selfbuilder€¦ · builders to help buyers overcome mortgage downvaluations and other issues, and...

selfbuilder& homemakerJuly/August 2016 www.sbhonline.co.uk

PLANNING • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION • INTERIORS

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE: Folding, Sliding DoorsInsulationLighting & ElectricalStonework, Bricks & BlocksStairs, Balustrades & BalconiesPools, Spas & Decking ShowcaseBathrooms & Wetrooms Interior Showcase

TO THE LIGHTHOUSEHow a couple realised a beautifully light homeon a typically challenging site in St IvesSee page 20

401

ReaderEnquiry

www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com

3selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

july/august 2016

contents

Air Conditioning & ventilation............14Appointments & news.................14-15Bathrooms & Wetroom Showcase ...................16-19Building products & Services .............17Cladding & facades .......................17Doors, Windows & Conservatories........................27-35finance & Insurance ........................34fires & fireplaces............................35folding Sliding Doors ..................36-38Glass & Glazing.............................34Groundworks & Sewage Treatment...........................38Heating & renewable Energy .......38-39Insulation ..................................40-42Kitchens & Appliances .....................42Landscaping & External finishes.........43Lighting & Electrical.....................44-45pools Spas & Decking Showcase..................... 46-50rainwater & Greywater products ........50roofing .........................................51Stairs, Balustrades & Balconies......51-54Stonework, Bricks & Blocks...........54-57Timber & Joinery .............................57

4InDUSTry nEWS

18BATHrOOMS & WETrOOMS InTErIOr SHOWCASE

26prODUCT fOCUS

46pOOLS, SpAS & DECKInG SHOWCASE

58CLASSIfIED & DIrECTOry

20TO THE LIGHTHOUSELocated in St Ives, Trelas takes its name from the Cornish word for homestead– but this house is more than that. Built on a steep and skinny strip of land, it’sa light-filled feat of engineering and architecture overlooking one of the UK’smost sought after locations

36DOOrS Of pErCEpTIOnKloeber’s Matt Higgs corrects some myths on sliding door performance, saying they are a thing of the past

40rOOM TO MOvEStrict Building regulations relating to insulation can mean thick external wallsthat eat into the available living area. Kingspan Insulation’s Adrian pargeterexplains how to comply without compromising on space

44LED By EffICIEnCy & STyLEKitchens and bathrooms are increasingly being used for more than just theirfunctionality. Dave Simpson of yESSS Electrical looks at how recent lightingdevelopments can be harnessed to maximise a room’s enjoyment

52COnTrOLLED SpIrALSAntonia Harding of British Spirals & Castings dispels the myth that spiral staircases are dangerous and explains how they can be used effectively and safely in your project

55fIrED Up ABOUT BrICK’S CrEATIvE pOTEnTIALThat most traditional British method of masonry house construction, good old-fashioned brick, remains popular with self-builders. As the Brick DevelopmentAssociation’s Andrew Eagles says, that’s down to the material’s creative flexi-bility as well as its aesthetics and durability

feat

ures

also

in th

is iss

uepr

oduc

t rou

nd u

p

20

4 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

Cointronic House, Station Road,HeathSeld, East Sussex, TN21 8DF

Advertising & administrationTel: 01435 863500 Email: [email protected]: www.sbhonline.co.uk

Editorial featuresTel: 01435 863500 Email: [email protected]

Press releasesEmail: [email protected]

Publisher:Lesley Mayo

Managing Editor:James Parker

News Editor:David Mote

Assistant Editor:Roseanne Field

Editorial Assistants :Sue Benson, Teodora Lyubomirova & Jack Wooler

Production Assistants :Mikey Pooley, Shelley Collyer, Rob Duncan & Kim Musson

Senior Sales Executives: Nathan Hunt & Sheehan Moir-Edmonds

Sales Executives: Suzanne Easter & Kim Friend

Circulation/Reader Enquiry Service:Jane Spice

Managing Director:Simon Reed

Subscription costs just £18 for 6 issues, includ-ing post and packing. Phone 01435 863500for details. Individual copies of the publicationare available at £3.25 each inc p&p.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or trans-mitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechan-ical, including photocopying, recording or stored in anyinformation retrieval system without the express prior writ-ten consent of the publisher. Although every effort ismade to ensure the accuracy and reliability of materialpublished in Selfbuilder & Homemaker, the publishercan accept no responsibility for the claims or opinionsmade by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Edi-torial contributors to this journal may have made a pay-ment towards the reproduction costs of material used toillustrate their products. The manufacturer of the paperused within our publication is a Chain-of-Custody certi-Sed supplier operating within environmental systems cer-tiSed to both ISO 14001 and EMAS in order to ensuresustainable production. Printed in England

published by

cover

selfbuilder& homemakerJuly/August 2016 www.sbhonline.co.uk

PLANNING • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION • INTERIORS

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE: Folding, Sliding DoorsInsulationLighting & ElectricalStonework, Bricks & BlocksStairs, Balustrades & BalconiesPools, Spas & Decking ShowcaseBathrooms & Wetrooms Interior Showcase

TO THE LIGHTHOUSEHow a couple realised a beautifully light homeon a typically challenging site in St IvesSee page 20

netMAGmedia

all rights reserved

As the Chinese proverb says, ‘May you live ininteresting times,’ – and following the recent referendum result, we certainly are.

Almost immediately following the country voting(narrowly) to leave the EU, £8bn was wiped offthe market capitalisation of the country’s fourbiggest homebuilders – Berkeley, Barratt, TaylorWimpey and Persimmon. The drop was so

drastic at Taylor Wimpey, it triggered a Sve-minute suspensionin trading.

What does the Leave vote mean for self and custom-builders? Thechair of the NaCSBA Michael Holmes commented that in the short-term some will wait and see what happens to the economybefore making big purchasing decisions, but if there is limitedchange he hopes that things will stabilise fairly quickly.

It is really still too early to say,but as the English proverb says,‘The proof of the pudding is inthe eating.’

editor’s letter

Ask an Architect27 August, SwindonNSBRC’s Ask an Architect events are held everymonth and offer self-builders the chance to attenda session with a RIBA chartered architect to discussmatters such as the design of your project, creatingextra storage and adding value to your home.www.nsbrc.co.uk/ask-an-architect.html

Selfbuild & Design Show (South West)10-11 September, ExeterThe Selfbuild & Design Show offers those involvedwith a self-build project the chance to meetexhibitors and see product demonstrations, sit in on seminars lead by industryexperts and talk to suppliers, designers, manufacturers, builders and more. selfbuildanddesignshow.com

Top Drawer11-13 September, LondonTop Drawer is one of the UK’s leading design-led events. The show features a Homesection, divided into Interior accessories, Kitchen & Dining, Furniture & Lighting andOutdoor living, presenting products from internationally known brands to small start-up companies and “everything in between.”www.topdrawer.co.uk/home

London Homebuilding & Renovating Show23-25 September, LondonThe Homebuilding & Renovating Show is one of the biggest events on the calendarfor self-builders. Visitors can see the latest products, attend seminars, masterclassesand workshops and get inspiration and personalised advice on every aspect of theirself-build project, such maximising their budget or interior decoration.london.homebuildingshow.co.uk

diary

Cover image of Trelas House © Ewen MacDonald.

See pages 20 - 25 for more.


brexit

The weeks following Britain’s shock deci-sion to leave the European Union haveseen a good deal of uncertainty

expressed in the construction industry overwhat the future holds. The immediate effectsof the referendum result were felt across theindustry, with construction being one of thesectors hardest hit, and experts highlightingconcern around mortgage rates, house pricesand the sustainability of the supply chain. Michael Holmes, chair of NaCSBA

explained how he believed the decision willaffect self and custom-builders: “In the short-term some people will wait to see what hap-pens to the economy. If we remain in the sin-gle market and retain freedom of movement,then I suspect things will stabilise fairly quickly,as long as we also retain passporting (whichallows UK-based Srms to operate in and offerservices to other European Economic Areas)for Snancial services.”Speaking on the day after referendum

Richard Donnell, insight director at Hometracksaid: “The immediate impact of Brexit is likelyto be a rapid deceleration in house pricegrowth as buyers wait and see what the shortterm impact is on Snancial markets and theeconomy at large.”On the other hand John Elliott, managing

director of Millwood Designer Homes welcomed the vote saying: “The EU’sMortgage Credit Directive effectively meansthat housebuilders cannot lend money tobuyers unless they register as a regulatedSnancial adviser. When times are difScult,this has been a traditional way for house-builders to help buyers overcome mortgage downvaluations and other issues, and keepthe market moving.“Our exit from the EU will stop the continual

red tape and see our housing market grow andTourish without unnecessary constraints placedon building much needed new homes.”

Paula Higgins, CEO of the HomeOwnersAlliance had a different view: “The currentuncertainty is bad news for Snancial marketsand will probably impact interest rates longerterm, so mortgage holders will want to watchthis space. “House sales fell ahead of the referendum

and we can expect people to continue towatch events unfold before making any bigSnancial decisions. We can expect the rateof house price growth to slow nationwide,while in London the limited housing supplycould reduce the impact on house prices.”Arcadis UK chief executive ofScer, Alan

Brookes said: “Construction markets are likelyto become more volatile in the short term, andwe need to consider a joined-up approach tosustaining the capacity and capability of theindustry. Although demand is likely to fall insome sectors this could actually take some ofthe pressure off over-stretched markets.Ultimately the UK needs to keep building.”

Highlighting what she saw as the dangersfor the green agenda, the UK Green BuildingCouncil’s CEO Julie Hirigoyen commented:“Both economic and political uncertainty willhave some people asking whether the greenagenda needs to be de-prioritised while busi-ness goes into Sre Sghting mode. This mustand need not happen.”Iain McIlwee, the British Woodworking

Federation’s chief executive said he had con-cerns for the supply chain: “For the UK, its peo-ple and its economy, we are entering a newchapter in history. What matters now is that Srms in the construction supply chain arewell informed and well prepared to assess risk.“Some of the risks will be immediate, such

as Tuctuating currency. For example, theimpact on material and component importsmust be factored into joinery estimates andcompanies must ensure they are not caughtout on projects that they have already quotedon, but materials have not been secured.”

Construction industry concerns after BrexitplanningPlentiSc, said to be one of the UK’s fastest-growing property tech-

nology startups, has secured a partnership with key planninginformation website Planning Portal. Following a tender,

PlentiSc’s ‘Find a Pro’ platform will now be available via the PlanningPortal. It will give homeowners seeking planning advice access to aplatform hosting over 75,000 professionals, spanning 350 services. The Planning Portal provides clear, accessible information to

guide homeowners through the planning process for home improve-ment projects. By working in partnership with local authorities acrossEngland and Wales, it delivers content that clariSes planning andBuilding Regulations and is regarded as the home of the nationalplanning application service. The Planning Portal currently receivesover 30,000 visits everyday and more than 85 per cent of all

planning applications in the UK are submitted via the website.Cem Savas, co-founder of PlentiSc, commented: “The values of the

Planning Portal mirror those of PlentiSc in terms of striving to makeprocesses clear, informative and simple. This partnership is a furtherboost to our home improvement marketplace and will deliver high-quality leads to our trade professionals.”Sarah Chilcott, commercial director at Planning Portal

commented: “The UK’s national Planning Portal works to transformthe planning and building system across England and Wales. We are delighted to be working with PlentiSc on our new ‘Find ATrade Professional’ service which will make it easier for our home-owner customers to get their home improvement project designedand built.”

Startup PlentiSc announces Planning Portal partnership

If you are planning a bold and venturous build then we want you.

CRL is looking for the one-offs, the inspiring, the ingenious construction projects to feature in our Venturous Builds web series, presented by Wayne Hemingway.

If you’re the person who is courageous enough to think outside the box then we would love to hear what makes your project remarkable. Share your plans with us at www.c-r-l.com/venturousbuilds for a chance to be featured in an inspiring new web series that showcases Britain’s most extraordinary people and their construction achievements.

If your project is featured you’ll be treated to £1000 worth of interior design vouchers.

We look forward to being inspired.

Team CRL 0800772 3200

CALL NOW

#VENTUROUSBUILDS

WWW.C-R-L.COM/VENTUROUSBUILDS

constRuction insuRanceFoR the ventuRous of sPiRit

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

101

ReaderEnquiry

www.c-r-l.com/venturousbuilds


awards

The Passivhaus Trust (PHT) has announcedthe winners of the UK Passivhaus Awards2016 which celebrate individual eco

house design.Passivhaus buildings are designed with

scrupulous attention to detail in order to min-imise the energy required to heat or cool theproperty. The awards aim to encourageuptake of the Passivhaus standard within theself-build market.PHT members voted online and at an

awards ceremony on 7 July in London todetermine the winners of the competition.Lansdowne Drive by Tectonics Architects

(pictured right) and Tigh na Croit by HLMArchitects (pictured above) were named aswinners in the Urban and Rural categories.Lansdowne Drive is a zinc clad two-storey

home which is the Srst Passivhaus certiSeddwelling in Hackney, east London. The prac-tice created a building “with the generic sim-plicity, Texibility, light and character found inindustrial or studio spaces.”The structure was prefabricated in cross

laminated timber and erected in two days.Internally, the structural materials and theirassembly are left exposed, from concrete andtimber to galvanised conduits and ducts.The Rural category winner Tigh na Croit

nestles into an area of former crofting land inGorstan in the Scottish Highlands. This con-temporary low energy building is inspired by

the rural landscape and is one of the mostnortherly certiSed Passivhaus UK schemes.The primary material used for the house’s

exterior is white render with limited areas ofstained timber cladding. Recognisable detailsof highland rural forms are used such as chim-neys, roof pitch, verges, eaves and carefully placed openings.This year’s shortlist also featured RDAs’

Chiswick Eco Lodge – a bespoke semi-sunkPassivhaus home set in a dense urban space;Anne Thorne Architects’ L-shaped brick

Meeting House built within a York conservationarea; Green Building Store’s detached GolcarPassivhaus – a home with clean, simple linesand narrow timber windows; GresfordArchitects’ Old Water Tower in rural Newburyand Parsons + Whittley’s curved Lime TreePassivhaus built on a tight arc-shaped gardenplot near a protected lime tree.The shortlist for the awards was compiled

by a jury which included the CEO of the PHTJon Bootland, as well as expert researchers inthe Seld and journalists.

Passivhaus winners show the way for low energy self-build

Lansdowne Drive

Tigh na Croit

For expert advice and installation of all Schueco systems: 0800 999 5575 0330 999 5575

BI-FOLD DOOR102

ReaderEnquiry

www.bifolddoorfactory.co.uk


comment

Having worked through three major recessions, the last one drag-ging on for some considerable time, the uncertainty around thepossibility of us not remaining a part of the European Union

was just what the house building sector wasn’t looking forward to.As we woke up on 24 June and switched on the news, all of a sud-den the reality kicked in that we were no longer going to be part ofthe European Union. Reactions ranged from joy, to trepidation to sad-ness, but no one knew for sure the implications; we all just made ourbest guess.The Snancial markets reacted like a seesaw – they appeared to haveno better idea, the Governor of the Bank of England made his speech,and it was all high drama with no clear picture emerging. In realitywe all just went off to work getting on with our usual routines. (What didn’t surprise was our swift exit from the UEFA Euro football

tournament – it’s comforting to know some things are still predictable!)Now the dust has had time to settle – and by the way the predictedimmediate Snancial meltdown didn’t happen – how has the propertymarket reacted? The key post-Brexit facts are there has been no evi-dence of a Snancial crisis, and no clamming up of the consumer creditmarkets in the residential sector.TSB quoted that within four working days of the Brexit vote, mortgageactivity had returned to normal. I have been speaking to and workingwith developers, and the common theme is that sales and reservationshave not been affected by the EU referendum.The HBF (Home Builders Federation) along with Greg Clark, theGovernment’s then Communities Secretary and Brandon Lewis, the thenHousing and Planning Minister, reafSrmed their commitment to uppingsupply and increasing the number of new home owners. Greg Clarkclearly stated that housing was a top priority for the Government.So where does this leave the self-builder? With over 30,000 projectsin planning or under construction, the future is looking very rosy.Government Ministers are only too aware that the self-build com munitywill make a very important and signiScant impact on the housing indus-try as it has the potential to deliver more units than any of the majordevelopers; this is crucial for the strength of the housebuilding industry.Generally the whole housebuilding industry is upbeat, supported byconsumer, Government and Snancial market conSdence. All the indi-cators are pointing to good times for the self-builder.Andy Patmore is a housebuilding project manager and authorof Build Your Own House

Reports of Snancial armageddon post-Brexit have beenexaggerated, and the future remains rosy for self-builders

Potton, Kingspan’s timber self-build arm, isworking on a new custom-build projectlocated on the former Silver Sands

Garden Centre, just outside Faversham in Kent.The scheme, which consists of 14 units, will

be constructed on the site of the disused gar-den centre and has been designed by InsideOut Architecture. However, unlike other Pottoncustom build schemes Silver Sands alreadyhas full planning permission and the housedesigns will meet the performance require-ments of the Passivhaus standard.By adopting the Passivhaus standard the

development’s custom-builders can be assuredthat their new homes – with built in energy efS-ciency – will beneSt from life-long low fuelbills. The standard also ensures that the risk ofsummertime overheating is addressed, indoorair will be good quality and the properties willremain draught free, creating a home with aneven internal temperature distribution andgood acoustic performance.The houses will be arranged around a cen-

tral communal woodland space, which pro-vides paths that meander across the site andtowards the peripheral planted space. The

communal space will be shared equallybetween pedestrians and vehicle trafSc.These shared communal spaces will be constructed using permeable green road-ways, which will reinforce the natural settingwithin the site and signals priority to pedestrians.The nature of the scheme design means,

however, that the external appearance and lay-out of the properties will remain largely Sxedwith less opportunity for customisation. Despitethis, there will be opportunity for “extensiveinternal design,” according to Potton.

Potton presents plots with planning for Passivhaus homes

passivhaus

Digitising Custom Build is a collabora-tive R&D project which is intended toprovide digital tools and methods to

help those wanting to buy, design, buildand live in a custom-built home.Funded by Innovate UK, the project com-

bines the skills of NaCSBA, Stickyworld,Slider Studio, HTA Design, Axis Design

Architects, Facit Homes and Commusoft. The new website will be regularly updatedwith news and blogs, technology develop-ments and events from the partners offeringan exclusive insight into the project and thetechnology it is producing. In addition, therewill be video interviews from project part-ners as well as footage of recent events.

Shortly after the launch the website wasbeing hailed as a success – within its Srstweek, the DCB team says it was“approached by a variety of people, includ-ing local councils, expressing their interestin the project and in testing the technologyon their own projects.”www.customisehomes.com

New online design and build help for custom builders

news


100% Design is returningto Olympia London from21-24 September. The

show forms the heart of LondonDesign Festival, presentingleading national and interna-tional exhibitors with ideas,products and innovations fordomestic environments, along-side a special focus on emerg-ing brands. ReTecting 100% Design’s

focus on quality and inspira-tion, this year’s theme is‘Experience’, which will be

explored across the showthrough specially commissionedinstallations, immersive experi-ences and sensory experi-ments. Visitors can physicallyengage with the latest productinnovations.A key feature of the event for

self-builders, Talks with 100%Design will be curated by theDesign Museum as part of its‘on loan’ campaign includingactivity around the Kensingtonarea before the museum opensthere on 24 November.

Focusing on quality and depth,the talks present thought leadersin the industry, deliver agenda-setting keynotes alongsidepanel discussions exploringtrends in contemporary practiceas well as the future of design.New for 2016, a cinema

area will showcase products,designers and studios as wellas providing reTective, intellec-tual engagement with currentand historical design agendas.Making its debut at London

Design Festival 2016 isLuxuryMade, a new show ded-icated to contemporary deco-rative interiors. Staged along-side 100% Design close to the

site of the new DesignMuseum, it is the latest additionto the West Kensington area’sburgeoning design offer.100% Design comprises Sve

sections, the longest running ofwhich is Interiors. It presentsbrands exhibiting everythingfrom furniture and lighting tofabrics and accessories. Theother sections are Workplace,Kitchens & Bathrooms,Emerging Brands and theshow’s largest section Design &Build – featuring technologyand home automation, a mate-rials showcase and an architec-tural lighting showcase.100percentdesign.co.uk

Find interior inspiration at 100% Design in September

news

Civic leaders and industry experts wereamong the guests visiting what isthought to be the South East’s largest

new self-build development, Hammill Park, inKent, which covers 14 acres.The brownSeld site in a rural setting between

Canterbury and Sandwich has been trans-formed with 19 homes, “providing a boost tothe local rural economy,” said developerQuinn Estates. Once connected to the EastKent Light Railway, the site’s iconic locomotivesheds remain and have planning to be con-verted into houses and ofSces.The site is Quinn Estates’ Srst volume self-build

development, which offers the advantage ofserviced plots together with siteinfrastructure. Buyers were attracted by theopportunity to purchase a self-build housing ploton which to build their own ‘grand design.’Visitors at the open day were able to view

the Srst inhabited property and speak to theowner, plus view another property that hasrecently been completed. The new homes atHammill Park are a mix of four and Sve bedproperties, many of which feature the latestgreen technologies such as air-source heating.Mark Quinn, managing director of Quinn

Estates said: “There are two fundamental rea-sons that people are put off self-builds – the Srstis the issue of the land itself; Snding a plot andpaying too much for it. Then it’s the risk andworry of negotiating the planning process.“As an enabling developer, we offer sites

that have already gone through the necessaryprocesses and have the assurance that you’redoing it alongside an experienced developer.Therefore, you are buying so much more thana plot of land. There is a phenomenal demand

for sites like these which take the risk away. Byremoving the barriers to people building theirown home we can turn dreams into reality.“In our experience local authorities are open

to discussing self-build opportunities and wesee this aspect of the market as being animportant element of keeping larger sitesdynamic and viable. And we can help a greater number of people towards beingable to build their dream home, it’s a win-win situation.”

Open event for biggest self-build site in the South East

event


The Royal Institute of British Architects(RIBA) has announced the longlist forthe 2016 RIBA House of the Year

Award, one of the UK’s most prestigiousawards for a new house or extension.Among the 20 architect-designed homes

in the running for the award are a contem-porary part-house part-gallery on the beachin Brighton & Hove (The Narrow House), aJapanese inspired terraced house extension(House of Trace), and a new family home inJersey rising from the huge granite walls ofan earlier building on the site (Le Petit Fort).There’s also a beach house in Dungeness

that echoes the area’s former Sshing huts, acontemporary take on a traditional lean-to inHarrogate (Contemporary Lean To) and ahouse in Cornwall that hovers dramaticallyover a cliff to take in the enviable viewsacross the Fal Estuary (The Owers House).The 20 homes on the longlist for the

award are:• Ansty Plum, Coppin Dockray• Contemporary Lean-to, Doma Architects• Contour House, Sanei HopkinsArchitects

• Covert House, DSDHA• Edge Hill, Sutherland Hussey Architects• Garden House, Hayhurst & Co.• House of Trace, Tsuruta Architects• Le Petit Fort, Hudson Architects• Modern Mews, Coffey Architects• Murphy House, Richard MurphyArchitects

• North Vat, Rodic Davidson Architects• Outhouse, Loyn & Co• Private House in Cumbria, BennettsAssociates

• The Cheeran House, John PardeyArchitects

• The Narrow House, Sanei HopkinsArchitects

• The Owers House, John PardeyArchitects

• House 19, Jestico + Whiles• Private House 1109, GA StudioArchitects

• Tin House, Henning Stummel Architects• Zinc-House, LJR+H Chartered Architects

The RIBA House of the Year award will bebroadcast as part of a special Channel 4Grand Designs series, presented by KevinMcCloud. Now in its second year, GrandDesigns: House of the Year is to be broad-cast weekly for four weeks later in the year.Featuring a selection of properties from thelonglist, it will reveal the shortlisted and win-ning homes.To see images of all the longlisted homes,

visit www.sbhonline.co.uk and enter thereference number 75211.

House envy? 20 extraordinary British homes in the running for the 2016 RIBA House of the Year

riba

Outhouse (photo: Charles Hosea)

Contour House (photo: Peter Landers)

The Owers House (photo: James Morris)

Enq. 103

Hörmann opens the door toenergy ef=cient living

In January 2015, Nick Cvetkovic from MarketBosworth began a self-build journey that hehoped would change his life for the better.

Although Nick had experience in renovatingproperties, this would be his =rst new build project so he had a challenge on his hands.This would be made even more complex by his desire to build a low carbon, energy ef=cient home.Mr Cvetkovic was keen to move away from

the stereotypical British brick house and take amore contemporary approach with his home’sdesign. He opted for non-traditional materials,such as western red cedar timber and slatecladding for the external walls and a steel roof.However, aesthetics were not Nick’s only

priority. In order to meet the desired insulationstandards and U-values, building materials and components all had to be carefully considered during planning to maximise theproperty’s ef=ciency. Contrary to popular belief, three times the

amount of heat is actually lost to in=ltration andair leakage than through walls and ceilings.Ensuring that the building is completely airtightis one of the principle requirements of a low carbon home.After much consideration, Nick decided to

incorporate a mechanical ventilation system intohis new home that =lters, changes and thenrecirculates the air, while extracting any dampness. However, to successfully seal his

home, Nick had to verify that every componentselected for the build would keep air leakageto the absolute minimum.The property’s various doors, for instance,

called for a highly insulated, airtight composition. Nick required a set of doors thatwould be energy ef=cient and secure withouthaving to compromise on style. Having had aHörmann garage door in his previous property,Nick approached the leading door manufacturer again with his request.Nick decided on a ThermoPro steel door for

the property’s entrance door. Offering an excellent UD-value, i.e. the U-value of the =tteddoor, of just 1.1 W/(m2.K) and bene=tting froma 46mm rigid steel polyurethane-=lled door leaf,the ThermoPro was the perfect solution for Nick’senergy-ef=cient home. The door also features multi-point locking and

additional security bolts on the hinge side making it practically impossible to force open.Capable of withstanding common break-in tactics, this particular range from Hörmann isalso available with Police approved Secured byDesign status.Three further doors were required, one of

which would be installed two metres below theproperty in an underground store. All the doorsrequired larger openings than usual so standarddoor dimensions would not have been appropriate. Hörmann, however, producesdoors that are available in a wide selection ofstandard and special sizes, so can accommo-date virtually any opening.Hörmann’s insulated sectional door seemed

the ideal choice for the new garage opening.

This door is particularly well suited for integralgarages where heat loss needs to be minimised. Thanks to the wide selection ofcolours and =nishes available, Nick was ableto select a style that =tted in perfectly with thecontemporary look of his new home.Nick enlisted the help of garage door experts

at Door=t Products for further guidance and tosafeguard an accurate installation. Workingwith Nick’s architect and builder was key toensuring that the =tting was a success. David Close, general manager at Door=t

Products commented: “Our job was made easier by having access to not only the clientbut also his architect, enabling us to understandthe vision whilst ensuring the installation andspeci=cation were practical in relation to thebuild. We take great pride in our role as aHörmann dealer, it was a pleasure to beinvolved in such an interesting and bespokeproject.”Mr Cvetkovic was impressed by the service

provided by Door=t Products: “The team workedquickly and ef=ciently, nothing was too muchtrouble. The doors are highly ef=cient and =t inperfectly with the style of our home, we’re verypleased with the end result.”The external work on the property was

completed in December 2015 with just landscaping and internal work left to =nish inthe early part of this year. Nick and his wifeSusie are both looking forward to settling in andmaking the most of their new low energy home.

01530 513000www.hormann.co.uk



top tips

Know what is expected of youIn construction today there are a plethora ofregulations to follow – even underToor heat-ing has regulations for thermal performance.Ensure you know what is expected of you andwhat you are governed by in terms of BuildingRegulations, local building control and yourwarranty provider.

Don’t be afraid to ask questionsThere are many acoustic and thermal insula-tion products available on the market today,and this can be confusing. Don’t take at facevalue what you see on websites, in brochuresor trade magazines. Ask questions and seekadvice from the manufacturer based speciS-cally on what you are trying to achieve. Areyou working on a refurbishment or new build?Every build has to be taken on its own meritsto achieve the best results. Don’t be afraid toask for technical support. What dB value areyou trying to achieve? What are the U-valuesfor a unit? If you have high loadings, how canyou still comply?

Ensure you have the correctproduct for the jobVarious products within the acoustic and thermal industry go through multiple test envi-ronments to ensure performance is 100 percent accurate and in accordance with regu-lations. Ask a company’s technical team fortest reports and certiScates against other suggested products. It’s easy to be misled and continue to follow traditional methods or practices, but it’s worth checking for alter-natives which may enhance the overall per-formance of the build.

Watch out for hidden costsHeadline costs may seem either cheap or costlyin comparison to another product or system, butdo you know exactly what you are getting?Have you considered that there may be aknock-on effect to the rest of your build? Forinstance, you may have chosen to lay acousticbattens but by supplementing those with anoverlay board you could reduce your Toorheights and therefore save on brick coursing.

Look out for the added-valueservicesAsk if a member of the technical team couldvisit your plot to discuss options available. Forexample, you may be nearing the end of yourself-build and have restrictions on the depthsof the Toor and ceiling – in this case a sitevisit could determine an alternative solutionquickly and simply, potentially meaning anoticeable saving. It is important to talk to themanufacturers who know their products insideout and can provide solid, appropriateadvice on what needs to be implemented onthe project. Ask if the manufacturer will pro-vide free calculations for you, such as U-val-ues, condensation, risk, imposed load etc.

Time = moneyModern products and methods of constructionare usually introduced to make life easier foryou on site, so why not use the latest products– especially when these can cut installationprocesses and consequently save you timeand, more importantly, money. For example,replacing a traditional wet screed solution fora dry one will allow other construction tradesto arrive on site at an earlier stage during thebuild programme.

Has this been done before?Suppliers and manufacturers should be openand honest about past experiences to aid youin decision-making and help you avoid mistakes – ask for case studies or examplesof previous self-builds they’ve worked on or situations that they have overcome. This will in turn give you peace of mind that you have chosen the right product from theright company.

Quality of productsMany manufacturers of acoustic and thermalproducts will have an extensive product rangethat offers different pricing levels in order tomeet the needs of different market sectors. Ifa product is cheap, ask yourself why. Does itmeet the necessary performance levels? Is it third party accredited? A product may costmore initially, but in the long run may requiremuch less maintenance. Everyone loves tosave money, but not at the risk of future expen-diture due to the use of inferior products.

Consider how your site willaffect product deliveriesThe chance of a working self-build plot havingacres of space to store products is slim andyou probably don’t have a team of 20 to helpyou move products around when needed. It’sworth asking the supplier if there is a possibil-ity of calling in the product when you need it– you may just need to give them a certainamount of notice for delivery. It’s also impor-tant to ask the supplier if the products you’reordering conform to the one-man lift recom-mendations within the national Health &Safety guidelines. Asking for advice before your self-build gets

fully underway could save you valuable time and money – make the most of the knowledgeable technical teams available.Questions can be asked through multiple chan-nels – so far this year we have received hun-dreds of questions through multiple channelsfrom architects and screeders through to under-Toor heating specialists and contractors.The main thing to remember is, don’t be

afraid to ask difScult questions.

Ben Banks is technical manager at Cellecta

There are a variety of acoustic and thermal insulation products on offerfrom suppliers large and small, but what should buyers look for whentrying to Snd the right solution? Cellecta’s Ben Banks offers some tips

You’re getting warmer...


Enq. 107

Freefoam guarantees on the upFreefoam Installers have got 2016 off to a cracking start, recording up to a 26 per cent increase inwork registered for its Lifetime Guarantee. Installers from around the country are seeing the bene/t ofoffering a 50 year guarantee on all white roo0ine products. One of the strongest weapons in any trades-persons armoury is the good old-fashioned guarantee and Freefoam installers have one of the best inthe business at their disposal – an enhanced 50-year lifetime guarantee. Why 50 years? Firstly, Freefoamhave lifetime data built up over a 20-year period via testing and accelerated ageing tests, advancedtechnology and trouble-free experience from Ireland to Germany and North of Scotland to the South ofFrance where scorching sun and sizzling UV light soon /nds the fault lines in roo0ine products. Secondly,Freefoam know that products can deliver over that period of time. Lead free advanced tin based formu-lations, for example, do not suffer pinking or other problems and other formulations also have extraTiO2 to withstand high-intensity destructive UV light. Lastly, 50 years sends a clear message to customersthat Freefoam stands by its products over the long-term and that they can trust the company to deliverthe quality and value they expect. If you’re interested in /nding out more about Freefoam products goto Freefoam’s dedicated website.

01604 591110 www.freefoam.com

Enq. 106

Mendip’s Woodland stove wins at Hearth & HomeThe new Woodland stove fromMendip Stoves is an award-winningdesign, voted ‘Best Stove Under 5kW’at June’s Hearth & Home Show inHarrogate. It won top marks for thehigh quality of its design, in particularthe large viewing window, which, fora stove with a low output of 4.5kW, israther unusual. It was also praised forhaving 100mm to combustibles onboth sides and rear of the stove, afeature of most Mendip Stoves whichenables them to be placed closer to

combustible walls at the rear, a great feature for modern timber frame building construction methods.

01934 750500 www.mendipstoves.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 105

Introducing the new BondActing on intelligence out in the field,undercover fixing specialist Ancon haslaunched a new super-Bond, ultra-lowthermal conductivity wall tie that evenSpectre would find hard to crack! The new Teplo-BF basalt fibre wall tie features specially moulded safety endsthat improve buildability and enhancemortar bond strength by up to 80 per cent. The Teplo-BF is created by the setting of innovative pultrudedbasalt fibres in a resin matrix.This composite material provides a

combinatinon of high strength and outstanding thermal efficiency. The wall tie also carries BBA and NHBC technical approvals.0114 275 5224 www.ancon.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 104

Marc Overson joins Panasonic UKPanasonic is delighted to announcethe appointment of Marc Overson toPanasonic Heating & Cooling, whojoins our team as the CountryManager for the UK & Ireland. MarcOverson joins Panasonic from theEuropean air conditioning division of Samsung Electronics, where undertaking the role of the EuropeanB2B & Distribution Sales Manager, hegained a broad understanding of theEuropean heating and air conditioningmarket. Marc succeeds in this position

from Marc Diaz, who returns to the Panasonic operation in Spain. Marcwill focus on building market share within the commercial air conditioningarena, a key growth target area for the company in the UK & Ireland.

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 109

TTA promotes high hygiene of tiled surfacesThe Tile Association and its membersare promoting the hygiene advantagesof correctly installed tiled surfaces,especially in commercial kitchens andfood preparation environments. Tiledsurfaces are entirely safe to install anduse in hygiene-sensitive installations,particularly if large format porcelaintiles are used with epoxy grouts. BrianG Newell, chair of the TTA’s TechnicalCommittee, points out that porcelaintiles are impervious, with less than 0.5per cent porosity and that epoxy grouts

are also impervious, to the extent that they can have an approval for use innuclear power stations, since they are not porous to radioactivity.

0300 365 8453 www.tiles.org.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 108

www.totalhome.co.uk

www.panasonic.co.uk


Snickers’ ALLROUND working clothesSnickers’ Next Generation Workwearsymbolises the brand’s commitment todelivering the very best in modernworking clothes. The latest ALLROUNDWorkwear family has been designed to cope with just about everything in everyday working environments. For professional craftsmen, they are probably the most advanced workingclothes of their kind with moderndesigns that ensure smart, professionallooks and an amazing fit. Garmentscombine to deliver maximum,

hardwearing comfort and innovative functionality. They really are the ultimate choice for today’s professional craftsmen in all kinds of everydayon-site environments.

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 113

Schueco’s revamp of network centre completedBuilding envelope specialist, SchuecoUK Ltd, has announced that the refurbishment of the Schueco NetworkCentre in Milton Keynes is now com-plete. The revamp was designed toimprove the Centre’s facilities for maincontractors, Schueco network partnersand their customers. A major changeis a newly created area with a mezza-nine )oor given over to a number ofdifferent exhibits of Schueco’s residential range of products includingSchueco AWS windows, ASS sliding

and sliding/folding door systems and entrance doors. In addition, there arenew informal meeting areas on both the mezzanine and ground )oors.

01908 282111 www.schueco.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

Enq. 112

New, improved and accessible on the move!Remmers UK Ltd has given theirwebsite a fresh new look and the#uent, responsive design means that itcan now also be viewed on bothdesktop and mobile devices easily.The new site enables all visitors accessto a wide range of detailed information quickly and ef"ciently.Highlights include Remmers productcatalogues, technical data sheets, in-house and NBS speci"cationguides, literature and system speci"cproject references along with a host of

other helpful product and system information. The website also has an up-to-date news section and integrated social media links.

01293 594010 www.remmers.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

Enq. 111

Three decades of quality and innovationThe VEKA UK Group is marking its30th year of manufacturing in the UKwith a host of celebrations. The company has now become one of theUK’s largest supplier of PVC-U windowprofile and of one of the local area'sbiggest employers. MD Dave Jonesbelieves, “If we're not providing theperfect products for the market, wedon't deserve to succeed.” The VEKAUK Group marks the anniversary witha celebratory staff event at BurnleyFC's Turf Moor (including a visit

from the Global VEKA Group's CEO Andreas Hartleif) and the officialunveiling of the NEW M70 profile system.

01282 716611 www.vekauk.com

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 110

Construction United welcomes Morgan Sindall partnershipConstruction United, a coalition of some of the construction industry’s key stakeholders which aims tochange perceptions of the sector, has recently welcomed leading UK construction and regenerationgroup, Morgan Sindall plc, to its ranks. As one of the initiative’s partners, Morgan Sindall will supportConstruction United in its three key objectives; improving public perceptions of construction, encouragingyoung people to consider careers in the industry and maximising the health and wellbeing of its workers.Formed in February 2016, Construction United has already gained the support of in8uential productdistributor SIG, trade bodies including the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Thermal InsulationContractors Association (TICA), and leading skills certi7cation scheme, CSCS. The initiative has alsoselected The Prince’s Trust, Crash and Time to Change as its key charities, which it will support throughfundraising activities which will be held from the 17th to the 23rd of October this year. Graham Edgell,Director of Sustainability and Procurement at Morgan Sindall plc said: “Public perceptions of the industryhave an effect on all of us, and it’s vital to address this if the sector is going to continue to grow. Bybecoming a Construction United partner we’re showing our support to the wider industry and supportingworthy charity causes by hosting and participating in October’s events.”

@ConstructionUtd www.constructionunited.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

Enq. 115

New cladding opportunities from FreefoamFreefoam Building Products are pleased to announce the launch of a brand new website,mycladding.com. Designed to meet the growing demand from consumers for exterior cladding productsthe site acts as an online portal to share product information about PVC cladding, offer ideas and inspiration for homeowners and gives quick and easy access to a free no obligation (tting quote froma local installer. PVC cladding is one of the fastest growing home improvement products becoming themain alternative to wood. With volume sales up by 61 per cent year on year Freefoam are one of the(rst manufacturers to harness the power of the web to harness the online appetite for pvc cladding, tohelp grow business and generate leads for Freefoam Registered Installers. With a fresh, clean look theclever design of mycladding.com helps visitors quickly navigate around the site. Featuring informationabout different cladding (nishes and information on the bene(ts of using cladding to improve insulationand reduce maintenance the site gives homeowner the information they need to make an informed deci-sion. An online tool to help the homeowner visualise how cladding will enhance the look of their homewith colour options superimposed on a variety of house types, this is backed up by a sample requestservice and a handy calculator to estimate the number of cladding boards needed for your project.

01604 591 110 www.mycladding.com

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

Enq. 114

www.snickersworkwear.com


www.multipanel.co.uk

Completely waterproof, easy to install and easy to clean, grout free alternative to tiles.

Multipanel Walls, Classic Range - Patina Bronze / Riven Marble

Don’t tile it. Multipanel it.

Enq. 118

Enq. 116

Luxury soak

Call Omnitub today on 01934 751200,email [email protected] or visit www.omnitub.co.uk for more information

Address: Unit 5A Batch Business ParkRectory WayLympshamNorth SomersetBS24 0EW

City dwelling can often mean space is at a premium. This is particularly so inapartment bathrooms, which rarely contain baths as they only have room for ashower. And while showers are great, particularly if you’re in a rush, you can’t beat theluxury of submerging yourself in a hot bath, soaking away the troubles of the day.But having that luxury isn’t as out of reach as you may think.Omnitub may have the answer. The company’s Japanese-style tub is shorter anddeeper than a traditional bath, so that you can have a proper soak, even in thetiniest of bathrooms.The Japanese have never used lack of space as an excuse for poor design orstyling, and the Omnitub is a classic example of this. Thesesmall but perfectly formed handmade bathtubs are taking the British market bystorm. They provide a perfect solution for people who arestyle conscious, and want a bath tub, but are restricted by limited roomdimensions.The Omnitub comes in four sizes: the Duo and Duo plus, made for sharing; andthe Solo and Solo plus, for total self-indulgence. As simple to 1t as a regular bath,the stylish Omnitub will suit modern bathrooms, and its lack of built-in seat meansthat you can immerse yourself completely.

If you’ve only got a small bathroom, you don’t have tosacri1ce a tub thanks to the Omnitub, deep Japanese-style baths

With our featured Maxxus Wet Deck Kit(the strongest on the market), easy-to-usetanking kits or membranes, and a wide selection of drains, it’s easy to install a luxurious wetroom anywhere in the home.Add on our designer grids and extensiverange of stylish accessories and it’s easy tofind the right product for any environment.Ask for our latest Price List today!

Wetrooms made easy

M A X X U STHE 3RD GENERATION WET DECK

www.wetroominnovations.com01629 815500

Enq. 117

www.omnitub.co.uk

www.wetroominnovations.com

www.multipanel.co.uk

Trespa® Meteon® chosen forunique private dwelling

Astartlingly modern private dwelling inSteeple Morden, Cambridgeshire, hasbeen designed and constructed by its

owner using Trespa® Meteon® architecturalcladding panels over the entire external, non-glazed surface. The two-storey dwelling totalling some

10,000 sq feet is of steel frame construction seton concrete pads enclosed in SIPP wrapping.635 square metres of Trespa® cladding in LoftBrown matt <nish and a further 243 squaremetres of Nordic Black, also in matt <nish, wereused on the external elevations, installed bymeans of the TS200 invisible <xing system.

The form of the building was created byowner/developer David Grainger with Trespa®

in mind. He says: “Having seen this materialused for of<ces in and around London andmajor apartment buildings I decided to use the product on the house.” He adds: “It waswell worth doing, particularly in respect of the low-maintenance requirements of the product.”The property is designed with energy-saving

very much to the fore. It features triple-glazedwindow and door units, an air source heatpump, under =oor heating and solar tiles forlighting which produce 15KVA output.The building also boasts a water reclaim

system by which all rainwater is captured for re-use within the home. Trespa® specialises in decorative, high-

pressure compact laminates with an integral surface manufactured using Trespa’s unique in-house technologies that utilise Dry-Formingand Electron Beam Curing. The panels performexceptionally well outdoors with neither sun norrain having any signi<cant effect on the surface. Trespa® offers a 10 year conditional product

warranty on the entire range and with a broad

range of colours, <nishes and tactile effectsavailable, Trespa® Meteon® brings compellingaesthetic and nearly limitless design possibilitiesto next-generation architectural claddings.

0808 2340268www.trespa.com


The Complete PackageFor professional craftsmen andwomen, this summer is all aboutgetting to know more about the top quality products from theHultafors Group’s Premium brands.Snickers Workwear’s NextGeneration working clothes andaccessories are delivering the ultimatein on-site functionality, comfort,protection and safety. They areperfectly complimented by Solid Gearand Toe Guard safety shoes, whichbring modern looks plus

uncompromising safety and comfort in a range of styles. Add that to theHultafors range and you have a unique family products that makescraftsmen’s workday safer and easier.

� � � � � � ��

� � � � ��

� � � � � ��

Enq. 123

All round knee protection from RedbacksRedbacks Cushioning Ltd, the manufacturers of the World’s only ‘leaf-spring’, non-foam or gel kneepadsoffer a strapped version as an additionto its pocketed work trousers. Designedby a senior Ergonomist, ClinicalScientist and Biomedical Engineer, thekneepads retain the company’s awardwinning cushioning technology whichincorporates a )exible TPE (ThermoPlastic Elastomer) leaf-spring set withina unique honeycomb matrix. Durableand hardwearing, Redbacks strapped

kneepads give the user unrivalled, all-day comfort and long-term protectioneven in the harshest of environments.

01327 702104 www.redbackscushioning.com

� � � � � � ��

� � � � ��

� � � � � ��

��

Enq. 122

The Shower Tray – Evolved by JTUK shower tray manufacturer, JT, hastoday launched a new addition to itsaward winning range. Evolved by JT isa &rst in the market that fuses both trayand wet room concepts. At 25mmdeep, Evolved by JT has beendesigned to incorporate the simplicityof installing a shower tray with the stunning look of a modern wet room.This next generation product features aleading edge waste solution, poweredby an exclusive partnership with globalmarket-leading waste manufacturer

Wirquin. Evolved by JT is available in &ve stunning colours as well as glossand matt white. Evolved by JT is available in a range of sizes.

0113 201 5090 www.just-trays.com

� � � � � � ��

� � � � ��

� � � � � ��

Enq. 121

Home improvement ideas: Five remodelling tipsThe latest home improvement reportindicates that UK homeowners wouldchoose to remodel their existing prop-erties, rather than move to a newhouse. Hayley Fenn of GraniteTransformations has "ve affordabletips for enhancing living space andadding value to property: add anensuite; explore magical mosaics; goisland style; transform a humble down-stairs loo; modernise the shower. Thebest thing about these tips is that theycan be mostly carried out within exist-

ing room layouts, without re-siting the plumbing and electrical connections,and by simply overlaying the worktops, tiles and bathroom surfaces.

0800 044 5393 www.granitetransformations.co.uk

� � ��

� � ��

� � ��

� � � ��

� ��

�

Enq. 120

Enq. 119

www.hultafors.co.uk

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms to consider in a new build orrefurbishment, with more and more people looking to create a sanctuary torelax in and switch off from the world. Our showcase selects some of the latestproducts and technology which can help you make the most of the space

3. Multipanel is claimed to be “the UK’s numberone bathroom interior solution,” offering a “luxuri-ous alternative to tiles that is completely water-proof, easy to clean and grout free.” Through pro-viding long-lasting design and quality, Multipanelis making it possible to quickly transform spacesvia its easy installation method. Opening the doorto a whole new world of Fexible home improve-ment, Multipanel’s lavish wall panels, Foors, ceil-ings and vanities are claimed by the manufacturerto be “transforming the way we design our interi-ors forever.” www.multipanel.co.ukEnq. 126

2. The iconic Pashley Bicycle Basin from Arcadeis perfect for those that wanting to make a stylestatement. With its authentic 19th century BelleÉpoque deco era styling the unique ArcadePashley Bicycle Basin has been beautifullycrafted from the Dnest materials. The basincomes with an Arcade traditional nickel threetap hole basin mixer tap, Dnished in a specialPVD nickel coating which gives a superior Dnishand guarantees durability. All Arcade productscarry a 10 year guarantee. The Pashley BicycleBasin is priced at just over £2,000.www.arcadebathrooms.comEnq. 125

1. For the ultimate 21st century bathroom,Frontline Bathrooms’ luxury bathroom TV is theperfect gadget – enabling users to soak in thebath while catching up on their favourite TVshows. Comprising an ultrathin LG panel withtouch sensitive controls, it has a built in Freeviewtuner and a heated screen. The TV is waterproofand can also be connected with digitalproviders such as Sky. It has a mirrored Dnish sowhen it’s not in use it doesn’t look out of placeand blends seamlessly into a bathroom. The576 x 395 mm screen costs £995.www.frontlinebathrooms.co.ukEnq. 124

1

Interior inspiration:Bathrooms & wetrooms showcase


4

3

2

5

6

4. The Maxxus from Wetroom Innovations is astructural deck designed to span over joists with-out any deFection. The Maxxus is one of thequickest and easiest types of deck to Dt, as wellas the strongest available in its thickness (22mm). It can take loads up to 470 kg over 400mm joist spacing so you know your tilesand grouting are going to stay in onepiece. The kits can be used for either tile or vinylFoors. Visit the company website for further infor-mation and to see the full range of WetroomInnovation products.www.wetroominnovations.comEnq. 127

5. Luxury porcelain manufacturer, Porcelanosahas collaborated with Zaha Hadid Design tooffer a new collection that will give a bathrooma ‘starchitect’ makeover. The collection ‘Vitae’ ismade up of sleek handcrafted ceramic piecesthat include a bathtub, basins, shelving, andwall-hung toilet with bidet. Zaha’s signaturecurves can be seen throughout each piece,merging the practical with cutting edge designfrom one of the world’s great architects. Be oneof the Drst to incorporate this new series and itsastounding elements into your self-build.www.porcelanosa.com/ukEnq. 128

6. Omnitub is not only space-saving, it has otherpractical advantages, too. Made of lightweightDbreglass, it has pre-drilled waste and overFowholes, so it’s quick and simple to install. Its extra-deep dimensions mean there is a lesser surfacearea, which means that the water stays hotterfor longer. And the tub’s smooth bottom andhigher sides mean that it’s also suitable for show-ering. And if that’s not enough for you, these stylish tubs can also be used for the ultimate luxurious bubble bath, as you can choose tohave waterjets Dtted as an optional extra.www.omnitub.co.ukEnq. 129


To the light house20 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

Located in St Ives, Trelas takes its name from the Cornish word for homestead – but this house is more than that. Built on a steep and skinny strip of land, it’s a light-Glled feat of engineering and

architecture overlooking one of the UK’s most sought after locations

Words and pictures by Ewen MacDonald


The stunning Cornish harbour of St Ives offersa lifestyle many of us dream of – endless light (thanks to its peninsula

position), a picturesque harbour that hasremained largely unchanged since the days of Poldark and golden, sandy beaches at every turn.So it is perhaps unsurprising that every morselof land here is snapped up for development –prompting the occasional outcry that these landgrabs will ruin the very charm that buyers seekto enjoy. This concern reached fever pitch thisyear when residents voted overwhelmingly infavour of a ban on second homes.But one of the newest – and possibly now last– second homes on the block is Trelas, a cleverpiece of subterranean architecture that clings toa tall, skinny, steep slice of south-facing land highabove the picturesque harbour.Completed in April 2016, Trelas is the futurefull-time home of the Green family. Currently calling ShefGeld their home, Sara and Stuart andtheir children Alice, Tom, Joe, Sam and Jackbegan their journey to fulGl a life-long dream ofcreating a permanent abode in this idyllic sliceof Cornwall back in 2012.Sara had grown up on stories of St Ives’charms as her uncle had been evacuated thereduring the war. Coupled with this was Stuart’slong-held dream of building his own house. Butthey got on with the business of family life andthe dream may never have been realised if ithadn’t been for a disaster: in 2012, Sara was

diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The fam-ily consequently moved more than 350 milessouth west and rented a house in St Ives whileshe underwent chemotherapy. It was here thattheir dream began to take shape. From the win-dow of their rented accommodation, Stuart hadspotted a plot of land for sale – which he laterdiscovered already had planning permission. “It seemed as though it was meantto be and the thought of spending time rehabili-tating in the magical, spiritual place that is St.Ives was just exhilarating,” says Stuart.The ups and downs, steep alleys and sharpturns of St Ives creates notoriously awkward

spaces that means few houses sit on naturallylevel ground – and this piece of land was no dif-ferent. “We knew from the outset that this wouldrequire an ingenious design,” explains Stuart.“Our vision was for a clean, modern, open-planstyle. We realised that this wasn’t going to be aconventional design, and knew that much of theaccommodation would have to be subterraneanto Gt everything that we needed into the spaceavailable while meeting the height restrictions.”

Local design knowledgeRecognising the need for an architect with localknowledge, the family turned to Chris Strike ofSt Ives-based RA Design. “Long before we pur-chased the plot, we set out to Gnd a professionalwho we were conGdent would share our visionfor the development and guide us on the jour-ney,” says Stuart. “Chris met all our requirements,and was able to accommodate four bedrooms,three bathrooms, lounge, kitchen/dining roomand utility room over three stepped levels natu-rally following the contours of the hillside.” He adds: “We wanted to be sympathetic tothe feel of the local area; Chris proposed agreen roof section that would create a pleasing,nature-friendly softening of the building whenviewed from the top of the site.”Their Grst delay came in buying the property,which took almost a year. “There was a sectionof wall at the top of the plot belonging to ahouse opposite that would have to be removedif we were to have vehicle access for construc-tion and to subsequently allow on-site parking for

two vehicles,” Stuart explains. “After multiple sur-veys, structural engineering calculations andmany design iterations we were Gnally ready togo to tender by autumn 2014.”Managed at a distance by Stuart to help keepthe costs down and shelter a still recovering Sarafrom unnecessary stress, building work Gnallybegan in early 2015. The next issue encoun-tered was access. Deciding against the optionof a crane – which would cause massive disrup-tion to the neighbouring homes – the builderscame up with an ingenious solution. “Weapproached the owners of the garden adjacentto the plot and came to an agreement with themto use their land for access during constructionin return for landscaping it at the end of the proj-ect,” explains Stuart.Further delays occurred during the build: construction work had to be halted after abadger sett was discovered close to the site toallow a survey to be carried out by environmen-tal experts. Only when the sett turned out to beabandoned could work begin again, until thefamously inclement winter weather of Cornwallcontrived, with the steep gradient of the site, tocause a landslide. And despite the careful planning, they had to deal with other unforeseenconstruction issues that required structuralredesigns along the way. In the end Stuart worked closely with architectChris Strike who acted on their behalf. “Wecame to an arrangement with Chris that hewould act as our eyes and ears for the project,visiting the site regularly to conGrm that work was proceeding to plan and being done correctly.”

The ups and downs,steep alleys andsharp turns of St Ivescreates notoriouslyawkward spacesthat means fewhouses sit on naturally level ground– and this piece ofland was no different][


Clever designThe Gnished house is incredibly clever, set acrossthree storeys of varying sizes to anchor it to thenatural sloping landscape which boasts a gra-dient of around 25 per cent. Parking sits almostlevel with a sedum roof that tops the light-Glled atrium on the small top Hoor where adoor leads to the only room on this level – theGrst of two master bedrooms with an en suite.

The middle Hoor has the largest Hoor spaceand houses three bedrooms, a family bathroomand the living room. The bedrooms have doubleheight ceilings to access light wells and internalwindows from the light-Glled top Hoor as well asVelux windows in the sloping roof operated bytouchpad controls in each room.

The living room sits at the southern end of thehouse and features a sloping ceiling rising todouble height with four Velux windows set intothe beamed ceiling, which Stuart likens to an artgallery. But the main feature here is the picturewindow, the width of the room and taking in apanoramic sweep of the town.

A simple colour scheme throughout the houseties the three Hoors together with white walls,engineered oak Hoors and varying tones of greyin the decor – from black chairs in the kitchenand a charcoal sofa and cushions in the livingroom to the grey feature walls and light greysheepskin rugs in the bedrooms, wool throws onthe bed and silver-grey tiling Hoors of the familybathroom and around the kitchen units.

The bottom Hoor houses the kitchen/diner anda small utility room. Here the main attraction is

LOW POINTThe discovery of a badger sett close to the site, plus landslides andunforeseen constructionissues that required a redesign


HIGH POINT

Finding architect Chris

Strike: “Drawings and

photographs of past

projects immediately

told us he was

our man!”

once again the view: the dining area featuresfull width bi-fold doors that can be opened outto encompass a glass encased sun deck andcreate one continuous space. Despite theextreme gradient of the ground, landscaperscleverly used wire cages Glled with local graniteto retain earth, while providing a natural lookand feel. A gate leads down to the secondstorey garden where an outdoor shower andtwo built-in storage rooms offer space for watersports equipment and beach paraphernalia, aswell as providing structural support for theextended sun deck above. At the bottom of thisGnal level, there are stairs down to an alleywaythat leads directly to St Ives harbour.When the Green family are not there, Trelas isrented as a holiday let to help pay for the cost.“We spend as much time there as our Gnancesallow,” admits Stuart. On the self-building experience, Stuart admits:“It is not for the faint-hearted. Firstly, assume thatthe project will overrun in both time and cost. Andfor it to work well it really needs to operate like a partnership with the architect, builder and interior designers, so it’s essential to Gnd peoplewho you can trust.”

Project summaryCurrent value: £ 750,000

Cost breakdownFees (design, planning): £9,000

Garden works: £50,000

Siteworks: £180,000

Substructure and drainage: £30,000

Steelwork: 15,000

Roof: £39,000

Windows and doors: £15,000

Stairs: £6,000

Wall, @oor and ceiling ?nishes:£15,000

Sanitaryware: £9,000

Kitchen (with appliances): £10,000

Plumbing: £14,000

Under@oor heating: £13,000

Electrics: £12,000

Joinery: £20,000

Internal walls: £20,000

External walls: £80,000

Architect (including planning): Chris Strike ofRA Design www.radesign.org.uk

Main contractor: VA Construction07773 330 185

Interior design: Mint House Interiorswww.minthouseinteriors.co.uk

Party wall: RTP Surveyors01326 318 599

Environmental surveys: Ecological Surveyswww.ecological-surveys-ltd.co.uk

Mechanicals: Piran Plumbing Heating and Gas Serviceswww.piranplumbing.co.uk

Pizza oven: The Stone Bake Oven Companywww.thestonebakeovencompany.co.uk

Electrical: Phil Thomas [email protected]

Bauder RooGng supplied by DFR RooGngwww.dfrroo?ng.co.uk

Velux windows supplied by Travis Perkinswww.travisperkins.co.uk

Flooring supplied by Howdenswww.howdens.com

Windows supplied by St Ives Window Co.www.stiveswindows.co.uk

Internal doors supplied by Doors of Distinctionwww.doorsofdistinction.co.uk

Structural Engineering: Richard Holbrook Ltd01326 270751

Planning Consultant: Roy Curnow Planning01736 362445

Contacts/suppliers


product focus

The Natural Stone Source Book is designed to be both inspirational and educational, providing theinformation and visual stimulation required for successful completion of your natural stone project.Whether you are involved in a new build or a self-build project, a large bathroom job or a smallkitchen space, this source book is your comprehensive reference point.The Source Book contains a directory of all of Stone Federation members, as well as project proBlesand products case studies, acting as both a source of information and inspiration. To claim yourfree copy of this publication please go to the Stone Federation website.

More H

andles

The beautiful Frelan range of Crystal and Glass Door Knobs and Cupboard Handles feature classical and contemporary designs. Manufactured to the highest quality using solid brass combined with Swarovski Elements they add a touch of glamour to any door, or piece of furniture. The Faceted Cut Door Knobs will really catch the light and truly sparkle as a stand-out feature ofyour design. The cabinet door knobs can be coordinated in different sizes to suit all cupboardsand drawers and also to match with full size door knobs. Priced from £4.06 and available fromMore Handles.

Stone Federation

Total Hom

e

Decisions, decisions! Having gone through the process of completing new builds and renovations itself, Total Home Environment knows the plethora of decisions you have to make onsuch a project. Total Home Environment is happy to guide you on just how far to go on your sus-tainability journey and it’s not afraid to say “No, actually, we wouldn’t buy this!” From room-by-room heat loss reports through to commissioning, the company is here to assist you every step ofthe way. It will help to successfully combining heat recovery ventilation, exhaust-air heat pumps, un-derCoor heating, air-source heat pumps and central vacuum systems into your home.

Flue & Ducting Ltd is the manufacturer of UK’s No1 chimney liner DURA FLUE and wholesaler of allchimney related products.With depots in Stockport, Somerset, and West Yorkshire, the companyprovides a UK wide same day and next day delivery service. It has fully-stocked trade counters inall depots. Please contact Flue & Ducting to register your online account. Once logged in you’llbeneBt from fantastic discounts, loyalty points and much more.All its depots are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4.30pm. Please feel free to contact the com-pany directly or visit the website with any queries.

Flue & Ducting

Davuka

Perhaps the most important recent stylistic inCuence in room decor is that of lighting ambience.Huge improvements in LED value and technology has allowed much greater freedom and functionality in designs to achieve a subtle, relaxed mood atmosphere. The biggest shift has seena consumer led drive from harsh central pendants to that of room perimeter lighting by use of uplighting or downlighting cornice troughs. Recognising this demand, Davuka have introduced thelargest range of purpose designed proBles, from very small, discreet and modern, through to thelarger and luxurious styles that would grace any period mansion, boardroom or hotel.

For over 20 years Nu-Flame has brought together the widest range of both open fronted andglass fronted fires, combining the very best of British Innovation, Design and Engineering. WithNu-Flame you are guaranteed Quality, Realism and Efficiency; let us help you turn your house into a home.Nu-Flame has invested heavily in its own research and development facility at our state of the artfactory in Surrey, where all Nu-Flame fires are made. This has enabled us to produce anunrivalled range of fires with stunning good looks and industry leading efficiencies.

Nu-Fla

me


Enq. 130

Enq. 131

Enq. 132

Enq. 133

Enq. 134

Enq. 135

www.morehandles.co.uk

www.stonefed.org.uk

www.totalhome.co.uk

www.flue-ducting.co.uk

www.decorative-coving.co.uk

www.nu-flame.co.uk

The Experts in Speciality Timber Products

0151 495 3111(Cheshire)

01895 271 300 (West London)

When choosing a material for your project, appearance and performance are of paramount importance. Silva Timber supply the finest selection of speciality timber cladding, decking, fencing and roof shingle products in the UK.

Specialising in Western Red Cedar, Siberian Larch, ThermoWood® and a range of hardwoods, the range is supported by a knowedgable customer support team, factory pre-finishing and fire treatment services, industry leading website, technical specifications and downloadable BIM objects.

For the natural choice, speak to the timber cladding experts.

PEFC/16-37-174

For more information visit:

[email protected] 136

ReaderEnquiry

www.silvatimber.co.uk

The best of both worldsA two-up two-down Victorian house in Nottingham was the subject

of an upgrade on a limited budget by interior designer JoyceMoore. She reports for Selfbuilder & Homemaker on how it now

offers warmth and energy efDciency as well as good living spaces

Can a standard ‘two up – two down’terraced house provide desirable, clean living accommodation for

today’s lifestyles?The Victorian terraced house has become

a popular choice for Drst time buyers, single professionals and even young families. Its modest style, manageable size and price areattractive qualities, as is the plentiful supply inmost towns and cities.

The traditional construction of such housesdoes present certain drawbacks. Internal spaceis not the issue – most traditional houses offer better room sizes in general than modernequivalents. The main compromise which buyers have to deal with relates very much toenvironmental issues; houses built around the1900s, as well as for most of the early 20thcentury, are severely lacking when compared tocurrent energy efDcient standards. Not only dothey fail to comply with Building Regulations forenergy use – they also present owners with theprospect of high energy costs and wasted

resources. InefDcient heating and ventilationcan lead to other problems such as poor airquality and deterioration of the structure due toexcessive dampness.

I saw an upgrade of a 1910 constructedhouse in Bulwell, Nottingham as a way ofdemonstrating what could be achieved ina small two-up two-down Victorian house on alimited budget, with a view to looking at furtherenhancements in the future.

The aim was to demonstrate what wouldbe needed, as a minimum, to achieve an

acceptable level of energy efDciency. Theproject’s success has been demonstrated in thelatest Energy Performance CertiDcate whichshowed a rise from 35 to 66, though furtherimprovements have since been carried outwhich will further enhance the energyefDciency. The EPC score is thought to be ashigh as can be expected with a 1910 propertywithout the addition of solar panels.

I was also keen to retain and utilisethe inherent, favourable features of the house –room size, compact layout and solid

A lot of time and effort was contributed withoutcharge, because of my enthusiasm to achievesomething worthwhile as an exercise in propertyrenovation. The ultimate aim has been achieved,namely creating a comfortable, practical home ][


construction, and generally improving the inte-rior environment. In particular I wanted to Dndout whether a ‘one-off’ project of this type wouldbe feasible in terms of cost and practicality.

Secrets of successThe success of the project depended on anumber of factors. Firstly reliable, localcontractors were essential – builders andtradesmen who could follow the brief andspeciDcation precisely and handle the workefDciently. Materials needed to be selectedwhich could be shown to achieve speciDedstandards for the new insulation.

Specialists were needed for certain areas ofthe work, including damp prooDng and roofrepairs. The combination of the right trades,an agreed design plan and good timemanagement were also key elements in thesuccess of the project.

Improvements to the fabric of the buildingwere a Drst priority. Twin brick walls with nocavity provide a good, solid base – butadditional cladding is the only solution toupgrading the insulation level.

In this instance the internal space was foundto offer another advantage. The room sizeseasily allowed the small reduction needed tofacilitate the internal wall insulation. A rigid PIRproduct was chosen which, when combinedwith the existing structure, could be shown toproduce an overall U-value compliant withcurrent Building Regulations.

The speciDed Celotex board was appliedusing cement dabs, with plasterboard claddingto window reveals, achieving a U-value of0.27. New chemical damp prooDng wasinstalled in certain areas of the external walls,in advance of the new insulation. New internalcills to double glazed windows ensured a well-Dnished look.

Further improvementsThe slate and timber roof needed somerepair to ensure water tightness. While furtherimprovements could be made – with theintroduction of felt for instance – priority wasgiven to thermal insulation, which was addedabove the joists.

Internal Foors at ground level are acombination of suspended timber and solidconstruction. At the start of the project the solidFoors were quarry tile Dnished and presenteddamp penetration issues. These were replacedwith new, insulated concrete, plus damp proofmembranes in line with current upgrademethods. The addition of a new heating andhot water system with an efDcient gas boiler fur-ther enhances the renovated home’s efDciency.

The interior was generally improved –including new kitchen units and bathroomDttings, re-decoration and Foor coverings. Thereis a small reduction in room size due to theinternal wall insulation, but the impact on theinternal space is minimal. From the outside verylittle has changed, apart from new windows.The attractive brickwork exterior presents whatremains a modest, traditional 1910 house, but

this one encloses updated and energy-efDcientliving accommodation.

The project was undertaken over a period ofsix months, and within a budget of less than£100,000. Whether this model would work aspart of a larger project, or encompassing

multiple properties, is difDcult to say. A lot of timeand effort was contributed without charge,because of my enthusiasm to achieve somethingworthwhile as an exercise in propertyrenovation. The ultimate aim has been achieved,namely creating a comfortable, practical home.

Main renovation contractor: Head2Toe Developments, Swadlincote

Damp proo"ng and timber preservation works: Peter Cox Preservation

Design and Project Management: J.M.Design, Leicester

Heating installation: Matt Taylor, Swadlincote

Insulation materials: Celotex PL4065 composite interior wall cladding, Knauf 100 mm and 170 mm loft roll

Kitchen "ttings: Greenwich range from Howdens

Bathroom "ttings: Positano range from Wickes

Wall tiling: Satin white ceramic wall tiles from Wickes

Floor "nishes: Tarkett Zenon vinyl, Tangier Berber carpet

Paint: Wickes Trade emulsion gardinia, Wickes interior white satin

Internal doors and door furniture: Lincoln solid pine door – white satin Dnished and brass Dnished Victorian scroll latch handles by Wickes

Products/suppliers

BEFORE AFTER


The quality of a Schueco glazed system isn’t just on the surface. German engineering means sliding doors with concealed frames and narrow central joins. Windows have slender profiles. Façades o�er ultra-slim mullions and transoms. Entrance doors deliver unbeatable security. Yet all come with insulation that can be up to Passive House levels. If you’re looking for a system that is clearly better, there’s only one name on the frame. www.schueco.co.uk

The real beauty is what you don’t see

137

ReaderEnquiry

www.schueco.co.uk


Call 01778 347147 For moreinformation

www.clearviewgroup.co.ukE: [email protected] F: 01778 341363

PART OF THE CLEARVIEW GROUP

Original Easy-Tilt Sash Manufacturer Since 1959

2137 0516

Easy-Tilt clean feature with full sash removal

@AlumathermUK

alu

High quality, Sash Windows

Ideal for Schools, Heritage and Conservation Areas

Powder coated finish with upto a 30 year guarantee

Exclusive concealed balance cover

36mm ultra Slim-line meeting rail

The first with original ‘Putty Line’ styling

Optional decorative horn - Patented

Traditional Parting Bead (Retractable)*

Choice of 43mm or traditional 90mm deep bottom rail

Document L compliant

Fire exit window available

Sealed units 30db rating 24mm (4-16-4)

Full gloss white RAL 9910 or any Std Ral

*Patent pending

36mm ultra Slim-line

Enq. 142

1920s council house transformed by CrittallA glazing system from CrittallWindows has been used as the centre-piece for an intensive make-overproject, dramatically transforming anuninspiring 1920s three-bedroomformer council house, in Croydon. Theowners worked closely with Jo Cowen,the project’s architect, to extend and re-con'gure the property to make best use of space and bring-inmuch-needed light. A stunning, modernslooking, exterior was created withlarge areas of glass, echoing the

company’s original steel windows. A combination of double and single-glazed Crittall steel screens using the W20 pro'le were installed.

01376 530800 www.crittall-windows.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � ��

� � � � � ��

��

Enq. 139

Meeting the needs of the energy consciousFor the energy conscious consumerframeXpress Ltd has developed itsleading line of doors, windows andconservatories to meet their needs.

‘A+’ Rated windows, doors bifolddoors and bespoke conservatorieswith integral blinds are produced to meet architects and builders individual speci!cations. Aluminiumoptions available.

All products conform to the latest industry standards and assist in carbon footprint reduction. Triple glazingoptions available.

01952 581100 www.frameXpress.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � ��

� � � � � ��

��

Enq. 138

Quality and innovative �ttingsA new name in quality door hardwareis set to make waves in the architectural ironmongery market. TotalDoor Hardware is the UK distributorfor door hardware from OZONE, anIndia-based international architecturalhardware brand. Offering certi+edhardware with innovative technologiesand functionality, Ozone products are becoming established globally.The product portfolio includes the newgeneration of concealed ,oor spring,better known as the hydraulic patch,

along with +ttings for commercial doors, shower rooms, balustrades andpoint-+xed frameless facades. Head of International Business says, “Ozone’sportfolio has been designed to answer British design tastes.”

� � � � � � ��

� � � � ��

� � � � � ��

Enq. 141

Taking the ‘pane’ out of troublesome conservatoryBury St Edmunds-based NetworkVEKA member Frames ConservatoriesDirect (FCD) has stepped in to help anew customer solve an old problem.Adrian Lewis, MD at FCD explains: “A conservatory with a 'lean-to' roof hadbeen constructed, with a projectionthat was far too long to support the considerable amount of glass involved.The panes were incorrectly -tted, andwere shattering as they expanded and contracted with the weather. We werepleased to -t a completely new roof,

suited to the size of the conservatory, to ensure that Mrs White was able toenjoy the light and welcoming space she desired in the -rst place.”

01282 473170 www.networkveka.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � ��

� � � � � ��

��

Enq. 140

www.totaldoorhardware.co.uk

www.clearviewgroup.co.uk

Westbury isseeking sustainability

Staff at Westbury are passionate that theuse of tropical hardwood is no longer necessary and have set themselves a goal

to be completely tropical hardwood free by theend of 2016 – a tough objective for a bigplayer in the timber window industry.

According to Director, John Mumford, “Timberindustry technologies have advanced to a point where there is very little need to use unsustainable wood sourced from places likeAfrica and South America. However the association people make between hardwood

and durability, and softwood and poor qualitystill exists. We are committed not only to eradicating tropical hardwoods from our manufacturing processes but replacing it withsustainable timber that is as good or even betterperforming in terms of durability and longevity.This is something we have been working on fora long time. We are at a stage now where onlya very small percentage of our business incorporates the use of hardwood and we aremaking every effort to be completely tropicalhardwood-free by the end of the year.”

Westbury is a conscious company, introducing various ef5ciencies over their manyyears in business to eliminate wastage andreduce their carbon footprint. Their material ofchoice is Accoya® – an engineered wood thatis created from only FSC® or PEFC™ certi5edtree species. Despite being a softwood, it’s aClass 1 timber meaning it is just about asdurable as wood can be. It lasts 50 yearsabove ground and 25 years in soil, is indigestible to insects and virtually rot-proof.Swelling and shrinkage is also dramaticallyreduced which means it’s easier for Westburyto machine and process, and for end users to maintain.

Founder and Director Jonathan Hey says “Weare immensely proud of our progress so far andare excited to soon be tropical hardwood-free.We encourage all of our customers and speci5ers to consider these credentials whenthey’re considering new windows, doors, or anentire garden room”.

01245 326 510www.westburyjoinery.com Enq. 316


Enq. 144

1STFOLDINGSLIDINGDOORS

1ST FOLDING SLIDING DOORS LTD1ST FOLDING SLIDING DOORS LTDw w w . 1 s t f o l d i n g s l i d i n g d o o r s . c o . u k

Unit 26/3 Silicon Business Centre 26 Wadsworth Road Perivale, Greenford Middlesex UB6 7JZ

• High Quality Folding Sliding Doors

• British, German & BelgiumDesigned

• A Fantastic Variety of Finishes & Colours

L I G H T S P A C E S T Y L EL I G H T S P A C E S T Y L E

Tel: 0208 997 2448 Fax: 0208 997 0611

ema i l : f o l d i n g s l i d i n gdoo r s@b t i n t e r n e t . c om

• Virtually Maintenance Free

• State-of-the-Art Security Features

• Full Fitting Available

• Free Survey & Design Advice

Replacement aluminium windows for period and new homes

Single or dual RAL colours Fit into timber or direct to stone

A rated*

UK manufactured

For expert advice call 0800 731 4294 www.thwc.co.uk

Showrooms at: Sevenoaks Dorking Beaconsfield Loughton

The Conservation Range

*An “A” rated product or certain “U” value is subject to DGU performance and type of specialist sealant or glass and gas used.

Enq. 145

Enq. 143

www.1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk

www.thwc.co.uk


Specifying roo#ights to meet Part Q requirements

Recent changes to Building Regulations Approved Document Q: Securityin Dwellings means that anyone wishing to install roo9ights in ‘easilyaccessible areas’ will need to ensure that they specify a product which iscompliant with Part Q. The document explains ‘easily accessible’ as “Awindow or doorway, any part of which is within 2m vertically of an accessible level surface such as ground or basement level, or an accessbalcony, or A window within 2m vertically of a 9at or sloping roof (witha pitch of less than 30°) that is within 3.5m of ground level”. Thesechanges are most likely to affect domestic dwellings with 9at roof singlestorey extensions featuring roo9ights that fall within the criteria, althougheach project should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. GlazingVision’s Secure and Secure+ roo9ights have been tested to the latest LPS2081:1 2015 standard, which is designed to replicate a typical stealthattack commonly carried out in residential areas. The range is accreditedby the Loss Prevention Certi8cation Board issued by the BRE. Secure andSecure+ roo9ights are the 8rst in the UK to be backed by the of8cial policesecurity initiative Secured by Design to LPS2081:1 2015.

01379 353 741 www.glazing-vision.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 146

telephone: 01487 740044 [email protected] www.kloeber.co.uk

Thank you to our customers, staff, suppliers and associates, here’s to the next 10 years!

in timber, aluminium & composite

Visit our showrooms in London, Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire, see website for details

10 years of bespoke glazing

solutions

Enq. 148

BE INSPIRED!

UK Manufacturer of high quality hardwood bespoke and standard bifold doors, hinged doors and casement windows

www.arborbifold.co.uktel: 01454 270039

Enq. 147

www.kloeber.co.uk

www.arborbifold.co.uk


Self Build Zone

STRUCTURAL WARRANTY SITE INSURANCESITE SURVEYS

or Call the Self-Build Zone Team on

0345 230 9874For more information or to obtain a quotation go online at

www.selfbuildzone.com

Self-Build Zone provides Site Insurance and liability cover for anyone starting new building works, as well as coveringany existing structures on site.

Our Approved Inspectors can facilitate all survey services you may need during the build or for the warranty provision. On completion, Build-Zone can provide you with a 10 Year Structural Warranty.

Enq. 150

The next generation of switchable LCD glass

Patented* ESG controller

LCD preservation mode

LCD protection technology

Controllable opacity

Fully CE Certified

*Pending

www.esg.glass 01376 520061www.esg.glasswww.esg.glass

Toughened � Laminated � Heat Soaking � CNC Cutting � Heat Strengthening � Back Painting � Screen Printing � Full Digital Printing

Enq. 149

www.esg.glass

www.selfbuildzone.com


Part Q compliant with no compromiseVELFAC composite windows, externaldoors and patio doors deliver thesafety performance required by thenew Part Q regulations, without compromising the contemporary, slimaluminium/wood frame. The VELFACsystem also meets the exacting stan-dards of UK Police 0agship initiativeSecured by Design (SBD), addingfurther value to any residential orhousebuilding project. To satisfy PartQ, the VELFAC system can resistdamage in0icted by burglars using

common tools such as crowbars, and also withstand more serious attemptsto buckle or deform entry or glazed doors. For more information, pleasevisit the VELFAC website.

Enq. 152

Extension design ‘�ows’ from steel windowsHaving found the house of theirdreams, Marcelle and RobertSchogger, decided to create a spa-cious kitchen and dining area. Theywere determined that steel windowsshould be the key architectural featureof their project and appointed Steel Window Association member,Steel Window Service & Supplies, tosupply and install a large window anddoor screen. The couple had )rst seensteel windows featured in a magazineand knew they )tted with their desire

to achieve a classic look within their early 1900s house. Steel windowsalso avoided the ‘chunky’ aesthetic that would come with other materialwhile ensuring the maximum amount of the light entered an area.

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 151

Enq. 154

Enq. 153

www.steel-window-association.co.uk

www.velfac.co.uk

www.capitalfireplaces.co.uk

www.dunsleyheat.co.uk

The image in many people’s heads when they think of a sliding dooris a thermally inef7cient metal door which sticks on the track and hascondensation on the frame. These are the sliding doors of yesteryear,

which may have left us with an unfair stigma.The sliding door has seen a real resurgence recently and this is for all

the right reasons – reasons that are contrary to the negatives of pastdoors. Modern sliding doors are ‘thermally broken’ to stop the cold penetrating through from the outside, and also to insulate and stop theheat inside escaping. They also have the mechanisms to cope with larger,heavier pieces of glass giving an unspoilt view for the homeowner anda smooth operation.

Many people are now seeing the bene7ts of a sliding door over a folding door in that when the doors are closed there is less frameworkand more glass. Sometimes sliding doors can also work out to be a more

cost effective option, compared with other types of doors.The options for sliding doors in terms of materials are predominantly

aluminium and composite (timber inside, aluminium outside). These are at the higher end of the market but there are also the options of timber and then PVCu at the more cost-effective end. Each material has its own merits.

Material options Composite gives you the bene7t of strength with the two material typescombining to make a very robust pro7le. You also get the bene7t of a lowmaintenance 7nish on the external face with powder coated aluminiumand a warmer insulating timber inside.

Aluminium is the most common material for modern sliding doors andis very low maintenance, as well as being light and strong. This meanslarge frames can be achieved, combined with cost effectiveness comparable with timber and composite.

As a material for sliding doors timber is a very good natural insulator, varying different timber types can give you different performance weightsand cost, so this is a very versatile material.

Last but not least – PVCu. The main bene7t of PVCu is its price, makingit very cost effective for self-builds while also giving good thermal performance and providing a very light weight solution.

The crucial tip to remember when buying sliding doors is to make surethe mechanisms are of good quality and can cope with the weight of theglass. Also ensure the company you’re buying from is experienced and

Doors ofperceptionKloeber’s Matt Higgs corrects somemyths on sliding door performance,saying they are a thing of the past

With the main part of thedoor’s area being glass, it is very important to remember that a sliding door is only as good as theglass that is put in it ][


offers a comprehensive warranty.With the main part of the door’s area being glass, it is very

important to remember that a sliding door is only as good as the glass that is put in it. Most modern sliding doors are fairly substantial, so would bene7t from a higher speci7cation of glass than in a standardsized window or door. Triple glazing should be considered to reduce heat loss from the building [measured as a ‘U-value’]. If the door is on asouth facing elevation then solar-control glass is advisable to reduce thesolar gain.

Modern architecture and our way of living is all about light and spaceso a sliding door is always a consideration in any new property. Theybring natural light into the home as well as offering the aesthetic andlifestyle bene7ts of a connection between inside and out, and correctlyspeci7ed modern sliding doors will perform for the long term.

There are also several options for sliding door con7guration. The double track option gives greater 8exibility of opening so that multipledoors can be provided. Alternatively, single track provides for a combination of 7xed and sliding panels. The choice of single or doubletrack will be dependent on the size of opening and what effect you are looking to achieve.

As with any major purchase, there’s no substitution for seeing andoperating the product for yourself and meeting the people from the company you’re considering buying from. Clever marketing and goodphotography can easily make a product look better than it really is, so don’t be fooled! It’s very important to look at the company’s history, warranties and verify the general quality of its products by seeing them 7rst hand. After all, sliding doors are a fundamental part of the building – one you want to last and be admired for years to come.

Matt Higgs is sales director and co-owner of Kloeber


Enq. 156

Enq. 155

www.kloeber.co.uk

www.duration.co.uk


Enq. 160

• Suitable for homes without access to mains drainage• Discreet solution to on-site sewage treatment• 10 models in the range with a capacity up to 50pe • CE Marked and EN 12566-3 Certified • Uses the extended aeration method to treat sewage• 96% efficiency allows a typical 3-5 year emptying interval• Visually unobtrusive and odourless• 25 year warranty on GRP & 2 year warranty on the air pump• Deal direct with the Manufacturer

0 www.webuildit-ltd.co.uk

Omnie heat social servicesUnder0oor heating systems from the Omnie by Timoleon range have been employed in the refurbishmentof a South-west community building, providing energy ef/ciency as well as helping to create a healthyindoor environment for the many members of the public as well as the staff who use the facility. The WatTyler building in Exeter is home to CoLab, a wellbeing hub bringing together a host of specialist housing,voluntary sector, social enterprise and recovery providers to offer a unique range of opportunities forpeople looking to rebuild their lives and play a positive role in the community after periods of homelessness, re-offending, drug/alcohol abuse or long term unemployment. The main 0oor of the building where Omnie Foilboard under0oor heating panels and other equipment have been installed,is divided up into two consultation rooms, a treatment room and waiting rooms as well as circulationspace. The /ve areas are served by a /ve port Axios manifold, supplied as part of the package andinstalled by local contractor, Steve Guppy Limited. In total 400 metres of the high performance heatingpipe were laid across the Foilboard Floating panels, installed on top of the building’s existing sub-0oor.The zones – with individual pipe runs of up to 90 metres in length – were all connected back to theAxios manifold which is fed from the 0ow and return pipework, connected to the main boiler plant.Omnie based in Exeter, offers a choice of different under0oor heating systems suitable for installationwithin timber 0oors as well as over solid substrates and other situations.

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

Enq. 159

New-build home is �rst to use Ecodan QUHZA new-build home in Leicestershire isdemonstrating how anyone canachieve a highly efficient property thatprovides a comfortable environment.The Ecodan QUHZ 4kW air sourceheat pump by Mitsubishi Electrichas been specifically designed with new-build standards of insulation and lower heating loads inmind. It is MCS-Approved andstraightforward to install, deliveringwater at 70°C to a packaged 200litre thermal store. From this thermal

store, mains water is heated directly up to 65°C via Mitsubishi Electric’splate heat exchanger.

01707 276 100 www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

Enq. 158

Metal Technology de�nes spaces for livingLeading architectural aluminium manufacturer Metal Technology haslaunched System 26 Bi-Fold doorswithin its THERMAL range offering apremium quality product, superior per-formance and design /exibility in thecommercial and domestic/self-buildhousing sectors. Metal Technology’shigh insulation Bi-Fold door has beendeveloped to offer exceptionally lowU-values while the Slimline pro.lesmaximise daylight into the livingspace. With options ranging from a

single door to seven opening panes offering 18 design variations and upto six metres in width, design /exibility is guaranteed, whatever the project.

028 9448 7777 www.metaltechnology.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 157

Impressive heat release and sleek designFour years after launching the originalFlatLine radiator, Vasco is now takinga step further in this success story withthe introduction of the Vasco FlatLineCollection. Besides the well-knownFlatLine (horizontal), this collection nowincludes the new vertical Flat-V-Line and the new Flat-Plinth-Line which isdesigned to (t horizontally beneathwindows or other objects where spaceis limited. The FlatLine radiators haveimpressive heat release because the)at front plate is in direct contact with

the water channels in the radiator so the heat is released immediately, givingan excellent return. For more information on the Vasco FlatLine Collection,please visit the company’s website.

Enq. 162

New retro�t under�oor heating systemMaincor are pleased to introduceOverboard for retro)t under*oorheating applications. Ideal for projectssuch as extensions, kitchen refurbish-ments or upgrading domestic heatingsystems, the system is quick and easyto install, offering an energy ef)cientsolution and a comfortable internalenvironment for building occupiers.The under*oor heating pipes (12mmMulti-Layer Composite Pipe) are laidwithin the 18mm thick pre-routedOverboard panels offering a low

pro)le solution which lends itself to situations where minimal *oor heightadjustments are desired.

01455 555930 www.maincor.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

Enq. 161

www.timoleon.co.uk

www.vasco.eu

www.webuildit-ltd.co.uk

www.iceenergy.co.uk 0808 145 2340

YOUR PERFECT HEAT PUMPPARTNERS

• Suitable for new build or retrofit

• Available with remote monitoring

• Manage your temperature settings, including a holiday mode• Access via PC, Mac, Tablet or Smartphone

Ice Energy Technologies in partnership with Mitsubishi Electric

properties

• Combine seamlessly with bothunderfloor heating or radiators

• View and control your heating and hot water from anywhere • See the amount of energy used and heat produced

payments for seven years

0808 145 2340

163

ReaderEnquiry

www.iceenergy.co.uk

Room to moveStrict Building Regulations relating to insulation can meanthick external walls that eat into the available living area.

Kingspan Insulation’s Adrian Pargeter explains how to comply without compromising on space

For many years, the major stumbling blockfor eager self-builders has been the challenge of <nding a suitable plot.

However, the introduction of the Self-build andCustom Housebuilding Act 2015 at the start ofApril should help to change things. The Actrequires local authorities to keep a full registerof interested self-builders within their catchmentand to permission suf<cient plots of land to meetthat requirement. Of course, once you have a plot, the key

question is how to get the most from it? One ofthe primary reasons people choose to self-buildis to gain a bit more space to stretch out andenjoy, but the home also has to meet the increasingly strict energy requirements in theBuilding Regulations and Standards. If you’replanning on sticking with a conventional cavitywalled construction, this could lead to a potential problem.

Walls closing inThe most recent changes to the regulations governing the energy performance of homes signi<cantly raised the levels of insulation

required for a building to reach compliance. Asa result, the overall thickness of the externalwalls, and consequently the footprint of yourbuilding, could increase considerably. If youaren’t able to increase the footprint size, or simply don’t want to, then the only other alternative is to reduce the size of the internalspace. This can lead to ugly compromises on the dimensions and layout of rooms, making them feel cramped and unwelcoming.Beyond these considerations, there is an

additional problem. Most contractors simply donot like traditional masonry cavity wall constructions to be much wider than 300 mm.Larger cavities have other knock-on effects, suchas the need for longer wall ties and bigger foundations, all of which can add to the timeand cost of construction.

Keeping it slimA typical cavity wall construction would be a100 mm medium density concrete block innerleaf with a 100 mm brick outer leaf. That leavesonly a 100 mm void for the insulation and cav-ity. So what options are available to meet the

regulatory requirements and keep within the pre-ferred 100 mm void?The <rst thing to look at is the thermal

conductivity of the insulation to be used, otherwise known as lambda. The lower thelambda value, the more ef<cient the insulationis, so the thinner it can be to meet or exceed therequired thermal performance, or U-value, forthe construction. For example, the table below shows the

thicknesses required for commonly used insula-tion materials to achieve the same level ofthermal performance (R-value).

LambdaW/m.K

Type ofInsulation

Thickness

0.018 AdvancedPhenolic

55 mm

0.020 Phenolic 60 mm

0.022 PIR 65 mm

0.038 Mineral Fibre 110 mm


There is a huge variation, and the solution tothe issue of space is a simple one. Phenolic insu-lation cavity boards are already widely usedthroughout the UK construction industry; they areeasy to handle, have a <bre-free core, are

unaffected by air in<ltration and offer excellent levels of thermal ef<ciency. Recentproduct innovations mean that the advancedphenolic cavity boards now have a lambdavalue of just 0.018 W/m.K. This latest development further reduces the insulation thickness needed to deliver a desired U-valuefor the entire cavity wall construction.Much like existing phenolic cavity boards,

these lower-lambda advanced phenolic cavityinsulation boards are available with foil facingswhich are well-suited to partial <ll applications.These facings are classed as low emissivity. Putsimply, this means their shiny surface helps tore=ect radiated heat back into a property. As aresult, they can signi<cantly increase the thermalresistance of the cavity and reduce the thicknessof insulation required.However, these facings still require a 50 mm

clear cavity to be maintained, so a further development has been the addition of water-tight polypropylene =eece facing. This helps toprotect against moisture ingress, allowing the airgap to be reduced to just 10 mm. The gapbetween the board and the outer facing can besimply maintained with the use of a retainingclip which fastens to the wall ties and holds theinsulation in place. A self-adhesive breathertape should be used to create a continuouswater-tight facing.The combination of lower-lambda phenolic

insulation boards with this new facing can signi<cantly reduce whole wall constructionthicknesses. Take, for example, a traditional

cavity walled construction, with a 102.5 mmbrick outer leaf and a 100 mm medium densityblock inner leaf. A 90 mm thickness of lower-lambda phenolic insulation, together witha 10 mm air gap, is all that is needed toachieve a whole wall U-value of 0.18W/m2.K. This construction could be applied tohelp meet the Building Regulation/Standardrequirements right across the UK, even inScotland where they are most stringent.

A well insulated approachAny self-build is a project of passion and mostowners are looking to create a property whichwill last them a lifetime. It’s important to keepthat in mind when it comes to decisions such asthe insulation speci<cation. While it can betempting to scrimp on the thermal performanceto reduce wall thicknesses, ultimately this decision could lead to much greater costs in thelong run as a result of higher energy bills andmay even lead to the property being deemednon-compliant. Lower-lambda rigid phenolic insulation

boards offer a straightforward solution. Theyallow homeowners to stick with the tried andtested masonry cavity wall constructionapproach while keeping the walls both slim andwell insulated. This should help to keep youwarm without burning a hole in your wallet.

Adrian Pargeter is head of technical and product development at Kingspan Insulation

Once you have yourplot, the key questionis how to get themost from it

][


01634 296677 [email protected]

*Calculations are based on the size of an Olympic size sw

imm

ing pool.

Outstanding sound proofing performance

Suitable for all types of concrete floors and screeds

Low cost solution Lightweight rolls, easy to cut and quick

to install

Robust detail treatment for E-FC-5 and E-FC-17

That’s the same area as 8,500 Olympic size swimming pools*

8.5million m2 successfully

installed

The UK’s No.1 Underscreed Acoustic Layer

Enq. 165

Enq. 164

www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

www.cellecta.co.uk


Enq. 170

ICYNENETHE EVOLUTION OF INSULATION

The Icynene Insulation System is a series of soft, 9exible spray foam insulation products that delivers upto 50% greater energy savingswhen compared to other insulationproducts. Icynene is perfect for loftinsulation, cavity wall insulation,drylining insulation, sound insulation and more.

THE FIRST NAME IN SPRAY FOAM INSULATION

tel: 01229716039mob: 07851854860

[email protected]

Icynene successfully tested and certi8ed for applications directly to the underside of breathable and non breathable roof membranes and felts and recently received BBA certi8cation for this application. Icynene absorbs the lowest amount of moisture and has the highest level of vapour resistivity of any soft foam on the market.

• 100% solid wood kitchens – no MDF, chipboard or ply• Dovetail jointed drawers – mortise and tenon joints for carcases• Free design service, individual, hand drawn plans• Non-standard sizes, at no extra cost, to suit your kitchens dimensions• Fully assembled units; no annoying ;at-pack assembly• Straightforward, easy to understand costing: prices include VAT & delivery• Knotted, primed and painted units are now available

Pineland is a privately owned, family company that has been established for over 20 years.We believe in listening to our clients, and our hand drawn plans, re;ect our customers desires and opinions. The :nal design combines well planned functionality, with eleganceand beauty, and our clients are often surprised how all this can be achieved at such areasonable cost.

Visit our website: www.pineland.co.uk Email: [email protected] call our of1ces: CLEOBURY MORTIMER, SHROPSHIRE: 01299 271143

NORTHWICH, CHESHIRE: 01606 41292

P NELAND FURNITURE LTD – 01299 271143

Shaws launch Whitehall Butler sinkShaws launch the new ClassicWhitehall 600 Butler sink speci"callymanufactured for use with laminateworktops. The unique styled Whitehallis a deep, generous sink created forthose wanting a "reclay farmhousestyle sink which works perfectly withlaminate worktops. This clever designgives a Classic Butler appearancefrom the front and protects the cutedges of the laminate from water byusing a subtle lip on all exposed sides.The Classic Whitehall sink has stylish

slim side walls for a contemporary appearance, with no compromise toconstruction quality plus a hardwearing glaze designed for years of usage.

01254 775111 www.shawsofdarwen.com

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

Enq. 171

Enq. 169

Kingspan launch four more lower lambda productsThe future path to energy ef(cient buildings will be revealed on 1stAugust when leading manufacturer,Kingspan Insulation, launches fouradvanced, low lambda insulationproducts for )oors, walls and sof(ts.Kingspan Kooltherm K103 FloorboardK110 and K110 PLUS Sof(t Board,and K118 Insulated Plasterboardfeature an advanced, (bre-free insulation core, enabling them toachieve an outstanding thermal conductivity. As a result, the products

can facilitate buildings to be built to the upper levels of fabric performancewith minimal thickness.

01544 387 384 www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

�

Enq. 168

Kingspan rises to the challengeProducts from Kingspan Insulation’sKooltherm and Therma ranges havehelped to transform a derelict watertower in North Yorkshire into a strikingfamily home, as featured on Channel4‘s Restoration Man. Timber studworkwas installed on the inner face of thebrick external walls. 50mm thickKingspan Kooltherm K12 FramingBoard was then installed between thebattens. The insulation boards offereda lightweight solution which couldeasily be cut to size. To insulate the

cavity walled construction of the extension the Nadrys installed 50mmKingspan Kooltherm K8 Cavity Board.

01544 387 384 www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

�

Enq. 167

Knauf plasters make light work of TV superhomeFairways, the Isle of Wight superhomeshowcased in September’s GrandDesigns programme, features largeareas of impeccable plastering madepossible by spray-applied MP75Readymix Plaster from Knauf. Theeffect, says designer Lincoln Miles, hasbeen a resounding success. “It’s a joyto see immaculate large surfaces of acontemporary house against the jawdropping backdrop of the woodlandand foreshore to the beautiful Solent”.The spray-applied plaster was both an

aesthetic and pragmatic choice, as the project involved plastering 7,500ft2of concrete, blockwork and plasterboard to a tight schedule. For more infor-mation, please visit the Knauf website.

Enq. 166

www.knauf.co.uk

www.uksprayfoam.co.uk

www.pineland.co.uk


Enq. 174

Feltwell Office

01842 558012

Edinburgh Office

0131 2151001

Southport Office

0333 4560012

Cambridge Office

01638 742901

www.harrowdenturf.co.uk

Range of quality turf

Wildflower turf

Sedum roof/Ground matting

Is your garden ready for summer?London’s award-winning landscape garden

design company are here for you!

Call us now on 020 8354 3475 or visit our website at www.jmgardendesign.co.uk

3D visuals

Design to build

Stage payments

10 year guarantee

‘Best in show’ 2015

Paving | Decking | Lawns | Planting | Features

Selfbuilder and Homemaker readers receive a 15% spring time discount

Enq. 173Enq. 172

www.harrowdenturf.co.uk

www.jmgardendesign.co.uk

www.everedge.co.uk

LED by ef<ciency & style

Kitchens and bathrooms are increasingly being used for more than justtheir functionality. Dave Simpson of YESSS Electrical looks at how recent

lighting developments can be harnessed to maximise a room’s enjoyment

The 2016 Kitchen Trend Report, from interiordesign expert Houzz, highlighted that con-sumers are spending more time in their

kitchen than ever before, and with bathroomsincreasingly becoming a room to unwind in,there is a renewed interest in lighting and howit can be used to maximum effect.

Previously just functional spaces, the designof kitchens and bathrooms has vastly improvedand both rooms are fast becoming statementsof a homeowner’s style. These rooms are alsoincreasingly recognised by home style and DIYshows as a great way of adding value to a

property’s price. Despite this, the speci<cationof lighting is often left until last, neglecting thefact that the right lighting can make an instantimpact on the appearance of a room in theshort term and help the owner save money inthe long term.

It is therefore vital that manufacturers andretailers have a strong understanding of whatcustomers are looking for in terms of lighting fortheir bathroom or kitchen space. Style and qual-ity have always been of paramount importance,but energy saving properties have alsoimproved, meaning LED lighting has grown in

prominence. LED technology has developedhugely over the past decade, and with LEDproducts now representing nearly 50 per centof new sales, this technology is fast becomingthe <rst choice for consumers.

The long life span of LEDs means the tech-nology is cost efficient and the latest develop-ments ensure that LED chips are getting betterand produce more lumens per watt. Coupledwith its versatile aesthetic possibilities, thismakes LED a key development for bathroomsand kitchens, due to the fact these rooms arealways in use. From an end-user point of view,energy efficiency needs to translate into cashsavings. Consumers should look out for retailersoffering usage calculations. This allows themto choose the correct energy saving productthat suits the solution which they require.

Due to the increase in awareness of new light-ing technologies, consumers have become muchmore appreciative of the bene<ts of good qualitylighting and this has encouraged manufacturersto produce more sophisticated products. At onetime, bathroom lighting used to be practical andclunky and contemporary design was hard to<nd. Now, design features <rmly in most mass-market products, which can include simply yeteffective touches such as contemporary wall <x-ings with polished chrome accents.

LED is <nding a wide range of applicationsacross kitchen and bathroom lighting and isbeing used to great effect for task lighting,installed under cabinets to emit a bright beam oflight to make food preparation easier and safer.LEDs are also being used to create mood-lightingto provide the right ambience for socialising.


The kitchen lighting market has gone throughsome dramatic changes in the past few yearsand the technology offered has been forced toevolve in order to keep up with changingdemand. While kitchen lighting used to be anafterthought in design, it is now rightly beingrecognised as an important factor in the designprocess. The recent preference for kitchenislands has brought about a number of changesin the kitchen lighting market. There has been a

shift away from simple utilitarian use of lightingtowards its use as a key element of overalldesign aesthetic and to highlight key features orshowcase a statement appliance. As always, another factor driving change in

the kitchen and bathroom lighting sectors ischanging regulations, such as Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of fuel andpower). These regulations are just some of manyGovernment-led initiatives designed to helpreduce the UK’s energy usage and drive the coun-try towards energy ef<ciency. What’s crucial isthat you no longer have to choose between styleand ef<ciency; the majority of products now easilycombine both.Installers and contractors should use theirknowledge and insight into these initiatives toensure that customers are kept abreast of the lat-est changes to regulations and legislations.Combining that with an in-depth knowledge ofwhat products are currently available or aboutto be launched means that customers are giventhe knowledge and tools to make a differencewhile also improving overall customer satisfac-tion. Products such as lighting controls and PIRsare just some of the latest energy saving inno-vations to capture the industry’s attention. Kitchen and bathroom technologies are devel-oping faster than ever. As consumer con<dencegrows, more and more people are planning toupgrade their properties and are looking to makechanges to their kitchen and bathroom designs.As such, they need to research the latest lightingproducts and how modern lighting technologies

can make a real difference, both in terms ofdesign and energy usage.

Dave Simpson is lighting and lamps productmanager at YESSS Electrical

Style and qualityhave always beenof paramount importance, butenergy saving properties have also improved,meaning LED lighting has grownin prominence ]

[


�&��#$�*!&�� %#&$%��%!!�!�%� ��'�#%�$�#$��"%�"&��$��#+$�$%�%�� %$�! %��#�"�#�!#�� &#�� #%��%��$�!($�(��'�� "� �� %�*��&��%�� '�$��#��%*�%!�$&""!#%!&#��

�&$%��*�*!&#��#��%� ��$"� �� %�%��)"!$&#��*!&+'�� "#!��$��$�*!&�� $��#!��!&#�� #%��%��!&#��#�&��%�! ��$��!#��'�#*��$$&��

��%��'��%��%#&$%��%�

�!��'�#%�$��!#��'�#%�$� � �%��&

�!#��!#�� !#��%�! �'�$�%�(((��!#��&�!#�� !��!#��&�

Enq. 176

Enq. 175

www.yesss.co.uk

www.decorative-coving.co.uk

BAKEWELL POOLS Fibreglass pools are now Frmlyestablished within the swimming

pool industry and it’s not difFcult to seewhy. Installation can be carried out by yourbuilder and can be completed within afraction of the time and cost of a concreteor liner pool. Our Fbreglass pools are aone-piece reinforced construction withoptions for internal corner steps, romanends and automatic cover chambers.Insulation is now available conforming toPart L of Building Regulations.

www.bakewellpools.co.uk

1

WALLBARN Using adjustable pedestals withtimber decking is ideal for areas

around pools and spas by allowing waterto drain away efFciently withoutcompromising the decking in any way. The rot-proof plastic pedestals support ajoist structure, which is then Fxed to thedecking boards. By suspending all thetimber off the deck, water drains betweenthe timber and runs away underneath. This reduces surface water radically andprevents slip hazards.

www.wallbarn.com

2

DECKTILE Levato Mono Porcelain paversystem’s are ideal for Pool and Spa

exterior Gooring. Designed for fast costeffective installation over most surfaces;including single ply membranes, rooFng feltand other delicate waterprooFng systems. Pavers are comprised of a 20mmporcelain, and are highly abrasion andstain resistant, as well as Fre & frost proof.Available in timber & stone effects withover 40 Fnishes, the pavers are lightweightand slip resistant.

www.thedecktileco.co.uk

3

Pools, Spas & Decking Showcase

Enq. 177

Enq. 178

Enq. 179


� ��+��, �� -��

./��

��#��(��" �� ')�# �� "��&�#��

#�"�'#�� "�#�� #!��$�"#��

��

��%#*��

Enq. 180

www.wallbarn.com


Low Maintenance, Never Treat or Stain

Does not rot, Warp or Splinter

Splinter FreeNatural Feel

British Standard Rated Anti-Slip

Ethically Sourced Recycled Material

Easy InstallNo Screw Finish

LOW MAINTENANCEGARDEN SPECIALISTS

0845 9011 988COMPOSITE DECKING, SCREENING & ARTIFICIAL GRASS

For a free sample or quotation please visit www.ecoscapeuk.co.uk

www.ecoscapeuk.co.uk | 0845 9011 988

Enq. 183

DECKING-OILSVariety of colours and

unsurpassed durability!

Call us01296 481220

Learn moreosmouk.com

DECKING-OIL: Highest quality protection for wood decking

MICROPOROUS | NATURAL | UV-RESISTANT | OIL-BASED | HIGH COVERAGE

Enq. 182Enq. 181

www.osmouk.com

www.gripsure.co.uk

www.ecoscapeuk.co.uk

ECOSCAPE UK LIMITEDEcoscape UK's two ranges of wood-polymer composite decking are

available in 11 different colours and madeup from reclaimed wood and recycledHigh Density Polyethylene. Thiscombination does not only produce aproduct that is resistant to many of thedrawbacks of timber; rotting, splitting andbecoming slippy. Ecoscape have an ethicalmission statement to prevent non-biodegradable landFll, providing valueand recycling into a long life product.

www.ecoscapeuk.co.uk

4

SAIGE LONGLIFE DECKING SAiGE Longlife Decking aresuppliers of Environmentally Sourced

Composite Decking in a choice of coloursin hollow or solid boards. With its anti-slipproperties and resistance to mould andfungus this splinter free product is the idealsolution for decking around swimmingpools and hot tubs alike. SAiGE Deckingcomes with a full 10 year warranty andexpected lifespan of over 20 years, theboards are easy to install, easy to maintainand can be enjoyed for years to come.

www.compositedecking.co.uk

5

GRIPSURE The award-winning Titanic Spa nowincludes an outdoor hot tub which

beneFts from innovative non slip decking.Gripsure Aquadeck™ was the perfectsolution as the deck board allows water todrain through, and the non slip rubbercrumb Fnish means the deck remains safeand is soft underfoot for barefoot use.Warrick Burton, Managing Director ofTitanic Spa, said: “The decking is practicaland compliments the design of the newoutdoor area.”

www.gripsure.co.uk

6

Enq. 184

Enq. 185

Enq. 186



��

0800 849 6339 www.qualitydecking.co.uk

��

��

��

�� !�� !��

��"�� " ��

��

�� #��

�� !�� $��

�� !��#� �� #

Enq. 189Enq. 187

www.qualitydecking.co.uk

www.bakewellpools.co.uk

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

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system

www.thedecktileco.co.ukt: 0845 2700 696 e: [email protected]

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120

‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes

Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings

Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test

Lightweight – 45kgs per m2

High load bearing and impact resistance Timber & stone effects; 40+ finishes available

Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use

Completely non porous Fire & frost proof Height-adjustable supports from 9mm up to 550mm

190

ReaderEnquiry

www.thedecktileco.co.uk

OSMO Osmo Decking Oils protect,maintain and beautify the wood’s

surface and produces a smooth slightlysatin Fnish which is extremely repellent towater and dirt and resistant to all weatherconditions. The microporous Fnishes allowthe wood to breathe which helps regulatethe moisture content reducing swelling andshrinkage, the Fnish will not crack, Gake,peel or blister. Easy and seamlessapplication which can be simply recoatedafter several years.

www.osmouk.com

7

Q-DECK Q-Shades decking is pre-stainedwith translucent matt grey, brown or

black colour-wash prior to Tanalithpreservative treatment. The result is stylishshades whilst retaining the beauty of thewood. Homeowners beneFt from an instantimpact of subtle colour that provides kerbappeal, adds value to their property and iseasy to maintain. Pebble Grey provides astylish alternative to plastic alternatives.Autumn Brown provides a more colourfastalternative to tropical hardwood.

www.qualitydecking.co.uk

8

GREEN SQUARES Green Squares welcomesTimberTech Earthwood EasyClean,

the very latest in domestic and commercialmaintenance-free decking. EarthwoodEasyClean’s unique, impenetrable capmakes it the ideal solution for homeowners,landscapers, leisure businesses and gardendesigners seeking to maximise good looksand minimise maintenance. EarthwoodEasyclean repels the ravages of the British weather and the rigours of a hecticdomestic life.

www.timbertechuk.co.uk

9


Enq. 191

Enq. 192

Enq. 193


SAiGE Longlife Decking Ltd are suppliers of environmentally sourced composite decking. Low maintenance, splinter free and anti-slip are just some of its key features.

SAiGE Longlife Decking Ltd. [email protected]

visit us online at

WWW.SAIGEDECKING.COMor call 01789 721 576

FREE DECKING SAMPLES AVAILABLE

Copper rainwater system changes with the timesLynnic Associates, a constructioncompany specialising in high qualityone off house builds, recentlyembarked on a development of sevenunits in Chester(eld, one of whichbeing a new build project. The DutchBarn was built on the site of an originalbarn which had burned down.Yeoman Rainguard’s copper 125 x70mm half round gutter and 80mmdia. downpipe were installed byLynnic Associates to the Dutch Barnwhere joints were soldered rather than

using a sealant to ensure a longer lasting seal. Copper proves to be longlasting, sustainable and ecologically sound.

0133 279 5854 www.rainguard.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

� ��

Enq. 196

Safer decking from OsmoFor those who want to extend theirbusiness outdoors this summer, OsmoUK, an eco-friendly wood and 'nishesexpert, has developed a slip resistant'nish for all wooden decking – Anti-Slip Decking Oil. A product that doeswhat it says on the tin, a 'nish whichprovides a safe outside environment allyear round. Anti-Slip Decking Oil is anoil based 'nish which increases thedurability of the surface, protects itagainst mould, algae and fungalattack, and reduces the risk of slipping.

The clear, satin 'nish also offers a small amount of UV protection which willhelp protect against greying. Osmo’s new Anti-Slip Decking Oil is designedto be applied over wood oils or Osmo’s Natural Oil Woodstain.

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 195

Enq. 194

www.osmouk.com

www.saigedecking.com


Enq. 199

[email protected]

01794 522444

BESPOKE SPIRAL STAIRCASES

COMPLETESTAIRSYSTEMS

specialist suppliers of

frameless and stainless glassbalustrades and unique

german staircases

Tel: 01425 611112 Fax: 01425 617773 sales@�vestars.ltd.uk

www.�vestars.ltd.uk

Enq. 200

FAKRO roof windows for ‘Building the Dream’Allan Cor-eld Architects’ SIPS eco-house sought to create a traditionallooking brick building with a contem-porary twist. The project, featured onMore 4’s ‘Building the Dream’, hasFAKRO’s FTU-V U5 triple-glazed, whitePU-coated roof windows. Two build-ings are attached via a glazed atriumwith a solid roof and roof windows.Project architect Iga Panczynaexplained, “The client agreed that thisprovides an interesting light experi-ence, maximising views from the

walkway. Fakro was chosen because airtightness was a critical factor, thewindows had to be vent-free and their U-values were the best available”.

01283 554755 www.fakro.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� �� © Allan Cor-eld Architects

Enq. 198

Canterbury handmade clay tiles the perfect matchA complex and sensitive re-roo'ngproject in Surrey is amongst the 'rst touse the Canterbury handmade clay tilerange from Marley Eternit, which wasre-introduced to the market to helparchitects and contractors achieve agenuine handmade 'nish when creating traditional clay roofs. Antique-coloured Loxleigh Canterbury clay tileswere speci'ed for the large 270m2

roof, which was a complex design dueto the interaction of multiple slopes,swept valleys and hips. Marley Eternit’s

range of Canterbury tiles are handmade by skilled craftsmen generallyaccepted to be the 'nest clay for strength and durability.

01283 722588 www.marleyeternit.co.uk

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

�

Enq. 197

www.sbhonline.co.uk

In-print magazine • Digital magazineNewsletter • Daily digests

REGISTER ONLINE FOR...

�

selfbuilder& homemaker

www.completestairsystems.co.uk

www.fivestars.ltd.uk

Controlledspirals

Antonia Harding of BritishSpirals & Castings dispels themyth that spiral staircases aredangerous and explains howthey can be used effectivelyand safely in your project

With their architectural beauty andspace-saving bene>ts, spiral staircases can be the perfect feature

in any style of home. However, it’s these qualities that can lead some to worry about thepotential safety issues of such a compact yetopen design. Does the fact they take up less?oor space make them steep and dif>cult to navigate? Does their openness, although visually striking, increase the likelihood of seriousfalls and injuries?These concerns are understandable, but with

careful planning that takes into considerationyour individual household needs, it is possibleto create a staircase that is as safe and functional as conventional straight stairs, withouthaving to compromise on style.

Designing for your needsAs cumbersome as Building Regulations sometimes seem, BS 5395 Part 2 offers clearguidance on how to construct a safe staircase.By choosing a carefully designed bespoke spiral staircase and using a reputable >rm withthe right knowledge, you can ensure that notonly does your staircase comply with all the necessary safety regulations, but also that every element blends seamlessly into your homeand lifestyle.

Shape: It is vital to get the geometry of a spiral staircase right. Building Regulations statethat a spiral staircase that services one habitable room should have at least 600 mmclear width, from the inside of the pole to theinside of the handrail, with a maximum rise (stepheight) of 220 mm. These measurementsincrease to 800 mm wide, or 900 mm inScotland, if serving two habitable rooms. Evenlyspaced treads at a consistent width will createa gentle and steady curve. This will give the

spiral its strikingly organic aesthetic and reducethe steepness, making it easier to navigate evenwhen carrying awkward objects.Indeed, the shape of the spiral can be

considered a safety plus in itself as if you loseyour footing, you would only fall one or twotreads before meeting the balustrade or the spiral handrails.

Materials: One of the >rst decisions to makewhen designing your spiral staircase is what itwill be made of. There are a variety of materialsand >nishes to choose from, from powdercoated metal to solid timber, or a combinationof these options. In addition to allowing you totailor the staircase to the look and feel you wantto achieve, they can offer differing levels of grip.For example, a diamond or grated patternedcast metal tread can help to reduce the risk ofslipping; particularly useful when used outsideunder the British weather.There are also additional products you can

consider to further reduce the risk of slipping.For example, if you prefer the exposed look oryour staircase will be outside, transparent anti-slip tread tape adds traction without detracting from the natural quality and beautyof the material.

Risers: A key regulation to keep in mindwhen choosing the different decorative andstructural elements of a spiral staircase is the‘100 mm sphere rule.’ This states that there mustbe no gaps greater than 99 mm anywhere onthe staircase to stop the risk of limbs becomingstuck, or young children or pets falling throughthe gap.This is particularly important to think about

when choosing the style of riser. While it is, ofcourse, possible to build a spiral staircase withclosed risers as you would see on a standardstaircase, for some the beauty of a spiral designis in its light and ‘?oating’ appearance. A riser

bar – a thin steel bar or a piece of timberplanted to the front tread – reduces the gapbetween each rise/tread to less than 100 mmwithout compromising on the open look of thestaircase. If you have chosen an ornate metalspiral design, you could complement this byusing decorative fascias instead of the traditional plain fascias.

Balustrades: Balustrades are another elementthat are subject to the 100 mm sphere rule. Inhouseholds with small children – who not onlyhave a tendency to see anything with bars as alarge climbing frame, but also use them to holdonto and lean against when using the stairs – itis especially vital to safeguard them from falling


through the space in between each balustrade.To comply, you will need two or threebalustrades per tread. There is a huge amountof choice in balustrade styles and combinations,making it easy to achieve the feel you want foryour staircase.

In some cases, having three balusters pertread could make the staircase feel too heavy.Instead, in>ll panels can be used to replace twoof the three balusters on the tread. They are awider type of baluster that come in a variety ofstyles to suit the look you are trying to achieve.Another increasingly popular alternative tobalustrades is to use glass in>ll panels. Whilethese do not offer the same places to grab asbalustrades, they are a great way to close offthe sides of a spiral staircase without stoppingthe light from getting through.

Handrail: The handrail is the most obvioussafety feature on a staircase. Regulation statesthat the handrail height on a spiral staircaseshould start 900 mm above the stair tread. Thisis to ensure that it is at an easily accessibleheight along the entire length of the staircase.The handrail itself should be sturdy and allowfor whole hand grip, to offer more protectionfrom falling and to enhance the tactile experience of using the staircase.

The handrail on any landing balustrade thatis needed also needs to be at least 900 mmhigh in a residential application.

Landing plates: Landing plates should beused on the upper ?oor to create a safe andsmooth exit and entrance to the staircase by

keeping the staircase and ?oor at a constantlevel. A landing plate of some kind is requiredto connect the centre pole of the staircase to the>nished ?oor level. These tend to be in the samedesign as the staircase but can be built in byothers as a continuation of the ?oor if preferred.If your staircase is particularly high, they alsocan be incorporated as a rest stop part way upthe staircase, which will be useful for elderlypeople or children.

If you have your heart set on a spiral designbut still feel uneasy, don’t be afraid to ask

manufacturers if you can go and try out some oftheir designs to see the quality of the materialsand construction for yourself. While being safeon the stairs eventually comes down to commonsense (we are all guilty of sometimes piling thebottom stairs with stuff we need to remember),having a design that’s safe for you and yourfamily, and right for your home, can make allthe difference.

Antonia Harding is director at British Spirals & Castings


INSTANT FLAT PACKED STAIRS THAT

FIT ANYWHERENOW AVAIABLE IN SOFTWOOD & MDF OR AMERICAN WHITE OAK

www.kwikstairs.co.uk Call today 07999 579729 Call today


NOW AVAIABLE IN SOFTWOOD & MDF OR AMERICAN WHITE OAK

NOW AVAIABLE IN SOFTWOOD & MDF OR AMERICAN WHITE OAK


FIT ANYWHERENOW AVAIABLE IN SOFTWOOD & MDF OR AMERICAN WHITE OAK


IN STOCKNOW!

Enq. 202

Enq. 201

www.britishsc.co.uk

www.kwikstairs.co.uk


Grass Concrete Limited Duncan House, 142 Thornes Lane, Thornes, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF2 7RE England Tel: +44(0)1924 379443 Fax: +44(0)1924 290289

www.grasscrete.com

Verticallandscaping

• Earth retaining • Noise barrier

• Plantable or solid face construction

Betoconceptlandscape earth retaining walls

Pedestals and Megapads

Wallbarn pedestals, including the Megapads range, are the best way toconstruct high quality &nishes on balconies and terraces and walkways.Heavy duty adjustable pedestals are available to support both 'ags andtimber decking. The concrete deck will be built-to-falls and constructedlower than the door threshold. By using pedestals, installers can lift theslabs or decking up to the level of the doorway without compromising thestructure. With decking, all timber is lifted off the deck so surface watercan run between and beneath the boards and slip hazards are reduced.None of the timber is subject to standing water, improving its lifespan.These pedestals are free standing, so no mechanical &xings penetrate thedeck. Concrete 'ags and natural stone paving can be laid onto theadjustable pedestals in creative patterns and are properly supported. The plastic pedestals are rot-proof and moisture will not migrate throughthem. Their large base plates spread the weight evenly, avoiding pointloading on the sub-deck. Installation is super-fast and straightforward.Multiple cuts and &xings are reduced and if the deck beneath ever needsto be inspected, the surface can be lifted easily without disruption.

0208 916 2222 www.wallbarn.com

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 203

Enq. 205

Timbmet makes an entrance

Timbmet’s solid walnut timber has been used to create a dramatic staircase for a multi-million pound new-build private home in Radlett,Hertfordshire. Aranee Lodge is a 6400 square foot, six-bedroom familyresidence, complete with formal reception rooms and a cinema room, aswell as a master bedroom suite featuring a vaulted ceiling. Such a prestigious home deserves a suitably impressive entrance hall, and that isexactly the design-led solution which Timbmet and its customer, bespokefurniture maker M L Elliott, have achieved. The walnut entrance hall hasbeen created using a stylish contemporary design and a mix of Timbmet’ssolid walnut timber in combination with veneered MDF, moisture-resistant+exi-ply and +exible veneers in walnut. The result is a sleek, streamlined,welcoming entrance area bathed in light from the glass atrium above thecentral curved staircase. Melbourne had no hesitation in choosing a selection of Timbmet walnut for this project. This project demonstratesTimbmet’s position as a one-stop-shop for timber and related products, aswell as the in-depth knowledge and expertise of its team.

01865 860303 www.timbmet.com

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

��

Enq. 204

www.grasscrete.com

Fired up about brick’screative potential

That most traditional British method of masonry house construction, good old-fashioned brick, remains popular

with self-builders. As the Brick Development Association’s AndrewEagles says, that’s down to the material’s creative ?exibility as

well as its aesthetics and durability

According to the Traditional HousingBureau, brick and block constructionremains the most popular method for self-

builders in the UK, with around 70 per cent ofpeople building their own homes choosingmasonry methods. Brick in particular is a popular choice for

speci=cation of the building facade in manyself-build projects. Its longevity is one valuableattribute compared with other facade materi-als – such as render – which often fail to main-tain such a high level of performance over longperiods of time, tending to be more adverselyaffected by the British climate. Many facingbricks (those that are designed for the facade ofa building) are speci=cally designed to resist thedamaging effects of frost and rain in exposedareas. The brick treatment used also has thebene=t of giving them excellent thermal perform-ance. But for most owners, the appeal of brickstems from its aesthetically pleasing qualitiesand its surprising ability to be manipulated foran almost in=nite number of designs.

Creative potentialIndeed, many self-builders are attracted by the potential for creativity that brick provides.They can embrace these possibilities in a host of ways, depending on their budget – evenincorporating decorative motifs and innovativebrick patterns. While the familiar stretcher bond is the most commonly seen in houseconstruction, due to its cost-ef=ciency and easiness for laying, other more complex andattractive bonds including Flemish, English andEnglish Garden Wall are possible; these areoften found on historic buildings.Additionally, building designs from the past

can inspire patterns for contemporary self-builds,such as herringbone or diaper (which comprisesrepeating diamonds). An unlimited rangeof shapes such as arches, curves, angles, plinthsand decorative columns can also be achievedusing brick, adding value and injectingpersonality into a property.

An unlimited rangeof shapes such asarches, curves,angles, plinths anddecorative columnscan be achievedusing brick, addingvalue and injectingpersonality intoa property ]

[

3a Spencer Park, Wandsworth, London by MG Architects


Which brick to choose?There are two predominant types of facingbrick; the volume-manufactured and the moretraditional handmade variety. When choosingtheir facing bricks, self-builders are often drawnto the distinctive aesthetics of handmade brickswith their unique character. Being individuallymade, no two handmade bricks are the same,with each having variable tones, texture andcreases or ‘smiles,’ which can make a homelook truly stunning.

However, if you are working to a tightbudget, there may be economic advantagesto specifying mass produced manufacturedbricks, which tend to be wire cut. These arenow available in a wide choice of consistentlyproduced colours and textures, with theprecision of modern automated processesmaking them more regular and uniformin appearance.

Despite this, several manufacturers also pro-duce not only genuine handmade bricks in the

age-old fashion, but have also developed highlysophisticated weathering techniques, whichhave enabled them to replicate some of thecharacteristics of handmade bricks acrosstheir wire cut ranges.

Local vernacularBefore deciding on a speci=c brick type,it is always important to take inspiration from the local architecture of the area.Planning committees often insist on usinga closely matched reclaimed brick or analternative which has been matched to thesurrounding architecture.

In the past, most towns would have their ownbrickworks, naturally tending to serve a smallgeographical radius due to the dif=culty oftransporting heavy bricks. As a result brick colour,style and formation would vary across differentareas, giving each area a distinctive look,because locally dug clay tends to vary depend-ing on the local geological climate.

These differences in local brick colourationcan still be observed today by those with keeneyes. Houses tend to have bold red bricks in thenorth, whereas blue-toned bricks are the normin the Midlands, orange hues are common toLincolnshire, and yellow and cream-tinted bricksare prevalent in Cambridge and London.

Project considerationsWhatever your preference, all bricks shouldmeet British Standards, including F2 – the max-imum level of frost resistance – as this willenable your brickwork to maintain maximumquality against harsh weather conditions.

It can also be easy to make a mistake andunderestimate the number of bricks you need forthe build. When deciding quantities, the projectmanager must bear in mind potential brickwastage (up to =ve per cent), in addition tooutbuildings and garden walls which are easy toforget when making calculations. Lead times mustalso be taken into account; these can vary bybrick type and manufacturer, as special shapesand bespoke versions often take longer to supplythan traditional or common brick.

Building a new home is inevitably aboutbalancing cost with quality and aspiration withpracticality. It’s easy to compromise on thingsyou can change later, such as the design of thekitchen or the layout of the garden, but bear inmind one key thing – the brickwork you choosewill remain for the whole life of the building, sochoose carefully!

Andrew Eagles is CEO of the BrickDevelopment Association

3A Spencer Park is a new build house in Wandsworth. Situated in a conservation area the buildingreplaced a modest 1960s house with a large four bedroom property with generous living spaces and

a double height basement dining room. The building has achieved a code for sustainable homes level 3 with green technologies like ground source heat pump providing the buildings heating requirements.Before deciding

on a speci=c bricktype, it is alwaysimportant to takeinspiration from thelocal architectureof the area ][

• It has an attractive appearance that offers a wide range of colour, texture and pattern

• Brickwork masonry is versatile and its architectural character can re/ect historical, traditional and modern design aesthetics

• Brickwork ages well and in many cases its appearance improves with age

• Brickwork has an exceedingly long service life. There are many good historical examples spanning several centuries. Bricks are often reclaimedfor reuse because they are still valued as good looking and durable

• Maintenance costs are minimal; brickwork does not require routine clean-ing or surface treatment. After considerable service – 60 years or more –some mortar joints may deteriorate due to harsh weather and requirerepointing, but it’s not inevitable

• Compared with alternative materials providing external walls, the cost ofbrick is modest as is the cost of bricklaying

• Brickwork masonry is a well developed construction system that is wellunderstood and capable of providing attractive and economical buildings

The bene.ts of brick for individual house construction:


Enq. 206

www.brick.org.uk


Enq. 210 Enq. 211

Bringing the outside inBuilding an oak framed Arboretagarden room creates a vast light-!lledliving space that will help make themost of your garden and help itbecome an extension of your home. Aswell as creating the perfect spot foryou to entertain friends or to enjoy asa peaceful sanctuary, building agarden room can improve the overallatmosphere of your home, giving it alighter, more airy feel. Arboreta is anoak frame design and manufacturingcompany specialising in garden

rooms, orangeries, conservatories and annexes with over 20 years’ experience in the building industry, and offers a complimentary design consultation service in order to create bespoke oak framed structures.

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

Enq. 209

Create a modern home with traditional materialsOak frames are perfect for anyonewanting to build a house with aninstant wow factor and, as an increas-ing number of self builders are proving,they are $exible enough to create bothmodern and traditional-style properties.Increasingly, oak frames are used inconjunction with other materials suchas SIPs brick & block and glass to helpcreate a modern look and feel. AtWelsh Oak Frame each oak frame iscreated by hand and with care byhighly-skilled craftsmen. The company

combines traditional joinery skills with state-of-the-art technology to buildbeautiful bespoke designs to suit both modern and traditional tastes. Formore information, visit the website.

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � ��

� � � ��

� ��

�

Enq. 208

Enq. 207

Claim your free copy of the newly launched

Go to bit.ly/SourceBook

E: [email protected] W: www.stonefed.org.uk T: 01303 856123

@StoneFederation

www.welshoakframe.com

www.arboreta-oak.com

www.solotimberframe.co.uk

www.stonefed.org.uk

www.oakdesigns.org

1st Folding Sliding Doors 02089 972448 www.1stslidingfoldingdoors.co.uk

Express Bi-Folding Doors 0800 121 4809 www.expressbifoldingdoors.co.uk

Folding Sliding Door Company0845 6446630www.foldingslidingdoors.com

Sunfold Systems 01953 423423 www.sunfold.com

BI FOLDING & SLIDING DOORS

sash window locks

ROLA

ROLA

www.sashwindowlock.comTel: 0844 482 20 34 Fax 01708 768 825

Call Today: 0800 587 [email protected]

Fast ResponseFully AccreditedUK’s No. 1

Quote Ref:-BS001 to receive a discount

BUILDING REGULATIONCOMPLIANCE TESTING

Part E: Sound InsulationPart F: VentilationPart L: Air Tightness

Nationwide ServiceATTMA MembersCompetitive Fees

OAK PRODUCTS

DOORS & WINDOWS

AIR TIGHTNESS & TESTERS

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION

Enq. 506

Enq. 502

Enq. 505

BATHROOMS, SHOWERS & WASHROOMS

Enq. 501

Enq. 504Enq. 503

To advertise in the

Classified & Web Directory

please call

01435 863500

Digital IssueThe digital issue of Selfbuilder &Homemaker provides all the samecontent as the print issue with theadded advantage of beinginstantly available whenever andwherever you have access to theinternet. In addition to its ease ofaccess the digital issue ofSelfbuilder & Homemaker givesdirect links to advertisers, allowingyou to visit a potential supplier’swebsite with the simple click of a mouse. Subscribe atwww.sbhonline.co.uk

EVEN

MO

RE W

AY

S T

O G

ET T

HE

LATE

ST

INFO

RMA

TIO

N F

OR

SEL

FBU

ILD

ERS

! E

VEN

MO

RE W

AY

S T

O G

ET T

HE

LATE

ST

INFO

RMA

TIO

N F

OR

SEL

FBU

ILD

ERS

!

www.sbhonline.co.ukThe Selfbuilder & Homemakerwebsite is an online provider ofpast and present products andnews items for the selfbuilder.Regularly updated with hundredsof press releases sbhonline.co.ukis a one-stop source for all thelatest press releases providing youwith access to information aboutproducts and services you requirefor your project as well as self-build relevant news and casestudies.

SBH NewsletterEmailed on a fortnightly basis, the Selfbuilder & Homemakernewsletter is designed to provideyou with the latest information onproducts and services of interest,direct to your inbox. You canquickly gather a snapshot ofinformation from up to 12 care-fully selected companies andeasily follow links through to further information onwww.sbhonline.co.uk, or go directto the company’s own website.Brochures and videos are alsoregularly available. Subscribe atwww.sbhonline.co.uk

HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES

Classi+edPegasus Whirlpool Baths

Bespoke! Not all Whirlpool Baths are made the same...

Ask about our bespoke Flush-Jet™ & Flush-Spa™ options01633 244555 :: info@pegasuswhirlpoolbaths.co.ukwww.pegasuswhirlpoolbaths.co.uk61-62 Lower Dock St, Kingsway, Newport, Gwent. NP20 1EF

Discount Code: SBH4011

Web DirectoryNSBRC (National Self Build &Renovation Centre) 0845 2234455 www.nsbrc.co.uk

Ironmongery Direct 0808 1682288www.ironmongerydirect.com

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY

ADVICE & INFORMATION

Better Bathrooms 0844 4847678 www.betterbathrooms.com

Matki 01454 322888 www.matki.co.uk

Hansgrohe 01372 465 655 www.hansgrohe.co.uk

Victoriaplum.com0844 8044848www.victoriaplum.com

BATHROOMS & SHOWERS

Abtech Basement Systems0870 801 0800www.abtechbasements.co.uk

BASEMENTS BUILDING PRODUCTS

Hultafors 01484 85 44 88 www.hultafors.co.uk

EnviroVent01423 810810www.envirovent.com

AIR CONDITIONING &VENTILATION

BUILDING PRODUCTS

Snickers Workwear 01484 85 44 88 www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

58 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk58 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

www.bathroomexpress.co.uk

www.antiquebuildings.com

www.bsria.co.uk

www.bramah.co.uk

www.aelheating.com

www.worcestershirecaravansales.com

Web Directory

GED Chute Solutions 01613 001374 www.laundrychutes.co.uk

LAUNDRY CHUTE SOLUTIONS

Econoloft 0800 269765 www.econoloft.co.uk

LOFT CONVERSION

Meer End Staircases & Joinery 01676 534226 www.meer-end.co.uk

STAIRS & STAIRCASES

Baufritz (UK) 01223 235632 www.baufritz.co.uk

Kingspan Potton 01767 676400 www.potton.co.uk

Scandia-Hus 01342 838060 www.scandia-hus.co.uk

Davinci Haus GmbH & Co. KG 02081 3339204 www.davinci-haus.com

Hanse Haus 0845 6589780 www.hanse-haus.co.uk

Flight Homes 01787 222336 www.,ighthomes.co.uk

PACKAGE BUILD

Mandarin Stone 01600 715444 www.mandarinstone.com

STONEWORK & MASONRY

Oakwrights 01432 353353 www.oakwrights.co.uk

Carpenter Oak & Woodland 01225 743089www.carpenteroakandwoodland.com

Silva Timber Products 01514 953111 www.silvatimber.co.uk

Osmo UK 01296 481220 www.osmouk.com

Neatwood Homes 01981 240860 www.neatwoodhomes.co.uk

Carpenter Oak 01803 732900 www.carpenteroak.com

Maple Timber Frame 01995 679444 www.mapletimberframe.com

Taylor Lane 01432 271912 www.taylor-lane.co.uk

J T Pumps 0844 414 5800 www.jtpumps.co.uk

PUMPING STATIONS

Brandon Hire 0870 5143391 www.brandontoolhire.co.uk

Machine Mart 0844 8801250 www.machinemart.co.uk

PLANT, TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

ROOFING & CLADDING

Tata Steel (Corus) 01904 454600www.tatasteeleurope.com

Greys Artstone 01484 666400 www.greysartstone.co.uk

Hoppings Softwood Products 01992 578877 www.timber-cladding.co.uk

SIPS Eco panels 01787 378567www.sipsecopanels.co.uk

Nu-Heat0800 7311976 www.nuheat.com

Schluter Systems 01530 813396 www.schluter.co.uk

Wunda Group 0800 0832677 www.wunda,oorheating.co.uk

STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS(SIPS)

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Caravan Hire UK 01970 626920 www.goldensandscaravans.co.uk

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION

TIMBER & JOINERY

Vision Roo9ights 01162 791900 www.visionroo,ights.co.uk

ROOFLIGHTS

Eleco 02074 228000 www.eleco.com

House Builder XL 0845 1234065 www.hbxl.co.uk

SOFTWARE

Vitrum UK 07966 236969 www.vitrumuk.co.uk

LIGHTING & HOME CONTROL SYSTEMS

FURNITURE

Vitra 01235 750990 www.vitra.com

Herman Miller 0845 2267202 www.hermanmiller.co.uk

Superfoil Insulation 01636 639 900 www.superfoil.co.uk

Insulation Giant 0844 8922254 www.insulationgiant.co.uk

INSULATION

Kit Stone 0870 7770099 www.kitstone.co.uk

Poggenpohl UK 01727 738111 www.poggenpohl.com

Rangemaster 0800 8046261www.rangemaster.co.uk

Shaws of Darwen 01254 775111 www.shawsofdarwen.com

KITCHENS & APPLIANCES

Hormann (UK) 01530 513000 www.hormann.co.uk

Discount Garage Doors 01691 670394 www.discount-garage-doors.co.uk

GARAGE DOORS

HEATING & PLUMBING

Spirit Heat Pumps 0845 4753953 www.spiritsolar.co.uk

ICE Energy 08081 452340 www.iceenergy.co.uk

HEAT PUMPS

Made for Trade0844 335 1226www.madefortrade.co

Kloeber UK01487 740044 www.kloeber.co.uk

Velfac 01223 897100www.velfac.co.uk

Swish Window and Door Systems 0808 178 3040 www.swishwindows.co.uk

Apropos 0800 328 0033www.apropos-conservatories.com

Jeld-Wen 0845 1222890 www.jeld-wen.co.uk

Internorm Windows UK 02082 059991www.internorm.co.uk

DOORS, WINDOWS &CONSERVATORIES

FasciaExpert.co.uk01254 918005 www.fasciaexpert.co.uk

FASCIAS & SOFFITS

GLASS & GLAZING

Saint-Gobain Glass UK 01977 666100 uk.saint-gobain-glass.com

Uponor 01455 550355 www.uponor.co.uk

21st Century Radiator Company 01767 627500 www.21stcenturyradiators.com

Discounted Heating 0844567 8884 www.discountedheating.co.uk

Capital Fireplaces01462 813138www.capital+replaces.co.uk

Opies01245 468977www.john-opie.co.uk

SpecFlue0800 902 0220www.spec,ue.com

FIRES & FIREPLACES

FLOORS & FLOORING

Bona01908 525 150www.bona.com

Floors Of Stone 01509 234000www.,oorsofstone.com

GREEN ROOFS

Optigreen Ltd0203 5899 400www.green-roof-online.co.uk

Self-Build Zone0345 230 9874 www.selfbuildzone.com

FINANCE & INSURANCE

Domestic Mastics – ServicingLondon and surrounding areas 0208 7126142 www.domesticmastic.net

MASTIC SEALANTS


402

ReaderEnquiry

www.flue-ducting.co.uk

selfbuilder€¦ · builders to help buyers overcome mortgage downvaluations and other issues, and...

Documents

Transcript of selfbuilder€¦ · builders to help buyers overcome mortgage downvaluations and other issues, and...