natural daylight with VELUX roof windows can make a world of difference to your loft conversion.

www.velux.co.uk

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i-nterior: Underfloor Heating

Energy-efficient Gaia UFH system warms Suffolk self-build A high-specification self-build home, located in a Suffolk village, uses one of the underfloor heating options available from Gaia to provide warmth within all of its ground floor accommodation: offering excellent levels of energy efficiency and occupant comfort, as well as ridding the walls of unsightly radiators.

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i-nterior: Underfloor Heating

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he home in Heather Close, Thurston, has been built by Bill Sylvester who wanted to create a stylish three-bedroom property for himself and his family; and comply with the latest version of the Building Regulations.

The ground floor extends to an area of 75m2, split into five separate zones – including the living areas and kitchen – where the temperature is regulated by Danfoss thermostats. Then a timeclock allows the occupants to set daily or other programme cycles, while the whole UFH array is powered by a high efficiency gas boiler.

With the installation being carried out by Gaia’s own directly employed engineers, work began by clip fixing the 16mm Emmetti pipes to rigid insulation boards and connecting them back to a main manifold. The pipe loops were then covered by a screed which offers even heat distribution within the occupied spaces creating a comfortable temperature profile and optimising economic cycling of the boiler.

Having already lived in his new Suffolk home through one winter, Bill Sylvester commented: “We moved into the house in August last year and have been very satisfied with the performance of the central heating system. While we have radiators in the bedrooms, we decided to install underfloor heating across the ground floor to keep the wall spaces free from obstructions, and chose Gaia on the basis of recommendation from other builders and customers. We were very pleased with the design work done by Gaia prior our commencing the build, while the engineer who came to carry out the installation of the pipes and controls was very helpful.

It took two days to complete and everything has worked very well.”

Gaia is able to offer commercial specifiers, as well as self-builders and other residential clients, a wide selection of water and electric underfloor heating options to suit the demands of new or refurbishment projects, including those in off-gas areas. The manufacturer provides comprehensive technical and logistical support whatever the scale.

www.gaia.co.uk

Opposite: The pipe loops were then covered by a screed which offers even heat distribution within the occupied spaces creating a comfortable temperature profile Above left: The ground floor extends to an area of 75m2, split into five separate zones – including the living areas and kitchen – where the temperature is regulated by Danfoss thermostats Left: A timeclock allows the occupants to set daily or other programme cycles while the whole UFH array is powered by a high efficiency gas boiler

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i-scape: Tree Houses 38

Apple Tree tree house Blue Forest was delighted when it was asked to design and build a fairy-tale tree house in a quintessentially English country garden.

i-scape: Tree Houses Opposite: Each element was designed with the context in mind, so that the materials, size and scale would lend itself to the setting and provide a wonderful feature for the garden Above left: The exterior cladding of the tree house consists of red cedar shingles on the roof, with a mixture of vertical cedar cladding and cedar shingles to external walls Left: The principle throughout the tree house's design was to reflect the design aspect of the landscape and the surrounding area Above: A selection of fun adventure play equipment was incorporated into the compact design to maximise on the play value of the structure

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lue Forest was pleased to present designs for a small children’s tree house, nestled amongst the mature apple tree in the garden. Each element was designed with the context in mind, so that the materials, size and scale would lend itself to the setting and provide a wonderful feature for the garden. Set back in the canopy, the dramatic roof pitch and copper finials subtly appear from the treetop on the approach from the house, providing a secret hideaway for the homeowner’s grandchildren to play. A selection of fun adventure play equipment was incorporated

into the compact design to maximise on the play value of the structure; from a fireman’s pole for a quick escape, to a basket and pulley for transporting toys and snacks up to the deck. The structure features an array of beautiful handcrafted details such as the bay window seat which will provide a cosy space to curl up with a book.

Construction The principle throughout the tree house’s design was to reflect the design aspect of the landscape and the surrounding area, with a predominantly natural timber aesthetic.

A stained timber ladder provides access to the tree house leading to a stained timber deck.

The exterior cladding of the tree house consists of red cedar shingles on the roof, with a mixture of vertical cedar cladding and cedar shingles to external walls. European oak framed windows and doors are used throughout. Over the course of their natural weathering, all the timber cladding on the tree houses will weather to a silvery grey colour, blending in naturally with the surrounding vegetation.

www.blueforest.com

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Product Guide

Power tool inventor goes cordless Following the introduction of FEIN’s first cordless tool in 1983 the company has continued to innovate, offering cordless versions of all of its multi-tools, drill/drivers, nibblers, drywall screw guns and a host of other products. Even powerful machines such as the mag drill are now going cordless, with FEIN’s cordless mag drill accompanied with a new high power battery kit to support heavy application work, entering the market in early 2018.The introduction of lithium ion has led to longer working life, for example, meaning the number of cordless machines now available is on the rise. New cordless angle grinders, die grinders and rotary hammers will ensure consumers have the tools they need for the jobs that need to be done.

www.fein-uk.co.uk 01327 308730 sales@fein-uk.co.uk

EnviroVent wins national energy awards

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New offering from awardwinning rooflight company announced A leading rooflight company has created a ‘plug in and play’ system to allow customers to fit skylights without the help of a qualified electrician. Sunsquare, based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, devised the wiring solution to its electronic skylight range to save homeowners money and help them achieve their interior design dreams. The product took four years to develop and has been fully tested and CE Marked by the BSI. Sunsquare will offer this system as standard to the full electronic range of Sunsquare skylights. The company has long been recognised as a pioneer in the rooflight industry, offering high-standard products and services through ongoing investment in design, technology and by improving its processes.

www.sunsquare.co.uk sales@sunsquare.co.uk 01284 848688

Caple’s new Sense range stars in new appliance brochure

EnviroVent is celebrating winning the ‘Smart Product of the Year’ award for its energiSava 200 MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) unit with the myenvirovent app in the national Energy Awards 2017. EnviroVent’s ventilation unit was recognised for its extensive range of features and functionality that give homeowners greater control over a home’s indoor air quality. The app also makes the process of installing and commissioning a unit even simpler and quicker. The energiSava 200 unit has a lightweight, compact design and is extremely energy-efficient, making it ideal for small- to medium-sized houses and apartments. It is extremely versatile and can be fitted on the wall, floor or ceiling.

Caple’s stunning, new, updated appliance brochure is now available. Beautifully designed to provide the perfect platform to showcase its three comprehensive collections, this informative catalogue is packed with Caple’s latest launches and best-selling products. Taking centre stage and starring on the front cover of this full-colour, 296-page brochure is Caple’s new Sense range, which features a completely new, contemporary aesthetic that is highlighted by show-stopping, atmospheric photography.

Inside you’ll find an informative introduction explaining what sets Caple appliances apart and a comprehensive explanation of Caple Care, the brand’s market-leading, three-tier after-care solution, which provides consumers with extra peace of mind. Separate colour-coded sections for cooking, cooling and washing appliances make the brochure easy to navigate.

www.envirovent.com 0345 272 7810 info@envirovent.com

0117 938 1900 www.caple.co.uk

Sintesi hob and extractor system

by Falmec features three ‘firsts’

New ROSE GOLD by Vogue (UK)

enquiries@caple.co.uk

The all-new Sintesi by Falmec is a high-performance multifunctional one-piece kitchen extractor and induction hob designed with the modern kitchen and on-trend open-plan layout in mind. Its sleek surface-mounted design comprises a recirculated system which features Falmec’s unique Carbon.Zeo filter. The Sintesi offers an innovative system that is the first of its kind to launch in the UK market; driving extraction technology with a set of forward-thinking functionalities. Comprising a stylish induction hob with panoramic zones, a touch control interface and an integrated surface-mounted extractor system, the brand-new Sintesi provides a premium cooking and extraction experience, housed within a sleek design.

Now available as part of the growing Collection of Metallic Finishes by Vogue (UK), the new ROSE GOLD finish is the latest addition to its market-leading portfolio of heating solutions. Set to be the finish of choice for 2018, the new ROSE GOLD naturally highlights the period-style ball joints and capstanstyle crosshead valves of Ballerina for a truly vintage aesthetic. Any of the extensive range of Ballerinas can benefit from the new ROSE GOLD finish, as can much of the Vogue range.

For example, the new ROSE GOLD Quadrate Towel Warmer presents a high-shine finish with a contemporary silhouette and minimalist detailing.

www.falmec.co.uk 01206 849900

info@vogueuk.co.uk www.vogueuk.co.uk 01902 387000

Product Guide

Remmers leads the way with lowemission resin flooring Remmers' Epoxy OS Color New is a coloured epoxy self-smoothing resin system suitable for industrial and commercial applications. Its high mechanical strength, coupled with excellent chemical resistance makes it ideal for industrial environments, whilst its innovative reduction in VOCs means it is perfect for commercial applications such as schools, hospitals or retail areas. Epoxy OS Color New is one of a select band of Remmers' solvent-free epoxy resins that holds AgBB certification thanks to a huge reduction in the use of harmful ingredients when compared to standard resin flooring. These market-leading improvements come alongside the usual highquality product performance that Remmers' clients have come to expect.

www.remmers.co.uk 01293 594010 sales@remmers.co.uk

Affordable housing development benefits from Magply performance Off-site timber frame systems are evolving with an increasing market share in the construction industry. A project at Buckingham Green, Basildon, has seen T.T.F.C erect a total of six new homes. T.T.F.C now routinely installs 99% of the Magply boards within its Wexford factory, before they are shipped to site and assembled by fully trained erection teams. They then use additional sheets of the strong and durable material to protect and complete interfaces, including within stairwells to flats and houses. This provides immediate continuity and fire resistance, while keeping the timber and insulation dry.

www.warmthesole.co.uk 01463 246600

JULIET BALCONIES Stylish, durable & cost effective!

01621 776252 sales@magply.co.uk www.magply.co.uk

Your lighting solution If you are seeking to transform your home in a simple yet wholly artistic way true to your tastes, then consider relighting your home with Lighting Sensations.The lighting is designed to not only illuminate, but enhance the atmosphere of any environment.With access to a wide range of European and British lights, the company provides the best lighting facilities, aiming to provide beautiful and stunning lights that create relaxing and enchanting ambient moods.Whether it be for interior or exterior lighting, clients can turn to Lighting Sensations for innovative, stylistic and cost-effective ways to light up their space, their way. www.lightingsensations.co.uk 01223 874434 info@lightingsensations.co.uk

Visit www.fhbrundle.co.uk to view or download a copy of the new Master Catalogue today!

For a competitive quote or for more information; BRUNDLE

F.H.BRUNDLE SERVING THE TRADE SINCE 1889

Email: sales@brundle.com Tel: 01708 25 35 45 Web: www.fhbrundle.co.uk Fax: 01708 25 35 50

41

Product Guide

When it comes to composite options, do your decking homework With its durability, rich colour options and low-maintenance requirements, designers and landscapers are recognising the benefits of composite decking for commercial and residential projects.

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he reasons are clear: composite decking systems, such as Trex, are versatile, long-lasting and look fantastic. What’s more, composite decking is easy to install, and is guaranteed not to split, fade, rot or stain, with only a quick wash required to bring it back to its pristine best.

However, with the proliferation of different composite decking brands and products becoming available in the UK, how do you ensure that you’re selecting the best product for your project?

The first step when selecting a decking product is to research the materials available and consider the differences in quality and price of products.

There is now a proliferation of composite products available, and while all composite boards are more durable and require less maintenance than timber decking, there is still a great deal of variation in performance.

For example, hollow boards are lighter than solid, and come at a much cheaper price point because

42

less material is used to make then. Whereas solid boards have a performance advantage: they are much more stable, and as moisture cannot get into the centre of the board, are less susceptible to cracking than hollow boards.

Similarly, there are different surfaces and finishes, with fully and partially capped or uncapped boards available, which exposes the fibres – made up of recycled plastics and wood fibres – to the elements.

Uncapped boards were the first generation of composite to be launched and with this type the fibres are exposed to the elements which means they can still soak up moisture, making them prone to mould or mildew, which affects the longevity of the decking. Uncapped boards also fade and stain more easily, affecting the deck’s appearance.

Fully capped boards, on the other hand, lack breathability and, depending how they are made, may separate over time, leading to delamination – that is, the cap lifting from the board.

Trex boards are capped on three sides, leaving the fibres free to breathe on the underside of the deck. The top and sides of Trex boards are weatherproof so they won’t stain or rot, and the shell is thermally bonded to the product core, so there is no way of removing it.

One of the clear benefits of composite decking remains its sustainability: selecting a composite decking made from recycled plastics and wood fibres rather than virgin materials prevents those components from ending up in landfill.

Composite decking, like Trex, can be composed of up to 95% recycled materials, so it is very environmentally-friendly, a consideration that is top of mind with homeowners as well as for commercial projects.

While the choice of materials is vitally important to the success of a project, it’s also important to consider the decking provider’s warranty provision. Composite decking is a significant investment, so having the reassurance of a comprehensive warranty is essential.

Watch out for warranties that are only valid for a limited time, or which place unachievable time-limits on when the warranty must be registered – these can catch out end-users who haven’t done their homework. Similarly, while Trex offers a 25-year warranty against staining and fading, this is not the case for all composite decking systems which could cause headaches in the future.

Doing your homework long before the first board is laid will ensure the best outcome for both installers and end-users.

www.arbordeck.co.uk sales@arborforestproducts.co.uk 01469 532300

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