PLACE TO CHILL | A PLACE TO GRILL | A PLACE TO ENTERTAIN
Whatever you choose, the Outdoor Living Pod™ has you covered come sun, wind, rain or even snow. Award-winning pergolas, for discerning homeowners and businesses. Bespoke manufactured in Suffolk in less than 2 weeks.
• Landmann’s New BBQ Range
• Colourful Awnings
• Nimble Ride On Lawnmowers
• Open-plan
• Thinking Differently about Blinds & Shutters
• Decking Out with Ecodek
• Luxury Shading
• As part of our inspiring the future series - Do you know everything you need to know about being an apprentice?
35
• First Impression Front Doors
• Solar Calibre DoorsStunning Good Looks!
• Cladding Visualiser & Calculator
• Top Tips on how to Transform Your Home
• Period Home Transformation
• Planning for The Future Homes Standard
• Snug Room Internal Panelling
• Aluminium Windows, Doors and Screening
• Bi-fold and Sliding Door Makeover
• Homeowners Choice - Bifold Network
• Secondary Glazing Case Study
• Award Winning Roof Windows
81 INTERIORS
• Your Kitchen and Colour
• Luxury Bathroom Lifestyle
• Japandi Interior Design
• Bringing in the Sunshine with Hilda & Dolly Prints
Ahhh the lazy days of Summer! Longer evenings spent dining alfresco, cold drinks out on the lawn, the scent of freshly cut grass and the pops of colour from the flowers and blossom trees. What could be better?
More and more of us are now holidaying at home and spending time and money on our properties so we can enjoy our gardens and take advantage of the weather. To help you along why not take a look at Landmann’s new BBQ range? Stiga can help with the lawn with their nimble ride on lawnmowers and Liniar show us how to live open-plan in the garden. For those really warm days you’re going to need shading and Markilux are more than happy to oblige, with their luxury awning collection.
A place to chill? A place to grill? A place to entertain? Caribbean Blinds has you covered with their stunning Outdoor Living Pod.
We also have some exclusive tips for you from gardening guru Huw Richards, to get your garden party ready and really add that WOW factor!
Have a great Summer!
Enjoy this issue as always.
by AGS technology for a more intelligent mowing session
Gardens,Patio’s, Alfresco Dining & Shading
In the UK, blinds and shutters are often viewed as an optional window dressing rather than a useful tool to help save energy and play an important role in our wellbeing. Dr Zoe De Grussa, technical and sustainability consultant at the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), explains how to think differently about blinds and shutters.
Click
• Landmann’s New BBQ Range
• Colourful Awnings
• Nimble Ride On Lawnmowers
• Open-plan Living in the Garden
• Thinking Differently about Blinds & Shutters
• Decking Out with Ecodek
• Luxury Shading
Germany’s oldest barbecue manufacturer, LANDMANN has announced the introduction of nine new outdoor cooking appliances, meeting the growing demand for multifunctional BBQs.
Since 1966, LANDMANN has used German engineering to provide innovative, affordable appliances to a wide consumer market, earning its crown as the “HOME OF FIRE”.
LANDMANN specialises in making barbecuing easy, whether it’s Charcoal, Gas or Electric They provide innovative solutions to cook food beautifully, bring the family together and make the most of outdoor space.
Launched ahead of the peak barbecue season, new products include:
• Caliano cooK 6.1 Gas BBQ with Pizza Oven
• The Big LANDMANN Kamado (x2 sizes)
• LANDMANN E-Grill Trolley BBQ
• The Vinson Smokers (x3 sizes)
• Smokeless Firepits (x2 sizes)
RRP: £799.99
This dual-purpose Caliano Cook 6.1 Gas BBQ With Pizza Oven uses six adjustable stainless steel gas burners, to enable cooking of multiple dishes at once making it the barbecue for large group cooking.
One of the barbecue most impressive features is the complete pizza-oven with a stone base; which not only produces crispy freshly baked pizzas to impress foodies, but also creates a stand-out focal point in the garden.
The BBQ’s cooking chamber features a three piece cast-iron rack with grill, as well as three base cabinets for storage and four swivel castors to ease movement.
The thermometer for this appliance is sat centrally on the lid for easy monitoring of the cooking temperature.
RRP: £1,399.99
Easily recognisable by its egg-like shape, The Big LANDMANN Kamado Large - Grey is the ultimate on-trend garden accessory. Stylish Kamado style cookers have been taking the market by a storm, garnering interest from the barbecue cooking community as well as those looking for the latest statement piece for their garden. The usability and cooking potential of this barbecue matches its impressive appearance, using high grade ceramic materials that work to insulate heat of up to 400℃ without temperature fluctuations.
The Big LANDMANN Kamado is also remarkable at maintaining a low temperature of 100°C for low and slowcooking and smoking meat for up to 16 hours. This process uses dense charcoal, smoking wood and the grills specialty designed vents to cook meat to an incredibly tender and juicy potential with an unrivalled aromatic taste.
RRP: £199.99
For those wanting a taste of what a Kamado BBQ can offer - LANDMANN Kamado Mini - Grey is the perfect entry BBQ. Small but mighty, it packs a punch with the smokey charcoal flavour it adds to meats and vegetables.
LANDMANN Kamado BBQs are especially versatile and able to grill, smoke and even oven cook food to perfection. Its smaller size also makes it the ideal portable BBQ to cook exceptional food anywhere.
Thanks to the high-grade ceramic that LANDMANN Kamado BBQs are made from, the BBQ is able to insulate and concentrate impressive heats by circulating hot air in uniform around the egg-like shape. This also means that limited charcoal is needed to produce high temperatures, making set up even easier.
Sleek in its grey colour, this mini Kamado BBQ will suit any garden and is the easiest way to achieve the most on trend BBQ of the season. The small cooker even makes a great pairing to sit near an existing BBQ customers may already have.
RRP: £279.99 - 379.99
The introduction of Smokeless Firepits provide outdoor cosy fires that keep evenings warm with less smoke all year round.
Made of powder-coated steel it uses ventilation holes to circulate the air and produce a fire with very low smoke and unpleasant smells.
Available in two sizes; 52.5cm and 62cm widths.
RRP: £579.99
E-Grill Trolley BBQ is unique in its dual-cooking ability, easily monitored through two barbecue thermometers displayed on a touch screen display; perfect for cooking a variety of food types simultaneously.
This electric powered BBQ also creates optimum BBQing temperatures in an instant, making it ideal for customers who like to entertain, providing ultimate efficiency.
The grill is also made up of enamelled cast-iron racks with folding side tables to save storage space.
In addition, the E-Grill electric BBQ requires no gas tank below, making it slim lined and ideal for smaller outdoor spaces. Electric BBQs also produce limited smoke for BBQ cooking without unpleasant smells.
RRP: £499.99 - £1,299.99
For the invested foodie market, the latest Vinson Smokers provide a four-in-one cooking experience, in 117cm, 128cm and 142cm widths. It impressively combines American BBQing, smoking, indirect and direct grilling into one outdoor cooker.
Produced with a robust cooking chamber, firebox and lid, the Vinson Smokers are designed for optimum circulation of heat and smoke. This appliance also features a thermometer on the lid for intuitive temperature control.
In addition to LANDMANN’s latest product launches, the BBQ manufacturer has created a tailored exclusive offering for garden centre retailers. Three BBQs in the LANDMANN Triton range will be included: Products consist of:
● Triton flexX 2.0 Gas BBQ
● Triton cooK 3.1 Gas BBQ
● Triton maxX 4.1 Gas BBQ
The Triton collection is made of high-quality and features infinitely adjustable burners with electric ignition. The choice of number of burners ranges from two - four and sits on top of a sturdy built-in warming rack and storage cabinet with internal thermometer, to ensure you have the correct temperature every time. Whether a customer’s garden is small or large, the Triton range offers premium BBQ solutions that are also perfect for patio gardens due to its ergonomic wheeled design.
For more information please visit: www.landmann.co.uk
The “MX-4” is part of the markilux MX series. A series that foc uses on a modern, timeless design for awnings. But this new model doesn’t just want to sparkle with its look. It also wants to delight with a completely new world of light underneath the cover. A world of light that makes the cover and the wall of the house light up.
The “MX-4” from markilux turns your patio into a stage with the leading role being taken by the awning as its conically shaped cassette creates a genuine presence on the façade. The allround styling panel, available in seven standard colours, also plays a starring role. The same is true of the cassette which is also available in non-standard colours. The colours can be combined individually, resulting in an attractive contrast between the two.
Colour is also the subject of the model’s lighting design because it can be equipped with many different kinds of LED light source. With an LED Line under the cover cassette, for example, or with swivelling and rotatable spots on the front panel. Both train a spotlight full of atmosphere on the cover and the housing. In addition, two spotlights can be integrated into the ends of the cassette. They create a beautiful cone of light on the wall that can shine upwards or downwards. This effect can be continued on the wall of the building by adding separate LED lights in the design of the awning.
awnings bring a coloured interplay of light to the façade
Along with its exciting colour options and the attractive design, the “MX4” also offers lots of space under the awning cover. This is made possible by durable, low-maintenance technology. It also ensures that the housing closes well and that the awning looks like a natural part of the façade. Simple and effective at the same time.
A special highlight is the modern lighting technology which makes it possible to change the colour of the LEDs to suit the occasion and mood. From warm and cosy to colourful and inspiring. The RGB light sources make all this possible. You can program the colour changes using a hand-held transmitter with io radio technology or by using the “Philips Hue” app system or the Somfy “TaHoma Switch”. This smart technology can also be controlled by voice and can be used effectively to stage your own magical light show in the evening. But, if you prefer a more neutral lighting effect, you can of course also opt for pure warm white light.
For further information, please visit: www.markilux.com
The new STIGA Swift is the first battery garden ride-on mower with interchangeable batteries. Battery power is becoming ever more popular as many look for a greener alternative to fossil fuels for their garden equipment. And with no trailing power cables, STIGA ePower batteries offer all the power of petrol and are cleaner, quieter and emission free.
The STIGA Swift is equipped with a combined 25Ah battery pack comprising four 48V batteries (2 x 5Ah + 2 x 7.5Ah), which make for more productive working times and are ideal for use on complex lawns. The batteries work synchronously, and constantly balance the available power: Onboard charging provides new power to one battery after the other, so that the first one is ready for use again after just 30 minutes. Another superb feature is the system compatibility of the high-performance power units.
Running reliably and efficiently on only three batteries, users will benefit from the flexibility of these batteries and can always count on full ePower. They can also be used in a wide variety of STIGA handheld products, facilitating multiple complex tasks like cleaning up pavements with a leaf blower, or even trimming hedges with a hedge trimmer.
The Swift is the optimal solution for mowing any garden, featuring a width of just 73.5cm, it masters even the “narrowest” of spaces. It also has an extremely low minimum outer turning radius of 1.62m, offering the greatest possible manoeuvrability, which allows it to mow cleanly and precisely even in areas with many obstacles. Cutting-edge mowing technology and smart mowing modes optimise Swift’s operation. For example, three mowing options are available according to demand and energy consumption: While the standard mode provides a blade speed of 3,500rpm, the boost mode with 3,700rpm masters even dense, tall lawns with ease. Finally, the eco mode (3,200rpm) saves users up to 40% energy, covering an area of around 2,800sqm, highlighting its environmentally friendly qualities.
The Swift’s has super comfortable handling: Offering low-vibration, ergonomic features, and a reduced noise level, which guarantee pleasant and quiet operation. Whilst the steering wheel can be turned easily with just one finger, the one-button start, cruise control and STIGA One Pedal Drive ensure intuitive start-up and driving. On the other hand, the tractor gently stops automatically when the drive pedal is released. The parking brake also activates automatically as soon as the machine comes to a stop, with no need for manual intervention.
With a low centre of gravity of 35.1cm, the Swift brings manageability and safety to every cut. The new dual-bladed mowing deck is designed for more efficient airflow inside the tunnel and at the blades, which also improves the collection of the grass cuttings. This is complimented by the cut grass being blown reliably, quickly and without clogging into a 170-litre collector. Swift is also equipped with a special washing attachment, facilitating cleaning, only taking a few seconds after the work is done.
Swift offers extended connectivity through the “STIGA.GO” app - a Bluetooth module that connects the machine’s electronic brain, the STIGA Vehicle Management System, to a smartphone - users can visualise real-time data, keeping track of the current battery status and adjust the settings to suit their personal needs.
STIGA Swift is available from STIGA dealers and from the STIGA website. Read more about all the STIGA products at www.stiga.com/uk
Husband and wife Steve and Sue Marriot live in a five-bedroomed, detached property in Derbyshire. Wanting to capitalise on their available space, the couple decided to adopt an open-plan design for the kitchen, dining an d lounge areas with a seamless deck leading outside from the patio doors.
SwitchBoard Ultra has been designed with a deeply embossed surface on both sides, giving it a 3D-effect touch. Being fully reversible and available in four stunning colours it allows homeowners the freedom to create bespoke designs with either a woodgrain or grooved effect finish. The deckboards are solid with a part-recycled core and can be used anywhere timber decking would usually be fitted.
Steve explains, “We finally got around to renovating after toying with the idea of creating an open-plan living space for a while. I removed the partition wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a spacious area for cooking and eating that’s also great for entertaining.”
“Being able to move through the kitchen and dining room freely was an immediate improvement. It’s convenient and comfortable with much more natural light reaching the kitchen now it’s exposed to the patio door,” adds Sue.
“We loved it so much, but we knew we needed to extend the open plan to include the garden area, as we have such easy access through the patio door,” she continues.
The couple decided a deck running seamlessly from the patio door to connect their dining room with the back garden was an ideal way to continue their open-plan theme.
Steve recalls, “Sue and I were originally considering using timber decking to match the garden’s wooden planter, but from experience, keeping the wood looking its best takes quite a bit of effort so we had second thoughts.
“A little research turned up PVCu as being easy to look after and hardwearing, so we started to investigate further. While browsing online I discovered PVCu deckboards with a grained finish, which was appealing as it would complement the planter.
“We finally decided to go with Liniar’s SwitchBoard Ultra after being shown samples at a local stockist. The grained texture is gorgeous, and the product just feels very high end. Exactly what we were looking for.”
With the project now complete Sue tells us, “We’re so pleased with how it’s turned out. The deck itself is amazing; we also opted for a pergola as the back garden gets a lot of direct sunlight and we’ll want to have some shade in the summer months.
“With the patio doors open the whole back of the house feels like one space, it really does seem like a natural extension of the inside.”
Steve concludes, “The deck has certainly got wow factor in all areas – appearance, surface texture, quality, it’s all there! PVCu decking was definitely the right decision. Mopping up after the occasional spill has shown us how easy it is to keep clean which is important, because we’ll be going in and out regularly and don’t want to ruin the carpets by bringing dirt inside.”
SwitchBoard Ultra is ideal for home gardens and commercial decking installations alike. To find out more about Liniar’s decking range visit https://www.liniar.co.uk/decking .
In the UK, blinds and shutters are often viewed as an optional window dressing rather than a useful tool to help save energy and play an important role in our wellbeing. Dr Zoe De Grussa (pictured), technical and sustainability consultant at the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), explains how to think differently about blinds and shutters.
The energy saving and comfort enhancing qualities of shading products are still not fully appreciated despite the fact more and more of us are inspired by light-filled homes with bifold doors and large windows.
Did you know, blinds, shutters and awnings can help you and your home cope with changing weather conditions throughout the year, and save you money at the same time?
They are a proven technology that is under-utilised even though shading has actually been used for centuries!
Blinds, shutters and awnings can help improve energy efficiency and daylight
management as well as optimise lowenergy designs of new properties, by maximising heat gains in the winter and minimising them in the summer. They also help control light levels and privacy, providing general increased comfort to occupants.
What’s more, they are low maintenance and have a long life, so investing well in shading will help your bank balance in the long run, not to mention the environment too.
Considering we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, ensuring our indoor environments are as comfortable as possible is important.
To find out more about the benefits of shading products for your home visit: www.bbsa.org.uk and read about the Blinds Make Better campaign.
Here’s five things to consider when designing or creating new areas of your home...
1 With rising energy costs, shading systems can help maintain the energy balance of your homeless reliance on heating in the winter and air cooling in the summer.
2 Window blinds and shutters can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 33% according to research commissioned by the BBSA.
3 In the winter when it’s sunny, open your blinds to benefit from free energy from the sun and close them when the sun goes down to provide extra insulation and reduce heat loss.
4 In the summer, the sun’s rays enter through glazing and become trapped in the home. External shading, such as awnings, prevent heat from the sun from passing through the glazing and closed internal blinds reflect heat back through the glazing.
5 Blinds and shutters can be used to regulate light levels, minimising glare. Dark fabric colours are better at reducing glare but unless they have a solar reflective coating they can cause internal temperatures to rise in summer months.
‘Open plan living’ no longer means creating a free-flowing kitchen, dining, and lounge area inside your home. It now also encompasses the space directly outside your house, extending your living area into your garden and vice versa. The most effective way of achieving this indoor, outdoor lifestyle is to construct an area adjacent to your home which allows for direct access to your garden.
However, there are myriad ways to achieve this and therefore several details you should consider before embarking on your garden transformation, as Phil Marris, Managing Director at Ecodek, explains:
“With any garden renovation project, planning is key. There are several factors to take into consideration, from the materials to use and the colour to choose, to its lifetime value and the amount of maintenance required to keep it looking like new. Doing your research at the start will pay dividends in the long run, resulting in a beautiful outdoor area that you can enjoy for many years to come.”
“Firstly, you need to decide which material to use to create your new outdoor living area. There are a variety of options on the market, from traditional stone and timber decking to Wood Polymer Composite (WPC) decking.
“Stone patios have long been the ‘go-to’ choice for many homeowners, as they offer a wide selection of colours and designs and can last for several years. However, if installed incorrectly stone slabs can move and sink, and weeds can find their way through to the surface. They can also chip and scratch easily, are costly to replace and require regular cleaning.
“Timber decking is another popular choice. The warmth of wood can look both beautiful and sophisticated. However, as with stone, timber needs regular maintenance to keep it both safe and stylish. It can also rot and splinter over time making it uncomfortable under foot and unsightly.
“You may think we’re slightly biased, but we do believe wood composite decking is the best choice for your new outdoor area. It has all the beauty of real timber but without any of the drawbacks. Requiring only an occasional clean with warm water, composite decking is rot, split and slip resistant. It is also extremely durable and long lasting.”
“Whichever material you decide to use, your next decision is which colour to choose. This may seem simple, but with such a wide variety of colours available – especially if you have selected wood composite decking – choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming. Looking to the design and colour of your home can be a good starting point.
“As your new outdoor area adjoins your home, it is a good idea to choose a colour that matches the interior floor,
whether this is light or dark grey, black, or light or dark brown. This can help create a sense of space by bringing the outside floor in and vice versa.
“Another idea is to harmonise with your home’s window and door frames, especially if you have bi-fold or patio doors. For example, anthracite grey decking is the perfect match for a house with grey door and window frames, creating a coordinated, contemporary feel.”
“Regardless of which material you choose, it is important to research the maintenance each requires. For example, wood composite decking requires very little maintenance, meaning relaxation time is exactly that – you can spend more time entertaining and less time laboriously cleaning. It does not need any paints to protect it from the elements, and only requires an occasional sweep to remove debris and wash to keep it looking its best.
“Timber, on the other hand, requires regular treatments to safeguard it from the weather. This can be both costly and
time consuming, yet neglecting this maintenance can cause your timber rot, splinter and become extremely slippery in wet weather. This is the same for stone, where regular cleaning is imperative to prevent the creation of mould which can become unsightly.
“The costs of cleaning solutions and paints will vary depending on manufacturer. However, regardless of this, you should make allowances in your yearly budget – together with the time it takes to maintain both timber and stone – if you want to keep your new outside area looking lovely.”
“We know that sustainability is important to many of you when it comes to choosing products for your gardens – and although timber and stone seem to be the obvious sustainable choices, it is worth considering that these materials are often sourced from overseas. It may surprise you to hear that wood composite decking can be the most environmentally sound option. Not only does it not require any harmful treatments, which can be released into the atmosphere, but boards such as those manufactured by Ecodek here in the UK are made from up to 95% recycled and sustainably sourced materials and can be recycled themselves numerous times.
“Overall there are many ways to create your ideal indoor, outdoor living lifestyle. However, whichever material, colour, or design you choose, researching and planning your new decked or patioed area will help to ensure your dream becomes a reality and you are left with an outdoor area that is truly built to last.”
Room transformations don’t always have to mean drastic change. Look at this family living/dining space for example. You can see that the floor tiles have remained and the new wall colour isn’t a million miles away from where it was previously.
A fairly minimalistic approach was taken here, so the style has been brought via the shapes, materials and subtle patterns within the design. This has all totally changed the look of the tiles – they now look more modern and stylish, and the plain walls have been lifted to now look intentional and bright.
If you need help creating the perfect living room interior, dining room design or Japandi interior design for your home, then why not get in touch?
https://theminiinteriordesigncompany.com/free-interior-design-quote/
Since the global pandemic, many hospitality and commercial establishments have reconsidered the use and functionality of their outdoor spaces, making them more of a priority now than ever before.
In July 2022, outdoor shading manufacturer Caribbean Blinds delivered a highly effective and stylish shading solution in the form of 4 luxury double louvered roof pergola canopies at a vineyard restaurant in the South Downs, resulting in the ultimate outdoor dining area that can be used all year round.
Based in the picturesque South Downs National Park, The Rows & Vine Restaurant at Ridgeview Wine Estate offers an al-fresco dining experience like no other. Guests can relax and enjoy award-winning English sparkling wines alongside perfectly paired seasonal plates, with views over the growing vines and beyond.
As an outdoor-only restaurant, it was imperative that the space at The Rows & Vine could be utilised in all weather conditions to ensure maximum revenue year round. Therefore, as part of the design, a series of canopies were incorporated into the zoned terraces, as well as adjacent to the bar area to provide diners with a comfortable space to enjoy the iconic views and the perfect spot to sip, savour and celebrate.
After working closely with the project architect, 4 double modules of the ‘Deluxe’ Outdoor Living Pod™ were specified to fully cover a space totalling almost 200sq/m. Featuring a louvered roof that rotates 150 degrees and is completely watertight when closed, the Pods create the perfect atmosphere on the terrace beneath – all throughout the seasons.
Additionally integrated side screens were installed to prevent breezes and driving rain, whilst infra-red heaters and LED ambient lighting were integrated on the inside of the cross beams to keep the chill away and softly illuminate the terrace on darker afternoons and evenings.
The project took just 12 weeks from start to finish, with the installation taking less than 2 weeks to complete, all ready for the official opening and first private event – a vineyard wedding! A dedicated project manager guaranteed a seamless process and full CAD drawings were provided for sign off and to ensure the perfect positioning of required services, along with other elements such as interaction with decking.
Ingeniously designed for those who want to live life outdoors, the innovative rotating louvered roof offers an open-air alfresco feel when left fully open, and ensures a completely water, wind and even snow-tight roof when closed. Optional windproof screens, ambient LED perimeter lighting and instant infra-red heaters mean a cosy and pleasant environment can be achieved all year round. Built for durability and longevity, the low-maintenance Outdoor Living Pod™ is constructed from super strong, corrosion resistant, powder coated aluminium and adapts to any outdoor lounging or dining space.
Matt Gayler, General Manager at Ridgeview commented: “We wanted to design and create an amazing space that blended naturally into the surrounding environment. Through al-fresco led design, we wanted to be able to operate year-round, whilst always delivering an engaging customer experience.
The Deluxe Outdoor Living Pod™ was selected because of its adaptability and design, with the structures becoming an integral part of the overall scheme. Caribbean Blinds were efficient from design to on-site logistics and being a UK manufacturer gave us peace of mind.”
A key driver of Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glas s and Glazing a Career of Choice is to promote the breadth of career opportunities offered by the industry. The organisation strongly backs apprenticeships as a great starting point for those joining the industry and an employee at Kubu, the smart security specialist, is demonstrating exactl y why.
Morgan Fisher joined Kubu straight from school as an apprentice in 2019. Since then, she has worked her way up to Marketing Assistant, and it is clear that she has her sights set on significant further career development.
Morgan says: “The company took me on as an apprentice in business administration. Pretty quickly I was dealing with all sorts of areas of the business, including customer service and key accounts management. Then Covid hit and the company needed me to be very flexible and take on a broad range of tasks. I really learnt ‘on the job’. You could say I was thrown in at the deep end, because Covid added to the everyday business challenges all the staff faced, but the experience shaped me and made me resilient.
“What really showcased the diversity of my skills, I suppose, was last year’s FIT show. I was able to organise quite a bit of it for the company, and this did two things: firstly, it solidified
an ambition in me to get involved more in marketing, and secondly it brought my work to the attention of the company’s Head of Marketing, who arranged for me to join the marketing department. Now I’m handling a broad variety of tasks. One day I’m working on video production, another I’m arranging events. It’s challenging but enjoyable. I’ve got a diverse role, and I feel quite independent now. I’ve really had to rely on my instincts and use my initiative, which has been good for me.
“I’m really passionate about the apprenticeship I completed. It was a fabulous stepping-stone into the career that I’m forging for myself, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend apprenticeships to other people who are starting out and wondering what to do. I had no idea when I started out that the fenestration industry had so many roles on offer. You tend to think of it only in terms of installing windows and doors, don’t you?”
Marc Henson, Kubu’s Head of Marketing added: “Morgan has been an inspiration in our team. She has proven time and again that apprenticeships really do work. With the right attitude – both from Morgan and our staff to support her progression – Morgan has become an integral part of our team, and will only go from strength to strength.
“Being fairly new to the fenestration, glass and glazing industry myself, I’ve got to say I’m surprised at the sheer scope of roles available – from technical IT roles, such as engineering and programming, to highly skilled manual roles and everything in between. There really is a place for everyone – and it’s so friendly too!”
Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager, Mark Handley says: "All of us here at Building Our Skills congratulate Morgan on her success, and we wish her well in her future career too of course. She is a shining example of how the apprenticeship system can work for the benefit of both the apprentice and the business concerned."
With over 50 career paths available in the fenestration industry, Building our Skills is helping to promote this diversity of opportunities. The campaign underlines that there are a multitude of career paths, from design, manufacturing, installation, marketing, finance or IT to warehousing and many others.
To find out more, either as someone looking for a career in the industry or as an employer wanting to help to promote it as a great home for training and career progression, visit www.buildingourskills.co.uk or email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk .
GQA has recently launched three new NVQ Qualifications for people in the Chimney Sweeping industry. It might seem a very traditional industry to many people, but you’d be surprised at how many people still work in it, and how many people still call on their services, especially those with wood burning stoves. As new technologies like these come to market it underlines the continued importance of training and qualifications. It just shows how many diverse industries there are, and how in all of them people can undertake training and qualifications to develop and raise their skills.
The campaign acknowledges the role of apprenticeships in helping to realise this objective, and a partnership forged with Glass & Fenestration Training Solutions (GFTS) is having a positive impact in this area. GFTS forms part of BOS’s national network of practical training centres and is one of its academy sites.
Nevertheless, Building Our Skills and GFTS recognise that there are many employers who may not feel confident about whether to or how to take on apprentices and parents who might not be sure if this is the right route for their children. To shed some light on the matter and to garner more support for apprenticeship uptake, BOS has undertaken an interview with Samantha Tinker, GFTS’s Director of Business & Quality.
BOS: Why are apprenticeships important?
GFTS: For many employers, taking on apprentices is their only way of bringing new blood into the industry. Many employers recognise that they have an ageing workforce and would like to future-proof their business by bringing in young people. Good succession-planning means recruiting and training up employees. It’s a sensible long-term strategy. For apprentices themselves, the benefits are manifold: they get to earn while they learn; they work to a formalised standard; they work with experienced mentors, drawing down on their vocational knowledge and experience; and they achieve a recognised qualification. This approach is great for those people who do not wish to go down the academic route. It’s a win-win for both employers and staff alike.
BOS: What about funding?
GFTS: The Education & Skills Funding Agency subsidises training costs for apprenticeships through training providers such as GFTS, by up to 100% of the cost for 16-18yr olds and 95% for 19+ age group candidates. There are two routes to payment. Companies with a wage bill in excess of £3m pay into the Apprenticeship Levy to cover the costs of training their apprentices, while smaller employers, not paying the Levy, pay a maximum of 5% contribution and the rest is covered by the government. In some instances, and depending on eligibility, there may also be grants available to employers who take on apprentices in the 16-18yr old age bracket. Many small companies are not aware of this financial support, and they might like to talk to us about it. We also provide support in many other ways to employers who are new to taking apprentices on in their business. For example, we arrange for our Employer Engagement Officer to work with employers directly and make sure everything runs smoothly as we guide companies through the various procedures, explaining and helping to gain access to funding. We deal with a lot of very small companies as well as larger ones, and we find that many businesses are unaware of the government assistance they can call on, the funding they can secure, along with support and options there may be for their existing staff too. It’s our role to help them navigate the various processes easily. They really don’t have to try to tackle everything themselves.
Addressing the industry’s skills gap has always been one of the core objectives of Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice.
BOS: What does the future hold for apprenticeships in this industry?
GFTS: Currently, there are too few apprenticeship standards available in the fenestration industry. Employers can only choose from Level 2 Fenestration Installation, Level 2 Fenestration Fabrication and Level 3 Curtain Wall Installation. It’s our view, here at GFTS, that we need more apprenticeship standards specific to the different skills sets in this industry. For example, a surveying apprenticeship tailored to the fenestration industry would be a good addition, as would one for glazing and glass processing. There are so many roles that learners can move into. Fabricating and installing are only two aspects of an industry which offers a huge breadth of career paths, and the range of apprenticeship standards should reflect that. The existing apprenticeship standards are currently under review too, and hopefully they will be adapted to encourage more uptake. The industry as a whole and employers in the glass processing and glazing sectors, are urgently needed to support the trailblazer groups, designing a broader range of standards that are more suitable for a greater number of employers and learners.
BOS: What is your final message for employers?
GFTS: Be confident. Don’t feel that taking on an apprentice is an onerous task. We’re here to guide employers all the way. They can lean on us for support and thereby do their bit to help tackle the skills gap whilst at the same time future-proofing their business. In addition, if employers or employees would like to talk to us about practical training in order to gain other valuable fenestration-specific qualifications they are of course welcome to do so. We are very strong supporters of qualifications as a means of helping to drive up standards in the industry and ensuring that businesses can offer defined career paths. All practical training content is formally GQA accredited, giving learners a skills card to carry with them to show their achievements and where needed, CSCS cards too for commercial sites.
More information on Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice – is available at www.buildingourskills.co.uk .
GQA Qualifications and its approved centre, Absolute Training Solutions are lauding the achievements of Elena Rezmerita, a 42 year old Lond on based Quality Assurance Manager, having supported her in the attainment of a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision.
Commenting on her NVQ success, Sean Monaghan of Absolute Training Solutions said: “The standard of work has been excellent throughout her learner journey and her attention to detail when it comes to Health and Safety is the best I’ve seen. Elena was the ideal candidate for the Level 3 NVQ diploma as her job role covered many of the units and elements within the qualification. When we gathered the requisite evidence and carried out our assessments, it was clear that Elena was not only very competent within her job function, but she was able to produce excellent evidence to cover the NVQ-relevant criteria. I was there as the Independent Quality Assessor to observe the process and see at first hand the standard of the assessment visit.
Speaking for GQA Jim Gregory (EQA) said: “Currently only 15% of the wider UK construction industry is female, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. This makes Elena’s achievement of successfully completing the GQA Occupational Work Supervision level 3 NVQ not only something she should be proud of but helps to change the perception of women in industry.”
Elena Rezmerita added: “I strongly believe that certification should be mandatory in the construction industry. Vocational qualifications are not only a great means of developing a person’s career, but they help to prove that people are competent, and therefore assist in driving up standards in the industry. In order to apply for an NVQ, people have to prepare and be committed, and the end result is worth the effort.
“For me, having the extra credibility that this qualification affords is really important. Would you believe me when I say that I spent twenty years in the beauty industry! I worked as a make-up artist. To move from beauty to construction was a leap. I started out doing admin, and then progressed from there, gaining my CSCS card, and gradually gaining on-site experience until I was even tasked with more of a supervisory role on a large cladding project. Over time, my work
transitioned to quality assurance. I’ve worked on some pretty large schemes, including Kings College Hospital from which most of the evidence required as part of my NVQ application derived. A few years ago, there were barely any female site managers, and not many women in supervisory roles on building sites. Today, this is changing, and I’m very proud to be part of this changing picture. Achieving this qualification helps to reaffirm that I’m ‘up to the job’, and I’d encourage anyone to go for it.
“Absolute Training Solutions were very patient with me. They sent me a brief, and outlined all the requirements. They let me work at my own pace and I’m very grateful for their support.”
More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com or email enquiries@gqaqualifications.com .
Over 200 industry relevant qualifications
Delivery through over 200 centres UK wide
The only issuer of CSCS Cards for Fenestration and Glass trades
Accredited employer training programmes
Bespoke employer qualifications
Mick Clayton GQA CEO
Many homeowners seek the technical accuracy of a contemporary product, married with the authentic craftsmanship of a more traditional material. Solar Calibre Doors brings exactly that, with the Craftsman, a timber door with a twenty- year heritage in R&D. Over this time, it has been engineered to perform, with continual improvements to its stability, energy efficiency and longevity.
Freefoam Building Products have recognised that their products can provide such a transformational impact to the look of a property and have now developed a visualiser that enables homeowners to virtually try before they buy.
A house that is considered an ordinary home could become "the house with the yellow door" with nothing more than a simple coat of paint. Whereas choosing a modern door can transform the whole look of your property. Modern, traditional, contemporary?
PVCu, solid wood, aluminium or glazed? Colour choice is also immense, so how do you choose the right front door for your home?
We’ve put together a handy guide to help you through the process.
With so many design options available it can be an overwhelming experience when choosing a design. Whilst there are styles to suit every taste and personality, how do you know what’s right for your own home? Are you looking for a solid door for complete privacy, are you looking to flood your hallway with light? Are you are looking for a statement design? Always request a brochure from your supplier so you can take your time and study the different options available. Its important to ensure the design of your door suits your property. You can customise to your own tastes using colour, glazing and finishing touches.
Canary yellow? Pillow box red? Bold and black? When it comes to colour there really are no limitations. Most suppliers will be able to provide the colour you want, straight from the factory to your home. There are also spray painting services if you just want to update the colour of your door (so if you like the design of your current front door and it is still secure and thermally efficient, a change of colour can be easily achieved). The process of adding colour to a door is called colour coating. Look out for suppliers who offer a colour warranty to ensure your door is finished to the utmost quality. If you choose a bright colour on the outside of your door, you can choose a different colour for the inside. This is called dual coating and any reputable supplier will be able to advise you on this.
What does the colour of your front door say about you?
Here’s our guide:
The Red Front Door Red is the colour of passion.
The Orange Front Door Orange is the colour of warmth.
The Yellow Front Door Yellow is the colour of logic.
The Green Front Door Green is the colour of health and wealth.
The Purple Front Door Purple means extravagance.
The Brown Front Door Brown is the colour of earth. It is warm, stable and organic.
The Blue Front Door Blue is the colour of peace.
The Grey Front Door Grey is the colour of contentment.
The Pink Front Door Pink is the colour of love.
The Black Front Door Black is the colour of sophistication.
The White Front Door White is the colour of perfection.
It’s the first thing guests see when they arrive, it’s the last thing they see when leaving. It gives potential buyers something to remember the house by and it adds that all important kerb appeal.Traditional Composite Door finished in Cotswold Green
Composite doors are a popular choice as there are traditional, modern and contemporary options available, something to suit everyone’s budget, style and colour preference. There are different levels of quality when it comes to a composite door, so do your research and look out for reviews. You are looking for quality, thermal efficiency, security and installer reviews as well as aesthetics. Solid oak or timber doors are durable and naturally insulating, suitable in a more traditional setting. For a more bespoke look you could go for an aluminium door which will transform the look of your property into something state-of-the-art. Standard upvc doors can be picked up for as little as £300, so when choosing the material it really does depend on your budget.
If you are looking for total privacy then a solid door with no glazing could be the option for you. However, you have to take light into consideration. If you have a small hallway, little light, or if your door opens into a living room, you may need to consider some glazing. Most doors come with various glazing options and these can range from small squares, semi circles, small panes through to longer, wider panes. If privacy is imperative you can request privacy or frosted glass. Glazing also comes in colour and pattern options, so if you opt for a more traditional coloured door, you can add colour with glazing.
Some suppliers will offer warranties on your door locks, cylinders, handles and hinges, so look out for added value when choosing your ironmongery. The finish of these products also needs to look good as well as be durable, so its also important to look out for lifetime coating warranties on marine grade stainless steel, gold and chrome door handles and letter plates (these are the areas that are touched the most, so are subject to the most wear and tear).
There are 100’s of options when choosing ironmongery such as the style of the handle, door knocker and letterbox, through to the colour finish. Research which design and finish will look right on the style of door you have chosen and always request a brochure and check out any warranties.
As well as the more traditional options on door hardware security such as multi locking, there are now many keyless entry solutions, as well as mixing and matching a multi lock with keyless entry.
The frame of your door is also important to bear in mind. Most doors can now be colour matched to an existing frame. If a new frame is required, you can choose to have this the same colour as your new door, which will make the overall frame of the door look bigger, adding a contemporary feel.
Use lighting to make the most of your porch and highlight your front door, as well as keeping your front door area well lit at night. You can achieve this with downlighting, side lights or fairy lights around pots and plants, dotted around the front of the porch. Keep your front door and your porch area clean to maximise kerb appeal.
Many homeowners seek the technical accuracy of a contemporary product, married with the authentic craftsmanship of a more traditional material. Solar Calibre Doors brings exactly that, with the Craftsman, a timber door with a twentyyear heritage in R&D. Over this time, it has been engineered to perform, with continual improvements to its stability, energy efficiency and longevity.
The front door is on the front line when it comes to the elements and, as our climate becomes increasingly unforgiving, so must the door. Heavy rain, ferocious wind, blazing heat – we have had it all over the last year and homeowners are understanding the need to protect their property from its impact. Recent improvements to the tried and tested Craftsman formula include improved performance in the stability of the door, when exposed to the everyday rigours of the British weather.
Craftsman isn’t a solid timber door; it is far more sophisticated than that. Instead, it is formed with multiple layers of composite wood, with finger-jointed stiles and rails, an example of precision engineering at its best and embracing years of experience in joinery and traditional craftsmanship. Craftsman is available in a range of variants that can offer ever increasing thermal efficiency.
Traditional style or something more contemporary? What colour and in what shade? Glass or no glass? The Craftsman design team have curated an extensive choice of options – 30 styles and 24 colours, to be precise. And each style is hand crafted, using routed grooves to give the impression of tongue and groove boards, the intricate designs setting them apart from the more standardised GRP products.
So whether the property is period with a contemporary edge, a new build with a traditional feel, or anything in between, the same technical excellence and precision engineering still apply.
For further information, please call us on 01623 275030 and we can put you in touch with your nearest stockist/installer or visit www.solarcalibredoors.co.uk .
Visualising the finished job...
At Freefoam Building Products we recognised that our products can provide such a transformational impact we developed a visualiser that e nables homeowners to virtually try before they buy.
For many homeowners the remaining hesitancy to making a decision on any large Home Improvement project is being able to imagine what the finished product will look like once it is installed. And lets face it. For many of us our home is the single, biggest and perhaps most important investment we’ll ever make. Therefore it’s really important that the right decision is made. At Freefoam we recognise and respect the importance of making a right choice. We accept that part of our role is to assist in this process.
Probably prioritising things such as quality, aesthetics, price, ease of installation, energy efficiency, safety, maintenance, availability, environmental impact and brand reputation. Having then considered all these factors a product is selected that is high quality, looks good, fits the budget, is easy to install, is energy efficient, safe, available, environmentally friendly and from a reputable brand. A well informed decision about the right product is made. You’re ready to go and then that niggling doubt...
Whether you are the supplier or the homeowner you’ll recognise the dilemma as a variety of criteria is considered and ticked off to ensure the right choice is made to meet the needs of the project in mind.
It’s a fair question, and having recognised this conundrum at Freefoam we have developed an OnLine Visualiser that’s take guess work out of the equation.
You have two options, either select a similar looking house from our on-line gallery or upload a photograph of your own home. From here once you have selected the areas to be cladded you can experiment with an array of Cladding options ranging from style, colour and finish. Once you are happy that you’ve got the right look, you can save your solution and have an image sent to you.
Watch video here
Try out the Cladding Visualiser here .
Try our the Cladding Calculator here .
“We have developed an On-Line Visualiser that’s take guess work out of the equation.”
We have also developed a handy tool to give you a full breakdown of all the materials you will need for your project. Everything from cladding boards, and fitting trims, to wooden battens, membrane and fixing screws - a complete shopping list.
Simply add in the measurements of the area to be clad, choose a cladding type and colour, select the trims and the calculator generates a list with quantities for all elements. We’ll email the details to you so you’ve got everything you need to get material costs from suppliers.
Our Aluminium Designer
Door range offers the ideal blend of style, security and performance . With a choice of high-quality door styles, the range is suitable for all property styles delivering a perfect entrance every time .
Each Designer Door is manufactured from two sheets of Polyester Powder Coated (1.5mm thick) aluminium with a machined/inlayed design or feature mouldings to suit individual requirements and bonded to the internal framework.
Guarantees:
• 10-year manufacture guarantee.
• 25-year paint guarantee (Qualicoat specification).
• 5-year guarantee on glass units.
• 12-month guarantee on door hardware.
Looking for the best in entrance doors? Contact the Mercury team today.
T: 01452 383 344
E: sales@mercuryglazing.co.uk
www.mercuryglazing.co.uk
The Future Homes Standard will require new build homes to be future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency; it will be introduced by 2025. The updates to both Part L and Part F in particular, have great significance to homeowners, when looking to purchase new window and doors, whether in a new build property, a new conservatory or extension and for replacement windows. These regulations apply to all materials, whether you choose to have PVCu, steel, aluminium, timber or hybrid products. Read everything you need to know in our article and ensure you are prepared for Future Homes
The following section covers...
• Top Tips on how to Transform Your Home
• Period Home Transformation
• Planning for The Future Homes Standard
• Snug Room Internal Panelling
• Aluminium Windows, Doors and Screening
• Bi-fold and Sliding Door Makeover
• Homeowners Choice
- Bifold Network
• Secondary Glazing Case Study
• Award Winning Roof Windows
Fitting new windows and doors can be one of the biggest renovation projects that you undertake in your home, especially if you live in a period property. If you’re planning this for your next big home project, follow premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection’s, top tips for modifying your property with brand new windows and doors.
There is plenty to consider when installing new windows and doors in your home. Most importantly, ensuring your plans are accurate so installation is as smooth as possible. Consider which window and door material is going to compliment your home from the inside out. In a new-build home uPVC would be the best option, while in period, character-filled properties, timber and aluminium alternatives have all the benefits of modern options but are in keeping with the home’s heritage elements.
When choosing your window and door materials, be mindful when opting for like-for-like frames or replacing timber with uPVC, as sizing and configurations can differ.
There is more to be considered when planning your new windows and doors for example, if you live in a conservation area. If you live in an area of specific architectural or historical interest, it is desirable to preserve or enhance the character or appearance when undertaking this type of project.
Choosing the correct windows and doors in these types of areas is not only pivotal for instilling the properties impact, but fitting poor quality products can easily erode the traditional features that should be preserved.
You can find out if you live in a conservation area from your local authority and you will also need to find out the council’s Article 4 directions. These are imposed by the local authority, which could mean you need planning permission when installing new windows and doors as they are defining features of properties.
Considering the design and colour of your new windows and doors to compliment your property is an essential element in the process, especially when authentically replicating period features.
Windows and doors are available in a multitude of diverse colour options and the design should be chosen based on everything from the style of your property and exterior colour to your personal style.
For example, traditional homes often boast warm colour tones, modern homes benefit from colder hues and Victorian properties suit classical colours.
Home interiors are all about personal taste and style, and there is no reason this can’t filter down into your window and door choices too with dual finishes. This innovation now allows you to choose an exterior colour to suit the exterior of your property while the inside can be all about matching your interior style, decor and furnishings.
Aesthetics isn’t the only important factor when choosing new windows and doors, but efficiency for the home is also a necessity.
While taking into account the protection of traditional elements of period properties, efficient timber and aluminium alternatives can offer the benefits of windows and doors fitted in more modern homes. Must-have efficiencies include the reduction of heat loss and noise, decreased condensation and solid security.
According to the UK Building Regulations, replacement windows must have a maximum of 1.4W/m2k or a B for its window energy rating as well as trickle vents to reduce condensation. Opting for a premium window supplier with double or triple glazing options can result in a home with greater energy efficiency.
The installation process is the hardest part of the new windows and doors process from choosing your installer to picking your extras.
When searching for an installer you want to ensure they are FENSA or Certass registered. Once you have found an installer they will come to your home to complete a full survey before quoting the job.
The install day itself often can take longer than initially planned and it’s possible for it to take a couple of days depending on what is being installed. Also remember newly installed doors can drop, so the fitter may need to return to readjust.
Commenting, Sarah Hitchings, Sales and Marketing Director at Window Widgets says: “We understand replacing windows and doors in the home can be a demanding renovation project with many elements of the entire home to consider before committing to installation.
“Taking on a project like this in the home can be daunting and we hope our top tips will support homeowners in answering their window and door replacement questions before committing to their plans.”
The Residence Collection offers three collections named R2, R7, and R9, which include dedicated door sashes for open-in, open-out and engineered doors.
The R9 collection is an original timber alternative window, designed to authentically replicate 19th century timber windows and designed to embrace modern manufacturing. A traditionally elegant flush exterior and stylish decorative interior gives R9 its classic aesthetic, while all glass sightlines are perfectly equal, providing symmetry.
The R7 collection has flush sash finishes inside and out, giving the R7 its modern appearance and versatility that can be used in a wide range of properties.
The R² collection is a perfect combination of modern materials and classic functional styling, with clean lines and a squarer aesthetic for a modern look and feel. R² has 9 chambers and is 100mm wide, resulting in superior thermal, acoustic, strength and security performances.
All three window systems have been approved and installed in conservation areas and listed buildings across the United Kingdom due to their true timber alternative look and are available in a range of 20+ colours. Customers can choose different finishes for the interior and exterior of their homes.
Delivering incredible thermal performance and energy efficiency, all The Residence Collection windows are made using durable uPVC and achieve impressive A++ energy ratings. All collections come with double or triple glazing as standard, with U-values as low as 1.2W/m2K with double glazing, and 0.74W/m2K with triple glazing. The windows help retain heat inside the property and keep living spaces insulated.
To find out more about The Residence Collection’s three collections, please visit: https://www.residencecollection.co.uk / or for more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page to look at lots of different colour options, exterior colours and much more: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/R9journey/_saved/
Whilst there are many solutions to reduce noise nowadays, dealing with the problem in a period property can often be much more complex, as renovations need to be sympathetic to the character of the building, which is why the owners turned to Bereco’s sustainable window & door replacement service. The renovation was a resounding success, earning this project a spot in the finals for the Glass & Glazing Products’ Installer Awards 2023 for Best Residential Installation!
We sat down with the owners to learn more about their project and insights:
Tell us a bit about yourselves and your home
I’m Mark and this is my wife Caz, We’ve lived here in this period home in Calverly near Leeds for just over two years now. We’ve got two young kids who keep us on our toes – along with everything we’re doing to the house! When we first saw the house on the market we just thought “this is our forever home, we have to get it”. And here we are!
We have the sash windows in Traffic White and the ironmongery we chose was brass. We felt that replicated best what we already had, to make the new windows in keeping with the rest of the house.
The glass is Bereco’s acoustic glass which was key for us to eliminate the noise pollution we discovered here when we moved in. It was so bad, we almost considered selling up and moving on! We’re nearby to a ring road with road traffic noise of 55-60dB and it was so loud. We wanted to try and get this down to around 30dB, to have the peace and quiet we wanted.
Bereco seemed to be the best option for noise reduction, particularly with the look and style we wanted too. The glass we picked reduced the noise down to 18-23dB on average, which is far better than we ever expected.
It was love at first sight for the owners of this gorgeous period property in West Yorkshire. However, upon moving into their new home, traffic noise from the local ring road turned out to be far more than they had bargained for, making them doubt whether they had made the right choice.
Why did you choose Bereco?
We really did our research for a supplier, primarily we wanted someone who could do the acoustic glazing but could fit the windows as well. Bereco had recently introduced their fitting service, and so many other companies only offer delivery and won’t install the products. Bereco were a one-stopshop. The team offered to come out and measure the precise size of the windows, they followed through with the supply, delivery and installation so it really was a full suite of services.
Sustainability was also important to us, improving the energy efficiency of the home in line with the new building regulations we’d learned about.
We knew Bereco offered quality products because of the research we had done and that was really important to us too. Choosing them was a no-brainer.
What have Bereco done to match the products to your property, with it being a period home? Bereco have done a lot of things to match the original features of the home. They matched the decorative horn on the sash windows perfectly. The team also came out and worked out the radius of the stonework at the top of the windows to match the products.
The house was built in 1876 so they had to be so careful with the original internal timber panelling. At installation, the fitters painstakingly took the panelling and architraves off to replace them after fitting with no damage whatsoever. Being able to keep the original panelling meant we could retain so much of the character that we loved.
The Future Homes Standard will require new build homes to be future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency; it will be introduced by 2025.
The updates to both Part L and Part F in particular, have great significance to homeowners, when looking to purchase new window and doors, whether in a new build property, a new conservatory or extension and for replacement windows. These regulations apply to all materials, whether you choose to have PVCu, steel, aluminium, timber or hybrid products.
If you are looking to build a new home, a new extension or have your windows or doors replaced, you need to be aware of these new regulations. The release of these documents form part of the government’s Future Homes strategy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions from new homes. However, many parts of the new building regulations also refer to existing dwellings, so it is imperative to choose a supplier who is competent and compliant with the new regulations. Ensure you always obtain a Completion Certificate for any extension work, replacement windows & doors and for works around the home.
Approved Document L sets a new U-Value/ WER limits, which requires the majority of replacement windows and doors to be more energy efficient, which will keep people warm by ensuring less heat escapes your home. Installing double or triple glazing might cost you more initially but energy efficient windows will save you money in the long term, plus you’ll get other benefits such as reduced external noise and better protection from the outside elements. Building regs approval is required for replacement windows and doors and must comply with the new Approved Document L. External windows are classed as ‘controlled fittings’ in the Building Regulations and need to meet certain standards when being installed or replaced. You won’t need to apply for building control approval if your windows are fitted by an installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme. Once the job is done they can issue you a certificate of compliance with the building regs.
The energy performance of a window or door is measured by its U value. In simple terms, if its colder outside than inside, the U value is a measurement of how quickly the heat from the inside leaks through the window. The U value is measured in W/m^2K, which indicates how much heat transfers across the window through 1 m^2 when there is a temperature difference of 1 degree centigrade between inside and outside. The lower the U value, the better the insulation of your window/ door unit.
The changes to Part L is an initial reduction in maximum U-Values for windows in new build homes from 1.4 to 1.2 W/m^2K, moving towards a more radical target of 0.8W/ m^2K for new build over the next five years. In existing homes, a reduction from 1.6 to 1.4 W/m^2K in windows and from 1.8 to 1.4 W/m^2K for doors.
Similar to the rainbow labels found on quality household appliances, white goods and lightbulbs, windows that contain the WER rainbow label show they’ve been independently verified by experts for thermal efficiency.
When choosing your new windows and doors, look for the best thermal efficiency as well as aesthetics.
Dutemänn are at the forefront of any upgrades, whether it’s for a new build property, extension or refurbishment.
When it comes to insulation, you’re covered. Dutemänn have launched a brand new suite of aluminium windows, called Schärpe, that will consist of a flush casement, fully reversible and tilt and turn options, built around a 90mm system and with a triple glazing option, in order to deliver on the expected U values of 0.8.
Dutemänn’s existing range of bi-fold, sliding and entrance door range, are also being given an overhaul, giving you a complete,‘whole house’ package of Future Homes compliant, aluminium windows and doors.
And while it is widely anticipated that the Future Homes Standard will only apply to the new build sector initially, it is expected that it is only a matter of time before the stricter U values trickle down into the residential market.
While the new regulations are not expected to be applied for another two years, there is already a growing demand for more energy efficient products.
Then there’s the cost of living, with homeowners now prepared to invest for the long term in better performing windows and doors.
Schärpe will be available very soon with Dutemann currently working on final
If you’re looking for an exceptionally high quality, Future Homes ready product offer, then Schärpe will meet all of your requirements.
Dutemänn can put you in touch with an approved installer near you.
Planning a new look for your home? It seems anything goes these days - the trend is for individual style. With many of us spending more time at home, householders are increasingly design savvy in creating a personal style to reflect their lifestyles.
“An impactful way is to be inspired, be adventurous – be you,“ says Russell Ager, managing director of Crittall Windows, a pioneer of bespoke steel frame window manufacture for almost 180 years.
Creating a cosy snug room is a great way to show individuality and very in vogue. Think home comforts.
Dimmable ‘focus’ lighting; natural shades, rugs, soft sofa, Smart TV, play area or a games section, maybe a book corner for you and the kids. Add a striking colour scheme, plants, prints, patterns and textures with cushions, rugs and throws and you’ve cracked it.
As is sharing natural light throughout your home.
While the nature of a snug is to make it comfy, clever use of glazing via internal steel screens, doors and windowsmade to order to your personal needs - ensure light is let in throughout the home and they look stylish, without compromising warmth and cosiness. For example, matching combinations of Crittall’s minimal profile windows and Innervision internal glazed steel screens with sliding or hinged doors are bespoke and designed for modern living, providing a light and airy sense
of space. Their elegance and clean lines, subtle detailing and excellent technical properties can transform your home’s look. They make a snug room - although small by its natureseem bigger, with the added benefit of keeping down your heating bills by using a smaller area.
They also offer open plan living and spaces with a different dimension, so you can easily move about the home, while partitioning areas create contemporary ‘zones’ for relaxing, socialising, eating, exercising or working – creating a flow throughout, without compromising light or space.
Russell Ager continues: “Using natural light to define a space is a key element within a home’s design and has a positive impact on our daily lives and well-being. Steel framed internal screens and windows allow large expanses of glass with elegantly slender frames and the slimmest of profiles.
“They admit much more light, creating a light, airy feel for any room sharing light across spaces, while reliance on artificial light is reduced.
“Advanced glazing options mean tailor-made steel framed screens maximise natural illumination without compromising your space. Cosy for comfort in the cooler weather, enhanced acoustic properties keep noise at bay.
“Slim profile steel windows, partitions and doors give an on-trend retro-look with a contemporary twist. A stunning
steel-framed glazed screen will form a light-filled area, be it a snug, home office, study, converted playroom, your bedroom or kitchen, brightening up a dark Victorian hallway or in a garden annex.
“Steel screens and windows are enjoying a big resurgence in popularity. They are beautiful, unique products, ideally suited for any style, whether it be a period home or a modern property seeking an industrial look, offering you the freedom to create a unique design.
Individual style is in and creating a snug room is a great way to show it – says Crittall Windows.
“Crittall products are Polyester powdercoated too for minimal maintenance, and there’s a vast palette from which to select a colour to suit your chosen décor or theme. Adding that savvy splash of colour will ensure an even bigger wow factor.”
Mr Ager advises: “It’s not worth spoiling the look for the sake of a cheap installation. Ensure you install the brand it says it is - the original, genuine, make. As a top brand in the marketplace and the original steel window company, Crittall steel windows, doors and
screens are expertly hand-crafted by artisans and built to last. Uniquely British made – they are often imitated but never matched.”
Crittall’s InnerVision range of glazed internal fixed screens and single or double leaf hinged doors are available for fire rated application. Providing
peace of mind, they can save lives, prevent injury, protect against fire spreading by containing it, and the smoke and toxic gases emitted. The steel-framed system (InnerVisionFR) is compliant with BS476 Part 22 providing 30 minutes (FD30) integrity fire resistance.
Not only does a home flooded with natural light have the ability to make us feel more relaxed and improve our wellbeing, but it also transforms the internal décor of the home to make it more eye catching. And if you’re thinking of selling your home in the future, it’s been proved that light, bright houses are more appealing to potential buyers. So, if you are looking at ideas for a home remodel, or even a new build, here are some ideas that can help.
Here’s our guide to increasing natural light into your home.
From internal glazing to internal screens doors, these aluminium broken plan room options are a masterclass in versatile modern living. They offer the perfect compromise creating divisions within your interior and providing each space with added privacy and an effective acoustic barrier. And due to their slim aluminium profiles, they help flood to flood a previous dark room with natural light.
Whether you choose aluminium bifold doors, aluminium sliding doors or internal screening, you’ll be making a great choice that should add value to your home. Aluminium is a strong, secure, beautiful material with a long lifespan – the perfect material for these types of products. You’ll have a wide range of colours to choose from too, so the frames can blend in or stand out depending on the look you want to achieve.
Sliding aluminium patio doors offer a sleek, understated door design that lets the glass take centre stage. By design, the slim, elegant frames of an aluminium sliding patio door create a truly contemporary finish that will enhance any home and because they can fit wider door apertures, they make a great design statement with an uninterrupted glass expanse.
They offer great design functionality as the doors have numerous configurations including a fixed pane option or a choice of all moving panes, giving you the perfect compromise between indoor-outdoor living. And you can choose how wide to open the sliding panels to control the airflow into your home too.
They are invaluable where space is tight because the panels slide back on each other, so they don’t take up excess space when open.
Their versatility makes them a popular choice on all property styles and can be used as an external door or internal door divider which can help to increase natural light into the home and tackle a darker room too.
Aluminium sliding doors are not just for ground floor rooms. Consider adding an aluminium patio door to a bedroom extension and it will deliver a light flood vista to make the most of any views.
If you’re looking to create a seamless transition from the home to the garden, then there is no doubt that aluminium bifold doors are the aspirational choice.
When closed, they give you a beautiful glazed wall with slim, elegant frames. When open, they seamlessly connect the inside and outside into one space for a sophisticated designer touch.
They are very flexible in terms of their configuration. For example, the panels can fold in or out and you can choose whether the main opening panel sits on the left, the right or in the middle.
When fully open, bifold doors have a seamless transition from the inside to the outside which makes them a popular choice in new build extensions and conservatories.
To kick start your home renovation or new build project, contact the Mercury team today.
01452 383344
sales@mercuryspecialistframes.co.uk www.mercuryglazing.co.uk
When you choose Mercury Specialist Frames to manufacture and fit your aluminium products, you’ll be choosing a company with a reassuring reputation for quality at every level. We have been manufacturing and fitting cutting- edge windows and doors for over two decades so you can be sure you are working with the experts.
Click to download our free brochure
This property is a true masterpiece that offers the ultimate in luxury living with bronze finishes, leather details and soft fabrics. Marble, glass and stone elements run throughout the furnishings. Sleek, low furniture with simple forms and a neutral palette with touches of blue. Our Shopthelook by AJI Baobab feather diffusers and candles complete the simple, elegance of our styling perfectly. https://www.shopthelookbyaji.co.uk/shop-the-look-interior-designers/
Set in an oasis of tranquillity this private gated development offers five-star hotel style living, concierge at your service, beautifully manicured landscaped gardens, swim, leisure, and wellness facilities and uninterrupted South-facing views of the golf course which was laid out by Dr Alistair Mackenzie, the world-famous golf course architect and designer of Augusta National, home of The Masters, and described as ‘an absolute gem’ by Golf World.
The contemporary interior with a Japandi feel is equally impressive, designed by Award winning interior designers, Alexander James Interiors, with spacious rooms that are flooded with natural light. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, from the custom-made furniture to the simple beautifully curated accessories.
Overall, 22 Beech Hill is a true testament to the power of great design and the value of taking the time to create something truly special. This property and it’s interiors are a must-see.
www.aji.co.uk
Japandi is a design trend that combines elements of Japanese and Scandinavian design. This design trend is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, natural materials, clean lines, and a muted colour palette. Japandi design often includes elements such as light wood furniture, neutral textiles, simple pottery, and green plants. Japandi style emphasizes functionality and simplicity, with a focus on creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere. It can be used in a variety of settings, from homes to offices, and is a popular trend in interior design.
Originally one house; redeveloped by the owners, 22 Beech Hill Residences & Spa in Hadley Wood is a remarkable property.
The attention to detail is evident in every corner, the brief was to create a luxurious, minimalistic and modern interior.
Our Alitherm Heritage 47 Aluminium Windows deliver energy-efficient technology to your project without compromising on the aesthetics of your original windows.
Engineered specifically to replace existing steel and Crittall windows, our Heritage aluminium windows offer a durable and visually appealing refurbishment solution.
• Options in Heritage and Art Deco styles.
• Polyamide thermal break provides enhanced thermal performance.
• Traditional heritage styling for sensitive refurbishment projects.
• Security tested to PAS24:2016.
• Direct replacement for steel ‘Crittall’ windows.
• Fixed windows, tilt & turns or casement window options available.
• Single or dual colour options with marine quality powder coating as standards.
To kick start your replacement window journey contact the Mercury team today
T: 01452 383 344
E: sales@mercuryglazing.co.uk
There is no doubt that when it comes to high-end home improvement design, aluminium bifolding doors are the aspirational choice. They often take centre stage in many home makeover programmes and give a sophisticated designer touch to any home or project.
When closed, they give you a beautiful glazed wall with slim, elegant frames. When open, they seamlessly connect the inside and outside for a glamorous lifestyle feel like no other door style.
They are very flexible in terms of their configuration. For example, the panels can fold in or out and you can choose whether the main opening panel sits on the left, the right or in the middle.
Bifold doors involve complex operating mechanisms that need to be manufactured and fitted carefully for years of trouble-free use. Therefore, it is essential to choose a reliable supplier with a strong track record so you can be sure you’ll have a high-quality door installation every time.
With longer days and warmer nights tantalisingly close, aluminium sliding and bifolding doors are one of the most sought-after features in today’s homes. Both doors create beautiful expanses of glass that transform living spaces and flood rooms with natural light. When open, they’re perfect for indoor and outdoor living, and when closed, they offer all the protection you and your family need.
Aluminium sliding doors offer a sleek, understated door design that lets the glass take centre stage.
It’s worth bearing in mind that the panels on aluminium sliding doors can be wider than the panels on aluminium bifolding doors too. This means that when they’re closed, aluminium sliding doors will have a cleaner, crisper look that places all the emphasis on the view of your outdoor space with clear, uninterrupted glass expanses.
They are also a very sensible choice given the British weather. At least one panel is fixed, giving you the perfect compromise between indoor-outdoor living and you can choose how wide to open the sliding panels to control the airflow into your home.
They are invaluable where space is tight because the panels slide back on each other, so they don’t take up excess space when open.
Each door sits on hi-tech rollers and uses a lift and slide mechanism on either a double or triple track system. This allows each door to slide perfectly and effortlessly along the track, stopping at the point where you want the door to be open. Ideal for opening up the home and garden but equally suitable for an adjoining room for openplan living too.
Sliding patio doors are a classic style of door that don’t always have the glamorous reputation of bifold doors. But the slim, elegant frames of our aluminium sliding patio doors create a truly contemporary finish that will enhance any home and because they can fit wider apertures too, they make a great design statement.
Whether you choose aluminium bifold doors or aluminium sliding doors for our home improvement project, you’ll be making a great choice that should add value to your home.
Aluminium is a strong, secure, beautiful material with a long lifespan – the perfect material for these types of doors. You’ll have a wide range of colours to choose from too, so the frames can blend in or stand out depending on the look you want to achieve.
And when you choose Capital Windows to manufacture and fit your aluminium doors, you’ll be choosing a company with a reassuring reputation for quality at every level.
In today’s society there is a wealth of choice when it comes to new windows and doors. There is one thing for certain, whether you are extending your home or building from scratch, The Bi-Fold Network has a product range to meet your needs.
Bi-Folding doors are a contemporary update for any home due to the fact that they can extend the feeling of outdoor living and provide an uninterrupted view of the garden. It’s a great way to bring more light into your home!
Available in a range of opening configurations to suit any application, Visofold doors can be folded internally or externally and with the opening at the side (so the sashes all fold one way), at one end (to create a single entrance door) or in the middle (to give the option of a double door).
Visofold’s flexibility makes it the ideal choice for projects where large, uninterrupted openings are required, with the system providing maximum light and space to give unimpeded views. The highly-versatile, easy-to-operate system is the perfect option for even the largest project, capable of opening up an entire wall, yet presenting a contemporary, elegant glazed façade when closed.
Sliding doors also provide maximum light and afford the most unobstructed views of any system when closed and with a wide range of systems and options, you can select and tailor a door system to exactly meet your own specific requirements.
With a choice of frame sizes, sliding formats wether two, three or four pane systems, together with a choice of highquality hardware and a wide range of colour options, the slim lines of these elegant doors make them the perfect solution for any home.
The handsome range of entrance doors, available from The Bifold Network, will impress your guests and keep out both the elements and unwelcome intruders. Alitherm doors are designed for use as open out or open in, single or double doors, internally or externally beaded with side-light and low threshold options.
Elegant, yet strong and durable Alitherm doors enhance the beauty of your home, keep in the warmth and let in more light because of the slim sightlines. Peace of mind is ensured by the enhanced security provided by a multi-point locking system.
Alitherm Heritage provides the ideal solution for heritage applications such as listed building renovations and large scale replica-refurbishment projects where planning constraints are to be considered.
The Alitherm Heritage window is designed to be built as a series of horizontal modules which can be stacked using horizontal couplers to form a multi-part window featuring a specially design drip bar between modules.
Bifold Network is one of the UK’s leading trade suppliers of Smarts aluminium bi-folding, patio, entrance doors and windows. The team at Bifold Network will help you from start to finish with your project, supplying products and fitting teams, throughout the UK.
If you would like further help please call our friendly staff on 0114 231 3133
Suzanne McArdle – a York-based writer – was delighted with how Secondary glazing has been able to preserve the old style of her windows and reduce external noise in her 1920’s semi-detached home.
“Initially I wanted to keep the original window design. I thought the windows were very special, they were original to the house from 1920’s and I thought it was bad idea to change them. I wanted to keep the original features of the
house. The exterior of the house looked charming because of the original windows”, said Suzanne.
Suzanne says that having the seven units installed – five vertical sliding units and two hinged units – has made a “huge difference” to her living environment. The vertical sliders and hinged units were glazed with 6mm toughened glass, with one unit in the front bedroom opting for 6.8mm acoustic glass for maximum performance.
Commenting on the difference secondary glazing has made, Suzanne continues: “I am very happy with how the windows look now, it’s very discreet and hardly noticeable – you can barely tell if the secondary glazing has been installed at all. We get a great night sleep, we no longer hear any lorries or cars driving past, it has made a huge difference. The traffic is still there but no noise, we can hardly hear anything now, it’s amazing. We have units now in all rooms for added sound reduction.”
Suzanne adds: “The previous secondary glazing that we had installed did not cover the full window so the heat would simply escape. Now, with the help of Granada Secondary Glazing’s products we are in a place where much less heating is required.”
“That’s why we used Granada’s products, we wanted to keep the house warm and energy efficient without having to compromise on style or design.”
The sitting room, bathroom, and bedroom windows were given a modern makeover by Granada Glazing, who implemented their secondary glazing system for a subtle yet contemporary aesthetic. Constructed with slim and sturdy aluminium, the frames were designed to feature the slimmest sightlines available.
In order to maintain the status of the building, the vintage windows were left in place in order to retain the distinctive character and look of the exterior walls. Secondary glazing is usually the preferred approach when working with singlepaned primary windows on historical buildings, providing greater comfort, peace, and security while still preserving the existing windows.
Granada Glazing’s lightweight aluminum secondary glazing frames are ideal for any type of property and come in more than 200 different shades of RAL paint. Not easily noticed, these frames are perfect for blending in with any kind of interior design. In their range, Granada offers hinged, sliding, vertical sliders, tilt-back, and lift-out styles. Furthermore, Granada Glazing also provides training and marketing assistance to their installers across the UK.
Keylite has reinvented the roof window, with its award-winning patented innovations that meet and exceed the latest relevant building regulations for new homes. This is why many of the nation’s homeowners, architects and specifiers are choosing Keylite.
Research shows that up to 97% of roof windows are installed without a proprietary thermal collar to help prevent cold bridging. Keylite prides itself on developing innovative, quality solutions, and that’s why it is the only manufacturer to offer a thermal collar as standard in all its roof windows, at no extra cost.
This feature ensures the thermal integrity of the window and roof is as designed, thus removing the reliance on an additional thermal collar, and helping achieve Approved Document L recommendations concerning thermal performance.
The patented thermal collar comes integrated into all Keylite roof windows and expands to fill and fully insulate the gap around the frame of the window to help eliminate condensation and cold bridging. It also improves airtightness, Psi Values for SAP, making it a huge hit with self-builders, architects and housebuilders across the UK and Ireland.
What’s more, Part F requirements for background ventilation are supported through Keylite’s cleverly designed top handle, allowing for controlled trickled ventilation when the window is fully closed and securely locked. NHBC will not accept other window types that provide background ventilation by being latched in the partially opened position.
Specifiers are also choosing Keylite due to its other multiple awardwinning innovations. Pre-fitted flick-fit brackets enables installation in under two minutes, while sash finger spring technology allows installers to refit the sash into the frame in one easy motion. These features help contribute to a more cost-effective and efficient installation process, which housebuilders and contractors value highly.
For architects, the overall aesthetics of the core Keylite roof window range includes a traditional top handle and lower profile in the roof, which ensures a classic yet contemporary design to compliment any new home or extension project.
Now Keylite has created a video advising architects, specifiers and housebuilders on how to choose a quality roof window that prevents cold bridging. Topics covered include thermal efficiency, solutions for new homes, technical detailing and Keylite innovations.
In addition, Keylite is offering a free CPD addressing thermal performance in roof windows. With a focus on assured thermal efficiency, the CPD will cover condensation and cold bridging, heat loss in roof windows and specification support.
What is the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing Industry?
The design, manufacture and installation of windows, doors and glazing
Did you know?
The Fenestration, Glass and Glazing Industry generates over £4.6 billion annually for the UK economy.
It employs tens of thousands of people covering over 50 career paths
It is truly diverse, a home for everybody
Its products are high tech, innovative and environmentally pioneering
Do you know which is the only building on earth not to have windows, doors or glass designed into it?
The Fenestration, Glass and Glazing Industry has over 50 well rewarded career paths, all with excellent potential for future promotion.
Suppose you’re looking for a stylish and minimalistic interior design that blends traditional Japanese elegance with the simplicity of Scandinavian design. In that case, Japandi might be the perfect style for you. This fusion of two cultures creates a serene and calming space, and it’s becoming increasingly popular among interior designers and homeowners alike.
Brighten up your home with wonderful prints from Hilda & Dolly. Prints are a fabulous way to brighten up a space in your home. Simply buy a frame that goes with your home decor, order a print and pop into the frame. Voila!
The following section covers...
• Your Kitchen and Colour
• Luxury Bathroom Lifestyle
• Japandi Interior Design
• Bringing in the Sunshine with Hilda & Dolly Prints
Discover System Sync by Abode, an exclusive range of stainless-steel kitchen sinks with complementary accessories which are designed to STREAMLINE, SIMPLIFY and SYNCHRONISE the kitchen sink and prep zone...
Perfect for optimising space in the kitchen, System Sync allows UK homeowners to select a sink format that is right for them with three available bowl sizes crafted from 0.8mm 304 grade brushed stainless steel:
(1) 180mm Caddy-style Sink which is ideal when a second wash zone is required
(2) 340mm Single Bowl option for smaller sized arrangements
(3) 500mm Single Bowl providing ample space to soak large pots and pans, or separate dishwashing from essential food prep
Designed with three complementary accessories, choose from a multifunctional prep board, stainless steel colander, and a roll-up FlexRack and create a customisable sink solution that no matter the space available, still delivers on function!
With the rise in cooking from scratch at home rather than eating out, the kitchen is looking towards stateof-the-art sink designs, which fully maximise the available space in the wash zone and accommodate two options of install from one product; either undermount or inset installation. By creating an essential tool kit with System Sync, we’re able to transform the kitchen sink area into a multipurpose wash station that elevates both the home and lifestyle.
In 3 easy steps, you can create the perfect System Sync arrangement for your kitchen: Step 1. Choose your bowl combination. Step 2. Choose how it is fitted, either inset or undermount. Step 3. Purchase the trio of accessories or buy them separately to suit your cooking style. All sink models come with an Abode flush plate overflow, orbit waste and fully integrated smart rail that securely holds each accessory in place.
From the small to the spacious kitchen, a System Sync solution can be crafted to suit all whilst enhancing the available functional space in every instance.
Specially designed to transform the wet zone, System Sync is created to work with you and your kitchen, offering more than just a bowl to wash up in! Providing a customisable user experience in terms of essential food prep, cooking and dishwashing, System Sync will adapt to any style and size of kitchen. Made from quality stainless steel which is naturally strong and hygienic, this new sink range is the perfect solution to capture the ongoing trend for top-tier engineered sinks identified by their overall form and function.
When we look at the global picture for the kitchens sink market, metallic options comprise over 50.5% with
granite, marble, cultured marble and composite marble taking up roughly a third. Stainless steel therefore remains the go-to choice for the modern homeowner thanks to its ease of fabrication, hygienic clean finish, impact resistance, strength to weight advantage, fire and heat resistance and long-term value.
With the market now offering a variety of single, 1 ½, 1 ¾ and double bowl sink designs, with or without a drainer and designed to be flush fitting, inset or undermounted, designers can now choose the most suitable sink model for their customers design of kitchen or island unit. In fact, the kitchen island continues to adapt and change its role, helping to improve lifestyles and bring new levels of functionality in the modern kitchen to become an allpurpose work, cook and wash station. Becoming an essential tool kit for the UK homeowner, System Sync is able to transform the kitchen sink area into a multi-purpose wash station and elevate both home and lifestyle.
For further info, please contact Abode: call 01226 283 434 , email info@abodedesigns.co.uk , visit www.abodedesigns.co.uk , and www.pronteau.co.uk .
a bespoke denim-blue kitchen complements this characterful family home
Bringing Mediterranean colour to a family home in the cathedral city of St Albans in Hertfordshire, was the order of the day for this sunny conservatory kitchen living space. Bold and beautiful, the client wanted a k itchen which was clearly defined by a separate work zone and dining area. In addition to being a natural extension to the garden and patio, the brief also required pet-friendly bespoke furniture to support this busy household a much-loved family dog.
The project presented some design challenges given the nature of the ground floor layout, so the designer needed to work around a side entry back door and a walk-in cupboard, as the property had evolved over the years. Zoning the space to enhance the cooking experience and maximise storage was key, thanks to a Time Italian handleless kitchen in a lacquered matt finish in Carta da zuccherro blue. The L-shaped working zone and island unit are paired with luxe quartz worktops in Rainbow in 30mm thickness with a double pencil round edge profile and 100mm upstands. Recessed top units with glazed doors, store tea, coffee and crockery so guests are guaranteed a welcoming beverage on arrival.
In fact, practicality is at the heart of the wet zone with a Quooker Pro3 Fusion Square stainless steel hot tap complete with scale control plus. This reduces limescale in conjunction with the cold water filter, as well as minimising servicing requirements in this hard water area. The homeowner can enjoy the benefits of domestic hot, cold, boiling water and cold filtered water to assist with cooking and cleaning from one dedicated source at a stainless steel two-bowl sink.
Premium appliances like the AEG IDE84244IB vented hob combine safety, energy efficiency and aesthetics. This stylish induction hob has a powerful integrated extractor so there is no need for a separate hood and cooking smells are removed at source for cleaner air. You can even combine two cooking zones on both sides of the hob to give uniform heat distribution to your large pots and pans.
It’s easy to enjoy great results when baking and roasting with an integrated AEG BPK948330B black single oven. This modern Wifi-enabled appliance delivers flavours to savour every time with AssistedCooking, a digital cooking assistant which selects the optimal settings for the dish you choose from the built-in recipe collection, so it is perfectly cooked. As well as benefitting from fast heat up, and a food sensor to ensure meat, fish and vegetables are done to your liking at core temperatures, the home chef can manage the oven remotely and even get personalised cooking assistance, via the My AEG Kitchen App. Keeping the oven clean is simple with the pyrolytic self-cleaning function saving time and effort. The matching KMK968000B combination microwave oven delivers fast cooking for ready meals and snacks with grill power at microwave speed, for crispy bacon in record time. This helpful appliance can also be controlled via the My AEG Kitchen App so all you need to do is keep an eye on your smartphone.
The storage zone of the kitchen discreetly houses a generous fridge freezer and includes a dedicated breakfast zone complete with a nook to house small appliances on a 20mm laminate work top. Thanks to the kitchen designer’s creativity the smooth lines of the Time furniture by Arredo3 provides a strong statement, as well as bringing in extra storage into this atypical layout.
With premium appliances in demand this year, AEG is extending its expertise in the laundry room with an exciting new range of 28 products, available now from Glotech. Look out for larger 10kg washing machines to tackle family loads efficiently and the latest amazing technologies which reduce ironing, tailor detergent dose to each load and will purify water to prevent colour fade at lower temperatures. There’s even an AEG Care app to ensure your laundry gets the attention it deserves via your smart phone. Discover how the new AEG collection of integrated, freestanding and combination washer dryers, will be a gamechanger for your family, with expert advice from the Glotech team so that you can find the right model to help you save time, money, energy and water with every wash day!
Its popularity in recent years has allowed the brand to expand into all areas of homeware, and now the stunning collections include everything from the renowned Lusso stone baths and basins to wider collections such as kitchen taps, sinks, hardware and tables. The Lusso brand has been built on quality, expert craftsmanship and unmatched design, and these values have led Lusso to become a reputable name across the world. Lusso products can be found in some of the world’s leading hotels and developments, including Claridges and the Connaught of London, New York City’s Equinox Penthouse and St Lucia’s beachfront resort, Sugar Beach.
Lusso’s core aesthetic is heavily inspired by the simplicity of Scandinavian design, with the aim to create spa-like luxury within the home. Lusso’s collection includes the renowned stone baths and basins, as well as an opulent collection of walk-in showers and wet rooms which are each crafted with toughened glass for optimum strength and durability. Lusso’s showers are each available in a lavish selection of finishes, designed to complement the brand’s accessories and fixtures. The finishes available include matte black, brushed gold and chrome.
As well as its signature aesthetic of minimal elegance, Lusso has broadened its range to include a range of statement, eye-catching designs. These include striking marble baths
such as The Lamp bath, the Amore translucent resin bath and the Vivere forged carbon fibre bath - the world’s first bath to be crafted from forged carbon fibre, which takes influence from the Bugatti Veyron Vivere supercar.
Although Lusso’s core products are predominantly simple and minimal, the range is completely diverse, which is why you’ll rarely find a Lusso bath that’s styled the same. Through design considerations, Lusso’s main designer - who is also the brand’s CEO and founder - ensures that the products are adaptable and versatile, and are able to be styled in any home, modern or traditional.
“Although we’re a brand that’s renowned for being minimal and contemporary, that doesn’t limit the ways that our products can be styled. We have a community of followers on our social media platforms where our clients tag us each day in photos of their home renovations, and we often see our most popular bath - the Picasso - styled in a wide variety of ways in different themed interiors. It’s rare to see a Lusso bath styled in the same way. This is one thing I pride the Lusso products on, they’re completely versatile.”
Wayne Spriggs , Lusso CEO and founder.
Lusso does however have specific collections which are tailored to different design eras. The brand’s traditional collection, for example, takes heavy influence from the iconic Art Deco era, with striking claw-footed tubs, strong geometric lines and beautiful freestanding cabinets.
For further information and to speak directly to a member of the Lusso team, please visit www.lusso.com or contact sales@lusso.com .
Founded in 2014 by property developer and entrepreneur Wayne Spriggs, Lusso has fast become one of the UK’s market leaders of beautiful bathrooms.
Suppose you’re looking for a stylish and minimalistic interior design that blends traditional Japanese elegance with the simplicity of Scandinavian design. In that case, Japandi might be the perfect style for you. This fusion of two cultures creates a serene and calming space, and it’s becoming increasingly popular among interior designers and homeowners alike.
Japandi, a hybrid of Japanese and Scandinavian styles, emphasises simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. This interior design style combines Scandinavian design’s soft colours and natural materials with the simplicity, clean lines, and elegant minimalism of Japanese design.
Japandi emerged in the early 21st century when the minimalist aesthetic of Scandinavian design was fused with the traditional Japanese design concepts of wabi-sabi and Zen philosophy. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that emphasises the beauty of imperfection, transience, and simplicity. At the same time, Zen philosophy promotes the principles of mindfulness, clarity, and meditation. Combining these two design philosophies creates a balance between function and beauty, emphasising the importance of natural elements and handmade items.
To incorporate Japandi interior design into your home, decluttering and simplifying the space. Use natural materials like wood and rattan to add warmth and texture to the room.
Incorporate handcrafted items like pottery and artwork to add personality and depth to the space. Select functional and minimalistic furniture with clean lines and little to no ornamentation.
Choose a colour palette that includes warm, earthy tones with pops of muted colours like blue, green, and pink. Add natural lighting to the space by leaving windows unadorned and using soft lighting fixtures.
Colour Palette
Japandi colour palettes feature warm, earthy tones that bring a sense of calmness and serenity to the space. The colour scheme typically includes beige, grey, white, and black shades, with occasional pops of muted colours like blue, green, and pink.
Natural Materials
Japandi’s interior design features natural materials such as wood, bamboo, rattan, and paper. These materials provide texture and add warmth to the space. In Japandi, natural materials are used in their raw form, with little embellishment or polish.
Minimalism
Minimalism is a key feature of Japandi. This design style emphasises simplicity, functionality, and the elimination of unnecessary clutter. Furniture pieces are carefully selected, and each item has a purpose, with no extra or excessive elements.
Lighting
Japandi emphasises natural light and emphasises the importance of natural lighting in the space. Windows are often left unadorned, and curtains are light and airy. Lighting fixtures are minimal and functional, emphasising warm, soft lighting.
Handcrafted Items
Handcrafted items are highly valued in Japandi design. They add a personal touch to the space and highlight the beauty of imperfection. Artwork, pottery, and textiles are all used to add warmth and texture to the space.
www.escapologyhome.co.uk
Japandi combines the best of Japanese and Scandinavian design. It is highly functional, with clean lines, natural tones and a neutral palette. A Japandi kitchen provides the perfect setting to relax and unwind in at the end of a busy day.
Ample storage is central to achieving the Japandi look and ensuring that your clean lines remain as such! Maximise every inch of space to avoid cluttered work surfaces, with a combination of open and closed storage solutions to maintain some depth and interest. Curate items on open shelving that you want to display, while closed cabinetry offers plenty of space to store everything else.
In terms of aesthetics, the Japandi colour palette is neutral and calming. Soft greys, beiges, taupe and other neutral colours are ideal for creating a relaxing haven, especially when
coupled with a matt finish. If you would like to embrace the natural look, wood finishes offer warmth and soft texture to prevent the space from feeling too sterile. And there are many more contemporary options for including wood in the kitchen than shaker doors. For added texture, choose a cabinet front with vertical wooden ridges, or combine wood flooring and cabinetry in different tones for a warm, natural feel.
Don’t forget the details: a handleless kitchen will provide a clean, sleek look. And there’s no need to worry about oily fingerprints on your cabinetry, with innovative technology that prevents these dirty stains. So you can relax with a Japandi kitchen that is tidy, calm, and clutter-free.
https://inhouseltd.co.uk/
Brighten up your home with wonderful prints from Hilda & Dolly. These prints are a fabulous way to brighten up a space in your home. Simply buy a frame that goes with your home decor, order a print and pop into the frame. Voila!
Fresh and inspiring...
In this article we focus on prints for the nursery. Fresh, inspiring prints for a little ones bedroom bring joy and colour to the home and their surroundings. Bring personality to any room with a bright and stimulating design.
Choose frames that match your room decor
Go elegant and simple with a soft and modest cream or white frame or go big and bold with a bright colourful statement frame! Perspex
frames are recommended for use in a child’s bedroom to ensure safety at all times. Make sure your hanging is safe and secure to the wall. Create a space that’s about you and your family Update your prints, rotate your prints, add more prints... whatever you do, have fun with them and make a room fabulous! Prints help show your personality, your interests, they give joy and meaning. Creating a space that’s right for you and yours is what it’s all about!
Hilda & Dolly also design and make wide range of Cards are available for all occasions. Lots of cards be personalised make them extra special so be look out for these!
Celebrity Journalist Angela Sara West unearths top gardening expert Huw Richards’ exclusive advice for readers of Improve, dishes the dirt on the leading YouTuber’s top tips for improving our green spaces and creating garden kitchens to serve us up a sensational sustainable lifestyle, and digs up Huw’s guidance on getting our gardens set for those summer socials and his secrets for creating a garden fit for a King!
Looking to spruce up your outdoor space? Yearning to become a more modern sustainable gardener and feed on what you sow and grow? As our great garden maintenance and makeover season is now well underway, whether you’re improving your green space to make it more inspiring, summer party ready, or simply to relax in, now is the time to get as busy as our buzzy bees…
It’s well worth investing in your green spaces for both the physical and mental health benefits, too. Great for fresh air and activity, our outdoor spaces also lend themselves perfectly to learning new skills.
And with the growing trend for kitchen gardening for a healthier, greener life, too, look no further than the UK’s leading gardening YouTuber, who will show you the ropes to becoming the best gardener you can be.
“Two thirds of Brits will be gardening or tending plants this season,” reveals gardening guru Huw Richards. “Which is great, as it shows that gardening is still in the veins of we Brits, and firmly rooted in our culture.”
What’s more, many of us are looking to become more modern gardeners, moving to a much more sustainable farm-to-fork lifestyle by creating homegrown produce in an organic way. And Huw’s here on hand to educate and empower people to reap the rewards of what we sow.
“There’s nothing quite like growing your own food, plants, herbs, or anything that brings you joy,” explains the expert gardener, author and leading voice in permaculture and kitchen gardens.
“Kitchen gardens focus on bringing flavour to your kitchen table…,” he says. “Not only the annuals, but also fruit, herbs and ornamental flowers, making it look as appealing as it tastes!”
The top YouTuber and influencer forks out fantastic advice for those on a new gardening journey or maintenance mission, whether you’re starting from scratch as an amateur or a competent pro. “With an unprecedented surge of interest in gardening since we were forced to spend more time at home, gardening continues to be a popular pastime post pandemic, with the intention of leading a more sustainable lifestyle by eating what our green spaces yield high on Brits’ agendas,” says Huw.
Over half of Brits will be focusing on ‘maintaining’ their garden this year, and nearly 40% of us will plant ‘low-cost’ plants and flowers, according to YouGov research for Readly digital magazine and newspaper app.
Following the unprecedented wet weather and with warm weekends finally on our horizon, May and June offer a great opportunity to get stuck in with sowing to reap some seriously tasty rewards. Get down to some serious home growing with Huw’s simple step-by-step guides to building and planting raised beds and more!
May’s the most intense sowing month, and Huw has advice aplenty for planting, composting, nurturing and maintenance for the very best yield. Complete beginner? Not only can gardening unleash creativity, but you’ll also learn a new skill along the way!
Huw offers inspo in spades… And he’s all about incorporating personal creativity, too. “Your garden is a canvas which you can colour with your passions, and the secret for having a garden you love is to let your curiosity and inspiration guide you.”
The dedicated allotment gardener has made a name for himself through his invaluable ‘how-to’ videos on his eponymous YouTube channel, which he started at the tender age of 12.
Having caught the gardening bug at a very young age, Huw’s now a well-known figure in the gardening community, thanks to his channel’s huge success, seeing it grow exponentially to become the largest gardening channel in the UK!
The best-selling author has written several books which have also earned him widespread acclaim and recognition as an authority in his field. Covering a wide range of topics, from no-dig gardening techniques to composting and raisedbed success, he inspires all ages, from very young kids and the next generation of gardeners, to pros who are old hands at horticulture, encouraging us all to reap the benefits of getting our hands dirty, foraging, growing for flavour & fun and more.
From potting up and propagating, to fertilising and coming up roses, you can quickly learn all you need to know from the UK’s largest YouTube gardening channel at www.youtube.com/c/HuwRichards/videos
Nearly half of us plan to grow our own this season, and with the cost of living high on the agenda this year, planting low-cost flowers and plants and growing fruits and vegetables in kitchen gardens is a priority.
“Salads are, perhaps, the best money-saving crop out there,” says Huw. “They are incredibly productive on a small scale and can be continuously picked and eaten,” he explains. If flavour is important, then planting a diverse herb garden is one of the simplest ways to greatly influence the taste of what you create in the kitchen.”
Strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes are the top three fruits and vegetables people will be growing this year, and Huw is committed to helping us grow an abundance of amazing food, predominantly through no-dig vegetable growing, with his channel, which also covers herbs, fruit and edible flowers, plus how to create a thriving growing space using organic and permaculture principles.
“Most of my sowing is done during the month of May. It’s a very exciting time!” Huw reveals. “It’s now too late to sow some crops, including tomatoes, but you can buy the actual plants from a local garden centre. My personal favourites to grow are peas, which can even work on a windowsill!”
Along with recently teaming up with Readly to offer his top tips aplenty, the top YouTuber has also collaborated with awardwinning DirectPlants, creating ‘The Huw Richards Potted Soft Fruit Bush and Plant Collection’. According to the Readly App, the top 10 fruits and vegetables we’re growing at home this year are:
1 Strawberries
2 Tomatoes
3 Potatoes
4 Raspberries
5 Apples
6 Cucumber
7 Blueberries
8 Rhubarb
9 Runner beans
10 Blackberries
Whether you’re a budding gardener or seasoned pro, reading Huw’s advice on the Readly app will get us all garden ‘appy and ready to rock.
“If you’re new to growing this season, or taking it to the next level, then now is the perfect time to get going!” he says. “And the Readly app is a good place to start, with lots of great gardening magazines to harvest your knowledge. Gardening is SO visual, and Readly currently offers free reading ‘til the end of May!”
Brimming with inspiration for the beginner, right through to teaching advanced techniques to green-fingered pros, whether you’re a window box gardener, allotment owner, or are lucky enough to enjoy acres of land, the Readly app assists with articles for every type of gardener, with thousands of titles available as part of the unlimited digital reading subscription.
The app will also help you get party-ready and gain knowledge and inspiration for planting fruit and veg to cultivate more self-sufficient and sustainable lives.
Huw has twice met our nature-loving, recently crowned King Charles III. “The King is a MASSIVE fan of nature and a committed environmentalist, and is particularly passionate about our wildflowers and meadows,” says Huw, who is a huge fan himself of making spaces for nature and ‘No Mow May’, to encourage wildflowers to bloom and insects to flourish.
As a young boy, Huw was proud to meet our new King. “There was a Harmony conference being hosted at my school, and I’d set up a little school garden, so I showed him around the veg beds and the plastic-bottle greenhouse we’d made. I then opened the conference at which he then spoke. I subsequently met him again at a mini conference with just 40 people in Dumfries in Scotland. It was kind of surreal!”
Huw’s recommendation for tackling a big project for the summer season is to start small. “If you haven’t yet done so, create a little seating area, even if it’s just a nook. It’s just a nice space to sit, to be outside and enjoy some sun, and maybe have a barbecue.”
“A garden is a bridge to nature,” he says. “And we all come from nature, at the end of the day, and being in the garden really connects us with the seasons.”
Huw’s top tip for prepping for our summer socials? “Plant a small bed, border or large container with fragrant herbs, such as fennel, lemon verbena and mint, to use as garnish and flavour summer drinks.”
Huw has advice a-go-go on how to make your garden a wildflower haven whilst maintaining its beauty. “You can sow your own wildflower seed mix and, if you want to keep it tidy, you can mow a nice, curved pathway through it or have a border.” Pollinatorfriendly plants can also help our busy buzzy bees. “Do things that are nice for nature,” suggests the YouTuber. “For example, you could add a solitary bee hotel, which is amazing for British wildlife.”
The key to creating a GREAT garden? “The secret is to create a space where you want to spend as much time as possible,” reveals Huw. “Pick things that make your heart sing, like a little seating area or nook, that make it a really nice place to be!”
Huw has an exciting new growing project in mid Wales - Dan Yr Onnen (which means “under the Ash tree” in Welsh) is an ambitious undertaking, reflecting hardy Huw’s passion for sustainable agriculture and his desire to make a positive impact on the local community.
With outside dining now big in the UK (despite our unpredictable weather!) the down-to-earth digger divulges the Readly app offers advice for creating and zoning dedicated outdoor kitchen and living areas for summer socials, play, growing vegetables, edible ornamentals, herbs and more, as well as the lowdown on the latest tools, ‘must-have’ summer garden products and the designs that should be on our garden radars right now.
Weeding out the old for the new to get our gardens set for the summer season and ‘party’ ready, the gardening guru also earths up invaluable inspiring ways to improve our outside spaces to make them more motivating and stylish on a low budget, creating a luxe-looking green oasis for less.
“I’m so excited for everyone on their gardening journey!” he says.
1 Grow what you enjoy growing and eating! You want to be filled with the anticipation of being able to eat some of your favourite foods - grown yourself!
2 Focus on getting your first harvest under your belt as quickly as possible. Pea shoots are perfect for this - ready for eating in as little as 2-3 weeks from sowing. As soon as you experience your first-ever taste of homegrown produce, you will be confident and motivated to grow as much as possible!
3 There is no such thing as too much homemade compost. You can’t have a thriving garden without it; the more compost you can make, the more money you can save.
4 Plant up pots and containers with edible flowers, such as nasturtium, calendula, and borage, which are all fantastic for encouraging pollinators to pollinate your crops and add splashes of colour throughout.
5 Grow in raised beds with sides. You have no encroaching grass to deal with, it splits the garden into manageable sections, and there is less bending down. Don’t go wider than 4ft 1.2m, so you can reach the middle from both sides.
6 Finally, head to your local allotment – gardeners love sharing advice!
Huw’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/HuwRichards/videos
Follow Huw on Insta: @huwsgarden
Readly is giving unlimited reading to over 7,000 digital magazines and newspapers, including top gardening titles, this season with a special offer until 31st May 2023. Visit www.readly.com/gardening
© Angela Sara West 2023 Insta: @angela_sara_west
