BRITAIN’S NO.

1 FOR SELF-BUILDERS AND HOME EXTENDERS

Transform your
home for 2024
● Planning permission
STEPS TO
FINDING THE
process explained RIGHT BUILDER
● Guide to building
with timber frame
● How to deal
with neighbour
objections

EXCLUSIVE!
THE HOUSE
THAT NEEDS
NO HEATING
EXPERT ADVICE
How to restore
a fireplace
Layout tips for
small bathrooms
Heat pump
questions
answered

STEP INSIDE BRITAIN’S

BEST SELF-BUILDS
From new homes to extensions, our favourite
projects of the year revealed
ED ITOR’S LETTE R

Editor Beth Murton has been a

homes journalist and editor for
over 20 years and has renovated
two homes. She is currently
planning her next project

T
his issue is one of the team’s favourite of the
year as it’s when we get to reveal the winners
of the Daily Telegraph Homebuilding &
Renovating Awards 2023. It’s been several months
in the planning and after poring over the many
entries we received, they were whittled down
to the top projects in each category. The main
judging day involved considerable debate over the
relative merits of each entry but, as always, we
were blown away by the ingenuity, creativity and
overwhelming passion demonstrated in each of
the winning projects.
Highlights include a modern self-build dwelling
that has been designed to not require any heating,
a renovated 1960s home upgraded with energy-
efficient measures to create an exemplar home for material costs and builder availability in 2024
for the future, plus a contemporary house that (spoiler alert, it’s good news!), while on page 102
has been sensitively designed to respond to the we’ve also got essential tips on how to find the
challenges of living with motor neurone disease. right builder for your project.
There is much to inspire in the winning projects, In our self-build guide for beginners this month,
so head to page 19 for the big reveal, including the we tackle the subject of planning permission and
winner of the Reader’s Choice award. offer insider tips on how you can navigate the
Elsewhere in the issue, there is plenty to help process so you stand the best chance of success SCAN TO
you plan your own project for 2024, whether when it comes to getting the green light for your
RECEIVE OUR
NEWSLETTER
you’re looking to renovate, add an extension or project. Who knows, you might even see your
build a new home from scratch. On page 114, our completed project in the running to win one of
expert builder Andy Stevens offers his predictions our coveted awards in 2024.

C O NTRIBUT ORS

JENNIFER GRIMBLE OLIVER HEATH ANDY STEVENS LINDSAY BLAIR

An experienced freelance An expert in biophilic design, Andy is an award-winning A freelance writer, Lindsay
property writer, Jennifer covers Oliver runs a sustainable builder and broadcaster and specialises in kitchens and
everything from news to architecture and interior you can find him on Instagram bathrooms, offering advice on
self-build advice. design practice. @andystevensTV style, design and room layouts.

homebuilding.co.uk 7
13 - 14 Jan 2024 | Farnborough
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OF YOUR BUILD
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ART
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Contributions by Bryn Davies

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Whether you’re taking on an extension, self-build or
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help you turn your dream home into a reality. Turn to
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page 100 to subscribe to Homebuilding & Renovating.
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 19 HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING AWARDS 2023
Welcome to our annual awards issue to find the best self-builds,
renovations, extensions and converted homes in the UK. Competition
has been fierce, but the judges have finally made their choices…

C O NT EN T S
13 INSIGHT ON THE COVER 126 POCKET DOORS
The latest news, products, 112 HEALTHY HOMES How to add style and character
workshops, events and ideas Sound and acoustics: how to with this practical design feature
for self-builders, extenders and dampen noise pollution
renovators everywhere 129 8 OF THE BEST STYLISH
114 SELF-BUILDING IN 2024 DOOR HANDLES
ON THE COVER What’s in store for self-builders Upgrade your internal doors with
102 10 STEPS TO FINDING and renovators next year? these chic inspirations
THE RIGHT BUILDER
Finding the right contractor for 116 RIGHT TO LIGHT ON THE COVER
your job is half the battle: here We explain the rules and 131 HOW TO BUILD:
are some surefire tips for finding regulations surrounding this A SUPERSTRUCTURE
your ideal hire property easement Part seven of Mark Stevenson’s
in-depth self-build series
108 HOW MUCH DOES ON THE COVER
MVHR COST? 123 HOW TO DEAL ON THE COVER
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat WITH NEIGHBOUR 136 HOW TO RESTORE
Recovery (MVHR) may improve OBJECTIONS A FIREPLACE
efficiency and reduce bills, but De-escalating and resolving A comprehensive workshop guide
what is the initial outlay? planning dispute conflicts to renovating a key feature

10 homebuilding.co.uk
24 ALL ANGLES COVERED
Fully sustainable with Passivhaus planning, this future-
proofed home in a Bedfordshire village is intended to last the
48 DEEP GREEN
This environmentally friendly and sustainable
retrofit saw a modernist house that’s half a century old
owners for the rest of their lives comprehensively updated into an energy-efficient home

60 BORN TO BUILD
Roxy Woodfield is one our favourite self-builders of
the year. With oak frame specialists Border Oak, she literally
80 CUSTOM-MADE COMMUNITY
In rural Herefordshire, a group of custom-made
homeowners have come together to create their own
built her home around herself community of self-builders

INDULGE
THIS
141 ASK THE EXPERTS ON THE COVER CHRISTMAS
Our panel answer questions on 163 THE BENEFITS OF A FREE
painting fireplaces, sanding tools, CORK INSULATION HOUSEBUILDER’S
heat pump exhausts, bathroom Waterproof and soundproof – BIBLE WHEN YOU
planning, gabion walls and more go green with this unbeatable
SUBSCRIBE
page100
thermal insulator
ON THE COVER
147 DO HEAT PUMPS WORK ON THE COVER
IN COLD WEATHER? 166 PLANNING PERMISSION
Are heat pumps a good choice EXPLAINED
for the British winter? David Hilton In this self-build guide for beginners,
reveals why they can be effective in we take you through the complex WORTH
the right type of home yet surmountable legal process £30
involved in planning permission
150 10 FLAT ROOF
IDEAS FOR SELF-BUILDS 178 AMAZING HOMES
AND EXTENSIONS A reimagined home, with an
Here are some impressive and upside-down floorplan, sits
inspirational examples for creating majestically on a rugged
that contemporary look clifftop in Hampshire

homebuilding.co.uk 11
 INSIGHT A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news,
products and events. By Jennifer Grimble

Government pushes
boiler ban back by 10 years
T
he government has announced that its proposed gas homeowners with reliable tradespeople as well as allowing
boiler ban has been pushed back 10 years. Homeowners them to post feedback for work done) carried out a survey that
were initially informed that oil and LPG boilers would reveals seven out of 10 UK homeowners support the 10-year
be phased out by the year 2025, in a bid to reduce Britain’s delay, with 69% backing Rishi Sunak’s decision. However, the
carbon emissions. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak research also discovered that 71% of Brits don’t know how much
IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS

recently announced that the ban has been pushed back to replacing their boiler system would cost, while 48% don’t know
2035, providing homeowners with additional time to replace if the ban even affects them. Worryingly, 61% of those surveyed
their fossil fuel heating system with a heat pump, or other said they didn’t know what a heat pump is and 65% stated that
low-carbon alternative. the current financial incentives are not enough to encourage
In light of the news, MyBuilder.com (a platform that matches them to make the switch.

homebuilding.co.uk 13
 Smart savings
A
ccording to a new Netatmo user
survey, 90% of UK users have ENGLAND DECLARED THE MOST DIFFICULT PLACE TO FIND A HOME
saved energy by installing the A new report by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) reveals that
company’s Smart Heating Solution. the United Kingdom has fallen far behind other developed countries
Netatmo surveyed 2,400 customers to when it comes to the condition, affordability and age of its housing
stock. By analysing data from the Organisation for Economic
learn more about how they use their
Co-operation and Development, the EU and the UK government,
smart heating system. Almost 89% of UK HBF identified that England is now ‘the most difficult place to find
users claimed that the Netatmo Smart a home in the developed world’, with house prices growing faster

IMAGE: WELSH OAK FRAME

Heating Solution has allowed them to feel than incomes and one in five people spending more than 40% of their
comfortable, despite turning down their income on housing costs.
Another finding of the HBF report was that England has far fewer
heating. As for the reasons for purchasing
dwellings relative to its population than other developed nations,
the equipment, 82% stated they wanted to with 434 homes per thousand inhabitants. This has led to home
easily control their heating, 44% wanted to ownership falling by seven percentage points to just 65% in the
save energy and 30% hoped to monitor and 17 years up to 2021.
analyse their consumption. Interestingly,
nearly 59% of UK participants claimed
to have saved up to £215 on their annual BUILD EVENTS
energy bills.
13-14 JANUARY
FARNBOROUGH
HOMEBUILDING &
RENOVATING SHOW
Farnborough International
Exhibition & Conference Centre
From practical tips to inspiring
advice and the latest products,
we’ve got it all under one roof at
the Farnborough Homebuilding
& Renovating Show.
BOOK OF
THE MONTH ONGOING
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
OLD HOUSE HANDBOOK: A
MASTERCLASS
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CARE
AND REPAIR (2ND EDITION) Online, via www.potton.co.uk
FAN CLUB This authoritative guide This virtual course takes you through
Octopus Energy has announced an explores how to look after some best practices, to make sure
innovative ‘Fan Club’ local tariff. The
*ACCORDING TO NEW GOVERNMENT DATA

your old house, whether your site runs smoothly, with the
world-first scheme will reduce energy bills it’s a medieval cottage or a
for those living near offshore wind farms, right person in control.
Victorian terrace. Providing
when it’s windy locally. Eligible customers deeply informed, practical
will be able to gain up to 50% off their guidance on everything
electricity when their local offshore wind from breathability and
farm is producing ample wind-powered Just 898 major
damp, to structural
electricity. The new tariff will initially be movement and windows,
residential projects were
available to those living along the east this is essential reading for approved by planners
coast, between Grimsby and Skegness, anyone with an old house between April and June
but Octopus aims to roll out the tariff in the in need of repair. 2023, down 11% on the same
near future. RRP £35. period last year. It marks
the first time the figure has
dropped below 1,000
since 2012*
14 homebuilding.co.uk
 I N S I G H T

Kitchen
styling

T
he new Uno kitchen
range by Crown
Imperial offers a
contemporary selection
of nine subtle shades,
including taupe and clay.
Customers can select a
single shade or combine
colours for a unique look.
The range is available as
handleless with soft-close
technology, or with
a choice of handles.
Buyers can add smart
storage solutions and ‘stay
lift’ cabinets, as well as
choosing from a range
of worktops. Prices start
from around £10,000.

Boogie wonderland
H
ovia has launched the world’s
first augmented-reality
wallpaper. Known as Boogie,
the dancing wallpaper features various
characters, each with their own
signature dance move. Hovia created
the wallpaper using the rotoscope
animation technique, viewed via a
bespoke Instagram effect. Available in
TERRIFIC TERRAZZO three colourways, the wallpaper can be
Ca’ Pietra has launched a brand-new collection of real terrazzo tiles. hung as standard and customers can
Inspired by the buildings of Venice, the Rialto Collection includes seven
add energy to their room and watch
resin-based, terrazzo tiles studded with chips of natural marble and rich
colour pigments. Crafted from recycled and waste marble materials, the their paper dance by viewing it through
sustainable tiles are suitable for indoor use on walls and floors, and come a special effect on Hovia’s Instagram
in two sizes. From £195/m2. channel. Priced at £117 per roll.

homebuilding.co.uk 15
 HASSLE-FREE HEATING
Hand-built in the Cotswolds, the Everhot 1.5kW electric
stove has all the sophistication of a classic woodburner,
without the hassle. Featuring a traditional steel and
cast-iron build, the electric heater plugs into a 13amp
socket and users can control the heat via a built-in dial.
Totally portable, it’s available in 21 colours, with a two-
to four-week delivery time. Priced at £1,195.

LUST FOR LIGHT

Making bulky dimmer knobs
a thing of the past, the Soho
Lighting Company’s new
toggle dimmer switches blend
FINDING FURNITURE style with practicality. Each
Flitch, a new online interiors platform, aims to make the fitting comes with an award-
furniture shopping experience easier and more intuitive by winning Enkin IDM250 in-line
effectively outsourcing your furniture search. Years in the dimming module, enabling
making, the website allows customers to browse products you to dim up to 250 watts of
from countless retailers, using a human-vetted, dynamic LED lighting. They’re available
search tool. It combines AI-powered quizzes, an affordable in a range of finishes, including
interior styling service and transparent pricing, so that buyers antique brass and polished
will be able to find the right furniture quickly and easily. chrome. Prices start at £42.
Learn more at withflitch.com.

of homeowners have put off

INSIGHT FROM MYBUILDER.COM
*ACCORDING TO THE LATEST

carrying out home repairs due

to the cost-of-living crisis*
THREE WON DE R FU L W O R KT O PS

Formed from natural and recycled The Bianco Lasa marble worktop is PINNARP combines the best of solid
materials, Romantic Ash is a hybrid strong, durable and stain resistant wood and veneer, with a durable
quartz worktop with deep crystal with a fine crystalline background surface that can be sanded. Available
and silver particles. Priced from in a polished or honed finish. From in ash and walnut, it can easily be cut
£300/m2, Cosentino. £900/m2, Gerald Culliford. to size. £199/2.46m, Ikea.

homebuilding.co.uk 17
AWARDS 2023

homebuilding.co.uk 19
 to crown the Robinson family’s accessible Northamptonshire
home as the winner of this year’s Reader’s Choice Award.
But this year’s coveted ‘Home of the Year’ title has been

AWARDS 2023
awarded to a project that ticks all the boxes. Duncan and Anaya
Bush’s self-build home near Milton Keynes is a masterclass
in house design, fitted with a host of technologies that make
it one of the most eco-friendly homes you’re likely to come
across. “The minimalist monochrome interior of this clever
F U L L RESU LT S suburban build belies the amount of thought and effort that
has gone into creating a thoroughly healthy home,” says judge,
REV E A LED! Sian Astley. Turn to page 24 for the full reveal.

F
or the past three decades, The Daily Telegraph and
Homebuilding & Renovating have launched an annual
search to find the UK’s best homes. From state-of-the-art
new builds to inspiring renovations, cutting-edge conversions,
and everything in between, our annual awards are a
celebration of the hard work and imagination of homebuilders
up and down the nation.
Our exceptional shortlisted projects featured a range of
unique and inspiring builds, from a sustainable cabin-like
home in the Suffolk Broads to a quaint cottage renovation in
rural Carmarthenshire. We’ve seen housing developments that
give new meaning to the concept of ‘custom build’ and
eco homes that showcase outstanding ingenuity.
Among this year’s winners is a remarkable EnerPHit home
in south London that Judge Darren Bray hails as “an exemplar
as to how we should be adapting and retrofitting homes from
the 20th century”. Roxy Woodfield’s oak-framed home in
Herefordshire stands out as a worthy ‘spirit of self-build’
winner: a contemporary two-bedroom home built with her
own two hands, assisted by talented builders along the way.
A striking barn conversion in rural Devon emerged victorious
in a particularly impressive interiors category, and you voted

you sell. Get a quote with Self-Build Zone We wanted to see structures that have
now — see page 23. been transformed into modern homes.
Sponsored by Sunflex UK
Best Extension
For projects that have extended an
existing property to create a home that Sunflex’s premium bifold doors really

AWARDS 2023 works for your lifestyle perfectly.

Sponsored by ID Systems
For over 20 years
are the superior solution for homeowners
who want to enjoy picturesque views of
their surroundings.
THE CATEGORIES
IDSystems has set
the standards for Best Renovation
Best Self-Build innovative glazing Previously dated, forgotten and unloved
This category is for dream homes that systems for self-builders and renovation homes that have been given a new
were built from scratch. The judges were projects. Their multi award-winning lease of life through careful restoration,
looking for well-designed new homes of product range includes the EDGE2.0 imaginative remodels or ambitious
all styles, sizes and budgets. ultra-slim sliding doors and vistaline the renovation schemes.
Sponsored by Self-Build Zone exclusive slide & turn system, alongside
You invest time and money a complete glazing package of bespoke Best Green Home
IMAGES: JULIET MURPHY

in your self-build so protect it windows, doors and glass roofs. Homes that have been built or retrofitted
from day one. Site insurance to the highest sustainable standards.
covers you throughout Best Conversion Sponsored by
construction while A-rated From barns and schools to churches Internorm
Structural Warranties help and other such non-domestic buildings. A leading

20 homebuilding.co.uk
manufacturer of premium, high- Best Contemporary Home create homes and spaces that have
performance windows and doors with For homes that cater to every aspect significantly improved the lives of
innovative, high-quality systems. of modern tastes and living. The judges their occupants.
were looking for homes that use clever
Best Interior design to suit a contemporary lifestyle. Home of the Future
For any home with a flair for finishing Sponsored by Korniche This category rewards homes that
touches and attention to detail. Flood your living space represent futureproofed, creative
Sponsored by Charlton & Jenrick in natural light with concepts via the latest technologies, smart
Stylish as well as industry-leading roof automation and new design techniques.
functional, Charlton lanterns and bi-folding Sponsored by NIBE
& Jenrick have doors from Korniche. For over 70
been manufacturing and supplying the Combine smart engineering with years, NIBE
fireplace industry since 1986. inspirational design to immerse your has manufactured energy-efficient and
home in the outside world. Driven by sustainable climate solutions. Everything
Best Value Home perfection, Korniche understand that started in Småland, Markaryd, and
A category for homes that represent there is no such thing as compromise they really value their Nordic heritage.
exceptional value for money, or projects when it comes to your dream home, They combine renewable energy with
that were achieved on a tight budget. developing some of the most advanced new smart technology to offer effective
aluminium glazed products on the market. solutions for a more sustainable future. Its
Best Custom Build Scheme wide range of products provide heating,
This category was open to homes Spirit of Self-build cooling, ventilation and hot water to
facilitated by architects, developers or This category celebrates projects that create the perfect indoor climate with
suppliers of all shapes and sizes. were delivered against all the odds to minimal impact on nature.

homebuilding.co.uk 21
 AD V ERTORIA L
Self-Build Zone
is proud to
sponsor the
Self-Build of
t h e Ye a r A w a r d

Solid foundation
A self-build is a rewarding journey but it includes complexities and risks not
covered by home insurance. So why could site insurance be vital to your project?

U
nderstanding the differences between site Premiums and deductibles For site insurance,
insurance and standard home insurance allows you these are generally higher than standard home insurance
to make informed decisions about the coverage premiums due to increased risks involved in construction.
you need to ensure that your dream home becomes reality
without any unwelcome surprises. Self-build, renovation WHAT ISN’T COVERED BY STANDARD HOME
or extension insurance is designed to protect your project INSURANCE FOR ANY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT?
from the ground up. Unlike standard home insurance, Construction materials and equipment Standard
site insurance is tailored to address the unique risks of home insurance policies usually don’t cover theft,
constructing a new home. While policies can vary between vandalism or accidental damage of building materials, tools
providers, Self-Build Zone’s site insurance typically covers and machinery stored on site.
the following: Contract works If work completed during your project
Construction materials and equipment Protection is damaged or destroyed, standard home insurance won’t
against theft, vandalism, and accidental damage to building cover repairing or rebuilding.
materials, tools and machinery on site. Public liability Standard policies often exclude coverage
Contract works Coverage for repairing or redoing work for claims made by third parties who suffer injury or
damaged or destroyed during construction. property damage due to your project.
Public liability Protection against claims made by third Employer’s liability Injuries sustained by employees
parties who suffer injury or property damage. or subcontractors working on your project, leaving you
Employer’s liability Claim coverage made by employees vulnerable to potential claims and legal expenses.
or subcontractors injured while working on your project. Unapproved alterations or additions Many
Legal expenses Assistance with legal fees that may arise standard home insurance policies require homeowners
due to disputes or claims related to your self-build project. to notify their insurer of any significant changes to the
property, such as extensions or structural alterations.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SITE AND Failing to do so may result in a lack of coverage.
STANDARD HOME INSURANCE? Increased risk exposure During works, your property
While site and standard home insurance are designed to may be exposed to higher risks, such as fire or water damage
protect your property, they serve different purposes and from construction activities. Standard home insurance
cover specific risks. policies may not provide sufficient coverage.
Coverage duration Site insurance is a temporary policy Vacancy clauses Some standard home insurance
that covers your project from start to finish. Standard home policies include a vacancy clause stipulating that coverage
insurance is an ongoing policy that protects your completed may be void or limited if the property is unoccupied for an
home and its contents. extended period — typically 30–60 days. This can pose an
Risk profile Site insurance addresses the risks of issue if the homeowners have to temporarily move out.
construction — damage to building materials or liability
claims from injured workers. Standard home insurance • For more information and a self-build insurance
covers common risks like fire, theft and water damage. quote, see: www.selfbuildzone.com

homebuilding.co.uk 23
 R EAL PROJECT
SUSTA I N A BLE S ELF-BUI LD
 WINNER
BEST SELF-BUILD

Sponsored by Self-Build Zone

Duncan and Anaya Bush’s

home may look like just
a series of simple cubes,
but it has been cleverly
constructed to include
sustainable design and
thoughtful landscaping
 t i me l i ne

Plot originally Existing bungalow Watertight Second fix

bought demolished shell completed completed
FEBRUARY 2020 FEBRUARY 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 FEBRUARY 2022

Obtained planning Foundations First fix Moved

permission completed completed in
NOVEMBER 2020 JUNE 2021 NOVEMBER 2021 APRIL 2022

HOMEOWNERS ith their children having left home,

Duncan and Anaya Bush Duncan and Anaya Bush were in a position to move to the
village of Aspley Guise near Woburn in Bedfordshire — an area
LOCATION
they both loved. They initially had ideas of buying a renovation
Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire
project but chose to go all out for a self-build and subsequently
SIZE 180m2 began their search for likely plots.
“We decided to look for bungalows as they often have larger
BUILD ROUTE Self project managed
plots — a garden and inside/out connection was important for
with subcontractors
us,” says Duncan. “Also, we wanted to avoid the conservation
CONSTRUCTION Timber frame, built zones in the area and knew that getting planning for building
to Passivhaus standard on an existing plot would be easier.”
Having found an aging bungalow that was ripe for
BUILD TIME 14 months
demolition, they sold their house to help fund the project and
HOUSE/PLOT COST £450,000 moved into rented accomodation. The couple opted to tackle
the project on two simultaneous fronts — the house build and
BUILD COST House: £650,000;
the landscaping. Given that landscaping is all too often an
Landscaping and driveway: £180,000
afterthought in the housebuilding process, what prompted the
VALUE £1.5m pair to give this aspect equal importance?
“With the wellbeing of the whole space in mind, we wanted
WORDS Seán O’Connell a real connection between inside and outside,” says Duncan.
PHOTOGRAPHY Juliet Murphy “This approach offered practical benefits, too. The land at the
back needed levelling but the house is quite a narrow plot so
once the house was built it would have been difficult to have got
heavy machinery in there.”

FORWARD PLANNING
At the same time as formulating plans for the surrounding land
with Marcus Green Design, Duncan and Anaya were working

“As empty nesters, we viewed this as the chance to

build a home for the next half of our lives”

26 homebuilding.co.uk
R E A L P R O J E C T S U S TA I N A B L E S E L F - B U I L D

homebuilding.co.uk 27
 “We initially considered concrete floors
for the ground floor, for that industrial
look, but we weren’t able to get
assurances that the finish would be as
perfect as we were after,” says Anaya.
“The resin was a compromise, but one
that’s worked out really well.”

closely with Charlie Luxton Design to create a house that met

their exacting demands for space, style and sustainability. “As
empty nesters,” says Duncan, “we viewed this as the chance to
build a home for the next half of our lives — somewhere that
allowed us to have a reset.”
From the off, the project was designed with a view to getting
it through planning. “With a mix of housing types and materials
around, we knew we had some leeway with the style of the
house,” says Duncan. “The main concerns were the size of the
footprint in relation to the bungalow we wanted to demolish
and the ridge height of the surrounding properties. By being
mindful of this and submitting a pre-planning consultation we
achieved planning permission with minimal issues.”
“The visual design aspect was very important to us as we
both like modern architecture and were after a home that
veered away from traditional style,” says Anaya. And the most
glaring example of the couple’s keenness to depart from the
conventional is the shape of the house itself. “The initial spec
that we gave to the architects was that we wanted a wooden box
and Charlie Luxton Design thoughtfully pared it down a little to
give us different levels, with a few of the sharp edges taken off,”
adds Duncan. “Having a flat roof also meant we could have full
height upstairs without going above the ridge line of the houses
around us.”

HANDS-ON INVOLVEMENT
With construction underway, the couple took an active
approach, managing the project themselves with a team of
subcontractors. “Our main jobs were to manage workers,
source materials, keep the site tidy and pay the bills!” says

28 homebuilding.co.uk
R E A L P R O J E C T S U S TA I N A B L E S E L F - B U I L D

homebuilding.co.uk 29
 Duncan. “This approach led to a few grey areas between trades to analyse the balance of heat loss and heat gains. “We specified
but we had a great team who worked together to resolve them.” MBC Timber Frame’s Passivhaus standard frame and insulated
Buying the plot in February 2020 meant Duncan and Anaya raft slab along with triple-glazed doors, windows and rooflights,”
experienced a shortage of materials and a hike in prices during says Duncan. “High levels of thermal performance for all the
the pandemic. Many extra hours were spent researching and built elements – together with Passivhaus levels of airtightness
sourcing alternative materials, which proved a success. “In fact, – meant we were able to forgo the inclusion of central heating
we finished the project before inflation started and so those or underfloor heating. The only way we could feel confident in
prices don’t look so bad now!” says Duncan. taking this approach was by working with an energy consultant
to accurately model building performance.”
ECO-FRIENDLY FEATURES The same thermal modelling enabled them to accurately
As well as great design, sustainability was always at the heart of assess the management of overheating, which was vital
the project. The building was thermally modelled using PHPP considering the large areas of glazing on the southwestern side.

30 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T S U S TA I N A B L E S E L F - B U I L D

Large windows and rooflights

give light throughout the house.
“In fact, we wanted even bigger
windows but we had to scale
this down as the architect was
concerned with the impact of
overheating,” says Duncan.

Energy is mostly generated from a solar array, which is then low-level furniture, minimal architraves and skirting boards – all
stored in a Tesla Powerwall, powering not just the living spaces, of which give a sense of space throughout the house.”
but also an electric vehicle charging point. Other features “There’s also a psychological element to it,” says Duncan. “The
include low-energy lighting and appliances, a solar store for hot soothing white-painted walls (VOC-free paint, of course) and the
water and external solar shading to mitigate overheating. abundance of natural light, connect with our tranquil outdoor
space, and create a calmness that’s really important to us.”
INTERIOR CONSIDERATIONS The couple say that when friends and family visit, the main
The pair put a lot of thought into the interior. “Coming out of our observation is how peaceful it is here. But there’s an even better
previous relationships, we both felt we wanted to declutter our endorsement of the success of this home, as Duncan explains:
lives and create a more minimalistic interior,” says Anaya. “We “Thanks to our MVHR, our air is constantly filtered and when
played with proportions throughout the house – high ceilings, ‘Nani’ comes to visit, she tells us she hardly needs to use her
large internal doors, large windows, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, asthma inhaler.” Now that’s great validation.

homebuilding.co.uk 31
 spotlight on: Passivhaus Pl anning Package
Otherwise known as PHPP, the Passivhaus Planning PHPP modelling may be undertaken by your architect
Package was used to analyse the heat demands of Duncan or a sustainability expert. Alternatively, a consultant
and Anaya’s would-be home — but what exactly is it? will work alongside your architect to make design
PHPP is modelling software developed by the decisions and working assumptions to ensure all aspects
Passivhaus Institute and is used when designing energy- of the spreadsheet have been taken into account, with any
efficient buildings to calculate their operational energy flaws addressed.
use and carbon emissions. The software – based on
Microsoft Excel – can be used to inform the design of WHAT INFORMATION IS INPUT?
both new buildings and energy-efficient renovations and To give the most accurate results, the PHPP usually needs
is the starting point for designing and building a certified the following information:
Passivhaus or EnerPHit home. ● Building description
● Climate data
WHAT DOES IT MEASURE? ● Treated floor areas
PHPP can identify gaps in otherwise energy-efficient ● Ground perimeter ratios and U values of floor
designs, and provides confidence that performance ● Component details e.g. windows and doors
targets will be achieved at the end of the build by ● Proximity of shading (e.g. brise soleil)
closing the gap between predicted energy use and ● Ventilation
actual real-world performance. ● Heating.
To ensure every possibility has been covered, PHPP In addition to the above, overheating calculations,
modelling should be carried out at three key stages: domestic hot water, electricity and auxiliary electricity,
● Early design feasibility Primary Energy value and boiler information will also
● Detailed design stage need accounting for. The Passive House Planning Package
● Technical design stage. costs £204.

32 homebuilding.co.uk
R E A L P R O J E C T S U S TA I N A B L E S E L F - B U I L D

“Upstairs we wanted a large

master suite overlooking the
garden at the rear of the house
with a roof terrace. As it’s just us
two here, this was preferable to
having an extra bedroom that
would be empty most of the time.”

homebuilding.co.uk 33
 R E A L P R O J E C T S U S TA I N A B L E S E L F - B U I L D

“For consistency between the bathrooms we used the

same fittings throughout,” says Anaya. “The concrete-
effect tiles blend in with the rest of the scheme.”

homebuilding.co.uk 35
 t he b u i l d

BEFORE The original bungalow prior to demolition and DEMOLITION The site after demolition — giving access to the
development of the site. garden at the rear of the plot for landscaping.

LANDSCAPING Garden area civilised and hard landscaped FOUNDATION MBC passive foundation – a Passivhaus
before work on the house build begins. certified system – is installed.

FRAME Installation of the MBC timber frame — ready for EXTERNAL The timber frame is cladded, the concrete patio is
windows, rooflights and first fix. laid and the windows and doors are installed.

36 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T S U S TA I N A B L E S E L F - B U I L D

t he p l a ns SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Charlie Luxton Design:
www.charlieluxtondesign.com

INTERIOR DESIGNER Peter Young

Interior Design: www.peteryoungdesign.co.uk
BATHROOM GARDEN DESIGN Marcus Green Design:
www.marcusgreendesign.co.uk
MASTER
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
1 PASSIVE FOUNDATION AND TIMBER
FRAME MBC Timber Frame:
www.mbctimberframe.co.uk
BEDROOM
2 GROUNDWORKS
EN
DRESSING
SUITE Gladstone Construction:
ROOF
TERRACE
ROOM www.gladstone-construction.co.uk

ROOF COVERING Midland Felt Roofing:

www.midroof.co.uk

INTERNORM WINDOWS
FIRST FLOOR AND DOORS At-Eco: www.at-eco.co.uk
VELUX ROOFLIGHTS HessianCole:
www.hessiancole.co.uk

RENEWABLES (PV panels, Tesla battery,

KITCHEN
Sunamp, car charger) AGMS Independent
STUDY
Energy: www.agmsenergy.com;
NILAN MVHR CVC: www.cvcsystems.co.uk

ROOF TERRACE Balguard:

SNUG/
BEDROOM
www.balguard.co.uk
DINING ELECTRICS AND LOXONE
SMARTHOME Wiise: www.wiise.co.uk

PLUMBING AND BATHROOMS Able

Plumbing Solutions: www.ablemk.co.uk
BIN STORE

LIVING
WC
BATHROOM FITTINGS CP Hart:
ROOM UTILITY www.cphart.co.uk

SHOWER CARPENTRY Heath Carpentry:

BIKE STORE
www.heathcarpentry.co.uk

TIMBER CLADDING MillWorks:

GROUND FLOOR www.millworks.co.uk

KITCHEN UNITS/APPLIANCES
Discover Kitchen Interior Design:
www.discoverkitchendesign.co.uk
SELECTED COSTS ELECTRICAL, SMARTHOME, RESIN FLOORING Neo Resin Floors:
RENEWABLES, MVHR £106,000 www.neoresinfloors.co.uk
PRELIMINARIES £21,000
KITCHEN AND UTILITY £30,000 WOODEN FLOORING Havwoods:
GROUNDWORKS INC
www.havwoods.com
DRAINAGE £50,000 PLUMBING AND
BATHROOMS £52,000 GARDEN WALLING Prestige:
FOUNDATION AND TIMBER
www.prestigescaffolding.co.uk
FRAME £140,000 FLOOR, WALL AND CEILING
FINISHES £47,000 CONCRETING/PATIO STEPS
GLAZING £57,000
E P Hayes & Son: www.ep-hayes.co.uk
CARPENTRY AND MATERIALS
ROOFING £31,000
£105,000 DRIVEWAY Phoenix Surfacing:
www.phoenixsurfacing.com

homebuilding.co.uk 37
 W I N N E R
B E S T E X T E N S I O N
S PON S ORE D B Y

ARCHITECT Forest Architecture

LOCATION Christchurch, Dorset

PROJECT Contemporary Extension

BUILD COSTS £400,000

W
hen it came to extending their
family home in Dorset, the owners
of Greenlawns were faced with
a unique challenge. As their property was
positioned adjacent to an angled boundary
hedge, a conventional linear extension simply
wouldn’t suffice. But by collaborating closely
with Forest Architecture, they explored creative
options to create an extension with dynamic
angles and abundant natural light. They
sought to capture views of the garden from
nearly every room, resulting in a cantilevered
design that efficiently shields the property
from the summer sun with exposed brickwork
and beams. Connecting the indoors to the
outdoors was paramount, achieved through a
double-sided chimney breast and seamlessly
extending joists into the cantilever. The choice
of materials – including D71 Peterson brick,
Siberian larch windows and ash flooring –
IMAGES: RICHARD CHIVERS

blends the extension with the main house.

This broken-plan living approach caters to
the family’s needs, allowing for togetherness
and private spaces. The finished extension is
a masterstroke of design, striking a careful
balance between beauty and practicality.

homebuilding.co.uk 39
 W I N N E R
B E S T C O N V E R S I O N
S PON S ORE D B Y

T
ARCHITECT Tyack Architects he owners of Ansell’s Barn sought the history of the buildings by using
to transform several disused locally sourced Cotswold stone and oak
LOCATION Wyck Rissington,
agricultural buildings into a alongside steel, glass and zinc.
Gloucestershire
contemporary, energy-efficient home Not only does the conversion preserve
PROJECT Barn conversion that could house their growing collection the site’s agricultural character, but it
of artwork. To actualise their vision, they also enhances the village green’s views
BUILD COSTS Undisclosed
enlisted the help of Tyack Architects by transforming what was once an
whose H-plan design linked together eyesore into a stunning contemporary
each of the historic cottages – a cart shed house within the conservation area.
and a Dutch barn – with contemporary The finished home has ample space to
glass structures to create an airy and house the owners’ art, plus it also offers
expansive home. This impressive various spaces for living and working
conversion project tastefully references and is a joy to inhabit.
MAIN IMAGE: SIMON FOSTER

before
 W I N N E R
H O M E O F T H E F U T U R E &
R E A D E R ’ S C H O I C E AWA R D
S PON S ORE D B Y

ARCHITECT Greenaway Architecture

LOCATION Northamptonshire

PROJECT New build

BUILD COSTS £820,000

G
reenaway Architecture took the concept of
accessibility to heart when designing this
contemporary five-bedroom home on the grounds of
a Grade II-listed 16th-century farmhouse. The finished home
responds to the challenges of living with motor neurone disease
(MND), providing the occupants with accessible features
for every stage of life — even when their mobility naturally
diminishes. The layout is open, flowing and functional, with
IMAGES: JULIET MURPHY

expansive glazing throughout the property to visually connect

the occupants with the outdoors at all times, whether standing,
sitting or lying down. Occupational therapists and a Professor
of Clinical Neurology & Neuroscience were consulted
throughout the design process.

homebuilding.co.uk 43
 W I N N E R
B E S T I N T E R I O R
S PON S ORE D B Y

ARCHITECT VESP Architects and living space offers abundant natural

light and courtyard garden views.
LOCATION South Devon
“This property gives some serious
PROJECT Class Q Barn Conversion wows, from the soaring black steel
framing, the impressive timber structure
BUILD COSTS Undisclosed
visible internally and the tactile, elegant
larch cladding to the exterior,” praises

T
IMAGES: RICHARD DOWNER

his Class Q barn conversion, judge Sian Astley. “I love the external
located in the beautiful South palette of materials used, complemented
Hams, is a truly remarkable so well inside by the fluted oak kitchen
family home and a fitting tribute to local and refined bathroom specifications.
agricultural architecture. Upon entry, Gorgeously finished and there wasn’t
B E F O R E Higher Dorsley’s double-height kitchen a part of it I didn’t enjoy looking at.”

homebuilding.co.uk 45
 A D V E R TORIA L
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homebuilding.co.uk 47
R EAL PROJECT
EC O R ET R O FI T
 WINNER
BEST GREEN HOME

Sponsored by Internorm Windows UK Ltd

Aline Knowles has restored and

upgraded her 1960s modernist house
to create a highly energy-efficient and
sustainable home of the future
 t i me l i ne

Demolition Damp-proofing Roof work, new purlins, Glazing Internal Bathroom Kitchen/joinery Decoration, internal
and strip-out carried out rafters, insulation installed insulation tiling completed doors, resin floor
FEBRUARY 2021 APRIL 2021 MAY 2021 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 JULY 2021 AUGUST 2021 OCTOBER 2021

Structural First-fix electrics and External wall Ground-floor insulation, Plastering Sanitaryware External render and Project
alterations plumbing, MVHR insulation self-levelling screed throughout installed brickwork complete
MARCH 2021 APRIL 2021 MAY 2021 JUNE 2021 JULY 2021 JULY 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 JANUARY 2022

HOMEOWNER Aline Knowles his house is one of a kind, there’s absolutely nothing
else like it in the area,” says Aline Knowles of the southwest
LOCATION Southwest London
London home she shares with her partner, Ross. “I love the
PROJECT EnerPHit retrofit renovation blocky 1960s Brutalist style, the front balcony and reverse-level
layout, but living with aluminium single-glazing for five years
HOUSE TYPE Detached, three-storey,
meant we froze in the winter months and the windows rattled
four-bedroom 1960s house
whenever a bus drove past.”
SIZE 180m² Built in the garden of a neighbouring property, the
pebble-dashed house was jaded and damp, and it hadn’t been
BUILD ROUTE Builder and
touched for the past 40 years. “My brother’s a sustainability
subcontractors
expert, and introduced me to architect Richard Dudzicki,
BUILD TIME 12 months who’s a certified Passivhaus specialist and founder of RDA
Architects,” explains Aline, who previously trained as an
HOUSE COST £1.7 million
architect herself. “Together, we worked to upgrade the house
BUILD COST £498,000 and make it as energy efficient as possible, while staying true
to the original design.”
VALUE £2.2 million+
IMPROVING THE LAYOUT
WORDS Debbie Jeffery
Built on three storeys, the house has a highly glazed upper
PHOTOGRAPHY Juliet Murphy
living area. “We knocked through the small separate kitchen to
make the top floor completely open plan, then we re-clad the
ceiling in timber to help keep that log cabin feel,” says Aline,
who also replaced the narrow spiral staircase with a more
practical design.
On the middle floor, two cramped back bedrooms were
combined to create a spacious master suite, and two small
bathrooms have been knocked into one to accommodate a bath,
shower and double sink. “Sacrificing one of the five original

“Our biggest challenge was gaining Passivhaus

certification while working with the original house”

50 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T E C O R E T R O F I T

The outside of the building was

re-rendered and repaired to
preserve the original 1960s
Brutalist concrete structure.

homebuilding.co.uk 51
 bedrooms allowed us to have larger rooms and a far more
logical layout,” Aline explains.
“One of the biggest changes is on the ground floor, where
we’ve moved the front door and converted a useless narrow
carport into a multi-purpose entrance and study,” she
continues. “Our architects applied for planning permission for
the external alterations, as we’re in a conservation area.”

REPAIRING THE OLD

After years of enduring cold winters, Aline and Ross felt they
desperately needed to upgrade the overall energy efficiency
of the house. “The project posed greater complexity than
starting from scratch due to the thick reinforced-concrete
walls, resulting in no voids and numerous thermal bridges. We
encountered the challenge of hiding mechanical ventilation
pipework by suspending ceilings,” reflects Aline. “Our
primary hurdle was achieving Passivhaus certification while
refurbishing the existing house and navigating the intricacies
imposed by its solid concrete structure.”
Until the work was underway, the true condition of the
structure was unknown: where pre-stressed areas would be,
and where to create or leave existing openings. The building
needed extensive repair work to address air leakages, thermal
bridges and the resulting dampness, with different products
(SecilTek Isovit E-cork, Thermalime Dry ready-mix plaster
and wood fibre insulation by Steico) used according to the
orientation of each wall. High-performance triple-glazed doors
and windows were installed with internal thermal insulation.
“Following their successful completion of the first UK
Passivhaus Plus retrofit in Manchester, Ecospheric visited
my property, quickly recognising its potential for a similar
transformation. With Kit Knowles’ expertise in Passivhaus
design and sustainability through his consultancy, he was well-
equipped to handle the design and introduced me to Richard of
RDA, who took charge of the architectural aspects.

PRESERVING THE CHARACTER

“We didn’t want to lose that distinctive 1960s look, which we
love,” explains Aline, who moved into rented accommodation
with Ross during the extensive renovation project, employing
a meticulous builder to undertake most of the work. A joiner
recreated much of the original woodwork throughout the
house, including the internal doors, wardrobes, and the unique
walnut kitchen, which replicates the original wooden cabinets
and is teamed with a quartz composite worktop.
“I found inspiration online and in books, especially one on
futuristic architecture, called ‘Inside Utopia’,” says Aline, who
sourced many of the materials and fittings herself, paying close
attention to details such as grout colour for tiles.
“We moved back in from our rented place a little earlier than
expected, but it worked out well because the builders were able
to get quick answers to their questions with us on site.
“It’s surprising just how quiet it is now inside the house,
because of the triple glazing and insulation. It makes an
enormous difference, and the building is so warm and well
insulated that we needed to install external blinds to keep
rooms cool in summer. Instead of demolishing a fascinating
building, we’ve incorporated modern technology to extend its
lifespan by at least another hundred years.”

52 homebuilding.co.uk
R E A L P R O J E C T E C O R E T R O F I T

A joiner was commissioned to

recreate the original woodwork
here and throughout the house.
The bespoke walnut units replicate
the original cabinetry.

homebuilding.co.uk 53
Aline and Ross retained the original
quarry tiles and a timber-lined ceiling,
with new bespoke joinery on the
open-plan upper floor to create a
timeless 1960s-inspired interior. The
doors onto the balcony were widened
and triple glazing installed.
R E A L P R O J E C T E C O R E T R O F I T

homebuilding.co.uk 55
 spotlight on:
A GREEN RENOVATION
Passive houses are energy-efficient homes designed to
maintain a consistent indoor temperature by minimising
energy consumption. They achieve this through exceptional
insulation, airtight construction, high-quality windows,
heat recovery ventilation, and strategic solar gain. These
houses are environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as
they require minimal heating and cooling energy.
“The 1960s windows barely closed, and their aluminium
frames rattled in the wind,” says Aline. “Getting natural
light and heat into the darker lower floors was also an issue,
but we wanted to keep to the original architect’s vision.”
The house was gutted and repairs addressed air leakages,
thermal bridging and damp. RDA Architects added
highly efficient insulation and triple glazing to improve
airtightness and reduce heat loss, with an air source heat
pump, a photovoltaic roof and a high-capacity battery
storage system, to attain the EnerPHit Plus certification.

56 homebuilding.co.uk
A reeded glass divider
between the master bedroom
and en suite provides some
privacy without blocking the
passage of light.

homebuilding.co.uk 57
 R E A L P R O J E C T E C O R E T R O F I T

t he p l a ns SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECT, PROJECT MANAGER
RDA Architects: www.rdauk.com

CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Michael Baigent Orla Kelly:
www.mbok.co.uk

MAIN CONTRACTOR PJS Builds:

www.pjsbuilds.co.uk

PASSIVE HOUSE AND MEP

CONSULTANT Ecospheric:
LIVING/DINING
www.ecospheric.co.uk
EN SUITE BALCONY
BEDROOM QUANTITY SURVEYORS
HALLWAY
Savile Brown: www.savilebrown.com
BEDROOM
KITCHEN AIRTIGHTNESS TEST CONSULTANT
Air Testing Ltd: www.airtestingltd.co.uk
BEDROOM

BATH- LIME RENDER & CLADDING

ROOM SECOND FLOOR AFTER
Mike Wye Ltd: www.mikewye.co.uk:
ALC: www.anglialime.com

FIRST FLOOR AFTER THERMAL BREAKS Farrat:

www.farrat.com
BALCONY LIVING ROOM/
DINING ROOM/ AIRTIGHTNESS PRODUCTS
KITCHEN
Siga: www.siga.swiss

WINDOWS, DOORS, ROOFLIGHTS

BEDROOM BEDROOM
KITCHEN SNT: www.snteurope.com

SCREED Ecomerchant:
www.ecomerchant.co.uk
WC
BEDROOM BEDROOM SECOND FLOOR BEFORE KITCHEN, JOINERY, FURNITURE
EN SUITE Scandinavian Trading:
www.scandinaviantrading.co.uk

FIRST FLOOR BEFORE SELECTED COSTS RESIN FLOORS Senso: www.senso.com

DEMOLITION £13,000 JOSKO WINDOWS SNT:
www.snteurope.com
GLAZING £38,000
HEAT PUMP Mitsubishi:
STEEL BANISTER £3,000
www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk
UTILITY
BEDROOM BATHROOM REEDED
MECHANICAL VENTILATION
GLASS £950
PLANT
Zehnder: www.zehnder.co.uk
ROOM DOUBLE DOORS £7,800
TRINA SOLAR PV PANELS
LOBBY STUDIO
BATHROOMS £10,000 Installed by The Little Green Energy
Company: www.tlgec.co.uk
QUARRY TILE REPAIR
GROUND FLOOR AFTER
£2,000 LIGHTING MSLD Light Design:
www.mslightingdesign.co.uk
VENTILATION SYSTEM
£10,000 WATER CONSERVATION FITTINGS
UTILITY BEDROOM Crosswater: www.crosswater.co.uk
HEAT PUMP MIXERGY
TANK £2,000 SANITARYWARE Kaldewei:
www.kaldewei.co.uk; Lusso Stone:
TESLA POWER WALL
www.lussostone.com
CARPORT
GARAGE
£9,790
UNISTONE WORKTOP
LIGHTING £32,000
Brachot: www.brachot.com
GROUND FLOOR BEFORE RESIN FLOOR £10,000

homebuilding.co.uk 59
 R EAL PROJECT
SP I R I T O F S ELF-BUI LD

When builder Roxy Woodfield constructed her oak-framed cottage,

she called on her years of experience working on site with her father

60 homebuilding.co.uk
 WINNER
SPIRIT OF SELF-BUILD
R E A L P R O J E C T S P I R I T O F S E L F - B U I L D

WORK ON THE EDGE

Roxy installed the unusual chestnut fence and planted a
native hedge around her plot, working with her father
to build the detached timber-framed garage — clad in
larch boarding to match the house. Across the whole
site, landscaping has been implemented to support
biodiversity with hedges, wide grass verges, new trees and
wildflowers. If the barn isn’t needed, it can be dismantled
piece by piece and reused.

homebuilding.co.uk 63
 t i me l i ne

Plans Work started Fit

submitted on site out
OCTOBER 2016 MAY 2021 APRIL 2022

Planning Shell of House

permission granted house finished completed
AUG 2017 MARCH 2022 JUNE 2022

HOMEOWNER Roxy Woodfield oxy Woodfield was brought up on building

sites, working alongside her father during school holidays, so it
PROFESSION Builder
was only natural she would eventually join the family business
PROJECT New build and become a builder herself. “When my parents gained
planning permission for a small development of oak-framed
HOUSE TYPE Detached two-storey,
houses on their land, I was over the moon to be gifted one of the
two-bedroom house
plots, on which I could build my own home,” she says.
SIZE 112m2 Roxy’s parents appointed local oak framing specialists
Border Oak and the bespoke oak frame building company
LOCATION Herefordshire
designed the houses and applied for planning consent on
BUILD ROUTE Oak framing company, the couple’s Herefordshire grazing field, located on the edge
DIY and subcontractors of a village overlooking open countryside and allocated for
development in the Neighbourhood Plan.
BUILD TIME Ten months

PLOT COST Gifted — value £125,000 SETTING THE SCENE

All nine houses on the small, award-winning development were
BUILD COST £200,000
designed to complement one another as well as the existing listed
CURRENT VALUE £410,000+ farmhouse next door. “We were delighted to be trusted to create
something different, mixing traditional and contemporary
WORDS Debbie Jeffery
vernacular references, providing a wide range of styles, sizes and
PHOTOGRAPHY Jeremy Phillips
contract options, with sustainability and biodiversity woven
throughout,” says Border Oak creative director, Merry Albright,
whose father originally started the company in 1980. “Our oak
frames are beautiful because they’re made by hand. I love walking
around the workshop and seeing them being crafted.”
Roxy’s parents kindly gifted a large piece of ground to
the village for their community green, enhancing a public
footpath through the site and they also planted hundreds of

“When I work on building sites, people still ask for

the man. They assume I’m not strong enough”

64 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T S P I R I T O F S E L F - B U I L D

Dramatic anthracite cabinets and

oak worktops offer a striking
contrast to the pale walls and
huge limestone flagstones in the
open-plan kitchen. Underfloor
heating, powered by an air
source heat pump, has been laid
throughout the house.
 metres of native hedges, together with trees and wildflowers.
The houses themselves combine a broad palette of natural
materials, including green oak, timber cladding, slate, clay
tiles, bricks and render.

GETTING INVOLVED
During her self-build, Roxy continued living next door to the plot
with her parents, in the traditional farmhouse where she had
grown up since the age of eleven. In addition to her building work,
Roxy trains every evening for triathlons and has represented
Great Britain, completing long-distance Ironman challenges and
travelling all over the world.
She was keen to be as involved in her own building project as
possible and to undertake much of the physical work herself .
“When I work on building sites, people still ask for the man,”
she laughs. “They assume I’m not strong enough to carry heavy
materials and are often surprised to watch me climb up onto the
roof to lay tiles.”
Working alongside her father, Roxy tackled pretty much
everything on site, apart from the carpentry, plastering and
painting. She also drove the digger for the foundations, which
she completed to floor level and helped to build the brick plinth
ready to take her oak frame.
“Border Oak put up the frame, which was later cleaned using
oxalic acid. They also supplied the SIPs (structured insulated
panels) encapsulation system as part of their package. Then I
installed the masses of further insulation, which was taped for The compact house has been designed
to maximise the sense of space, with an
airtightness and not much fun to do!” open-plan kitchen/dining/living area
Glazed units for the oak frame were manufactured by a local on the ground floor.
company, who spray painted the frames anthracite grey prior to
delivery, and Roxy then helped to install doors and windows on
site. She also took charge of covering the roof with membrane and
Spanish slates — which she says was probably one of her favourite
jobs on the entire build.
Super insulated as well as being virtually airtight, the
house is built from natural, minimally processed and
sustainable materials. Roxy used local suppliers and materials
throughout the property. She also ensured that the house has a
low-energy demand and is naturally lit and heated — with an air
source heat pump.

A THOUGHTFUL LAYOUT
The front façade of the two-storey home was designed to
resemble a small barn or agricultural building. It’s clad in vertical
larch boarding, which was stained by Roxy. The rear of the
property incorporates a glazed oak-framed wing. This draws
light into the house, serving as a striking vaulted living area,
which opens into the kitchen and dining space.
“We avoided having a closed-off hallway and instead chose to
install the stairs leading up from my open-plan living area,” says
Roxy. Upstairs, the roofline is 1.5 metres above floor level with
rooflights bringing in additional light.
“This is such a bright house and the oak frame makes it very
special inside, with the vaulted spaces and exposed timbers,”
says Roxy. “I’ve been really lucky to have been given the chance
to build my own home here — all thanks to my parents, who
gifted me the plot and paid for my oak frame. It’s been a fantastic
experience working on site with my dad and I couldn’t be any
happier with the end result.”

66 homebuilding.co.uk
Forming a vaulted living area
to the rear, the glazed oak-
framed wing opens onto a low-
maintenance Indian sandstone
terrace. Planning required a low
ridge line, meaning the rooms
upstairs are in the roof space.
Stairs lead up from
the living area to two
bedrooms, a bathroom
and storage cupboard.
The ground floor has no
thresholds or steps and
has minimal doors and
walls, making it easy to
navigate by wheelchair,
and the office could be
used as an accessible
bedroom beside the wet
room if required.
 R E A L P R O J E C T S P I R I T O F S E L F - B U I L D

Featuring the exposed

Border Oak frame, the
vaulted main bedroom
was designed with
under-eaves storage to
maximise space.

homebuilding.co.uk 69
 t h e p l ans
SUPPLIERS
OAK FRAME, SIPS PANELS
Border Oak: www.borderoak.com

BUILDING CONTRACTOR
J S Woodfield Ltd: 01568 780280
CUPBOARD BATHROOM WINDOWS, ENTRANCE DOOR
Browns Joinery:
www.brownsjoineryltd.co.uk

DEL CARMEN SPANISH ROOF

BEDROOM 1
SLATES Huws Gray:
BATHROOM 2
www.huwsgray.co.uk

BRICKS ET Clay Products Ltd:

www.etbricks.com

LARCH BOARDING Bennetts Timber:

www.bennettstimber.co.uk
FIRST FLOOR
LIMESTONE FLAGSTONES White
Hall Flagstones: www.white-hall.co.uk
KITCHEN, INTERNAL DOORS
Howdens: www.howdens.com

SANITARYWARE ASE:
www.ase-supplies.co.uk

HEATING, AIR SOURCE

HEAT PUMP Grange Heating
KITCHEN/DINER
OFFICE and Plumbing Services:
WET ROOM
www.grangeheating.co.uk

TILES Tile Giant: www.tilegiant.co.uk

INDIAN FLAGSTONES
Ludlow Salvage: 07805 312168
UTILITY
LIVING SPACE BUILD COSTS
CONCRETE PILES, SLAB,
RETAINING WALLS
AND DRAINS £50,000

GROUND FLOOR SIPS PANELS AND OAK FRAME

£39,700

LARCH CLADDING £7,500

WINDOWS £24,000

ELECTRICS £18,200
THE DETAILS
The ground floor PLUMBING, HEATING,
wet room – with
AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP
its expansive
walk-in shower – £24,000
was meticulously
BATHROOMS £16,400
tiled by Roxy.
KITCHEN AND INTERNAL
JOINERY £28,000

TOTAL £207,800
 W I N N E R
B E S T R E N O VAT I O N

W
ARCHITECT Woodrow Vizor oodrow Vizor worked privacy. Birch plywood doors open
closely with the owners of to reveal a hideaway home study
LOCATION Richmond, London
Sheen Park to transform showcasing the client’s design prowess.
PROJECT Renovation and extension their deteriorating 1940s semi-detached Upstairs, an attic conversion and dormer
property into a modern family home installation create a master en-suite
BUILD COSTS £270,000
that showcases their sense of creativity. bedroom whose design enhances the
Crafted by the clients, one of whom is a sense of space, making the attic feel
product designer, the finished house is a grander. The first-floor hallway is also
fusion of artistry and functionality. expanded, prioritising light and volume.
At its heart lies an open-plan kitchen, The renovation included the addition of
living and dining area with a 7m clear top-to-bottom insulation. The existing
span timber-frame extension. The cavity walls remain accessible externally
rear elevation is divided into distinct for potential future upgrades, making
sections, offering comfort and partial this a home for a lifetime.
IMAGES: ADAM SCOTT

B E F O R E
 W I N N E R
B E S T VA L U E H O M E

ARCHITECT Rees Architects

LOCATION Leytonstone, London

PROJECT Loft extension

BUILD COSTS £130,000

T
his Victorian property in
Leytonstone, east London, posed
an intriguing challenge for its
owners, who sought to expand the
footprint of their two-storey, two-
bedroom home despite having limited
space. So they enlisted Rees Architects
to expand their property ‘up’ rather
than ‘out’. The finished loft conversion
is a triumph, utilising every inch of
available space to create a spacious
master bedroom with an en suite and
an additional bedroom in the loft.
Judge Sian Astley commends the
project, stating, “This inspiring and
spacious loft extension is a breath of Judge Darren Bray also applauds can be achieved with a limited budget
fresh air, defying the typical cramped the project’s ingenious use of space, and great vision. The interior is quite
IMAGES: CHRIS SNOOK

spaces found in loft conversions. It stating: “This is the classic minimal beautiful, a range of tones have been
brilliantly combines functionality with existence space masterclass, where the chosen to set each space with a different
adventurous use of colour and materials. client and architect have combined to atmosphere, that leads you through a
And the Regupol acoustic flooring has squeeze every last drop out of a very series of intimate spaces vertically
proved a game-changer.” simple house. This just shows what from ground to roof space.”

homebuilding.co.uk 75
 W I N N E R
B E S T C O N T E M P O R A RY H O M E
S PON S ORE D B Y

ARCHITECT Blee Halligan

LOCATION Duffield, Derbyshire

PROJECT Contemporary new build

BUILD COSTS £1.21m

T
aking its inspiration from the historic
18th-century red-brick cotton mills
that still abound in the surrounding
Derwent Valley area, this family home
harnesses an architecture that is bold and
purposeful. “The house is a masterclass of
restraint and rigour, both externally and
internally — the detailing is exquisite, it
shows just what can be delivered with a
highly experienced architect,” says judge
Darren Bray of Studio B.A.D. Architects.
“It’s a modest piece of architecture, as it sits
in the street scene very quietly, almost not
announcing its presence to its neighbours
and that’s always the mark of a successful
piece of architecture.”
Meanwhile the interior is a treasure
IMAGE: HENRY WOIDE

trove of playful surprises, including a semi-

secret stairwell that leads up to a gallery
overlooking a stunning double-height space,
which is topped with a circular sundial
rooflight that projects the passage of the day
onto whitewashed timber walls.

homebuilding.co.uk 77
 AD V ERTORIA L

The
home
of your
dreams
With just under 25 years of
experience in bespoke oak
frame buildings, Oakwrights
are the ideal provider for
custom builds — the newest
and simplest way to create
that perfect home you’ve Some of the self-builders of Webbs Meadow — Oakwrights’
award-winning custom build development in Herefordshire.
always wanted

W
HAT IS A CUSTOM BUILD HOUSE? Spring Grove Meadow
Self-building can be daunting. A custom build home
simplifies the process: planning permission is already
approved for your plot and mains services and utilities are part of the
package. Simply put, a custom build house removes risk and stress at
the beginning of the project, leaving you to concentrate on your home’s
design and layout with as much or as little input from the Oakwrights
team – and their trusted industry professionals – as you desire.

WHY CHOOSE A CUSTOM BUILD HOUSE?

Custom builds are attracting more people than ever before. Even if Webbs Meadow
you’ve never even considered self-building, but you’re frustrated with
the existing property market and you don’t want to make concessions,
designing and building your own home is not only achievable, it’s the
best possible outcome!
Additionally, a custom build gives you the creative freedom to realise
the home you’ve always dreamed of — with the peace of mind a serviced
plot and project management team can provide. After all, a house is
the biggest investment of your life. As such, it makes no sense that you
OAKWRIGHTS PLOTS FOR SALE!
shouldn’t be at the centre of decision making and having the flexibility Oakwrights have three plots
to create what you want rather than having to tolerate something that’s available on Webbs Meadow
already been decided for you. There is nothing like living in a home you (above), the award-winning
have designed for your very own lifestyle. development in the village of
Lyonshall, Herefordshire. Spring
Grove Meadow (top) has a single
HOW MUCH INPUT WOULD I HAVE? remaining plot of 1183m2, currently
You can choose the scale of how much you want to be involved in terms with planning permission for a
of everything required for your custom build relating to designs and three-bedroom Plough Farm design
from Oakwrights’ Farmhouse range.
project management. Or you can leave your house build in the hands • For more info: www.oakwrights.
of the Oakwrights team of trusted professionals with a turnkey service. co.uk/plots-for-sale
The choice of how much you want to get involved is up to you.

homebuilding.co.uk 79
 R EAL PROJECT
C U S T O M BUI LD

Webbs Meadow leads the way in championing a new era of bespoke

homes, fostering a vibrant neighbourly spirit along the way
 WINNER
BEST CUSTOM BUILD
 insey Hern’s family had worked the land
in Lyonshall, Herefordshire for generations. Little wonder
HOMEOWNERS 13 new homeowners the farmer-landowner felt a special connection with the area.
LOCATION Lyonshall, Herefordshire When it came to diversifying his farm, Kinsey wanted to
contribute to the long-term sustainability of his local village. So
PROJECT Oak frame and encapsulation he earmarked a small amount of land for development to build
by Oakwrights an attractive group of 13 custom-build houses.
BUILD ROUTE Custom build Lyonshall is what is known locally as a 'black and white'
village. This is because many of its houses’ oak frames are
WORDS Gabriella Dyson painted black in contrast to their white rendering. Because
PHOTOS Mark Watts of this, it made sense for Kinsey to continue this tradition by
partnering with Oakwrights, which has been building oak frame
homes for 25 years.
“Custom-built homes allow homeowners to design their
house around their life, not the other way around,” says
James Buchanan, head of custom build at Oakwrights,
who were tasked with the design and construction of the
development. “The Lyonshall site is a living embodiment of
this philosophy, with plots tailored to the homeowners’ unique
visions and lifestyles.”

A TRULY FLEXIBLE APPROACH

“Our experience and knowledge of trades in the area means we
were able to put our clients in touch with local suppliers, for
example,” James adds. “We worked in tandem with one main
builder on the majority of the houses. Homes are futureproofed
in different ways, such as having downstairs bedrooms or master
suite bedrooms, so essentials are at hand, if ever needed.”
If a homeowner sought a handmade kitchen or simply
wanted to be put in touch with a local kitchen provider,
Oakwrights would accommodate that. Similarly, when one
homeowner sought to design his dining room around a
particularly large farmhouse table, the team were able to assist.
“Sometimes, this meant revising approved plans on behalf of
homeowners,” explains James. “Financial institutions might
question why changes are being made when the initial design
is already approved. But our experience allows us to guide each
homeowner through this tricky process and come out the other
side with the property they envisage.”
This bespoke approach appealed to homeowners Karen
and Simon Jones, who had met the Oakwrights team at the
Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC. “The plot we
found really clinched the deal for us, along with having the
flexibility to amend the existing design,” they say.
Fellow resident, Caroline Clout, echoes this sentiment:

82 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T C U S T O M B U I L D

Webbs Meadow is a custom build development in

north Herefordshire made up of 13 new homes that
came with ‘plot passports’. All homeowners chose
to go back into planning to get the house design they
wanted. This included adding a sunroom, rooflights
and changing an external finish.

homebuilding.co.uk 83
 Owner Caroline decided to project-manage the build
of her single-storey oak frame home herself. Her
eye for design is also evident on the opposite page.

“Building your own home is no doubt a challenge. But living in With plans to revive the historic local pub – The Royal George
a home you have designed for your own lifestyle, with the most – as well as introducing a café, soft play and onsite farm shop,
up-to-date features, means the living environment, on a day-to- the residents have the option to become part of a community.
day basis, is wonderful.” Shared pathways, community gardens, and the thoughtful
placement of plots mean that residents are more likely to cross
PLOT PASSPORTS paths, leading to organic conversations and strengthened
Key to the success of Webbs Meadow is the concept of individual neighbourly ties.
‘plot passports’, which are essentially guidelines of the type “We absolutely love our home and really enjoy life here at
of permissible external materials on (at the time, unbuilt) Webbs Meadow,” say residents Judy and Arnoud. “Our little
neighbouring houses. It’s also possible to changed the size and community of self-builders is so friendly and helpful. We
scale of the house. Here, the oak frame homes are a mixture of have a garden club, we meet for coffee and enjoy watching our
traditional, brick, larch-clad and rendered homes. neighbours complete their projects. We have integrated into
“With custom builds, if you’re buying an unbuilt plot, you the local community and life is as busy as ever with family
might not know what your neighbour’s house will look like,” moving closer to us, too.”
explains James. By introducing the concept of a ‘passport’,
Oakwrights were able to ensure cohesion and prevent any SUSTAINABILITY AT ITS HEART
stark design contrasts between neighbouring properties. The Another critical aspect of the development is its commitment to
concept aims to moderate any extremely unconventional ideas, sustainability. The houses aren’t just custom in design, but also in
while providing homeowners with the flexibility to weave their their approach to environmental responsibility. The very ethos
own ideas into the fabric of the community. “The focus isn’t on of bespoke build – creating homes tailored to individual needs –
restrictions, but rather setting the stage for creativity,” he says. means less wastage, more efficient use of materials and
The development isn’t merely a collection of custom houses. a long-term vision.

84 homebuilding.co.uk
R E A L P R O J E C T C U S T O M B U I L D

homebuilding.co.uk 85
 From native tree plantings to natural water run-offs, there LEADING THE WAY
is a palpable respect for the environment. There was an initial Simon and
proposal to introduce natural gas but instead, air source heat Karen are the
Webbs Meadow
pumps were installed in all 13 homes, as well as solar panels pioneers, being
on a number of properties. Similarly, Oakwrights manufacture the first to build
their thermally efficient panel systems in-house, ensuring on the new
optimal insulation and airtightness for each of their homes. development.
Futureproofing was catered for, too, with many homeowners Their 183m2 home
took around 9-10
requesting features like in-built space for home lifts or ground- months to build.
floor bedrooms, anticipating mobility challenges in later life. That time was
“challenging but
BLUEPRINT FOR THE SUCCESS fun,” says Simon.
Following the success of this first phase of homes at Webbs They then enjoyed
watching the site
Meadow, a second phase of homes at the Lyonshall site is evolve as those
currently underway. Dubbed ‘Webbs Meadow 2’ this phase who became
promises to expand on the same high quality and distinctive their neighbours
homes that have set the gold standard for custom developments. began populating
With an increasingly strained UK housing market, the Webbs Meadow.
success of both Webbs Meadows’ Oakwrights’ projects may
well serve as an inspiration for future housing developments.
Custom-built housing offers a blueprint for a future where
homeowners have more agency over their living spaces and
where communities are built with intention and purpose.
“At the end of the day, a house is more than just bricks and
mortar,” says James. “It’s a space where memories are made,
families grow, and communities thrive. And at Lyonshall, we’ve
laid the groundwork for all of that to happen.”

86 homebuilding.co.uk
R E A L P R O J E C T C U S T O M B U I L D
 R E A L P R O J E C T C U S T O M B U I L D

Judy and Arnoud opted for Oakwrights’ full turnkey easy movement between ‘rooms’ while retaining space for
service to get their ideal farmhouse-style home. The couple bookshelves and artwork. They went back into planning to
chose to have a semi open-plan ground floor to allow for add a sunroom with doors opening into their garden.

homebuilding.co.uk 89
 S H ORT L I STE D

SHORTLISTED: CUSTOM BUILD

ARCHITECT HB Architects of Rugby/BoBen Construction

LOCATION Rugby, Warwickshire

PROJECT Custom development

BUILD COSTS Undisclosed
Bilton Fields is a custom development comprising 10 luxury
homes, each expertly designed and built using a materials
palette of zinc roofing, charred kebony timber cladding,
farmhouse brickwork and expansive glazing. The properties
blend the comforts of modern living with rural aesthetics and
offer a personalised experience whereby buyers can customise
their kitchens, bathrooms and choice of flooring to suit their
own unique tastes and lifestyle. Bilton Fields’ emphasis on
indoor-outdoor living is evident through the use of floor-to-
ceiling glazing, while energy-efficient underfloor heating,
IMAGE: (TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT) RICHARD DOWNER

woodburners and en-suite bathrooms all enhance comfort

throughout these homes.

92 homebuilding.co.uk
SHORTLISTED: INTERIORS

ARCHITECT VESP Architects

LOCATION Carmarthenshire

PROJECT Renovation
BUILD COSTS £55,000

When the owners of Brynglas Cottage

inherited this century-old stone retreat
in the Cambrian Mountains, they
initially considered selling it. However,
they fell in love with its unique charm
and embarked on a comprehensive
renovation project. Initial cosmetic
changes quickly grew into a complete
overhaul. The renovation maintained
the cottage’s character and heritage
without seeking to excessively
modernise it. Key improvements
included brightening the living/
dining room, updating the kitchen
with efficient infrared heating panels,
renovating the bathroom, reconfiguring
upstairs spaces and replacing windows
and doors. Their selection of furniture
blends budget-conscious choices with
upcycled and antique items, preserving
the rustic charm of the Welsh cottage.

homebuilding.co.uk 93
 S H ORT L I STE D

SHORTLISTED: INTERIORS

ARCHITECT OB Architecture

LOCATION Farnham, Surrey

PROJECT Contemporary new build

BUILD COSTS Undisclosed

This striking house feels like it has been plucked

straight from the silver screen. Designed to
embrace the surrounding woodland views,
the focal point of this impressive home is its
spacious double-height kitchen/dining area,
which offers captivating treetop views through
a double-storey glazed opening.
“This is the house I imagine the modern-
day Bond going home to,” remarks judge Sian
Astley. “Thrillingly moody and mysterious,
an interior with uncompromisingly strong
IMAGE: BRETT CHARLES

decisions and bold finishes. Impeccable sharp

edges are softened by the introduction of
natural timber, while shadows dance around as
the day unfolds. Fabulous.”
Treetops has an array of impressive
amenities, including a home cinema, a study,
a meditation room and a spa that opens to
a swimming pool and tennis court. Clever
internal planning ensures fluid movement
between spaces while maintaining a sense of
intimacy in areas such as the sunken lounge and
the bedrooms. Extensive glass panels adorn the
rear of the property, complemented by iroko
timber panelling both inside and out, providing
a connection to nature.

94 homebuilding.co.uk
 S H O R T L I S T E D

SHORTLISTED: SELF-BUILD countryside of Thurgoland in Barnsley the sleek, smooth interior. Protected from
lives up to the hype. After developing the the elements by its high-performance
ARCHITECT HEM Architects
design and taking the project through to building envelope, the house – along with
LOCATION Barnsley, South Yorkshire the planning stage, the owner called in an accompanying weaving studio – has
HEM Architects to develop the design and been built into the hillside to limit its
PROJECT Contemporary self-build
support her through the construction of a impact on neighbouring views, yet its
BUILD COSTS £780,000 high-performance, contemporary home. two-storey glazed façade still offers

IMAGE: DUG WILDERS

The visual highlights of this stunning impressive valley views. All of which
Summed up by its architects as a ‘unique home include a handcrafted sandstone proves that mid-century aesthetic and
and modern Passivhaus set into a steep spine that forms the centrepiece of the ultra-high performance can comfortably
and sloping site’, this self-build in the house, providing a textured contrast with live side by side.

homebuilding.co.uk 95
 S H O R T L I S T E D

SHOR T LI STE D
IMAGE: DAVID VALINSKY

SHORTLISTED: GREEN designing and building a sustainable family home

that prioritises thermal comfort. The project –
ARCHITECT MAP Architecture/
spearheaded by MAP Architecture alongside Jon
Jon Broome Architects
Broome Architects – involved replacing the existing
LOCATION Suffolk dwelling with a 3,088sq ft innovative structure,
navigating the challenges of flood-resilient
PROJECT Green new build
construction and stringent planning regulations
BUILD COSTS £1.95m in a sensitive location. Innovative green features
include a ‘floating’ green roof, a pneumatic lift and
This extraordinary cabin-like home nestled in off-grid energy systems. The project adheres to
the Suffolk Broads RAMSAR-designated wetland Passivhaus standards with exceptional insulation,
pays homage to nature. At its heart, Creek triple-glazing and good airtightness. On-site PVs, a
Cabin represents an environmentally conscious biomass boiler and locally sourced woodchips also
approach to architecture, with a primary goal of help ensure this beautiful home is self-sufficient.

homebuilding.co.uk 97
 S H O R T L I S T E D

S HOR T L I STE D

SHORTLISTED: RENOVATION

ARCHITECT Adrian James Architects

LOCATION Nr Woodstock, The Cotswolds

PROJECT Renovation and extension

BUILD COSTS £1.2m

Situated in a picturesque Cotswolds village, Zion’s Hill has

undergone a remarkable transformation in the hands of Adrian
James Architects. The existing structure – a blend of two 18th-
century stone cottages and a 1950s extension – was outdated and
disjointed. Rather than demolish it, the architect opted for a radical
retrofit, respecting the home’s history while bringing it into the
modern era. The result is a design that sets up conversation rather
than confrontation between the old and the new. And the new is
now as much in tune with the natural setting and natural order as
the old. Where once the stone was gathered from the field to create
the walls of the shelter, it is now quarried and honed by machine, but
the house uses technology to ensure a smaller carbon footprint than
ever, despite the hugely enhanced levels of comfort it creates for
the occupier. This house sets a new paradigm for the sensitive but
radical retrofit of houses reducing their carbon footprint.

homebuilding.co.uk 99
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homebuilding.co.uk 101
 EX P ER T A D V ICE

10 steps to

How do you filter out the cowboys to ensure your project is in safe hands?
Our 10-step guide will show you how to secure a competent contractor
who will do your scheme justice

T
he people you hire Seek recommendations
to undertake your When it comes to basic due diligence,
project will not nothing beats recommendations from
only determine how those you trust. “Word-of-mouth is the
smoothly it runs, best route to finding a good builder,” says
but the quality of the finish, too. Ben Lee of Vita Architecture. “Your architect or
So sourcing the right team is engineer will likely have recommendations, but
JENNIFER pivotal in ensuring your vision reach out beyond to friends, family and neighbours
GRIMBLE
Is a property
is successfully brought to life. to get an array of choices.” Remember, references
writer who loves Especially given the current are subjective so be sure to ask questions. For
mid-century supply-and-demand imbalance, example, were there any issues and, if so, how were
modern design. finding a competent tradesperson they dealt with? “The most important consideration
with relevant experience can be a is whether a tradesperson has plenty of relevant
tricky task, so where should you experience to work on your project,” says Carl
start? Here, we share 10 straight- Goulding of MyBuilder.com. “Ideally, they will be
forward steps to weeding out the a local specialist who has built similar structures
cowboys and securing the right before, using similar materials and to a comparable
contractor for your project. timescale and budget.”

102 homebuilding.co.uk
 When sourcing a
contractor, ensure
they are suitable for
the task at hand.
For example, if you’re
after a modern,
timber frame home,
check your would-
be contractor has
experience of building
this style of house.

ASK FOR INFO Utilise online

Suppliers and
manufacturers
resources
tend to have a list For a successful scheme,
of recommended research is key. Check
contractors, out a contractor’s website
so don’t be to view their case studies and read
afraid to ask.
customer feedback on review sites
For example,
if you are and local forums plus websites like
installing large Checkatrade and Rated People. “Read
or challenging magazines and architecture journals to
glazing pieces find contractors who have completed
and the supplier
successful schemes,” suggests Nicky
doesn’t offer
IMAGES: (ABOVE) SIMON MAXWELL; (RIGHT) FUTURE

installation, Kirk of Nicholas Kirk Architects. The

ask their advice Federation of Master Builders also has
about competent an excellent search tool, allowing you to
trades. Are find professionally vetted contractors
specialist skills
operating locally. “Utilise Companies
required for
a successful House to see whether the firm is well
installation? established,” suggests Stephen Butt of
Lendel Stephens. “Their records will
ascertain how long they’ve been in
business and the number of people
on their payroll.”

homebuilding.co.uk 103
 Draw up a
shortlist and
interview them
Meeting prospective builders
face-to-face is the only way
to determine whether they’re the right
choice. Obtain quotes from around three
builders and meet them in person to get
a sense of their character. “Builders tend
to advise you how to do things based on
their typical way of working,” says Ben
Powell of Studio Manifest. “Don’t be
afraid to ask questions and get a second
opinion.” As for what to ask, identify
whether they have completed many
similar jobs and if they offer a warranty
for their work. Do they have a trusted
team of trades to work on specific
aspects of the build and will they return
to fix any issues? Finally, would they be
happy to take on the principal contractor
role? “The law requires someone to
take responsibility for on-site health
and safety,” says Ben Lee. “Competent Visit the current scheme of a builder
contractors will take this on without to check whether the quality of work
blinking an eye. If not, alarm bells meets your own standards.
should ring.”

Try to use a local architect — they will have knowledge of the local Compare like for like
planning system and should also know the quality contractors As well as meeting your
operating in your area and will help you through the tender process. shortlisted contractors, you’ll
also need to dissect their quotes.
“Obtaining quotes from several
contractors typically makes the process
more competitive and better value for you,”
says Ben Lee. “If you decide to go with
one, consider hiring a quantity surveyor.
They’ll develop an independent cost plan, so
you’ll know whether your chosen builder is
charging you reasonably.” You should also
ensure you’re comparing like-for-like.
A builder might come in significantly
cheaper, but have they priced for the
same work? “Check what’s excluded from
each quote, as this can change the price
significantly. A good architect will do this
IMAGES: (LEFT) ADAM CARTER; (ABOVE) SIMON MAXWELL

for you,” says Sara Moody of Shacklewell

Architects. Consider the amount of detail
each builder has provided in their quote.
The more thorough it is, the better. “Most
fallouts happen due to miscommunication,
so if your builder is transparent from
the outset, highlighting everything they
are going to deliver, there’s less risk of
interpretation,” says Ben Lee. For this
reason, the best way to ensure the quotes
you receive are comparable is to create an
exhaustive tender pack.

104 homebuilding.co.uk
 Visit a past project
and meet the
homeowners
Builders are only as
good as their latest
job, so you’ll want to ensure
their most recent work is
up to scratch. “We always
recommend viewing previous
projects and speaking to
the clients directly,” says
Stephen Butt. “Would you
be happy with a similar
standard of workmanship?”
Any competent contractor
will be willing to introduce
you to a current or past client.
If they’re reluctant, it could
be a red flag. When meeting
the homeowners, ask them
whether the builder was
punctual, communicative
Avoid peak times and honest. Was the work
Great builders are usually busy with back-to-back jobs. While completed on time and to
delaying your scheme to wait for a contractor can be frustrating, budget? “If it ran over, was the
busy trades are generally worth waiting for. Spring and summer
tend to be the busiest periods for contractors, so avoiding these delay due to a genuine reason?”
times could get you a competent builder faster. “We recommend completing asks Nicky Kirk. “Also,
the design work in November or December,” says Sara Moody. “January is a establish when they required
peak time for architects, as homeowners spend Christmas planning home
improvements. By starting a month or two ahead of the rest, you’ll be front of payment. Hopefully, it was
the queue to get a top-quality builder, before the spring and summer rush.” after the work was completed.”

Cross the Is and dot the Ts VAT registered. If they’re not, they’re either a new start-
Contractual arrangements and insurance are up, or not very busy,” says Ben Lee. Finally, a building
a vital part of any building project. “A good contract will protect you should anything go wrong. “It’s
contractor should have sufficient insurance important to understand the content of your contract,”
cover for the project, but you’ll also need says Nicky Kirk. “Check what the arrangement is going
to notify your home insurer in advance,” advises to be and what level of information they would require to
Ben Powell. All builders should have public liability undertake the work. Any variations during construction
insurance, too, to compensate for accidents. “Jobs over will incur costs, so it’s important to have definitive
the £85,000 VAT threshold require the builders to be construction and design information in place.”

Enlist an ensuring every detail is precisely builders, which could make the task
architect executed. “An architect can provide an much easier. “An architect will guide you
Having a qualified architect informed opinion, based on experience, through the complex process, making
on board won’t just ensure as to whether the contractor is a good you aware of things the builder isn’t
your home is immaculately fit for your project,” says Stephen Butt. aware of, and can also be invaluable in
designed, but it will also mean you Additionally, your architect will have translating complex building jargon,”
have an experienced professional worked with several tried-and-tested Ben Powell advises.

homebuilding.co.uk 105
 E X P E R T A D V I C E F I N D I N G A B U I L D E R

Aim for them to account. “Hiring a builder also prove invaluable if anything were
accreditations who is part of a national alliance, to go wrong. “If, in the worst-case
Builders with professional such as the Federation of Master scenario, you happen to fall out with
accreditations have been Builders, is a great way of ensuring that your contractor, there’s typically a route
thoroughly vetted by an quality workmanship and service will be to dispute resolution that they will
independent organisation that holds delivered,” says Ben Lee. It could have to abide by.”

Determine who will be doing the work

Depending on the scale of your scheme, the building work could last
months or even years, so it’s important that you can develop a good
rapport with your builder and communicate effectively with them. “Lots of
builders have several teams, so it’s no good going with a company because
you like their salesman,” says Sara Moody. “Get the name of the site foreman and work
out who is going to be in your house every day. In many ways, their reputation is more
important than the company’s.” It’s also worth checking how the builder intends to
delegate work. “Will they be subcontracting basic trades, which has the potential to
cause programming issues?” asks Stephen Butt. “Do they have a sufficient body of
work to justify employment of the different trades required? Cross referencing with
information from Companies House will verify their response to this query.”

ADVICE FROM A HOMEOWNER

I
n late 2021, Jamie Kirk completed the renovation competitiveness of their quotes,” Jamie explains.
and extension of a dilapidated barn in Rutland. “I went with a contractor with a lower price, but not the
A challenging job, the scheme involved external lowest, to suit my budget.”
repointing, applying internal insulation, installing new Jamie met with his chosen contractor a few times
windows and a new slate roof, replacing the electrics prior to engaging them. “I asked myself whether I
and drainage system and adding a damp-proof could get on with them for the duration of the build.
course to prevent water ingress. Therefore, a highly Knowing we would face challenges, it was important
experienced contractor was required. that we could resolve issues together.” Before enlisting
Working with his brother, Nicky Kirk of Nicholas them, Jamie visited their current job, to witness their
Kirk Architects, Jamie took on the role of project work approach and the quality of their craftsmanship.
manager and engaged the workforce. Before going “If a builder isn’t keen for you to see their work, that
IMAGE: CLISSOLD HOUSE

out to tender, Jamie and Nicky ensured the house should be a concern,” he says. Finally, Jamie ensured a
plans were perfected, so that prospective contractors snagging plan was in place, ahead of final fix. “Snags
could establish whether they were capable of the job. will crop up and your builder might be reluctant to
“I met with several local contractors to compare my return to fix them, so a contractual agreement ensures
options, focusing on the quality of their work and the they have an incentive to do so.”

homebuilding.co.uk 107
 B UI L D COS T CLINIC

How much does

Mechanical Ventilation
with Heat Recovery
(MVHR) cost?
A key component of Passivhaus buildings, TIM PHILLIPS
MVHR can help to enhance air quality, Is a quantity surveyor and runs
improve a home’s energy efficiency and reduce Quantiv.uk, with almost 30 years of
experience across the commercial and
energy bills, as Tim Phillips explains residential sector. @timphillips71

M
echanical Ventilation with other ventilation systems as it price increases seen across the
Heat Recovery (MVHR) is effectively transfers heat from construction industry. Both ducting
a ventilation system that is the extracted stale air to the components and units consist of
now widely used in well-insulated incoming fresh air. This heat price-affected materials commonly
and energy-efficient homes, and exchange mechanism, which used across the construction sector.
is a mandatory constituent in is passive in nature, keeps the But the good news is they are more
‘Passivhaus’ buildings. MVHR inside temperature comfortable affordable than they have been
systems are critical to meeting while minimising heat loss. in perhaps the last decade, as the
Building Regulations for energy MVHR systems can also help to drive to achieve more sustainable
conservation and indoor air quality. enhance air quality for people with homes has accelerated the
Having a good understanding respiratory illnesses and allergies, technology behind the systems.
of these systems is essential as well as minimise common Ultimately, they have the ability
for architects, tradespeople, problems that affect many homes, (when correctly designed and
homeowners and builders, since like mould and moisture build-up, installed), to pay for themselves in
they are key to the creation of as they passively dehumidify terms of future savings, which we’ll
energy-efficient environments that the air. explore below.
are a pleasure to live in. With the UK facing ever-
MVHR systems are designed to increasing energy bills, MVHR SYSTEM COSTS
run all year, controlling ventilation systems play a crucial role in When considering system costs, it
by removing stale air in the achieving household energy is important to distinguish between
home from multiple rooms and efficiency and heating cost standard economy UK MVHR
providing fresh outdoor air. They reduction. Below we’ll look at the systems and those achieving best
are not to be confused with MEV key costs involved in buying and practice standards, which are
(Mechanical Extract Ventilation) installing a MVHR system and how often with Passivhaus accreditation
systems, which are shown to waste savings can be made as a result. (see table opposite).
around nine times more energy The system costs for an average
than its MVHR equivalent. COST INCREASES four-bedroom new-build home
The ability to recover heat is Unfortunately, MVHR systems are using a standard economy MVHR
what distinguishes MVHR from not an exception to the general system, would be in the region of

108 homebuilding.co.uk
£3,500. However, those costs for
the same property using a best- COMPARISON OF A TYPICAL SYSTEM ACROSS BOTH STANDARDS
practice Passivhaus MVHR system
would increase to around £7,000. Standard economy MVHR Best-practice Passivhaus MVHR
At the highest end of the scale, a
room-by-room controlled MVHR MVHR unit ● Often good performance in theory ● Good performance in reality,
system with active cooling, would but poor insulated housing and with well-insulated thermal bridge-
cost upwards of £13,500. reduced winter performance free housing and defrost pre-heater
It is difficult to give an exact cost ● Dropping performance when filters for optimal winter performance
based on bedroom numbers alone, start to clog up ● Volume-flow constant operation,
as property footprints can vary ● Often runs at 65–75% of maximum which compensates for increased
significantly from build to build. capacity pressure
Some companies offer a free online ● Normally specified to run at
budget calculator, for example 55–65% of maximum capacity
www.selfbuildventilationstore.
co.uk, which can give you an Maintenance ● Some parts, but not all are replaceable ● All parts are replaceable
estimated cost for your property
based on floor area. Filtration ● Standard dust filter for incoming air ● Good pollen filter or active
The most important part of ● Grease deposits over time in kitchen charcoal filters
installing an MVHR system is the extract ducting (no filter) ● Filtered kitchen extract for long-
design process. Budget £300– term cleanability of ducting system
£500 for this service and do
check it’s included before you Noise ● Often noticeable noise emissions ● Silent operation within habitable
buy a package option for a unit without attenuators (silencers) rooms, with good attenuators
and installation. (silencers) and quiet fans

IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS

INSTALLATION OPTIONS Ducting ● Often uPVC ducting, which increases ● High-quality ducting with
Using ventilation and MVHR energy costs and noise, plus it has minimal resistance, and anti-
specialists is naturally the most questionable hygienic properties bacterial properties – such ducting
expensive option, but if the budget long-term is cleanable in the long term.
allows and you’re looking for
complete peace of mind, this may
be the path for you. But with the cost
of professional MVHR installers plumber or renewable specialists),
Christine and David Wetherill built their
starting at £1,000 and reaching ensure they have the necessary
420m2 home in Cheshire using a system of
upwards of £4,000, it’s easy to see training to avoid costly installation aerated concrete blocks (external walls) and
why people choose to complete the faults. The minimum qualification concrete blocks (internal walls). The house is
installation themselves. should be a BPEC or NICEIC extremely well insulated, airtight and fitted
If you are competent at DIY, qualification as a Domestic with an MVHR system.
you can achieve a good-quality Ventilation Installer.
installation, provided you have
a good duct layout design and RETROFITTING COSTS
some technical support. Specialist AND OPTIONS
companies such as JV Ventilation Upgrading an existing property
provide videos at www.sketchfab. often results in the reduction of
com/jvvent which illustrate a uncontrolled air movement, e.g.
typical installation and can offer when new windows are being
remote guidance and support. The installed or through draught-
actual design of the duct layout proofing measures, external
and specification is best left to the insulation works or upgrading
professionals, but self-installation of loft insulation etc, which
is certainly a good way to save can lead to condensation and
money. You will need a qualified mould. In fact, research shows
electrician’s input to certify the that renovation works like these
works and a trained person with increase the ‘mould risk’ by
calibration equipment for the a factor of three, so it’s vitally
commissioning at the end. important to review ventilation as
If you are considering using part of your renovation project.
tradespeople (e.g. electrician, In terms of options, Positive
 EFFICIENT
SYSTEM
another option, where individual
Phil Newbold, ventilation units are installed in
an expert in each room. This has cost and speed
sustainable advantages, but the aesthetic
design, impact has to be considered. For
drew on his
experience
some homes, that may be too
when creating costly to overcome the challenges
his own low- compared to the future benefit.
energy home,
which has a
SAP Energy
RUNNING COSTS
Rating of There are several factors to
97. There’s consider when assessing the likely
no central running costs. Energy consumption
heating and for units can vary based on the
the Paul
system design, number of rooms,
MVHR system,
which Phil size of the house, desired flow
took a hand in rates and, of course, there’s the
installing, has cost of the electricity itself. How
an efficiency you choose to use your unit in
of 94%.
summer months will also affect
consumption and cost – the heat
recovery element can be switched
off without affecting its ventilation.
Running costs are probably
IMAGES: FUTURE

lower than most people would

expect. As an illustration, if you
have a well-installed system for an
average four-bedroom house, with
typical usage of around 300kWh
per year, at current average
properties (in the colder seasons), electricity prices, you can expect
will be best for ensuring good running costs of £156 per year,
indoor air quality and reduced excluding your standing charge
humidity levels. and dependent on your tariff.
It is possible to retrofit a centrally
installed ducted MVHR system, HEATING BILL SAVINGS
but it depends largely on the MVHR systems are ventilation
type of dwelling and the extent of systems, as opposed to heating
renovation works (opening up) systems, but their ‘heat recovery’
that are being carried out, both of element means they can potentially
which will impact cost. save you a significant amount on
Compared to new builds, the your heating bills. Variables will
cost of the MVHR system itself obviously come into play, such
will often be the same, but while as the energy efficiency of your
retrofits will be quite varied, the chosen system, the building design
installation costs will certainly be and insulation, local climate and
higher and take longer, adding user heating demands. Generally
cost. In addition, it may not be speaking, when installed correctly,
Input Ventilation (PIV) systems possible to carry out the installation these systems should recover more
can be a simple solution to force works in an inhabited existing energy than they use.
some ventilation through the building, so accommodation Predictably, the quality of your
dwelling and reduce the mould costs should be factored in, with chosen system will dictate the
risk, requiring a single unit usually duration specific to each project. level of heat recovery achieved.
installed in the loft. Correctly Retrofits with limited accessibility The higher-quality units have the
specified d-MEV (decentralised will require specialist advice and potential to recover up to 90%
Mechanical Extract Ventilation) experience to make it viable. of the heat that would otherwise
systems put in bathrooms and utility If a central ducted system is too have been lost in your home, as
rooms can also help, but MVHR, costly or not feasible to retrofit, a opposed to around 70% or less for
with its inherent dehumidifying decentralised MVHR system may be the lower-quality units. The savings

110 homebuilding.co.uk
 B U I L D C O S T C L I N I C

come from not having to pay for reducing costs and we’ve looked FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
the cost of the heat you would have at decentralised systems as In general, always check the exact
been losing without MVHR – up to cheaper options for retrofits, specs of the MVHR unit, ductwork
as much as 25% of your bill. but there are other ways to keep and attenuators (silencers)
Exactly how much you can save costs as low as possible for an required, don’t just rely on blanket
is directly related to the airtightness MVHR system. phrases, such as ‘high standard’,
of the building – greater A professional design is key ‘premium system’ or attractive
airtightness means a more efficient to this. Architects and installers performance percentages that are
system and bigger savings. At usually rely on MVHR suppliers self-certified or at an unusually low
5m³/hr/m² it starts to work but when it comes to designing the cost. Poorer-quality MVHR units
your heating bill savings are ductwork and components. It can generate incorrect efficiency
likely to be less than 5% per year. takes specialist experience ratings in some tests, as they are
PASSIVHAUS
At 3m³/hr/m², savings could and knowledge to plan suitable STANDARD not properly insulated or airtight
get to 20%. These calculations pipe diameters and the most Homeowner and therefore more influenced by
need to be carried out by an efficient way of routing, which Nick and the room temperature.
expert and will be included in JV Ventilation advises is critical Chrissie Lloyd Watch out for underspecified
included
a professional design. for minimising operating speeds ventilation rates, which can lead
MVHR in their
and energy consumption as well eco new- to poor indoor air quality. Stefan
ONGOING as reducing the amount of ducting build home Huber, managing director at Paul
MAINTENANCE COSTS and wastage. in Bristol. Heat Recovery warns this can be
The good news is that the general Reducing the quality of your Wood fibre a common problem. “Designs that
insulation,
maintenance of MVHR systems can MVHR system can always achieve only apply the required minimum
highly
be carried out by the homeowner, cost reductions, but there may efficient ventilation rates will not consider
e.g. by regularly cleaning or be unacceptable consequences. triple glazing the varying demands and layout of
changing the filters and cleaning Make sure that you always consult and the the different types of dwellings e.g.
the room and external terminals with a specialist, as there are ways mechanical small with high occupancy,” he
ventilation
and checking for blockages. Filters to do this successfully. Specialist says. Experience and best practice
with heat
can be bought from about £20 per supplier Paul Heat Recovery recovery, methodologies should be applied
pair, but can be as much as £120 advises that if your budget does combined when specifying the ventilation
per pair depending on the brand not actually allow for a high-quality with an rates of a dwelling – over and
of unit and size. They should be MVHR system, corners should not air source above the Building Regulation
heat pump,
changed every 6-12 months, with be cut on the quality of ducting standards. Similar issues can arise
photovoltaic
higher pollution areas requiring and noise attenuation. The ducting panels and with over-ventilation, leading to
more frequent replacements. system is often hidden away in battery overly dry internal conditions in
A more detailed cleaning regime ceiling and wall spaces and will storage, winter. MVHR systems with an

IMAGE: MARK ASHBEE

is recommended every two years, probably never be replaced all ensure ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)
the new
e.g. rinsing the heat exchanger as long as the building stands, core will help avoid over-
house meets
and cleaning the fans. Again, for whereas with a cheaper MVHR stringent dehumidification and should be
people who are hands-on, these are unit this could be replaced after a Passivhaus considered for larger dwellings
straightforward tasks to undertake. few years. standards. with low occupancy.
Alternatively, there are
companies that offer an MVHR
maintenance service, ranging
from general annual maintenance
starting from around £150 to a
professional service starting from
around £300. A professional
service by an MVHR technician is
generally recommended at least
every five years.
It is also important to check
the manufacturer servicing
requirements for your system, as
these are likely to form part of the
terms of the warranty.

TIPS FOR CUTTING COSTS

We’ve considered self-installation
above as a way of significantly
 GR E EN A D V ICE

THE
HEALTHY
HOME
PART EIGHT:

SOUND AND
ACOUSTICS
The impact of noise in our home
shouldn’t be underestimated.
Oliver Heath reveals what you
can do to reduce adverse effects
of this oft-forgotten pollutant

H
umans largely focus on
sight, with 90% of the OLIVER HEATH
information transmitted Is an expert in biophilic and sustainable
design, and in this series he will help you
to our brain being visual1. So
to understand how to create a healthy
it’s not surprising that we place home. Oliver Heath runs Oliver Heath AMP UP ACOUSTICS
so much value on our home’s Design, a sustainable architecture and Acoustics – the qualities of a
aesthetics. But what about our interior design consultancy and practice. space that dictate how sound is
other senses? In our instalment transmitted – is often forgotten
on sleep last month, I discussed about in domestic environments.
the impact that noise can have on If where you live, or plan to
our ability to get a good night’s hazards we can see — but unlike live, is surrounded by noise –
rest, but the true impact of sound sight, we can’t close our ears. from traffic, businesses such as
extends far beyond the four walls But we can limit the adverse restaurants, or schools – you may
of the bedroom. effects of noise in the home, even want to consider using building
1.MIT NEWS 2. UK PARLIAMENT COMMITTEES

Our hearing has evolved to help living in busy locations. There are materials that have existing
us survive and thrive in natural four key areas to consider: acoustic qualities, such as cork.
environments. In 2018 when ● Preventing polluting noise Alternatively, you can use
noise was a neglected pollutant, entering the home from outside soundproofing materials designed
it was estimated to have caused ● Reducing noise pollution to improve home acoustics. They
130,000 lost life years2 in the UK creation inside the home — such can be installed as board, which
alone. The danger of sound is that as noisy appliances is then covered by wall finishings.
it’s often difficult to measure the ● Improving acoustics in rooms Additionally, acoustic products
impact that it has in our homes, or between rooms such as WoodUpp or Baux can be
because it’s less tangible than ● Introducing sound masking. made into a wall feature.

112 homebuilding.co.uk
 T H E H E ALT H Y H O M E

and pedestrian sounds through

the planting of evergreens.

SOUND MASK
WITH NATURE
Creating domestic environments
that sound great isn’t just down
to how you soundproof your
home, if you want to make a real
impact consider enhancing your
space through the introduction
of natural sound masking. Now
this doesn’t mean introducing
birdsong year-round (although
some people do find this relaxing).
CHOOSE SOME Luckily, you can keep hold of QUIET LIFE It can be as simple as installing
QUIETER APPLIANCES your timber flooring while still Above: exterior water features, which
thick rugs
Sound annoyance doesn’t just tackling any excess noise. Sound mask sound without becoming an
on wooden
permeate the home from outside, dampening your space doesn’t floors can annoyance itself.
it’s the inside that counts, too. necessarily come at any extra help reduce Having exterior sound masking
Appliances or gadgets that are cost and can usually be achieved noise levels. features is particularly important
unnecessarily noisy are a concern through careful specification of Alessia dark in the warmer months, when
blue rug from
for most of us in the UK, with furnishings and fixtures as you you might have doors to garden
Ruggable.
a recent Quiet Mark report decorate your new home. areas open, unintentionally
highlighting that 75% of people Large rugs under bed frames Top left: cork inviting noise pollution into
want quieter household goods. or furnishings are a great way has excellent the home. After all, our gardens
Looking out for third-party of maintaining the aesthetics sound- are an extension of the spaces
absorbing
accreditation when purchasing of timber while dulling the we live in and they need equal
qualities.
appliances – such as Quiet sounds of footsteps. Equally, CorkWall consideration as to how they
Mark – is a quick and effective fabric furnishings have sound- tiles in Evora sound in order to increase
way of selecting products that absorbing qualities, so enhance Natural from usability and tranquillity.
aren’t going to introduce more this further by introducing some Nature Wall. In short, sound and acoustics
sound into your home. If you curtains, cushions and throws. may seem like another additional
Top right:
already have appliances that are This approach will help to reduce the LG V7 aspect of homebuilding or
creating excessive noise, look into the reverberation of sound where F4V712STSE renovating to consider, but
soundproofing techniques such as intelligible speech is required, TurboWash they can easily be integrated
vibration mats or pads. such as around dining tables, 12kg into existing designs at low cost
washing
creating a more comfortable and intervention. So while it’s
machine is
DAMPEN AND environment to socialise. certified by important to take care when
ABSORB SOUND Leafy interior plants, such Quiet Mark. designing the aesthetics of
Sometimes sound annoyance as monstera, can also aid in your space, try not to forget the
comes from activity around dampening and absorbing sound invisible considerations, which
the home, particularly if you’re with the bonus of aesthetically are too often an afterthought.
renovating an older house. improving your space. You These considerations, such as
Characterful features such as should also consider how exterior acoustics and sound, could have
timber floorboards can quickly planting may help with mitigating massive consequences in the
become a noise nightmare if noise pollution. Try and introduce future for your new home and the
acoustics aren’t considered. year-round protection from traffic way in which you live in it.

homebuilding.co.uk 113
 EX P ERT A D V ICE

If 2023 was the year of high material

prices and low availability of builders,
what does 2024 have in store for
self-builders? Our expert builder
Andy Stevens offers his predictions

A
BUILDER’S
VIEW
WHAT LIES AHEAD ANDY STEVENS
FOR SELF-BUILDERS Is an award-winning builder and
broadcaster. You can find him on

AND RENOVATORS Instagram @andystevenstv

IN 2024?

I
n 2023, the construction busy 2024. Material and stock homeowners, people were paying
sector saw a drop in output of availability have now stabilised even more. However, this volatility
approximately 18%, according while prices are also stabilising seems to have subsided now.
to the construction insights and the homeowners that have What will be interesting,
company Glenigan. I believe sat tight now want to get going however, is the year-on-year
that 2024, however, will prove to on their build. increase across all materials that
be a much better year for self- builders’ merchants put on their
builders and renovators, for a Material prices stock. As a contractor, we usually
number of reasons. As I’ve mentioned in several have our chats with our reps from
Interest rates have naturally had previous articles, there are several our various suppliers at the end
a big effect on borrowing. No main reasons for the difficulties of November to the beginning of
one has a crystal ball, but I see we’ve been experiencing. Covid December. They tell us what, if
borrowing rates coming down to and then the situation in Russia any, the manufacturers have told
get the industry moving forward and Ukraine resulted in an them about any price rises. The
quicker. The commercial market of unprecedented rise in material difficulty here is that you simply
large developers, offices, schools costs and availability here in the do not know what the merchants
etc, is somewhat different to that UK. In my opinion, I believe some are putting on top for their profit.
of self-builders and renovators. companies took advantage of I work with some major UK and
In my opinion, the latter of these this situation and were guilty of European manufacturers, and
two sectors is going to see a profiteering, which meant that as one in particular told me what

114 homebuilding.co.uk
 increase they were telling the Allow plenty of time getting CSCS (Construction Skills
merchants was going on when the With this labour market situation Certification Scheme) cards and
gas and utility bills went up, but in our industry, I would strongly other necessities means there
the merchants added a significant advise giving as much time as are more skilled trades available
amount to this, meaning as end possible to not only find the right for the domestic market. We
users, we undoubtedly paid a contractor or trades, but budget don’t need anywhere near the
higher amount for these materials. for the time you may have to wait same amount of paperwork for
But, with material prices seemingly for the right ones. Do not rush residential works; in fact, anyone
more stable heading into next into anything as it will more than can turn up saying they’re a
year, it will be a lot easier for likely cause you problems, not just trade! For this reason, do your
homeowners and contractors to financially but also mentally. homework before appointing a
keep a close eye on these costs. However, not all areas of the trade, as they could have been
country are short of skilled labour. working in a factory or shop the
Labour costs I have seen vans from Bristol, week before with no experience
Although material prices are Reading and the west of England at all! Sadly I’m basing this on
stabilising, labour rates are come into the home counties and experience and what I’ve seen.
literally all over the place. We have London to work. So, if you do But there will be some trades who
never recovered from losing so live outside these bubbles where used to work on larger commercial
many skilled workers back to the there is loads of work, you won’t sites that are now available for
EU. Add to this the large number of be waiting as long. If you are in domestic projects, which means
construction workers retiring in the an area with a shortage of skilled homeowners and developers
next 10 years and record numbers labour, consider looking further should have more choice when
of construction firms going bust, afield for trades and contractors. appointing their own trades.
there are a worrying amount of If there’s not much work in the area In summary, 2024 will be a very
construction companies left. The where a builder or tradesperson buoyant year for construction, in
government and media have lives, they will travel to find work. my opinion, but this will inevitably
picked up on this, but in my honest Drive around your area and keep mean skilled tradespeople will
opinion, they simply have no idea an eye out for site boards and signs be in short supply. However,
how serious this predicament is on vans from further afield as this as I’ve mentioned, there may
becoming. At the moment, you will give you an idea of potentially be more available from other
can still find tradespeople for how far firms have to travel for MORE CHOICE sectors in the industry, and from
any renovations and self-builds, work and give you suggestions for Because some further away where the work
trades from
but the wait for decent people is ones you can reach out to. commercial
is quiet. Remember, always do
growing. There are simply not the sites will be your homework even for a small
same numbers of decent skilled Positives for 2024 available job. And don’t forget the most
tradespeople out there that there One positive thing no one really for domestic important question when a trade
used to be. talks about is that there is a drop projects, this or contractor comes to look at your
should make it
One of the biggest reasons in site work. A record number easier for self-
job — “Tea or coffee?”. Believe
companies can’t expand is that of construction companies are builders to find me, this will increase your chances
they can’t find skilled trades to join going bust, new legislations in tradesmen. of getting them on to your job!
them. If they take on freelancers, it
means we are paying far more for
their services, as well as relying on
them to turn up because they have
so much work elsewhere. Paying
tradespeople on a day rate can
drastically reduce a builder’s profit
margin because they can literally
make their prices up. I appreciate
this is very geographical — the
south-east of England in particular
has always seemed to have its own
micro economy with construction,
IMAGE: WILLIAM GODDARD

and there are other areas of the

country that are similar, too. So
when you do find tradespeople
and contractors you want to work
with, do not be put off by the time
you have to wait for them.
 EX T EN S I ON MA S TER CLA S S
This terraced house has been extended with a
small side-return extension that aligns with the
original rear wall and follows the pitch of the
existing rear first-floor roof pitch.
 RIGHT
DO ALL PROPERTIES
INCLUDE A RIGHT
TO LIGHT?
Not at all. The right does not apply
to all buildings. “The most common

TO LIGHT
way a property acquires rights
of light is through ‘prescription’,”
clarifies Mike. “Generally, any
property having uninterrupted
enjoyment of light for more than
20 years will acquire the rights
Do you understand what the rules and regs surrounding the to light. But that can be defeated
right to light are? In this handy guide we take a look at what if, before the expiry of 20 years
this easement could mean for you — good and bad duration, the light is obstructed for
one year continuously.”

LEGAL ACTION

Y
ou may have heard the Although very few people would
NATASHA BRINSMEAD
term ‘right to light’ and feel Is associate editor of actually go out of their way to block
a little unsure of whether Homebuilding & Renovating light from entering the homes of
it is something that will affect and has renovated her own those surrounding them, they do
your future plans for your home Edwardian home. not have to: “The Rights of Light
or garden — or even whether Act 1959 provides a notional
you have a case for lodging a obstruction mechanism. This is
complaint against a neighbour. any potential right to light disputes. achieved by serving a notice on
In the world of planning So just what are the rules? the property owner and registering

IMAGE: FULHAM PERFORMANCE & CLAD STUDIO

permission and Building “Typically, ‘defined apertures’ a local land charge, which will
Regulations it can be extremely are windows. For example, a appear on a local search,”
confusing to fully understand which new development (including a explains Mike. “This might be an
parts might apply to you, but if you residential home extension) may option if you’re thinking of building
are planning any kind of project, well diminish the light through that an extension and are concerned
be that an extension, self-build or aperture to such an extent that it your neighbours could acquire a
loft conversion, it really will pay to causes a nuisance,” says Mike right of light across your land.
get up to speed on all the minutiae Hansom. “In that case, the property It does pay to be aware of when
that could possible affect it. owner may have the right to take and how you might be in danger of
legal action.” anyone taking legal action against
WHAT EXACTLY IS THE
RIGHT TO LIGHT?
“Rights of light (or a right to light) is When building a house on this infill plot between
a legal easement giving a property two period properties, the owners were
owner the right to enjoy the light aware that the new property would be built
touching their neighbours’ homes. They kept the
passing over somebody else’s land
neighbours and planners in the loop during the
and through ‘defined apertures’,” entire project to avoid issues arising.
explains solicitor Mike Hansom of
BLB Solicitors who specialises in
property disputes. “It’s important
to remember that the right of light
is not a right to direct sunlight.
Rather, it entitles the beneficiary to
a minimum level of natural light, but
not the sun’s direct rays.”

EXTENSION PLANS
Those planning on altering
IMAGE: DAVID BARBOUR

their existing home, whether

that be through an extension or
renovation, or even replacing an
existing property with a new self-
build, may well have concerns over
 E X T E N S I O N M A S T E R C L A S S

you — a little like when it comes to “If legal action over rights of light is successful, two remedies
the Party Wall Act. are available to the court: damages and/or an injunction —
But just what kind of trouble could
you face if your neighbours take
awarding a sum of money or demolishing the development”
umbrage with any alterations you
make that affects their light levels?
What’s the best way to avoid bills WILL MY EXTENSION local planning authorities about
following potential legal action? BREACH ANYONE’S your plans as they may be able to
“If legal action over rights of light RIGHT TO LIGHT? advise you.
is successful, two remedies are The very first steps you should “The 45-degree rule – which
available to the court: damages take to avoid confrontation and is also known as the 45-degree
and/or an injunction,” says Mike. upsetting any neighbours or end code or 45-degree guide – is a
“The first involves awarding a up facing a legal battle is simply to method used by local planning
sum of money to compensate for open the lines of communication authorities to measure the impact of
the loss. The second may require with anyone who might be affected a proposed development affecting
demolishing some or all of the new by your proposed work. Show light to neighbouring properties,”
development unless some other neighbours your plans and be says Mike Hansom.
structural change(s) can remedy the open to making compromises. Additionally, it makes good
problem. That will inevitably prove Of course, things are not always sense – especially if you are in any
very expensive.” that simple. It is wise to consult with way unsure over whether your
project is likely to result in a right
to light dispute – to consult with a
surveyor on the matter.
This Victorian terrace has been
extended with a loft conversion and “Surveyors have sophisticated
two-storey extension with flat roofs. computer software that uses
mathematical calculations to assess
whether and to what extent a
proposed development will affect
light to neighbouring properties,”
continues Mike.
And, finally, if you are seriously
concerned, you might like to
consider taking out right to light
insurance. However, this is
generally an unusual (and costly)
step for homeowners and more
suited to developers.

IS THERE A RIGHT TO
LIGHT FOR GARDENS
OR EXTERNAL AREAS?
Despite what some people are led
to believe, homeowners actually
have no legal right to light in their
outside spaces — unless their
property deeds specifically
state otherwise.
“Also, your deeds may contain
mutually enforceable covenants
restricting both you and your
neighbour from planting trees or
high hedges,” Mike points out.
“And even if there are no such
restrictive covenants to protect
IMAGE: DARREN CHUNG

you, there may be a statutory

remedy through the local authority
under the Anti-Social Behaviour
Act, 2003, and the High Hedges
Regulations, 2005.”

homebuilding.co.uk 119
 AD V ERTORIA L

Building for When one environmentally

conscious couple wanted to build

the future
a family home with sustainability
at its heart, they called upon
eco experts Baufritz

M
ore than ever before, the planet demands
sustainable housing, with careful consideration
given to both the building materials used and
the energy consumed in the building process. In this
respect, Baufritz has been ahead of the curve for several
decades and is continuing to innovate. In building its eco
homes, Baufritz employs cutting-edge technologies such
as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, solar power,
air pumps and smart building technologies to help owners
manage their carbon usage.

AN IDEAL MATCH
A perfect example of Baufritz’s modern manufacturing
methods is the two-storey, five-bed detached family
home built on the edge of the South Downs National
Park in West Sussex. The Lunn family, including four
school-aged children, were very eco-minded in all areas All in all, the manufacturing process resulted in a highly
of their lives, so it only made sense that when they wanted engineered product that fits together perfectly to create a
to build a new home they should choose the equally solid and well-insulated building.
eco-conscious Baufritz. Apart from the integrity of the build itself, the house
The Lunns chose Nilson Pflugfelder to design the new boasts qualities that makes it a joy for the family to live
family home, which comprised a pair of twin cottages in — from the well-thought-out architecture to the quality
attached in the centre of the building, in a modern larch- of light and space throughout. Even more satisfying for
clad barn style to blend into the surrounding woodland. the proud owners is knowing that the build will be carbon
neutral or carbon saving if it’s managed correctly, making
BUILDING WITH EFFICIENCY this a shining example of what buildings now and in the
As well as being delighted with the finished result, the future should look like.
proud owners took great pleasure in knowing that not only For more details, visit www.baufritz.co.uk;
were ultra-modern building techniques used to build their email enquiries@baufritz.co.uk or call 01223 235632
family home, but efficiency played a vital part, too. Closed
loop manufacturing negated construction site waste, plus
prefabrication took place in a controlled environment,
minimising waste and making it easier to reuse resources.

homebuilding.co.uk 121
 P L ANNING CLINIC

How to deal
with neighbour
objections
If a neighbour objects to your
planning application, how can
you resolve the issue? Simon
Rix offers his words of wisdom,
along with tips on how to avoid
objections in the first place

U
nless the intended work
to your home is covered by
Permitted Development,
a planning application will be a
crucial part of any construction or
renovation project you might be
considering. And right now, the
planning permission system is a SIMON RIX
Is a professional
hot political topic. One national planning
newspaper has even published consultant and
a guide to help people object to runs Planix.uk
Planning
their neighbour’s extensions. Consultants Ltd.
Even before this rather unhelpful
intervention, some people have want to do covered by the specific Even if your neighbour’s views
always objected to almost anything list of things allowed under are not technically relevant to the
their neighbours want to do. the Permitted Development material considerations, planning
But there are some projects rules, or not?” So the opinions policies and guidance that should
where neighbours’ views are not of neighbours aren’t a factor. be the only factors in deciding your
even sought. For example, if you However, if you do need to make application, they may encourage
do think your project is covered by a full planning application, your opposition to your plans from
Permitted Development, you or neighbours will be consulted and councillors and other influential
NEATLY
your planning consultant should the council will have to consider people. So it’s better to try to avoid
DISCREET
apply for a Lawful Development Overlooking any possible impacts on them. objections from the people who
Certificate from the council risks from Luckily, planning applications live nearby if you can, but by no
to confirm that, before work first-floor are not decided by a referendum means should you give up if you
IMAGE: RACHAEL SMITH

starts. This is not a full planning windows into of local people — most neighbour can’t win them over.
neighbours’
application and will not involve objections are irrelevant and are
gardens can
your neighbours as it’s just about be reduced interpreted as such by the actual AVOIDING OBJECTIONS
establishing the factual answer by trees and decision makers. But they can still Consider these steps:
to the question: “Is what you bushes. increase the risks of a refusal. ● Follow guidelines Ensure that

homebuilding.co.uk 123
 P L A N N I N G C L I N I C

your proposal complies with “If a neighbour objects, they should provide valid
all local and national planning
policies and design guidance. This planning reasons. These could relate to privacy, noise,
will help get your proposal the
consent you want, even if you get
traffic or the impact on the local environment”
objections from neighbours.
● Consider neighbours’
perspective Think about how authority will notify your ● Open communication Reach
your development might impact neighbours and give them an out to your neighbour and discuss
your neighbours and try to opportunity to comment on your their concerns. They might have
minimise any negative effects proposal. If a neighbour objects, misunderstood something about
during the design process. they should provide valid planning your proposal that you can clarify.
● Early communication reasons for their objection. These ● Consider a compromise
Inform your neighbours about could include issues related to If possible, consider tweaking your
your plans before your planning privacy, noise, traffic or the impact plans to address your neighbour’s
consultant submits your on the local environment. concerns. This could involve
application. This gives them an The local planning authority reducing the size of your extension
opportunity to voice any concerns will then consider these objections or adding landscaping to preserve
they might have and allows you when making their decision. their privacy.
to address these issues early on, It’s important to note that an ● Talk to your councillors If you
if possible. If you don’t feel able objection does not automatically are the first to speak to your elected
to change your plans enough to mean your application will be councillors, then it’s likely they will
make your neighbours happy, rejected. The decision will be take your side. Even if they don’t,
then at least you will know the based on whether the proposed as with your neighbours, knowing
arguments they will use against development complies with local the arguments against you will
you. Forewarned is forearmed. and national planning policies and help your planning consultant
● Use your planning consultant other material considerations. formulate a rebuttal later on.
You should tell your planning While it’s not always possible
consultant what your neighbours HOW TO HANDLE to avoid objections entirely, open
have said. They will then be able OBJECTIONS PITCH PERFECT
communication and consideration
to formulate a plan to either If a neighbour objects to your The impact
for your neighbours can go a long
adjust your design or rebut planning application after it’s been of over- way in smoothing the planning
their arguments. submitted, here are some steps shadowing application process. Remember,
that you can take: on neighbours it’s not just about getting
can often be
SUBMITTING YOUR ● Get professional help Consult
avoided by
permission for your project, it’s
APPLICATION your planning consultant, who using pitched
also about maintaining good
When you submit your planning can provide advice on how best to roofs for relationships with those who live
application, the local planning handle the situation. extensions. around you if you can.
IMAGE: CHRIS SNOOK
 T HE R O OM PLA NNER

sleek blend of
illusion and
functionality,
pocket doors
are designed
to disappear into the wall
when opened. Not only a
clever alternative to standard
interior doors, they are worth
considering for a room where
space is too tight for a hinged
door to swing or if you want to
be able to open up or divide off
an open-plan scheme.

WORDS: GABRIELLA DYSON

From a neat en suite to a multifunctional living area, you can add style
and character to any space with this practical design feature

126 homebuilding.co.uk
 HOW ARE THEY CONSTRUCTED?
There are two ways of fitting this style of door.
In the case of a new build or extension, a wall is
constructed with a pocket system installed in a
cavity for the door to slide into. Although it can
be disruptive, it’s possible to retrofit this style of
door by building a new studwork wall next to
an existing one to create a ‘pocket’. However,
it’s essential to establish whether the original
wall is loadbearing. In this case it will need to
be propped up during the work and a lintel
installed. Also bear in mind that any obstacles
present, such as wiring, pipework, radiators and
switches or sockets will need to be addressed.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Pocket doors are ideal for rooms such as en
suites, box rooms and pantries where hinged
doors might not work. They also free up valuable
floor and wall space giving better options for
furniture layouts. There are different types of
tracks and systems but most are top hung from
a track which means there is no threshold strip
or floor track, so your flooring can continue
seamlessly underneath. Easier to open than a
conventional door, they’re a good choice for
wheelchair users. For ease of use, some systems
have soft-close mechanisms.
On the downside, pocket doors won’t work
everywhere, as they require wall space to slide
into and some rooms won’t have a large enough
expanse to house the necessary pocket. On a
practical level, this style of door doesn’t close
quite as tightly as a conventional swinging
hinged design, which means it might not be as
effective at keeping out draughts, noise and
smells from adjoining rooms.

DO YOU NEED PLANNING

PERMISSION?
You are unlikely to need planning
permission to fit a pocket door unless
you live in a listed building. You do,
however, need to ensure the opening
width meets Building Regulations
regarding access and use. They
are also not fire-rated as standard,
although some manufacturers offer
fire-rated kits, which means they
Classic Double Pocket can then be used in spaces such as
Door System from loft conversions.
ECLISSE, £538.80,
excluding doors.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT STYLE
FOR YOUR HOME
With standard options for single and double
doors, they are also available in telescopic
styles where two leaves slide back into the same
CUSTOM MADE OR OFF THE SHELF? your choice, because it’s the hidden frame that pocket. Curved designs create a contemporary
Most designs involve the use of a timber or is the clever bit. However, before you buy, make look and the doors can even be connected at 90
steel-framed kit which fits into the studwork and sure that you check the kit is compatible with the degrees so that when closed, they form the entire
is concealed afterwards with plasterboard and size and weight of your doors. corner of a room. Bear in mind that handles
then decorated. An off-the-shelf system is likely “Our Classic Pocket Door System starts from should be flush so the doors can fully retract. If
to be cheaper than a bespoke design fabricated £298.80 for the single size,” says Caroline you’re feeling creative or want to disguise an
by your contractor. The doors or ‘leaves’ are Clarkson, managing director at ECLISSE UK. entrance – to an en suite, for example – you can
usually bought separately and can essentially “For larger openings, opt for the double size decorate the doors in the same paint shade or
just be standard internal doors in the style of which costs from £538.80.” wallpaper as the adjoining walls.

homebuilding.co.uk 127
 8 O F THE B ES T

CLASSIC LOOKS
Smith & Locke Bude fire-rated
long-lever door handle in brushed
nickel, £14.99 a pair, Screwfix
RUSTIC CHIC
Plane mortice doorknob in
antique brass, £44.95, Plank

ERGONOMIC STYLE
Colours Rhyl satin
nickel-effect brass
curved latch push-on
rose door handle,
£26, B&Q
OPULENT CHARM
Solid brass mortice doorknob
with leather insert, £65 a pair,
Pushka Home

S T Y L I S H
D O O R H A N D L E S
Elevate your internal doors with these sleek contemporary designs

ELECTRIC BLUE
Blue glass ball
doorknob on
plain polished
chrome rose,
£65 a pair, ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM
Cast In Style Rothko handle in black, £99.99 a pair,
Dowsing & Reynolds
FEATURE: JO MESSENGER

SLEEK SILVER
Reeded
doorknob and
Bristol short
plate in nickel,
£127.63 a pair,
Jim Lawrence

GOLD DREAM
Cross door handle set in brass,
£160, Buster & Punch

homebuilding.co.uk 129
 EX PER T A D V ICE

HOW
TO
BUILD
A
HOUSE PART SEVEN: MARK STEVENSON
Has worked in construction for 30 years and

BUILDING THE
following a long career in housebuilding
he became managing director for Potton,

SUPERSTRUCTURE
designers and manufacturers of bespoke
self-build homes.

A
In our in-depth series, self-build ccording to the National systems. This month I’ll focus on
Custom and Self Build timber frame and SIPs.
expert Mark Stevenson shares Association, structural
the stages of building your own timber is the most popular WHAT IS A TIMBER
home, from foundations through building system with a market BUILDING SYSTEM?
share of just over 40%. Coming in A timber building system is the
to completion. This month, he second place is brick and block, structural chassis of the house
which has a market share of 35%. and incorporates all the building
looks at building with timber Over the next two months, I’ll elements to form a coherent
frames or SIPs
IMAGES: (FROM TOP) GETTY IMAGES; NEIL WHITE; POTTON

explain why these methods are engineered building structure

both so popular and what you need (panelised walls, floors and roof
to know when building with these trusses), which is known as the
structural thermal envelope.
Structural timber is the Timber building systems are
most common house- popular with self-builders due
building system. to their attributes of speed and
flexibility to match pretty much
most architectural designs. As
with any product manufactured
in a factory, they come with a host
of accreditations and certificates
to prove they’re durable, safe in

homebuilding.co.uk 131
 use and comply with the requirements of the building For anyone who is new to the house-building game,
regulations. The principal advantages of using a you’d expect one timber building system to be pretty
timber building system are: much the same as another but the reality is somewhat
Single point of responsibility for the entire timber different. These days, timber building systems are
building system — no opportunity for blaming highly engineered and uniquely designed to suit
someone else if mistakes are made individual projects.
Fast construction time — making the build quicker Timber building systems use either timber frames
and easier to manage or structural insulated panels (SIPs) to form the walls.
Manufactured in a controlled factory While these wall systems fulfil the same functional
environment — thereby ensuring quality purpose, they have subtle differences.
Reduced labour hours on site — simplifying site
management and risk of accidents TIMBER FRAMES
Enhanced thermal performance compared to A timber frame uses softwood timber studs and a lining
most other build systems — thereby saving money of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) to form a
on fuel bills structural wall strong enough to carry the imposed
It is a sustainable building method using loads of the house as well as resisting external forces
renewable, carbon neutral construction materials such as wind and snow loads.
— all of which helps to save our planet. These days, with the need to improve thermal
efficiency, a timber frame building system is much
more than just timber studs and ply linings. To comply
with the latest requirements of Part L of the building
regulations (conservation of fuel and power), as well
as insulating in between the studs, modern timber
TIMBER FRAME WALL frames incorporate insulation liners to reduce thermal
A typical modern timber bridging as well as an array of membranes to control air
frame building system leakage and provide durability from condensation and
incorporating insulation.
wet building conditions.

STRUCTURAL INSULATED
PANELS (SIPS)
A SIP provides the same functional purpose as a timber
frame but differs in how it insulates the building
and transmits the loads imposed upon it. SIPs are
novel systems with variations from manufacturer
to manufacturer, but typically they’re formed with
two layers of OSB which are bonded to an insulation
core to form a panel with structural performance
characteristics. SIPs can also be used to form the roof
structure, providing unobstructed open spaces and
additional floor space.
Structural insulated panels are generally thought
of as being the next generation of timber frame because
they offer improved thermal performance. As timber
frames have evolved, they have closed the performance
gap with SIPs but there are still definite advantages
relating to the robust way airtightness is provided with
SIPs as well as minimising the thermal bypass risk by
having a continuous core of insulation bonded to the
OSB linings.

WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR YOU?

SIPs SYSTEM WALL On face value, all the systems are very similar, but look a
A typical SIPs little deeper and you’ll find there are vast differences.
wall, with two
layers of OSB.
In choosing the best timber building system, you
IMAGES: KINGSPAN

shouldn’t have to worry too much about whether

it’s structurally sound — they all have to be designed
to Eurocode 5: Code for the design of timber structures.
They will typically also use the same intermediate
floor systems (metal web joists or I joists) and roof

132 homebuilding.co.uk
 E X P E R T A D V I C E

EXPERT
TOP TIP
truss systems, which again are supported by ● Durability While both systems can Always use
industry-wide design systems. offer a durable and reliable building an STA Assure
Points of differentiation therefore focus on the system that will last over 60 years if manufacturer and
features and benefits each system offers as well well maintained, in my opinion SIPs installer that has been
as whether you’d ideally want the reassurance of has the edge with the strength of its independently audited
to verify they follow
independent testing and certification to prove that thicker OSB liners (15mm compared industry standards
your preferred system is reliable and safe to use. Key to 9mm) and the fact that much of the and best practice.
considerations are: airtightness is provided by this liner and
● Proven performance Ideally, look to use a male/female panels joints which are filled
manufacturer that has a proven track record and is with expanding foam sealer. I particularly like the
certified under the ‘STA Assure’ scheme from the fact that SIPs are more robust during the construction
Structural Timber Association. Any manufacturer phase and where OSB provides the airtightness layer,
with a gold, silver or bronze accreditation will have as it’s difficult to damage by the onsite trades.
demonstrated that their system is manufactured and
constructed to industry standards and best practices. BUILDING WITH TIMBER FRAME
For additional peace of mind, some manufacturers AND SIPS
and building systems have third-party certificates There are two ways to build a home using a timber
such as BBA, LABC Warranty, NHBC Accepts or building system — stick built or panelised. Before
BOPAS. While not essential, these certifications offer I jump into the mechanics of construction, I firstly
additional evidence that the system certified achieves want to dismiss stick built as a legitimate option.
the required level of quality and performance. As Aside from the fact that it’s very slow and requires
timber systems are combustible, it’s essential that you extensive supervision, the lack of panelisation does
check that your preferred system is resistant to fire and not enable adequate testing to be undertaken to
will provide the necessary evacuation time as specified prove that the structure has the necessary fire
by the Building Regulations. Ask for the system resistance. The absence of testing and third party
manufacturers EN 1365 fire resistance test as this certification, in my opinion, therefore precludes this
offers the proof your building inspector will be looking method of build. My focus will therefore be on the
for when signing off the building at completion. panelised build methods.
● Speed of build Contrary to popular belief, timber
frame and SIPs systems offer similar construction CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
timelines with both of them commonly being delivered The build stages discussed below explain the
fully insulated and built in panelised form. From a construction sequence for a timber frame/SIPs build
speed of build point of view, SIPs can have the edge only for the average self-build home. Before the build
when they’re being used to form the roof structure as begins, it’s essential that adequate checks are made
panelised roofs are quicker to build than using trussed to understand if there are any implications to safety
rafters, as there’s less follow-on work to do. by building with timber. This mostly relates to fire
● Cost There’s no doubt that SIPs are more expensive safety, and an STA-approved frame manufacturer
than timber frame panels but remember, the cost of will automatically carry out the necessary checks
the walls are only a proportion of the overall building in accordance with the industry standards and by
structure cost. Typically, for the thermal envelope, completing a fire risk assessment.
SIPs will cost around 10% to 20% more than timber
frames of a similar U value. 1. SCAFFOLDING
● Thermal performance While both systems offer Before the build of the frame can begin, independent
walls with U values ranging from 0.18 to 0.09 W/m²k, scaffolding is erected to the full perimeter of the house
SIPs will have slightly less thermal bridging as there is (where panels are lifted in by crane) or to three sides
less structural timber in the wall panels. Where SIPs (where panels are lifted by forklift). The scaffolding
has the advantage is in the reliability of its thermal should be set back no more than 100mm from the
performance where there is no risk of poorly fitting position of the frame and should have internal toe
insulation to create a thermal bypass. That said, timber boards that can be pulled back to create space for
frames do have the benefit of being able to use a vast cladding to be installed. The timber system provider
array of insulating materials from high-performance will usually explain their scaffolding requirements but
phenolic insulations to quilts and eco-friendly a few things to remember are:
products such as wood fibre and sheep’s wool. — Make sure it has a firm base so it doesn’t fall over.
● Flexibility When it comes to design, there are — Don’t obstruct openings so the windows and doors
next to no differences between what can be achieved can be installed without too much hassle.
with either timber frame or SIPs. Houses are not — Make sure working platforms are within 600mm of
particularly tall or challenging structures, and any floor joists and eaves level, to prevent falls from height.
limitations will be created by the spanning capabilities — Make sure there’s adequate access and egress and
of joists, beams and roof trusses. that materials can be loaded out.

homebuilding.co.uk 133
 E X P E R T A D V I C E

2. CONCRETE BLOCK PLINTHS prevent falls from height. If you’re trying

Timber needs to be kept dry so panels are to improve the airtightness of the building, KEY BUILD Stages
installed on top of concrete plinths built it’s a good idea to wrap the perimeter of the
with blockwork. These are usually 225mm joist zone with an airtightness membrane,
high to accommodate the floor insulation. taking care to ensure it’s connected to any
The plinths need to be reasonably level (+/- membranes within the walls. The decking is
5mm) and must be in the right place usually built from a resin-coated or peel-
(+/- 10mm from a straight line). It’s clean water-resistant chipboard, which
best to remind groundworkers of these can be exposed to the weather. To prevent
requirements to avoid errors and annoying squeaks when walking on floors, 1. Before the build begins
embarrassing delays at the start. the decking is glued down to the joists with scaffolding is erected on
generous amounts of waterproof glue. three or four sides.
3. FIX SOLE PLATES Typical problems that self-builders face are
Depending on how accurate the plinths have usually associated with the distribution of
been built, soleplates will be packed using services at first fix. To avoid this, it’s a good
solid packers below the studs/posts and then idea to check the service layouts whilethe
bolted down with mechanical fixings. Fixing floor joists are being installed to make
down the soleplates is the timber systems sure there’s sufficient holes and gaps to
manufacturers responsibility, so, after a few accommodate the miles of pipes and cables
checks, you’ll find they’ll just get on with it. that will need to be installed.
2. Concrete plinths are
4. ERECT GROUND-FLOOR PANELS 6. ERECT SECOND-FLOOR PANELS: built using blockwork.
Once the sole plates are ready, the build The second-floor panels are erected in the
of the ground floor can begin. This starts same way as the ground-floor panels except
with positioning DPCs and airtightness any tolerances in plumbness and position
membranes, which are then trapped in should be corrected and not continued. This
position by the panels themselves. To is to make sure that cavities behind cladding
improve airtightness the frame erectors can be properly formed.
will apply a couple of beads of sealant or
expanding foam below the panels to close 7. BUILD THE ROOF STRUCTURE:
any gaps. As the manufactured panels are Most roof structures will be formed with
delivered to site loaded in a set sequence, the timber trusses, which are manufactured
build of the ground floor is rapid, with one off site and lifted into place using a crane. 3. When the sole plates
panel quickly being followed by the next. The If rooms are required in the roof, the are ready the build of the
panels are checked for plumbness (within structure could be hand cut with loose ground floor can begin.
10mm maximum per storey) before being timbers or could be built with attic trusses
fixed with nails. or using panels such as SIPs supported with
Most timber builds will have structural ridge beams and purlins. As with timber
steelwork to form large openings and stiffen frame walls and joists, construction is all
up the frame. This is usually the starting about following the design and making
point of the build and columns will need to be sure that the elements of the structure are
bolted down to the substructures and base installed within permissible tolerances.
plates grouted. Pay careful attention to how The tricky bit, when it comes to roof
panels connect to the steel work as this can structures, is how to achieve airtightness
be a source of air leakage and thermal and ensure the structure is properly 4. The joists are fixed
bridging. From a self-builder’s point of insulated. The more complex the roof, the in accordance with the
view, there’s not much to do while panel more challenging this task will be and you manufacturer’s layout.
erection is progressing except watch with could find the erector showing little interest
IMAGES: 1, 2, 4 & 5 ELSWORTH PROJECTS; 3.POTTON

wonder as rooms appear and your home in doing the work. My advice is to keep things
quickly emerges. simple and where rooms in the loft are
needed, opt for a panelised solution where
5. INSTALL FLOOR JOISTS the airtightness and insulation is built into
AND DECKING the components and the responsibility of
Once the panels have been installed and the erector.
connected with a top plate, the joists are then Next month I’ll explain everything you
fixed in accordance with the manufacturers need to know about building with masonry
joist layout. At this point, work at height construction and will compare and contrast 5. Most roof structures are
begins so make sure the erection team have timber with masonry, so you’ll know which formed with timber trusses.
adequate safety precautions in place to one is best for your build.

homebuilding.co.uk 135
 EX P ERT A D V ICE

NATASHA
BRINSMEAD
Associate Editor
Natasha has
two renovation
projects under
her belt — and
is now looking
for the next
challenge...

RENOVATION
WORKSHOP
RESTORING
A FIREPLACE
G
etting to grips with Is the fireplace
restoring a fireplace is worth rescuing?
something the majority Fireplaces are often seen as highly
of renovators will need to do if desirable features in both period
they want to get this much-prized and contemporary homes — even
Whether you have a original feature looking as good when the owners don’t ever plan
as the day it was first fitted. on using them for an open fire.
tired tiled fireplace If you’re lucky enough to Some people choose to kit them
or a cast-iron model find an original fireplace in out with a woodburning stove,
in need of attention, your house, then sprucing it up while others decide to just use them
and incorporating it into any as an eye-catching feature, filling
our guide explains modernisation plans you might them with logs or other decorative
everything you need have for your interior design objects. Whatever final use they
to know before scheme is well worth undertaking. end up having, it’s still well worth
No matter whether it’s a breathing new life into them.
learning to burn Victorian tiled design or a chunky “A restored fireplace helps
Georgian marble model, there are raise the overall household value,
IMAGE: CHESNEYS

several factors that could affect the which is excellent if you ever wish
decision of whether taking on the to sell your home in the future,”
restoration of a fireplace is worth says Mark Swann of Sussex
your time and money. Fireplace Restoration. “Many

136 homebuilding.co.uk
 E X P E R T A D V I C E

buyers appreciate the beauty elements, such as tiled inserts

and functionality of a fireplace in on the sides or on the cheeks of
working order.” the fireplace.”

Consider your Chimney repairs

fireplace style If you plan on using the fireplace
Period fireplaces come in many as an open fire, as an opening in
different styles and were made which to install a woodburning or
from a wide range of materials, multifuel stove – or for any other
including stone, timber, brick kind of fire that requires a chimney

IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

and cast iron. Those renovating a or flue – you need to ensure that
Georgian house are likely to find everything is in good working
something very different to those order as the condition of the
who are working on an Art Deco chimney plays a significant role in
home, for example. ensuring the fire can burn safely as
“The Georgians often favoured well as burning efficiently.
more natural materials such as “The best way to start restoring
marble surrounds and classical- is to ensure your chimney breast is over for chips in the paint or THE GENTLE
style stone with plainer apertures swept by a professional chimney plaster, rusting, creosote build-ups, TOUCH
Old stone
that contained a fire basket,” sweep so they can check for any cracks, obstructions or various
surrounds can
says Mark Swann. “On the other factors that require repairing and other problems.” be cleaned
hand, Edwardian and Victorian thoroughly clean the insides,” up using a
households often opted for an advises Mark Swann. Opening up mild cleaning
all-in-one cast-iron fireplace “Eruption in your chimney will a fireplace solution —
they should
with combined inserts and need restoration work, not just for If you suspect that there is an old
be sealed
surround. Victorian fireplaces your chimney but also the hearth, fireplace hiding behind one of afterwards to
have surrounds made of a wide chimney liner and masonry,” your walls then you will no doubt protect them.
range of marble, stone and timber continues Mark. “It’s best to ensure be eager to set it free — opening
materials. Many people of that your chimney liner and overall up a fireplace is a job that can add
time also liked other decorative fireplace is thoroughly checked value and charm to a home.
“In some cases, opening up
a fireplace could involve little
more than prising off a sheet of
old hardboard to reveal a hidden
gem,” says chartered surveyor Ian
Rock. “But even if you’re not lucky
and you don’t find a long-forgotten
marble masterpiece, there’s still
plenty you can do to create a
captivating focal point.
“A bolster and club hammer
is probably the better option for
localised demolition where old
fireplaces have been bricked up,”
advises Ian. “If you’ve exposed
the original ‘builder’s opening’,
FIRE STONE
large deposits of accumulated soot As part of the
and rubble will likely need to be renovation
removed before the chimney can of this 18th
be swept and the flue lined.” century
cottage,
the owners
IMAGE: MARPTREE AND STUART COX

Removing paint carefully

from fireplaces uncovered
It was common in the past to paint and restored
both stone and cast-iron fireplaces, the original
Bath stone
leaving many renovators
fireplace —
wondering how to get their it’s now their
features back to their original state favourite
without damaging them. feature.

homebuilding.co.uk 137
 “Many period marble and
stone fire surrounds will have
been painted at some point,” say
the experts at Chesneys. “Using
a paint stripper, layers of paint
can easily be removed, and the
original material revealed and
then waxed and polished. Paint
stripper can also be applied to
a cast-iron grate or fire basket,
which can then be polished using
a graphite paste.”
“Layers of too much paint can
be completely removed with a
chemical paint stripper before
wiping the coats away with a
cloth,” agrees Mark Swann.
“Many people may ask why
you don’t use heat guns instead.
However, those working in the
industry would often advise
against it, as using heat guns can
crack old metal or lead, which
would compromise the structural
integrity of your fireplace.
“The job takes elbow grease,”
IMAGES: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) GETTY IMAGES; MOON; CHESNEYS

says Mark, “so ensure you and/

or your professional are equipped
with protective gloves and attire.”

Cleaning up an
old fireplace
In some cases – if you are very
lucky – all that might be required to
get your fireplace gleaming once
more is a thorough clean.
“If there is no need to remove
paint, a weak solution of washing
BACK TO LIFE CRACK TREATMENT INVISIBLE MENDING
up liquid will shift superficial dirt
Neglected cast-iron Repair fine cracks in Using specialist oils and
fireplaces, as shown top brick fireplace openings waxes can help to cover and stains before the surround is
left, can be revitalised by (top right) by using a up scratches in stone and waxed and polished,” advise the
thorough cleaning. refractory mortar. slate hearths (above). experts at Chesneys.

138 homebuilding.co.uk
 E X P E R T A D V I C E

“Often, you may find that an Swann. “Suppose the bricks are be raised above floor level;
old cast-iron fireplace is in dire crumbling; you must replace them it’s a simple job to form a new
need of a cosmetic spruce-up,” with new fire bricks inside the one directly on top from in-situ
says Mark. “You might need to mortar joint. If you find that your concrete, or you might opt for a
buff it with a Liberon paste or other mortar joints are crumbling in the marble or slate hearth.”
specialist polish before covering it firebox, you must replace the old “New hearths can come in
with fireplace paint (formulated for loose mortar after chiselling it out. standard sizes, or you may like
higher temperatures) in matt black “Such processes are called to have them custom made to fit
so that it does not peel off with the ‘tuckpointing’, and it is a process all your appliance’s dimensions,
heat or moisture.” many follow to repair mortar floors, walls and proportions,”
joints in most brick structures. The says Mark Swann.
Repairing a primary difference between the If your hearth is scratched, there
tiled fireplace two is that refractory mortar is are many products available
If you’re hoping to bring your designed to withstand extreme to address the issue. Slate oils
fireplace back to life but you have heat and temperatures.” and hard waxes often really
a tiled fireplace that’s seen better help disguise scratches (test on
days, then a different approach Repairing a an inconspicuous section first).
will be required. fireplace hearth Something like Tableau Slate Oil
If tiles are cracked or missing, If you uncover an old fireplace (available from Amazon) can
you might get lucky and find hearth, it’s worth saving, work wonders, but if you want the
PERIOD STYLE
matching replacement tiles by particularly as it may well scratches gone altogether, then it
Tiled inserts
searching online or scouring complement the original fireplace. (below left) may be necessary to lightly sand
reclamation yards. However, if Slate and other types of stone were a firm the stone before resealing.
IMAGES: (BELOW LEFT) GETTY IMAGES; (BELOW RIGHT) LIGHTS4FUN

your search proves unsuccessful, hearth were a common feature in favourite

you might like to embrace a more many period homes, but they are with both the Replacing missing
Victorians
mix-and-match look for your prone to scratches and may have
and the
fireplace parts
fireplace by introducing some new become cracked or chipped over Edwardians. It is not unusual to find fixings, tiles
patterns. Alternatively, you could the years. Thankfully, there are or sections of original fireplaces
remove all the tiles and start over. steps you can take to repair them FRESH LOOK are missing — thankfully this does
— but what if the original hearth is If you've not have to mean ripping them out
uncovered
Repairing cracks in missing altogether and you need
an existing
and starting from scratch.
brick fireplaces to find some alternative options for fire opening “If you uncover damaged or
If you have a brick fireplace a replacement? and had the missing metal components, it’s
opening and find it’s cracked, “The hearth was traditionally chimney best to call a local professional
you need to take action. “If you made from concrete set flush checked, you to assist you,” emphasises Mark.
can install a
discover a cracked brick in your into the floor void,” explains Ian “Restorers can also recast any
new fireplace
fireplace masonry, you must patch Rock. “To comply with Building insert or stove fireplace features, for example
it up immediately,” says Mark Regulations, this will need to (below right). grates and hoods.”

homebuilding.co.uk 139
 Got a burning question about your self-build, extension or renovation project
that you need answering? Drop us a line by emailing homebuilding@futurenet.com
and your question could be answered by one of our magazine experts

FIREPLACE UPDATE What’s the best way to paint an old fireplace?

If you have a wood surround that sits around a cast-iron STEP 3. PAINT THE FIREPLACE
fireplace, the heat will rarely reach it, so as long as the The first step is to apply a primer to create a base for
wood is prepared properly you can use a standard the top coat. Start by doing the edges with a one- or
wood paint. Satin, semi-gloss or eggshell paints are two-inch paintbrush to create a border and any intricate
more durable and wipeable than a matt finish. Don’t use areas that can’t be painted with a roller. Start at the top
STEVE
JENKINS emulsion as this isn’t as durable. If you have a cast-iron of the fireplace and work your way down one side and
Is a journalist fireplace you will need a paint that is suitable for metal. then work your way down the other. Then use a mini
and a painter If parts of your wood or metal fireplace are going to short-pile or foam roller to paint the remaining areas
and decorator be exposed to higher than normal temperatures you and leave to dry as recommended. Ideally, leave for at
with all-round
should consider using a heat-resistant paint. least 24 hours. To finish, follow the same process with
building skills.
the top coat. Again, allow to dry properly and then add
STEP 1. GET YOUR WORK AREA READY a second coat.
The cleaning and sanding of a fireplace can make a
lot of mess so make sure you clear the space around
the area you are working in and lay down dust sheets.
You can use painters’ tape on the edges of the sheets to
stop them moving.

STEP 2. PREPARE THE SURFACE

If your fireplace has been painted previously your
prep will depend on the condition of the paint. If it is in
a decent condition, simply rub down. If it’s in a poor
state, you will need to remove as much of the old paint
as possible. If you want to go back to a bare surface
and start from scratch use a heat gun to help remove
the old paint. Use a two- or three-inch paint scraper for
flat surfaces and a shave hook to get into more intricate
areas. Alternatively, use a wire scourer, a small wire
brush or a drill attachment.
Next, rub down the whole fireplace with a 120–180
grit sandpaper. When finished, wipe with a damp cloth
and leave to dry before painting. Finally, use painters’
IMAGE:LITTLE GREENE

tape to mask the edges of the fireplace so no paint gets

on the walls. Also use painters’ tape and plastic dust
sheets – cut or folded to size – to mask off any areas such
as a fire, to ensure they stay paint free.
 SANDING FLOORS What are the best tools for sanding a wood floor?
When it comes to sanding wood tools are often used by flooring types of sander during a single
floors, there are several pointers professionals to sand wood floors. project, to suit various tasks or
to look out for and some important Use with caution, as this powerful requirements. For example, I might
decisions to get right. The tools you type of sander can easily leave use a random orbital sander to
use, your technique and even the unsightly machine marks on the get a floor level; a detail sander to
PETE WISE
specific sandpaper grades you floor surface. On the plus side, carry on levelling in the corners of
Is a freelance
writer and choose will affect the end result. these floor sanders work quickly. a room; and a high-grit sandpaper
keen DIYer. Here are the different type of Random orbital sander With a sheet to apply a very smooth finish
sanders you can choose from: random orbital action and circular across the whole surface.
Drum floor sander These sanding pad, this type of sander Sanding has a role to play in
upright, contactor-standard electric makes it possible to sand a surface improving various styles of wood
while leaving far fewer unsightly flooring, including parquet, solid
swirls and marks as you’d get with and engineered wood. If sanding
most other sanding tools. an engineered wood floor, keep in
Detail sander The small footprint mind that the real wood veneer on
and pointed sanding pads of detail this material tends to be thin,
sanders mean they’re great at usually 3–7mm.
getting into tight corners around The type of wood used in your
the edge of the floor. flooring should also be factored into
Belt sander This type of sander your approach to sanding. Sanding
uses a revolving belt to sand faster hardwoods such as oak requires
and more aggressively than your a lot of power (and a relatively
average random orbital sander — coarse sandpaper) while sanding
but more concentration is required softwoods such as pine tends to be
to get an even finish. easier going.
Sandpaper and sanding Regardless of the type of wood,
block If you only need to do very you should pay close attention to
light sanding work on your floor – the finish that’s being produced
e.g. stain removal – then you might while you sand. Consider using
IMAGE :WOODPECKER FLOORING

be able to do it using sandpaper your chosen sander on a test patch

sheets and a sanding block. If in of the floor that won’t often be
doubt, try this approach first. You seen before you go ahead and
can always move on to a more sand highly visible areas. If you’re
vigorous option if you don’t succeed unhappy with the finish, it might
with sandpaper alone. be best to choose an alternative
I sometimes use a few different sanding method.

W H AT ’ S O N w w w. h o m e b u i l d i n g . c o . u k
IMAGES : (LEFT) YESCOLOURS; (CENTRE & RIGHT) GETTY IMAGES

How to paint stripes on a wall for Discover the 9 best cordless drills How much does plasterboard cost
a striking focal point in a room for tackling your next DIY project to buy, install and finish?
From preparation to paint techniques, Steve Choose from our selection of budget, mid- Considering plasterboard costs for your
Jenkins shares his step-by-step guide to create and top-of-the-range cordless models — all project – whether you’re taking on a new
this statement look including how to measure of which are reliable, long lasting and build or partition wall – is a critical part of the
and mark out stripes, as well as the best tools to powerful enough to take on your home pricing process. Find the answers to some of
use for a professional finish. improvement projects. the most common questions.

142 homebuilding.co.uk
 A S K T H E E X P E R T S Q & A

What advice can you give me when looking for a

KITCHENS secondhand kitchen?
Secondhand kitchens can not only save you lots
of money — they are an eco-friendly option, too.
In many cases, they come in at 50%–70% lower
than the RRP.
There are several prominent used kitchen
NATASHA
specialists out there, including Used Kitchen Hub,
BRINSMEAD
Is associate Rehome and The Used Kitchen Company. Specialists
editor and such as these both buy and sell used kitchens. Some
has renovated of them have showrooms where you can view the
her own kitchens up close, while others will arrange for you to
Edwardian
view a particular kitchen you might be interested in
home.
— either at their premises or, if it is still in situ, at
the owner’s home. Other options include online
auction sites such as eBay or you might even want
to keep an eye out for local sellers advertising on
social media.
If you like the idea of an ex-display kitchen it is
well worth paying a visit to kitchen showrooms and
leaving your details with them — they will often
be happy to contact buyers when they come to
changing their shop displays. Many will come from
current ranges, meaning you can easily add to them
should you need to with new, matching items.
Have a layout of your kitchen space drawn up
before you start to look, so that you are clear on the
measurements of the room, any height restrictions
and the location of windows and doors. Most
good suppliers list all the details you need on their
websites. They should also include a full list of
IMAGE: REHOME

exactly what is included in terms of appliances and

worktops, the condition of the kitchen, a selection
of photographs and the earliest date it can be
dismantled, ready for collection or delivery.

What is an exhaust air heat pump and

EXHAUST AIR HEAT PUMPS how does it work?
Exhaust air heat pumps (EAHP), also known as heat
pump ventilation or micro heat pumps, use energy from
ventilated air to heat your home and/or water. This
ingenious technology reuses energy from the ‘waste
air’ in your home and can reduce your energy bills in
DAVID
HILTON the process.
Is a renewables Exhaust air heat pumps are designed to use the
and ventilation air in the home as its heat source and they work by
installer and extracting heat from stale, humid air before exhausting
director of
it outside the property. They are small heat pumps,
Heat and
Energy Ltd. usually using around 600W of power and producing
around 2kW of heat.
This heat can then be transferred in two ways. With
an air-to-water system,the heat is conveyed to water
– either directly or indirectly – by integrating the heat
pump with a hot water cylinder. Whereas with an
IMAGE:NIBE

air-to-air set up, heat can be transferred to the air for

use in conjunction with a Mechanical Ventilation Heat
Recovery (MVHR) system.

homebuilding.co.uk 143
 GABION WALLS What are gabion walls and where can they be used?
At its simplest, a gabion wall (from the Italian
term gabbione meaning ‘big cage’) is a
modular containment system – typically
referred to as a cage or basket – made from
ALLAN
a wire mesh and filled with rock. The cage
CORFIELD element is constructed most commonly as a
Is a RIBA square, rectangular or trapezoidal.
chartered There are two main types — those built
architect at for structural purposes and those used for
ACA.
decorative landscaping.
Walls only retaining a small amount of
garden ground (i.e. 1m and below), can be
laid in one row and linked with lacing wire.
Decorative applications for gabion walls
include raised flower beds and planters,
tables and patio seating, privacy screening
or as fencing and hard landscaping.
Aesthetically, the filled cages provide a
raw, natural and rustic structure that can be
left exposed to show the rock in situ. Ideally
the rock will be matched to the colour palette
of the main house or as part of a wider hard
and soft landscaping scheme.
When used as a decorative or non-
structural feature, it is fine for homeowners
to buy the baskets and infill stones, then
complete the install themselves. However, if
the gabion is being used to retain more than
IMAGE: PAUL RAESIDE

1m of soil, then it’s advisable to leave this to a

groundworks contractor. If you’re uncertain
about ground conditions, seek the advice of
an engineer before starting.

LOFT VENTILATION How can I stop condensation in my attic?

Condensation and excess moisture
can build up quickly in attics,
especially in the colder months, with
potentially serious consequences.
Damp and mould can bring
SAM WEBB
significant risks to residents’ health
Is a journalist
with 20 years’ and when left without treatment,
experience they can rot away at the timber in
as a news the roof. An overcrowded loft can
reporter also block ventilation. It constantly
for multiple
needs breathing space so the air
publications.
can flow, allowing your home to
be warm in the winter and cooler
in the summer. These are the main be ideal if you are looking to Ventilation slates can provide extra
types of ventilation: completely overhaul your loft. ventilation support to any house
Running vents stretch across Circular soffit vents are small that may be lacking efficient built-in
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

the soffit boards that span the plastic vents carved into softboard ventilation. They can be placed
underside of the roof. For the sake panels, which are there to keep all around the roof, mixed in with
of ease, this type of ventilation is the loft insulated. This type of standard slates and tiles so as to not
typically installed alongside the ventilation is easier to implement compromise the neat, uniform look
roof as a whole, meaning it would than running vents. of the roofing work.

144 homebuilding.co.uk
 A S K T H E E X P E R T S Q & A

How can I make the best use of

BATHROOM PLANNING my narrow bathroom?
The key to best utilising the space
in a narrow bathroom is to focus
on functionality, organisation
and creating the illusion of space.
Nowadays, there are lots of
LINDSAY
BLAIR fixtures and fittings created with
Is a freelance smaller rooms in mind — from
editor, writer short-projection basins and taps
and content to compact baths and ultra-slim
consultant with
shower trays.
a focus on
home design,
interiors and
lifestyle. 1 Measuring is vital
Before you buy anything for
your bathroom, make sure you
do your research. This includes
properly measuring up and taking
detailed notes on the distances
between walls, doors (when open
and closed), windows and the
ceiling height. When browsing
products, make sure to carefully
look at the dimensions and pay
attention to technical drawings
that list intricate measurements
such as how far a drawer pulls
out. Typically, you want at least
30 inches in front of fixtures for
unhampered movement.

2 Embrace the length

of the space
Consider a three-in-a-row layout
where the shower/bath, toilet and
sink all line up against one wall. If
you have enough width, you could
create a central walkway and have
4 Try to include a
frameless shower
A frameless design will emphasise
the eye into thinking your bathroom
is bigger than it is. Laying floor tiles
horizontally for example will give
the basin and toilet to one side that feeling of openness so it’s the illusion of a much wider room.
and a shower or bath to the other, worth considering a screen with Similarly, neutral tiles are generally
creating a galley-style layout. discreet hinges or mounts that will more suited to smaller spaces than
seamlessly blend into the room, darker ones, as they will open up

3 Choose wall-hung fittings

The trick with small bathrooms
with an ultra-slim shower tray. the space and allow natural light to
bounce off them. Although it may
is to maximise the visible floor area,
so you should mount your toilet,
basin and storage on the wall to
5 Combine functions with
a shower bath
A shower over the bath is the
seem counterintuitive, choosing
larger tiles in a small bathroom can
actually make it seem bigger.
create the feeling of more space. ultimate space-saver for a double-
You can even use this idea when
it comes to the bath, so you might
consider a freestanding design
duty function in a narrow bathroom.
Combine it with a folding glazed
screen that doesn’t take up too
7 Be savvy with storage
Take stock of exactly what you
need to store in your bathroom.
on feet or mounted on a plinth. much space, or an even more It’s a good idea to consider multi-
IMAGE: BATHROOM MOUNTAIN

Wall-hung fittings will often save flexible shower curtain, which functional storage solutions like a
space, too, as all of the mechanical can be tucked neatly away when basin vanity unit with a compact
parts will be hidden away within a it’s not in use. depth. Mirrors or even a mirrored
stud wall so the overall projection is cabinet will help to boost the
shorter. You can also apply the very
same logic to the taps by having
wall-mounted designs.
6 Think about how you
lay the tiles
The direction of your tiles can trick
feeling of light and space, while
keeping open shelving to a
minimum will help avoid clutter.

homebuilding.co.uk 145
 GR EEN CLINIC

Do heat pumps
work in cold
weather?
Renewables expert David Hilton explains the impact of cold weather
on heat pumps and why they’re a good choice for the British climate

I
f you’re considering investing in this form of form until it absorbs heat (from the air or ground) and
low-carbon technology to heat your home, one ‘boils’ to become a gas. This gas is then compressed to get
of the key questions you might need answering is: hot and the heat is then transferred for use in the home.
do they work as well when temperatures start to fall? The refrigerant liquid used in most heat pumps
After all, we rely on our heating and hot water most in ‘boils’ at around -50°C. Therefore any air or ground
the cold winter months and need to be confident that temperature that is even as low as -20°C is 30°C
the heating source we choose will deliver when we warmer than the refrigerant.
DAVID need it most. As such, most air source heat pumps will only keep
HILTON Heat pumps, particularly air source heat pumps, working to around -10°C but some will keep working as
Is an expert in have been heralded as key to the future of low-carbon low as -20°C. It’s rare, however, that temperatures drop
energy efficiency heating and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. to these extremes in the UK.
and director of However, they typically cost significantly more than Ground source heat pumps are often set to not
Heat & Energy Ltd.
gas boilers – at present – but the Boiler Upgrade work below -8°C. This might not seem like a lot when
Scheme (BUS) voucher could potentially save you compared with air source heat pumps but the ground
£7,500. So it’s wise to do your homework to ensure a is usually warmer than the air. You do not want to have
heat pump is right for your home when investing. to put too many chemicals into the pipes in the ground,
and you also do not want the water to freeze as it takes
HOW DO HEAT PUMPS ABSORB a very long time to recover.
HEAT IN COLD WEATHER? So heat pumps do work well in cold weather, but
A heat pump features a refrigerant circuit that as with all other industries, there are many different
compresses gas to create heat. The refrigerant is in liquid products out there, with many different refrigerants
behaving in different ways. You really need to do your
homework and make sure that the unit you choose will
Heat pumps, such as this one
not only work all year round but that it is optimised for
by Daikin, are seen as the colder weather.
future of low-carbon heating. What’s more, it’s key to note that most of the UK,
except perhaps areas of Scotland and the higher
altitude areas, is actually wet rather than cold in winter.
This makes it ideal for air source heat pumps.

DOES A HEAT PUMP’S EFFICIENCY

DECREASE IN COLD WEATHER?
There are two main factors which impact the efficiency
of a heat pump:
● The temperature of the heat source — whether it’s
air or ground
● The temperature that you are trying to achieve in
your home
Air source heat pumps will lose power in cold
weather because as the heat is extracted from the air,

homebuilding.co.uk 147
 G R E E N C L I N I C

the condensation on the fins of the heat pump SPACE TO CIRCULATE

evaporator will freeze and gradually block the The location and position of your
air passage. The heat pump therefore goes into a air source heat pump is crucial to
reverse cycle to deliver heat to the evaporator and efficient operation.
melt the ice. This produces a lot of ‘steam’, which
is quite normal. Additionally, ground source heat
pumps do not have a reverse cycle as the ground
loop does not freeze up in the same way.
The other thing that can happen with a heat
pump is that in colder weather you will have
warmer water in the radiators and underfloor
heating system. This means you will require more
energy to consistently produce and maintain this
higher temperature, but higher temperatures in
heat pumps inevitably equals lower efficiency and
lower output.

HEAT PUMPS vs GAS BOILERS

A gas boiler burns gas and, as such, produces a
certain number of kWh (kilowatts per hour) per
volume of gas. The outside temperature does not
affect the efficiency of the boiler but, as with any slightly more efficient than air source heat pumps, but
home heating system, you will need more heat to this does really depend on the location in the country
keep warm when it’s colder outside. and the quality of the ground collector.
Although a gas boiler is usually around 90%
efficient and a heat pump could be around WINTERPROOFING A HEAT PUMP
300% efficient, these are not comparable figures To begin, the position of your air source heat pump is
as natural gas costs around 10p per kWh and key. They need space around them so that the air can
electricity costs around 35p per kWh. Therefore, move through the heat pump and dissipate, rather than
if you do the maths to compare both systems, the being sucked back into the heat pump. Snow can be a
running costs are potentially very similar. problem if it builds up too high against the heat pump, so
plan your chosen position carefully.
AIR SOURCE vs GROUND SOURCE Also, if an air source heat pump is positioned on the
The temperature of the source of the energy – south side of the property you may need additional
namely the ground and air – will have a bearing when sensors on the north side. This is so that the heat
pump does not get ‘confused’ when the sun comes out
on a clear, but very cold winter’s day, thus making the
“If you do the maths to compare both heat pump heat pump think it is warm when the home is actually
and gas boiler systems, the running costs are still in need of heat.
potentially very similar” The real key to ensuring your heat pump works as
efficiently as possible in the winter months is good
planning and installation. Due to the nature of how
heat pumps work, we need to design them so that we
comparing the efficiency of air source heat pumps know how much heat there is in the source (air or
and ground source heat pumps in the colder months. ground), how much heat we need in the home and how
The ground temperature at a depth of around big the ‘engine’ needs to be to transfer the heat across.
1.5m is about 10°C. As the winter season progresses, Careful calculations should be done to ensure a
the ground around the ground source heat pump balanced installation is designed where the heat pump
collectors will often become cooler, unless the and the emitter circuits (such as underfloor heating
soil is very damp. This means that the source and radiators) are all carefully specified to meet the
temperature is getting cooler until it can recharge heat loads.
from the summer sun. With this in mind, when it comes to installing your
As such, if the air is warmer than the ground, chosen heat pump, it is best to use an experienced and
then an air source heat pump will be more efficient registered installer who understands heating systems.
IMAGE: IDEAL HEATING

than a ground source heat pump. However, if the But they should also understand heat pumps and be
ground is warmer, then the ground source heat familiar with the workings of the precise model of heat
pump will be more efficient. pump brand that is being installed. Heat pumps are
That said, if we take all the averages and variables not a one-size-fits-all solution and, as such, it is worth
into account, ground source heat pumps can be looking for the right installers.

homebuilding.co.uk 149
A R C HI T EC T UR A L MOOD BOA R D

flat roof ideas

for self-builds
and extensions
Perfect for creating a contemporary look, flat roofs also come with many
other benefits. We take a look at some of the best examples around
IMAGE: MARTIN GARDNER
F
lat roofs don’t just look visually
striking, they also come with a whole
host of other advantages when
compared to traditional pitched roofs.
In the past, however, poorly constructed,
unattractive flat roof examples have given
these types of roof a bad reputation.
“Flat roofs have gained an unenviable
reputation over the years for developing
problems,” says chartered surveyor Ian
Rock. “Unless carefully designed and
constructed, they’re notoriously prone to
leakage and heat loss, along with defects
like sagging decks, ponding water and
prolific plant growth. Which may explain
why insurers in the past tended to be wary
of properties endowed with large areas of
flat roofing.”
Things have, of course, changed and
there is absolutely no reason to shy
away from opting for this roof style for
your self-build, extension or renovation
project. Thanks to advancements in
construction materials and techniques,
there is no reason why a flat roof should
not perform well and look great.
From traditional to contemporary, flat
roofs can suit all kinds of home design
styles, and are a popular way to finish
off extensions, too, as this stunning
selection demonstrates.

ROOF-STYLE
RENAISSANCE
Thanks to
WORDS: NATASHA BRINSMEAD

modern building
techniques and
design ideas, flat
roofs have found
a new place in
contemporary
architecture.

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 M O O D B O A R D

3 MAKING A ROOF THE

IMAGE: DAVID BARBOUR

STAR FEATURE
Flat roofs might lack the angles
and shapes of its pitched-roof
contemporaries, but that doesn’t mean
they can’t add plenty of character and
interest to the house they sit above. The
roof covering and the way in which it is
placed can have a massive effect on the
finished look of a building.
This contemporary, eco-friendly new
home in Scotland, designed by Ewan
Cameron Architects, features both a
curved roof as well as a flat section, both
covered with standing seam powder-
coated steel. The vibrant shade sits in
harmony with the stone-clad base of the
house, while the flat-roofed single-storey
section acts as a roof terrace from which
to enjoy the views.

1 THINKING OUTSIDE
THE BOX
There’s no reason why
2 A BRUTALIST
APPROACH
Keen to create more space
flat-roofed homes have to within their Georgian
follow a set of rules that terrace home to meet the
dictates they must be square or needs of their growing
rectangular in form — some of family, the owners of
the most stunning new homes this house wanted their
feature shapes and angles that extension to resemble
can really surprise. a “recognisably British
The owners of this striking aesthetic”, according to
new home, designed by their architect Stuart from
architects CZWG, were Archer + Braun.
keen to make the most of “The design is a nod
its coastal position and so to mid-century British
opted for a series of irregular architects, who adopted
shapes that rise to a central the Frenchman Auguste
truncated triangle of glass — Perret’s Béton Brut style as
all finished with flat roofs. The their own, which led to the
expanses of full-height glazing architectural movement
ensure that the sea views the known as Brutalism,”
house enjoys can be fully continues Stuart. “We
IMAGE: UNIQUE HOMESTAYS

appreciated. chose the concrete to

IMAGE: DAVID BARBOUR

In terms of the roof covering create a monolithic and

used, EDPM (a synthetic uniform exterior. The
rubber) with white pebbles simple flat-roofed addition
laid over it and aluminium draws out the character of
flashings, was chosen. the existing house.

homebuilding.co.uk 153
4 ENHANCING AN EXTENSION
Flat roof extensions are popular for those looking
for ways to add extra space and light to terrace houses.
When the new owners bought this mid-terrace property, it
was in an extremely poor state of repair. At the same time
as updating the house, they decided to add a rear and
side extension – designed by Daykin Marshall Studio –
using Permitted Development rights.
The new walls of the extension have been designed to
complement the original Victorian brickwork of the house
and its neighbours, but a more unusual horizontal ribbed
effect has been created by stepping the bricks in and out
by 25mm on alternate courses.
The triple-glazed picture window within the square
elevation brings in maximum natural light.

5 GOING GREEN
Building in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is
rarely a straightforward affair and often an intelligent and
IMAGE: NICK DEARDEN

considered approach will be required.

This contemporary new home is positioned on an
elevated plot and the design was undertaken by Loyn+Co
Architects who were keen to make the most of its coastal
views. The foundations and lower ground floor of the
house were constructed from in-situ concrete retaining
walls, while the ground and first floors were built using
steel and timber frame.
The overhanging section of flat roof that projects out has
been finished as a sedum roof — a popular method for
creating a green covering.

IMAGE: CHARLES HOSEA

 M O O D B O A R D

6 A ROOF THAT REFLECTS

THE TERRAIN
or somewhere where the views beg
to be prioritised.
Taylor of Invisible Studio, designed
the replacement with modern black
IMAGE: JIM STEPHENSON

Sometimes certain design features just When it came to self-building corrugated metal and ensured the
make sense, taking into account the plot the extension of their unusual derelict window placement would make the most
they are being built on — whether that folly, the owners of this property were of the views through the trees. The flat
is a heavily sloping site, one that means unhappy with the way it had been roof is steeply angled to aesthetically
squeezing a new home into a tight space previously extended. The owner, Piers reflect that of the hillside below.

homebuilding.co.uk 155
 7 TAKING THE FLAT
ROOF FULL WIDTH
A flat roof can look
particularly striking when
used for a full-width
extension where it gives
a pleasingly sleek, linear
appearance to the entire
structure. As part of this
1930s house renovation,
which previously had no
connection to the garden
and lacked natural light,
architect Ian Harvey of
Harvey Norman Architects,
wanted to open up the back
of the house and link it to
the garden.
Set into the flat roof,
IMAGE: ANDREW HATFIELD

three rooflights have

been used in the new
kitchen dining area, while
glazing, spanning 12m,
further ensures the space is
flooded with light.

156 homebuilding.co.uk
 M O O D B O A R D

8 GO FOR CONTRAST WITH METAL CLADDING

Simple does not have to spell boring — some of the
were needed on the existing 1950s house it adjoins. Architect
Neil Turner of TAP Architects designed the new structure to
IMAGE: DAVID BARBOUR

most exciting buildings are created with straight lines and flat be constructed of a highly insulated timber frame with dense
roofs, yet are brought to life thanks to the way the cladding blockwork walls, all clad with powder-coated aluminium, held
is approached. 50mm off the walls by stud screw fixings. The unusual metal
Despite its eye-catching design, this new extension was mesh cladding used for the flat-roofed structure gives glimpses
actually developed to ensure minimal structural alterations of the blockwork within.

9 EXTENDING A FLAT ROOF

AS A BRISE SOLEIL
If you are keen to ensure that your flat
roofed home doesn’t appear to be too
one-dimensional, look to your choice of
cladding for added interest.
This self-build, designed by Levitate
Architects, was formed by building
two south-facing rectangles and was
constructed using cross laminated
timber (CLT), chosen for how quick it is to
construct a house in this way.
Local clay bricks have been used for the
ground floor, while black-painted larch
timber boards have been used for the first
floor cladding. A balcony leads off from
IMAGE: MARTIN GARDNER

the first floor, with a prominent flat-roof

section overhead providing useful shade.

homebuilding.co.uk 157
 M O O D B O A R D

10 CREATE A DISTINCTIVE LOOK years but the owners could see its potential. With the help of
IMAGE: CHRIS SNOOK PHOTOGRAPHY

Just because you might be working with a traditional Stylus Architects, a design was duly formulated to increase
building, there is no reason why the design of any extensions the footprint of the house with the addition of a rear extension
you add have to follow suit — in fact, flat-roofed extensions can to incorporate new family spaces. An exoskeletal corten steel
really work well with more classic buildings. frame was selected, fitted with huge panes of glass. The flat roof
This 1930s detached period house is located in a features a series of different types of ceiling glazing to flood the
conservation area and had been left untouched for many space with light.

homebuilding.co.uk 159
 THE UK’S LEADING
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 HO W GR EE N IS Y OU R HOME?

INSULATION
A thermal and sound insulator,
sustainable and chemical free,
cork has many benefits but is much
underused in the home. Here’s how
you can make use of it in your space

W
hen we hear the word
cork, we probably
think of popping a
bottle of Champagne or Prosecco
— depending on the circles you
move in. But cork also has a
serious role in the home. In all
TIM PULLEN its forms, cork comes from the
As an expert in bark of the cork oak tree which
home energy grows in south-western Europe
efficiency, — particularly Spain, Portugal,
Tim wrote The
Sustainable
France and North Africa. After
Building Bible. 25–30 years, a cork tree has
grown sufficiently for the bark
to be harvested. The first harvest
produces bark unsuitable for
bottle stoppers because it’s too
irregular and too hard. But it’s this
and the second harvest that is used
for insulation and other products.
Cork tree bark shouldn’t be
harvested more frequently than After harvesting, the bark needs sound and thermal insulator — by
once every nine years — to allow to rest for at least a year to harden creating more volume and greater
FREE the tree time to recover. This will and become stable. If used for flexibility within the material.
CORKAGE give the tree a life of 150–200 insulation, the bark needs to be
Bark is years. Harvesting is still a manual boiled and then ground to produce IS CORK SAFE
stripped from
cork trees and
process with skilled people using granules. The cork is then steamed AS INSULATION?
can be used a specially shaped axe to cut to expand the granules which are Cork insulation board is 100%
to make a the bark without damaging the then pressed under high pressure cork: it contains no chemicals, no
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

wide range tree. The cork oak is unique in to release natural suberin (plant glue, no binders, no additives. It
of products its ability to regrow bark after cell epidermis molecules) which is entirely unattractive to small
for the home,
including
harvesting with no damage to the binds the granules together. It’s creatures as either food or nest
insulation tree. It’s a characteristic known this expansion of cork granules material. It’s resistant to moisture
boards since pre-ancient Rome times. that makes them such a good penetration and mould and is a

homebuilding.co.uk 163
“slow burner”. This means that in rot and is breathable. That’s usually
a fire, it will burn but very slowly defined as the ability to absorb
and doesn’t produce a flame, so it airborne moisture and to release it
doesn’t spread fire. again. In this case, the moisture is
absorbed in the gaps between the
HOW AND WHERE cork granules rather than within
CAN CORK BE USED? the material itself. But the effect is
Cork is most usually available as the same.
semi-rigid boards, but also as loose Cork has very similar thermal
granules which are mainly used for insulation properties to all
loft insulation. the other sustainable, natural
Cork insulation boards are insulation materials and also to
generally 1m x 0.5m – although mineral wool. It’s very easy to
this can vary a little – with work with as it can be cut with a
thicknesses from 10mm to knife or saw. Being semi-rigid, it
120mm. The boards are semi-rigid doesn’t slump or compact. It can
with reasonable compressive be used internally or externally
strength. This means they can where it would be finished with a
be used safely in walls as infill weatherproofing render.
to timber frames, or as cavity Cork’s main disadvantage is
insulation in new-build masonry its price. There has to be a strong
walls. Being water resistant argument for using this material
means that they can also be used instead of other natural eco
on the external surface of the insulation options, which are all
wall where its sound insulation considerably cheaper — as are
qualities come to the fore. Their conventional insulation materials.
compressive strength means Another less-obvious
that they can also be used as floor disadvantage is that cork does not
insulation under a screed or in a have the specific heat capacity
suspended timber floor. But it’s of sheep wool or hemp. Both of CORK POWER CONCLUSION
an expensive product that offers those materials can absorb heat As well as Cork has a lot of things going
no real benefit over far cheaper and slow its movement inside to insulating for it. It’s arguably the ultimate
boards, cork
conventional thermal insulation. outside and outside to inside — can be used to
sustainable product — especially
Pricing is steep. Boards 20mm keeping a house warm in winter create more with a properly tended tree lasting
thick will be around £10/m2, and cooler in summer. Cork does decorative up to 200 years.
increasing in 10mm steps to this to a certain extent, but not features, It has no chemicals, no binders,
100mm thick at around £47/m2. quite as effectively. such as these no additives of any sort. It’s
CorkWall
To meet current standards for wall Another issue relates to the Lagos Beige
impervious to rodents, insects
insulation, you would need at least management of cork oak trees. It’s wall tiles from and mould, it doesn’t degrade over
100mm insulation, assuming a claimed that the move within the NatureWall. time and doesn’t lose its insulation
Thermalite block inner skin. In a wine bottling industry for plastic qualities in wet conditions.
timber frame, that would increase bottle stoppers is forcing growers At the end of its life in a house,
to 130mm at a cost of over £60/m2. away from the cork oak to use cork can be recycled to make
their land for more profitable raw new cork boards or other cork
PROS AND CONS materials. The counter argument products. As such, cork ticks all of
Cork is one of the only insulation is that cork can be used for many the available environmentally-
materials that is water resistant. purposes – from sandals to beer friendly boxes.
Some would argue waterproof mats – and that greater adoption But it’s difficult to get past
means that it doesn’t absorb water of insulation products would the high price. There are other
— cork famously floats. It wouldn’t encourage growers to maintain natural, sustainable thermal
make a good bottle stopper if it their trees. After all, a harvested insulation products that tick
absorbed moisture. This also cork oak tree still stores five times most of the same boxes for a lot
means that it’s highly resistant to the CO2 of an unharvested tree. less money. But cork is equally
effective as a sound insulator
as it is a thermal insulator. So if
“Cork has no chemicals, binders or additives. It’s impervious the need exists for both of those
qualities in your home, then cork
to insects, rodents and mould. It doesn’t degrade, or lose its instantly becomes a good one-stop
insulation qualities in wet conditions. And it’s recyclable” solution at a reasonable price.

homebuilding.co.uk 165
 EX P ER T A D V ICE

PART SIX
PLANNING
Planning application fees are fixed and set nationally through
the Fee Regulations. You can calculate fees for local authorities

PERMISSION
in England using www.planningportal.co.uk/app/fee-calculator
but there are equivalent Planning Portal sites for Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland. The application fee is just one component

EXPLAINED of preparing a planning application. For a full list of requirements

for a valid planning application, search your local authority
Validation Checklists for each application type. In addition to the
Applying for planning permission location plan, site plan, elevations, floorplans and key sections of
is a key stage in any self-build the proposed development, there will be a raft of other documents
and reports required, ranging from ecology surveys to details of
project, so make sure you know access, parking and landscaping.
what’s involved to give you the best
chance of success WHAT IS PLANNING PERMISSION?
Planning permission is the legal process of determining whether

U
nderstanding how the planning system works will help proposed developments should be permitted. The definition
you better plan your project long before you are ready to of ‘development’ includes construction of new buildings,
submit an application. It’s important to understand the changes of use of land and buildings, and work that falls with the
planning policies that are relevant to your site, so you and your definition of ‘engineering operations’. Specified categories of
architectural designer can shape the proposals to maximise the development are granted an automatic planning permission by
chances of securing permission. You also need to understand law under The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted
the level of detail that will be required by the local authority Development) Order 1995, and therefore do not require any
and the surveys and reports that need to form part of an application for planning permission. These categories are
application to ensure it is validated. referred to as permitted development. Building a new home

166 homebuilding.co.uk
without planning permission is unlawful and could be subject the conditions, some of which will need approval prior to
to enforcement action by the local authority. Failure to secure commencement of the development, and others prior to first
permission retrospectively for unlawful development can lead to occupation or use.
any buildings having to be altered or removed altogether, and the Permissions may also be subject to planning obligations
land returned to its former state. (also known as Section 106 Agreements) used to mitigate or
Decisions on whether or not to grant planning permission compensate for negative impacts of a development that might
are made in line with local planning policy and administered otherwise make it unacceptable. This can include a contribution
by local planning authorities. Planning policy is shaped by towards affordable housing, and infrastructure such as
national guidance in the form of legislation enacted by each of highways or local schools. The introduction of the Community
the devolved nations. In England, all planning decisions must Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is gradually displacing the need for
comply with the National Planning Policy Framework together planning obligations.
with clarification provided through Planning Practice Guidance ● Removal or Variation of Conditions applications Also
and against the background of previous decisions resulting from known as Section 73 Consent, these are used to amend or vary
planning appeals where the local authority’s decision to refuse an the conditions of a full planning application. They can be used to
application has been overturned. make minor amendments to an approved scheme without having
to make a full planning application.
TYPES OF PLANNING PERMISSION ● Prior Approval applications Used for development that
The type of planning application you need to make will depend on falls within permitted development rights but require checks to
the nature of your proposed development. ensure compliance before development commences. It avoids the
● Outline planning permission Typically used to establish the need for a full planning application for projects such as changing
principle for a proposed development without having to invest shops or agricultural buildings into dwellings or erecting a larger
in the cost of developing a fully detailed design. Outline planning single-storey extension to the rear of a dwelling.

permission may approve certain matters such as access but the APPLICATION COSTS
details are set out in the ‘reserved matters’. The cost of submitting a planning application varies across the
● Reserved matters application The next stage after outline devolved nations, but these are examples of current fees:
planning permission has been granted. The application will ● £462 for a full application for a new single dwelling or outline
provide more detail than was shown in the outline application for planning permission per 0.1 hectare in England
some or all of the following areas: appearance, means of access, ● £206 for a householder application in England
landscaping, layout and scale. Outline permissions cannot be ● £460 for a full application for a new single dwelling or outline
implemented until a reserved matters application has been planning permission per 0.1 hectare in Wales
granted planning permission. ● £230 for a householder application in Wales
● Full planning permission This is when all of the details for the ● £401 for a full application for a new single dwelling or outline
proposed development are submitted at the same time. planning permission per 0.1 hectare in Scotland
● Householder planning permission This is used for ● £202 for a householder application in Scotland.
permission to alter or extend an individual house within the ● Discharge of Conditions: £116 per application (though multiple
boundary of the property. conditions can be combined in a single application).
● Permission in Principle Very similar to outline planning Most planning applications will be submitted electronically via
permission but is specifically for small-scale housing the Planning Portal website. Paper applications can still be made
developments of under 10 units. Some serviced plots might come with the forms available from the local authority websites or
with permission in principle, and will require a technical details Planning Portal.
consent before development can proceed. There is also the cost of producing the application drawings
● Discharge of Conditions applications Seek approval and consultant reports or details necessary to make a valid
from the local authority for details that are required to make application (see your local authority’s validation checklists for
the proposed development acceptable, but have not been dealt each application type). Planning drawings for a new house are
with at planning permission stage. They might include details of likely to be £8,000–£12,000, depending on the scale. Drawings
external materials, joinery details, parking, landscaping schemes, for a small extension will typically range from £2,500–£5,000.
mitigation measures to encourage biodiversity, drainage Consultant reports such as a Sustainable Drainage Strategy,
details and more. Permission is granted subject to discharging Arboricultural Impact Assessment, or a Preliminary Ecological

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 Appraisal will cost £600–£1,500. You are unlikely to make a approval to check compliance: examples include the conversion
planning application for a single dwelling for less than £25,000. of shops, offices or agricultural buildings into dwellings.
An application for a modest domestic extension will cost less, ● Large-scale alterations Significant alterations to existing
around £3,000–£5,000. buildings, such as adding additional storeys, loft extensions or
making substantial changes to the appearance of the building,
HOW LONG DOES PERMISSION LAST? will most often require planning permission — but projects that
Planning permission is normally valid for a period of three years meet the criteria for permitted development have automatic
from the date the Decision Notice is issued. There are exceptions, planning permission.
but they are rare and, if your case is one of them, it should say so ● Development in conservation areas Alterations that will
clearly in your letter of approval. affect the character or appearance of a conservation area usually
If your planning consent is about to expire, there are several require planning permission. Permitted development rights
options open to you. First, you can make what is known are restricted in conservation areas, national parks and other
as a material commencement to the project, as you only designated areas, and in some instances removed altogether by
need to start the project, not finish it, within the three-year Article 4 Directions, so works that would ordinarily be permitted
period. A lawful commencement requires the discharge of development, such as small roof alterations, changing cladding or
all Pre-Commencement planning conditions, submission altering windows, require planning permission.
of an application for Building Regulations Approval and a ● Listed buildings All ‘material’ alterations to listed buildings
Commencement Notice, plus evidence of a material operation on planning permission as well as listed building consent.
site having been undertaken and inspected — typically excavation It’s important to note that each devolved nation in the UK
of foundations and concrete pour. has its own planning legislation. If you are in any doubt whether

However, if you need more time to plan effectively, you can planning permission is required, consult your local planning
reapply to ensure nothing is rushed. There is no longer an option authority. Pre-application advice for homeowners is usually free.
to simply renew planning permission, so you will have to submit Unsure whether your proposed development meets the criteria
a re-application. Bear in mind that you are not guaranteed to get for permitted development? Apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness
planning consent a second time, and you may be applying against of Existing or Proposed Use of Development (CLEUD). In
a very different planning policy background three years later. England the fee is £234 plus planning portal fee of £60.
Planning permission for a project is attached to the land, If your project involves the creation of a new dwelling (either
so a plot can be bought or sold without planning permission a self-build or subdividing an existing home), then planning
expiring. Planning permission will likely add to the value of the permission is normally required.
land for a potential developer so be cautious about buying a plot
with planning permission that is about to expire as there is the USING A PLANNING CONSULTANT
risk that it will expire before you have a chance to make a lawful You can make a planning application yourself or leave it to your
commencement. This is especially relevant on consents that were architectural designer, but for a project that is in any way complex
hard fought or where planning policy may have changed. it is important to engage someone with specialist knowledge and
experience of the planning process. Planning consultants are
HOW DO I KNOW IF I ACTUALLY NEED experts in this field.
PLANNING PERMISSION? A planning consultant can help unlock the development
Most building projects require planning permission: potential of a site and add significant value, improving the
● Construction of new buildings New buildings will almost chances of securing planning permission for a scheme. Advice is
always require planning permission, including extensions – particularly useful if your project involves a listed building, or is
although some smaller buildings and extensions that meet the located in an area where planning rules are more restrictive, such
criteria for permitted development have automatic planning as within an AONB or National Park, other designated land or
permission under the General Permitted Development Order within the green belt.
(England) Order 2015.
● Change of use The change of use of a building or land, for WHAT DO YOU NEED TO INCLUDE IN A
example, converting an old school or pub into a house, or dividing PLANNING PERMISSION APPLICATION?
a house into two flats, will require planning permission. Certain Most planning applications are submitted electronically and the
types of change of use class fall within permitted development minimum criteria required to make a valid application include
and so automatically have planning permission subject to prior the following:

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 E X PE R T A D V I C E

● Completed online application forms

● Signed ownership certificate
● Location plan
● Existing and proposed site (block) plan
● Existing and proposed elevations, floorplans and roof plan,
even if you’re demolishing and rebuilding the house
● A Design and Access statement
● Drainage strategy
● The correct application fee
● In an area where Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) applies
you will need to complete Form 1: CIL Additional Information
● There are other supplementary documents you may have to
supply. These could include a tree survey an ecological survey,
or Community Infrastructure Levy forms, if you’re building
100m2 or more.

DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

A Design and Access statement is required to accompany all
planning applications besides householder building works in
unprotected areas and changes of use. Statements are used to

justify a proposal’s design concept and the access to it. The level of PLANNING APPLICATION DRAWINGS
detail depends on the scale of the project and its sensitivity. Most Your local planning authority will not accept planning drawings
authorities will have guidance notes available to help you but, unless they meet certain requirements, including clarity,
unfortunately, unless you ensure you have included a statement accuracy, a scale bar and where relevant the north point. They
in your submission, planning authorities can refuse to register must contain enough details of the proposal and the site,
your planning application. This explains the rationale behind the including how the site joins the highway, and be at a recognisable
design and site of the new house and it describes the policies that metric scale.
apply and how it complies with them. You are required to submit the following as part of your
The report will also provide the details of the site access. Safe planning application:
access from the highway is essential and the local Highways A LOCATION PLAN
Authority are one of the statutory consultees for every ● Scaled at a metric of 1:1250 or 1:2500, but also preferably
application, along with the local drainage engineer. keeping to A4 size
● Shows all buildings and roads on land adjoining the site
SPECIALIST SURVEYS ● Application site and any land required for access for the build
Certain key surveys required to demonstrate that a proposed must be outlined or shaded in red
development is legally acceptable, as well as acceptable in terms ● Any other land adjacent that you own or control outlined or
of policy, are required in order for the application to be validated. shaded in blue.
The most common examples are specialist Biodiversity Surveys A SITE/BLOCK PLAN
required if there is any evidence or likelihood of European ● A closer look at the site for the development, at a scale of 1:100,
Protected Species on or around the site, including bats, water 1:200 or 1:500
voles, dormice and Greater Crested Newts and others. The impact ● Shows the development with reference to site boundaries and
on trees and especially protected trees is another essential factor other buildings, including measurements
to consider. ● Includes details of buildings, roads, footpaths, public rights of
If the access is compromised in terms of width or visibility way and trees, unless not affected by the development
IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS

splays, you will need to engage a Highways Engineer to see if there ● Includes hard surfacing amount and type, and treatments for
is a design solution that will make the proposals acceptable. boundary walls or fences
These consultant-led reports should be commissioned at the ● Location and site plans can be created and bought online.
outset, so the design of the house takes into account any of these Planning Portal’s recommended service is called ReQuestaPlan,
technical matters. but it’s also possible to use Ordnance Survey mapping.

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 E X PE R T A D V I C E

ELEVATIONS AND FLOORPLANS relating to the proposed development and any neighbours likely
● If you’re working with an architect or design and build to be affected are written to and invited to view the plans and
company, they should have experience in producing a full set of to comment. If your application was found to be valid, the start
planning drawings; however, if the project is self-designed or date will be backdated to the day the application was received. If
you’re working with a contractor, you may have to engage the help further information was required, the clock will only start ticking
of an external source to produce the plans on the day that the planning permission application was found to
● Elevations show what each side of the building will look be complete and validated.
like, indicating the size and type of windows and doors and the Validation marks the start of the public consultation process,
external building materials. The floorplans are a bird’s-eye view which can not be less than 21 days. The authority will make
of the whole property, outlining the layout and dimensions of statutory consultations to the local Highways department,
the proposed project. Where the planning application is for an Drainage Engineer, Environmental Health, Parish Council and,
extension, this part should be highlighted against drawings of the where necessary, the Environment Agency and Heritage Bodies
existing building, and you will need both existing and proposed including Conservation Groups.
plans and elevations. You should find out whether your application has been
approved after eight weeks — although more complex schemes
MAKING CHANGES TO A can take longer. If there are issues that require further
PLANNING APPLICATION clarification, the officer can request an extension of time to
Before a judgement has been made on your planning application, determine the application. If the application is not determined
you can withdraw it at any time — so if officers are indicating within the statutory time, you can appeal. The Secretary of State

that they are likely to recommend refusal, you can withdraw appoints an Inspector from the Planning Inspectorate to consider
the application at any time up to the day itself, and resubmit the application. As part of the appeal process the LPA will be
an amended scheme free of charge. In the early stages of an asked to explain why the application was not determined within
application, officers may accept amendments to the drawings the specified time and what their decision would have been if they
instead of withdrawal and resubmission, and restart the clock on had determined the application.
the 21-day public consultation stage. Securing planning permission doesn’t necessarily mean that
Once planning permission has been approved, you can make you can start work on your project immediately. Make sure
minor alterations by applying for a non-material amendment you look at the planning conditions attached to the consent —
and officers will decide whether or not this is acceptable, usually for instance, you may need to seek approval for your chosen
cladding or roofing materials.
within 28 days. However, major alterations that are materially
different, are likely to involve a further application for full
planning permission using a Section 73 application to vary the BUILDING WITHOUT ANY PLANNING
conditions to allow amendments to the approved drawings. PERMISSION IN PLACE
The location red line area on the location plan, and nature of the While it’s certainly not illegal to develop your own land
nature of the development must remain unchanged. without any planning permission in place, it is not lawful and,
consequently, if you have failed to get consent for your project,
GAINING APPROVAL then the local planning authority can take action to have the work
According to MyJobQuote, in England, around 86% of altered or completely demolished.
applications are granted. If your planning permission is refused, In this instance, you can make a retrospective planning
you can either amend and resubmit having dealt with the application and if this is refused, then you can appeal the
reasons for refusal, or you can make an appeal to the planning decision. If you lose, it can prove very costly. Currently, if there
inspectorate. It is usually better to grant an extension of time. is no enforcement action against unauthorised work, after four
Around 40% of householder applications that are refused are years it becomes immune from action. For unauthorised changes
later granted at appeal. of use the period is 10 years, or four years if the use is as a dwelling.
Altering a listed building without prior permission is a criminal
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET offence, and in extreme cases it can lead to prosecution and
PLANNING PERMISSION? unlimited fines — even imprisonment. So do ensure you apply for
Once your application is registered as valid, which can take approval first. There is no statute of limitations for unauthorised
anything from 1-4 weeks, a sign is posted outside the address work to listed buildings.

homebuilding.co.uk 171
 NE X T M ON T H

Expert advice for renovating

your home in 2024

Cutting-edge Passivhaus
homes that lead the way
IMAGES (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) BAUFRITZ; JIM STEPHENSON; DAVID BARBOUR

in energy-efficient design

Bathroom innovations that

are worth splashing out on

Tips on buying land without

planning permission

F E B R U A RY 2 0 2 4 I S S U E
ON SALE 4 JANUARY

homebuilding.co.uk 177
 AMA ZING HOMES

Natural beauty
With a distinctive contemporary aesthetic, this
reimagined seaside home by OB Architecture
sits comfortably in its rugged clifftop setting

S
et on a highly exposed plot in Hampshire, this corridors and on the first floor next to the living
coastal home was designed by OB Architecture space, what would become a future bedroom. They
to capture the 180-degree ocean views. In fact, also decided that the property should be highly
to take full advantage of the stunning scenery, the sustainable and chose an air source heat pump for
WORDS: JO MESSENGER IMAGE: BRETT CHARLES

replacement house was created with an upside-down heating, along with solar panels on the roof.
floorplan — a first-floor living space sits atop the To anchor the building to its site, robust and deeply
ground-floor bedrooms. textured natural materials were used throughout,
“To make the most of the far-reaching sea views, a including a honey-coloured sandstone external
lot of glass was incorporated into the design — all of wall that continues inside. This beautiful pairing
which is protected from overheating in summer with of wood and stone not only adds a sense of warmth
large overhangs,” says founding director Olly Bray. and intimacy, but will weather gracefully in the
Looking for a weekend house that would eventually sometimes harsh clifftop location. In contrast, the
become a futureproofed forever home in which they light-filled interiors have been designed as calm,
could spend their retirement, the owners wanted cocooning spaces that are a relaxing and restful
the new build to be highly accessible with a lift, wide retreat for the owners.

178 homebuilding.co.uk
9000 9001