Homebuilding &Renovating APRIL 2021
BRITAIN’S NO.1 FOR SELF-BUILDERS AND HOME EXTENDERS
BRITAIN’S MOST AMAZING HOMES A new home built for just £150k! Incredible renovation projects Inspiring eco homes
20
TIPS EVERY RENOVATOR NEEDS TO KNOW!
PLANNING PERMISSION: SECRETS TOSUCCESS HOW TO
EXTEND YOUR HOME Side extensions: A design& build guide
SELF-BUILD GUIDE CREATE AN ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME KITCHEN DESIGN
Contents
Contents
OCTOBER 2020
APRIL 2021
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68
SUBSCRIBE FOR LESS Turn to page 94 to find out more about our latest magazine subscription offers.
30 ON THE COVER
25
25 Britain’s best new homes 122 20 essential renovation tips 112 A beginner’s guide to planning permission 183 Self-build beginner’s guide 129 5 things to know before building an airtight home 163 What’s the Passive House Planning Package? 172 Kitchen design ideas 97 How to successfully add a side extension to your home
Contents
REGULARS 15 NEWS
The latest news, products and ideas for self-builders, extenders and renovators
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94 SUBSCRIBE FOR LESS!
97 ADDING SPACE AND VALUE TO YOUR HOME
122 20 ESSENTIAL RENOVATION TIPS
143 ASK THE EXPERTS
129 ESSENTIALS: BUILDING AN AIRTIGHT HOME
This month our experts answer questions on extensions, roof tiles and plot ransom strips
183 A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BUILDING YOUR OWN HOME 202 SIGNING OFF
A final word from the HB&R team
to buy 130 How skirting boards
HOMES 25 DAILY TELEGRAPH HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING AWARDS WINNERS REVEALED The Home of the Year is revealed alongside the category winners and shortlisted projects of our annual awards scheme
30 FORGED OUT OF RUIN
An award-winning conversion and extension to a blacksmith’s workshop in Shropshire, built for just £85k
54 BACK TO NATURE
156 Timeless,
contemporary homes
112 BEGINNER’S GUIDE: PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The starting point for the majority of projects, big or small, discover the ins and outs of the system
How to design a side extension and what to consider with planning and Building Regs
Side extensions
EXPERT ADVICE
One man in Devon fulfills a life-long dream of converting and extending a derelict barn into a new home — meeting tough EnerPHit standards in the process
68 “WE BUILT A SUSTAINABLE HOME FULL OF CHARM”
A couple take on an oak-framed self-build, blending old traditions with modern technology to amazing effect
118 “OUR NEW STOREY HAS BEEN CRANED IN”
A round up of the best expert advice, tips and tricks from the series for a great reno
Five essential things to know before building in this energy-efficient method
130 A BUYER’S GUIDE TO SKIRTING BOARDS
Everything you need to know about choosing boards for your project including installation, materials and costs
135 PLOTS: PUTTING TOGETHER AN ASSESSMENT TEAM Self-build expert Mark Stevenson details what to look for when instructing others
DESIGN 156 CAN A CONTEMPORARY HOME EVER BE TIMELESS?
Four architects explore how modern styles and methods could stand the test of time
163 WHAT IS THE PASSIVE HOUSE PLANNING PACKAGE? Architect Tara Gbolade explains how this modelling software leads to innovative, energy-efficient designs
167 MOODBOARD: BEAUTIFUL WINDOW SEAT IDEAS
A spot for reflection or a nook to read in — take a look at these great concepts
169 BEHIND THE DESIGN: EXPOSED STEELS
Add wow-factor to your home with architect Sabatino Torchitti’s advice
From awkward bungalow to two-storey family home; an on-site glimpse into one couple’s project in London
172 KITCHEN TRENDS 2021
141 ON SITE DIARY
181 THE LATEST... INDUSTRIALSTYLE INTERNAL DOORS
It’s over to the two couples as their projects reach the start of DIY decorating
Get ahead of the latest styles with Natasha Brinsmead’s unmissable guide
Get this statement look in your home
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News
by Jack Woodfield & Amy Reeves
THE FUTURE OF HOME DESIGN
IMAGE: CARPETRIGHT
W
ould you buy an air purification system that can be disguised as a piece of art? This is one of several innovations from the Future of the Home report, commissioned by global home lift company Aritco, which reveals the top innovations that we can expect to see in our homes in 2021 and beyond. The latest developments and technologies focus on the ever-increasing trend towards health and wellness in our living environments, efficient home cleaning automation and steps towards reducing the carbon emissions attached to homes (including gardening and waste reduction). From lighting personalised to our body clocks to infrared heat emitters and windows with the ability to act as solar panels and cells, the report carefully observes our current concerns and provides solutions that could soon be featured in home design. Find out more at Aritco’s website: www.aritco.com/nextlevelliving/future-of-the-home
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News
Self-build & renovation MUST-HAVE HOUSE FEATURES
Increases in Google searches year-on-year, as analysed by online property portal Share to Buy 136% Energy efficient 54% Roof terrace 46% Double-glazing 41% Balcony
BOOK OF THE MONTH: MAD ABOUT THE HOUSE
38% Garden 31% Garage
Following the huge success of Mad About the House: 101 Interior Design Answers, author and interiors expert Kate Watson-Smyth has released a little black book for organising a renovation. The journal-planner has pages dedicated to keeping track of a budget, an address book for trades and a checklist of essentials, as well as plenty of helpful hints, tips and tricks from Kate on how to manage a project of any size. The book is available for £18.99 from 4 March.
26% Pet-friendly 25% Home office space
Veterans taught to self-build Six previously homeless armed forces veterans have completed a self-build scheme in Herefordshire We first reported on the groundbreaking scheme in our January 2020 issue, in which armed forces veterans gained construction skills and experience – designed to enhance their employment opportunities – as well as a place to live.
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The project, which comprises a 19-home mix of houses and flats, was a collaboration between veterans’ charity Alabaré Community Self Build (Veterans) scheme and housing association Stonewater. Despite multiple delays caused by the pandemic, local construction company J Harper & Ltd helped to ensure the homes were finished and ready for the veterans to move into in time for Christmas.
AWARDS 2020
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THE LIVING SPACES Conscious of the limited space and need to reduce clutter, a built-in cupboard conceals the TV and creates a spot for their woodburning stove from Greymetal. The original forge has been given a new lease of life and gives effortless personality to the new spaces.
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BEHIND THE DESIGN
The resulting new home has a timeless quality, thanks to Philip’s careful and confident design which sees the old blacksmith’s forge meet two new timber-framed extensions. Clad with dark corrugated metal – both a nod to the building’s history, and a signal of the modern additions – one extension replaces bolted-on lean-to workshops and, as Philip explains, “acts as a shadow to the brick building”, while the other elongates the barn to house a generous master bedroom. Inside, clean and simple living spaces, including a bright kitchendiner leading to a courtyard garden, make the most of every inch of space available on the compact plot. Perhaps most importantly, the original structure has been sensitively restored by the couple. Boasting a new roof, concrete floor and plenty of insulation, the original fabric of the building – including repointed brickwork, the original timber trusses, still bearing the blacksmith’s burns, and window openings – has been exposed throughout the living space.
ALL HANDS ON DECK
Philip oversaw trades who restored the old structure and constructed the new extensions before taking on much of the work himself with Elly and a few family and friends to help along the way. “Phil was the driving force behind it all so I kept the faith and got more involved in the later stages of the build — mostly as manual labour,” smiles Elly. “It was all hands on deck because we did everything from the first fix onwards ourselves.” The couple credit their decision to source materials themselves, a flexibility for delivery dates and a readiness to take advantage of second-hand goods as the key to staying on their tight budget. Doing much of the work themselves also let them make changes and adapt to new ideas without losing money as they went along. “I really like that we’ve been able to make the old building come alive,” says Philip. “It was a really tight, small barn so we were trying to make the most of it and it works really well to have the modern extension with the large windows to let light in.”
AWARDS 2020
WINNER BEST VALUE HOME JUDGE CLAIRE LLOYD SAYS Whilst Alan is a builder by profession, building this 248m2 home on a budget of just £150k is a hugely impressive achievement. The project has been a labour of love for the couple, who learnt new skills along the way.
TRADITIONAL-STYLE SELF-BUILD
IMAGES: ALISTAIR NICHOLLS
HOMEOWNERS Alan and Melanie Williams PROJECT Masonry self-build LOCATION Hampshire BUILD COST £150,000 DESIGNER Self designed
Experienced self-builders Melanie and Alan achieved this striking barn-style home on a modest budget by taking on much of the work themselves and using locally sourced materials throughout. While working full-time, Alan collaborated with the couple’s son, an architectural technologist, to design the house, reducing costs by putting in two and a half years of tireless work and only hiring trades for the electrics, plumbing, roofing and plastering. This delivered the house at a final cost of just £604/m2.
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TIMELINE
Planning permission approved Building Regs approved Started on site Foundations completed Watertight shell First fix Second fix Final decoration Date occupied
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Jul 2015 May 2016 Jun 2016 Nov 2017 Apr 2018 Jun 2018 Mar 2019 Jul 2019 Sept 2019
THE EXTERIOR The house is clad with a SureCav rainscreen, local stone and oak weatherboarding while a natural slate roof gently contrasts with the zinc-clad curved porch which adds a contemporary touch.
understand sustainability. We went for new, thicker high spec SIPs [structural insulated panels], which meant we didn’t need to install a heat pump; instead, we have two woodburners that heat the whole house and an MVHR [mechanical ventilation with heat recovery] system that means we get fresh air every three hours. We did look at getting Passivhaus certification, but that was too expensive so we decided to follow the principles instead. All our money went into the fabric of the building, the insulation and the natural materials. Also, rather than having five bedrooms in the main house, we wanted four bedrooms with a one-bedroom annexe that we can use for our parents to stay, and possibly use as a granny annexe eventually.
Your house fits in so well with the local area. How did you achieve that? We were really keen, as were the planners and
WORDS ALISON WALL; PHOTOGRAPHY: NICHOLAS YARSLEY. STUART COX, TONY COOKE
SEPARATE SPACES By adding an annexe, Tony and Emma have create a spot to rent out, or in the future, for their parents to reside in while another outbuilding (left) acts as a workshop, garage and office.
architects, to use the local vernacular, which around here is stone. Roderick James had used a drystone wall effect on previous projects, and I’d seen drystone walling used at the Gloucester Service station [as facing stone to the building] and really liked the look of it. We approached a few stonemasons, but they said they couldn’t get that finish. In the end we used the stonemason who’d done the drystone walling in the garden. He bedded the stones into the structure with what’s called a ‘three-quarters mortar backed’, so it looks like drystone but isn’t really.
You built the annexe first. How did this help with the build?
We wanted to test the builder, so we hired him to do the annexe part of the build first. The construction method was exactly the same as for the main house but in miniature so we could see how the different junctions and detailing worked.
AWARDS 2020
SHORTLISTED
JUDGE AMY REEVES SAYS Restoring original features can be tricky, but combining this with introducing character that has previously been removed, while making the most of a 50m 2 floorplan, is quite an achievement. Oliver has done just that, blending new ideas with cottage staples to create a home for his young family.
COTTAGE RENOVATION
HOMEOWNERS Oliver Wilding and Holly Caplin PROJECT Renovation of an 18th-century cottage LOCATION Bath BUILD COST £80,000 ARCHITECT Marptree Design & Build
IMAGES: STUART COX
Spotting potential where others didn’t, Oliver worked tirelessly to renovate a dated cottage on a tight budget. The result is a home bursting with charm, where original features sit hand in hand with contemporary touches, as well as clever ideas that maximise the cottage’s compact floorplan and picturesque views.
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Space & value
by Rebecca Foster
ADDING
SPACE
&VALUE PART 7: Side Extensions
IMAGE: SYTE ARCHITECTS, PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES MORRIS
l Structural know-how l Design ideas l Planning & Regs l Glazing and roof heights
Two glass volumes were added to the side of this house in North London to make the most of the southerly light on this elevation. The glazed volumes have been incorporated to continue the existing stepped footprint of the property. Design work was carried out by Syte Architects.
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Expert The Build advice
This stunning house is a Para 55 (now known as Paragraph 79) build located in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Cotswolds. Designed by Hawkes Architecture using passive solar building techniques, the design and plans went through pre-application. It had the planning officer’s recommendations approval and was approved by committee, passing on the first attempt.
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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PLANNING PERMISSION
You can make a planning application on any piece of land — you don’t have to own it. Your planning decision may take longer than eight weeks from the point of application, so that will need allowing for.
IMAGE: C/O RICHARD HAWKES OF HAWKES ARCHITECTURE
The objections of neighbours may be upsetting, but unless they hit on genuine planning problems, they should not have any influence on the decision.
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You can withdraw an application at any time up to the day of its approval or rejection — so if you think you are going to get a refusal, you can withdraw it and resubmit free of charge. You can submit any number of planning applications for a site — and choose which one to use. As long as the application you choose is current, it needn’t be the most recent.
risk and drainage issues. Alternatively, an outline application could be useful way of discovering whether permission might be granted for a single dwelling on a greenfield plot in a village. l Current application fee per 0.1 hectares £462. Once received, an outline permission on its own doesn’t allow you to build right away. Rather, it must be followed by a Reserved Matters submission. RESERVED MATTERS SUBMISSION This covers the details that weren’t dealt with in the outline application, such as design, materials, the exact position of the plot, drainage, landscaping. In other words, the tricky bits, but the additional eight weeks and extra cost of submitting the Reserved Matters is in the knowledge that the principle of building a house is not in doubt. l Current application fee per dwelling £462 (Scotland £401)
Buying a house or land subject to planning
Planning permission almost always relates to land or property, not to the applicant. So, when you buy a property or plot with
Expert advice
By Natasha Brinsmead
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RENOVATION PART 18: Top 20 essential renovation tips
As we conclude the series, we round up some of the best tips, tricks and nuggets of wisdom for you to take with you on your own renovation journey
COMPILE A WISHLIST BEFORE YOU START Before you approach an architect or break ground with your renovation plans, spend time coming up with a comprehensive wishlist of what you want from your project — how you envisage the end result and what you think is a realistic budget. “We compiled a wishlist for our new home, gaining ideas from magazines, visiting properties and talking to friends,” says David Vasey who, along with wife Jan, extended and remodelled a 1980s estate house (right). “This helped us better understand our requirements, enabling us to create an achievable renovation plan.”
IMAGES: (TOP) SIMON MAXWELL; (BELOW) JEREMY PHILLIPS
BEWARE OF HIDDEN COSTS
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When you are figuring out whether or not you can afford to buy and renovate a development opportunity make sure you have checked and double checked that you haven’t missed anything. Common costs that get overlooked include fees to reconnect services, valuation fees, and roof repairs. With old property it is usually better to assume that a rewire will be required, along with a new heating system. It’s always possible that you’ll get lucky, but the majority of period properties require some kind of upgrade, so proceed on the assumption yours will.
David and Jan Vasey spent a lot of time planning their priorities before beginning work on their renovation in order to squeeze the maximum value out of their budget.
Design & Materials This contemporary vernacular extension for a new dining and annexe space to a listed house in the South Downs National Park has been designed by Studio BAD.
“Creating a site-specific home is one of the most exciting prospects for an architect and a client. It’s an opportunity to leave a legacy — a piece of architecture capturing a moment in time”
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by Michelle Guy
Four architects give their thought-provoking views on whether you can build a home now that will stand the test of time
SITE-SPECIFIC DESIGN IS KEY Architects have been designing ‘contemporary’ homes for well over 500 years, globally. These homes began as very site-specific regional country houses and villas. Some of the great examples DARREN BRAY, FOUNDER OF STUDIO BAD were by Italian master Andrea Palladio. However, he published a book of his work and his designs became a global export, appearing in the UK and US (notably The White House) in the early Georgian period. In this particular example, well executed, many Palladian buildings have become iconic; the style has, however, been poorly replicated too — just look at the faux Palladian columns bolted on to many a 20th-century home. But what this did perhaps initiate, centuries ago, is an alien form of architecture without a special relationship to its region or place. An architect can design a simple, open-plan, light, spacious house, that has large areas of glazing drawing upon and exploiting views of the context and landscape. But there is nothing worse, in my opinion, than creating
A
timeless contemporary build... Sounds eloquently romantic and is a phrase we hear a lot at HB&R, but it’s an oxymoron. The word ‘timeless’ means something that ‘isn’t limited to a particular time in history’. The word ‘contemporary’ means ‘belonging to or occurring in the present’. The words may be contradictory, but put them together and, like the well-coined phrase ‘instant classic’, you have a term with a ring to it. Intuitively, we understand what it means: a home that belongs to the present but has architectural merit that will have it stand the test of time. With so many factors to consider when building a new home, extending or overhauling an existing property (let alone the planning considerations for the area you’re going to build in), how do you build a home that’s exciting now and will remain so into the next decade and beyond? Here, four leading architects share their insight.
an alien form, particularly one that consists of a generic shape and pallet of materials, that does not sit comfortably in its local regional context. Creating a site-specific home is one of the most exciting prospects for an architect and a client. It’s an opportunity to leave a legacy for both designer and selfbuilder — a piece of architecture capturing a moment in time and history in a specific geographic place. To deliver something successfully, it is imperative that it is contextual, a house that is of the place it exists in, something that’s regional, uses local materials, and takes its cues from its surroundings. I believe that as we move out of the challenging times of the pandemic we will begin to see a reaction to the built environment — a closer relationship and engagement with local and regional spaces at almost every level of life reasserting itself over the practice of exporting standard iconic architectural forms. It’s here where we will begin to see more classic contemporary homes drawing on their local place and context. Only then will newly built homes have an opportunity to stand the test of time — of being relevant now and in the future.
IMAGE: C/O STUDIO BAD; RENDER ALAIN MEHMET AT STUDIO BRINK
Can a contemporary home ever be timeless?
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Design
Top kitchen trends in 2021 We reveal some of the biggest trends to embrace this year in the world of kitchen design — from the bold colours taking centre stage to recycled kitchens that reduce waste and save you money
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KITCHEN MAKERS (WWW.BURBIDGEKITCHENMAKERS.CO.UK
by Natasha Brinsmead
WREN KITCHENS (WWW.WRENKITCHENS.COM)
Dark and dramatic Forget pale and interesting — the latest kitchen designs are all about moody shades. Think forest greens, smoky and deep navy blues and rusty reds. Paired with metallics such as brass and copper these shades will have all the more impact. To avoid a gloomy look, ensure you have plenty of good light sources (natural and artificial) and consider areas of worktop in lighter shades such as a creamy grey marble or ice white composite.
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IMAGE: C/O OAKWRIGHTS * HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SELF & CUSTOM BUILD MARKET REPORT 2017
PERIOD PERSONALITY This Oakwrights-designed self-build is an energy-efficient homage to period cottages and carefully captures their charm using oak frame.
Beginner’s guide to self-build T
here are many benefits to building your own home. It is an opportunity to create a unique home tailored around your lifestyle. It can be a route to creating a home that will adapt as your needs change, for instance accommodating wheelchair use. It also offers scope to build a property that is low maintenance and energy efficient.
What’s more, self-builders often achieve a larger home and garden compared to buying a new home on the open market — the average self-build project is 247m2*, more than double the size of the average newbuild developer home. And, as an added bonus, self-builders typically enjoy a profit of 25% on their investment*.
Once you’ve decided to build your own home, there are some key questions you need to begin answering: where will you build your new home, what do you hope to build, how will you finance your project, who will build it and how will it be built, for instance. Follow our in-depth beginner’s guide to find out how to start this incredible journey…
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Six ways to find a plot
Finding your self-build plot It’s the starting point to any self-build dream. Here’s what to consider when plot hunting
Y
ou may be fortunate enough to have a plot already at your disposal — a large side garden, for instance. However, for many self-builders, their journey begins with finding a suitable plot. It’s important to keep an open mind when looking for a plot. Typical plot types do include greenfield sites as well as fully serviced plots offered by developers with self-builders in mind, but plots may also be brownfield land, or old buildings that can be replaced. In these latter cases, it’s important to consider potential pitfalls such as contamination, which can be costly, but provided you’re careful, there are hidden treasures everywhere. The key is to treat every home as just a temporary occupant of a building plot — once you get into this mindset, opportunities begin to present themselves.
WHAT MAKES A BUILDING PLOT?
A piece of land is not a building plot until planning permission is granted. Access is another key requirement (see box). If you do identify land with the hallmarks of a potential building plot, then as long as it doesn’t fall outside the settlement boundary or contravene other planning policies, there is nothing to stop you applying for planning permission, even if you do not own the land. If you opt for this route, ensure you have a contract in place with the owner so you can purchase the plot for an agreed sum if you are successful. More commonly, you will have purchased a plot with outline or full planning permission already in place. The good news is, you can re-apply for planning permission for a design which more closely resembles your dream home. That said, the
l Ensure planning permission has not expired and is not about to expire. There is no guarantee that reapplications will succeed. l Keep an eye out for access. If doesn’t extend directly up to the adopted highway, there should at least be a legal right to cross third party land to access the plot in perpetuity. l Check for covenants that could limit the ways the land
existing design and planning history of the plot will provide a good clue about what is likely to be approved.
WHAT TO PAY
TOP TIP
GET INSURANCE LINED UP
Self-build projects require specialist insurance to protect against public liability issues, fires, storm damage and more. Get cover in place as soon as you exchange contracts on your plot.
The price of your plot will reflect the local housing market. Ideally, the real value of a plot should equal the end value of house minus the total build cost (visit www.homebuilding.co.uk/calculator). You should also try to factor in any ‘additional’ costs and put aside 10-30% of your build cost to cover any unexpected expenses. Typically, self-builders pay between £100,000 and £275,000 for a plot. However, this varies across the country.
might be developed, and for overages — obligations that may involve further payments to the previous owner down the line. l Ensure services are in place. If they are not, then research your options, and establish the likely cost of bringing them to site. You might also plan to use off-mains options, which are readily available for heating, hot water, and drainage. l Check whether the title deeds are ‘absolute’ or ‘possessory’, and negotiate on the plot price accordingly.
9000
IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN ASSESSING PLOTS
● STUDY THE LOCAL AREA Think like a developer and search out opportunities others overlook. Get out and about in your chosen area or use Google Maps to look for homes on large plots that have either a large side garden, or infill land. ● SIGN UP TO PLOTFINDER.NET Register with specialist plot services like www.plotfinder.net, which collects information from those selling land (including estate agents and individuals who are not selling elsewhere) and makes it available via subscription. ● CONTACT EXPERTS Some package companies, such as Potton and Border Oak, hold lists of available plots online. ● VISIT LOCAL AUCTIONS Many opportunities are sold via auction, so establish who the key agents are in your area and get on their lists for catalogues. If you haven’t been to an auction, go and experience one first hand to familiarise yourself with the process. ● CHECK YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY’S WEBSITE Check recent planning applications on your local authority’s website. The details of the owner are often included on the application, and there is nothing to stop you contacting them directly. ● READ OUR IN-DEPTH PLOT FINDING COLUMN To get the real inside track, self-build expert Mark Stevenson’s advice is indispensable — take a look at his series on page 135.
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