i-build september 20

+

FOCUS:

CEMENT

|

KITCHENS,

BEDROOMS

&

BATHROOMS

|

'70S

INTERIORS

COVER STORY

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

S E P T E M B E R 20 - I S S U E 74

www.crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Now on the market, Old Crook Carr Farm is the result of decades of renovations, updates and modernisation.

Here, i-Build talks to the barn conversion's owners about their labour of love.

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDIES

INSPIRATION

MATERIALS

ADVISORY

BACK TO SCHOOL

CHARRED TO PERFECTION

SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE

ABSOLUTELY 'FLUELESS'

A schoolhouse university project transformed into a stunning family home

Six beautiful selfbuild and renovation cladding examples of Shou Sugi Ban

Benefits of clay drainage and how it can contribute to a sustainable build

All you need to know about the installation of fireplaces that do not require a flue

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ditor's Welcome

I-BUILD SEPTEMBER 2020

EDITORIAL: Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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

Jim Moore

jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PRINT DESIGN MANAGER: Jack Witcomb

jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

DIGITAL DESIGN MANAGER: Matt Morse

matt@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

ACCOUNTS: Rachel Pike

rachel@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

SALES SUPPORT: Klare Porter

klare@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

PUBLISHER: Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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

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uffice to say, renovating and self-building is back-breaking stuff – especially if you're constructing a build yourself. Not only physically exhausting, but homebuilding is also a mental strain which impacts not only finances and routine but also encumbers full-time jobs and family life. However, that said, for every home-building project, there's also an overriding factor of sentimentality that shines through every time I talk to a home improver or self-builder. And, when that build has a strong family connection, the nostalgia and build satisfaction is undoubtedly palpable.

Meanwhile, on page 14, we discover how the Harper family sensitively restored a charming barn in the tranquil village of Bracewell. The build's been a labour of love for the Harpers.

Having put their blood, sweat and tears into the stunning property since the early '90s, the family have decided to put the modern, spacious property on the market.

These sentiments are certainly felt by one of this month's star renovators, Michael Wallace. Michael and his wife, AnneMarie, live in a beautifully restored old school building that, once upon a time, saw Michael's parents, grandparents and in-laws walk the corridors. When the school closed down in the '80s, Michael – then a student – used the building as a project, turning it into a community centre through detailed designs. Little did he know at the time that a few years later, he and his family would be lovingly restoring the build. Turn to page 20 to read Michael's exciting story.

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 dream home as inspiration for other budding self-builders, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your self-build journey and would be keen for us to document your progress, do get in contact.

Elsewhere in this issue, we shine a spotlight on a self-build favourite charred cladding technique with a few inspiring examples.

Turn to page 10 to be blown away by 'Shou Sugi Ban'. Whilst on page 06-08, we look at this month's hot interior trends, '70s funk and abstract lines and faces.

Rebecca Rebecca Kemp Editor

@ibuildmagazine

Cover story:

Having put their blood, sweat and tears into Old Crook Carr Farm since the early '90s, the Harpers have decided to put the modern, spacious property on the market.

E

@ibuildmagazine

ibuildmagazine

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

ditor's Picks

See page 14.

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

AUTUMNAL FIRES Treat yourself to a new fire or stove this autumn with DRU Fires

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SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS Since COVID-19 found its way to our shores, H.D. Services has remained open to support its customers

ON-TREND TAPS The CATRIS-S Flexo is perfect for homeowners who want to embrace the black, industrial trend I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

Modular

䢢GREEN BUILDINGS NATIONWIDE

䣊䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢮䢢䣈䣮䣣䣶䣵䢢䢨䢢䣯䣱䣴䣧䢢䣷䣲䢢䣶䣱䢢䢹䢢䣨䣮䣱䣱䣴䣵 䣖䣴䣣䣦䣫䣶䣫䣱䣰䣣䣮䢢䢨䢢䣏䣱䣦䣧䣴䣰䢢䣾䢢䣅䣣䣴䢢䣄䣣䣴䣰䣵䢢䢨䢢䣒䣧䣰䣶䣪䣱䣷䣵䣧䣵䢢䣾䢢䣔䣧䣯䣱䣦䣧䣮䢢䢨䢢䣐䣧䣹䢢䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣾䢢䣖䣴䣷䣵䣵䣧䣵䢢䢨䢢䣅䣱䣯䣲䣱䣰䣧䣰䣶䣵

䢢

䣊䣧䣮䣲䣫䣰䣩 Architects 䣄䣷䣫䣮䣦䢢䣉 䣉䣔䣃䣐䣆䢢䣆䣇䣕䣋䣉䣐䣕䢢䣕䣷䣵䣶䣣䣫䣰䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢨䢢䣒䣴䣱䣨䣫䣶䣣䣤䣮䣻䢢䢢 䣅䣃䣎䣎䢢䣗䣕䢢䣖䣑䢢䣆䣋䣕䣅䣗䣕䣕䢢䣛䣑䣗䣔䢢䣐䣇䣚䣖䢢䣒䣑䣌䣇䣅䣖䢢䣐䣑䣙䢢䢢

䣄䣧䣰䣨䣫䣧䣮䣦䢢䣃䣖䣖䢮䢢䣅䣣䣮䣦䣫䣥䣱䣶䢮䢢䣐䣒䢴䢸䢢䢷䣒䣔䢢䣫䣰䣨䣱䣂䣤䣧䣰䣨䣫䣧䣮䣦䣣䣶䣶䢰䣷䣭䢢䢢䣹䣹䣹䢰䣤䣧䣰䣨䣫䣧䣮䣦䣣䣶䣶䢰䣷䣭䢢䢢䢲䢳䢴䢻䢳䢢䢶䢵䢹䢢䢲䢷䢲 I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

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September 2020 INSPIRATION

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Desired Designs:

08

Desired Designs:

10 24

Change Face A fan favourite amongst those opting for a more boho-chic interior look, abstract lines and face designs, are all the rage within home interiors.

The House that Funk Built Step back in time with our six hand-picked colourful, loud and daring '70s-inspired home accessories.

Style Guide:

Charmingly Charred If you're looking for that ‘wow factor’ and kerb appeal, the charred wood style will undoubtedly be on your shortlist of cladding contenders.

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KBB

Viewpoint

Today’s cement products come in a wide range of strengths and applications to suit every type of need, whether it’s for simple DIY projects or complex self-builds – going premium could, ultimately, pay dividends for years to come. Here, Lee Dunderdale, Product Manager at Aggregate Industries, tells you more.

Drainage

14

20

Joana Januseviciute, Product Manager for Clayware at Hepworth Clay, discusses the benefits of clay drainage systems, and how their inclusion in a project can contribute to an overall eco-friendly and sustainable build.

Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director of RAK Ceramics UK, offers i-Build an insight into creating tranquillity in bathroom spaces.

ADVISORY

18

CASE STUDIES

MATERIALS

Heating & Ventilation

Here, Stovax explains all you need to know about the installation of fireplaces that do not require a flue.

Impressive Innovation

Old Crook Carr Farm is a former barn that has been extensively renovated to create a fabulous home – with five bedrooms, a stunning swimming pool, stables and menage – after the painstaking work by current owners, the Harper family.

Rural Retreat

Tullyorior School House was built in 1966 and closed in 1985. Michael Wallace’s father bought the property in the early 1990s, and it lay empty for many years.

Flash-forward to 2020, and the build boasts stunning interiors, an attractive layout and a gorgeous exterior.

Here, Michael tells i-Build how he brought the school back to its former glory.

NEWS / PRODUCT GUIDE

I-DEAS

28

i-Nterior

30

i-Scape

Storage & Organisation In this article, celebrity organisers, the Style Sisters – along with Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, CEO at Attic Self Storage – offer their top tips to those looking to improve or renovate their homes.

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Product Guide

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

Security Here, Victoria Brocklesby, Chief Operations Officer at Origin, offers her advice for choosing the most secure doors and windows to keep your home as safe as possible.

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I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns

©THE FRENCH BEDROOM COMPANY

CHANGE FACE A fan favourite amongst those opting for a more boho-chic interior, abstract lines and face designs, including a bit of pareidolia (if you look close enough) are all the rage within home interiors.

A

lthough they're quirky and certainly add intrigue to homes, it's worth noting; these delightful accessories are probably not the most 'timeless' of designs. Therefore, while it's important to have fun with this trend, it's equally important not to blow your interior budget on something that will go out fashion too quickly. There are a few daring designs on the market. If you're looking for that bare-foot, bohostyled scheme complete I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

YOURS TO BUY

with all the fringes, hanging plants and fragrant incense, or even if you're happy to change up your interior season-to-season or month-to-month, feel free to go a bit wild with your accessories. However, if you are looking for a more lasting aesthetic with a subtle touch of quirkiness, it's essential to dilute your affection for this interior trend. Here, i-Build has listed a few staples and daring accessories for an exciting interior full of abstract faces and squiggly lines.

1. Oscar rug with a colourful geometric pattern, Rug'Society, £POA 2. Wall art face, einrichtendesign.de, €59 3. Abstract reversible throw, Sweetpea & Willow, £30

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6. NINA figurine decor, ACH Collection, £POA 7. Abstract face white paper napkin 20pcs, Beaumonde, £4 8. Salo embroidered face cushion, MADE.COM, £25

4. Wired face jewellery stand, Mint & May, £18

9. Grey abstract face flowerpot, Beaumonde, £24.90

5. Abstract face embroidered cushion, MADE.COM, £25

10. Abstract face cotton rug, The French Bedroom Company, £75

DESIRED DESIGNS

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OUR BRAND PICK

esenio

YOURS TO BUY

Desenio offers a wide range of stylish posters and prints showcasing the latest interior design trends – and always with great prices and high quality. With a wide assortment of primarily Scandinavian art designs, the brand understands the effect good wall art can have on a home. At Desenio, you will always find inspiration for your interior style, whether you want to decorate a bedroom, a small hallway, an office or an entire home. With affordable wall art for all rooms and occasions, the company also offers equally stylish frames and other highquality accessories at great prices.

HOT PRODUCT

A bit on the quirky side...

1. Painted face poster, £11.95

2. Abstract forms no1 poster, £14.95

3. Abstract line faces no1 poster, £7.95

4. Abstract line faces no2 poster, £7.95

TOP TIP

If you’re a fan of all things weird and wonderful, you’ll love these unique face vases. Pop them on a windowsill or bookshelf to add something different and unexpected to your interior. What’s more, filled with vividcoloured flowers, they're bound to brighten up dull spaces.

YOURS TO BUY

1. Pair of sculptural face vases, Sweetpea & Willow, £30

3. Brown abstract face vase, Beaumonde, £41.50

2. Female face white vase, AUDENZA, £32

4. Queen decorative ceramic vase, ACH Collection, £POA

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Get a bit artyfarty and try your hand at some continuous line drawings for some truly unique artwork. Whether you're the next Picasso in the making or not, the abstract nature of this style means anyone can have a go. So, order yourself some Indian inks and a few sheets of watercolour paper and take your best shot – you never know what you might come up with!

I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

DESIRED DESIGNS

esired esigns THE HOUSE THAT FUNK BUILT Step back in time with these inyour-face colourful, loud and daring '70s-inspired furniture pieces and home accessories.

Šgmm-berlin.com

Seating

Sideboards

only the finest materials,

has a sleek design that

This piece is exquisitely

Atkin & Thyme's

handmade in the UK from

Berkeley marble sideboard

creating the ultimate

suits both classic and

combination of chic design

contemporary homes

and cosy comfort. Crafted

with plenty of closed-door

from a choice of supple,

storage for everything you

warm 100% natural leathers

need for the living area,

or incredibly soft, plush,

dining room or open-plan

velvet fabrics that look

space. Made from acacia

completely luxurious and

wood with powder-coated

feels amazing.

black iron legs.

sofology.co.uk

atkinandthyme.co.uk

Storage

With three spacious

Custom made

which opens to reveal a

Doris design to the next

Beautiful shades and

drawers and a cabinet

button detailing take the

single shelf, the Selwyn oak

level. It's simple but very

sideboard offers plenty

effective. Slanted legs

of storage space for your

give your chair the perfect

most prized possessions.

reclining angle, and the

Mid-Century inspired, the

padded high back means

oak sideboard showcases

your quick sit down might

the natural beauty of the

last a little longer than you

intricate wood grain.

planned.

habitat.co.uk

made.com

Artwork

Bedding

walls with this retro

cover set is made from

Add some rhythm

The Washed

and blues to your blank

mustard super-king duvet

'funk' poster print. This

100% soft stonewashed

awesome piece of

cotton, which gives it an

wall art is designed

effortless, relaxed look

to make a statement

that requires no ironing.

with typography

The duvet cover and

artwork. The unframed

pillowcases are made

print pairs a grey

from 100% cotton and

background with two-

are part of the 'Washed'

tone orange 'funk' text.

bedding range.

limelace.co.uk

I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

made.com

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Modern Art A stunning balance of light and shade, deft brushstrokes, a perfect rendition of its subject – surely the work of an old master.

The paintings aren’t bad either.

Hand-finished with more tonal variation than any other Millboard decking colour, new Antique Oak recreates the attractive, historic look of aged flooring, while being engineered for the future. It’s slip-resistant, won’t warp or rot and retains its looks for years to come – without restoration.

Antique Oak. The art of outdoor design.

Live.Life.Outside.

See the real thing. Request a sample at: millboard.co.uk

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I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

DESIRED DESIGNS

01 02 CHARMINGLY CHARRED

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Known for its weatherproofing and unusual aesthetics, the Japanese method of wood charring, known as 'Shou Sugi Ban', is an exceptionally coveted cladding material amongst today's self-build community. If you're looking for that ‘wow factor’ and to increase your home's kerb appeal, this style should certainly be on your shortlist of cladding contenders.

The method itself – which is centuries-old – involves lightly applying a flame to a wood surface – best applied to softer woods such as Douglas Fir or Cedar. The result, dependent on intensity (heavy or light char), is a darkened aesthetic that's not only weatherproof but also resistant to rot and prevents insect infestation. Here, we've looked at six stunning cases where the charm of charred cladding has generated enviable standout aesthetics.

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06 1. Accoya 4. PermaChar

I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

2. Kebony 5. Kebony

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3. Accoya 6. PermaChar

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PermaChar®

PermaChar®

With over 30 years experience, we offer bespoke solutions for the domestic market across the South East. Feasibility can usually be determined upon receipt of a site postcode.

WATER SUPPLY & SOAKAWAY BOREHOLES DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS WATER TREATMENT Independent water supplies can be used for irrigation or consumption*.

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Groundwater can be used as a heat source for an Open-Loop Ground Source Heat Pump which could meet all hot water and heating requirements.

Soakaways, drainage fields and other drainage solutions.

Our bespoke systems are designed to meet the needs of individual clients and comply with strict discharge legislation.

Maintenance contracts are offered for all our installations.

*subject to analysis and suitable filtration / treatment

enquiries@thehdgroup.co.uk | 01494 792000 | www.hdservicesltd.co.uk

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WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK

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I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

VIEWPOINT

Viewpoint

Premium cement: when it can pay to spend a little more When it comes to choosing cement, it can be all too easy to rely on the ‘does what it says on the tin’ mentality – with many opting for the cheapest solution possible. The reality, however, is that you often get what you pay for. Today’s cement products come in a wide range of strengths and applications to suit every type of need, whether it’s for simple DIY projects or complex self-builds – going premium could, ultimately, pay dividends for years to come.

Here, Lee Dunderdale, Product Manager at Aggregate Industries, tells you more.

L eeDunderdale is Product Manager at Aggregate Industries

F

Footnotes: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/ property/online-estate-agent/ does-garden-add-value-to-home/ 1

I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

or most self-builders, keeping within a tight budget framework can often become a task in itself in terms of ensuring every last penny is used to achieve the best value for money, regardless of the nature or size of a project.

From the offset, this requires a diligent, pre-planned approach on where to spend and not to spend, dependent on personal priorities. For some, for example, the obvious inclination might be to spend less on the initial construction elements of the building that are often less notable upon completion, say the building materials, and splash out rather on the aesthetics.

However, it is important to remember that even some of the most seemingly basic features of a modern home can have a big effect on the overall appearance and appeal of a property, so choosing the cheapest option might be a false economy.

Take, for example, the consideration of driveways, garages and garden surface layouts. Typically, a driveway and/or garage area will be the first thing that a visitor will see upon entering a home and will be the key to making a good first impression before they even get to the front door, yet it can often be neglected as a lesser priority on the budget list.

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Equally, the importance of a welldesigned and maintained garden cannot be overlooked, with some estimates suggesting it could add so much as 20% to a property’s value 1. But this is not just about maintaining a lawn: footpaths, steps, walkways and key surface areas need to be carefully planned and easily maintained to ensure ease of navigation and create a welcoming feel.

In terms of these types of exterior applications, a key role lies in paying due consideration to the main use of material – cement – in selecting the most suitable option for each application.

Inherently, however, still widely perceived as a commodity product with little in the way of innovation, cement is often purely a cost-based purchase. As such, a self-builder or keen DIY-er might typically turn up to their local merchant and ask for the cheapest or most widely used cement product, giving little thought to its individual properties and potential benefits.

Yet, this is missing a trick. As recent years have seen the global cement industry continue to reinvent itself, we continue to see the introduction of everything from the use of better materials to fulfil more sophisticated specification requirements, through to the emergence of low-carbon options to deliver optimised sustainability.

VIEWPOINT

Thus, to disregard this new age of cement innovation and the wide range of application-specific solutions now available means builders and renovators could be missing out on benefits that include improved performance, ease of application and general added value.

At Aggregate Industries this year alone, for example, we’ve recently launched three new high-specification packed cement products specifically designed to fulfil a range of emerging customer requirements and make their lives easier.

This includes our new 40N strength High Performance Concrete which offers the perfect solution for forming the base for domestic garages and driveways, alongside our 15N strength Instant Concrete which is ideal for garden sheds, greenhouses and domestic footpaths and steps that require quick setting. With no mixing required and available in 20kg bags, both products are quick, easy and

ready to use – making the lives of busy builders and DIY-ers as hassle-free as possible so that they can get on with other jobs in hand.

The final new high-spec product, Premium Cement is a 42,5N cement made from a higher specification material, specially designed for applications that require extra strength such as steps, paths, concrete bases and repair and maintenance projects. In using this product, customers can rest assured of an exceptionally long-lasting solution which will past the time of time.

Of course, choosing an application-based cement can mean extra time spent on researching the market – and a marginally higher price. However, most merchants will be able to advise customers to ensure they are getting the absolute best product for the job – and with benefits that could include ease of install and a more durable overall finish, the likelihood is that that little extra spent will pay dividends in the long run.

Ultimately, it may sound obvious, but a well-designed drive or back garden area could make all the difference to self-builders and DIY-ers seeking to add maximum value to their home. Thus, as the core product involved, the case for choosing the best possible cement product for the job – often of which may only cost slightly more but make a huge overall difference – is surely a concrete one?

www.aggregate.com

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I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

A labour of love

RK: What inspired you to take on this project?

We had always dreamed of owning our own house in the countryside and love the location, which is very rural, but is well located for the market town of Skipton, the motorway, and it’s also fairly easy to get to Manchester Piccadilly, which offers two-hour trains to London.

Nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lancashire border, in the tranquil village of Bracewell, approximately 11 miles from the market town of Skipton, lies a former barn that has been extensively renovated to create a fabulous home.

O

ld Crook Carr Farm now offers more than 5000ft 2 of luxurious living space, with five bedrooms, a stunning swimming pool, stables and menage after the painstaking work by current owners, the Harper family.

The couple are now selling the property with estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley’s Skipton office. The home is on the market for £1.475m, and further information is available by getting in touch via the contact details at the end of this feature.

Here, i-Build talks to the family about their renovated home and the inspiration behind the project.

I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

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

We always wanted a fabulous home in an idyllic location, but we were not in a financial position to buy a completed house that was ready to move straight in to, so pursuing a project was an obvious way of achieving our goal.

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the O nmarket Build type: Barn conversion Location: Bracewell, Barnoldswick Price: £1.475m Estate agent: Dacre, Son & Hartley

IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

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

It was important to respect the original barn, so we wanted to restore its traditional features like the exposed timber beams and attractive stone masonry, but marry them with a contemporary interior.

RK: How did you approach finalising your design brief ?

We always had a vision for the layout of the home, how it should flow and the room orientation, which we were able to put into a clear plan. It was also important that everything was uniformed, so the outbuildings we added would be built using the same materials as the main house.

Everything followed this ethos.

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

We didn’t have any experience of planning permission and initially thought the planning people were there to help, but quickly realised this isn’t the case! We had to agree on the visibility splays, which wasn’t easy, and in total it took four years to secure planning permission, which was initially to convert half the barn into a three-bedroom residence.

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

In the years it took to secure planning permission, we were unable to start work on the house, so this was clearly a problem. However, we used the time as best we could and laid out the garden, sorted the stone and built a perimeter dry stone wall.

RK: Did you project manage the build yourself ?

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

We were looking for the right property and spotted this. It was a large, derelict barn in a good location, that offered far-reaching views, and we could immediately see its potential. The property had previous planning issues relating to visibility splays, and at the time we knew this would impact its value, but we also felt confident, rather naively, that we could overcome these problems. In 1991, we approached the owner to see if they would sell and managed to agree on a deal.

Yes, we project managed most of it ourselves, but we made sure we always had support from relevant professionals, who we could call on for help and advice.

RK: What style and age is the original building?

Originally, it was a barn that dated back several hundred years, but when we bought it, it was little more than a large pile of stone in two acres of land. The original farmhouse had been demolished. The barn was a ruin with no roof and only parts of the walls left standing.

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

We had to rebuild it out of similar materials to the original barn, so it sat comfortably in its surroundings. The property was stone-built with mullion windows, which; of course, we kept. It originally had a stone slate roof, but we used artificial roof slates from Greys Art Stone near Huddersfield. The product has an original visual effect without the substantial weight and cost of natural stone slates.

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

Although we used an architect to help with the basic design, we were happy to create the layout and flow of the home ourselves.

RK: How did you approach material and product specification?

Achieving a quality, premium finish was always vitally important to us, so we always used the best materials available. We also looked at lots of other properties for inspiration and trawled through hundreds of magazines for ideas to incorporate into our design.

I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

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

Introducing efficient, green technology is very worthwhile, and it’s often easier to do when you’re carrying out a full renovation.

For example, our swimming pool extension, which we recently completed, is heated with an air source heat pump, with underfloor heating and a heat exchanger to heat the water.

We also fully tiled the swimming room and the pool using a local company called Harp Ceramics. We were very happy with the workmanship and overall quality, so we upgraded the bathrooms and en-suites through them as well.

RK: How long did the project take?

The main build took about 15 years, but getting everything to meet our exact requirements has taken us most of our working life to complete, which is certainly longer than we originally anticipated! We also made a lot of sacrifices to achieve the finished property, but it’s all been worth it.

RK: When was it completed and how long before you moved in?

We moved in during the early 2000s and then got planning permission to convert the other half of the barn. We could have divided the whole thing into two houses, but we always wanted to build one, large stunning country property. We also went on to build three stone stables, a storage barn and a double garage with workshop, in the same materials as the main house, which is another reason the project has taken so long. We’ve also constructed a 40 x 20ft all-weather horse menage with a sand/fibre surface. Then in 2016, we applied for planning permission for an indoor swimming pool extension, so that’s been our latest phase of the build.

RK: Did you remain within the original budget?

We must have blown the budget 10 times, if not more! This is especially true when it became an ongoing project, and as technology has evolved so much. We’ve now just completed the cinema room with overhead projector, surround sound and a 10ft retractable screen – that was never in the original budget!

RK: Please provide an overview of the finished space.

The property is an ideal ‘lifestyle’ home, with five bedrooms, three of which are en-suite and a grandmaster bathroom with a double jacuzzi bath and walk-in shower. There’s a beautiful kitchen with AGA cooker and large island, a lovely spacious living room with wood burner and a fabulous formal room with a marble floor. The entrance hall is another standout feature, with oak staircase and panelling leading to gallery landing. Plus I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

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IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION

there’s a cinema room, utility room with fitted kitchen, downstairs cloakroom with shower and sauna, as well as the swimming pool with jacuzzi hot tub.

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

We think the finish blends in very well with the surrounding countryside, and the interior is in keeping with the style of the building, which is important.

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

We get lots of positive feedback and considering we’ve been working on it since the 1990s; everyone is definitely used to it.

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

Absolutely, the house has everything you could want; location, swimming pool, sauna, cinema room, marble floors, oak hallway and the list goes on! Plus, there are stone stables and a barn that could be converted into guest accommodation or offices, which was a key part of our thinking.

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

It is truly like living in a five-star hotel; it has everything you need, and the views are exceptional.

RK: What’s your favourite room?

The swimming pool is a real highlight.

On a warm day, the pool doors open fully, and it offers fantastic views over the surrounding countryside, so it is a wonderful place to be.

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

Not really, and there is still lots of potential to continue developing the property.

Creating guest accommodation, office suites, studio space, or even a heliport are all possibilities.

RK: Would you do the whole thing again?

If we were in our 30s, we would definitely do the whole project again, but; unfortunately, our age would probably be against us now!

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

Our advice to anybody wanting to renovate is buy the best location you can afford. Ultimately, it costs the same to build a house on a very good plot, as it does on a lesser site, but when it comes to selling, location is everything.

www.dacres.co.uk 01756 701010

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HEATING & VENTILATION

Midway through a self-build or renovation?

It’s never too late to add a fireplace Fireplaces are typically something that many people realise they want, with sobering clarity, too late in their self-build or renovation project to be able to easily factor in. Thankfully, help is at hand in the form of stylish fireplaces that don’t require a chimney system.

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hether you’re renovating your home, mid-way through a challenging self-build or reaching the final hurdle of a lengthy extension, there are undoubtedly going to be a few things you wish you’d done differently. Or perhaps, during the process, you’ve flirted with new ideas you just wish you could have planned in from the beginning.

Despite being widely recognised as one of the key features that make a house a home, fireplaces tend to be one of those projects that get forgotten in all the other planning and details of a self-build or renovation.

If this sounds familiar, help is at hand. Leading fireplace manufacturers, such as Gazco, have a number of convenient solutions to help you complete your dream home without the headache of a substantial redesign.

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For some time now, high-end gas stoves and fires have been available specifically for homes without a masonry chimney, opening up fitting options for flat roof extensions and new-builds.

Alex Sheldon, Development Manager at Gazco, says: “Whilst not strictly ‘flueless’, these gas heating products expel combustion gases through a twin-walled pipe to the exterior of the property, whilst simultaneously drawing in air for combustion. This flue system is known as a balanced flue, and goes to the exterior of the property with an external terminal similar to that of a gas boiler.”

The upside of this type of gas stove or fire is these products can simply be sited near an exterior wall or roof of the home, needing only a hole in the wall for the balanced flue pipe.

Balanced flue gas fires can also be installed with a false chimney

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breast made from materials such as fire-proof plasterboard to house the appliance. This means that even where no provision has been made for a chimney breast, the aesthetic is still relatively straightforward to achieve.

If accommodating the depth of a gas stove or fire in the current floor plan is a challenge, it’s worth considering slimline balanced flue products. These types of gas fire can be either partially or entirely built into a cavity wall, minimising how far they protrude into a room.

Although shallower than a typical appliance, design features such as a highly reflective black glass firebox interior create the illusion of depth by mirroring the flames from behind.

If a balanced flue system isn’t possible or there isn’t easy access to a gas connection, a premium electric fire or stove offers an even easier way to add a fireplace to your build project.

Moving with extraordinary speed, electric fire effects from manufacturers like Gazco have become incredibly advanced in recent years. Jack Drew, Electrical Development Engineer at Gazco, says: “Multi-layered display systems, which couple LED lighting with highly realistic log-effect fuel beds, have effectively closed the gap between electric fires and combustion flame products such as gas and solid-fuel fires”.

HEATING & VENTILATION RENEWABLES

One of the main advantages of an electric fire or stove over gas or wood-burning products is that they have almost no fitting requirements.

Other than the need for a standard three-pin plug electrical point, electric fireplaces can go virtually anywhere you have the wall or floor space.

And since there is no need to consider heat build-up around the sides or rear of an electric fire, achieving a chimney breast aesthetic is even easier than with a gas product, and can be made from standard materials such as plasterboard and studwork.

Their versatility opens up a wealth of interior design potential for electric fires, particularly when it comes to adding cutting-edge landscape and multi-sided products to your home.

Media wall installations, which typically house the electric fire along with a television, soundbar and other home entertainment, can provide a clean storage solution without having to incorporate a flue system.

The electric fire or stove you choose will; of course, depend on the look you wish to achieve, but the range of styles available today has never been more diverse, with built-in, wall-hung and freestanding designs to choose from.

Whether you opt for a gas or electric fire for your new build, no matter what stage you are at with your project, there are designer fireplace options available that offer some of the quickest and most convenient fitting options imaginable – meaning there’s no reason not to add a heart to your home.

www.stovax.com

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RURAL RETREAT

Back to school Tullyorior School House is located near Corbet just outside Banbridge, County Down. The school was built in 1966 and closed in 1985. Michael Wallace’s father bought the property in the early 1990s and it lay empty for many years. Here, Michael tells i-Build how he brought the school back to its former glory.

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have four brothers and one sister who all went to the school, but I was the only one that didn’t attend. My brother, John, was in P5 and sister, Caroline, was in P2 when the school closed with only four pupils left in her class.

My father had considered developing the school many times over the years, including turning it into a nursery, small apartments, a restaurant and a new family home. However, as he ran a busy haulage company at this time, nothing ever materialised. I studied interior design and architecture at university, and the school was actually my final year project in which I did drawings to make it into a community centre. I never thought at the time that one day it would be my dream home. As I had carried out an extensive study of the building, I soon realised how well constructed it was and subsequently knew every square inch of it.

My wife, AnnMarie, is also from the local area and my father-in-law, who’s a builder, attended the school as well, so there was a strong family connection to it. We always knew we wanted an older property because we loved character, and this building had it in abundance.

Many experts had advised us to knock it down instead of renovating, but for us this was never an option.

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I wanted to keep all the original features and as much of the school as possible. As I specialised in 3D design, this enabled us to take a closer look at the interior to try out different materials/ layouts before beginning construction.

We always admired natural stone, and we fell in love with Donegal sandstone while being on holidays in the area. It was for this reason that we chose it to be our main building material.

The school had quite a large footprint and many large open spaces which I wanted to make smaller and create more cosy rooms. The building is actually shaped like the Mercedes Benz sign with three wings merging into one central point. By adding a wall down the middle of the classrooms, this created two equal-sized bedrooms, and the canteen became our living room/kitchen. The entrance hall was huge, so we added in a new toilet, cloakroom and nursery into the space. The girls’ toilets became our main bathroom, and the boys’ became the office. The main addition to the house was the sunroom, and it is without a doubt our favourite room of all. It is flooded with light coming through the large sliding door and windows.

One of the only requests AnnMarie had was that she wanted the house to have a turret. So I decided to add it onto our en-

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"I studied interior design and architecture at university, and the school was actually my final year project in which I did drawings to make it into a community centre. I never thought at the time that one day it would be my dream home."

suite and put a round bath in it. It might seem a bit extravagant to some people, but for us, it was a great design feature.

The planning process was relatively straightforward as the school wasn’t listed and we didn’t really want to alter the main structure of the building. The large windows at the front were simply built up the middle to create two smaller windows.

We loved arched windows and originally wanted two in the gable, but we ended up putting them right across the front of the house. The planning office actually commented on how good the design was and sympathetic to the original building.

RURAL RETREAT

We never like to buy anything off the shelf, and everything in the house is custom-made – things like the stained glass window in the sunroom and the church doors in the living room. I designed the window using an ordnance survey map of the area which includes the location of both our families and other local landmarks. The church doors were difficult because I couldn’t find an old set to fit in the house, so these had to be made new.

As there was no staircase in the house, I needed to create a focal point in the hall, so we have two curved stone walls. I also had a crystal chandelier commissioned as the centrepiece.

With your own house, you tend to push the boundaries further than you normally would with clients. For example, I wanted sandstone to go up to the peak of the porch at the front door. The question was how would you secure hundreds of kilos of stone in mid-air? It is easy to model something on a computer, and obviously, it will work but reality is a different story. After working closely with a team of engineers and builders, we finally cracked it and achieved the look I wanted.

I believe that research is key to any good project, and you need to consider every aspect of the design so that it’s practical to live in. If possible, you need to imagine that you are living in the house before you actually move in. So, things like how far the dishwasher is away from the cutlery drawer, where sockets are located for TV, lamps, Christmas trees etc. and light switches placed close to beds.

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RURAL RETREAT

The main focus for us at the design stage was things like light, heating and running costs. Insulation was a major consideration, and I decided to insulate the entire exterior of the building as well as pumping the cavities and the inside walls. This gave us 9" of insulation overall and created a good barrier to the elements.

Our electrician advised us to put the solar panels on the roof for electric, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.

The panels are amazing because not only do we essentially have no electricity bills, but we also get money from what is sold back to the grid. I suppose the only regret we have is not putting the solar panels on for the hot water as well because a few of our neighbours have them and they’re all very impressed. We do have a 400-litre thermal store for the water, and this has been excellent as it keeps the water warm for a few days. Our ultimate goal for the house would be to be able to live off-grid, but it may be a few years before this is possible.

I project managed the build myself, which was quite a challenge at times; especially with trying to hold down a full-time job. Although I designed the house myself, I got another architect to run his eye over the plans to make sure everything worked. This was useful because although you might think you know the building inside out, another person can always pick up things that you haven’t thought of. My advice to anyone doing a new build or renovation is never be satisfied with just one designer’s opinion.

The original budget for the build was £150k, but it soon became apparent after the first few months of building that this was unrealistic.

Material selection was probably the biggest factor. I felt that as it was an older building, we couldn’t use new materials as it just wouldn’t do it justice or fit in with the other buildings around it. I decided to use reclaimed Bangor Blue slates on the roof which were quite expensive, and it ended up taking just over 7000 to complete it with a further 1800 on the garage. The sandstone was by far the highest cost. This was mainly due to the fact all the window surrounds/sills were handmade and took over six months to manufacture. By the time everything is finished, the building stone and labour will have cost around 100k on its own. I don’t regret any of it though and believe that it was money well spent because, without it, the building wouldn’t look as it does today.

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RURAL RETREAT

FLOORPLAN

When the project began, we weren’t really sure how long it would take, and we were hoping maybe a year or so. However, as many of the materials were bespoke, it was a much longer process than we thought. We will be moved in now three years this month. We don’t even have our kitchen in yet; just a utility room to work from.

It’s absolutely fine though; it has everything we need and plenty of storage. In a way, we are glad we didn’t put the kitchen in immediately because not only was it a major cost but we didn’t really know what we wanted. After living in the house a while, you start to know exactly what you need as needs and circumstances change. The rest of the rooms are complete, and we see it as leaving the best till last. The build is more than likely going to be a life-long project.

Obviously, the school was held in high regard amongst members of the local community as many of the people’s parents, and grandparents, went there. Lots of the neighbours have been in contact with us to say how great they thought the build turned out and that it was a wonderful transition.

During lockdown, we turned our attention to the exterior and began to build our patio, which is just off the side of the dining room. This will be a brilliant entertaining space as the bi-fold doors allow the room to open out, and as it’s southfacing, we get the sun until late in the evening. The original gardens from the school are still intact, and the mature trees have been there since the school began. These were planted by the local council on the first week that it opened.

In conclusion, I would say that as it was a renovation, it threw up a lot of challenges because you just have to work with what you got! Many things did turn out better than we thought, including the arched windows and curved walls. It has been more like a marathon rather than a sprint, and personally, I wouldn’t want to do it again. However, at the same time, I wake up every day knowing how lucky I am to live there.

The only advice I would give to anyone thinking about building or extending it to use the technology we have available to your advantage. 3D design is a critical part of any project as it lets you visualise the final design before you begin. It’s much easier to change things at the design phase compared to the building phase.

Changing things during construction can be very costly.

ELEVATIONS

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KBB

Giving an alternative to white in the bathroom when it comes to sanitaryware, RAK-Feeling is a new collection in a range of colours to add flair and personality in a gentle, sophisticated way

Colour scheming With a shift towards the use of colour in the bathroom, how can this be tapped into successfully while maintaining the need for relaxation and tranquillity and what other trends are coming through in the design of this smallest of spaces? Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director at RAK Ceramics UK, offers i-Build an insight.

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he bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms of the home, but it is also one of the most important when it comes to injecting personality into a property. It may not be the heart of entertaining like the kitchen is, or a hangout spot for the whole family like the living room, but the bathroom is somewhere you are inclined to visit several times a day, so it should feel special. A personal space overall, the modern-day bathroom has become an extension of our living spaces, with comfort, indulgence and luxury being as much of a priority as the fixtures themselves.

For a long time, the focus for sanitaryware in the bathroom has been starkly white, but things are changing. While we remain a long way from the avocado greens, electric blues and candy pinks of the 1980s, wall-to-wall white and chrome bathrooms are also seeing a changeup, with a return to colour. Soft pastels I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

and muted shades are increasingly being seen on sanitaryware, particularly as inspiration for this room’s design increasingly takes its influence from the hotel sector.

Less clinical than an all-white bathroom, these pops of colour can be scaled up or down to meet individual tastes. It is not necessary, for example, to choose an entire suite of sanitaryware in a single colourway; a washbasin bowl in cappuccino can add colour and visual interest to a bathroom while being enhanced by more traditional white pieces elsewhere, an idea that works particularly well in smaller spaces, such as en-suites and cloakrooms.

Colour doesn’t need to mean bold and bright, and in this instance, the trend takes a far subtler approach, with nature-inspired tones that serve to add character while creating a relaxed and tranquil vibe. Indeed, we are seeing a rise in the use of organic materials and earthy, nature-inspired

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colour schemes alongside a strong focus on wellness and relaxation throughout bathroom design. This gives a great opportunity to express personality through the choice of materials and finishes to complete the look. As trends turn towards warmer, earth tones, bathroom tiling trends are shunning stark white too, in favour of stone-effects with warmer hues like travertine and limestone.

This subtle use of colour also works in harmony with brassware finishes other than chrome, giving greater creative freedom in what it is, after all, a very personal space. This is an emerging trend in bathroom design that taps into the shift towards industrial-inspired styling, first seen in the kitchen but lending itself quite nicely to the bathroom, from metallic finishes and raw materials through to basic white, brick metro tiles.

Some areas of the bathroom lend themselves to the industrial trend more than others. Brassware, for example, is an obvious one and taps and showers in finishes such as matt black, brass, copper and brushed nickel all work well with this trend.

Surfaces such as countertops and wall and floor tiles too can be industrialled, with nature-inspired quartz and ceramic and textured finishes all adding to the ambience.

RENEWABLES KBB

The elegant shapes of the RAK-Sensation collection

by RAK Ceramics capture the imagination, yet this is a range that realistically combines aesthetic functionality and innovation

RAK-Resort is a contemporary furniture range in a compact format that uses space economically, making the bathroom feel luxuriously spacious

Many homeowners want to create a bathroom that wouldn’t look out of place in a five-star hotel and doing so can add real value to a property, as well as resulting in a sense of luxury and comfort. Creating a spa-like feel is made all the more possible with the inclusion of a contemporary, walk-in, wetroom-style shower area. Shower trays with a very low profile create a feeling of space in the bathroom as the floor area is opened out, and access is made really simple. For baths, think painted exteriors, freestanding tubs offset from other fixtures to make a statement and baths with slim rims.

A final but important clear trend emerging in bathroom design is technology – from sensor-controlled flushing systems for better hygiene and ease of use on WCs, to LED lighting on mirrors and cabinets, the bathroom is as smart as any of our living spaces.

Bathroom mirrors and cabinets with integral lighting are now often than not the main lighting focus in the modern bathroom, and while such products are becoming increasingly slim-line in their design, they are also now packed with useful features such as demisters, touch and motion controls and Bluetooth connectivity, making the bathroom a pleasure to spend time in.

Giving an alternative to white in the bathroom when it comes to sanitaryware, RAK-Feeling is a new collection in a range of colours to add flair and personality in a gentle, sophisticated way

www.rakceramics.com/uk

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I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

DRAINAGE

Clay drainage – a truly sustainable solution for self-builders Across the entire construction industry, sustainability is a major consideration when it comes to new projects. Self-builders, contractors and developers need to be more aware than ever of the materials used on a project to help make sure it’s sustainable – particularly when it comes to recyclability and long-lasting solutions.

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ere, Joana Januseviciute, Product Manager for Clayware at Hepworth Clay, discusses the benefits of clay drainage systems, and how their inclusion in a project can contribute to an overall eco-friendly and sustainable build.

Recyclability and sustainability

When embarking upon a self-build project, there are a number of stages and aspects of the build you need to take into account.

Drainage is a key part of this planning, and one of the most sustainable materials that can be used is also one of the most long-lasting – clay drainage.

Made from a 100% natural material, clay drainage is fully recyclable at the end of the project’s life – and the sustainability aspects aren’t limited to the finished clay product.

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It’s an incredibly eco-friendly product to manufacture, and the entire production chain usually happens within a radius of just a few miles, because it’s often extracted locally. When it comes to considering sustainability in your self-build, it’s important to bear in mind that no matter how ‘green’ a project or site may be, if the raw materials have travelled great distances to create the specialist sustainable project – the benefits could be outweighed by the pre-manufacturing logistical environmental impact. The process is also highly sustainable in comparison to other solutions and ensures a low environmental and carbon impact.

For example, clay drainage is usually manufactured using stored rainwater, and can even be fired using reclaimed heat, meaning little or no energy is needed.

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The sustainability credentials don’t just stop at the manufacturing process either – the high strength of clay drainage products means the installation process can also be improved, requiring less granular bedding, allowing recycled aggregates (or natural dug materials) to be used with the system, leading to less waste and material removed from and delivered to a site. The cost savings can also be significant if this approach is taken, especially when compared to using a full depth of primary aggregate.

It’s also important to ensure that when clay is excavated, the local environmental impact of the manufacturing process is minimised – by restoring natural habitats in and around quarries once their resources have been utilised. This can easily be achieved by planting trees as part of a carbon offsetting programme.

Supreme durability and reliability Clay drainage is not only ecofriendly but also a highly effective material when it comes to drainage applications. It’s remarkably durable and reliable, as clay is incredibly strong, with the piping boasting an average lifespan of 100+ years.

RENEWABLES DRAINAGE

Clay drainage is quick and easy to lay with proven push-fit jointing and offers a ‘fit and forget’ performance, which can give extra peace of mind, especially to self-builders.

The installed risk profile and service costs of clay are low, and the inert nature of the material means that it is impervious to chemical or physical attack. Therefore, it is unaffected by effluent that is approved for discharge into a public sewer and is also resistant to practically all chemicals and compounds that may be found in the ground; so, homeowners can rest assured with what they put down their drain.

If maintenance is required, due to its strength and robustness, clay drainage can withstand extremely high pressures when it comes to jetting to clean the inside of systems. At Hepworth Clay, our systems are guaranteed against high pressure jetting of up to 7500psi – allowing more blockages to be cleared first time without damaging the drainage system.

All of these factors give self-builders a level of reassurance that they’re investing in a high-quality, long-lasting solution that will eliminate repair or replacement costs down the line.

The future of clay piping

The beauty of self-building comes with the ability to comfortably choose your own design and materials. It’s important to consider every detail of the construction process and get to grips with the most sustainable and reliable solutions on the market, and drainage systems are no

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exception. Investing in a sustainable drainage solution that doesn’t compromise on practicality and effectiveness, ensures that selfbuilders have selected a system that is environmentally friendly, and guaranteed to last a lifetime.

www.wavin.com I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

I-NTERIOR - STORAGE & ORGANISATION ATTIC SELF STORAGE AND STYLE SISTERS

8 helpful renovation

tips for home-builders With lockdown restrictions lifting and the property sector starting to ramp back up, homebuilders and developers will be looking for opportunities, especially with the news that the Government has changed stamp duty rates with zero to pay up to £500,000.

With this in mind, Attic Self Storage – which is rolling out new locations, including Marylebone to help create space as more of us are repurposing our homes – has teamed up with celebrity organisers, the Style Sisters, to provide their top tips for those looking to improve or renovate their homes.

By celebrity organisers, the Style Sisters:

1. Colours: Create happy colours

Everybody has their own favourite colours that can help them feel happy, positive and relaxed. Warm colours can evoke different emotions while cool and bright colours can create different feelings to muted tones. Before bringing colour into your home, do an assessment. Use crayons, felt tips or paints to draw swatches and write down what mood each hue evokes. You can paint/draw on paper or a plain roll of wallpaper to do this. You can use this as a basis to choose colours to boost moods all over the home.

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2. Organisation: Behind closed doors

Many of us can have tidy homes on the surface; however, behind closed doors, there is lots of clutter. We cannot stress enough how decluttering your wardrobe and cupboards make our clients feel instantly better. Usually, 50% of items can get taken to the charity shops, or can be sold.

Make space for the things you love. We recommend buying storage boxes to categorise and contain items. For example, keeping books in one category, work items, arts and crafts, stationery, finances etc. This also helps you find things quickly.

3. Nature: Bring nature into your home

Bring nature into your home with natural woods, stones and plants, to create tranquillity that helps you feel refreshed and revived. There is a fantastic range of indoor plants which you can hang off shelves or decorate tables – and wall plants are becoming popular. For those of you who have busy schedules or aren’t particularly green-fingered, fake plants can work just as well. Also, consider crystals; for example, clear quartz can help

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energise and activate chakras; lapis lazuli can help cleanse and purify the body, and amethyst is known as one of the most effective healing crystals.

4. Lighting: Add decorative lighting

Decorative lighting is an easy way to spruce up your bedroom and wardrobe space. From adding lights to the edges of your wardrobes to the borders of your doors, placed in glass vases, shelves or inside of your wardrobes, lights can create a haven with these simple touches.

They are also affordable, with many supermarkets and major retailers offering different ranges of lighting.

I-NTERIOR - STORAGE & ORGANISATION ATTIC SELF STORAGE AND STYLE SISTERS

By Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, CEO at Attic Self Storage

5. Money: Getting your finances in order

Starting out as an accountant, budgeting is important for any project before making a financial commitment. List all of the jobs you need to be done and ask for quotes from tradesmen/suppliers (not estimates) and check their customer reviews to make sure you are getting the best quality.

Ideally, it’s best to save instead of borrow; however, if you do need to get a loan/ remortgage, make sure you compare the best repayment plans; also to save, look into the Government’s Green Homes Grant where you can apply for financial vouchers for energy-saving refurbs.

6. Layout: Creating your floor plans

We always start with floor plans before rolling out new storage facilities. For the home, there are several tools available online that can be used to give you an idea of what the build might look like in real life. Look into sites like Floorplanner and RoomSketcher that let you create mockups. The former tool is free, and you can create many parts of your home such as your garden, office, etc. and furnish your plans with their library of objects.

If you don’t have access to a computer or prefer the traditional way, you can’t go wrong with good old graph paper to create a floor plan.

7. Equipment: Heavy tools

If you are looking for ways to store your tools safely while building/renovating, consider purchasing a safety deposit box.

Whether you’re working on a project with expensive building equipment; or with heavy tools etc., moving them back and forth to the site can be extremely difficult and storing them in a vehicle can put you at risk of theft. They can be attached to the building site securely and conveniently.

8. Furniture: Store furniture and seasonal items

Many developers and home stylists use selfstorage. This can be to store show furniture if they flip properties, store seasonal items or with many people micro-living/ liking a more contemporary and less cluttered look – self-storage can help save on ample space. Also, with many people now living in apartments with no garage, attic or garden space –

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Frederic de Ryckman de Betz is CEO at Attic Self Storage

storage units save on the cost of a larger property and can be accessed 24/7 for convenience.

www.atticstorage.co.uk www.style-sisters.com I-B I-BUUIILLD/A D/ SU EG/20 P/20

I-SCAPE - SECURITY ORIGIN

3. Lead from the front

Top tips for keeping your home secure Your house isn’t a home if it doesn’t feel secure, so it’s vital to consider safety when embarking on a renovation or extension project. Here, Victoria Brocklesby, Chief Operations Officer at Origin, offers her advice for choosing the most secure doors and windows to keep your home as safe as possible.

1. Choose strong materials

Doors and windows offer the easiest access points for intruders, so it is important to consider materials carefully when embarking on a project and opt for frames that are strong and durable.

The most popular materials for door and window frames are uPVC, wood and aluminium. uPVC is the cheapest option, but is not innately strong, making it far easier to break. Wood and timber look fantastic on period properties, but also lack durability and are prone to weathering. Aluminium, on the other hand, combines strength and robustness with

a lightweight structure, making it the securest option available, whilst allowing for ultra-thin frames to maximise the natural light let into a property.

2. Look for the Secured

by Design accreditation

The Secured by Design accreditation is awarded to doors and windows that have been rigorously tested and approved by the police, offering a quick way to identify the highest performing systems in terms of security.

The accreditation assesses how secure the doors or windows are, ensuring they are sufficiently robust to resist attack by opportunistic burglars. Since the accreditation was first introduced in the late ‘80s, it has helped decrease new home break-ins by an incredible 87%.

Almost three-quarters of break-ins happen through the front door, so prioritising a high-quality front door is a fundamental part of home security.

The traditionally weak areas for doors are the cylinder/locking barrel and the handle. In fact, UK crime statistics illustrate that 27% of burglaries involve lock snapping. This is because most doors use insecure cylinders which burglars can vandalise to gain entry. So, be sure to choose tamper-proof barrels.

Reputable companies will offer either a three-star barrel or one with coded magnetic keys for the highest level of security.

Both are proven to protect against snapping, picking, drilling and bumping. For an even more resilient option, look out for diamond barrels – these are some of the strongest on the market.

4. Check the locks

Before investing in a door or window, ensure it has a multi-point lock. For instance, all of Origin’s doors feature an eight-point locking system for the ultimate security.

For windows, Yale’s Encloser Lock on the OW-80 and the Nemesis Lock on the OW-70 offer a great option for those looking to maximise security.

5. Opt for high-grade hinges

High-grade, corrosionresistant stainless-steel hinges, will also improve your home’s protection against potential intruders. In fact, all of the hinges included as standard with Origin windows have been cycle tested over 50,000 times for ultimate peace of mind.

In addition, hinge guards will block intruders from jemmying the window open along the hinged side, as well as providing optimal weatherproofing.

www.origin-global.com I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

30

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: DRU FIRES

Ebios-Fire One 1000 bioethanol fire

Treat yourself to a new fire or stove this autumn

The coronavirus pandemic has seen many of us confined to our homes over the spring and summer, only going out for essential reasons such as food shopping and exercise.

O

ne of the few positive outcomes of the crisis is that we are falling back in love with improvements to our homes and gardens, so this autumn, think about transforming or replacing your old fireplace.

Autumn can be a magical time of the year. There’s a chill in the air, the nights draw in, and red, brown and golden leaves dramatically transform the landscape.

When returning from your evening walk or from a long day at work, there is no better welcome than the dancing flames and comforting glow of a modern, clean-burning fire or stove.

And today’s contemporary fires offer a wealth of design options and striking architectural features that will grace any home, from a modest urban terrace to a rustic rural retreat.

Refurbish your existing fireplace

DRU Maestro 75 Tall gas fire

The wonder of wood

The traditional British fireplace is an iconic structure, which is renowned throughout the world. Its distinctive size and shape makes it a fundamental part of our culture.

However, we don’t just have to settle for a traditional fire that looks just like the one our parents or grandparents would have enjoyed. You can easily replace your fire and surround with elegant new designs in gas or wood, which also deliver low emissions and much greater energy efficiency.

Take, for instance, the new Global by DRU 55XT CF gas fire. It fits into a Class 1 chimney with minimal building work, features the latest DRU Truflame log fire effect, can be combined with a range of beautiful fire surrounds and is at least 75% energy-efficient.

The 55XT is also available as a balanced flue fire. This means that it can be installed with or without a chimney, either using a false chimney breast to conceal the flue, or by inserting the fire inside a cavity wall. Either way, you have a stunning fireplace that will transform your living room.

I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

Wood fires and stoves are still hugely popular, and the latest, most efficient models are another great way to transform a tired-looking fireplace.

Firstly, you can install a modern, hole-in-the-wall wood fire into your existing brick chimney with the help of a qualified HETAS engineer. You can even make use of the depth of the chimney to have a two- or three-sided model, like the Dik Geurts Instyle Corner, creating a beautiful flame picture from multiple viewing points.

Or how about hollowing out the chimney opening to accommodate a freestanding wood stove? This is easily achieved with models such as the Dik Geurts Ivar or Aste, which are designed to fit into Class 1 chimneys and combine rustic charm with modern, efficient performance.

Create a new architectural feature with your fire

Once you move your fire or stove away from the confines of your existing chimney, the possibilities are endless.

Contemporary gas fires with the balanced flue system are not limited in size, design or capacity in the same way as chimney fires. You can have two- or three-sided fires, seethrough tunnel fires, widescreen fires and extra tall fires like the new Maestro 75 Tall. They can be hidden behind false chimney breasts, suspended from the ceiling, or integrated into dramatic room dividing walls and other architectural features.

32

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: DRU FIRES

Spartherm Premium Triple wood fire

Global by DRU 55XT gas fire

DRU Virtuo 3 electric fire

Dik Geurts Aste wood stove

The DRU Maestro and Metro series of gas fires come in sizes up to 2m-wide with many design variations, fire bed styles, interior finishes and heat outputs.

You can also select a stunning freestanding gas stove like the DRU Passo Eco Wave model, which has a fashionable cylindrical shape and a variety of elegant colour finishes to complement your decor.

These fires can be effortlessly controlled using a smartphone or tablet using the exclusive DRU Eco Wave app, integrating them into smart building control systems.

Contemporary wood fires and stoves have many of the same advantages but with even more possibilities. There are spectacular circular models, like the Dik Geurts Odin, freestanding or suspended cubic stoves like the Dik Geurts Bora with its fine selection of log storage units and built-in wood fires like the Spartherm Premium series, which have automatically controlled vertically sliding glass doors and many other clever features.

Go electric

Electric fires have historically been the poor relation to gas and wood fires because of high running costs, poor efficiency and unrealistic flames. But that is all changing.

There is now a new generation of electric fires that are rivalling the desirability of their gas and wood counterparts. Prominent among these is the recently launched DRU Virtuo. Soon to be available in single-sided, two- and three-sided models, the Virtuo has a stunning video enhanced flame picture that looks just like a real fire. It is easy to install, includes a remote control and can be adjusted to show a huge variety of images, with or without heat.

Bioethanol – the green solution

Many people are seeking alternative, green fuels to replace wood, gas or electricity as primary sources of home heating. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is bioethanol, an odourless, colourless liquid derived from renewable plants such as grain crops and hay.

Bioethanol fires are available in a surprising range of sizes and designs, including built-in, table-top and freestanding models. The Ebios Passo E bioethanol stove was voted ‘Best Fireplace Suite (other fuels)’ at the 2019 Hearth & Home awards, and the Ebios One 1000 is a versatile 1m-long coffee table model that can be used in many places around the home.

Fires fuelled by bioethanol are 95% energy-efficient, release water vapour with no harmful emissions and most require no chimney or flue, so they are the natural choice for a sustainable future.

So, freshen up your home as we emerge from lockdown. Choose a new fire or stove and settle down to enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings as we drift slowly into autumn. www.drufire.com

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I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: H.D. SERVICES

H.D. Services continues ongoing customer support

Since COVID-19 found its way to our shores, H.D. Services has remained open to support its customers.

T

he company is taking all necessary precautions in relation to the safety of its staff and clients by adhering to Government and PHE guidelines. Risk assessments have been completed to ensure H.D. Services is doing all it can to help its staff and customers stay safe.

The brand has implemented the following changes to its onsite practices to ensure safety on site: Only two workers on any site Observance of the 2m social distancing rule Facemasks and gloves to be worn at all times Handwash provided for each worker and access to water to enable regular handwashing.

If you have scheduled work due to be carried out, H.D. Services requests that you inform the team before the date of the visit if you or any member of your family have symptoms or are self-isolating. While it may not prevent the team from undertaking the scheduled work, the company needs to ensure its staff are aware and will have to re-schedule work if it cannot be undertaken without contact.

While the world is coming to terms with the ‘new normal’, H.D. Services has seen the business grow and has been able to invest in some new plant to further future-proof the business and meet the growing demand for its services.

The brand wishes good luck to its customers in the coming months. You can contact the team using the details below.

www.hdservicesltd.co.uk 01494 792000 enquiries@thehdgroup.co.uk I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

34

LEGAL & BUSINESS PRODUCT GUIDE ADVERTORIAL: BLANCO | LICK HOME | BEADMASTER | DURAVIT | THE USED KITCHEN COMPANY

Full flexibility with BLANCO’s CATRIS-S Flexo tap

H

omeowners spend a

huge 60% of the time in

the kitchen on average. With

sinks and taps being the most

used appliances, it’s important

to make sure they look flawless

BeadMaster extends range with new sizes

and perform perfectly. The

CATRIS-S Flexo in black matt

M

anufacturer of game-changing self-build products, BeadMaster, has extended its offering with two new products; Circle 62 and Circle 86.

BeadMaster’s cover plates deliver a perfect finish around sockets, switches, downlights and sprinklers as it is stapled to the plasterboard, enabling plasterers to skim over holes quickly and easily. The centre is then removed with a hooked blade, revealing smooth, reinforced edges. Part of the innovative new range, the Circle 62 offers a practical solution for bespoke projects that require smaller downlight and sprinkler holes, as it can be used on holes from 49 to 62mm. The second new size, the Circle 86, provides a secure cover plate for much larger holes, between 72 to 86mm. The complete range, which includes the original Circle 72, allows all holes between 49 to 72mm to be covered with BeadMaster’s cover plates. Circle 62 and Circle 86 are available now at distributors across the UK www.beadmaster.co.uk and Ireland.

01869 225700 sales@beadmaster.co.uk

from BLANCO is perfect for

homeowners who want to embrace the new kitchen trend for

a black, industrial, concrete, colourful or urban look. This brand-

new single level monobloc mixer tap exudes sophistication with

classic design features combined with modern appeal. The striking CATRIS-S Flexo can be paired with white surrounding surfaces for a bold monochrome effect or will fit

in equally well with brighter colour palettes and pastel tones.

www.blanco.co.uk 01923 635200

Lick Home raises millions during lockdown to innovate outdated interior industry

L

ick Home, the direct-toconsumer home decor

brand launched during lockdown, has announced it has raised £3m. The raise will support the brand’s ambitious plans to stir up the dusty interior market and provide

a user-friendly experience for the modern consumer.

Having launched the day the UK was put into lockdown

and despite the ongoing global pandemic and ensuing economic uncertainties, Lick Home has already had a

significant impact on the industry and was able to achieve a fast, successful fundraising process. The committed capital reinforces investors’ confidence in the growth of this space, and Lick’s

revolutionary proposition.

Tennis star Dominic Thiem is Duravit’s new brand ambassador

www.lickhome.com hello@lickhome.com

The Used Kitchen Company heralds the year of the ‘reno-cation’

O

n 10th August 2020, Dominic Thiem and Duravit signed a cooperation agreement at the Duravit Design Center, Hornberg. For the next five years, the number three in the ATP world rankings will be an ambassador for the Duravit brand.

The amiable Austrian sportsman and the designer bathroom manufacturer from the Black Forest share a commitment to sustainability, a love of precision and expect the very highest from their own performance, making them a perfect match.

“I am really excited about the partnership with Duravit. It’s a company with a rich tradition and a fascinating product portfolio. They set themselves high standards and really value precision. These are also the key pillars for success in tennis – and their commitment to sustainability is inspiring,” said Dominic. Duravit’s CEO, Stephan Tahy, added: “Dominic Thiem is a really popular figure and a perfect fit with Duravit thanks to his commitment to sustainability and his high expectations for his www.duravit.co.uk own performance.”

I

nspiring kitchen

recycler, The Used

Kitchen Company (TUKC),

has dubbed 2020 the ‘year

of the reno-cation’, having helped more homeowners renovate with the second-hand kitchen of their dreams this year than in

any other in its 15-year history. TUKC says staycationing Brits have

diverted their energies into fitting a kitchen to take pride in, but the

sustainable champion believes more is yet to come. Conversations with potential buyers led TUKC to predict that around one-third

of Brits have focused on garden overhauls thus far and are now moving on to

kitchen refurbs

for late summer/ autumn 2020.

35

www.theusedkitchencompany.com 0208 349 1943 info@tukc.co.uk I-B U I L D/ S E P/20

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