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selfbuilder & homemaker March/April 2017 PLANNING DESIGN CONSTRUCTION INTERIORS NEW BEGINNINGS A self-build in Cambridgeshire helped its owner cope with a personal tragedy See page 16 FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE: Bathrooms & Wetrooms Fires & Fireplaces Floors & Floor Coverings Roofing Water & Damp Proofing Show Preview: Grand Designs Live (London) SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS SHOWCASE www.sbhonline.co.uk

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selfbuilder& homemakerMarch/April 2017

PLANNING • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION • INTERIORS

NEW BEGINNINGSA self-build in Cambridgeshire helped itsowner cope with a personal tragedySee page 16

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE: Bathrooms & WetroomsFires & FireplacesFloors & Floor CoveringsRoofingWater & Damp ProofingShow Preview: Grand Designs Live (London)SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS SHOWCASE www.sbhonline.co.uk

When the Build Matters the Doors are Hörmann

Aluminium entrance door

Garage doors and operators

Steel doors

401

ReaderEnquiry

3selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

march/april 2017

contents

bathrooms & wetrooms ...............27-29building Products & services .............13Cladding & external facades ............30doors, windows & Conservatories........................30-32fires & fireplaces .......................33-35floors & floor Coverings..............36-38Heating & renewable energy............39Kitchens & appliances.................39-40landscaping & external finishes.........40Plant, tools & equipment...................41Pools & spas..................................40rainwater Products ..........................41roofing ....................................41-43stairs, balustrades & balconies ..........44water & damp Proofing ..............48-49

4iNdustry News

11asK tHe exPert

13ProduCt foCus

14diNiNg rooMs iNterior sHowCase

25graNd desigNs live (loNdoN)sHow Preview

44sustaiNable ProduCts sHowCase

50tiMber & JoiNery sHowCase

51Classified & direCtory

16New begiNNiNgsJames Parker visits a self-builder who came through a personal bereavement tocomplete her beautiful timber-framed home in Cambridgeshire

28sustaiNable luxurywith the demand for sustainable products increasing and the desire for luxurystill prevailing, Marc Howlett of william Holland asks if the two can co-exist

33iNvest iN tHe future arada stoves’ Jon butterworth explains why stoves are becoming greener thanever and what it means for you and your build

37tHe soft/Hard debateChoosing your flooring is undoubtedly one of the most important elements of aself-build – but should you go for carpet or hard flooring? selfbuilder & Homemaker’s roseanne field weighs up the pros and cons

42staNdiNg tHe test of tiMerichard bishop of wienerberger looks at how roof tile innovation is emulatingclassic design using modern materials to enable self-builders to find the idealoption for their project

48wHat lies beNeatHextra space is something that many home owners desire but often that meansadding a conservatory or a loft conversion. david symes of delta Membranesystems looks at the basement alternative

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4 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

selfbuilder& homemakerMarch/April 2017

PLANNING • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION • INTERIORS

NEW BEGINNINGSA self-build in Cambridgeshire helped itsowner cope with a personal tragedySee page 16

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE: Bathrooms & WetroomsFires & FireplacesFloors & Floor CoveringsRoofingWater & Damp ProofingShow Preview: Grand Designs Live (London)SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS SHOWCASE www.sbhonline.co.uk

Cover image © PottonSee pages 16 - 23 for more.

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

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

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Publisher:Lesley Mayo

Managing Editor:James Parker

Assistant Editor:Roseanne Field

Editorial Assistant :Sue Benson

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

Senior Sales Executives: Nathan Hunt & Sheehan Moir-Edmonds

Sales Executives: Suzanne Easter & Kim Friend

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Managing Director:Simon Reed

Subscription costs just £18 for 6 issues,including post and packing. Phone 01435863500 for details. Individual copies of the publication are available at £3.25 eachinc p&p.

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

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edAs I write this in sunny Sussex, the property industry isgathering in Cannes for the annual MIPIM knees-up.This year the handshake-heavy event features the some-what alarming proposition of UK councils on a charmoffensive to attract funding in a post-Brexit world. I thinkthat now the weather’s improving, I’m happy focusingon things that are closer to home.

Things in the UK self-build market are not all sweetnessand light however, shown by the Government having to intervene to makecouncils honour commitments on Right to Build in the form of upcoming legis-lation. It also hoped the recent White Paper would help get Right to Buildoff the ground. Given the startling statistic – admitted by Sajid Javid – thatthe UK has had the lowest rate of housebuilding in western Europe for thelast three decades, something fundamental has to be done.

It’s unlikely that the Government’s pledges to support the NaCSBA’s self-buildPortal, keep self-build free of the Community Infrastructure Levy, and ‘workwith lenders’ will be enough. Surely if councils are dragging their feet onRight to Build, the time to introduce that legislation is now.

After those council members have finished living it up in Cannes dreamingabout new ‘city quarters’ and rich investors, they need to come back with arenewed vigour, and get real on Right to Build.

James Parker

editor’s letter

Ask an Architect1 April, SwindonNSBRC’s Ask an Architect events are held everymonth and offer self-builders the chance to attenda session with a RIBA chartered architect to discussmatters such as the design of your project, creatingextra storage and adding value to your home.www.nsbrc.co.uk/ask-an-architect.html

The National Self Build & RenovationShow Summer19 - 21 May, SwindonThe NSBRC National Self Build & RenovationShow features over 67,000 ft2 of exhibition space, over 200 exhibitors, live demon-strations, seminars and the chance to meet with self-build experts, architects, design-ers and other self-builders.www.nsbrc.co.uk/the-national-self-build-and-renovation-show-summerl.html

Homebuilding & Renovating Show20 - 21 May, GlasgowThe Homebuilding & Renovating Shows are some of the biggest events in the calendarfor self-builders. Visitors will be able to see the latest products, attend seminars, master-classes and workshops, and get inspiration and personalised advice.glasgow.homebuildingshow.co.uk

NSBRC Design & Build Workshop3 June, SwindonDesign and build takes the hassle out of building your dream home. NSBRC’s Design& Build Workshops will teach you everything you need to know about how designand build works, how much it costs and how you can benefit from it.www.nsbrc.co.uk/design-and-build-workshop.html

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5selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

right to build

The National Custom and Self BuildAssociation (NaCSBA) has announcedthe launch of a new Right to Build Expert

Task Force, with Richard Bacon MP as itsambassador.

The Task Force will help local authorities,community groups and other organisationsdeliver large and affordable custom- and self-build housing projects.

The Task Force aims to help at least 80organisations “create significantly more afford-able homes” over the next three years. Toensure other projects benefit, the lessons learntwill be shared though regional events andcase studies within the Right to Build Portal.

The Task Force is funded by the NationwideFoundation which aims to increase the avail-ability of decent affordable homes for peoplein housing need. It was recognised by theGovernment in its recent White Paper and isbeing supported by a number of partnersincluding the Building and Social HousingFoundation, the National Housing Federation,the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors andthe Royal Town Planning Institute.

Richard Bacon MP, Chair of the All PartyParliamentary Group on Self Build, Customand Community Housebuilding andPlacemaking said: “Although we have theseimportant new powers in England, custom-and self-build housing will only become main-

stream if local authorities and other organisa-tions truly harness these powers.”

He believes this is where the new TaskForce can help: “It may be councils needinghelp setting up, or better marketing of theirdemand registers, or advice in creating plan-ning strategies. I am confident the Task Forcewill deliver real change and I am delighted tobecome its ambassador.”

Chair of NaCSBA, Michael Holmes said:“We are grateful to the NationwideFoundation for supporting NaCSBA’s goal toensure that people currently in housing need,who want to build their own decent and afford-

able home, can exercise their Right to Build.”Explaining more about what the Task Force

will do, Holmes said: “The Task Force willdeliver valuable support to local authorities,affordable housing providers and communitygroups delivering effective policies and unlock-ing real projects. We know that English localauthorities have a duty to grant planning per-mission for 18,000 serviced plots by 31October 2019, and this is only the tip of theiceberg with people registering on the newEnglish demand registers on a daily basis.There is also huge untapped potential inScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

The Government’s long-awaited WhitePaper, ‘Fixing our broken housing mar-ket’ includes clarification of a range of

measures to increase custom-build housing.The document states: “Fewer homes are

custom-built in England than many othercountries, but there is evidence of moredemand for them including from older peo-ple. The main barriers to custom-built homesare access to land and finance.”

The White Paper said that with mortgagesfor custom- and self-built homes representinga “very small proportion of the overall lendingmarket,” the Government had “already takensteps to improve access to land.” It said thatone example was Right to Build, which“requires local planning authorities to findland for those seeking a custom-build homein their area, as well as to keep a register ofthose wanting to build their own home.”

The White Paper also outlines furthermeasures the Government will take: • Promote the National Custom and Self

Build Association (NaCSBA)’s Right toBuild portal (see story below)

• Ensure the exemption from theCommunity Infrastructure Levy (CIL) forself-build remains in place while longerterm reforms to the system of developercontributions are being explored

• Support custom-build through itsAccelerated Construction programme

• Work with lenders to ensure they haveplan in place to increase their lendingin line with consumer demand

NaCSBA chair Michael Holmes com-mented: “NaCSBA is pleased to seeGovernment policy is ever more supportiveof custom- and self-build. The White Papershows clear on-going commitment to Rightto Build and the promise to introduce morelegislation should local planning authoritiesfail to fulfil their duty to assess demand forcustom- and self-build and permission suffi-cient plots to meet that demand.”

Launching the White Paper, CommunitiesSecretary Sajid Javid told MPs that he wasdetermined to address the fact that over thepast three decades the UK has had the low-est rate of housebuilding by population in

western Europe. He stated: “We need tobuild more of the right houses in the rightplace, and we need to start right now.”

White Paper gives support to custom-buildw

hite paper

Right to Build Expert Task Force launched

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project

Planning for a replacement dwelling in Woodmancote, near Cheltenham, designed by coombes everitt architects, has been approved.The 3,600 ft2 house has been positioned to make the most of the views over the village and local church. The proposed constructionmaterials as well as the building’s form take inspiration from the local historical buildings and materials.

The building will be eco-friendly, with high levels of thermal insulation, a mechanical heat recovery system, low water usage and lowenergy fittings. Client Jane Lucas said: “We loved the approach coombes everitt took to the design of our new home.”

Low energy, high attention to detail

project

A Grade II listed Tower Mill in Little Downham, Cambridgeshire,which had fallen into disrepair has now been developed into astylish and modern eco-friendly home.

As well as having an architecturally stunning exterior, the househas been designed by Freeman Brear Architects with energy effi-ciency at its core with a biomass boiler, rainwater harvesting systemand a mechanical ventilation system that re-uses up to 95 per centof heat that would have otherwise have been lost.

Efficiency specialist Eco Installer worked closely with the archi-tects, who developed the initial design and details such as aglazed viewing area and mezzanine.

Owner Henry Martin said: “I was keen to invest in variousrenewable technologies to produce a property with the lowest pos-sible carbon, running and maintenance costs.”

From derelict windmill to contemporary home

Anew book exploring the “simplicityand functionality” of Nordic design,The Red Thread looks at designs

both past and present. The book takes itsname from a Swedish expression, den rödatråden (‘the red thread’) which is ametaphor for the essence of a story or pieceof creative work.The book, say the publishers, “explores

the concept of design as a means ofimprovement, and how Nordic design inparticular aims to enhance the practicalneeds of everyday life.”It demonstrates the region’s deep-rooted

cultural aesthetic by showcasing the diversityof design through more than 200 objects,ranging from functional items to exquisitelydesigned ornaments, and from traditional

handmade textiles to mass-produced furniture.Organised into three categories – (Design

to) Improve Life, Improve Spaces andImprove Relationships – the book is an all-encompassing look at Nordic design, witheach page devoted to one object.

The Red Thread will be published by Oak Phaidon on 22 May, with an RRP of£49.95.

Exploring the power of Nordic design

book

8 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

scotland self-build

Self-build trend fuels Scottish plot sales

project

Thomas Oliver and Erika Harrispurchased a three-bedroomproperty in Oxford with the aimof adapting the house to suittheir growing family. The cou-ple started off by doing simplerenovations, but as they wereremoving wallpaper they dis-covered the plaster was “oldand crumbling.”

To remedy this, they chose toinstall Gyproc Habito, a plaster-board with a reinforced corethat makes it five times strongerthan regular plasterboard. Asart lovers, Thomas and Erika arenow able to hang their picturesand paintings throughout thehome and the family is pleasedwith their finished home.

A resilient renovation for a growing family

Go Banana has launched as theUK’s first comparison website forbuilding & DIY supplies. With

50,000 searchable products, Go Bananaprovides an online platform designed tohelp those looking to purchase suppliesquickly and efficiently at the best price.

Go Banana’s software creates a liveshopping list which searches online andshows the best results, meaning users can

save between 20 and 35 per cent withevery purchase. Users can search, compareand buy across a wide range of buildingand DIY supplies, including building andhardware, tiling and flooring, plumbing andheating, painting and decoration, kitchensand bathrooms and more.

Go Banana founder and managingdirector Rami Naori spotted a gap in themarket after carrying out several property

redevelopments. “The UK building materialsindustry is a healthy and competitive one,with plenty of big name brands vying for acustomer’s attention,” he commented. “Butthere is definitely scope to reduce the costof construction and the whole life cost ofbuildings, and one way to do that is byshopping around for materials.”

The Go Banana website is now live –visit www.go-banana.com

Building supplies comparison site launches

supp

lies

The appetite for self-buildhomes in Scotland continuesto grow according to Scottish

property consultancy CKDGalbraith. The benefits, both interms of lifestyle and costs, areproving an attractive draw forthose inspired enough to buildtheir dream home.

The firm has reported that cer-tain regions of the country areexperiencing particularly high lev-els of demand from buyers lookingfor plots large enough for a single

dwelling. The firm’s Elgin officehas reported strong sales through-out the last year.

Rod Christie, head of residen-tial sales for the Elgin office’sMoray plots said: “Self-builds givebuyers the opportunity to createtheir ideal house in their locationof choice. They are also popularas they allow buyers to benefitfrom modern building techniquesand technology, ensuring theirnew home is energy efficient andcheap to run.”

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Self Build Zone

STRUCTURAL WARRANTY SITE INSURANCESITE SURVEYS

or Call the Self-Build Zone Team on

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

www.selfbuildzone.com

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

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

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advice

To ensure a home improvement project runssmoothly, Judith Turner, head of ADR andsenior ombudsman at The Furniture

Ombudsman has five tips on sourcing suppliers.

1. Buy from a trader who is amember of an ADR schemeWhen it comes to home improvement, it is notjust about what you buy but also who you buy from.

Traders who are members of an alternativedispute resolution (ADR) scheme are committedto responsible retailing and will look after theirconsumers from purchase enquiries right throughthe installation to snagging works, and includ-ing anything that goes wrong down the line.

2. Know your obligationsIt’s not all about the trader’s obligations. Thereis an obligation on you to research what youare buying and check that it has been cor-rectly ordered. Your installer has the obligationto check that the product ordered will work inthe space you have and that they can installit. This is known as the pre-fit survey and is

done to highlight any issues before the instal-lation begins.

3. Expect disruption but plan aheadWhatever your project is, you can be certainthere will be a lot of disruption and mess! Youcan mitigate this by:• Removing anything breakable and/or

valuable – even with the most careful of fitters, accidents can happen

• Making provision for any pets – it will beyour responsibility to make sure they aresafe and out of the way

• Making sure that any deviation from theinitial plan is agreed and followed up inwriting so that everything is clear

4. Expect snagging workOnce the installer has left your property, theremay still be some additional works to be com-pleted. This is known as snagging and is usu-ally left until the end to deal with the minor mat-ters which may occur once the space is in use,so plan for a return visit to assess this.

5. Adjust your expectations ifsomething goes wrongIf things do go wrong, the legal remedy wouldbe repeat performance. You might be able toclaim compensation for delays, but compensa-tion for inconvenience itself is particularly difficultto quantify.

Five steps to a smooth home improvement

ask the expert

Firstly, what type of frame should I go for?The frame is the ‘skeleton’ of a suite, to which all the different suspension and upholstery components are attached. In a more traditional frame, joints are glued, dowelled and screwed and thecorners are further strengthened by the addition of reinforcing blocks.More modern sofa frames tend to be glued and stapled. This technique can provide a more affordable option, with the strengthyou would expect from a sofa and these products usually meet BritishStandard requirements with ease.

What are the options for cushions?There are three main types of cushion interior – foam, feather orpolyester =bre.Foam is popular because it’s resilient, >exible and easy to manip-

ulate. It is normal for foam cushions to soften by 20-30 per cent inthe =rst six months under normal use, until they =nd their natural bal-ance. Feather or =bre are popular cushion options for comfort asyou sit ‘in’ them rather than ‘on’ them. But they do require a lot ofplumping-up to retain their shape, and some people can be allergicto the feathers inside.Feather and/or =bre cushion in-=lls are often produced in

sections to reduce the likelihood of the =lling moving around insidethe cushion where downward movement could be a problem.Foam and =bre combinations (and indeed foam and feather

combinations) are also very popular, offering comfort but with theadded bene=t needing less regular ‘plumping.’ If you want a reallysoft seat then consider down cushions. These are seen as the pre-mium choice – which is re>ected in their price.

What should I consider when selecting afabric?Durability is not necessarily proportional to price so it is importantto choose carefully. Consider whether your fabric is fade resistant

especially if it will be placed in a sunny room or close to a window.If you have an allergy consider a fabric such as micro-=bre as it’slint free and does not attract dust. If you have pets avoid using delicate fabric such as silk, or any fabric with lots of texture. Insteadselect pet-friendly upholstery.

How do I ensure the product meets �resafety standards?Domestic upholstered furniture must meet the Furniture & Furnishings(Fire Safety) Regulations, which covers the fabrics, foam =llings andnon-foam =llings such as feathers. When purchasing any upholstered furniture look for the display label – a ‘swing ticket’attached to the furniture, which should be easily visible. The permanent label may be located under a loose seat cushion or ifthe upholstery is =xed, secured to the base of the item or locatedat the junction between the seat and back.The permanent label contains important information about the

safety of your sofa, and allows a sample to be identi=ed if anyproblems are found with the production of it. After purchasing thesofa you may feel the permanent label is unsightly and be temptedto remove it. However at FIRA we would strongly advise againstthis. When you pick up a new sofa you now cannot pass your oldsofa to a charity for re-use without a permanent label, as this is theonly means of checking that the sofa meets UK =re regulations. Without the label the sofa will need to go to a wasterecycling centre.

Will I need to compromise on materials toachieve �re performance?The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (asamended) set levels of =re resistance for domestic upholstered fur-niture, furnishings and other products containing upholstery. It’s ille-gal for a retailer to sell a product which doesn’t meet the regula-

Understanding upholsteryFrom frames to >ammability, Phil Reynolds from the FurnitureIndustry Research Association answers your upholstery queries

11selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

tions. This means that when you visit a showroom all sofas will meetminimum requirements on =re performance, regardless of whether thefabric is a =ne silk or a more heavy duty weave.

For many fabrics this will mean that a =re retardant coating is needed(normally on the back of the fabric) to meet the requirements of theRegulations. Historically these coatings could make a fabric feel stiffand less comfortable, however, in most instances modern chemical formulations can offer =re protection without signi=cantly affecting thefeel of the product.

What should I check on delivery?When your sofa is delivered it is important to check that the product is‘as ordered,’ and fault-free. Ensure any damage and defects arereported as soon as possible.

What steps should I take to care for my sofa?Proper care and maintenance will prolong the life of your furniture.Look for any available information; this may be on a label under theseat cushion, in the seat/back junction, on the base or within a lea>et.If you can’t =nd information then ask the retailer or manufacturer.

Leather should be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer’sinstructions. This is because the use of cleaning solutions or prepara-tions on products for which they were not intended can damage thesurface of the leather.

If accidental spillage or damage occurs, take professional advice toensure it is dealt with properly. Do not wash or dry clean the fabric ofyour furniture unless the manufacturer’s instructions speci=cally state thatthis can be done.

Any �nal pieces of advice?It may seem obvious, but check the product will =t through doors and=t in the room without having to compromise on space. If space is tightor your property has limited or narrow access, consider a sofa or armchairs with detachable arms or one that comes in sections.

Phil Reynolds is general manager at FIRA International

12 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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product focus

Pictured is a beautiful and stunning piece of bathroom furniture called Vivaldi Flowers by Fiora,available in black, silver, cream or white and can be a combination of one or two drawers with a mirror and wall unit also available to complete the look. The one drawer unit including a furniture top with an integrated basin RRP £1575, and the mirror RRP £362. On display at The Radiator & Bathroom Gallery Ltd’s new showroom in Brentwood along with other stylish designs we have both modern and traditional pieces to complement any elegant home. De;nitelyworth a visit!

EnviroVent

EnviroVent marks 30 years of innovation with the launch of one of the ;rst ventilation apps for iOSand Android which will offer greater control and <exibility for your home ventilation by connectingto the next generation of MVHR systems. Created with homeowners and installers in mind, EnviroVentlaunched its smart ventilation app called myenvirovent at the sustainable construction conference,Ecobuild in London and will begin shipping the app-enabled units from April 2017. The ;rst unit tobe compatible with myenvirovent is the energiSava 200, a lightweight, compact and versatilemechanical ventilation heat recovery unit delivering up to 90 per cent thermal ef;ciency.

The Radiator &

Bathroom

Gallery

WERZALIT

Used as a full facade, WERZALIT facade systems offer all the advantages of a back-ventilated curtainfacade. The ventilation space ensures continuous air circulation. Moisture from construction or arisingduring use is transported to the outside, protecting the exterior wall against possible functional damage.The facade systems are also easy to adapt to various insulation thicknesses. This allows maximumthermal insulation performance to be achieved with typical insulation materials. WERZALIT materialspass extreme endurance tests during continuous production, such as swell tests and paint <aking tests.Test facades in the WERZALIT testing ;elds have outlasted wind and weather for 30 years.

13selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

SolidGear and ToeGuard’s new catalogueThe 2017 Product and PriceCatalogue from has full details of thecomplete range of the UK’s most stylishSafety Shoes, Boots and Trainers fromHultafors UK’s own SolidGear andToeGuard brands. With four very different types of products – tuff, athletic, trekking and occupational –there’s a product to suit almost everyfootwear need on site. There’s alsoloads of other information on all theimportant product features – Comfortand Safety, Fabrics and Linings, BOA

System Technology, Caps and Plates, Water Repellency, Oil- and even Heat-resistance – to get you working and walking safely, effectively and incomfort wherever you are on site – and whatever trade you’re in.

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Simpson Launches BIM Library

A leading construction connector manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie ispleased to announce that a wide range of high quality Building InformationModelling (BIM) content is now freely available for download fromits website.Hundreds of 2D & 3D Revit 1les containing item codes, dimensions andlinks to the product web pages have been added to our already extensiveCAD library, providing the data you need for our timber, masonry andsteel connectors in an easy to use format.Ian Harrison, European Technical Director for Simpson Strong-Tie says,“With Building Information Modelling set to shape the future of construction,we’ve made it a priority to ensure we meet our customers’ BIMrequirements. Our Revit 1les are compatible with a range of CAD softwarepackages, making it really simple for speci1ers and constructionprofessionals to include our extensive range of connectors in their 3Dbuilding models.”BIM Revit 1les can be found in the resources on the website.

01827 155600 www.strongtie.co.uk

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Snickers Classic Series 3 Work TrousersA Snickers classic to rely on withsuperb (t and functionality – whateverwork you’re doing on site. Available in a choice of hard-wearing, but comfortable DuraTwill, Canvas+ orRip-Stop fabrics for long-lasting durability, the stylish cut in these garments has an advanced TwistedLeg design for a modern (t that deliversoutstanding working comfort in everymove you make on site. The toughCordura reinforcements on the kneesand inside the holster pockets give

extra durability, while the kneepad pockets are designed for the specialKneeGuard positioning system for superior protection and comfort. Withstyles for both professional tradesmen and women.

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Interior inspiration:Dining rooms showcaseThe dining room is likely to host events such as dinner parties as well as familymeals, so it’s important to get the furniture choice right. This month’s showcasetakes a look at some of the latest innovative and striking products available

1. The Multi extending height adjustable coffeetable from Furl is a piece of furniture that exudeselegance. The “innovative” coffee table sits at75 cm wide x 120 cm long x 25 cm high, butalso extends into a dining table that comfortablyseats up to 10 people. Its ‘straightforwarddesign means that it quickly and effortlesslytransforms into a 220 cm long x 84cm talltable. Multi is available in a comprehensiverange of Anishes including wood, leather, stoneand Furl’s “mark-less” glass, meaning no Anger-print smudges. The table is priced at £1,695.www.furl.co.ukEnq. 112

2. The Beaumont French Louis Style Chair willadd some old world charm to your home withits classic French style. Elegant and ornate, theBeaumont chairs are made of solid birch andare subtly lime-washed for a chic, distressedlook. The Beaumont chair’s modern twist comesin its brightly coloured seat and back cushions,with a choice of 11 colours in total. The chairsare perfect either as a set around a dining table,creating a vibrant centrepiece, or placed asindividual statement pieces. Each chair is pricedat £199.99.www.my-furniture.comEnq. 113

3. At Salone del Mobile 2017 (4-9 April),Bonaldo will be exhibiting a range of productsincluding its Origami table. Designed by GinoCarollo, the table draws inspiration from theancient Oriental art. The base of the table con-sists of thin metal sheets folded like the sheets ofpaper used for origami, with the aim of makingthe frame stable and achieving a visual lightness.The top is bevelled to further slim the overallappearance. The base is painted metal andavailable in multiple colours, while the top isavailable in glass, ceramic or wood Anishes.www.bonaldo.it/enEnq. 114

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4. The Cotswold dresser from the PaintedFurniture Company is hand built using EuropeanOak and Anished in a wide range of moderncolours (pictured is Jaipur Pink with oak top, An-ished in Classic Natural Lacquer). The dressercomprises solid oak cabinets with a solid oakand hardwood sandwich top section and fea-tures dovetail jointed drawers in a compact twodoor design. The dresser measures 1,200 mmwide x 1,920 mm high x 500 mm deep, offer-ing useful storage without overpowering yourdining room. The Cotswold dresser is priced at£1,769.www.paintedfurnitureco.co.ukEnq. 115

5. The ReBect Grey Gloss and ChromeSideboard from Danetti allows for plenty ofpractical storage space in its one cupboard,two drawers and mirror backed shelf. The shelfis great for displaying items – while the drawersand cupboard offer storage for the things youdon’t want out on display. The convenient pushmechanism on each of the drawers means thereis no need for handles along the drawer front,keeping the unit looking streamlined and stylish.The grey gloss Anish is applied in three layers,ensuring a highly reBective and hard Anish. Thesideboard is priced at £529. www.danetti.comEnq. 116

6. Designed by Soren Ravn Christensen forDanish brand Vita, this sculptural pendant shade is made from goose feathers on a paper and steel frame. The natural feathers have been hand placed and glued onto the paper backing, creating a lampshade thatradiates a soft glow while adding sophistica-tion and elegance to your decor. Ideal forarranging in clusters at different heights or in arow over a dining table, the Eos will make astatement wherever it is placed. The shade ispriced at £325 and is available to buy fromBlack by Design.www.black-by-design.co.ukEnq. 117

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15selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

Newbeginnings16 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

James Parker visits a self-builder who overcame a bereavement to complete a beautiful timber-framed home in Cambridgeshire

17selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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ReaderEnquiry

Self-build projects are normally demandingand stressful, especially if it’s your Irsttime. Nikki Scrivens had to cope with a

bereavement in addition to all of the other chal-lenges inherent to pursuing a dream home. Theproject, which has resulted in a beautiful homein the Cambridgeshire village of Combertonwould likely not have happened at all if it hadnot been for her late husband Ray falling ill.When Ray was diagnosed with terminal can-

cer they were living in a large house in a rurallocation outside the nearby village of Barton,which had been the family home for 36 years.As Nikki, who’s in her early 60s admits, theywere “unlikely to be there until they were 70 any-way,” but Ray’s condition made moving to a lessremote spot a matter of urgency. Going downthe self-build route was not initially part of theplan, but circumstances made it a possibility.As luck would have it, some close friends of

the pair – Rachel and Michael Thompson – hadbought a 60 x 19 metre parcel of land adjoin-ing their house and back garden, but as theyhad got older they were Inding it a burden tomaintain. Nikki asked Rachel whether shewould consider selling it, and when the answerwas yes, she jumped at the chance to build ahome. The two women then successfully per-suaded their other halves it was a good idea. In a very kind gesture, their new neighbours

refused to take payment for the land until Nikkiand Ray had gained planning permission fortheir house, which was a huge comfort as theyembarked on the project. This was also helpfulas planning proved to be tricky, with the localplanning ofIce being notoriously fussy as thesite is in a Conservation Area. The timber-framed Potton design that Nikki decided on,although not extravagant, took several monthsto gain planning, having been Irst submitted inNovember 2013.

The best laid plansThe following February, Nikki and Ray were vis-iting their daughter at home in Australia: “Wewere hoping we would hear we had got plan-ning permission as it’s a 12 week window, butwe didn’t hear so we had to reapply in March.”They Inally got planning in May, but Nikki hadto take matters into her own hands.“We almost ran out of time on the second

application, because they couldn’t Ind a solici-tor to do the paperwork. I ended up going tothe council and thumping the desk – saying itwas their red tape that was stopping us. Ibegged them to Ind a solicitor just to sign it off.”Revisions to the original design were

demanded because the building was deemedtoo close to the cottages next door by around ametre. This area off the kitchen was to have con-tained a downstairs shower and bedroom forRay, however he sadly died when the building’sfoundations were being dug, and these facilitieswould not be as essential for Nikki in the future. In order to appease the planners, Nikki

together with Potton project manager BrentAckerman instead opted for a utility in thereduced space available, but with the slightlyunusual addition of a WC in the middle of this

19selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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ReaderEnquiry

narrow space. As Nikki says, “It’s the Australianway, and seems to work Ine. It’s perfectly legalwithin Building Regulations, as long as you havethe necessary extraction.”Deciding on Potton as the solution for building

the home partly came about due to the com-pany being well-known in Cambridgeshire, withits base a few miles from Comberton in Sandy,Beds. Nikki visited friends of friends who had aPotton-built timber house and was impressed,and a subsequent visit to the St Neots centrecemented her and Ray’s impression that theycould get an appropriate building for the site. Says Nikki: “The system is developed to suit

British house styles and people do say it has settled in very well. It deInitely feels very goodin the setting.”She could have gone the whole hog and

project managed the scheme, but due to herneeding to care for Ray and manage a parttime job as a receptionist, Nikki decided on theproject managed option. This turned out to bea great idea, as Brent was invaluable in helpingNikki through the design process, and in mak-ing sure the tweaks she wanted on the planwere achievable and completed.The relatively narrow 19 metre plot meant a

slight compromise in that the originally intendedCaxton design from Potton could not be used(architect Adrian Bussetil advised it would notget through planning). A slightly older model,HaslingIeld, was used instead, but like other

Potton designs it has an attractive exposed tim-ber frame, which is constructed in just days.

The plusses of a project managerPotton handled a great deal of the project, infact all project management up to the watertightstage, while Adrian, of Partners in Planning andArchitecture, had the equally crucial role of liais-ing with planning to ensure the building Itted inits context. Nikki discovered that “there’s a lotto building a house before the building goes upthat I hadn’t realised.” This included appointingthe contractors to install services such asdrainage and electricity, however project man-ager Brent “pointed me in the right direction,”she says. Going with a project managed option, at

least in Potton’s case, means that as well as thetimings of all crucial stages being coordinated,a handy list of expenditure is provided. Nikkisays: “We did have the Potton manual, but Irelied on Brent for telling me to do certain thingsat certain times.” She adds however that it’simportant to remember that although the com-pany takes responsibility for a lot of aspects,“they might not be actually responsible for quitea few of them.” As with any project, appointing services sub-

contractors didn’t always run smoothly. Examplesincluded phoning UK Power Networks to connect

the electricity, and being “referred to someoneelse because they were being privatised,” or hav-ing to alert the council to close the road whenthe drains are being connected.On the Inancial side, things went according

to plan, although handling this was a dauntingchallenge for Nikki to tackle alone. She and Raybought the land for £150,000 and spent justshort of £300,000 on the build, which waswithin their initial estimate. She says: “Ray usedto do all our Inances, and it was very new to meto write all these enormous cheques.”Brent Ackerman was invaluable in helping

make the design changes to the standard Pottonlayout which Nikki wanted, although as shesays, “once or twice he looked at me as if I wasbonkers.” These changes included borrowingspace from one of the two guest bedrooms togive the other a bit more room, and moving awall on the landing to provide the perfect airingcupboard – backing onto the chimney and themulti-fuel burner in the living room below. In addition, instead of having an alcove on

the landing, Nikki changed the design to It ashower behind the door in the bathroom. Lastlyon the Irst Joor, she stopped Potton building awall “which would give the wardrobe a strangeshape” and instead provided space for a deskon the landing. The en suite bathroom to themaster bedroom has the only Velux rooJight inthe property, because it is under the eaves. The open plan ground Joor was made more

LOW POINTSeeing several pallets of brickssitting in a quagmire and

covered in ice and snow for several weeks in Decemberand January – and willing them to be on the house!

21selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

generous by adding around 2 metres to theback of the living/dining room, providing apleasant, light area to sit in overlooking thelarge garden via sliding doors. Nikki says:“Now I’ve got it, I can't imagine it without it; itwould not have been the same house.”

Construction phase &moving inAnother thing that Nikki had to adjust to wasunexpected delays in the actual construction.Although the timber frame itself was boltedtogether by Potton “in a couple of days by twoguys,” she says other aspects weren’t sosmooth. Once construction of the footings wascompleted in July, there was a slight lag beforethe drains were laid and the rest of the job pro-ceeded, which disappointed Nikki as she’d“paid the deposit early.” Then despite the roof being on before the

December winter weather kicked in, becausethe rendering hadn’t been completed at theback, there was still scaffolding present, whichin turn meant the sliding doors couldn’t go in.This all meant a miserable few cold and

damp weeks with a hole at the back of thehouse until the doors were installed in January.Nikki, who had been living with neighboursRachel and Michael, decided to not only moveher furniture in February, but herself, in March.“It was much to my project manager’s horror, butI was paying a lot for storage!” The chimney

and inglenook Ireplace in the front living roomhad been built early on, before the frame wentup, so Nikki was able to huddle by the Iredespite having no central heating and needingto go next door for a shower.She praises the tradesmen, who knew each

other and were able to work well together. Forexample, the carpenter who Inished andinstalled the doors throughout the property, includ-ing several cupboards complete with authentic-looking metal latches. “He was brilliant – arrivedat an unearthly hour of the morning and lit the Ireto warm all the wood in front of it.”Nikki is delighted with the inglenook Ire-

place, which is something she had alwayswanted, although she admits the bricklayershadn’t previously come across the paleCambridgeshire bricks that she and the architectspeciIed. The exterior of the house is also cladwith a mix of pinkish and brown bricks matchingthe local vernacular on the ground Joor, and acarefully chosen render on the Irst Joor.

Interiors & landscapingInternally the house’s key feature is the exposed timber frame, its rustic solidity enhancingand unifying the open plan living area and theupstairs. The knotty, mid-brown Douglas Fir,‘shaped’ in the factory to look hand-hewn andInished with dark metal plates – is literally at theheart of this house’s charm. The kitchen and living areas are tied together

by very attractive honey-coloured limestone-effect ceramic Joor tiles, which together with theunderJoor heating provide a very warm andwelcoming overall feel. Upstairs Karndean Joor-ing has been used in the bathroom as well ason the landing, because of its waterproof aswell as hardwearing credentials.Externally, the landscaping design meant a dig-

ger was needed to dig holes for small trees to thefront. Native wild dogwood and hazel form anew hedge, although Nikki admits a rowan treeunfortunately “got clobbered by a digger!”

A source of savingsA NIBE air source heat pump is installed next tothe back door – it was intended to be at the sideof the utility, but part of complying with planningpermission on the clearance meant it had to bemoved. Despite blowing hot air in Nikki’s facewhen she opens the door due to its location, itoperates quietly and efIciently, providing all thehot water for the underJoor heating throughoutthe property, as well as showers.Nikki is delighted that not only does she get

“lashings of hot water” from the quietly whirringheat pump, she also gets £120 back from theGovernment every quarter. She has no otherheating costs to worry about apart from aroughly £100 a month electricity bill, and themanifolds for the underJoor heating are all neatlytucked away in cupboards. It’s been so success-ful that Ofgem asked her to do an energy use

HIGH POINT

Experienc

ing some

warmth in

the house

provided

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multi fuel

burner in t

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at dawn

22 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

audit, although it was a shame that she was inAustralia when they wanted information from her. The house itself is designed and constructed

with an energy efIcient fabric. The combinationof timber frame, insulation (which no surprise isKingspan as the company owns Potton) andsolid wood double-glazed windows, was com-pleted with an impressive U-value measurementof 0.17 W/m2K.Having been through the loss of her husband

but also the challenges of a build which facedthe worst of UK winter weather, Nikki is lookingto the future in a house which she is rightly proudof. She can now look out of her bedroom win-dow over a Ield where she once kept a horse,which is helping her feel at home.She says: “It’s as nice as I could have imag-

ined. I never thought I’d get to build a house,

you dream of it as a kid but I never thought I’ddo it.” Nikki is convinced that not going it alonewas the right approach: “I don’t know how peo-ple do the whole thing. There’s enough emo-tional stress without having to work out when theplumber’s going to come.”

Foundation Groundwork: Hereditas Ltd. 01462 475196 / 07802 [email protected]

RooIng: Manor RooIng01462 743150 / 07831 [email protected]

Brickwork, Landscaping: Pryor construction07712 051928 / 07885 [email protected]

Electrics: EBS Ltd01767 683836 / 07868 [email protected]

Dry Lining, Screeding and Insulation: Colin Dry Lining01767 681213 / 07860 [email protected]

Plumbing and Heating: Pro Heat01234 764088 / 07831 [email protected]

Carpentry Timber: Constructions Ltd01462 [email protected]

Project summary

Location: Comberton, CambridgeshireContractor & project manager: PottonLand cost: £150,000Build cost: £300,000Current value: £650,000

Contacts/suppliers

23selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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Call or email us today for a chat...01767 683836 / 07868 [email protected] (nd out more by visiting the website www.ebs-ltd.biz

Building your own home is an exciting andful(lling experience. To make sure yourdream home is perfect, you need to recruita team who will use their skills andknowledge to make your vision come true.Electrical Building Solutions Ltd have theskills and experience to give you the advice and guidance you needwhen building your own home.Having worked for the local authority and police in the area, you can restassured that EBS have an excellent track record for reliability andprofessionalism.Our Director, John Waters has worked with project managers and selfbuilding customers for over 25 years. He lives in his own self built houseand understands what is needed to make your house a home.

If you think being an electricianis easy ... You’re in for a shock!

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[email protected]

01234 823 658

Domestic heating, plumbing & gas installation in Bedford

Welcome to ProHeat RenewablesProviding Professional Plumbing Services

ProHeat Ltd are an established, professional plumbing servicebased in Bedfordshire. We pride ourselves on our customerfriendly approach and the exceptional quality of our work.With over 30 years experience in the plumbing trade we cantake the guesswork out of any plumbing problem and will recommend the best solutions based on your requirements.

PROUD TO BE PART OF THE “NEW BEGINNINGS”CASE STUDY

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We manufacture, supply and install:

folding sliding doors sliding doors french doors single doors windows shaped glazed screens entrance doors roof lights

bespoke doors & windows in timber, aluminium & composite

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Enq. 122 VISIT MARY AT GRAND DESIGNS LIVE ASK THE EXPERT PANELGRAND DESIGNS LIVE STAND NO B110

Grand ideas for everyself-build project

Grand Designs Live London is back again for 2017,taking place at ExCeL from 29 April to 7 May

Grand Designs Live, sponsored byAnglian Home Improvements, promisesto break down the conventional

limitations to home building and offers visitors achance to discover the latest innovations,explore this year’s trends and preview unseen products. Once again hosted by Grand Designs guru

Kevin McCloud, design authority and presenterof the Channel 4 TV series, the show will playhost to a series of exciting, educational andinteractive features over nine days. Bringing hisexpertise in the design industry as well as hisdistinctive style and approach to the event, thisseason’s Grand Designs Live is set to be one ofthe most informative, exciting and engaginghome improvement and design exhibitions to date. Joined by a whole host of industry experts,

McCloud will present a wide-reaching range ofinformative seminars at The Grand Theatre,sponsored by AirAow. The ever popular Ask anExpert service, sponsored by Express Bi-foldingDoors, returns with experts offering free advicein every @eld – from @nancing projects to architecture, interiors and much more.With over 500 exhibitors making their way

to ExCeL London, there will be something foreveryone across the six different sections of theshow – Build, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Technology,Gardens and Interiors. Lee Newton, CEO of show organisers Media

10 said: “This season’s show is shaping up tobe, once again, a truly grand exhibition of

contemporary home design. With KevinMcCloud at the helm, plus our team of experts,visitors can expect to @nd cutting edge innovations along with precision design and thevery latest trends. The current line-up will inspirevisitors to ramp up plans for their own homes.”Alongside these features, the show offers an

array of other attractions, including:• Kitchen Advice Centre, sponsored byMiele – the Kitchen Advice Centre is back for2017 where visitors can book free 30-minuteconsultations looking at all aspects of kitchenplanning and development.

• Kevin’s Green Heroes – each year Kevinshowcases the most innovative and usefuleco-friendly gadgets and products on themarket. His hand-picked selection reveals thelatest trends in green technology and shinesa light on new directions in product design.

• Grand Room Sets – the theme of ‘TV’ will be

brought to life by pioneering interior designers in this inspirational interiors installation. These innovative rooms will showcase products which are accessible tovisitors and are from British retailers, manufacturers and designers.

• Grand Shed Project – across six 3x4 metrespaces, Grand Designs Live has invited interior designers to create different examplesshowing that sheds shouldn’t just be used forstorage, inspiring visitors to make the most oftheir own sheds and garden to maximise theirliving space.

• The Light Lab – The Light Lab showcaseswhat has become a major trend in recentyears; the smart bulb. Visitors are invited tocome along and see for themselves howmuch the humble light bulb can now do, byusing an iPad to control music, colours andCCTV – all coming from the bulb itself.

Those wishing to attend Grand Designs Liveat ExCeL can save £5 when they book in

advance. Order your tickets online:www.granddesignslive.com or call the

booking hotline on 0844 854 1348 ]

[25selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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ReaderEnquiry

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE STAND NO B200

Create a spa-like bathroom in the home with Sottini

It used to be just high rise city centre apart-ments where recreating the look and feel of a*ve star hotel were typical requirement for

architects, designer and speci*ers to address.However, with busy modern day lifestyles,

new demands and the growing importance of the role of the bathroom within the home,house buyers are now increasingly looking fora bathroom that offers the luxury look and feelof a *ve-star hotel or spa, but combined with the appropriate functionalities to deal with thepracticalities of everyday life.Bathrooms are being designed to balance

the practical needs of hopping in the powershower before work, with offering users the ability to ‘treat’ themselves every day in serene space to have a leisurely soak in a statement bath. When it comes to making the new home

purchase decision, having a bathroom spacethat offers this lifestyle choice is an incrediblyimportant and persuasive factor.The new collection by Sottini, the timeless

bathroom brand built on a heritage of quality and innovation in design, is geared

towards both the house developer and hotelsectors, which ensures residential propertydevelopers can create the perfect look thatappeals to consumers looking to replicate

the very best in high-end hotel luxury style in a domestic bathroom.The hotel bathroom has a lot in common

with its domestic counterpart, not just in terms of creating a spa-like, relaxing sanctuary, but also in creating an individual *nish with asense of character that sets them apart from the competition.Luxury, style and elegance is what bathrooms

of *rst-class hotels are de*ned by – and Sottinihas collaborated with internationally-renownedand award-winning product designers fromaround the world to create a collection of ele-gantly-crafted individual items that can becurated in a multitude of combinations for adomestic setting.Each piece in the Sottini collection has been

developed individually with high design speci-*cations and precision engineering, ensuringeach basin, bath and WC is a unique piece: awork of art and a design statement – enablingthe integration of the luxury experience of ahotel stay into the bathroom of a new home.

0800 834226 www.sottini.co.uk

27selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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BE INSPIRED!

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

www.arborbifold.co.uktel: 01454 270039

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Wallbarn and iDecking at Grand Designs Live

Wallbarn and iDecking UK will be holding live demonstrations of its newproducts at Grand Designs Live from 30 April to 7 May 17. iDecking UKwill be demonstrating the award EasyClick 6xing system on stand B460, the fastest, low build-up and most seamless way to install top quality decking boards. The companies will also be demonstrating theEasyChange “quick release” future-proofed decking during the show.Wallbarn is giving live---- lecture-demos of the M-Tray® modular green roofsystem. This pre-grown, user friendly instant greening solution is ideal forrooftops, balconies and small garden spaces. It can be overlaid on existingsurfaces without the need to dig up everything, a major labour savingbene6t. New additions to the Wallbarn pedestals family will also be ondisplay, including the new Mini Megapad 10-20mm and the BALANCEself levelling adjustable pedestals. New solutions for suspended pavingup to parapets and for steps and exposed edges are also being featuredfor the 6rst time. Wallbarn has the largest range of pedestals in UK, withsolutions from 5mm up to 1020mm. Wallbarn has discount codes for allvisitors. Call for more details. Come to see the company on stand B460.

0208 916 2222 www.wallbarn.com

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Enq. 126GRAND DESIGNS LIVE STAND NO B460

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE STAND NO B360

Sustainable luxuryWith the demand for sustainable products on the increase and the desire for luxury still prevailing, Marc Howlett of William Holland

asks if the two can co-exist in bathrooms

In today’s environmentally aware culture, theconcept of luxury has undoubtedly undergonesome dramatic ideological shifts that are

challenging the very notion of value. Exclusivity,rarity or wealth are no longer the sole de2ningaspects of a luxurious product and 21st centuryluxury has become a much deeper affair,demanding quality, passion, craftsmanship andabove all, conscience.

In fact, rather than questioning whether thetwo can co-exist, a more pertinent question ishow can one exist without the other at a timewhen we know resources are limited andawareness of the importance of eco-issues ismuch greater. So much so in fact that luxury andenvironmental sustainability are now far frombeing mutually exclusive concepts.

With the ever increasing value being placedon our fragile natural world, the two previouslyopposing ideologies are coming together, tothe extent that unethical and unsustainableproducts are now as frowned upon by con-sumers of luxury products as mass consumerismand generic manufacture.

This changing tide is re3ected in trends for materials which have been continu-ously growing in momentum over the last fewyears, surviving the 2ckle whims of fashion. Theuse of natural materials within homes and therise of ‘biophilic’ design pushing the bene2ts ofbringing the outdoors into our interior worlds,are all re3ective of a desire to connect withnature and indicative of the high value we nowplace on our environment.

Copper credentialsGiven this key trend it is therefore no surprisethat along with luxury FSC approved timbersand natural stone in bathrooms, copper has alsogone from strength to strength over the pastdecade and continues to grow in popularitywith luxury interior stylists and designers. Usedin everything from functional details to key state-ment pieces around the home, the versatility ofthis material in both form and 2nish allows for aswathe of stylistic adaptations and uses. As anatural material, copper is 100 per cent recy-clable without any reduction of purity or proper-ties and so can be counted as a highly sustain-able as well as effective material.

It also has some undeniable qualities thatmake it the perfect bedfellow for the luxury eco-conscious consumer. Highly malleable yetextremely strong when crafted in the correctmanner, copper can be used for a wide variety

of functional items that require longevity, practicality and beauty. Completely non-corrosive, it will not rust or decay over time andcan be recycled and re-formed for different functions and purposes inde2nitely.

As a highly effective heat conductor, contraryto popular belief, copper is the perfect materialfor ‘warmth-requiring’ products such as bathsand basins. As the warmth permeates the cop-per with very little resistance the material heatsup almost instantly requiring minimal energy andmaintaining the ambient water temperature forlong periods.

Aside from the qualities of sustainability, heatef2ciency and practicality, copper’s beauty isundeniable. A semi-precious metal, copper hasan inherent aesthetic value which has seen itin2ltrate the luxury market. The glamour andwarmth provided by the glimmering light frompure polished copper creates a tantalising

ambience, balanced by feelings of warmth,comfort and homeliness that have seen itbecome as much of mainstay in luxury as theexclusive aesthetics of the past.

Luxury value is as much about the experienceas it is aesthetics, demanding products that create atmosphere and emotion. With this inmind it is no wonder that there is a growingtrend within today’s luxury society for items that have been carefully made by hand, overmass production.

Markets are seeing a considerable backlashagainst the mass consumerism of past generations, with clients desiring luxury itemsmade with commitment, passion and craftsmanship. The luxury of time, the luxury ofskill and the luxury of a unique handcrafted itemconjure an emotive response and a creative con-nection that simply cannot be matched in amachine-produced object. There is, and will

Copper has gone from strength tostrength over the past decade and continues to grow in popularity with luxury interior stylists and designers ][

28 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

always be something romantic about productsmade purely by the hand of a highly skilledcraftsman and the versatile and malleable prop-erties of copper lends it perfectly to the bespoke,artisan community.

With the wonder of modern finishing techniques combined with the traditional arti-san skills, the diverse aesthetics of copper canbe skillfully crafted to produce creative and inspired bath finishes that will suit almost anystyle of self-build and interior. Gleaming pol-ished finishes imbue rooms with a sense ofglamour and warmth while rich natural patinasand vibrant verdigris promise history, nostalgiaand narrative in one pure piece of livingcolour that continues to evolve and develop intune with the environment.

The growing trend for re3ecting the naturalworld in our man-made interiors and choosingcraftsmanship over mass production is key to this dynamic shift in the relationship between luxury, the environment and the way we live;heralding a desire for a newly de2ned sense ofquality rooted in aesthetic and experiential luxury and a deeper emotive connection to our environments.

Natural materials including marble, rich tim-bers, stone and copper are all here to stay, andare indicative of a movement that doesn’t aimto make luxury and sustainability co-exist, but tomake them one and the same thing.

Marc Howlett is sales manager at WilliamHolland

The two previously opposing ideologies ofluxury and sustainability are comingtogether, to the extent that unsustainableproducts are now frowned upon ][

29selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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Replacement aluminium windows for period and new homes

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

UK manufactured

For expert advice call 08008 401 508 www.thwc.co.uk

Showrooms at: Sevenoaks Dorking Beaconsfield Loughton

The Conservation Range

See us at:

STAND B310

Pure delight from choosing Trespa Pura NFC®

Discovering Trespa’s high pressure laminate cladding provided the answer to a design conundrum fora stylish new residence on the outskirts of Aberdeen.Steph Craigie and her husband were looking forsomething different. So after consulting the local authority planners in the area who wanted the buildingto be either traditional or more contemporary, rather than a run-of-the-mill suburban design, the coupledecided on a contemporary look. They choose a Scotframe Val-U-Therm kit as the mode of constructionand for the external surface treatment the couple selected K-Rend smooth cement render and Trespa PuraNFC® cladding. They chose Aged Ash, one of six colours available in the Trespa Pura NFC® range.The quality of the Trespa Pura NFC® product was clear to everyone that handled it while the home wasbeing built. So much so that a family friend of the Craigies who runs a large timber wholesale businesshas decided to stock it and one of the joiners involved on the house building project also went on toinstall it in his own home. Trespa Pura NFC® is made from up to 70 per cent natural ,bres, impregnatedwith thermosetting resins and a non-porous surface engineered to enhance its weather resistant properties.As with all Trespa® products, Trespa Pura NFC® has been tested extensively against weather, impactand UV resistance.

0808 2340268 www.trespa.com

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Get creative with colour Freefoam, a leading manufacturer ofa wide range of innovative productsfor the building industry, announce thelaunch of a brand new colour roo�inevisualiser – an online tool to helpchoose the colour of fascia, sof�t andguttering that is right for any project. Aclear image of a roo�ine installationenables users to simply select from acolour swatch and get an instant representation of each colour on everyelement. With a wide range of solidcolours and a stunning choice of

woodgrain �nishes Freefoam now give you the ability to bring colour to lifebefore your eyes.

01604 591110 www.freefoam.com

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VMZINC facade for Cotswold home in AONBA Standing seam VMZINC® QUARTZ-ZINC® PLUS facade has been used inHayward Smart Architects design of atwo-storey home for one of its partnersand which replaced a 1930’s bungalow within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.The result is a contemporary home constructed using sustainable materialsto provide a low carbon footprint.Designed so as not to extend abovethe height of the building it replaced,zinc rainwater systems have also been

used, the end result complementing natural dry stone walling and timberboarding to the principal elevations.

01992 822288 www.vmzinc.co.uk

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31selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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Open mind – open livingCrittall Windows’ InnerVision steelframed internal screens add a newperspective to interiors with endlesspossibilities. Create that seamless transition between inside and out, byopening-up living space. Bright, beautifully crafted walls of glazing will re!ect the timeless style of a period house, adeptly de ne spaces ina townhouse, minimalist urban loft, or warehouse apartment. Elegantlyslender, the slim steel framing, withsingle or double opening doors, is

unobtrusive and a distinctive decorative feature. Combining style with func-tionality, a distinguished-looking installation makes a wonderful talking point.

01376 530800 www.crittall-windows.co.uk

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Luscious LaminatesCompletely on-trend for 2017 JB KindDoors new Laminate internal doorrange is both cost effective and contemporary. Inspired by the mostpopular 2ooring colours and kitchen1nishes, Laminate provides a uniformand durable door 1nish. The texturedtimber grain effect comes fully 1nishedin either gorgeous grey (pictured) orplush ivory. Each colour is available in the popular grooved ladder style design. With matching glazedpartners offering a central panel of

clear glass, as well as FD30 1re door options. Request or download a copyof JB Kind’s 2017 Door Collection brochure from the website.

01283 554197 www.jbkind.com

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50 Shades of SteelInvented in the 1880s, and synonymouswith the Art Deco era, steel-framedwindows and doors are enjoying a massive style revival right now, and the trend is set to soar in 2017.‘Flick through virtually any glossy magazine or brochure – and it’s likelyyou’ll come across steel windows insome shape or form,’ says DarrenLloyd, spokesperson for the SteelWindow Association. ‘They’re even inthe latest Diet Coke adverts and themovie Fifty Shades Darker.’ The appeal

of steel is easy to appreciate: monochrome steel frames feel contemporary,yet work equally well on historic properties. Inside, steel is proving a contemporary way to de.ne ‘open plan’ spaces, without shutting out light.

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Everglade offers the Ultion Lock as standardLondon-based fabricator Everglade isoffering customers the Ultion 3-starcylinder lock as standard on itsfull range of Palladio and Solidorcomposite doors. “There was a bigbuzz about Ultion at this year’s FITShow,” says Everglade Sales DirectorJay Patel, “and we thought it was theperfect product for adding extra valuefor our customers”. Everglade addedthe Ultion lock to its composite doorsafter showing the Ultion security videoto their installer customers at the

Everglade Customer Conference in May. The Ultion lock is -tted acrossEverglade’s complete range of Palladio and Solidor composite doors. Formore information visit the Everglade website.

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Operate a Schueco sliding door and the rigidity, e�ortless action and solid clunk as it closes proclaim one thing: quality. Systems include doors that slide, lift-and-slide and use frameless technology to deliver outstanding panoramic views. Also available: slender-profiled windows, slimline façades and super-secure entrance doors, all with the highest levels of insulation that can be up to Passive House standard. For German engineering made in Britain, there’s only one name.

For more information and your nearest Schueco Partner installers:www.schueco.co.uk

Just one touch tells you all you need to know

140

ReaderEnquiry

Invest in the future Arada Stoves’ Jon Butterworth explains why stoves are becoming greener

than ever and what it means for you and your build

The European Union’s Ecodesign DirectiveStandards aren’t coming in to force until2022, but the UK stove industry is upping

its game to ensure it isn’t left behind. The indus-try is manufacturing a new era of stoves inresponse to the lowest emission standards everset, and to ensure consumers install a stovewhich will give them greener living andlongevity for the future.A wood burning stove is a desirable, trendy

and stylish option for heating the home, shownby the fact that around 200,000 appliancessold in the UK every year, fulfilling our instinc-tive love of a real fire in a safe and control-lable way. While the modern day stove dates back to

as early as 1741, a recent study from anthropologist Christopher Lynn of the Universityof Alabama reminds us that our natural enjoyment of Dre has been a part of our evolu-tion. The study found that sight of a real Dre notonly decreased blood pressure and increasedrelaxation among participants, but also encour-aged social activity. All these factors can berelated back to ancient gatherings where Drewas our greatest tool for survival, being essentialfor warmth. Yet despite their popularity, there has been

plenty of negative press suggesting that woodburners could be ‘silent killers’, contributing todeadly air pollution that has been linked to life threatening diseases alongside the likes ofdiesel engines – another concern high on the environmental agenda.Smoke from wood burning stoves and

Dreplaces contains a mix of harmful gases andparticulate matter (known as PM2.5) whichwhen inhaled can cause respiratory illnesses and health issues. It’s claimed thatreplacing just one old inefDcient stove with a new ‘low emission’ alternative could be the equivalent to taking up to Dve old diesel trucksoff the road.European labelling requirements for solid fuel

space heaters (LSH), otherwise known as Lot20, emerged in August 2015. Put simply, Lot20 is a Europe-wide, clean air law setting min-imum levels for energy efDciency and signiD-cantly reducing the maximum particulate levelsand organic gases (smoke).The EU’s new Ecodesign standards – due to

ofDcially come into force in 2022 – are set tointroduce a number of changes through newlegislation and tighter standards. New productsmust be at least 72.5 per cent efDcient, whereasbefore this legislation, the minimum efDciency

was much lower at 65 per cent. Furthermore,the introduction of maximum carbon monoxideand NOx levels will come into force alongsidelegislation to greatly reduce particulate emis-sions. These levels are far lower than thoseallowed in the current Metropolitan UK SmokeControl Areas and will cover the whole of theUK, introducing measures where there are currently none.An additional challenge for all manufacturers

will be compulsory product surveillance. This will include the on-going checking of manufacturing standards to ensure that our product development, manufacturingprocess and overall quality are compliant with the Ecodesign standards.“Clean burning” can be an overused phrase

used by some manufacturers. In fact, it is lowparticulate technology which will determine thefuture success of wood burning stoves. FromJanuary 2018, all stoves will need to be ‘eco-labelled’ – just like electrical appliancessuch as washing machines and televisions are currently. Consumers will have a much clearer view of

a product’s efDciency and output. This means nomore hiding behind meaningless claims of efD-ciency by manufacturers or fabricated green credentials, with the consumer being given standardised, relevant information to base theirpurchasing decision upon.Alongside the EU Clean Air Act, strict EPA

certiDcation for North America can also be metusing the same low particulate design concepts.Those in support of this similar scheme claim thatmaking a switch to a ‘new style appliance’ cancut heating expenses, reduce smoke andimprove air quality. American Air Pollution standards are even more stringent than those setout by the EU 2022 standards.

What does this mean forthe manufacturer?All stoves manufactured after 2022 must meetthe new EU criteria, but despite still being Dveyears away, some stove manufacturers arealready well on the way to lowering the

A wood burningstove is a stylish,desirable option forheating the home,shown by the factaround 200,000are sold every year ][

33selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

particulate emissions of their products. Air quality is a key priority for the UK heating industry and so leading UK stove manufacturershave decided to release stoves that meet the

new low emission limits ahead of the introduc-tion of the tighter regulations. In order to beseen as market leaders, it is essential that com-panies are at the forefront of tackling the newchallenges ahead, and are leading by exam-ple. Future-prooDng their products will ensure theend consumer makes the best investments forheating their home.Arada’s new Farringdon range is just

one example of this. These stoves meet the challenge of being attractive and easy to controlfor consumers and also have very low particulate emissions.

What does this mean forthe installer and the consumer?It is essential that consumers are educated on the importance of investing in a new low emission heating appliance. While a stove may be manufactured to meet these new standards, its installation, usage and fuel willaffect its performance. Independent tests carried out by the Stove

Industry Alliance have already shown that anEcodesign-ready stove produces 90 per centfewer emissions than an open Dre and 83 percent less than a stove from 10 years ago. Thisnew era of stoves will set the standard for theUK stove industry, and by Dtting one six yearsearly, you are removing the need to retroDt inthe future; ensuring that the home in which it is

installed is at the height of environmentallyfriendly living.In the upcoming months, be sure to look for

particulate information, alongside CO levelsand efDciency when choosing your heatingappliance. New products featuring the latestclean burning technology will not only be a styl-ish option for the home but will also be aninvestment for the future – lowering heatingcosts and promoting greener living for manyyears to come.

Jon Butterworth is sales director at Arada Stoves

Consumers willhave a muchclearer view of aproduct’s output –this means no morehiding behindmeaningless claimsof efDciency or fabricated greencredentials ][

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BRITISH MADE

Less Gas In -More Heat

Out!

NEW ENERGIS RANGEFIRES TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS

BE INSPIRED VISITwww.nu-flame.co.ukTel: 020 8254 6802

OPEN FRONTED GAS FIRESMAXIMUM EFFICIENCY

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The new standards in electric �resWith today’s highly ef'cient homes it’snot always essential, or sometimeseven possible to have a gas or woodburning 're 'tted. However, if youwant the warmth, plus the look andfeel of such a 'replace, then an electricsuite is perfect for you. The two newIn'nity electric 'res are based onCharlton & Jenrick’s best-selling gas'res, and are available to 't framelessin the wall or into a 'replace suite.There are In'nite possibilities of howyou can present these 'res. The 'res

feature the new 3D Eco(ame™ technology from Charlton & Jenrick, whichoffer a very exciting realistic (ame effect with four mood settings. The 'rescome complete with a loose realistic log fuel bed and 're bed media kit.

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The perfect blend of performance and qualityWhatever the weather, there’s nothingquite like the warmth and character ofa wood burning stove. Part of the newPremium Line from Nestor Martin,Eurostove, the multi-fuel TQH13 stovehas a rotating base, which swivelsthrough 360˚, allowing you to directthe heat where it’s needed most, andenjoy the comfort and warmth of the+re anywhere in the room. Added features include a side-loading door,for ease of re-loading. It’s availablewith a rotating bench stand, low-rise

stand or log-store stand to suit your needs. With quality at its core, theTQH13 also features a unique white coated cast iron lining inside.

01934 750500 www.eurostove.co.uk

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the tighter regulations. In order to be

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Tough, pale and interesting

The client wanted a light, non-yellowing natural surface to the oak ,oors in thisLondon property.

To deliver the required effect, a combinationof Bona White primer and Bona Traf+c Naturalpolyurethane lacquer was applied. Depending upon how many coats are

applied, Bona White primer is designed to‘whiten’ the surface from – as in this one coatapplication – simply providing a subtle palesheen that will inhibit any yellowing over time,to a true whitewashed look when two or morecoats are applied. Bona Traf+c Natural was chosen as the top

coat because it maintains the non-yellowing lookand feel of pure, untreated wood and, at thesame time, offers superior surface durability.There are six Bona primers offering a

choice of colouration from Scandinavian whiteto rich amber. Using a primer as the initial surface coating is more economical thanadding an extra lacquer coat. Like all Bonacoatings, Bona primers are very easy to use,reduce side bonding and improve the adhesionof the lacquer. There are six Bona waterborne top coats to

offer you a solution for every environment,whether you are looking for a matt or glossy +nish, a natural, untreated look, anti-slip properties or supreme surface durability. Low VOC Bona primers and lacquers meet

the stringent Greenguard emissions standardsand all packs carry the Greenguard logo. The

global Greenguard Certi+cation programmehelps buyers identify products and materials that have low chemical emissions and therefore improve the quality of the air wherethey are used.

01908 525150 www.bona.com

36 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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We specialise in a wide range of projects including:

Visit: www.selfbuildfloors.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0114 231 5937

• Self Builds

• New Builds

• Renovation Projects

• Barn Conversions

• Extensions

• Basement Conversions

Enq. 149

Poly�or launches Secura luxury vinyl sheet �ooringPoly�or, a UK residential and commercial vinyl $ooring specialist,has launched its new Secura PUR collection of luxury vinyl sheet $ooring,designed to create inspiring home interiors for modern living. Made in theUK, the Secura PUR range features 22designs which authentically replicatethe natural character of wood, stoneand abstract materials in a practicaland durable sheet format. With 12wood effects, nine stone effects andone abstract design in the collection,

on-trend new additions include white and grey oaks alongside contemporary concrete and slate effects.

0161 767 1111 www.poly�or.com

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Bostik launches new �oor levelling compoundBostik has launched ScreedmasterSpeed 30, a new rapid-drying (oorlevelling compound with a walk ontime of just 30 minutes – making it ideal for contractors who require a fast track solution for their (ooringproject. Formulated from the latest advances in cement technology, theScreedmaster Speed 30 will smoothsound, uneven surfaces prior to thelaying of decorative (oor coverings inas little as three hours, with a loose laytime of 45 minutes. Consisting of a

20kg bag and four litres of polymer liquid, the two-part product is suitablefor use with under (oor heating systems and will cover up to 5m². For moreinformation visit the Bostik website.

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The soft/hard debateChoosing your Cooring is undoubtedly one of the most important elements

of a self-build – but should you go for for carpet or hard Cooring�Selfbuilder & Homemaker’s Roseanne Field weighs up the pros and cons

Choosing the Cooring for your project isan important decision. It makes a goodstarting point to build the rest of the

decor from and is often the Brst thing people willnotice upon entering your house.

But making such an important decision canbe somewhat overwhelming, especially for thedebut self-builder who might be new to theworld of seemingly endless carpet choices andhard Cooring varieties. Here are some pointersto consider as you decide which is best for yourdream home.

The soft sellCarpet used to be hugely popular but someview it as ‘old-fashioned’. In Europe in particularcarpet has fallen out of favour, with many optingfor hard Cooring, for a variety of reasons.However, as Geert Van den Bossche, marketingdirector of Crown Floors points out, “in the UKthe carpet market will always hold up stronglyas people continue to want a cosier feel bothupstairs and in the living room.”

The warmth and comfort offered by goodquality carpet is unrivalled. This makes it a pop-ular choice for families with young children whotend to enjoy using the Coor as their play space.The texture and density of carpet aids its soundabsorption, making large rooms less echoey,and enables it to work as an extra layer of thermal insulation.

Recent research by Canesis has found thatwool carpets “play a signiBcant role in reducingthe levels of common indoor air contaminants inbuildings.” Studies have shown that levels of sul-phur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and formalde-hyde – pollutants introduced into homes by emis-sions from some building materials andappliances such as gas stoves – were ‘neu-tralised’ when exposed to wool carpet.

Despite these potential health beneBts, there’sno getting away from the fact that carpet ismuch harder to keep clean than hard Cooring.Spillages are likely to leave stains, and vacuum-ing will only lift a certain amount of dirt (it’s rec-ommended that carpets are steam cleaned atleast once a year). This in turn can lead to prob-lems with those suffering from allergies as carpetBbres trap dust and other allergens. However,to negate this, Geert Van den Bossche adviseschoosing a shorter pile carpet.

Carpet is also more likely to need replacingbefore any hard Cooring will, as it by naturewears out. How long it lasts, says Geert, will“depend on the residential wear warranty and

the trafBc the carpet will face.” He adds: “In the-ory, you could get up to 20 years of life, butyou will likely need to replace before that in thehallway or on the stairs.”

Another common misconception with carpetis that ‘good quality’ means ‘expensive.’ In fact,manufacturing techniques are always evolving,meaning you don’t have to just focus on the topend of the market. “100 per cent wool will gen-erally be the most expensive,” explains Geert.Carpet is also considered not to be as eco-friendly as hard Cooring. However, while thiswill vary, generally carpet is developed to befriendly to the environment. Says Geert, “Manyconsider wool to be the most eco-friendly as a

‘natural’ option, but manmade Bbres can alsohold a percentage of renewable material.”

So where can and can’t you lay carpet� “Intheory, carpet can be used everywhere excepthigh moisture areas,” Geert explains.“Homeowners will tend to use it everywhereexcept the bathroom and kitchen. We recom-mend checking the residential wear warranty ona carpet before purchasing.”

The hard sellThe term ‘hard Cooring’ covers many things –from tiles to timber and laminate to vinyl.Wooden Cooring in particular is popular for its

Studies have shown that levels of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide andformaldehyde were ‘neutralised’ whenexposed to wool carpet �

Crown Floors Penrose Stone Signature

37selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

grandeur and classic style. It’s this timelessnesscombined with its durability that gives woodCooring a long lifespan – as well as beingresilient, it is unlikely to go out of fashion.

One of hard Cooring’s biggest drawbacks isthat it can be cold underfoot, a particular down-side on winter mornings. However this can beeasily rectiBed with the use of underCoor heat-

ing. A misconception has existed that underCoorheating cannot be installed underneath woodenCooring, but this isn’t the case. Certain types ofunderCoor heating have been speciBcally devel-oped for wood Coors – it’s worth speaking tomanufacturers to explore the options.

Easy cleaning is one of hard Cooring’sbiggest advantages. Stella Coyle, national retailmanager of Karndean DesignCooring says:“Floors do not harbour dust mites or bacteriaand they’re practical and simple to keep clean.Our product designers even go so far as ensur-ing the embosses on our designs don’t trap orhold dirt, making them ideal for busy homes or playrooms.”

Hard Cooring can be more expensive to layin the Brst instance; however as Stella explains,“once Btted the Coor can last a lifetime.” Itslongevity is one of its biggest appeals to home-owners, with some hard Cooring manufacturersoffering lifetime guarantees.

For the safety-conscious, hard Cooring maynot seem the most practical option. However,many products now offer slip resistance, so therisk is low, although Stella advises “it’s alwaysbest to wipe up spillages as they happen.”

Hard Cooring, much like carpet, can be laidanywhere. In fact, Stella explains that productssuch as Karndean’s “can be used in any areaof the home including staircases.” It really comesdown to personal choice – consider whether ornot you want a hard Coor in the more ‘comfort-able’ rooms in your home.

Underlying trendsCarpet offers homeowners a wide choice when it comes to colour, pattern and texture, buttrends are shifting. As Geert explains, “beigesand creams will always be staples, but over thelast couple of years the balance has shiftedslightly as homeowners are exploring greys and silvers. Equally, stripes (with coordinating plains)are doing extremely well.”

Geert predicts that 2017 will be “a big yearfor the shimmering effect of polyamide (nylon) carpets,” explaining that these carpetsare now much more hardwearing than older nylon options. He also foresees “anincrease in bold colour, with homeowners taking the plunge and going for more vibrant shades.”

Grey is also a popular choice, says StellaCoyle. “With spring and summer fast approach-ing, we’re seeing more light-toned hues and dis-tressed grey wood and stone look Coors.”Flooring tiles or planks are also being laid inunique patterns or including design features suchas borders.”

Ultimately, both carpet and hard Cooring canhave a place in a home – where one may notbe so suitable, the other will. You will probablynot want to lay a carpet in the bathroom, andequally you may not want hard Cooring in thebedroom. Manufacturers are there to offeradvice on the practicalities and help you makethe right decision to Bt your needs.

LooseLay Longboard by Karndean DesignCooring, Pearl Oak LLP306

38 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

Need help with your wooden fl oor?For new installations or renovations – speak to your local Bona Certifi ed Contractor!

At Bona we are passionate about wood fl oors. Our range of oils and lacquers have been used worldwide for nearly a century to protect and fi nish beautiful wood surfaces.

To help you prolong the life of your fl oor, we’ve trained a network of wood fl oor specialists in the use of our dust-free sanding system and high performance coatings.

Call us on 01908 525 150 or use the ‘Find your contractor’ tool on our website at bona.com to fi nd your local wood fl oor specialist.

Bona Limited Tel 01908 525 [email protected]

bona.com

Our range of oils and lacquers have been used worldwide for nearly a century to protect and fi nish

To help you prolong the life of your fl oor, we’ve trained a network of wood fl oor specialists in the

Call us on 01908 525 150 or use the ‘Find your

Enq. 153

JG Speed+t makes under-oorheating simple & affordable

Under-oor heating has never been moreaffordable and unlike bulky radiators it iscompletely hidden from sight and is more

energy ef+cient, giving you the space to createluxurious heat without compromising interiordesign. JG Speed+t offers a wide range of UFHequipment to make under-oor heating simple& affordable.

Innovative, tried and testedheating solutionsWhether you are building a new house,planning an extension or renovating a room,you can be sure with our huge range of systemswe have the right solution for you. All of ourproducts are manufactured to the higheststandards using the latest technologies and arecompatible with conventional and renewableenergy heat sources.

Add space, style and value toyour homeUnder-oor heating can add value to your

property as it is considered a luxurious form ofheat and therefore a home improvement. Ourstylish JG Aura heating controls have a contem-porary design, adding a touch of elegance tothe way under-oor heating is controlled. 

Bulky radiators cramp interior design.Speed+t Under-oor Heating systems are out ofsight giving you extra space for design and aclean decorative +nish, and with no sharpedges or surfaces it is safer too.

All-round heating controlAs well as controlling under-oor heating, JGAura can be combined with existing or newradiators. Creating a single solution capableof controlling different temperature times andsettings throughout your property.

Smart heating controlUsing the free JG Aura App you will never haveto worry about returning home to a cold houseor forgetting to turn off your heating when youleave. By turning your smartphone or tablet into

a remote control, you have the freedom tocontrol your heating from anywhere, at anytime.

Bring your project to lifeOur highly skilled design team is at yourdisposal to offer free CAD drawings and projectcost estimate. They pay great attention to detailto design the most effective under-oor heatingsolution for your property and lifestyle. They canalso recommend preferred Speed+t Under-oorHeating installers or provide technical advice ifyou are looking to +t the system yourself.

0333 130 0305 speed$tUFH.co.uk

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

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

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

NORTHWICH, CHESHIRE: 01606 41292

P NELAND FURNITURE LTD – 01299 271143

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Shaws Brindle 800This ‘British made’ Brindle 8001.5 bowl sink from Shaws of Darwenis a practical, yet stylish, square singlebowl with a separate, true half bowl,with an offset dividing wall, perfect forvegetable preparation and ideal forisland unit installation. This beautifulmodel can be inset or undermountedwith granite, wood or quartz worktops and both bowls come with a 3½” waste outlet. The Brindle is manufactured with a durable glazedesigned for years of usage.

Please visit the website to view the full range of sinks, taps and accessories available.

01254 775111 www.shawsofdarwen.com

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Lustrolite® beautiful splashbacks and shower wallsA brand new brochure from AbacusManufacturing Group explains everything you need to know aboutLustrolite. Lustrolite is an advantagedmulti-layer acrylic sheet that looks justlike glass, weighing less than a quarterof a traditional glass sheet and whileboasting 20 times the impact strength.Lustrolite applications include showerwalls, bathrooms and kitchens. Thecolour is permanently fused to the clearlayer and cannot be separated bymoisture. Its unique hard coat makes

Lustrolite easy to clean and highly resistant to scratching. There is a choiceof nine vibrant colour and the non-stick surface prevents the growth of mouldand bacteria as well as soap or calcium build-up.

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New quartz surfaces combinestyle with maximum durability

CRL Stone has launched a new comprehensive range of engineeredquartz surfaces, created to meet the

demands of modern living. Hard wearing andeasy to care for, CRL Quartz is ideal for thekitchen and bathroom where durability and 7exible design are paramount.

CRL Quartz is a beautiful engineered quartzstone, which is scratch, heat and stain resistant,which, unlike natural materials such as marble,never needs to be sealed. Requiring minimummaintenance to keep it looking as good as new,the non-porous surface makes cleaning simple,with soap and water or a mild detergent all thatis needed.

Offering a versatile design solution appropri-ate for any setting, CRL Quartz is available in achoice of 32 colours, with a polished 6nish. Inthicknesses of 20mm and 30mm, the surfacecomes in an extra-large format slab measuring3.2 x 1.6 metres, allowing for greater consistency in design over large spaces such askitchen worktops.

Commenting on the launch of CRL Quartz,Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRLStone, said: “We are delighted to be bringingour own range of quartz surfaces to market.Responding head on to current trends in kitchenand bathroom design, the surface is a versatile,easy to maintain solution that will last the test of

time. The quality of the product is backed up byCRL Stone’s excellent customer service and support, built on our 20 years’ experience in the industry.”

CRL Quartz is available from stock now fromthe CRL Stone UK warehouse.

0800 0421 6144 www.crlquartz.co.uk

40 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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Three window taps from BLANCOHaving a beautiful window at thekitchen sink is fantastic for welcomingin natural light and air; yet often thekitchen tap is not speci2ed correctly in terms of the window opening fully. BLANCO provides the perfectsolution; three fantastic styles are available in retractable or detachableoptions. The retractable option can bepushed down and the detachable onecan be pulled out so the tap is out of the way. The BLANCO ACCESS (pictured), also available as an eco six

litre version, BLANCO PERISCOPE S-F II and the BLANCO Eloscope F IIcomprise the BLANCO range which start retailing from £300 exc. VAT. Forfurther information on BLANCO UK, please contact the company.

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Natural Paving updates landscaping schemeNatural Paving Products is delightedto announce its new homeowner ratingsystem is now live and fully integratedinto its 2016 Landscaping ProfessionalAwards, which are now open forentries. Updating the company’s membership scheme for professionallandscapers, the Homeowner RatingSystem is an easy way to create anonline portfolio of work and gain valuable customer reviews. Landscapeprofessionals simply upload imagesand details of completed projects and

Natural Paving Products will contact the owner to provide a review and starrating out of 've.

0845 072 1150 www.naturalpaving.co.uk

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41selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

Klober air-open underlay tops performance ratings Klober membranes have been used ina couple’s zero carbon eco-homewhich featured in the latest series ofGrand Designs. The *ve-bedroom,4,300sq ft timber frame building onthe West Pennine moor has Wallint 50on the warm side of the insulation toprovide an air barrier and vapourcontrol layer. By contrast, Permo fortewas installed on the cold side of theinsulation to enable moisture within thebuilding to escape and provide aweatherproof barrier behind the timber

cladding. Its vapour resistance value of 0.15 MN/sg is well below the 0.6MN/sg requirement for walls.

01332 813 050 www.klober.co.uk

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Hultafors tools new product catalogue for 2017Free to professional tradesmen andwomen around the UK, it’s packedwith details of the world’s most innova-tive Hand Tools and accessories forworking effectively – wherever you areon site. Hultafors’ ingrained qualityand innovation is found in every HandTool. Ergonomically crafted with built-in Fisco technology, there’s a host ofTools for measuring and marking,chopping, striking and levelling. Youshould also check out the new rangeof Spirit Levels, Craftman’s Knives and

Chisels. Whatever job you’ve got in hand, these Hand Tools deliver top-class solutions for making your workday easier. So get to grips with thiscutting-edge range of Tools – you’ll be amazed how good they really are!

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Aluminium

GRP

Cast Iron

Copper, Zinc & Stainless Steel

We have astyle to match

yours

Traditional and moderngutters, pipes and hopperscome in a comprehensiverange of aesthetic styles,

materials and colours to suitall buildings and budgets.

For more informationplease call

0113 279 5854or email

[email protected]

w w w. r a i n g u a r d . c o . u k

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It’s no secret that slate and clay have dominated roo;ng trends through the ages –they’re natural materials that can stand

the test of time and offer an aesthetically pleasing ;nish.So what can those looking to develop an

iconic build – be it utilising slate or opting for aclay pantile – do to ensure their roo;ng designcompliments the architecture, without in<atingmaterial costs and labour overheads? Thanks topioneering innovations and substantial invest-ment in product development, architects andself-builders now have a wealth of products tochoose from that not only offer the same aes-thetic quality as traditional materials such asslate, but are also easier to install, and muchmore cost ef;cient. Clay tiles with a riven surface and dressed

edges can offer an authentic, natural slateappearance. Take for example Rivius, a tilemade from natural alluvial clay with a toughceramic ;nish, which has the look of slate, isnatural like slate and yet can be installed for halfthe price. These types of tiles can give that pre-mium ;nish often associated with slate and com-bine it with the range of bene;ts that come withusing clay. In short, they can achieve the aes-thetic of a classic construction, without havingto compromise on cost. But it’s not just these tiles that lead the way

when it comes to innovating traditional roo;ng.Plain tiles have been a part of our heritage androofscape for hundreds of years, going as faras their size being set in law by King EdwardIV in 1477. An Act of Parliament set plain tiledimensions at 10.5 inches long by 6.5 incheswide, and this is still the standard today. Apartfrom subtle variations such as single and double camber, the plain tile has remained unchangedfor centuries. There have been many modern updates on

the traditional plain tile. In introducing ‘new gen-eration’ product ranges, manufacturers are ableto offer roof tiles that give the look of a tradi-tional clay roof while using innovative technol-ogy to modernise and improve roof tile perform-ance – such as using interlocking mechanisms.This means that both high quality and beautifullydesigned roof tiles can be speci;ed exactly tosuit individual projects.Today, roof tiles have the versatility to comple-

ment very creative and versatile building designs.Through a wide selection of pro;les and colours,across a portfolio of materials from clay and slate

to concrete, self-builders have access to tiles in avariety of shapes, sizes, colours and ;nishes,adding character to any home. However, roo;ng is about so much more than

just tile performance or how durable or water-proof it is. From an aesthetic perspective, there’sso much choice today when it comes to theextra details. Feature tiles or ;nials – a touch ofclass from the past – can create a distinctivequality ;nish for both modern and traditional

roofs. For period and/or listed buildings, a her-itage approach is essential, but such featuresare often used to good effect on contemporaryprojects too. Ensuring a considered aesthetic ;n-ish to your roof is guaranteed to increase the

Standing the test of timeRichard Bishop of Wienerberger looks at how roof tile innovation is

emulating classic design using modern materials to enable self-builders to ;nd the ideal option for their project

Self-builders haveaccess to tiles in a variety ofshapes, sizes,colours and ;nishes, addingcharacter to any home ][

42 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

value of your home.Concrete has become the key product driving

the UK pitched roo;ng market, with designscoming in all shapes and sizes. Clay roof tilessuch as the Keymer Shire and Goxhill ranges aremore premium roo;ng options, offering greaterlongevity and a colour that lasts for life. As ahomeowner it comes down to working outexactly what you want, but for a truly standoutroof that remains as striking as the day it was ;t-ted, clay is a perennially good choice.It is obviously important to consider how your

home is waterproofed. A traditional gable-to-gable roof has no inner details, but as soon asyou put on an extension or have an L-shaped roofthen you need to consider waterproo;ng theangles, the hip or the valley. This is where youwould use GRP or lead. Lead is the traditional<ashing and waterproo;ng solution and while it’s

an ideal solution in terms of performance, it hasa high cash value and is often targeted bythieves. Modern alternatives offer the same lookand handling experience as lead but at a fractionof the cost and without the high risk of theft. Thisis another example of the market developing thealternatives necessary to move forwards andwork most effectively for its customers. Whether you’re looking to renovate, or create

a new build that holds all the stylised designs of

a traditional construction, alternatives can andhave been used to ensure cost doesn’t compro-mise quality in roo;ng. Traditional design willcontinue to shape the future. It’s our responsibilityto embrace our architectural heritage while usinginnovative products sympathetic to builds – with-out falling short on design, longevity and quality.

Richard Bishop is roof category marketing manager at Wienerberger

Ensuring you havea good, consideredaesthetic ;nish to aroof is guaranteedto increase thevalue of your home][

43selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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A premium quality roofing system

The unique, mechanically fixed GRP roof membrane systemDryseal is ultra dependable with a 20 year insurance backed extendable guarantee; excellent puncture resistance and BBA Agrément ‘zero falls’ accreditation.

• 20 year guarantee• Crisp clean lines• Premium quality

A product from Hambleside Danelaw LtdLong March, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 4NR

01327 701900 | www.dryseal.org

[email protected]

• Robust and durable• Thermal reliability• Weather-tight detailing

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44 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

AIR BLOWERSAND SPARES

RAINWATERHARVESTING

Tel: 01278 786104Fax: 01278 793380Email: [email protected] Environmental Services Ltd.

• Simple process• Simple installation• Economical maintenance• Tested to EN 12566 - Part 3

EST. 1987

NEW ‘T9’FOR 9

PERSONS

SEWAGE TREATMENTPLANTS FOR PROPERTIESWITHOUT MAINS DRAINAGE

‘T6’

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[email protected]

01794 522444

BESPOKE SPIRAL STAIRCASES

COMPLETESTAIRSYSTEMS

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

www.grasscrete.com

Verticallandscaping

• Earth retaining • Noise barrier

• Plantable or solid face construction

Betoconceptlandscape earth retaining walls

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Sustainable Products Showcase

The Biodigester ‘T’ range catersfor six to 42 people and largerBiodigesters are available for upto 2000 people. All Biodigestersare suitable for variable loading.The ‘T’ range Biodigester hasbeen tested to EN12566 Pt 3and has a CE Mark. Owners areimpressed by the limited mainte-nance required, infrequent empty-ing intervals and the ‘OdourFree’ totally aerobic process. TheBiodigester range is backed over45 years experience and fulldetails may be obtained fromBurnham EnvironmentalServices Ltd.

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Levato Mono Porcelain paversystem from The Deck Tile Co.Ltd is a Gexible external Gooringsolution for the design conscious.The system enables fast, costeffective installation over mostsurfaces. The porcelain paversare also available in larger for-mats, are highly abrasion andstain resistant, Fre and frost proofand achieve R11 slip resistance.With all its features such asheight adjustable and slope cor-recting supports, high load bear-ing and only 45kgs per m2, over40 Fnishes available, LevatoMono is the ideal system.

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Thermahood Ltd manufacture itsown brand of Airtight DownlightCovers, a contemporary designfor current & future building regulations. Thermahood products can be implementedwith great ease and efFciency,and what’s more, they can behandled by anyone, including the everyday DIY amateur. Once Ftted, they require no further maintenance and caneffectively operate in tandem with heat recovery systems toimprove air quality in living areasand reduce Fre hazards fromhousehold storage items.

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We Build It Ltd is one of the UK'slargest manufacturers of domesticsewage treatment plants, whofocus on high quality, affordableproducts. All of its sewage treatment plants are based on thesuccessful and simple extendedaeration method. We Build It can design, manufacture, installand service sewage treatmentplants for single houses and smalldevelopments. Its products canalso be used after an existingseptic tank to enable the efGuentto be discharged directly to awater causeway, if your existingsoakaway has failed.

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45selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system

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

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

‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes

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

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

Lightweight – 45kgs per m2

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

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

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

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ReaderEnquiry

Sustainable Products Showcase

For the domestic driveways comeoptions for grass reinforcement.SpeciFers can turn those concreteor asphalt parking areas into sustainable green vistas. Grass Concrete Ltd offers bothconcrete and plastic varieties ofgrass permeable paving, andoperates a strict Ft for purposepolicy. For heavy duty use on a driveway Grassblock offersexcellent grass coverage, strength longevity and durability.For areas where parking may beonly temporary plastic grasspaving is suitable – Grassroad isa proven system.

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Completely redesigned to meetthe needs of speciFers, installersand homeowners – and utilisingcommon components, commonoutdoor units and simpliFeddesign to beneFt both end usersand installers – Hitachi’sextended Yutaki air source heatpump product line-up includes atotal of 70 new models whichare more compact for small instal-lation spaces and are lighterweight for easier handling.Hitachi’s innovative Yutaki-SCombi integrated solution hasbeen designed speciFcally for theUK market.

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The October 2016 Which�Report into the ‘Best & WorstBoiler Brands’ made for goodreading for Johnson & Starley,with the company achievingfourth place. This was the Frstyear that Johnson & Starley havebeen included in the Which�Survey, with the organisation saying they had made “animpressive survey debut.” With ahistory of innovation spanningalmost 100 years, Johnson &Starley developed the QuanTecrange of High EfFciency condensing boilers using the latest boiler technology.

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Mitsubishi Electric has launcheda new 4kW Ecodan air sourceheat pump designed speciFcallyto tackle the needs of new-buildhomes, with a system thatmatches the hot water requirements, whilst still meetingthe lower heating demand oftoday’s well insulated properties.The Ecodan QUHZ unit is MCS-Approved and straightforward toinstall, delivering water at 70ºCto a packaged 200 litre thermalstore. From this thermal store,mains water is heated directly up to 65ºC via the unique plate heat exchanger.

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47selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

Contact us for specialist services and advice by calling 01869 220 050. Alternatively you

can email us on [email protected] or visit the website www.century-stone.co.uk

Specialists in stone cladding

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While it may not be the most obviousoption for extending a home, base-ments can be a cost-effective, spa-

cious and comfortable solution to spacedemands, and it is easier to achieve thanmany imagine.Basements fall into three categories: those

that exist within the structure, those designed-into a new-build property and those created as aretro-7t to an existing house. What all three havein common is that they can provide inviting liv-ing areas that deliver the extra space requiredby a household.The most common impression people have of

basements is the dark, damp-prone space thatperhaps houses the boiler, the Christmas decorations or a plethora of creepy-crawlywildlife. Not particularly inviting.In refurbishment projects, the main problem to

solve is damp. The solution in such projects isnot so much preventing the damp, but manag-ing it. Damp proo7ng a basement area can bean involved and expensive process. The alter-native ‘management’ option is much simpler.Here, damp is allowed to penetrate the walls

and 8oor, where it then meets a barrier thatdirects the moisture to a drainage channelwhich – in turn – sends it to a sump. Thisunwanted water is then pumped away to a suitable drainage outlet.The damp will not penetrate the water-proof

barriers, allowing the room side to be plastered on the walls and 8oor screeded prior to decoration. This results in the ability to create a warm, inviting living space that

can be used for a variety of applications – bedrooms, living room, personal cinema oreven a home gymnasium.Converting a cellar into habitable

accommodation may need a ‘change of use’planning application. Basements that have beendesigned into a new-build will have beenapproved if the rest of the plans are approved.Retro-7tting basements to existing properties(excavating and creating new rooms under thehouse) will often be covered by permitted development rights, as the basement is unlikelyto alter the building’s appearance. It is worthspeaking to the local planning authority for advice. Building Regulations approval, on the other

hand, is an essential requirement for both refurbishment and new construction, and theBasement Information Centre offers the guidance document Basements for Dwellings.This is an essential read for those new to thistype of work, as it provides practical guidancein helping to meet the relevant requirements inSchedule 1 to the Building Regulations.It also gives good practice advice for matters

not directly or precisely covered by theRegulations. Indeed, the Basement InformationCentre is a useful source of information, along with fully quali7ed CSSW staff (a recognised industry quali7cation) at relevantproduct companies.

Terraced houses have their own particularchallenges with party walls, but they are notunsurmountable, and should not put anyone offa project. Neighbours and landlords need tobe consulted, but it is worth referring to the PartyWall etc. Act 1966 which provides a frame-work for preventing and resolving disputes inrelation to party walls, boundary walls andexcavations near neighbouring buildings.A building owner proposing to start work

covered by the Act must give adjoining ownersnotice of their intentions, and this is set down inthe Act. If the neighbours disagree with what isproposed, the Act provides a mechanism forresolving disputes.Once all the legislation has been assessed,

and the necessary permissions obtained, it isthen down to the construction and the selectionof the right materials for the job. Obviously there is far more construction work involved with a new-build basement compared with the refurbishment of a cellar – however, that may be an advantage as the area will bedesigned and built for purpose. Once the structure has been created, the work is much thesame in either situation.Tanking below ground level commonly

involves the application of a layer of cementitious waterproof render system on thewalls, linked to a waterproof screed on the 8oor.Tanking can also be carried out using a sheet

What lies beneathExtra space is something that many home owners desire but often that

means adding a conservatory or a loft conversion. David Symes of DeltaMembrane Systems looks at the basement alternative

While it may notbe the most obvious option,basements can bea cost-effective,spacious and comfortable solution to thosespace demands ][

48 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

membrane, asphalt or other liquid-appliedwaterproo7ng material.Hydrostatic pressure – the external water

pressure around the basement – is also a criticalfactor that needs to be considered. It is crucialthat the tanking is securely 7xed to the substrateas the pressure from the water table around thebasement can be signi7cant. Hydrostatic pressure will force water through tiny gaps veryquickly, so great care should be taken at thisstage to ensure the waterproo7ng will meet thedemands made of it.As mentioned earlier, cavity membranes are

a suitable alternative to tanking. Membraneswith a studded pro7le can be used to form aninner waterproof structure. The studded side is

placed against the wall, creating an area thatallows water to 8ow down to the 8oor and intoa drainage channel to a sump. It is thenpumped out to a suitable drainage outlet.This method is also the number one choice in

refurbishments, as the amount of construction work needed is greatly reducedcompared with the alternatives.The 8oor must not be overlooked, and a suit-

able high capacity drainage membrane shouldbe speci7ed. Again, using this solution the mois-ture will 7nd its way to the drainage channel.Taking the basement route to creating

extra space may, to many, seem to be a much tougher option than loft extensions or conservatories, but that really is not the case.

Basement construction can be quick and thebene7ts for the future of the occupiers of theproperty are substantial. Designed correctly, theend result is additional living space that iswarm, comfortable, free of damp and – most importantly to the home owner – capable ofadding value to the property.Many residents in the more af8uent areas of

London are recognising how basements createthe required space and greatly improve thevalue of their individual properties. It seems that‘going down’ is the way to go.

David Symes is technical director at DeltaMembrane Systems

49selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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Waterproo ng simpli ed with Multi-Tight 2KMulti-Tight 2K from Remmers is a new,$exible, mineral based waterproo#ngproduct which has all the performanceproperties of older technology polymer-modi#ed thick bitumen emulsions, whilst being ‘bitumen free’.Using unique rubber granulate #llertechnology Multi-Tight 2K has a crack-bridging capacity which is #vetimes more effective than standard $exible mineral-based waterproo#ngsystems. The versatility of the productallows it to be used to waterproof

below ground externally and internally offering excellent resistance to groundor water pressure as well as frost and salts.

01293 594010 www.remmers.co.uk

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Exterior wood – great looks that last and lastFencing and trellis, arbours and pergolas can all look great, but havingto paint or varnish them each year isn’tquite so attractive! Thankfully now youdon’t have to. With the new range ofexterior wood %nishes from Polyvine,you get fabulous looking wood – andprotection from rot and decay – for %vewhole years, the longest guarantee onthe market. The oils solids contentensures thorough coverage, excellentwater repellence, low odour, &exibilitythat prevents blistering and peeling,

UV %lters to stop fading and weathering and microporous breathability toprevent mould, mildew, algae and fungal attack. For more information visitthe Polyvine website.

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LOG CABIN UK Log Cabin UK specialises in thedesign and construction of

contemporary styled log buildings.

Many people regard real wood as the bestbuilding material in the world.

While ensuring its clients are satis5ed bythe aesthetics of their log cabin, itsunderlying ethos is one of quality andsustainability.www.logcabinuk.com

1

OAK DESIGNS COMPANY LTD With more people investing &adding value to their properties

the emergence of outdoor entertainmentareas and garden rooms have risen inpopularity. This combined with the focus on eco-friendly materials and creating aproduct that will last the test of time and still look great has seen oak structures as a perfect method to achieve this. A trueexample of this can be seen by the garden art studio made by oak designs.This barn hipped roof oak structure has an internal room with French doors thatopen out to an undercover patio, ideal fordifferent uses and seasons.

www.oak-designs.co.uk

2

OSMO Wood cladding is fast becoming ahighly sought after material for

external coverings. Osmo UK, the woodand 5nishes expert, offers a quality woodcladding range, which provides a naturaland attractive 5nish to a property. Osmo’srange of ready to install, custom madeexternal cladding can be tailored to eachindividual’s desire and offers a choice ofpro5les, wood species, colours and 5nish.The 5nish protects it from weathering.

www.osmouk.com

3

Timber & Joinery Showcase

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50 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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sash window locks

ROLA

ROLA

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

Call Today: 0800 587 [email protected]

Fast ResponseFully AccreditedUK’s No. 1

Quote Ref:-BS001 to receive a discount

BUILDING REGULATIONCOMPLIANCE TESTING

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

Nationwide ServiceATTMA MembersCompetitive Fees

OAK PRODUCTS

DOORS & WINDOWS

AIR TIGHTNESS & TESTERS

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION

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To advertise in the

Classified & Web Directory

please call

01435 863500

HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES

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

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

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

Web Directory

National Self Build & RenovationCentre (NSBRC) 0845 2234455 www.nsbrc.co.uk

ADVICE & INFORMATION

Urban Front Ltd01494 778 787www.urbanfront.co.uk

DOORS, WINDOWS &CONSERVATORIES

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

MASTIC SEALANTS

Garador Ltd01935 443 722 www.garador.co.uk

BI FOLDING & SLIDING DOORS

Wallbarn 0208 916 2222www.wallbarn.com

GREEN ROOFS

James Jones & Sons Ltd01309 671 111www.jji-joists.co.uk

TIMBER & JOINERY

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

BUILDING PRODUCTS

Complete Stair Systems Ltd01794 522444www.completestairsystems.co.uk

STAIRS & STAIRCASES

EverEdge01453 731717www.everedge.co.uk

LANDSCAPING

Grant West+eld0131 337 6262www.grantwest*eld.co.uk

Pegasus Whirlpool Baths Ltd01633 244555www.bathroomexpress.co.uk

BATHROOMS & SHOWERS

Yeoman Rainguard 0113 279 5854 www.rainguard.co.uk

RAINWATER PRODUCTS

51selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk

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