i-build November 2018

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

WHY SELECTING A ROOF WINDOW THAT HAS LOW-MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS IS IMPORTANT

November 18 Issue 52

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

20+

Feather accessories to add some depth to your home’s interior scheme

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED REMORTAGING SO YOU CAN EXTEND?

COVER STORY:

MAKE A HOUSE A HOME If you’re looking to enhance your self-build with a heating solution that is both fashionable and functional, a woodburner could be the answer

THE PROS OF TIMBER FRAMES

A GARAGE DOOR GUIDE

A PROFITABLE PROJECT

Is a timber frame building the right choice for you?

How to get the correct garage door for your self-build

How to make money from a district ground source heat pump

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

l RENDER l LAWN CARE l STORAGE l PLOT SEARCHING

To make the dream of your perfect home come true, many things should be taken into consideration. Individuality, Quality as well as Efficiency play significant roles. One of the first and most important decision future-homeowners need to make, is to answer the question about the right method of construction: either to build a stone house or a prefabricated house in timberframe method.

WHY TIMPERFRAME CONSTRUCTION CAN BE THE RIGHT CONSTRUCTION METHOD FOR YOUR PERFECT HOUSE A prefabricated house offers many advantages! While it takes several months to build a massive house, the construction time for a prefabricated house made of wood is much shorter.

The individual parts of a prefabricated house are manufactured in our workshop and so the construction of your house is not affected by bad weather conditions.

In addition, a prefabricated house does not involve a large

number of different construction companies. Hanse Haus delivers your dream home from a single source, and that saves you valuable time, nerves and costs. Energy efficiency, superior quality and reduced construction costs are only a few other advantages.

Every single house is tailormade: we take unique wishes seriously. Our slogan “My perfect home” reflects what we do.

Let’s build your perfect home together.

READ MORE Get insights into the Hanse Haus production hall, read case studies and order your catalogue by simply scanning the QR Code.

Read more by scanning the code or on www.hanse-haus.co.uk/ timberframe

Welcome to the November issue of i-build

www.i-buildmagazine.com

Editorial:

Paige Smith

paige@mixedmediainfo.com

Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

Finding a plot of land to build your dream home

development plot. Turn to page 16 to discover

on brings a unique set of challenges. Finding a

how Oliver transformed the narrow geometry of

plot is both demanding and time-consuming

the plot into a stylish home with four bedrooms,

wherever you’re searching, but if you’re planning

a ground-floor studio, a series of home offices

to build your home in a rural area, with no specific

and numerous garden terraces.

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

destination in mind, you’re more than likely spoilt

Grant Jeffs

for choice when it comes to choosing your space.

grant@mixedmediainfo.com Print Design Manager:

Jack Witcomb

jack@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Design Manager:

Welcome Note

i-build

With plot searching at the heart of every self-build project because no self-build dream becomes

However, if you want to live in a particular

reality without land, this month i-build discusses

area – perhaps somewhere where your children

what happens once you’ve purchased land to

already go to school, somewhere where you and

build your home on and you’re faced with the local

your partner are close to work, it becomes more

authority or warranty provider having suspicions

difficult. This level of difficulty increases tenfold

of nearby contaminated or infilled land with Colin

david@mixedmediainfo.com

when trying to find a plot in sought-after and

Hiscock, Managing Director of YourEnvironment,

Production Assistant:

overcrowded London. As our main case study

on page 26.

David Perry

Sofia Franchi

self-builder Oliver Lazarus explains: “If you want

sofia@mixedmediainfo.com

a self-build plot in London you don’t really have

Accounts:

a lot of choice,” which explains why he decided

Jackie Dearman

to take a risk and take on the mammoth task of

jackie@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director:

Sam Ball

sam@mixedmediainfo.com

building a family home on a long and narrow plot of land in Shoreditch, East London.

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

Previously an open yard to the rear of a grocery

journey and would be keen for us to document

shop, the site had been vacant since 2008

your progress, do get in contact.

before Oliver purchased it, but because of its size and shape, it wasn’t a conventional @ibuildmagazine

Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BZ T: 01622 232723

/ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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

Paige

www.mixedmediainfo.com

Editor’s picks

Terms and Conditions:

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Hörmann announces the launch of the ProMatic Canopy Door Operator: See page 54 Core Design's LED light tower is a perfect choice for outdoor areas where safety is paramount: See page 53 DRU has developed the Global 55XT cavity wall gas fire: See page 52

53

Cover story: Discover the benefits that come with a wood-burning stove.

See page 28

54

52

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Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

November 2018

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32

24

28

08

34

14

In this issue: Desired Designs

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Viewpoint

16 24 26 28

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ON THE COVER

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

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ON THE COVER

This month, Lee Griffiths, Technical Sales Manager at Dakea GB, discusses everything you need to consider when purchasing windows for your self-build to ensure they last a lifetime.

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Impressive Innovation

How do you transform a tiny, narrow and abandoned plot in London into a stylish family home with a stunning facade? This issue, selfbuilder and Architect, Oliver Lazarus, talks us through his journey.

Plot Searching

ON THE COVER

Colin Hiscock, Managing Director of YourEnvironment explains the contaminated land assessment process so you’re prepared for what you may face.

i-nterior

ON THE COVER

An in-depth look at the many benefits of a wood-burning stove and some key considerations to help you decide if you should consider adding one to your self-build.

ON THE COVER

Garador explains that there’s a lot more to choosing a garage door than first meets the eye by focusing on two important aspects to consider when picking a door: insulation and security.

Renewable Technology

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS

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

WHY SELECTING A ROOF WINDOW THAT HAS LOW-MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS IS IMPORTANT

Timber Frame

40

Security

44

i-scape

ON THE COVER

46

i-build

ON THE COVER

48

i-DIY ON THE COVER

ON THE COVER

What are the advantages of timber frame building designs? Sky House Design Centre explains what you need to consider.

Can a safe and secure garage still be stylish and fit in with your self-build design? Rundum Meir proves they can.

A helpful guide on what you should be doing with your lawn throughout the seasons.

A look at all your options to help you decide whether rendering is right for your project.

Eight easy steps to building a shelving unit with a difference.

20+

Feather accessories to add some depth to your home’s interior scheme

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED REMORTAGING SO YOU CAN EXTEND?

Did you know that if your new-build or retrofit project features multiple buildings, you may be able to link them to a shared ground array to cut installation costs and fuel bills? Kensa explains more.

38

Contracts & Legalities

A Gloucestershire couple discuss how remortgaging allowed them to triple the size of their home and made room for the rest of their family.

Garages

November 18 Issue 52

08

COVER STORY:

MAKE A HOUSE A HOME If you’re looking to enhance your self-build with a heating solution that is both fashionable and functional, a woodburner could be the answer

THE PROS OF TIMBER FRAMES

A GARAGE DOOR GUIDE

A PROFITABLE PROJECT

Is a timber frame building the right choice for you?

How to get the correct garage door for your self-build

How to make money from a district ground source heat pump

+ SPECIAL FOCUS:

l RENDER l LAWN CARE l STORAGE l PLOT SEARCHING

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

HAND CRAFTED BESPOKE SECONDARY GLAZING Love the look of the original windows in your property - but not the heat loss they cause?

Our family company has been making and installing bespoke secondary glazing for listed, classic and historic properties for more than 15 years and we understand the needs of period property owners.

Benefits include: A warmer home due to greatly increased thermal efficiency Virtually invisible, making it ideal for listed buildings Significant noise reduction Preserves the character of your home

Contact us on 01384 636365 to arrange a free no-obligation survey.

www.stormwindows.co.uk 7

Desired Designs

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Image ©Cloudberry Living

Pretty plumes 5

It’s time for bird prints and accessories to step aside and make room for their chic and versatile replacement – feathers.

P

erfect for both modern and traditional interior schemes, feather accessories come in a multitude of colours and styles meaning there’s a print, motif or sculpture to suit any room in your self-build. These delicate, pretty and organic pieces will bring a sense of warmth and texture to a room and there is a vast range of hues, styles and sizes. Embrace this ethereal trend by confidently adding a feather feature wallpaper as a bold focal point or, if you’d prefer to add the trend in a more understated way, why not add a scattering of cushions embossed with feather images. Take your pick from these pretty plume accessories to add a unique and glamourous edge to your self-build interior and bring a little bit of nature indoors. Adding feathers to your self-build will create a sense of luxury and whimsy to any room. If you want to add feathers in a more masculine way, try using metal and ceramic sculptures and wall art to add this trend with a bit of an edge.

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1. Medium UMAGE

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EOS brown feather, Dowsing and Reynolds, £99

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2. Feather suspension pendant light, Nedgis, €1065

3. Golden feather mirror, AUDENZA, £92

4. Medium gold feather wall decor, Hurn & Hurn, £28.50

5. Ostrich feather floor lamp, Sweetpea & Willow, £3600

6. Feather juju hat wall decor, AUDENZA, £310

7. Icarus antique gold feather bowl, Artisanti, £59

8. Bamileke feather headdress on stand, Safari Fusion, $365

9. Monochrome steel

feather outdoor artwork, LisaSarah, $159

10. Golden feather wall mirror, The Farthing, £79.50

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2. Madame De La Soir large cushion in marine by Santorus, £180

3. Madame De Le Soir wallpaper – Azure by Santorus, £275

4. Metallic peacock feather wallpaper, £70

Desired Designs

1. Brushed gold feather cuff, £21.95

1

4 2 3

Lime Lace Lime Lace stocks the most stylish home accessories, furniture, gifts and lighting from the most exclusive and desirable designer brands.

i-build loves...

Adding another layer

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These feather cushions are perfect for adding a little more depth and texture to your self-build space.

1. Floating feather cushion by John Piper, Artisanti, £43

2

2. Emu faux feather cushion, Hurn & Hurn, £24

3. Black ostrich feather cushion cover, KSL LIVING, €98

4. Pad feather cushion cover,

4

einrichten-design.de, €40

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Desired Designs

An interior that’s all heart Add some love to your interior schemes and make every room the heart of your home.

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Image ©LimeLace

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Industrial hearts

Bohemian and eclectic

This copper pipe heart is beautifully handmade and will look stunning hung on the wall – perfect for contemporary or traditional homes. It’s chunky and large enough to look great on its own, or to add a real impact display in a group of three.

Liven up your interior with this charming pouffe with a vibrant, embroidered heart pattern. This item would look lovely on its own or why not pair it with some bright cushions and throws, for an eclectic, bohemian feel.

(www.limelace.co.uk)

(www.sweetpeaandwillow.com)

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2

Pink velvet

A duo of hearts

The gorgeous heart-shaped frame of this mirror is covered in a pretty pink velvet fabric.

Just perfect for the girliest of bedrooms. The soft pink velvet will add a soft and plush feel to any interior scheme.

This shabby chic metal heart wall hook duo will help add a rustic touch to your self-build’s hallway. (www.livelaughlove.co.uk)

(www.melodymaison.co.uk)

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A dash of neon

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White and wooden

We all need a dash of pink in our homes to celebrate the feminine, so grab a neon heart light and see how it lights up your life! Perfect for any room in the house to add a warm glow.

This lovely wooden stool with heart-shaped seat would look perfect in a child's room or a rustic country kitchen.

(www.audenza.com)

(www.melodymaison.co.uk)

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Eyebrow

Always in tune with your style

Sub-brow

a comprehensive range of rainwater systems to accommodate all types of buildings and budgets

Choose from modern, traditional and heritage rainwater systems, available in Aluminium, GRP, Copper, Zinc and Stainless Steel.

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

Aluminium

GRP

Cast Iron

Copper, Zinc & Stainless Steel

w w w. r a i n g u a r d . c o . u k 11

Desired Designs

Window dressing It’s time to give your self-build windows a little TLC.

Image ©Blinds2go

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4

Vintage violet

Rustic charm

A gorgeous array of purples, greens and blues adorns this curtain fabric, washed around in a pretty, painterly pattern. The fabric itself is just as stunning, linen weave with plenty of texture that hangs perfectly.

If you’re torn between vibrancy and rustic charm, this roman blind is the perfect remedy. Its bright and cheery colour palette is met with a soft linen fabric, making it ideal for a bedroom interior scheme.

(www.blinds-2go.co.uk)

(www.blinds-2go.co.uk)

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Orange shades

Butterfly effect

The Rosebud Orange roman blind is full of vibrancy thanks to the tonal orange shades, whilst the accompanying grey grounds the palette. It sure does pack a punch.

This fabulous stained-glass effect window film was created using photographs of green butterflies. This would an interesting focal point in a conservatory or orangery.

(www.blinds-2go.co.uk)

(www.purlfrost.com)

3

A starry night

Pretty privacy

Wish upon a star with these special grey and white glow-in-the-dark children’s blackout roller blinds. Lights on and they’re a pretty star design, but when it’s time for lights out there’s a wonderful surprise, their glow-in-the-dark properties create a starry night sky for half an hour helping your little ones drift off to sleep.

This is a fun way to add privacy to a bathroom. The bird silhouettes will make an interesting focal point and make sure your bathroom is quirky and individual.

(www.englishblinds.co.uk)

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(www.purlfrost.com)

Contracts & Legalities

fo r yo 5% mm u on r o dis 09 l r c 5 th ine der ou e o e nt ph r o ith o on ve er ff e r

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

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

sales@foldingdoors2u.co.uk

01621 834123

www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk 13

Viewpoint

Roof window maintenance considerations The very nature of a roof window means they can be difficult to clean and maintain. Here Lee Griffiths, Technical Sales Manager at Dakea GB, looks at what you should consider upfront when choosing a window, for ease of use across its lifetime.

L

oft conversions are becoming increasingly popular, especially as research has shown it can add up to 22% extra value onto a home.

Planning permission has increased by 60% since 2012, and loft extensions are the most popular reason. As such, when planning a home and the loft bedroom area, roof windows are an important consideration.

Considerations such as safety, energy efficiency and durability are more often discussed, and rightly so – however, maintenance requirements should also be considered.

Maintenance is crucial to ensure not only the aesthetic of the window remains intact, but also to preserve its watertightness and any electrical working parts, such as electrical openers.

So, what should be considered for maintenance to ensure it is easy and straightforward for many years?

Ditch the dirt Dirt build-up occurs due to a range of issues – while rainfall is often blamed, this is a common misconception. Rainwater contains almost no particles, so it cannot make the window any dirtier. The most common reason for dirt on the outside of the windows is caused by airborne contaminants.

Depending on your environment, pollen, windswept dirt from vehicles on the road and dirt from animals such as birds or squirrels are the culprits for unclean windows, which make them unsightly and affect the light coming in.

Manufacturers have sought to overcome this issue, with glazing units that can provide an unparalleled reduction of dirt build-up on the external surface of the window.

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These units have a microscopic titanium dioxide applied directly to the surface of the glass. When exposed to sunlight, the coating uses a photocatalytic process to break down and disintegrate organic dirt. Then, when it rains, instead of leaving streaks in any settled dirt, it is simply washed away.

In addition, the glazing tends to dry quicker, reducing the chances of water streaks and leaving you with beautifully clear windows without the need for cleaning.

Of course, if the windows need to be cleaned in between, then roof windows that can rotate up to 165° are ideal, for a simple, easy clean with water and a cloth.

Pain-free aftercare Taking care of the window frame, particularly wooden ones, is important to ensure the timber does not become affected by damp, which could cause it to swell and become deformed – creating damage that is costly to fix.

Viewpoint

7 6

1

KEY

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1 2 3 4 5

2 5 5

Heat-reflecting and sun-protective coating 6mm toughened safety glass TITAN GLASS self-cleaning coating Krypton gas filling

Two layers of noise-reducing and tear-resistant foil

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6 7

2 x 3mm float glass Heat-reflecting coating

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External factors that can cause this include rain, wind, freezing temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Internal moisture can also be a problem, such as issues with high humidity and condensation occurring on the inner surface of the window.

Choosing a product with excellent durability is cost-effective in the long-run as it greatly extends the time between replacement, and will ensure little to no maintenance – creating peace of mind for the many years you’ll be living in the home.

Therefore, when specifying a timber window, the main areas that should be considered are the materials used, the coating and the quality of the build.

A favoured material would be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified Nordic pine as it has a naturally high density and excellent durability due to the harsh winter conditions the trees grow in.

The timber should also undergo a treatment process – such as demoisturising the wood to protect against deformation of the frame, and a specialist doublelayer coating that creates a more durable surface and significantly lowers maintenance requirements.

When the timber does need relacquering, it should be simple to coat the wood with an

even layer of any type of waterbased lacquer – though how often you need to do this will depend on the humidity of the room; if the window is installed in a room with high humidity, it will need more regular relacquering.

If the frame does require cleaning, it’s very simple to do so with warm, soapy water – though, do bear in mind that too frequent cleaning may increase the need for relacquering.

In addition, if an electrical opener has also been installed, these are very easy to clean using a damp cloth and standard detergents. It is recommended that the chain is greased once a year to keep it running smoothly.

Concerns in the gutter The gutter around most roof windows will not require any extra maintenance or care.

In order to keep it functioning properly, and ensure any external roller shutters that are installed last for many years, all that is required is a periodic clean of the gutter and the area around the roller.

This periodic cleaning can be done at the same time as the cleaning of the rest of the gutters on the house.

Roof windows can be a costly investment, and as such are expected to last in a property for many years. By selecting a roof window that has low-maintenance requirements, lifetime costs and time can be saved.

www.dakea.com

15

Impressive Innovation

A home that erupts style and innovation An abandoned plot in Shoreditch, East London, has been transformed into a 220m2 new-build family home by architect practice Urban Mesh Design. Designed by and for Practice Director, Oliver Lazarus, and his family, Volcano House is complete with four bedrooms, a ground-floor studio, a series of home offices and garden terraces and a stunning facade of bespoke ‘Black Volcano’ brickwork. Previously an open yard to the rear of a grocery shop, the site had been vacant since 2008.

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U

rban Mesh saw potential in a site shunned by other developers and designed a house to transcend the narrow geometry of the plot and complement an already colourful street.

Homeowner Oliver Lazarus explains: “I’m an Architect – the perfect nightmare selfbuild client. Thankfully, colleagues at Urban Mesh were invaluable soundboards for ideas and had high boredom/tolerance thresholds.

It’s very possible to go round in circles when designing your own place, probably even

more so if you do it for a living. I was spared this by my colleagues and many of the features and ideas in the house are also down to conversations with them. It did also make me appreciate the value of architects.

“I’ve always had a fatal attraction to building houses since first seeing a self-built house by Constructive Individuals at the Milton Keynes 1986 Energy World Exhibition.

I subsequently spent the early years of my architectural practice working with selfbuilders including projects in London.

Impressive Innovation

“We wanted a larger house that would see our family through the next 20 years but didn’t want to move out of the area where we live, go to school and work. With the crazy house market these days, you need to either have very deep pockets or find a solution outside of the norm – self-build is one of these solutions.”

Oliver continues: “The plot was long and narrow and didn’t really stack up as conventional development plot. A number of people had looked at it previously, but funding was difficult as the title deeds had an old covenant preventing residential development which made borrowing difficult.

“It was close to where we already lived and to be honest, if you want a self-build plot in London you don’t really have a lot of choice.

We knew other people that had tried to develop it and were walking past it one day, saw the number of the site security company on it and phoned up. Once we had a sniff that the owner might be happy selling, we just got on with it as fast as we could.”

Oliver explains: “The primary inspiration was to make a home that would last us and our family 20 years – larger, smellier kids, their friends, family parties, visitors, possible older generation relatives living in etc.

“After that, architectural conceits seeped in. I work as an architect for Urban Mesh Design. The practice cut its teeth eking space out of tight inner-London properties and has a huge portfolio of residential projects built for large commercial owners. Over those projects, we’ve developed some great ground rules for space planning and also a simple design ethos where the primacy of creating a series of well-proportioned, well-connected spaces is never compromised.

“Once this is in place, the next challenge is to make the building greater than the sum of its parts; spaces to be multifunctional and open to being interpreted, configured and inhabited in different ways.

“Manipulating the way light entered the property was also incredibly important. The plot is very long (20.5m) and only 12ft wide (3.7m) at the front so a lot of effort went into negotiating a way of bringing light into the centre of the plan.

“As a practice, we always like to engage with the opportunity to create texture and intrigue through brick. Because this plot was so long and thin, it had a disproportionately large perimeter for a house of this size. This took up a significant part of the budget (and was a reason why it hadn’t been attractive to developers previously).

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Impressive Innovation

Impressive Innovation “For this reason, the majority of the perimeter was built using conventional block and render and we allowed the journey into brick only at the public-facing parts of the facade.”

Volcano House sits on Coate Street, E2, a pedestrian thoroughfare that runs east-west between the burgeoning Oval Space and the tranquillity of Haggerston Park. Sited in a conservation area, the locale is also blessed with a number of modern house gems and given this heritage and the increasing foot traffic through the area, Urban Mesh was keen to add to this East London landscape.

Given the relative small layout of the exterior and its prominence on the street, Urban Mesh was able to focus on quality over quantity and deliver something unique.

Working closely with brick supplier Erkan Nihat of EBM and brick maestro Ian Peper of HG Matthews, Urban Mesh developed an entirely bespoke and innovative ‘Black Volcano’ brick specifically for the project.

Consisting of three bands of differing brick treatment and throwing mirror polish slips into the mix creates a surface that is as reflective as it is enveloping – by day; a semi-transparent elevation and by night; a reflective beacon of the bright lights of the East End. “We were keen to have the facade turn the corner to address the street but as every last centimetre counted with such a narrow site, we were keen to build right out to the party wall with the neighbouring property. This meant that we could then not put windows in the

side elevation; so a banded design evolved that brought the lines of the windows around the corner. For this band, we revisited a project we’d done many years ago where, to bring a courtyard into a north-facing yard, we adhered a number of brick-sized mirrors to the house opposite. We revisited the site, the mirrors were still there and still shiny so we thought we’d build on that for this current project.

“There were two other bands. For the first of these, we worked with a brilliant independent brick manufacturer based in Buckinghamshire to develop a glazed brick especially for this project. The second bands were made from a very flat black, matte brick, which at groundfloor level we split and turned inside out to expose its rough patterned interior.”

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Impressive Innovation The interior The interiors of the home were playfully designed to suit the desires and personalities of Lazarus and his family.

“We finalised the design after lots of talking over family meals and a great app called ‘iThoughts’. This is a superb mental mapping app that helps you remember and connect all those vital elements of the brief that you remember at 2am in the morning.

“We also had the whole family drawing over printed drawings with their ideas for what they wanted.

“Colour was a big driver internally.

Personally, I’m a bit terrified of colour, but I’m very good at a number of shades of ‘greige’.

Fortunately, my partner is a colour maestro.

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Where I will paint 20 colour samples and agonise between them, my partner can pick a colour and just get on with it – which is a talent. This was also needed as the windows had to be ordered before we even started on site and they each had a different colour specified internally,” explains Oliver.

As a result, the home is filled with colourful and individual touches throughout. In the main dining space, sliding pastel green kitchen units are complemented by a cantilevered sea-blue wrap-around leather banquette and reclaimed peach church pew.

Glass doors disappear into walls, neon hearts glow and stairs become periscopes.

In the third-floor master bathroom, a wellplaced step puts the 6’3" and 4’11" couple at

equal heights at double stone sinks as well as providing access to a secluded streetfacing bamboo terrace.

At upper levels, circulation areas expand to become music, games and homework spaces – as much a salute to creative space planning as a reaction to the family’s previous corridored Victorian maisonette.

The ground floor provides a calm refuge arranged around a large pear tree planted within a glazed courtyard containing guest accommodation and an airy open-ceilinged studio space for Lazarus’ yoga and health practitioner wife.

Despite the plot size, the home is filled with natural light from generous glazing in recesses that resulted from extensive party

Impressive Innovation wall and Rights of Light negotiations. Even the plot shape formed part of the design process as negotiations with a neighbouring development resulted in a widened rear and a beguiling wedge-shaped footprint to the building that subtly opens up as you pass from front to back.

“Even though the house had outline planning, getting consent for detailed plans was a grind,” explains Oliver. “The site was in a conservation area which, with underfunded planning authorities, can be a curse. The cycle of communication with officers that can only be funded to work part-time can be painful.

I got so frustrated that in the end I went into a meeting at the planning office with a nice new pen and asked them to draw exactly how

they wanted to change the bits we couldn’t agree on and then amended the plans and resubmitted them as per their design.

“However, planning proved to be the easiest bit! As soon as we started the party wall process, we were served with an injunction from the neighbouring commercial building as they claimed that our building would damage the value of theirs.

“We spent the next year trying to persuade the building owner that turning the scrapyard that occupied the site into a good-looking building would improve rather than damage their building. In the end, they were quite reasonable about it but the delay and additional professional fees still gave us a bit of a hammering.

“The next challenge was partly self-imposed.

A building was being built next door on the other side to the commercial building and it was too big for the site! The architects for the building suggested us giving them a bit of land at the front of our site in exchange for a bit more land from their site at the back. This was great as our site became a wedge shape that opened out to the rear which works really well, but it did mean going back for another planning permission.

“A self-build is a great opportunity to try out new products. For the shell, we used a new fullfill insulation that enables you to build thinner cavity walls (the site was so long and narrow that a wall build-up 100mm thinner gave us an extra 16m2 of space – equivalent to an extra bedroom and en-suite).

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Impressive Innovation “It was an interesting moment for the introduction of home automation. Nest products are great, its thermostats are a total no-brainer; although the lack of heat detector in its protector range is a problem. The Nest camera makes a great budget version of video entry.

“After much thought, we ditched intelligent lighting systems – everyone understands a light switch and they never crash.”

Oliver continues: “We originally designed a heating system powered by a woodburner with a huge hot water storage cylinder.

The week before we were due to fit the woodburner, a New Scientist report came out with evidence that air pollution in London was largely caused by the huge increase in popularity of home burning and

22

the particulates emitted. In that light, it was difficult to justify making a house that entirely relied upon this for heat generation. We stuck some solar thermal on the roof instead to supplement a gas boiler.

“The biggest and best renewable, however, has come from building the house airtight and using MVHR. I was a bit sceptical about it but it has been amazing. We used Solarcrest to help us design the system and the company was great as it could pull elements from different manufacturers. We’ve been amazed at how fresh the air feels in the house and also how heat gets redistributed about the house. We went through our first winter using just the underfloor heating in the ground-floor hall slab to heat the whole house.”

Timeframe When discussing how long the project took, Oliver explains how they stuck to the timeframe, loosely: “We always said it would be finished by Christmas, although never told anyone which one. After buying the site in 2011, however, we didn’t expect to be only just making it in time for Chritmas 2017!

“2012 was spent getting detailed planning granted, 2013 was spent negotiating with the commercial neighbour on Rights of Light, 2014 was spent gaining new planning consent for change of site boundaries and we started on site in February 2016. In 2017, the shell was complete and we started the fit-out in February 2017. We moved in during December 2017.”

Sub-brow Eyebrow Impressive Innovation Oliver believes he didn’t do too badly in regards to remaining within his orginal budget, he explains: “Groundworks were a lot more expensive than we initially anticipated. Due to the length of time from purchase, the biggest unexpected cost was interest payments – but they never seem to talk about that bit on Property Ladder!

“Hopefully, the house is a fun moment in the street – everyone’s very complimentary about it and the odd person has been seen snapping photos.

“As architects, we rarely get to see how places that we designed are lived in. Living in something that we’ve all thought really hard about how to make and seeing how it enhances family life has been a great lesson and quite reassuring.

“The mirror brick facade is better than I could ever have imagined. I still always walk back to the house the long way round for the view.

“I love the hallway. Our previous Victorian house had a twice-daily pile-up by the front door as folk tried to negotiate coming, going and loitering with intent. That it can be a joyful experience to get in and out of the house has been a revelation.”

If Oliver did the whole thing again he would hire an architect. He says: “Doing this made me realise what great value they are. Trying to do everything – drawings, legals, finance, project management etc – drove me bonkers at times.”

But would Oliver do the whole thing again?

“Inevitably, yes. The fatal attraction will never go away. It wasn’t always a joyful process, but

it has provided our family with a home that we could not have otherwise had.

“The project has been a labour of love from purchase and planning through to construction and fit-out but, given the opportunity, what architect could resist the opportunity to build their own house, especially so close to home in London. The nature of the site pushed us as architects to create something engaging in the streetscape and internally to create a generous home with functional, beautifully proportioned and well-connected spaces. As a family, it gave us the incredible opportunity to build a lifetime home in an area we lived and loved.”

www.urbanmesh.com

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Contracts & Legalities

Gloucestershire couple triple the size of their home by remortgaging A Gloucestershire couple are thrilled to have their family living with them after converting their fourbedroom home into a 12-bedroom property after remortgaging.

P

aul and Jeanne Shorland, who are semi-retired from their jobs working for a flooring company, were looking to take out a second mortgage to fund renovation works on their home in Winterbourne, near Bristol.

The aim of the project was to convert both the barn and stables connected to the house into living spaces for the use of their family.

“We originally purchased the house in an auction and moved in 22 years ago,” explains Paul.

“All of the buildings around it were derelict at the time, but because it was such a terrific-looking house, we just fell in love with it instantly!

“I’ve always loved houses and was keen to do more work on our own to make way for our family, which is why we started looking into remortgaging.”

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The mortgage product with esbs has allowed Paul and Jeanne’s daughter Amy, her partner Joel and their four children – Oscar, Jasper, Ada and Isla – to move into the converted barn, while their niece Caroline, her partner Dainton and their two children, Archie and Monty, are now living in the converted stables.

“It’s absolutely lovely to have so much of our family around us,” the couple add. “We’re all very close-knit, but with the extra living space that we now have it doesn’t feel like we’re living on top of one another.”

“With most of the work on the renovation done, I’m left with plenty more time to work on my other little projects, which I like to potter about and do,” says Paul.

Jeanne says she too feels freer to pursue the things in life she enjoys the most – such as spending time with her family.

“I’ve recently gotten back into painting,” she says, “which was an interest of mine when I was younger and this brings me lots of pleasure and happiness.

“Having my grandchildren here is great because it allows me to paint for them, which is lovely.”

www.esbs.co.uk

A refreshing environmental consulting practice specialising in contaminated land and geotechnical consulting YourEnvironment offer environmental and geotechnical services to the self build industry in a no-jargon format. Have you

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Plot Searching

The contaminated land assessment process explained So, you’ve purchased land to build your dream home and the first barrier encountered is a raft of planning conditions or conditions from your warranty company. If the local authority or warranty provider have suspicions of nearby contaminated or infilled land, then they will likely put a standard contaminated land condition on your planning, writes Colin Hiscock, Managing Director of YourEnvironment.

T

he contaminated land regime in the UK is set out in a number of documents which outline a framework – or process flow if you like. Much like assessing a risk in health and safety, the overarching theme is a risk assessment. It’s the same as a health and safety risk assessment, just that the risk comes from another source – potential contamination in the ground.

The logical progression for this would be to take a soil sample in every single new-build house to ensure that there is no contamination. However, this would be extremely expensive and not a proportional view to take; bearing in mind that 70% of new development is on greenfield sites.

Instead, the process of assessing whether contaminated land will affect your property is dictated through the planning system.

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Each local planning authority has a contaminated land officer who will be a consulate on the planning application. These officers are often very experienced and have a vast amount of local knowledge. Therefore, their decision to put a contaminated land planning condition on consent is borne from a mixture of local knowledge and also the experience of what type of facilities are potentially contaminative.

The conditions are differently worded depending on what local authority you are with. However, they are always in the same vein and normally take the form of three or four separate conditions.

These conditions usually comprise the following stages in the contaminated land assessment process: Stage 1: Desktop study Stage 2: Site investigation

Stage 3: Remediation (this frequently includes the provision of a remediation strategy) Stage 4: Validation and verification.

During the whole process, the keystone document is the desktop study. This provides the baseline assumption as to whether the site is contaminated or not. It also provides the geology, historical mapping and other important information.

The key part of the desktop study is the Conceptual Site Model (CSM), primarily a risk assessment geared mainly by contaminated land, gas and groundwater risks. This model is carried through the whole process right through to stage four and is updated at every stage.

This model assesses the risks from potential sources (such as tanks) to potential receptors (small children living in the house, for instance)

Plot Searching via a pollutant pathway – for example, ingestion. Let’s say there is lead (potentially very toxic) in the ground and you were to grow tomatoes in the ground and then someone ate the contaminated tomatoes. This would result in a person having lead poisoning. However, if the linkage is broken, then there is no risk. The aim of the staged process is to prove this link either doesn’t exist or has been removed.

In our experience, in most cases; the desktop study is sufficient as we find that no further action is required and the conditions are discharged. However, there are times when a site investigation (SI) is required which can potentially lead to remediation and validation.

A site investigation builds on the information obtained in the desktop study.

The whole approach is scientific in nature – the desktop study is a theoretical document that says “we might have contamination here because it used to be a petrol filling station”.

The site investigation takes this theory and aims to prove or disprove it.

This is the time where the local authority needs to be involved. It’s important to gain early regulator buy-in. They will provide comment on the desktop study and sometimes require further works to be added to the scope of the SI. The scope of the SI is dependent on the outcome of the desktop study and can range from simple trial pits with chemical sampling of soils only to installation of boreholes to monitor for gas and groundwater contamination. The results from the SI are then collated into a report (including the data from the desktop study and the initial risk assessment) which builds on the CSM further and provides either an assessment of further works required (remediation) or concludes that the pollutant pathway has been broken or doesn’t exist in the first place.

You may also have a requirement to know what your foundation solution is going to be. Likely, your builder, architect, engineer or warranty provider are looking to get a foundation solution put in place. 90% of the time, we use the same piece of equipment to carry out the geotechnical investigation as we do for the site investigation, as discussed above. Therefore, it makes sense for us to do these at the same time.

Of course, we can carry out a geotechnical investigation on a standalone basis, and we do this every day.

Our aim as a consultant is to guide our clients through this process and provide the liaison between the planners, science, warranty companies and, most importantly, our client. YourEnvironment has many years’ experience in guiding our clients through this process.

www.yourenvironment.org

27

i-nterior

Why choose a wood-burning stove?

There are many benefits that come with a wood-burning stove, from the aesthetics to the ambience of green living. If you’re looking to enhance your home project with a heating solution that is both fashionable and functional, a woodburner could be the answer. Here are some key considerations that should help you decide if a wood-burning stove is for you.

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Make a house a home

Choose renewable energy

Whether you are self-building, renovating or converting, you’ll be looking at ways to make your house a home. A wood-burning stove brings that homely fireside ambience so many of us are looking for. With a vast variety of styles available, from sleek inset fires to country-inspired freestanding stoves, there is a stove to suit any interior styling, giving you plenty of options to suit your personal taste.

Some stoves are double-sided, expanding your options even further. If your plans are to knock through a wall to expand a room, or if you are looking for a way to connect two living spaces, a double-sided stove or fire works well to create a sense of flow – plus, you are heating two living spaces with one woodburner.

If you don’t have a centrally located chimney, you may be able to have a pre-fabricated system fitted which works in the same way an ordinary chimney would and could allow you more flexibility regarding placement of the stove.

Wood as a fuel is widely appreciated to be a more eco-friendly option when it comes to your carbon footprint and renewable energy. If part of your build or renovation is to incorporate ways that you can lower your carbon footprint, it may help you to know that when sourced from a sustainably managed plantation, wood combustion releases approximately the same amount of carbon dioxide as was absorbed by the tree during its growth, making it a virtually carbon-neutral fuel.

Along with this, a woodburner becomes an even more appealing choice when considering an Ecodesign-ready stove. When using good quality wood, these stoves lower emissions from wood-burning to a minimum, yet maintain superb high-efficiency levels. From 2022, all appliances within the solid fuel industry will need to adhere to Ecodesign limits – but the good news is, some stoves and fires comply with these strict requirements now.

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This means you can choose one of the most environmentally-friendly woodburners today.

It is important to burn good-quality wood for the best combustion, as a large percentage of the heat energy created by a fire is wasted burning off excess water in green or wet wood.

Firewood should be left to dry for a minimum of 12 to 18 months before being used, with a moisture content of around 20%. You can be confident in the knowledge that you have chosen good wood if you look for the Woodsure ‘Ready to Burn’ label, which ascertains the wood you are buying is of good quality.

Reliable source of heating If your home is located in the countryside, having a reliable source of heating is essential. Severe bouts of snow and ice often result in power failures and the immediate casualty is home heating. Gas- and oilfired central heating systems all depend on electricity for their pumps, so having an alternative form of heating in the event of a prolonged power outage in rural areas is vital. A woodburner would provide the heat required for particularly cold spells, and some even allow you to heat food and water on top – an invaluable asset to a country home.

www.stovax.com

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The wood burning stove perfected

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Garages

Warmth and security are key for garage doors Getting the right garage door for your property isn’t always a straightforward endeavour. There’s a lot more to choosing a garage door than first meets the eye, so Garador is looking more in detail at two important aspects: insulation and security.

B

ritish winter with long spells of wet weather and temperatures going down below freezing can have real implications for homes and garages.

Heating bills tend to go up as homeowners try to keep their properties warm, but the savings that could be made from heat loss from a garage are often overlooked. The contents of a garage also need to be considered, as modern garages are often used for a variety of activities such as home offices, home gyms or for general storage, and keeping valuable items reasonably warm and protected is a key factor.

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Insulation to keep energy bills low Today, garage doors have come a long way from the basic designs of yesteryear, and it can make sense to look for a garage door that offers good insulation. Sectional doors can be especially well-suited to offer excellent insulation, with insulated panels and rubber seals on all sides of the door. Garador offers a variety of insulated sectional garage doors that are 42mm thick and filled with highly insulating PU foam to really minimise heat loss. When combined with rubber seals, this is a great

way to help retain warmth inside the garage.

Garador’s Managing Director, Neil Discombe, argues: “If you want a door that is insulated, it’s always worth checking if there are also quality rubber seals around the door.”

Sectional doors offer additional advantages as well. Because they lift vertically, they provide full access to space immediately behind and in front of the garage; vital for homes with a short driveway. With this vertical lift, there is also full width at the garage entrance; ensuring modern wider vehicles have no problems getting in and out of the garage.

Garages Burglars love the long, dark nights of winter If you are in the market for a garage door, along with insulation, another major factor to consider is security. When you think of all that valuable equipment that is often found in garages; items such as garden mowers, keep-fit and sporting equipment as well as expensive DIY tools and equipment, security suddenly becomes a major aspect when choosing a garage door. Along with the valuables found in a garage, burglars favour trying to break in through a garage because this can offer access into a house or a route to the back of the home where they can operate away from prying eyes.

Today, you can buy a garage door that is Secured by Design (SBD)-accredited, indicating that it has been tested extensively by the UK Police to ensure it can withstand a break-in by a burglar. One of the weakest points on a garage door is the locking system. Lock snapping, involving breaking the cylinder to manipulate the lock open, is a common method of entry used by burglars but again you can find

garage doors with levels of extra bracing and reinforcement to offer a high level of strength against this possible way of attack and entry.

Garages with cylinders that feature an antisnap, anti-drill design and even a sacrificial front are available today that will prevent entry through the lock even after an attack.

Modern technology is everywhere, and that includes garage doors. Today you can buy a variety of remotes and systems so that the garage door can be opened and closed remotely. However, surprisingly few people think about the cyber skills of burglars when you buy a garage door with an automated opening system. The security issues associated with copying the signal from a hand transmitter were first identified in 1960s and 1970s suburban America and also in the sprawling neighbourhoods of Great Britain. For those who were lucky enough to have a remotely operated door, on occasion some neighbours found they could accidentally open each other’s garage doors.

This proved to be quite common in suburban areas, where homes and garages were in relatively close proximity to one another.

Whilst technology has moved forward, some problems still remain. Much in the same way that you can hack a computer, you can also hack signals from remotes today, from some lesser manufacturers using older technology. Using a remote hand transmitter and operator without rolling code technology is not recommended these days as it is too easily copied.

So when buying a garage door fitted with an electric operator, it is a very sound idea to look for extra high security on garage door remotes. Today you can find new technology on hand transmitters that feature 128-bit security technology; this is the same level of security used by banks. Wireless finger scanners are also now becoming available to provide extra security for garage door opening devices. It is generally recommended to use an operator system with a high-frequency signal of 868MHz. Today, choosing the best garage door for a property is not an easy task, and it is important to ensure the latest options have been examined before making that final decision.

www.garador.co.uk

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Renewable Technology

Here: If your new-build or retrofit project features multiple buildings, you may be able to link them to a shared ground array to cut installation costs and fuel bills

Multiple buildings? Unlock Non-Domestic RHI funding Homeowners and self-builders whose projects feature two or more domestic buildings on one site could be earning themselves a profitable income by utilising a simple district ground source heat pump system architecture to unlock quarterly payments from the Government’s Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme for the next 20 years.

M

ore commonly associated with commercial projects, the current Non-Domestic RHI tariff for ground source heat pumps is very generous in comparison with other renewable technologies. It has recently increased in line with inflation to 9.36p/kWh on the first 1314 hours of eligible energy produced,

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followed by 2.79p/kWh on any additional heat produced over a 20-year period.

UK ground source heat pump manufacturer, Kensa Heat Pumps, has created a dedicated online resource showing customers the typical return on investment they can expect from a district ground source heat pump system (www.kensaheatpumps.com/solution-centre/ homeowner/multiple-buildings).

Linking two or more properties to a district system Paul Dennison, Sales Manager for Kensa Heat Pumps, says: “If your new-build or retrofit project features multiple buildings, you may be able to link them to a shared ground array to cut installation costs and fuel bills. This will qualify as a district heating scheme and allow you to maximise the benefit of the

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Renewable Technology

Left: As few as two properties can be linked together in a district ground source heat pump system, opening up the opportunity for self-build or renovation projects featuring smaller numbers of residential properties or outbuildings to access the lucrative Non-Domestic RHI funding Middle: Schematic micro district system on slinkies Bottom: District borehole system

Government’s RHI scheme, whilst delivering the energy savings and efficiency benefits that ground source naturally brings.�

As few as two properties can be linked together in a district ground source heat pump system, opening up the opportunity for self-build or renovation projects featuring smaller numbers of residential properties or outbuildings to access the lucrative NonDomestic RHI funding.

As each dwelling features its own individual ground source heat pump, this eliminates the need for a central plant room to be incorporated into the build. Also, the occupier has complete control of their own heating and hot water system.

Installation can happen in stages to fit around individual build schedules. And, as the ground arrays (typically slinky pipe, pond mats or boreholes) are all part of the same system, they can be sited where practical, rather than individually. Once installed, the district ground source heat pump system infrastructure will last for up to 100 years and will provide 100% of their heating and hot water needs.

Ground source heat pumps are a popular choice with many self-builders Ground source heat pumps work by harnessing heat from the ground or water using pipework buried underground or submerged in water, and converting this to a higher temperature.

Ground source heat pumps do not require annual servicing or maintenance, and the units typically have a 20-year lifetime.

For every 1kW of power used to run a ground source heat pump, 3 to 4kW of heat are produced, making them extremely efficient compared to a typical gas boiler.

As a result of their efficiency compared to conventional heating options, ground source heat pumps are capable of reducing heating and hot water costs by over 50% compared to electric heating and around 35% compared to LPG, whilst more than halving CO2 emissions compared to the latter.

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NOTHING WARMS BE T TER

w w w.vardes toves.com For more information or to view the full range of Varde woodburning stoves visit our website or call 01392 474509.

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37

Timber Frame

Timber frame buildings and their design considerations What are the pros of timber frame building designs and what do you have to watch out for?

Here, Sky House Design Centre explains more.

Construction time One of the main advantages bandied around a pre-fabricated timber frame construction is the minimal construction time on site.

The timber framing structure of the house can be premanufactured in a factory setting and brought to site ready for construction.

This construction on site can be as minimal as

38

a few days, meaning the external skin of the building goes up fast, allowing you to get on with the internal finishes.

You do, however, need to factor in the design and manufacture time that will be done off site. A timber frame construction is an engineered solution and a structural engineer is needed to ensure that the timber frame being designed will take any imposed loads.

This design and construction phase can take up to three months so orders need to be placed well ahead of schedule to ensure that your build goes forward as planned.

As the design of a timber frame construction has very little tolerance, you will also need to ensure that any slabs are level and accurate.

Once installed, however, the installations of internal services and insulation is usually quite

Timber Frame straightforward as the walls of a timber frame building are relatively hollow.

Design There is a wide range of design possibilities now for timber frame constructions. Most build designs, however, can be broken into two categories – traditional designs featuring exposed post and beam supports or modern designs where these timber supports are hidden.

The external skin of a timber frame building is finished in exactly the same way as a blockwork house meaning there can be a very minimal external aesthetic difference between the two.

Internal walls are normally stud partition walls finished in plasterboard that can be decorated as desired.

If you wish to extend your home in the future, it might be more tricky if you have a timber-framed

construction. Due to the engineered solution of a timber construction, if external walls are to be removed, a structural engineer will need to calculate the implications of removing these walls to ensure the house will remain stable.

Performance Timber is a naturally insulating material and as walls are normally hollow, it is very easy to add in insulation within the outer walls.

Extra depth can be designed into the outer walls if more thermal performance is required with some homes now opting for a 140mmthick wall construction in order to achieve Scandinavian levels of insulation.

Although the external walls are very easy to insulate, timber doesn’t hold heat very well, therefore, internal rooms can heat and cool quite quickly. This is good if you want to turn the heating

on and the room to heat up quickly; but as soon as the heating is turned off, internal rooms may have the tendency to get cold relatively quickly.

Efficiency The costs of a timber frame building and a masonry construction are relatively similar, however, overall project costs might be reduced with a timber frame due to the efficiency of a timber frame construction.

Timber is a renewable material and is a completely carbon-neutral construction material; even when transportation is taken into account.

Timber is non-toxic and completely organic and can easily be reused if desired into a new building.

www.skyhousedesigncentre.com

39

Security

Stylish and secure Many homes around the country have a garage attached to the side of them, but very few of these house a car. Nowadays a garage has become an extension to the main house – an extra room that can be used for a number of things. Perhaps a home gym is hidden behind your garage door, a home office or maybe you just use your garage as an extra room for storage. Whatever the use, it’s important that your garage is secure to keep all your belongings safe. But can security still be stylish? i-build discusses a garage design with a difference with Architect Damien Blower.

How did you combine the original building’s style with the new garage?

The materials used relate to the main listed house – timber and clay tile, and tie in with the pre-existing curtilage listed garage. The new structure was meant to both complement but contrast with the older structure.

What was the design brief?

To design a four-bay garage as the existing garage could only fit one car.

Why a rounded garage?

The curved shape was meant to reduce the visual impact. Taking the corners off narrows the building from view within the setting of the garden around the house. The curve also contrasts with the earlier structures, such that there is no confusions between new and old – a curved building is not usual in the Surrey vernacular.

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How was the planning permission process?

How did you approach material and product specification?

Reasonably straightforward as the heritage officer was an early advocate of the design approach and helped get the proposal across the line – the previous owner had tried to get planning for a three-bay garage but had been refused. This is a good example of how a purposeful design and early consultation with planning officers can unlock value.

Using materials and craft traditions local to the area.

How does the building respond to its surrounding landscape?

From wider views, it was meant to appear a subservient garden building like a coach house and fit within the tradition of the Surrey vernacular. From closer views, it was meant to be quite subtly contemporary.

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

The doors were a key part of the design, as they fold away in a James Bond way.

How long did the project take?

12 months.

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

What challenging aspects were there to the project?

Engage early with planning officers and neighbours if you think it might be contentious. Use an architect in the early value-add stages, even if you prefer to manage as much as possible, the expense of a specialist in those first steps can be priceless.

The curved structural design was both the most challenging but also the most triumphant part.

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41

Show Previews

The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns To help equip and upskill consumers’ intent on taking matters into their own hands when it comes to creating their dream home, the South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show is returning to Bath & West Showground from 17 to 18th November.

T

he event, which will be sponsored this year for the first time by Checkatrade – a directory of recommended and trusted tradesmen – will provide practical help and advice to those who want to progress with their property ventures.

The show, which will also be sponsored by Nethouseprices, a platform that provides free access to the latest house prices for England and Wales, will offer self-builders and renovators the chance to discover innovative products from over 360 specialist brands that will be exhibiting. Visitors will also have access to over 45 free seminars and masterclasses, and 750 plus advice sessions on a wide range of sectors including architecture; kitchens;

42

bathrooms; ventilation; lighting; doors and windows etc.

The event will be filled with free advice on any issues a self-builder or renovator has, and will host a multitude of resources for every project all under one roof. In addition, real case studies who have gone through the building process will be available to talk to on site, so visitors can discuss similar challenges they’re facing.

Charlie Luxton, Sustainable Architectural Designer and Presenter of Channel 4’s ‘Best Laid Plans’, will be talking about eco living, new architectural ideas and homes of the future. Julia Kendell, Interior Design Expert for BBC’s ‘DIY SOS the Build’ and ITV’s ‘60 Minute Makeover’, will be assisting visitors who are looking to

transform their houses through stylish and resourceful interior designs.

Attendees who would like to discuss their building plans with an array of property experts will benefit from the Ask the Expert area inside the Advice Centre, sponsored by Internorm, a Europe-leading window brand. This area will welcome visitors to hold free consultations with eight residential property specialists via interactive sessions.

In the Advice Centre, show-goers can also explore the Ask the Builder area and meet members of the Federation of Master Builders.

In addition, the Ask the Architect area will be welcoming over 15 experienced architects from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to assist consumers in achieving their dream home, maximising their budget and developing solutions to improve their quality of life.

There will also be live presentations in the Tricks of the Trade section hosted by experienced tradespeople who’ll be laying bare up-to-date information on how to save money on everyday DIY jobs undertaken around the house.

www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

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08/11/2018 10:41

i-scape

Seasonal lawn care All lawns need mowing – it’s an important task that ensures your lawn is healthy all year, but do you need to treat your lawn differently as the months go by?

Here are some top tips to keep your lawn healthy throughout every season.

January and February If there is a frost during these months try and avoid walking on your lawn. Walking on your lawn when it’s covered in frost can damage the grass which in turn will leave your lawn open to diseases. The ideal time to brush away fallen leaves and other winter debris is when the weather is a little milder.

March and April

May

Typically March and April are a little warmer, so as the weather picks up, lawn care becomes more important. Around this time of year you would have seen some substantial lawn growth so you may decide now is the best time to give your grass the first cut of the year. When cutting your lawn for the first time only give it a small trim.

April is also the best time to apply a fertiliser to your lawn which will encourage growth throughout the rest of the year.

Because lawn growth will really increase during the month of May, regular mowing of your lawn during late spring will keep it looking healthy.

June, July and August It’s likely that your lawn will need to be mowed twice a week during the summer months. Water your lawn if necessary.

September, October and November You will need to continue to mow the lawn as often as required, but you may find that you need to do this less as temperatures begin to drop and the days start to become much shorter.

December Frosts are more likely during the month of December and there may even be snow, so avoid walking on your lawn as much as possible to limit damage.

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i-build

Why render your self-build?

There are plenty of houses in the UK that have been rendered, so it’s not that hard to work out that rendering can be really beneficial for a property. It can be a little confusing to look at your rendering options for the first time, however, there are plenty of different reasons whether or not to render, and many different types to choose from.

Here, TheGreenAge talks you through your options and helps you decide whether rendering is right for your project.

Protection Render is great for protecting your walls.

Over the years, brickwork will get damaged and need repointing – especially in more exposed areas where the brickwork is under a constant state of attack from the elements.

Rendering creates a protective barrier from the outside world and ensures your brickwork remains unaffected.

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even the roughest-looking wall and make it look modern and clean.

Insulation and render Until recently, you had a simple choice: to render or not. Now it makes sense to insulate your external solid walls and render at the same time.

What type of render should I choose?

There are so many types of render out there; it can be a bit confusing. Let’s take you through some of the options available to you:

Damp

Acrylic render

Solid brick walls are liable to issues from penetrating damp, where water seeps through the brickwork. This is especially the case in exposed areas. Putting a render finish on the wall will help stop this and ensure that penetrating damp is not an issue through the brick.

Acrylic is a relatively cheap render, which makes it a good option if you’re on a budget.

It also holds vibrant colours for longer. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t breathe, so if you want air to get to the bricks and insulation underneath, acrylic is not going to work for you.

Aesthetics

Mineral render

If your brickwork looks tired and tatty, or if you have a mixture of different types of brickwork, rendering can make the property look a lot more attractive. It will freshen up

Mineral render is breathable, has a quick drying time, is highly impact resistant and very durable.

It falls somewhere in the middle in terms of price, so it is a good option for many properties.

Breathability is obviously very important for some insulation systems, so that can make mineral the preferred option for many of these installs.

Silicone render Silicone, or silicone silicate render, is a topof-the-range system that has a number of fantastic advantages. It’s the easiest system to apply, it’s hydrophobic (which makes it a self-cleaning render) and it’s the most flexible system on the market, making cracking over its lifetime less likely. It is highly durable and breathable as well, so there is very little to say against silicone render. The few drawbacks are that you cannot apply it in cold weather as it takes a while to dry in colder conditions. It is also more expensive than the other types of render – you get what you pay for, as they say!

How long will render last?

Render will last a long time – the design life is around 30 years. There are plenty of rendered properties around the UK that have not needed work for 50 years or more. It really is a long-term investment on your property.

www.thegreenage.co.uk

WOOD

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•

GAS

•

ELECTRIC

•

BOILER STOVES

For more information on all Yeoman stoves, (including high output boiler models), please visit www.yeomanstoves.co.uk

iBuild_Yeoman HHP_Nov18.indd 3

08/11/2018 10:38

THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE! Easy and quick to apply by trowel or spray Extremely fast drying time Universal use: internal or external and new & old buildings Unbeatable flexibility Excellent crack-bridging capability >2mm Strong resistance to hydrostatic pressure Highly adhesive to most common building substrates Overcoat in just over 4 hours UV-resistant Can be over-coated with Remmers coatings Extreme resistance to frost and salts Solvent & bitumen free – low odour

01293 594 010 www.remmers.co.uk 47

i-DIY

You will need: Spirit level Pencil Rope Drill

Heavy-duty wall fixing Recycled scaffolding board

Step three Find your fixing point above the top shelf allowing enough space to ensure the rope does not compromise what you plan to display.

Step four Put a heavy-duty wall fixing into the wall at your marked fixing point. A stainless steel heavy-duty hook will be ideal.

Do these next few steps on the floor.

Step five Thread the rope through one of the holes in the bottom shelf and tie a knot on the underside.

Do the same knotting and threading for each shelf – keep testing and adjusting the knots if needed. Remember the top of the knot is the bottom of the shelf.

Step six

Storage solution You can never have enough storage so this month i-build explores how to build a stylish set of shelves in eight easy steps.

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Step one

Step two

Cut the board into three equal lengths – making sure the edges are smooth by sanding them down. Drill a hole each corner of the three shelves you’ve created – be sure not to go too close to the edge as this will reduce the strength of the shelf.

Work out where you want to hang your middle shelf – make a mark on the wall. Do the same for your top and bottom shelf making sure the spacing between each shelf is the same distance. This will give you your measurements to work.

Once you have reached the top shelf, allow enough rope to reach the fixing point and return to the shelf. Repeat the process in step five, but going down, towards the bottom shelf.

Tip It’s important that the knots are tied in the same place on the underside of each hole as the adjacent knots. This will ensure the shelf stays level.

Step seven Repeat process on the other side of the shelves.

Step eight You’re ready to hang your new storage system.

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49

Product Guide

Series 4 range cooker – OR90SCG4B1

Features and benefits of the Classic and Contemporary range cookers Burner power and control The finely-tuned hob controls are very easily controllable and let you sear or stir-fry over instant, powerful heat using the high burner power on cast iron trivets; or simmer a delicate sauce using the gentlest of heats.

Even heat Dishes on the top shelf turn out as perfectly as the ones on the bottom due to Fisher & Paykel’s AeroTech convection system that circulates air evenly throughout the entire oven.

Introducing Fisher & Paykel’s Classic and Contemporary range cookers Fisher & Paykel believes the kitchen is the heart of the home and the oven or cooker is at the heart of that. Cooking has become a collaborative activity, and the kitchen is now the social hub of the house, whether you live in a contemporary home or a more traditional one.

F

isher & Paykel set its designers the task of bringing “the cooker being the social hub” idea to life when they were tasked with designing its new range cookers, and the team have come up with designs that appeal to all.

With its size and dominance, the range cooker has to be the centrepiece of the kitchen, and during the research phase it became clear that there were two distinct types of range cooker: a heritagelooking range cooker – that had proven popular for many years – and an ultra-modern, professionallooking range cooker – where people were aspiring to the clean-line and minimalist stainless steel look. Both styles were important, and Fisher & Paykel took the decision to develop both ideas as

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it knew that consumers would choose whichever style matched their lifestyle. The brand wanted to ensure it had a design that suited every kitchen, with features that aided modern life, cooking and cleaning habits.

The new F&P Classic range cookers become the centrepiece of the kitchen, with the perfect blend of heritage styling and premium performance and functionality.

The new black Classic range cooker adds a warm touch of tradition to any kitchen. The design team in New Zealand focused on getting the details right. The solid, yet perfectly balanced soft-close door, rounded hob rail, durable trivets and glowing halo dials boast craftsmanship in every detail.

Series 6 range cooker – OR90SDG6X1

The new single-door range cooker has an extra-large capacity (120L net), so it’s easy to cook multiple dishes in the large-capacity oven.

The finely-tuned burner hob lets you sear or stirfry over instant heat using the high burner power or simmer a delicate sauce on the gentlest of heats.

Even heat throughout the oven ensures that dishes on the top shelf turn out as perfectly as those on the bottom. The oven also allows for effortless cleaning with pyrolytic-proof side racks that you leave in the oven during a self-clean cycle.

The new Fisher & Paykel Contemporary range cookers are designed in a refined minimalist style with attention to the smallest details. Highperformance cooking technology offers multiple cooking functions as well as delivering the large family-sized oven, the finely-tuned burners that can give instant heat with fine control for the most delicate dishes. Even heat throughout the oven using AeroTech convection system that circulates air evenly through the entire oven and the pyrolytic self-clean models.

www.fisherpaykel.com/uk sales@fisherpaykel.co.uk 0800 088 6601

Many self-builders set out to build as sustainably as possible.

When it comes to paint, one company specialises in sustainable specification but goes beyond that to deliver excellent performance and aesthetics. Earthborn uses carefully selected ingredients and technologically-advanced manufacturing processes.

No oils or acrylics means high breathability and no toxic emissions.

Breathability is important, as walls sealed with conventional acrylicbased paints are susceptible to moisture damage. Its flagship product is Claypaint, an exciting alternative to emulsion, which provides a distinctive, ultra-matte finish with great covering power and performance. Claypaint is virtually VOC free and does not give off any toxic emissions.

Product Guide

Helping self-builders’ sustainable spec

www.earthbornpaints.co.uk 01928 734171 sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk

Bring the outside in with Folding Doors 2 U Folding Doors 2 U (FD2U) supplies a range of high-specification home improvement products throughout mainland UK including a complete range of aluminium, uPVC and timber bi-fold doors.

Recognising the strong demand for folding sliding doors, the company successfully introduced aluminium bi-fold doors to the product range in 2007. FD2U’s bi-fold door products are available for supply only and, in many parts of the UK, it can provide a full supply and fit service which ensures professional and experienced fitters install doors. The company’s website has been specifically designed to provide full technical details and instant online quotations for its complete range of bi-folding doors together with a variety of other products.

FD2U aluminium bi-fold doors are manufactured from slim 60mm thermally broken profiles to ensure maximum glass widths can be achieved using the minimum number of panels. There are no additional mullions required between the panels that broaden the sightlines so when panels are folding sliding in the same direction, the width of the aluminium from edge of glass to edge of glass is just 132mm.

There is a choice of weathered or low thresholds and with standard solar control double glazing and options such as the exclusive concealed trickle vent facility, the Visofold1000 aluminium bi-folding doors have become a best-selling folding door.

Luxury aluminium bi-fold doors are available in a choice of over 200 RAL colours and supplied with 1.0 U-value solar control double glazing as standard.

www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk 01621 834123 sales@foldingdoors2u.co.uk

National Ventilation’s IntelliSystem MVHR provides smart ventilation National Ventilation, a leading UK-based ventilation manufacturer and supplier, has launched the Monsoon Energysaver IntelliSystem heat recovery unit. Offering a smarter way to whole house ventilation, the IntelliSystem is a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) unit that is near-silent, has market-leading efficiency and offers easy control via its touchscreen or Wi-Fi-linked app. Designed to offer the ultimate MVHR solution in one unit, the IntelliSystem is ideal for self-builders and small developers. Offering state-of-the-art controls, the IntelliSystem boasts both an easy-to-use app or touchscreen controls. Homeowners can simply download the free app onto their smartphones which enables sophisticated but simple control over their indoor air quality (IAQ).

www.nationalventilation.co.uk info@nvagroup.co.uk

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Thinking about starting your own business or just taken the big leap?

Starting up a business can often be a step into the unknown.

There are many aspects to consider when looking to make your mark in the business world with a focus on business planning skills, market research and knowledge of legislation relating to your industry. It’s no wonder business owners often find they get bogged down before they even start. Whiting & Partners can help! Our business start-up events are designed to help you grow into a thriving business. Visit Whiting & Partners’ website for more information and to book your free place.

www.whitingandpartners.co.uk

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51

Product Guide

New DRU Global 55XT cavity wall gas fire transforms North Yorkshire home Most houses built since the 1960s have brick cavity walls, which are designed to give the home added protection from cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer. DRU has harnessed the potential of this common construction feature to develop the Global 55XT cavity wall gas fire, which is installed into the wall cavity to create a practical, space-saving and eye-catching fireplace.

I

t is one of the most important innovations in fireplaces this century and has been shortlisted as ‘Best Stove or Fire’ in the 2018 Build It Awards.

Mark Bishop and his family of Easingwold, North Yorkshire, wanted to enhance their living room with an attractive and energy-efficient source of heat. After a great deal of research and consultation with fireplace retailers, they chose the unique Global cavity wall fire from DRU. As Mark Bishop explains: “We needed to replace a rather dated-looking 1980s gas fire, which was housed in an ugly brick fire surround. Having researched various options, we discovered the Global cavity wall fire at Stonehouse Fireplaces in York.

“It was ideal for our purposes as our house has no chimney, but this fire slots neatly into the cavity wall and the terminal on the outside wall is compact and unobtrusive.

52

“We also decided to buy from Stonehouse because of its selection of fire surrounds, many of which the company manufactures.

The one we chose is the Kelso, which combines a slimline profile with a classic design and complements the fire beautifully.

“Stonehouse’s engineers installed the whole assembly in just one day and did a very professional job.

“Now that the cooler autumn evenings have arrived, we are enjoying the lovely flame effect that the fire gives out and the additional warmth that it brings to our living room.”

For further information, visit the below website to find your nearest dealer.

www.drufire.com info@drufire.co.uk 0161 793 8700

Product Guide

How savvy self-builders can earn an income from shared ground loop The current Class Q and Class R regulations have streamlined the planning process for the conversion of agricultural buildings into dwellings for domestic or light commercial use. This is particularly useful for self-builders looking to establish a holiday let business or develop office space to rent, for example.

However, the financial outlay can be costly when compared to a new build. And with many rural sites off the gas grid, self-builders are often limited to expensive energy sources, such as oil or LPG. Kensa Heat Pumps is urging self-builders to consider that not only are the running costs for ground source heat pumps lower than traditional fossil fuel systems, but if their development features multiple individual properties on the same site, these can be linked to a shared loop ground array (SGLA).

This type of system features individual ground source heat pumps in each property,

all fed from a central ground array. This removes the need for a costly and unsightly central plant room, and gives each holiday let or office space independent control over its own heating and hot water, plus the freedom to switch energy supplier.

It also allows self-builders to offset the cost of the installation and receive a return on their investment through the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Payments for residential properties linked to SGLAs are based upon the dwelling’s deemed heat consumption. This means self-builders are

spared the administrative burdens of quarterly meter readings and have the certainty of fixed payments.

As few as two properties can be linked together in this way, making it the perfect solution for rural developments featuring clusters of barns or outbuildings. For more information, see: www.kensaheatpumps.com/solution-centre/ homeowner/multiple-buildings.

www.kensaheatpumps.com 0845 680 4328 enquiries@kensaheatpumps.com

Innovation inspired by nature CORE Design Co is a subsidiary of CORE Landscape Products. It designs, manufactures and supplies high-quality, innovative metal products for interior and exterior applications. Focusing on the design-led development of practical and ornamental landscaping products that are built to last and designed to require minimal maintenance.

Formed using the latest CNC laser cutting, punching and folding technology, CORE Design Co produces decorative screens, light towers and firepits of the highest quality with totally unique patterns.

Garden screens Manufactured from 1.6mm powder-coated galvanised steel or Cor-Ten weathering steel, CORE Design Co modular screens are guaranteed to withstand the test of time and the harsh UK climate.

Light towers The freestanding light towers are designed to complement the company’s screens using the same designs and colours – perfect for

domestic and commercial applications. LED light towers are made from 1.6mm galvanised steel with a polyester powder-coated finish or Cor-Ten weathering steel. Complete with a 10W IP67 RGB LED floodlight – fully dimmable with radio frequency remote control – supplied prefitted with a UK three-pin plug.

Secure ground fixing The base for the LED light towers easily bolts to the ground using the expansion fixings supplied. The main body of the light tower simply slips over the base unit and secures using the countersunk fixings and pre-threaded

holes in the base unit. This makes the LED light tower a perfect choice for outdoor areas where safety is always paramount.

www.coredc.co.uk sales@coredc.co.uk 0800 118 2278

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Product Guide

VELUX announces £7m expansion in Fife Roof window manufacturer VELUX has announced a £7m expansion to its iconic UK and Ireland head office building at Woodside Way in Glenrothes, Fife. A new customer service centre, training facilities, office space, meeting suite and a staff restaurant will be housed within a 3500m new-build structure, which Glasgow-based main contractor ISG will deliver by autumn 2019.

The building has been designed by Sinclair Watt Architects to sit alongside the existing head office, which features 200 VELUX roof windows. The new building will showcase the VELUX Modular Skylight System, alongside VELUX flat roof windows and sun tunnels.

Hörmann UK launches ‘world-first’ ProMatic Canopy Door Operator Hörmann UK is pleased to announce the launch of its latest product, the ProMatic Canopy Door Operator.

The ‘world-first’ canopy operator has been designed to provide homeowners with not only an unrestricted drive-through height but with the ability to automate their canopy garage door quickly, conveniently and safely from the comfort of their vehicle or home.

Commenting on the launch of the ProMatic Canopy Door Operator, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK, David O’Mara, said: “Renowned for the quality of our products, the recent launch of our ProMatic Canopy Door Operator not only enhances our existing offering but provides homeowners with a solution to meet the changing requirements of our customers. When added to the tried and tested ProMatic Operator, the new canopy door kit not only provides smooth and trouble-free automatic opening at the touch of a button but drive-through height is increased to provide them with a safe and convenient solution for operating their garage door. This latest addition to our range is just one of many product innovations and I am thoroughly looking forward to hearing the feedback from both trade professionals and end-users.”

The ProMatic Canopy Door Operator forms part of Hörmann UK’s extensive range of operators available for various types of garage door.

www.hormann.co.uk 01530 513000 info@hormann.co.uk

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www.velux.co.uk 01592 778225 sales@velux.co.uk

Formica Group brings pre-packed Scandi-style cladding to UK shelves Formica Group, a leading global manufacturer of surfacing products, continues its innovative approach to rainscreen cladding, with the introduction of new VIVIX Lap highperformance exterior weatherboard cladding.

VIVIX Lap is a modern alternative to wood and fibre cement plank cladding providing great looks, quick and simple installation and requiring little ongoing maintenance. Pre-cut VIVIX Lap planks are applied in an overlap arrangement, providing a classic cladding style, with a modern twist. Aimed at residential and commercial audiences, including installers and self-builders, VIVIX Lap planks can be applied to everything from new-build housing and renovation projects, garden offices, sheds and garages.

www.formica.com 0191 259 3512 samples.uk@formica.com

ARP overcomes curved fascia challenge Kennett Brothers’ latest project involved major remodelling of an existing property in Sevenoaks, Kent. The client’s main challenge was to find a rainwater solution that dispersed the rainwater effectively and to fit the curved fascia detail on the newly built orangery extension. ARP’s Legion pressed aluminium box gutter and Colonnade aluminium flushjoint downpipes, both polyester powder coated (PPC) in RAL 9005 black matte finish, were the products chosen. Once the fascias and roof had been completed a template of the radius was taken and a full site measure of the site was carried out.

Drawings were then produced by an in-house CAD team and templates were made.

www.arp-ltd.com 0116 289 4400 karen.moulds@arp-ltd.com

Transform your garage door into an architectural feature

Bespoke Garage Doors Quality – Innovative – Proven since 1968

Rundum Meir sliding garage doors offer a range of benefits over traditional overhead garage door systems such as; integrated pedestrian access via remote control. Aesthetically, side-sliding garage doors are very pleasing in their operation, and enhance the feel of a house.

info@rundum.co.uk | www.rundumgaragedoors.co.uk | 0151 280 6626