i-build November 2015

November 15

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AMBITIOUS COASTAL DREAM HOME

Issue 16

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Luxury self-build makes the most of views across the Solent

FAITHFUL TRANSFORMATION Derelict chapel and adjacent plot offers two projects in one

SPECTACULAR TIMBER CLADDING Innovative Danish home pushes design boundaries

EXPERT INSIGHTS:

l FINANCIAL l LEGAL l PRACTICAL l PRODUCT INNOVATION

Delivering British architecture with German technology Hanse Haus is a leading German turnkey supplier of bespoke, pre-fabricated, timber framed homes, currently building ultra-high efficiency and Passivhaus standard homes across the UK. Contact us today to learn about the latest build site or open day.

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i-build

Welcome to the November issue of i-build

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W

henever I ask self-builders what advice they would like to offer their fellow home-builders, nine times out of ten they will mention the importance of budgeting for unexpected expenses. Although it seems that the financial burden of a self-build or renovation can sometimes feel overwhelming, the end result is always worth it.

Cover story: The owners of this property commissioned Welsh Oak Frame to build a two-bedroom, two-storey home in Powys, Wales. See page 58.

Editor:

Emily Smith

emily@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Steve Gull

steve@mixedmediainfo.com

Michael Abrahams

michael@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager:

Chris Lilly

chris@mixedmediainfo.com Senior Editor:

Hannah Frackiewicz

hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Production:

Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor:

David Perry

david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts:

Simone Jones

simone@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director:

One project that faced extreme financial complications is presented in this month’s Rural Retreat. After overcoming a brain hemorrhage, Bram Vis and his wife Lisa undertook a life-affirming, luxury home-building adventure. Debt overshadowed the project, as Bram had to take out 11 loans in order to afford the £3.2m sum that it cost them. Read about how they achieved this on page 30.

If you’re worried about managing the finances of your self-build or renovation, read financial expert, BuildStore’s regular column in Viewpoint on page 18. In this issue, Group Sales Director Rachel Pyne discusses whether an interest rate rise will affect your project. Visit i-buildmagazine.com to read more financial advice from BuildStore.

Elsewhere in this issue, two serial renovators convert a chapel and build a striking new home for themselves beside it in this month’s Impressive Innovation, on page 44 70-year-old Colin Clarkson transforms a derelict two-bedroom 1960s bungalow into a modern four-bedroom home for life and star of the TV series ‘The Apprentice’, Ella Jade discusses launching her own interior design company and offers her advice for turning a house into a home.

As part of the original team that launched i-build two years ago, it is with sadness that I announce this is my last issue as Editor. It has been an honour to experience i-build blossom into the success it is today. I wish my fellow team-members and the new Editor all the best, and look forward to watching i-build continue to take precedence at the forefront of the self-build marketplace. Finally, I would like to thank you, the readers of i-build, for your continued support and valued feedback, especially those of you who have contacted me directly and told me about your wonderful projects.

If you would like your project to appear in a future issue of i-build, please contact Hannah Frackiewicz at hannah@mixedmediainfo.com.

Emily Smith Editor emily@mixedmediainfo.com

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

@ibuildmagazine

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Editor’s picks Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA T: 01622 873229 F: 01622 320020

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Flooring by Osmo: See page 56

Pre-manufactured homes by Baufritz: See page 54

Tiling by Reed Harris: See page 56

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Highlighting the latest innovative and on-trend styles and products.

Will Tell 14 Time i-build continues to follow Will Anderson as

i-build

his self-build journey unfolds.

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Desired Designs

Contents

8

42

16

Green Living

18

Viewpoint

20

Contracts & Legalities

22

Impressive Innovation

30

Rural Retreat

38

Interior Decor

Effective insulation will save homeowners money as well as reducing CO2 emissions.

Self-build finance expert, Rachel Pyne provides advice on managing project finances.

A recent survey has provided insight into how many self-builders and renovators work alongside professionals.

Serial renovators Nick Leggett and Sonja Johnson have converted a chapel and built a stunning new home beside it.

A luxury self-build project on the Isle of Wight faces numerous financial complications.

Interior specialist, Aaron Andrews discusses the key considerations for experimenting with statement wallpaper.

40 Doors Simon Johnson, Sales Director at door specialist JB Kind, advises on picking the perfect doors for your project.

42 Cladding An inspirational new home uses dramatic

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cladding to make a sustainable statement.

08 30

44 i-build Colin Clarkson’s renovation project has transformed a derelict bungalow into a spacious home.

48 i-nterior i-build asks interior expert and star of ‘The Apprentice’, 52

Ella Jade, what she believes makes a house a home.

i-scape Top tips on how to maximise outdoor space to create extra living areas and what paving styles are set to be popular in 2016.

s: Secre‘Ttrade e d a r T ut for our hout

g Look o otted throu the re s’ d t a re e c s e e S h h can sue. T this is sights whic ing in d r d e u b id s to in luable ers! a v in e d b uil self-b

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CUTTING CARBON.

Choosing a solar Thermal system is the most cost effective and environmentally friendly solution for your home. There is a large selection to choose from out there but really only one choice.

At Begetube our innovative heating panels are completely copper based with double harp pipe configuration, this allows for a more effective heat transfer making the panels more efficient.

The panels are keymarked and therefore MCS accredited, and with a stagnation temperature of 204 degrees centigrade the panels are not going to come to any harm on your roof.

The keymark and MCS accreditation ensure that you qualify for RHI payments, (system to be installed by MCS accredited installer).

If you then factor in our now legendary technical know-how and back up, you have a headache free installation and years of worry free operation.

CUTTING COSTS. CUTTING EDGE.

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Desired Designs

Good as gold

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Dulux has announced Cherished Gold as Colour of the Year 2016.

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ulux recently announced its 2016 Colour of the Year as being Cherished Gold. When identifying the Colour of the Year, the trend forecasters at Dulux noted that all the key design trends for 2016 had an element of gold in them. Out of the broad palette of yellows that they identified, they carefully selected a golden yellow, which has been translated into an almost ochre colour.

This yellow-gold is an uplifting shade that provides both warmth and vibrancy. The hue is bright enough to attract attention and combines well with other tones. Its metallic undertones lend perfectly to interior accessories and soft furnishings, whilst the bold base colour offers a daring yet useable choice for walls and upholstered seating.

Mix and match gold tones with other metallics, such as rose gold, brass and copper, to create a warm and on-trend design – bronze and gold work especially well together. If you are looking to upcycle furniture to correspond with this trend, consider replacing door knobs and lampshades with gold-coloured elements.

1. Riddle Pendant Light, £290.40, Bert Frank

2. Plumen 001 Energy Saver Bulb, from £16.15, LightBulbs Direct

3. Sergio Gold Wool Throw, £49.99, Wool Me

4. Windsor Ottoman,

£465 plus fabric, The Sofa and Chair Company

5. Hampton Fabric in Chartreuse, £55 per metre, Olivia Bard

6. Blade Heated Towel Rail, £3877, Iconic Radiators

7. Cherished Gold Painted

Boat Bath, £1554, BC Designs

8. Emily Caramel Fabric,

£115 per m, Barker & Barker

9. Poulton Stripe L-040, Fermoie

10. Cushions, from £70, Fermoie

11. Goya Bench, £1165 plus fabric, The Sofa and Chair Company

Baufritz is passionate about creating a luxurious living environment that’s designed just for you. All our homes use an abundance of high quality, natural materials that are completely free of toxins, creating a harmonious atmosphere that looks beautiful, protects the environment and makes you feel good.

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

www.baufritz-ib.co.uk Find out more about Baufritz and contac t our UK office: enquiries@baufritz-ib.co.uk | 01223 235632

Desired Designs

High-tech home Discover the latest state-of-the-art home technology.

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Instant hot water

Waterproof televisions

Steaming hot water taps eliminate the time and energy lost waiting for water to boil, while the versatility of being able to switch to hot and cold water within the same fixture contributes to countless other tasks and saves worktop space.

The InSinkErator 3N1 offers instant filtered water up to 98ºC. (www.insinkerator.co.uk)

Innovative electronics company Proof Vision has created a waterproof range of LED televisions and sound systems.

The collection includes other features such as DAB radio and Bluetooth connection, as well as sleek sound systems designed as stylish bathroom mirrors. (www.proofvision.co.uk)

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Energy efficient wine cabinets

Hive thermostat Hive Active Heating launched in 2013 to enable people to control heating and hot water from their mobile, tablet or laptop. The new Hive Active Heating 2 allows homeowners to access new features on the thermostat and comes in a range of Dulux colour frames. (www.hivehome.com)

Caple has updated three of its wine cabinets to make them more energy efficient. These single zone cabinets all feature no front compressor cooling technology and are all energy class A, compared to the B in previous versions. (www.caple.co.uk)

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Cuisine Companion More than just a cookingcapable food processor, Tefal’s new Cusine Companion comes with five attachments and cooking capabilities. Whether kneading or sautéing, whipping or steaming, the product offers a number of solutions. (www.tefal.co.uk/ cuisinecompanion)

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Combisteam oven Cooking with heat is great for browning chicken and other dishes, yet steam is very accurate and brilliant at preserving vitamins and minerals to provide a much healthier way of cooking. V-ZUG’s Combi-steam SL 60 oven makes it possible to take advantage of both styles using either or both techniques from the oven. (www.vzug.com)

SCOTLAND B U I L D 2 015

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Desired Designs

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Velvet underground 2

Velvet is a cosy and chic fabric, perfect for winter lounging.

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popular fabric for colder months and as luxurious as it is soft, velvet is the perfect addition to any room dedicated to relaxation.

Velvet is woven on a special loom that weaves two thicknesses of the material at the same time.

The two pieces are then cut apart to create the pile effect and the two lengths of fabric are wound on separate take-up rolls. The complicated and costly production process has linked the fabric with the upper classes and nobility throughout history.

This fabric works well in any colour. Opt for bright oranges and pinks for a retro statement or neutral colours like black, white and grey for a more subtle look.

Create a bold statement in the living room by opting for a rich velvet and accessorise with scatter cushions to create a focal point. Alternatively, use it as the perfect accent piece in the bedroom when paired up with a dresser.

1. Inca Armchair, Brabbu 2. Dalyan Armchair, Brabbu 3. Edwardian Sofa, £1785, Delcor

4. Pudding Sofa, £1195, Loaf 5. Lille armchair in dark grape, £329, Swoon Editions

6. Maya Armchair, Brabbu 7. Peggy Armchair in Dusty Rose, £560, Sofa.com

8. Scott 3-seater in Grass

Cotton Velvet, £999, Made.com

9. Sark Armchair in Sunshine, £620, Sofa.com

10. Orson Armchair in Granite Grey Velvet, £349, Made.com

11. Oscar 3-seater in Deep

Turquoise, £2000, Sofa.com

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Sub-brow TimeEyebrow Will Tell

A fine finish i-build is following Will Anderson as his self-build journey unfolds.

This month he is taking his time laying his floors.

T

he time it takes to finish a house depends a great deal on (a) how many people are on site and (b) how ambitious you are with your finishes.

In my case, the answer to (a) is usually one: me. As for (b), well, our floors are about as ambitious a project as you can imagine. For every floor in The Orchard is being finished with reclaimed parquet, with a different wood and a different pattern in every room. So, needless to say, it’s all taking rather a long time.

The great advantage of using reclaimed parquet, beyond its obvious eco-credentials as a reused product, is the range of woods available.

Over the past 200 years, British builders have imported thousands of tons of tropical hardwoods to finish the floors of schools, public buildings and private dwellings. Many of these woods can no longer be obtained sustainably but many of these buildings are now coming down, or are being refurbished, so there is a plentiful supply of reclaimed product, at least for now. We bought all our parquet blocks from Parquet-Parquet, who offer a good service, a wide range of woods and affordable prices. They even tell you on the invoice exactly where your wood has come from.

Labour of love The crucial issue with reclaimed parquet blocks is how much cleaning they need before they are glued down again. Parquet is traditionally laid with bitumen, so the bottoms of the blocks are typically still black from this old-fashioned adhesive. Fortunately, this does not need to be taken off. The glue we have been using – SikaBond

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5500S – is specially designed for reclaimed parquet and revitalises the bitumen as well as acting as an adhesive itself. The cleaning therefore focuses on the tongues and grooves, which have to be clear of dirt if the blocks are to be laid tightly.

You only get into real trouble if these are bunged up with bitumen from an over-zealous Victorian floor-layer. Happily, none of the blocks we bought from Parquet-Parquet suffered from this problem.

Laying parquet is, however, a labour of love. The place to start is usually a line of blocks right down the middle of the room, from which you work outwards to the sides. A border of two blocks is marked out early on and when the pattern reaches this line, you keep on going until the line is covered. Then, with the aid of a plunge saw and a guide rail, the straight interior edge of the border is sliced through all the overlapping blocks before

Left: Will has used reclaimed parquet for his flooring Below: Laying the parquet blocks in certain patterns can be quite time consuming

the border itself is laid. There should, therefore, be no need for cutting little pieces at the edges.

If all goes well, the blocks can go down quite fast.

A simple pattern such as a ladder, as we used in our utility room, is quick to lay. But a more complicated pattern like herringbone or basket-weave can begin to go ever so slightly awry, which can demand a lot of remedial action, cutting blocks or filling gaps, especially if the floor is large. Our ground floor living room is one big 39m2 space, which we have finished in panga-panga – a beautiful chocolatebrown African hardwood – using an offset basketweave pattern. I can only say that I was extremely relieved when I got to the final corner.

The sanding and oiling are still to come but it’s clear enough that these floors are going to look amazing. I’ve got through a lot of elbow grease but I know I’m going to be glad I made the effort for many years to come.

www.buildingtheorchard.com

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Green Living

How to reduce your energy consumption

Above: Good insulation will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home

When considering how to keep your house warm during colder months, the best solution might just be the simplest, as experts suggest effective insulation might be the solution to Britain’s energy crisis.

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eating currently represents nearly half of the UK’s energy consumption. Around half of that is household consumption.

Reducing the amount of energy needed to heat our homes would not only reduce fuel bills for homeowners, but would also cut CO2 emissions and improve Britain’s fuel security, making the country less dependent on importing oil and gas from overseas.

An expert at Max Fordham – one of Britain’s leading engineering consultancies – has claimed that if a home’s insulation is effective, the heat given off by home appliances could be enough to heat a house, without the use of central heating or renewable heating solutions.

Bill Watts, senior partner at Max Fordham says: “Instead of installing complicated heating systems, new builds should be insulated more effectively. A well-insulated home should only need to be heated for a few days a year. These complicated heating systems are on all year round, producing 52 weeks of heating bills for heat that customers don’t use or need.

“Our priority must be insulating our homes.

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Good insulation reduces the amount of energy required to keep our homes warm. It also ensures that all of the heat generated internally – by the kitchen fridge or even your own body heat – remains trapped inside, further reducing the need to import any additional heat energy into the home.”

Benefits of effective insulation Insulation facts provided by the National Insulation Association (NIA) presents shocking figures for how much household heat is lost through walls, roofs, doors and windows.

According to the NIA, 45% of heat is lost through uninsulated solid walls. If every UK household that is suitable for solid wall insulation installed it, the UK could save nearly 14mil tonnes of CO2 every year. 33% of heat is lost through uninsulated cavity walls. Figures provided by Energy Saving Trust show that installing cavity wall insulation could create household savings of around £110 a year as well as significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

25% of heat is lost through roof/loft spaces and 20% of heat is lost through windows and

doors. Installing loft insulation could create savings of around £145 a year and installing draught proofing around doors and windows could save another £25 a year.

The NIA is urging households to insulate rather than be affected by rising energy tariffs. Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA comments: “Householders may choose to switch supplier to find a better deal but home insulation is the most cost effective way of saving money on domestic energy bills and the savings are made year after year! An astounding 58% of heat can be lost through un-insulated walls and roofs; but with the right measures put in place, householders could be making huge savings on their energy bills, especially as the average dual fuel bill is estimated to be around £1300 per year.”

The NIA advises householders that the best way to find out if their home requires insulation is to contact an NIA installer member for a free survey and advice on any help with paying for insulation measures.

www.nia-uk.org

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Viewpoint

Will an interest rate rise affect my project?

With low interest rates potentially increasing by the turn of the year, Rachel Pyne - BuildStore's Group Sales Director – provides essential tips on managing your finances.

I

nterest rates have been stuck at record lows for the past six years with the Bank of England’s rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee keeping the base rate at 0.5% since 2009. However, on ‘Super Thursday’ back in August, Governor Mark Carney indicated that interest rates were likely to increase by the turn of the year. So, how does this impact upon your self-build or

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renovation mortgage and how can you prepare if there is a rate increase?

First and foremost, don’t panic! At this moment in time there is no guarantee that interest rates will actually rise, although you do need to be prepared and not ignore the Governor’s hints. Essentially, you should never be complacent when it comes to your financial obligations and you should always consider the

implications a potential interest rate rise will have on your personal circumstances.

We all know that when it comes to buying an existing ‘bricks and mortar’ property, there is a plethora of choice from high-street mortgage providers, whether it’s a fixed, variable or repayment ‘capital and interest’ mortgage, in their various guises.

With a self-build/renovation mortgage you still have the opportunity to choose the most suitable lender for your project but the majority of schemes offered are interest-only variable-rate. This is because lenders recognise that capital is required throughout the build process – at the outset to purchase land or a custom build plot, to purchase build systems and materials and that the majority of selfbuilders remain living in their existing homes and require ongoing funds to meet living expenditures.

However, due to the very nature of self-build/ renovation projects being ‘work in progress’ with no secured end-value apportioned, the interest rates applied to these specialist mortgages are

Application process

Predictions

How to prepare Thankfully, with only a projected gradual rise in interest rates, the impact upon your build project and repayments should be minimal and affordable. This is because, at the time of your initial financial consultation, your affordability will be accurately assessed and any scheme offered will accommodate any future scenarios.

However, it is paramount that you consult with your specialist financial adviser throughout your project and notify them of any change in circumstances that could affect your mortgage repayments as soon as possible.

Also bear in mind that because you are only paying the interest on your self-build mortgage, you will be making cheaper monthly payments on your loan. This gives you an opportunity to build up funds through savings plans that can assist to support any interest rate increase and help to pay off the mortgage debt.

Whether you are self-building or taking on a renovation project, you will naturally be keeping a close eye on your budget and getting the best possible price for contractors and build materials.

Of course, there is no harm in forward planning, so even if you are not ready, it may be prudent to think about purchasing fixtures and fittings and taking advantage of seasonal sales, even if you are just at the stage of putting up walls!

Viewpoint

cret: e S e Trad

higher than some high street working out what will happen letion p m rates available on completed to you in the future – such o an gc nearin n to avoid out e ’r u o e properties. Depending on as job security and family b ke If y ka you’re e rise, thin mplete d n a o t your funding requirements dynamics – and stress test s t ra t to c ible intere importan ly as poss ne k and whether you choose for theoretical interest rate o ’s t d ic a u e h b w sq a or can uild a a traditional, arrears or rises. the b terior dec lipped onto in – e.g. you have f age rate.

BuildStore’s exclusive Although the second after er mortg low advance-stage ‘Accelerator’ requirement is that all mortgage payment scheme, you can be sales must now be advised, it is looking at interest rates ranging from something that BuildStore advisers 4.99% to 6.19% – although it must be noted have been doing for many years due to the that the higher rates apply to those who are specialist nature of self-build/renovation looking for the uppermost borrowing of 85% on mortgages and the company's desire to find both land and build costs. the most suitable scheme for customers from their comprehensive portfolio of lending providers.

Since the financial crisis, there have been significant changes in mortgage application procedures and this applies to both traditional At the time of going to print, the Bank of and self-build/renovation mortgages. The first England Base Rate is 0.5%. According to is the shift from old-fashioned salary multiple Howard Archer, an economist at HIS Global lending to affordability calculations. This Insight, should earnings growth pick up means that you will be required to be honest markedly over the coming months, it would with your outgoings alongside your income. increase the likelihood that the Bank of Expect to provide documentary evidence on England will raise interest rates early 2016. habitual spending on things like feeding the It is believed that the Bank of England will family, childcare, car loan, energy bills, mobile most likely hike the rate to 0.75% in February phone or gym contract. Not only will the 2016, and it is predicted that it will only rise mortgage lender look at the gap between what gradually to 1.25% by the end of 2016, 2.0% you have to spend each month and what you by the end of 2017 and 2.5% by the end of have coming in, they will also take a stab at 2018.

www.buildstore.co.uk

Opposite top: Specialist lenders recognise that self-build and renovation projects will need money throughout the build process Left: Governor Mark Carney recently indicated that interest rates were likely to rise in the coming months

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Contracts & Legalities

Left: There are many online resources where you can search for professional services and local tradesmen

Professional help

A recent survey by design inspiration platform Houzz has unveiled UK self-build and renovation habits, including what percentage of home-improvers work alongside professionals and for which aspects of their project.

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he 2015 Houzz and Home survey recently gathered information from 9500 UK homeowners about their renovation and self-build activity during the last two years.

The survey found that nine in ten homeowners renovated their homes with professional help in 2014. A third of them involved a home builder and nearly a quarter hired a kitchen designer/fitter and/or an architect. Over half hired an electrician, plumber or carpenters/joiners.

86% of renovators considered good reviews or recommendations to be the most important factor when choosing a service provider, followed by experience with projects of similar scope and good communication/organisation skills. While homeowners aged under 35 generally align with other generations on hiring criteria, they are twice as likely as those in the 55-64 age bracket to base hiring on the lowest cost bid.

Over a quarter of homeowners who hired professional help during renovations cite their service providers as having significant or moderate influence on their decision making. Unsurprisingly, family and friends are a large source of influence

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for half of homeowners. Relying on the advice of professionals when making renovation decisions stays fairly steady with age.

98% of the homeowners who took part in the survey and built a custom/self-build home in 2014 hired professional help. Of these homeowners, 70% hired an architect, 53% a kitchen designer and fitter, 28% a design and build firm and 16% an interior designer. Top hiring criteria was similar to those for renovations, yet more homeowners were influenced by their service providers during custom/self-building.

Sourcing professionals Recent research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) found that one in five consumers with building or repair work required in their properties find reasons to delay due to a number of anxieties about using tradespeople. However, there are many online resources that allow you to search for trustworthy professionals.

If you’re looking for an architect, the RIBA has a search resource on its website where you can browse more than 3000 UK RIBA Chartered Practices by name, location, area of expertise and services offered. The British Institute of

Interior Design (BIID) website allows you to search for a local interior designer and Houzz. co.uk provides a search engine for all kinds of professional services, from kitchen designers and fitters to landscape architects. Other association websites worth perusing are the Society of British and International Designers (SBID) and the Society of Garden Designers (SGD).

If you’re keen to ask an expert for advice rather than committing to hire, the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon host a monthly ‘Ask an Architect’ event held in conjunction with the RIBA. Visitors get a personal consultation with an architect to discuss ideas with no obligation and no fees. The NSBRC is also a great location to source companies and ideas, with over 250 exhibitors permanently on display.

When it comes to finding a reliable tradesperson and workmen, it’s worth doing a little background research to ensure you hire a trustworthy professional. According to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, many local authorities work in partnership with trusted trading schemes, whilst others run their own local authority trading standard approved trader schemes. Each local authority is different so contract yours to find out about such schemes. Online resources such as trustatrader. com, checkatrade.com and Which? Local allow you to search through recommended, vetted and monitored trades and service providers.

You can also search for local tradespeople working to Government Endorsed Standards at Trustmark.com.

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Sub-brow Impressive Innovation Eyebrow

Two of a kind When Nick Leggett and his partner Sonja Johnson bought an old Methodist Chapel to convert, they recognised the potential to build another property beside it.

N

ick Leggett – a chartered surveyor and Partner of NDL Consulting – and his business and life partner Sonja Johnson were looking for a home-building challenge when they spotted the potential opportunity of an abandoned chapel in their village of Goudhurst in Kent. The

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Methodist Chapel, part of which dated back to 1838, had stood unused for eight years and was in a terrible state of disrepair. The chapel also benefitted from an adjacent plot that offered the opportunity for two projects in one.

Nick explains: “We approached the Methodists, who would not sell it to us. They were actually attempting to get a planning

consent that utilised both plots, but were unsuccessful. After many planning applications they achieved consent for the conversion of the chapel and a small rear extension, but failed to get planning consent on the adjacent plot. They eventually put the property to auction and we went along and bought it.”

Although the couple aimed to build a

Impressive Innovation contemporary property beside the chapel conversion, the aim was for the buildings to complement each other and act as a pair. Nick and Sonja worked closely alongside an architect and structural engineer to produce designs for both the conversion and the new home. They went through an iterative design process in order to finalise proposals, which also involved

consulting with neighbours.

The aim for both properties was to achieve good open plan spaces suitable for modern family living, as Nick explains: “We wanted a challenge and to also have the chance to create a house for modern living with our stamp on it. We like contemporary design that uses traditional materials, but we also wanted to

keep the main part of the Methodist Chapel because it has important historical context for the village. We wanted both buildings to appear to belong to the same family, although site constraints meant they would be different designs. We had a basic idea of the look and feel we wanted to create, so we carried out internet and on the ground research

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Impressive Innovation

Below: The project has retained many of the chapel's original features

to set down the materials and specification we wanted.�

Both planning applications were made simultaneously so that the development of the whole site could be viewed as one coordinated approach. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council approved the plans thanks to the full support of the local Parish Council and a number of neighbours.

Chapel challenges There were many challenging aspects to converting the chapel due to its neglected state. The rear portion of the structure, which dated back to 1838, was demolished and rebuilt using reclaimed materials. Although the chapel was not listed, the couple were keen to retain the overall character and volume the building, including the property front which dated back to 1876. The building was completely stripped back so that only the

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Impressive Innovation Above: The luxury home uses glass balustrades for balcony safety Left: The extension includes expansive glazing Below: Wood and grey work well together in the kitchen

facades remained standing and the new structure was inserted within the space.

Another challenge was to avoid splitting the tall windows when inserting the new first floor. Clever design and thoughtful planning has achieved this on four out of the five main windows – unfortunately one had to be split in order to create the desired amount of upper floor space.

The chapel had a side extension that had been added in the 1960s. Nick and Sonja decided to remove this in order to restore the property to its original

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Sub-brow Impressive Innovation Eyebrow

appearance. A large, modern extension has been added to the rear of the property.

The main challenge for the new adjacent property was the structural engineering of building on a narrow sloping site. 600 tonnes of earth was removed from the site and the Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) system now sits partly below ground.

Complementary pair Each property took about 18 months to build and the new property was deliberately delayed towards to end as a result of finances.

Nick and Sonja have been living in the conversion, now called The Old Chapel, while the second property, Chapel View, was built, which will now become their home. Both projects remained close to budget, although extra costs included several specification creeps in terms of technology in The Old

Left: A double height ceiling creates a sense of volume in the living space Below: The open plan kitchen-dining space looks out onto the patio

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Sub-brow Eyebrow Impressive Innovation Above: One of the chapel windows has had to be split to add the first floor Right: The interior decor is neural and stylish

Chapel and upgrades in the new houseonce the family decided it was going to become their home.

The Old Chapel is approximately 2800ft2 with two reception rooms, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The living space benefits from views to the north west, features a wood burning stove and illuminated recessed display shelves. The modern kitchen is equipped with Corian worktops and a central island.

Bi-folding doors open onto a large courtyard paved in natural stone. The bathrooms include fittings by Duravit and Hansgrohe.

Chapel View is 1900ft2 across three floors, with three bedrooms, an open plan lounge/ kitchen/diner, a utility room and snug/office.

The home boasts impressive eco-credentials, with no heating required and sustainable materials used throughout. An impressive structural steel staircase and polished

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Impressive Innovation concrete floors throughout add to the contemporary feel of the new home.

The converted chapel benefits from a number of high specification features: bespoke double glazed steel windows, aluminium double glazed windows and bi-fold doors to the rear extension, Tunbridge Wells sandstone sills, Rako lighting control system, Sonos Multi Room Audio with indoor and outdoor speakers, porcelain floor tiles and engineered oak flooring. Both properties utilise air source heat pumps for underfloor heating with individual thermostatic controls and Alutec polyester powder coated aluminium fascias, soffits, downpipes and gutters.

Nick and Sonja are proud of both projects: “They are both pretty much as we had hoped for and there were not many changes from the planning drawings – an indiciation they were planned fairly well from the outset. We have received lots of good comments from friends, neighbours, other villagers and tourists.

My favourite thing would be the great views from both houses. Both have achieved good open plan living spaces and we love the cinema system in the lounge of The Old Chapel – we will miss it greatly. Thinking about whether, looking back, we would have done anything differently, we would have tried to get a slight increase on the ridge height of the extension to The Old Chapel to give increased eaves head height over the oak balcony.”

This wasn’t the couples first renovation project and it doesn’t look to be their last, as they say they will soon

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Above: The master bedroom benefits from bi-folding doors which lead onto a balcony Below: The white bathroom sanitaryware and cabinets are complemented by on-trend grey walls

be looking for a new project. The advice they would like to offer fellow self-builders and renovators is: “Try not to get disheartened on the way through the process, which is quite complicated. There will definitely be ups and downs and it will be okay in the end – if it is not okay then it is not the end!”

The Old Chapel has now been sold to new owners through estate agent Savills.

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Rural Retreat

Coastal dream home A near-death experience was the catalyst for Bram and Lisa Vis’s ambitious and luxury home-building adventure on the Isle of Wight.

I

in 2010 Bram and Lisa Vis, along with their children Henry and Eleanor, decided to move from their Surrey home to the Isle of Wight, where Lisa grew up. Although they put an offer in on a house, everything came to a dramatic halt when a brain hemorrhage left Bram in a coma for 10 days. After months of recovery in hospital, the life-changing event made the family re-think where they wanted to live.

Life felt differentfor the Vis family after Bram's neardeath experience. This new outlook led them to build a

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unique family home where they could live life to the full.

They bought a 3.5-acre woodland plot with its own beach for ÂŁ935k and aimed to build an outstanding home that is hidden amidst the trees at the same time as making the most of the surrounding sea views.

Over time the plans for the home grew, resulting in a large space where the family could all exist happily together in shared spaces, independent spaces, plus even more room to cater for friends and family – something that the family felt was especially important.

Rural Retreat Although the plot was idyllic, it came with some restrictions. These consisted of a highly constrained piece of ancient woodland, blanket Tree Preservation Orders, a Site of Specific Interest (SSSi) status shoreline and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) parameters.

Determined to overcome restrictions just as they had overcome the hemorrhage, the family hired architect Lincoln Miles to transform their ambitious dream into reality.

The complicated brief resulted in a v-shaped building that articulates the volumes connected to the

topography threading its mass and silhouette within the tree canopy. With floor to ceiling windows looking out to sea and features including a snug, games room and roof terrace with swimming pool, the family home is the epitome of luxury family living.

Above: An array of exterior finishes have been used, which add to the home's unique appeal

Architectural masterpiece Project architect Lincoln Miles describes the property’s design: “The home predominately consists of a single story volume designed to frame the views through

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Rural Retreat the trees to the Solent, whist hovering with dramatic cantilevers over a plinth of encrusted large beach pebbles. This plinth is enacting the visual reference of a structure emerging out of the sloping landscape to the foreshore or the notion of a bank of pebbles created by the conscious rhythm of the tide.�

The property takes inspiration from nature, international modernism and the open plan simplicity of the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe.

A 300ft2 hole was dug into the sloping site and 157 concrete piles were inserted to support the concrete are decorated with an intricate pebble dashing cladding.

Each pebble was picked from a local beach and applied to the wall by hand. The basement includes three

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bedrooms, gym, games room, lift, dressing room, utility room and plant room.

The ground floor is formed from a steel frame that cantilevers over the basement structure with vast glazing to make the most of the surrounding views. This floor caters for a large open plan dining/kitchen space, another small kitchen, three bedrooms, two studies, another small kitchen and a television snug. A smaller top floor hosts the master suite with its own balcony and en suite.

On entering the property, a double height hall allows you to enter any part of the house. The house is filled with a sense of volume and generous amounts of natural light. The open plan kitchen/dining and lounge space is the perfect place to entertain, as it looks out

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Top: Floor to ceiling bi-folding glass doors connect the interior with the outside Above: A sunken pool adds to the home's luxurious feel Right: The ground floor cantilevers over the basement level

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Rural Retreat

Rural Retreat

onto the deck space – which includes sunken swimming pool and floating spa – and onto the sea beyond it. Full height glass sliding doors create a seamless transition between outside and indoors.

Unique camouflage The finished home sits so well within the woodland that it is only truly visible close up, where the use of different facades brings diversity and interest to the property’s exterior at the same time as acting as a camouflage. To reflect the natural surroundings of the trees and skyline, large panes of glass have been used. The pebble dashing of the basement level is complemented by black stacked-paper cladding, which has been used to create a shadow-effect around the build. Kebony wood cladding has also been applied to further emphasise the natural and organic aspects of the design.

Commenting on the property’s unique exterior, the architect explains: “The contextual skin of the raised podium is clad in a unique black paper on edge called Richlite and dark oiled Kebony timber articulated in both a horizontal and vertical matrix, defining the volume and moderating its scale from the vantage point of the shoreline to make it almost invisible.”

Financial complications This breathtaking project recently featured on Channel 4’s popular programme ‘Grand Designs’, where Bram

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Rural Retreat and Lisa’s financial struggles to afford their dream home became apparent. Although working to an original budget of £800k, the project turned out to be significantly more expensive than originally anticipated. After remortgaging their Surrey home twice, creating hefty credit card debts, taking numerous loans and even borrowing from friends and family, accountant Bram did everything he could think of to get extra cash where needed.

Above: The home looks out onto the Solent Left: The double-height entrance hall is flooded with natural sunlight Below: The modern kitchen benefits from a breakfast bar

The project certainly sailed a little close to the wind on several occasions. The Channel 4 camera crew were on site to witness one such ‘close shave’ as they filmed the large glass panels arriving on site, where the workmen then stood waiting – ready to install the luxury glazing – as Bram frantically tried to finalise a loan to be paid into his account to pay for the glass. Luckily, the payment went through before the workmen decided to leave, but this

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Sub-brow Rural Eyebrow Retreat hair-raising moment displayed the struggles that this ambitious project presented.

The project cost the family £2.3 m, which with the cost of land, came to a total spend of £3.1 m. The result is a magnificent home, but also a huge amount of debt.

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud comments: “Bram has built to carve something magnificent out of the ground. It’s so well disguised that you can hardly make it out, but when you get closer – my God it’s good.

The success of this project is down to Bram’s invincible determination, but it’s cost more than they ever could have imagined. This is possibly the most expensive project I’ve followed. If this project were a film it would be called ‘Carry On Regardless’. ”

www.kebony.com Above: The home sits neatly amidst the ancient woodland Right: Kebony wood complements the innovative black stacked-paper cladding

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Sub-brow Interior Eyebrow Decor

Wallpaper trends covered The right statement wallpaper can make or break an interior design scheme. Here Aaron Andrews, Creative Director of interior specialist The Gifted Few, unveils the key considerations for experimenting with statement wallpaper.

I

f you want to turn a self-build project into the home of your dreams, you need to pay special attention to your walls. At least, that’s what William Morris would have advised. The 19th century textile designer – whose name is heavily associated with the history of wallpaper – once declared: “Whatever you have in your rooms, think first of the walls for they are that which makes your house and home, and if you do not make some sacrifices in their favour you will find your chambers have a kind of makeshift, lodging-house look about them.”

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Since Morris first designed his flora and fauna motifs and patterns, wallpapers have varied dramatically in popularity and trend over the years. Today, wallpaper is very much in vogue with all manner of designs and presentation techniques for self-builders to consider.

As nature intended Nature was frequently the subject of designs from the Arts and Crafts Movement, which Morris was a leading member of, and will always remain a source of inspiration for

designers and artists. These days, there has been a move away from the ‘twee’ as people are opting for more striking designs.

Monochrome representations of flowers, large watercolour splashes of leaves and plants interpreted by strong, unnatural colour palettes are just some ways to make a bold statement with nature on your walls.

Whether the foliage design is literal or more abstract, try accessorising the room with real life plants to complement the look. As well as thinking about the types of plants and flowers

Interior Decor

you have around your home, think also about how you’re presenting them. Large, geometric copper or concrete planters are particularly trendy at the moment and can provide an interesting contrast if you’ve got colour on your walls.

An abstract idea Geometric and abstract designs are usually associated with quite a contemporary style and while this approach – which uses modern, angular, graphic lines and colour combinations – is popular, so too are those that take inspiration from the 1960s and 1970s. In particular, wallpapers with orange, yellow and brown colours are an effective way to evoke this retro era.

One popular look at the moment is the teaming of retro feel wallpaper and colours with mid-century designed furniture, for example Eames chairs. When considering this look, think about painting one or two walls a dark grey, midnight blue or bottle green for a more contemporary twist.

Another consideration to make when opting for strong, graphic wallpapers, is how to soften the angles in the room. Think about the shape and style of your furniture, light fittings and accessories – such as rugs – and go for more rounded edges to relax any harsh lines and act as a contrast to your statement wallpaper.

Above: Feature walls continue to be a popular use of wallpaper Left: Bold wallpaper is a great way to make a dramatic design statement Below: Accessorise your floral wallpaper with real plants

Take the rough with the smooth Whether a 2D illusion or an actual tactile surface, texture is an interesting wallpaper trend to experiment with. A key tip is to think about the size and shape of the room; use textured wallpaper in a space which is too small and you may not get the full effect and could even risk the room feeling claustrophobic. Also, look at where the natural light comes in or where you can add light through fittings and lamps, as this can really help to illuminate the wallpaper.

While contrasting wallpapers with juxtaposing accessories can be great fun and create a bold look, in the case of using texture, sometimes less is more. Simple, clean lines and surfaces can look smart against textured walls, but try to hold off rushing in with too many fluffy and feathery accessories or you could overcomplicate the space and make it feel too fussy.

Going up When using wallpaper in a room, there are a few options – put it up everywhere or choose to use it selectively.

The statement wall has been a trend for a while now and can still work well if you’re using a particularly busy or bold pattern. For a more contemporary look, don’t automatically apply the wallpaper across the entire wall.

Instead, think about putting it up on just one section of the wall – for example where the chimney breast is – or experiment with applying large squares or sections against a painted background for an art motif feel.

For self-builders with little or no experience of putting up wallpaper, it really is a lot more straightforward than you may first fear. If you don’t have a wallpaper pro on hand to talk you through it, check out YouTube for some easy to follow tutorials so you don’t end up banging your head against a brick wall.

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Eyebrow Doors Sub-brow

F

Opening doors to new specification options Simon Johnson, Sales Director at door specialist JB Kind, draws on the firm’s 30 years of experience and shares his tops tips on how to choose the perfect doors for your home.

irstly, think about what style of doors will suit your home.

Consider your own sense of style – do you prefer classic or contemporary design? Perhaps a mix of both would work? Whatever your design preference, consider your style inspiration and find the perfect door design for your property.

There’s no doubt that naturals are in this season and this makes wood veneers popular, with choices ranging from traditional cottagestyle oak to innovative rich walnut and gorgeous grey painted finishes. If you’d rather coordinate completely with your colour scheme then you could buy a door that’s unfinished and ready for you to paint a top coat.

With plenty of door designs to choose from, there will always be one to suit your style. Another option to consider is whether you would like a mix of solid and glazed doors. It's also worth thinking about whether any would like a mix of solid and glazed doors. It’s also worth thinking about whether any of the rooms need more natural light and whether there are any spaces that would benefit from visibility between rooms.

Styles and options Secondly, you need to narrow down the type of doors you prefer and whether they fit within your interior design theme. It could be that you love wood but that you’re looking for an innovative take on a traditional theme. If so, seek out feature grooves and unusual inlays – both of which are often used to create striking patterns and distinctive doors. For a more classic look opt for panelled designs, or if you prefer contemporary designs choose a shaker style.

Start deciding what doors you would like in the early planning stages of your project to make the most of the space you have.

Traditional doors that swing open will take up part of your room when open and might prevent you from making the best use of your space. Bi-folding and pocket doors are a solution to this problem. Bi-fold doors slide to one side, taking up less than half the space of normal doors. Pocket doors save even more of your room by sliding into the cavity of your wall and disappearing all together. As these designs have grown in popularity, so has the number of styles and design options available.

Above left: JB Kind's Walnut Flush Fernor door Left: Sliding doors are a great way to save on space

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You will also need to budget for door furniture, such as hinges, latches and handles. Most doors don’t come with these essential components, unless you are ordering a door set which comes complete with all the door furniture you need.

Fire doors play an important role in saving lives and building regulations specify where they need to be fitted in residential properties. If you require fire doors, designs comes in many styles and sizes, so don’t worry that they will ruin your home aesthetics – they don’t need to look industrial, many include attractive glazed options and most of the time you will be able to buy the exact design that you want. Even if you aren’t required to fit fire doors, you may want to consider installing them to give you peace of mind that your family will be safe.

If you are buying replacement doors for a renovation project, do not measure the existing door. You must always base measurements on the door frame. Take three measurements inside the door frame – at the top, middle and bottom. The widest measurement determines the width of the door. When it comes to the height, measure the inside of each vertical side of the frame. The longest length determines the height required. Remember to make allowance for any floor covering. Having gathered your measurements, compare them with the standard sizes available in your chosen door style. Select the most appropriate, remembering that you can plane the edges slightly to reduce the size.

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Quality and value With full projects requiring restricted budgeting, value for money is an important consideration for most. However, try not to be tempted by the cheapest designs, as they are unlikely to last. Instead, look for quality at the best price. There are many quality designs available that are simple and cost effective and that will suit multiple interior design themes.

If you’re after something a little different, or you’ve got a particular requirement, many companies offer bespoke designs that can be made in special sizes or in different veneers. If bespoke suits you, it’s even more important to plan your doors as part of your initial design concept. It’s also worth noting that bespoke doors will take extra time to craft, so finalise your designs as early as possible.

Above: Your doors are as much of a design statement as your interior decor, so thoroughly consider your style preferences before choosing doors Right: Plan your doors at the beginning of your self-build or renovation project

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Cladding

Organic solution A new Danish home is an outstanding example of innovative cladding that links the home with its surrounding landscape.

V

illa Bie is a bespoke home created

by American-Danish Architects MLRP for a private client. The firm aims to push design boundaries by exploring solutions to create innovative and sustainable designs. This design embodies these philosophies.

The property is located facing the Øresund and has been created at an angle using an abundance of glass and timber cladding to create the impression that the structure has grown organically out of the ground.

The architects comment: “The conceptual idea arose from the restrictions that were laid out by the very strict local planning authorities, which would only allow one and a half floors and a gabled roof. We wanted a landscaped house and the homeowner wanted something unique. This way the house reinterprets the Danish building tradition in a radical new way.”

Egil Rosnes of Profftre AS adds: “From a design perspective Villa Bie is an exceptional project which really pushes the boundaries of design.”

The design team wanted to ensure that

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only sustainable materials were used in the project and distributors Profftre As of Norway recommended using Accoya wood.

650m2 of Accoya cladding has been applied to the exterior of the property. The cladding profile comprises 235mm widths and 4800mm lengths. It has been assembled in both vertical and horizontal directions, mounted securely using tongue and groove assembly.

Sourcing sustainable timber When looking to include dramatic timber cladding, such as in this project, it is worth considering a product’s sustainable credentials.

Wood from well-managed sources is a natural, renewable solution for global environmental problems such as climate change, ecosystem destruction and landscape deterioration caused by increasing consumption. Look for certifications such as FSC and PEFC, which prove the timber has been ethically sourced, and make sure the product is compliant with the European Union Timber Regulation.

For example, the Accoya cladding used here has

several sustainable advantages. It is manufactured in a non-toxic process that adds nothing to the wood that does not already naturally occur in it.

The wood is fully reusable and recyclable, and can be safely incinerated for bio-energy.

Before ordering sustainably certified timber, the FSC recommend that you ensure the certificate is authentic. You can check the FSC certificate number online via the FSC International Certificate Database – if it doesn’t appear then contact the supplier for clarification. If the product does appear on the FSC database, check that the data shown on the dataset matches that of your supplier, including the name and address. Make sure that the certificate is currently valid, as sometimes they can be suspended, and that it covers the exact product you are looking to buy.

www.accoya.com Above: Villa Bie uses timber cladding to create a dramatic architectural statement

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Inex-online.com Interior and exterior design inspiration

The comprehensive online specification portal for interior and exterior design professionals. Inex takes visitors on a virtual journey, inspiring the design community with the latest news, on-trend products and high-profile interviews.

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A home for life 70-year-old Colin Clarkson has transformed a rundown two-bedroom 1960s bungalow into a modern four-bedroom property with a spacious extension.

W

ith no initial plans to pursue his own project, it was merely circumstance that led to Colin Clarkson’s home building adventure, as he explains: “Initially we just wanted to downsize. We were living in a high maintenance four-bedroom property with 2.5 acres of garden in Scalby, Yorkshire. We wanted to live in a bungalow near Leeds. When we started looking, everything on the market looked very expensive for what it was. We didn’t want to pay more than the stamp duty threshold of £250,000, so we started to look at the cheaper properties that could be remodelled.”

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Colin came across an early 1960s two-bedroom brick and block bungalow with a conservatory that had been owned by the same family since 1968 and was in a state of disrepair. It was within Colin’s budget at £240,000 and he instantly recognised its potential.

The bungalow had been on the market for two years and the owners desperately needed to sell in order to finance the nursing home fees of the lady who’d lived there. Colin put an offer in well below the asking price and it was accepted.

The idea was to convert the property into a fourbedroom home. Colin planned to demolish the existing extensions and instead add a large, modern extension at the property’s rear. He explains: “I went into the roof

Above left: A relocation to Leeds led the couple to renovate Above: Colin considers the finished property to be a home for life Right: The fascia, soffits, guttering and downpipes were all bought from Eurocell

i-build space and it was like city hall – enormous. You could have had a barn dance up there! So I could see that I could make the building into a dormer bungalow – the cottage type with pitched roofs because planning wouldn’t have accepted a big dormer with a flat roof at the front.”

Having previously worked as a housing gas surveyor for Hull City Council and designing heating systems for British Gas, Colin knew how to use scale rules and drawing boards. So he set about working on the drawings for his new home, later bringing in an architect to get through the planning procedures. The original plan was for his son-in-law to become project manager as he works as a builder. However, he had

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i-build

too much work going on so Colin decided to project manage himself. “It really opened my eyes to the British building industry,” says Colin.

Complications Disaster struck when Colin had a heart attack two weeks before Christmas and just as the project was getting going. However, he made a quick recovery and the programme was only put back by about three weeks.

The project was completed by mid-June and Colin and his wife moved into the property in July.

Budgeting was another complication for the project.

After originally budgeting for £75,000, they ended up spending £110,000 due to extra features. Underfloor heating was a bigger expense than expected, costing around £12,000 because the timber floor was ripped out and the 18-inch void filled with hardcore, stone and screed.

On the topic of project budgeting, Colin says: “I used a lot of materials from Eurocell. I went into their local branch because I’d been told they sold Tapco slate tiles. Andy Dawson – Wakefield Area Manager for Eurocell – gave me a price and said if anyone meets that price to go back to him and he’d see what could be done. I came up with a list of building products and he came back with reasonable prices. When I was there I saw the Skypod skylights and I wanted them – I had

46

i-build a conservatory before and knew this would sort the problem of freezing in winter and boiling in summer – so this was another unexpected expense.”

Long term investment The new home is spacious, yet comfortable. It consists of mainly products either made by Eurocell or exclusive to Eurocell. These include Charsworth entrance doors at the front and the back from The Dales Collection range of composite doors, PVC-U windows and patio doors from a Eurocell fabricator using the Eurologik profile. Other products bought from Eurocell include fascia, soffits, guttering and downpipes, Roomline internal PVC-U skirting boards and all the underground drainage.

The Clarksons love their new home, as Colin comments: “It’s everything we hoped it would be and we feel very comfortable here. I can see me spending the rest of my days here. There’s very little maintenance needed so I can just potter about. My favourite space is the extension at the back where we have the kitchendining area and lounge. It’s a great communal area and we spend most of our time in there during the day – that's where the Skypods come in. I haven't really envisaged the garden yet so it’s all just laid to lawn.

I could see the potential of the house but nothing’s knocking on my head yet about the garden.

Above: The home ended up costing a lot more than originally anticipated Above left: Colin loves his new Skypod roof lights Left: The roof lights bring extra sunlight into the lounge Below: Two dormer windows have added another floor to the bungalow

“We put so much work into it and now it’s just how we want it, lovely and quiet. There is nothing I would have done differently. At 70, I won’t be doing it again, but I would project manage it a different way – it’s the biggest project I’ve ever attemped. My advice to others would be to double your budget.”

www.eurocell.co.uk

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Eyebrow i-nterior Sub-brow

How to create a personalised interior design Since appearing on Series 10 of TV Series ‘The Apprentice’, Ella Jade has launched her own interior design brand. Here, Ella Jade shares her top tips for making a house a home.

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lla Jade Interiors was launched into Harrods during this year’s London Fashion Week. After a successful launch, Ella Jade presented a masterclass at Grand Designs Live advising keen selfbuilders and renovators on key colour trends and space awareness. i-build spoke to Ella Jade about how to go approach a new home’s interior design.

modern, simplistic or art deco – then I suggest you visit interior design showrooms to get an idea of sizes and prices. Create a mood board of colour schemes, furniture and materials that you like to give a clear overview. In our showrooms, we showcase full lifestyle displays of kitchens, bedroom, bathrooms and living rooms to give clients ideas.

Q

What inspired you to become an interior designer?

Where can homeowners seek inspiration and ideas?

When I think of interior design, I think of selfexpression. In a similar way to fashion, it provides a creative outlet to showcase your personality and style. There’s so much freedom to be creative and to develop a design that becomes the physical embodiment of a person’s character.

Overall, it’s about choosing a colour scheme that feels right for you and adds to your mood when you get home. Have a think about what colours make you happy – think back over favourite holidays or memories as you might associate certain colours with these.

Social media resources, such as Instagram, are absolutely incredible when it comes to inspiration – I always have a good look through social media to see what the trends are. Have a look online and as soon as you see a design you like, use it as a platform to work from.

Q

How should a self-builder approach deciding what kind of interior design scheme is right for them?

Above: Since her time on The Apprentice, Ella Jade has launched her own interior design brand

A good starting point is to understand your style preference – whether that be traditional,

Main image: Grey remains an ontrend hue for interior schemes

Q

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i-nterior What do you believe to be the most important aspect of creating a homely environment?

Q

The most important aspect has to relate to being comfortable – when a person is comfortable, they are relaxed and feel at home. I believe that the foundation to creating a comfortable home is in choosing your ideal colour scheme – usually involving natural colours and adding a splash of colour when necessary.

Secondly, designs that are neat and tidy are most pleasing to the eye. Overcrowding with too many details can make spaces look messy, which can overcomplicate.

It doesn’t matter whether the style is traditional or modern, the design should serve a purpose in order to create a homely environment.

Thirdly, comfortable furniture such as sofas and chairs can instantly create that welcoming feel. It’s also important to ensure all the senses are catered for – visual appeal, welcoming smell and good temperature.

What is the key to creating a personalised home interior?

serenity, relaxation and revitalisation. The bedroom is the one room in the house that is completely personal to each individual. Colour can significantly affect our emotions – it impacts mood, feelings and behaviour – therefore adding the right colour to our bedrooms can actually help us create a comfortable and relaxing space to sleep. When I look at bedrooms designed by Ella Jade Interiors, particular colours that work best involve a neutral palette with a hint of warm colours. Reflecting soft colours found in nature is another way of creating a relaxing environment.

How would you define your signature style?

Q

Timeless elegance with a hint of art deco. Classic grandeur using quality materials, colour themes and unique styles of lighting to create a signature style. I also love taking inspiration from Spain, Morocco and Brazil – the designs turn out very vibrant and breathtaking.

Q

A lot of clients take inspiration from their cultures when designing, which can be the basis of beautiful sentimental designs. Again, I feel it’s so important to use interior design as self-expression to create a personalised design. It’s good to understand trends and what works in terms of materials, but it’s also key to be honest when choosing colour schemes, materials and styles to ensure the space represents who you are.

What is your favourite room to design and why?

Q

Where the kitchen and living room are spaces that need to be welcoming to guests, the bedroom is a place of

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s: Secret Tradeat home is a lot

g g Feelin with feelin bout to d o think a g – le b rta sin comfo when choo e. this chem s r u lo o your c

Above left: Ella Jade advises to invest in high quality kitchen and bathroom worktops Below: Rich, dark tones and a statement headboard bring opulence to this bedroom design

i-nterior What current palettes and styles do you deem most on-trend?

Q

Mixing natural warm shades of wood with lighter stone materials and splashes of colours in the accessories.

For example, using a Wenge wood for the cabinets and then a white Corian worktop in the kitchen can create a clean contrast and a natural look.

Above: Raw textures and neutral tones work well together in this bathroom Below: This bedroom utilises warm beiges and browns alongside a white backdrop

What interior items do you believe to be the most important investments – for example, on a limited budget, what items should homeowners not skimp on?

Q

There are a range of materials you can use for furniture, worktops, tiles, wallpapers and accessories. In terms of kitchen cabinets, you can start off with a lower cost option of laminate wood – veneered, lacquered and solid might cost more. If these cabinets come from a good manufacturer, any of the above should be a suitable quality option. I would definitely suggest not skimping on worktops in the bathroom and kitchen. These worktops are some of the most used areas in the house, so it’s important to choose a quality and long lasting material, such as Corian or Quartz.

What colours/style/products have you chosen to decorate your own home with?

Q

My home is a traditional take on art deco. There is a lot of statement furniture with classic styles and neutral colours, with some nice furry rugs to throw over armchairs and beds to give it a relaxing feel.

www.ellajadeinteriors.com

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i-scape

As a rough idea of cost, a typical installation of high quality natural stone flags or vitrified porcelain paving would come : s t in below £120 per m2 – according Secre Trade esting in any to website Home Advice Guide – inv , When f landscape which, compared to the average o ed, kind it is fix ted e r u single storey extension costing s c n e ote and pr £1000 per m2 – as presented treated quately. ade on buildinginspiration.co.uk – is a significant savings, and if a DIY approach was taken these savings would increase further.

Design and style

Landscaping investment With the cost of moving house rising by 59% in recent years to an average of £12,000, more and more homeowners are thinking twice about relocating and are deciding to invest in what they already have. Here Malcolm Gough, Business Development Director at Natural Paving Products (UK) Ltd explains how hard landscaping can be a smart investment for those looking to boost sale value or improve their home.

A

lthough the housing market is showing promising signs of recovery and growth, the cost of moving house has been increasing way beyond the rate of inflation and now stands at a whopping £28,000 in London. Naturally, more homeowners are investing in the property they already have to either ensure maximum sale value or to make it suitable for their growing needs.

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A popular investment with homeowners has been the expansion of ground floor living space through hard landscaping. Offering attractive additional living space without the need to comply with Building Regulations, patios and courtyards are becoming ‘garden rooms’ and are effectively extending properties beyond the back door. What’s more, this is a very cost efficient solution when compared to traditional methods of increasing square footage.

Attractive and versatile outdoor spaces can add thousands to the value of a property, as well as improving the overall experience of living in the home. Paying careful attention to the design is therefore very important and often ensuring a continuity of style from the indoor space and architectural heritage of a property is the key to success. Both natural stone and vitrified porcelain paving can be particularly effective as, if it is offered from suppliers in different thicknesses, it can be used both internally and externally, seamlessly extending a ground floor living space.

why Natural Paving Products has developed its Pavetuf range of accessories, which includes jointing compounds, mortars, sealers and cleaners.

Sealants and coatings One of the key product lines in this range is the sealers. Homeowners should be aware that many sealants require newly laid stone to ‘settle’ for a minimum of three months before application. This is to allow trapped efflorescence to escape before the stone is sealed but this also leaves it exposed to the elements and vulnerable to discolouration from vegetation, birds, pets and spillages. Pavetuf sealers, on the other hand, are fully breathable and can be applied immediately.

It is also important to understand the difference between a coating and a sealant.

Put simply, coatings will sit on the surface of the paving, while sealants are designed to penetrate deep into the stone itself. Superficial coatings will need to be reapplied on a regular basis, which can lead to a build up of layers over time that actually change the appearance of the stone and suffocate it.

On the other hand, sealants offer a much

longer life expectancy than coatings as protection is held deep within the substrate.

Again, it’s worth looking out for high quality products that are UV resistant and breathable.

Hard landscaping projects are a sound investment for homeowners and are increasingly desirable to prospective buyers.

Good design and choosing the right materials is therefore critical to maximising return, whether that be securing a higher sale value or gaining greater enjoyment from the installation personally. Using a trusted supplier of quality natural stone, porcelain and a good range of accessories is the best way to ensure success on both fronts.

i-scape

For modern homes, clean lines and straight cut edges have been most popular. Stronger colours and contrasts are also more prevalent – for example, Natural Paving Products’ new Ebony limestone with its rich black finish has been in high demand recently. In traditional settings more natural tones tend to be used along with more textured finishes.

Natural stone and porcelain offer a huge range of versatility as well as a number of advantages over concrete based alternatives, including greater durability and frost resistance. Natural stone also offers a unique blend of colours and tones, enabling homeowners to create completely bespoke designs, while porcelain provides flawless finishes that require minimal maintenance.

Using flagstones of different sizes of either type in both symmetrical and less regimented patterns, can also lead to some really visually interesting and individual installations.

Critical to any investment made in landscaping is fixing, treating and protecting it adequately so that it continues to look its best for many years to come. Using high quality products for installation and care and that’s

www.naturalpaving.co.uk www.pavtuf.co.uk www.vitripiazza.co.uk

Below: Cornsilk sandstone designed and installed by Greenbelt Landscapes Below left: Pumice sandstone steps Opposite: Attractive outdoors spaces can add thousands to the value of a home

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Pre-manufactured i-build Homes

Pioneering new homes

Above: Baufritz has a number of show homes, such as the Alpenchic Below: This home is a fine example of what Baufritz can offer customers

Almost 120 years since its foundation, Baufritz continues to lead the way in pioneering timber frame construction and technology.

T

hroughout its long history as a familyowned company, Baufritz is proud of its record of pushing the envelope in timber frame construction and home technology. Thanks to these efforts, Baufritz homes offer customers exceptional standards in terms of energy efficiency, healthy living environments and state-of-theart technology that can accommodate the demands of modern living.

For many years, Baufritz has developed a series of show homes where it can not only offer customers a real example of what a Baufritz home can look and feel like, but also provides a test bed for new construction techniques and technology before they are rolled out for the benefit of customers in the UK and around Europe.

The Bauzentrum Poing near Munich is one of Germany’s largest homes exhibitions, featuring over 55 show houses by a range of housebuilding companies. Around 80,000 people visit every year, and it is here that Baufritz has recently completed Alpenchic – a remarkable new show home for customers to experience.

Alpenchic advances Baufritz’s expertise in environmental efficiency, and is the first home in Germany that generates its own electricity and heat from hydrogen. The energy generated from its

54

Viessman hydrogen fuel cell heater, in conjunction with a wind turbine and photovoltaic system, is used to power and heat the house, with surpluses either stored by batteries or fed into the public electricity grid. At Alpenchic, Baufritz is demonstrating how this remarkable new technology can work in a domestic setting, offering customers additional choice alongside its well-established range of PV and air or ground source heat pumps.

Verified credentials As a company that believes firmly in transparency, Baufritz submits its environmental

and energy performance claims to stringent and independently verified testing regimes.

Alpenchic is the first single family house in Germany with Minergie-Eco certification: a rigorous set of standards which recognise outstanding energy performance and ecological credentials. The Minergie-Eco certification process covers firstly health: only recognising those houses which can demonstrate a healthy environment with plentiful natural light, protection against noise, and high quality ambient air. It also addresses building ecology, demanding low embodied energy, the use of responsible materials and construction processes, and building design that can offer flexibility so a house can adapt to its occupants’ needs over time.

Alpenchic is also a great example of Baufritz’s attention to design detail. Designed as a contemporary and homely interpretation of an Alpine chalet, it features traditional elements such as large roof overhangs and shingle facades alongside contemporary flourishes including double height glazing on the main facade. Inside, the house is filled with light and an open-plan layout creates attractive sightlines throughout the house. Ash and limestone are used for flooring, while knot-free cladding to walls and ceilings continues the contemporary Alpine theme. These natural and local raw materials offer a contrasting backdrop for the house’s contemporary fixtures and fittings.

Whatever the style, Baufritz will always offer customers homeliness alongside healthy environments and energy efficiency. The company’s pioneering work gives UK customers choice and an amazing range benefits. Further information on Baufritz’s pioneering homes is available at the Baufritz UK website.

www.baufritz.com/uk 01223 235632 enquiries@baufritz.co.uk

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LEVATO MONO

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

• 20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 • ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes • Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings • Highly abrasion and stain resistant • Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test • Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 • High load bearing and impact resistance • Timber & stone effects ; 40+ finishes available • Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial & residential use • Completely non porous • Fire & frost proof

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Product Guide

Stylish Symmetry The successful Symmetry wide shaker panel range by JB Kind Doors welcomes the addition of six new exclusive door designs. Subtle yet contemporary, the designs are perfect for both classic and modern interiors, plus they are priced very competitively.

Adding three new finishes to the White Axis design, you can now choose from Oak, Walnut and Monochrome, as well as their glazed partners. All pre-finished, solid core doors, the glazed Oak and Walnut offer clear safety glass, whilst the glazed Monochrome has striking chequered opaque glass with its solid version sporting an all black central panel. FD30 fire door options are also available from stock.

www.jbkind.com 01283 554197 info@jbkind.com

Warm and sophisticated muted tile tones With their timeless, elegant styling, the striking, hexagonal-shaped Firenze tiles from surfacing specialist Reed Harris provide a perfect flooring solution for period properties as well as contemporary homes.

Available in six chic and elegant colourways, the porcelain tiles have a sophisticated matt finish and will add warmth and character to any room within the home. The subtle shades of Firenze Dorato, which injects muted golden accents into the living area pictured above, and soft grey tones of Firenze Bianco, help to bring light and space into a room. For a more dramatic effect, the bolder, black Firenze Nero tiles create a slate-effect while the tan-coloured Firenze Cuoio tiles are reminiscent of rich leather. Perfect for contemporary kitchens or living areas, the Firenze Grigio and Firenze Tobacco tiles look equally at home in sleek bathrooms or hallways. Colours can be used on their own or mixed with other shades to create individual designs.

Firenze tiles measure 250 x 216 x 10mm and are priced from £59.26 per m2 or £70.46 per box, which covers 1.189m2. Two decor tiles, Firenze Deco Grey and Firenze Deco Beige, are also available and feature a striking diamond pattern. They are priced from £65.85 per m2 or £78.29 per box, which covers 1.189m2.

Karen Brimacombe, Reed Harris’ Business Development Manager, says: “The rich warm tones of our Firenze range add a touch of sophistication to any room and look simply stunning in contemporary as well as period style interiors.”

www.reedharris.co.uk 020 7736 7511 enquiries@reed-harris.co.uk

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Bespoke timber frame homes Hanse Haus is a premium supplier of turnkey, premanufactured, super highefficiency homes. Founded back in 1929, it now erects some 400 homes annually Europe-wide and has been active in the UK since 2006.

With over 85 years’ experience in the construction industry and boasting more than 30,000 completed homes, Hanse Haus offers bespoke, timber frame homes which take 8-12 weeks from start to completion. The company is a certified builder of the Passivhaus standard – a concept that enables a building to lose almost no heat through its walls, roof and windows, thanks to extremely high levels of thermal insulation.

www.hanse-haus.co.uk 0845 658 9780 info@hanse-haus.co.uk

KBB raises Pisa’s game with complementary colours KBB – a specialist in replacement doors for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom cabinetry – has added three critical finishes to its Bellissimo Pisa range to provide the perfect complement to the five woodgrains already offered. White, Cashmere and Cream are the new on-trend solid colours for Pisa’s slab door format. Pisa is made in the innovative new PVC-edged MFC with almost invisible laser edging. There is a developing preference for woodgrains combined with solid colours which tone with them rather than contrast strongly. The new solid colours in Bellissimo’s Pisa range allow homeowners to achieve this contemporary two-tone look in an affordable and timely fashion.

www.kitchenbedroomdoors.com 0800 112 4973 info@kitchenbedroomdoors.com

Would you like to see

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Get involved: Know any budding self-builders? The i-build website and magazine have already become an invaluable resource, and subscriptions are absolutely free! Visit i-buildmagazine.com /subscriptions

Whether you're halfway through your build, or sitting back and enjoying the finished article, we'd love to hear from you!

Tell us about your renovation, conversion, extension or new build:

hannah@mixedmediainfo.com

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

i-build i-nterior i-scape

Timber Frame Construction i-build

Eco-friendly living Going greener is a trend that’s continuing to grow as more people look at ways in which they can live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and, if you enlist the help of Welsh Oak Frame, you can rest assured that your new home will be beautiful as well as eco-friendly.

B

uilding with oak frames is one of the greenest construction techniques and all of Welsh Oak Frame’s timber frames are constructed from Green Oak selected from QP1 grade European timbers from sustainably managed forests. As well as being strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing, oak is also carbon neutral, meaning it doesn’t release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere like some other building materials. Oak frames are sustainable because the trees are replanted, and as the wood occurs naturally it doesn’t require large amounts of energy to manufacture. Easy to maintain, the oak frame structure will not only age beautifully, but it will actually improve over time.

The owners of this beautiful two-bedroom, two-storey property commissioned Welsh Oak Frame to design and build a home that was as energy efficient as possible and would accommodate indoor and outdoor space that would allow them to take advantage of the stunning location in Powys, Wales. The couple wanted to keep their bills low and Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels were installed to generate their own electricity while an air-source heat pump (ASHP) was chosen

58

for the heating and hot water. These are complemented by a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) that extracts warm, stale air from inside and draws in cold fresh air that’s heated through the exchanger as it comes in. There is double glazing, underfloor heating and LED lighting throughout.

The expert team at Welsh Oak Frame have more than 20 years’ experience designing and building truly bespoke, oak-frame homes and extensions using a combination of traditional building techniques and cutting-edge technology. Each design is tailored to suit the needs and requirements of every client.

Rebecca Pritchard, Welsh Oak Frame’s Marketing Manager, says: “This beautiful house is a prime example of how you don’t have to compromise on aesthetics when looking to build an eco-friendly home. As each of our homes are bespoke, we can incorporate as many green features as desired to complement your lifestyle and help you reduce your energy bills.”

www.welshoakframe.com 01686 688000 info@welshoakframe.com

Above: The new home is in Powys, Wales Below: The home utilises renewable technologies

Glass & Stainless Limited offer a range of architectural glazing solutions to enhance the aesthetics of any building. Our systems include:

G-GLAS BESPOKE GLASS Available in a variety of different thicknesses and finishes from screen printed to curved.

G-CUVA CANOPY SYSTEMS & POINT FIXINGS High quality 316 grade components are used in either connecting rod or universal wall mounted system.

G-LINE SLIDING GLASS DOOR & PARTITIONING SYSTEMS To suit a wide range of applications from fixed and non-fixed panels and have the ability to mount to a wall, ceiling or glass.

G-RAIL ALUMINIUM AND STAINLESS STEEL RAILING SYSTEMS Premium quality modular balustrade systems designed to offer flexible solutions to everyday challenges.

G-CUBE GLASS SHOWER CUBICLE SYSTEMS Hinges, handles, knobs, channels and clamps.

G-FLOR BESPOKE GLASS FLOORS Made to measure bespoke glass floor individually tailored to suit your home, manufactured on a either a supply and install or supply only basis.

Request a copy of our 2015 brochure at glassandstainless.com

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Glass & Stainless Limited | Martins Court | West Street | Congleton | Cheshire | CW12 1LB

FLOORING FOR YOUR OPEN PLAN SPACE

Karndean Designflooring answer your questions‌

Q.

We are close to completing our self build project and need a floor that will work with underfloor heating in our kitchen diner. What would you recommend?

Karndean LooseLay

With an innovative friction grip backing, Karndean LooseLay is quick and easy to install. Perfect for fitting over most existing hard floors.

A.

For a floor that can be laid quickly and is compatible with underfloor heating, we'd recommend Karndean LooseLay. Designed to work with underfloor heating systems, Karndean LooseLay can withstand temperatures up to 27°C.

Stamford LLP109

As an added bonus, it's also quick and easy to install. So if you're running out of time on your project, this could really help buy you some time back. All you need is a dry, smooth, sound and dust-free subfloor and you're ready to go.

As with any flooring, we recommend checking with your retailer and/or heating system's manufacturer to ensure your chosen system is compatible with Karndean.

Colorado LLT201

Q.

We've just invested in a flat which we intend to rent out.

I'm cautious about laying a carpet, but we need something that can be laid quickly as the tenants are moving in at the end of the month. What would you suggest?

Do you have a question for Karndean?

Email us at questions@karndean.co.uk

A.

The rental market is a great place to be investing at the minute. Installing a floor which is both hardwearing and easy to repair makes complete sense. We would recommend looking at Karndean LooseLay. With wood planks and stone and textile tiles to choose from this latest range from Karndean offers a 15 year residential guarantee. What's even better is that if a tenant does damage a section of floor, that area can easily be lifted out and replacement pieces dropped in. No mess, no fuss. Good luck in your new venture!

Like us on Facebook /karndeandesignflooring See Karndean LooseLay for yourself at

www.karndean.com/looselay