PLANNING | FINANCE | DESIGN | CONSTRUCTION | PRODUCTS | INTERIORS

selfbuilder
+homemaker NOV/DEC 2022

A timber triumph
After a challenging planning process,
Elaine and Tom Devine have achieved a
timber forever home in their back garden

Cover all eventualities

Insuring your build can be a complex task; our
expert is here to answer self-build cover queries

SUSTAINABLE STYLE
Buying ‘second-hand’ kitchens isn’t only good
for eco credentials, it can gain high style points

The Battle of the

Bungalow
Giancarlo Rubano’s self-build journey saw him fight the local planning authority,
builders and a very difficult site, but he has ended up with an elegant two-bed home

SBH11 Covers.indd 1 17/11/2022 10:15

SBH11 Covers.indd 2 17/11/2022 10:15 SBH1
 NEWS

PUBLISHER

FROM THE EDITOR...

Anthony Parker

MANAGING EDITOR
James Parker

ASSISTANT EDITOR
Tom Boddy As well as the usual great array of self-build case studies to get your teeth into this issue,
we continue our new series of Selfbuilder Diaries, which takes a potted look at a project –
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT from the owner’s viewpoint.
Laura Shadwell

STAFF WRITER These pieces pro ide some fantastic first-person insights into what it s like to pursue your
Roseanne Field own self-build dream, which is always a tale of highs and lows. This issue, we are happy to
include a Selfbuilder Diary penned by Isle of Wight dwellers Laura and Jamie Currie.
CONTRIBUTORS
Nik Hunter This driven pair have worked incredibly hard so far on what looks like it will be a stunning
Heather Dixon home, overlooking the sea, and they admit they’ve enjoyed some boozy evenings with
friends along the way to reward themselves!
STUDIO MANAGER
Mikey Pooley
Laura and Jamie show that if you have the right attitude (as well as the resources of
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS course), it is possible to design and build your
Georgia Musson dream home while maintaining your day jobs.
Kimberley Musson And recent developments, like the advent of
Zoom meetings, have actually helped them
ACCOUNT MANAGER along the way.
Sheehan Edmonds

SALES EXECUTIVES We wish them well. Please email if you’d like

Nathan Hunt a Diary of your build to be featured in the
magazine – jparker@netmagmedia.co.uk
PR EXECUTIVES
Suzanne Easter JAMES PARKER
Kim Neville

MANAGING DIRECTOR
Simon Reed

PUBLISHED BY
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY...
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jparker@netmagmedia.co.uk

PRESS RELEASES PLANNING | FINANCE | DESIGN | CONSTRUCTION | PRODUCTS | INTERIORS

editorial@netmagmedia.co.uk All Rights Reserved

selfbuilder
+homemaker NOV/DEC 2022
Subscription costs just £18 for 6 issues, including post and packing. Phone 01435 863500 for details.
SUBSCRIPTION & A timber triumph Individual copies of the publication are available at £3.25 each inc p&p.
CIRCULATION ENQUIRIES
After a challenging planning process,
Elaine and Tom Devine have achieved a
timber forever home in their back garden

Cover all eventualities

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
Insuring your build can be a complex task; our

info@netmagmedia.co.uk
expert is here to answer self-build cover queries

SUSTAINABLE STYLE
electronic, mechanical, including photocopying, recording or stored in any information retrieval system
Buying ‘second-hand’ kitchens isn’t only good
for eco credentials, it can gain high style points

without the express prior written consent of the publisher. Although every effort is made to ensure the
accuracy and reliability of material published in Selfbuilder & Homemaker, the publisher can accept no
The Battle of the responsibility for the claims or opinions made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Editorial
Bungalow contributors to this journal may have made a payment towards the reproduction costs of material used to
Giancarlo Rubano’s self-build journey saw him fight the local planning authority,
builders and a very difficult site, but he has ended up with an elegant two-bed home illustrate their products. The manufacturer of the paper used within our publication is a Chain-of-Custody
SBH11 Covers.indd 1 16/11/2022 13:14

certified supplier operating within en ironmental systems certified to both SO and S in order
to ensure sustainable production.
ON THE COVER...
© Bolans Architects (Page 22) Printed in England

nov/dec 2022 www.sbhonline.co.uk 3

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 22

52 68

REGULARS
PRODUCT FEATURES
08
Selfbuilder Diaries 33
Laura and Jamie Currie ha e ust embarked upon their first Draining costs
renovation on the Isle of Wight – here they explain how they Rainwater has been collected for domestic use since Roman times
are managing to project manage around their day jobs! and is still used today in modern, sustainable homes. Jae Lester
from RainWater Harvesting looks at how technology has changed,
12 although the principle remains unchanged

Ask the Expert: Insuring peace of mind

Jake Fitness from Self-Build Zone answers some FAQs on 45
how to choose the self-build insurance you need Flashy alternatives
Water ingress may damage your property or cause wet and dry rot.
16 Nick King from Klober explores the reasons behind choosing
lead-free ashings to maintain a watertight roof and outlines the
Home Styling: Saving gracefully installation considerations to be aware of
Reusing and recycling materials can save huge amounts of
energy, as well as costs. Looeeze Grossman explains why
refurbished kitchens can be attractively sustainable options 59
O is for overheating
18 TuffX’s Paul Higgins explains what the new Building Regulations
Part O means for glass and glazing in new homes
Interior Inspiration: Eco products
Towards the goal of designing and building more
sustainably, here we have rounded up some eco-friendly 65
and elegantly designed products which we hope will inspire The rising trend of lifts
you in your decision-making People today are generally moving houses less often, indicating
they are buying and building homes to live in for many years to
75 come. lastair Stannah from Stannah looks at how futureproofing
your house with a lift can ensure you get to enjoy your home for
lassifie irectory years to come

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 52

CONTENTS
NOV/DEC
2022
38 PRODUCTS
FINANCE & INSURANCE
CASE STUDIES 31

SITE PREPARATION 30
22 STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
The best laid plans Bricks, Blocks & Cement 36
Getting a contemporary bungalow design in south London through Floors 36
Roofing
planning pro ed to be a nightmare for Giancarlo Rubano. owe er, with
SIPs 37
dogged determination, and help from parents and architects, he won Structural Timber 30

38 BUILDING ENVELOPE
ir Tightness
Forging the right result Balconies Balustrades
When John Wilkinson took the decision to buy a run down former Doors & Windows 37
blacksmith s cottage ust outside ork, he wasn t uite prepared for the Glass Glazing
Rainwater Products
ourney that lay ahead
HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES
52
A small victory INSULATION 62
Being the owner of a company that designs and builds furniture, am-
ish orbes wasn t initially daunted by the reno ation pro ect of his one INTERIORS
bedroom cottage in Dunbartonshire. owe er, he soon realised that small Doors & Partitions 62
doesn t always mean simple Fires and Fireplaces 66
Home Lifts 63
itchens
68 Paints
Stairs Balustrades
66

Retiring but far from shy

Realising their ictorian house would unsuitable as they approached
retirement, laine and Tom De ine decided to take matters into their own SMART HOMES TECHNOLOGY
hands and tackle a new build in their garden, but their timber-framed
pro ect faced planning battles OUTDOOR LIVING

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 NEW
The NEW
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ORG4264_Selfbuilder
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 Findyour
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SBH11 03-20.indd 7 30/09/2022

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13:38
 selfbuilder
Diaries
We are Laura and Jamie Currie from the Isle of Wight, and we recently
embarked upon our first reno ation in Gurnard near Cowes, which we are
project managing around our day jobs!

W
e’ve always lived on the island, start of September to start the renovation
but in 2019, along with our two on the bungalow; this gave us the time to
daughters, we decided that plan the build, and to make some vital –
we wanted to live closer to the sea. The and exciting – decisions.
perfect renovation project was sitting just
metres away from where Jamie grew up, KITCHEN DECISIONS
with the added bonus of some stunning The first decision we made was on the
sea views. kitchen; it was our aim to have a big
We finally mo ed in to what would be space for entertaining downstairs. This
our new home in mid February 2020, just meant the kitchen would be the focal
a matter of weeks before the first lock- point, so it was where we decided to
down. We achieved planning permission focus our thoughts. We wanted some-
(thanks to our architect Colman at Modh thing extra special, so chose to have it
Design), for a project to turn the chalet bespoke designed and built by Design
bungalow into a four-bed house, with an Interiors, who are based in Hove on the
office gym, large downstairs family room south coast. We visited their designers a
and an upstairs lounge plus a balcony couple of times in the summer; they were
with views over the Solent. meetings that we found to be invaluable
Due to the size of the rear ground oor as they led to complete changes to the
extension we knew we would need to shape of the kitchen.
undertake any major works in the back We were able to tweak our plans and
garden before we started the bungalow remove a structural pillar to open out the
renovation. The previous owners had a an outdoor beer and wine fridge and an area – without the insight from our de-
fishpond and a large shed in the sun- American ‘Pit Boss’ barbecue. signers Tim and Mike we wouldn’t have
niest part of the garden, but we had We used the time that the work was been able to create such a large space.
different ideas. We started work a year taking place in the garden to have the The rest of the decisions were finalised
after we moved in, in February 2021, footings put in for the rear extension. on Zoom; it was actually a great way to
and had hoped to have the garden This meant we wouldn’t need to have fur- discuss the finer detail once the kitchen
finished by ay, howe er it took until ther plant machinery in the garden once was designed.
mid September to fully excavate and turn it was complete; we then turfed over it
it into what it is now, an amazing space for a year. WORK/LIFE BALANCE
for entertaining with a sun terrace and We had a bit of a break from building We have been incredibly lucky as we
an outdoor kitchen with a handmade works, and spent this summer enjoying were able to move into our next-door
Spanish uego wood fired pizza o en. the garden we had worked so hard on neighbour’s house whilst we undertake
It is our favourite part of the garden and with several boozy evenings with close the main construction work, and thus
we get so much use out of it, assisted by friends and family. We waited until the living ‘onsite but not onsite’ – such a

The garden is now an amazing space for

entertaining, with a sun terrace and an outdoor
kitchen with a handmade Spanish wood fired
pizza oven
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42 SBH11 03-20.indd 9 21/11/2022 13:38
 to have some time to relax.
We are trying to do as much as we The rest of the
can ourselves not only to save money to
spend on other areas as we have a very decisions were
tight budget but also as we really enjoy
the project and the rewards it brings. We finalised on
are building our house as a ‘team’ and
investing our time in our forever home – Zoom; it was
these will be things we look back on in
years to come. actually a great
We chose to have a scaffold wrap
on the bungalow to keep it watertight way to discuss
and weatherproof as we don’t want the
weather to affect our schedule, as we the finer detail
need to be able to move back in early in
the new year. It won’t be a fully com-
pleted house, but nearly – that’s part of
the adventure though. Mother nature
showed us very quickly that the tin hat
was worth it, from the day we took the much looking forward to seeing the black
roof off it rained non-stop for the best zinc roof go on, it’s so striking and will be
part of two weeks! a huge landmark point in the build. Then
The demolition has happened so later on, when we are at fit out stage,
quickly, we can’t believe how much the we are both really looking forward to
bungalow changed in such a short space seeing the kitchen and bathrooms come
of time, work is slower now as we are at together, and obviously getting to move
the painstaking stage of cutting in each back in to our dream home!
window and door, so the changes aren’t We have been documenting our build
bonus. We moved out just as our ‘tin hat’ as dramatic as they were recently. The on Instagram (@little_gurnard_padso).
scaffold wrap started to be erected. steels have been ordered, and once they We created an account that we can look
Being so close to the site means that arrive onsite we hope to start seeing the back on and see how far we have come,
we can put a few hours work in after we rebuild take shape. but if you are interested, you can follow
both finish our day obs, but still be able In terms of next stages, we are very our progress there.

Cleverly automated
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ding unnecessary waste. Switching lights on and off.
Dimming. Regulation heating and controlling blinds.
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KNX house and building automation

With KNX, all building functions can be linked, program-
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sation - in the house, or mobile via smartphone or tablet.

www.luxorliving.co.uk

ADV_222x143_4c_LUXORliving_en_EN_2020_07.indd 1 01.07.2020 13:46:10

10 www.sbhonline.co.uk nov/dec 2022

_Selfbuilder
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 ASK THE EXPERT

Insuring peace of mind

Jake Fitness from Self-Build Zone answers some FAQs on how to
choose the self-build insurance you need

WHEN DO YOU NEED TO INSURE WILL MY CURRENT INSURANCE ensure the costs incurred in defending
any actions are also covered. We live
YOUR PROJECT? COVER THE NEW BUILD IF I LIVE in an increasingly litigious world, and
As soon as you have completed the NEXT DOOR? defending claims can be a lengthy and
conveyancing and bought your plot. This is a common misconception; don’t expensive process.
The moment you become a landowner, assume that your current household
you’re liable for what happens on policy will cover you. If the plot is
your land. registered separately then it won’t be WHAT TYPE OF POLICY DO I NEED?
This is the case whether you’re ready part of this policy. You therefore need In most cases, you’ll need what is known
to build now, or at some future stage. to make sure that you have adequate as a landowner’s liability policy. However,
Technically, this means you’ve assumed insurance cover against any claims that circumstances vary and it’s important
liability for everything on it. The ‘it will might be brought against you. you check that your exact requirements
never happen to me approach’ won’t Be thorough when checking this out: are covered. Be aware that these could
help you if problems occur, so it’s vital to apart from the actual legal liability for well change over time, and you may
ensure you’re protected from day one. accidents or other issues, you need to need to adapt the product you’ve

12 www.sbhonline.co.uk nov/dec 2022

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 structures on the land using special plant
and machinery.
If this is the case (or the conditions
above such as derelict buildings or
other features apply), you will need
more than a simple landowner’s liability
policy. This type of insurance typically
excludes cover for work being carried
out on a plot (let alone for protecting
any equipment).

WHY A SITE-SPECIFIC POLICY?

When you realise that a landowner’s
liability policy won’t be adequate, you
will then need to consider purchasing
a site-specific insurance policy from a
reputable provider backed by A-rated
insurers). This will offer protection
for the works, as well as covering your
liability for anyone assisting on the
project. It can also include any
machinery, plant and equipment you
purchase or hire.
purchased, or switch to a new, more that have little or no value, such as
appropriate policy. those you intend to demolish at some PROTECTING THE BUILD
The best way to understand how point. If someone was to be injured as a Once construction is underway, site
your cover needs could change is to result of a structure’s derelict state, then insurance will also cover your partially
look at a typical self-builder’s journey. as the landowner you may be liable to built home as it progresses – together
There’s likely to be a delay (which could compensate them. with the materials, e uipment, fi tures,
be several weeks, months or longer) fittings etc. Remember that these
whilst your scheme is drawn up and full policies are normally sold for time-limited
planning permission obtained. During WHAT IF I NEED TO START
periods (typically 12, 18 or 24 months),
this time, you will need to carefully PREPARATORY WORKS? so it’s worth putting a reminder in
consider the potential risks on the plot. Whilst you wait for your planning consent your calendar to extend them if
Are there any derelict buildings, walls to come through, you may decide to you’ve not completed the scheme
or other structures on the site? What start preparing the land to build on. within that timeframe. Some providers
about lakes, ponds, dried-up wells or Shrubs and trees may need to be cleared offer automatic alerts to advise you
potentially diseased trees? All of these (being mindful of any tree preservation when your policy is about to end.
could present a liability risk if trespassers orders or other issues highlighted in the
– particularly children – gain access to TA6 property information form you were
your land. presented during the sale process). You WHAT ARE SOME TOP INSURANCE
This is important even with buildings might also want to demolish any existing TIPS FOR SELF-BUILDERS?
Don’t assume there’s no risk – and
therefore no liability – just because
you have an empty plot with no
works underway.
Also, remember you may not
need specific site insurance straight
away. To determine which product is
best for you, all you have to do is identify
when works are likely to start, and what
they’ll entail. If it’s going to take a long
time before you start the build, it may
be cheaper to take out landowners’
liability cover.
To conclude, remember that as you are
liable for what happens on the land from
the moment you become the owner,
without the correct insurance cover in
place you’re leaving yourself at risk of
your dream home project turning into
a nightmare.

Jake Fitness is team leader at Self

Build Zone

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 HOME STYLING

SAVING
GRACEFULLY
Reusing and recycling materials can save
huge amounts of energy, as well as costs.
Looeeze Grossman explains why refurbished
kitchens can be attractively sustainable options

T
here’s no doubt about it, kitchens THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE
are expensive. They’re also, usually, You’ll often be able to pick up a designer
the heart of the home and used or high-end kitchen for the same budget
daily for everything from baking with the as a DIY store alternative, meaning
kids to cooking elaborate meals or simply you’ll get better quality, a higher level of
making breakfast. Therefore, they need craftsmanship, and top-name appliances
to be built to last and able to withstand a all included.
huge amount of traffic and use when you And this saving can be considerable,
think of it in that way, it’s not surprising meaning you’ll be left with plenty to
how expensive they are. update your appliance package, that’s if
With a world of choice from designer your used or ex-display kitchen doesn’t
showrooms through to high street giants already come with them included. or not left yourself enough space around
and DIY stores offering kitchens for With consumers becoming increasingly your island.
every budget, you’d be forgiven for aware of the sustainability credentials of Buying a second-hand painted wooden
thinking these were your only options. their homes, buying used or ex-display kitchen offers up a host of possibilities.
But ex-display, or even second-hand is a win-win concept, as not only are you The structure can be very durable and
kitchens are a viable choice. getting so much more for your money, long-lasting, and the beauty of wood is
Not only will you be saving a kitchen but you are also doing your bit for that it can be repainted again and again
from ending up in landfill, but you ll sustainability at the same time. to suit different colour schemes.
also be saving a pretty penny or two. You’ll also not be on your own in the
Ex-display kitchens can be picked up for process if you work with a specialist. It UPDATE THE DETAILS
around 70% off RRP. Used kitchens can can be daunting working without a One of the cheapest and easiest ways
start from as little as £1500 and often designer, but by working with an expert to give your kitchen a wow factor is to
include worktops and appliances. A great you can get everything you want for your update the details. You can totally
buy, particularly as a single run of new new kitchen, and often much more. transform the kitchen with bespoke
quartz worktop could easily set you back Plus you’ll have the reassurance you handles and designer taps. A hot water
over £2k. haven’t missed any of those essentials tap, and an easy-use hose-style tap will

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13:39 Home
 Not only are you getting so
much more for your money,
but you are also doing your
bit for sustainability
elevate any kitchen, as well as giving crack modern splashbacks are now built design and added to the overall budget.
your kitchen extra functionality. to look seamless, chic and expensive. Lighting is also a big consideration,
Changing the colour of your taps and And don’t be afraid to add in a especially if you’re installing an island
handles can also instantly make your patterned or veined splashback, adding and want to include a feature light. If
kitchen seem more modern. A sleek that extra pop of detail or colour will add re-wiring isn’t an option, opt for battery-
black handle and matching taps teamed interest to the space. It can also often powered LED lighting which works with a
with chic accessories like a utensil pot or give you a key colour to pick out and use remote. You’ll have the same great effect
even your small kitchen appliances will in your bar stools or blinds. without a huge electrician or electric bill.
bring everything together and instantly By blending a mix of old and new,
transform the space. CONSIDER DECORATING, LIGHTING existing with renovated and clever
Backsplashes have also moved on from & PLUMBING cost-saving design ‘hacks’ you’ll be able
their classic tiled look. You can now get It’s also important to think about all those to achieve a great kitchen renovation,
beautiful vintage mirrored splashbacks, added extras which come with renovat- without costing the earth.
resin, ceramic or stone all crafted to look ing your kitchen be that simply painting
seamless. No more cleaning grout or the walls through to laying new ooring. Looeeze Grossman is founder and CEO
worrying about whether the sealant will All of these need to be factored into the of The Used Kitchen Company

nov/dec 2022 www.sbhonline.co.uk 17

17:33 SBH11 03-20.indd Used

Home Styling_The 17 Kitchen Company [TB Subbed] [JP Edited].indd 3 21/11/2022
16/11/2022 13:39
17:33
 1

INTERIOR 2

INSPIRATION:
ECO
PRODUCTS 1. LifestyleGarden’s Bistro Dining
Furniture has been created in a
As we all continue to pursue more sustainable ways “uniquely sustainable” way by using
ethically recycled Social Plastic from
of living, here we have rounded up some products Plastic Bank. Social Plastic is ethically
that combine elegant design with eco-friendliness, reco ered plastic which helps fight ocean
pollution, while simultaneously improving
which we hope will prove inspiring in your project the lives of those who collect it. The
dining set is priced at £299.
decision-making www.lifestylegarden.co.uk

18 www.sbhonline.co.uk nov/dec 2022

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 3

2. The Play Radiator sits within The 5. Fill your home with warmth and
Radiator Centre s efficiency range of
radiators, but it is more than just good
well-being with the Beaumonde
Le Feu Bio-Ethanol Modern Fireplace. 4
for your heating bills. The fun, painted n easy to install oorstanding
MDF panels with pencil proof grille, ue-less contemporary fire from this
integrated TRV controls and hidden Danish lifestyle brand, it runs on
valves make it ideal for a child’s room. clean and smokeless liquid fuel “eco-
Price: £1105. friendly.” Suitable as an indoor or
www.theradiatorcentre.com outdoor fireplace.
Price: £1595.
3. Manufactured in Great Britain, the www.beaumonde.co.uk
Velvet Large 3-Seater Sofa by Rockett
St George has been handcrafted and
acquired from sustainable sources to
create an “investment piece to treasure
forever in your home.” The sofa is 100%
foam free, instead it uses an insulated 5
fibre which is made from recycled plastic
bottles. Price: £1895.
www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

4. This Recycled Rubber Planter

by Primeur is manufactured from 100%
recycled rubber tyres, making this a
“truly sustainable choice.” Resistant to
crack, rot, frost, UV or other extremes
of weather, the planter is suitable for
use indoors or outdoors. It is priced at
£38.99.
www.primeur.co.uk

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 CASE STUDY

THE BEST LAID PLANS

Getting a contemporary bungalow design in south London through planning
proved to be a nightmare for Giancarlo Rubano. However, with a combination
of his dogged determination, support from parents and architects, and some
design compromises, he succeeded
TEXT TOM BODDY IMAGES LUKASZ WIELKOSZYNSKI & BOLANS ARCHITECTS

W
ith a project that faced a litany of house, which is just a stone’s throw away from
challenges during both planning and the site, in 1977, it had been their dream to HIGH POINT
construction, Giancarlo Rubano’s self- build a new home in their back yard and a
chie ing planning was
build experience turned out to be a long and ma or reason for purchasing the land in the first
a massive relief for us
exhausting journey. But despite that, he and place.
all. But also seeing the
his architects have achieved an unconventional, Their lack of success wasn t for the lack of
green roof go up, that
cleverly designed bungalow that occupies a trying; in the 90s they submitted plans to build
was beautiful”
tight infill site in Giancarlo s parents backyard in a two-storey home of standard design, but
Forest Hill, south London. these were rejected, and the dream was put
Centering around a small but unique on the back burner. Looking back now, can
courtyard, the building s design is filled with understand why it didn’t get through planning,”
sustainable technologies, abundant glazing, and recounts Giancarlo, it wasn t the most attracti e
a green roof. looking property. nstead, the family settled for
Since Giancarlo’s parents moved into their a double garage.

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 Two decades later, the idea of building on from the bedrooms, this was also rejected.
the land began to build momentum again. mong the other constraints were a bigger LOW POINT
While exploring the idea of buying a house, courtyard, and a two bedroom limit think in
Parting with the first
it was always in the back of his mind to build the end there were about 18 conditions for the
contractor. n your head
something near where he grew up. knew it bungalow; they really didn’t want this property
you think if you re good
would cost me less, he e plains, and stuck built,” says Giancarlo.
to people and help them,
with that mindset; it stopped me from buying But with a determined architect at the helm
they ll return it. t s not
elsewhere.” combined with Giancarlo’s own strength of will,
always like that.
With his parents, he approached local practice they eventually achieved a design which the
Bolans rchitects. There were no specific planning officers were happy to recommend.
prerequisites, but Giancarlo did want an open However, after months of not hearing anything
plan kitchen and front room, with a generally following their submission, the project went into
modern and minimalist design, and outdoor non-determination limbo. t was a nightmare,
space with seating. lso, with climate change Giancarlo remembers, had to hire a lawyer to
in mind, he was keen to e plore different expedite the process.”
sustainable designs. Other than that, the Sitting in its last chance saloon, the fate of
architects were given free rein. the project was in the hands of a local planning
Classed as a backyard de elopment, the committee, and it came down to a single vote.
plot is surrounded by 23 houses and a church. fter almost two years of redesigning and
oiding disruption to these close-by properties re igging, the team finally secured the elusi e
was always going to be tough, and even planning permission. t was a massi e moment
though previous applications had been denied, for us it e en gets me emotional thinking
Giancarlo and his designers were up for the about it now.”
challenge. Giancarlo summarises the challenge he faced:
f you don t ha e a progressi e council, it
PAINFUL PLANNING can be very hard to try and design something
Unfortunately, no one foresaw just how big that different like this.
challenge would turn out to be. Hamstrung by
a series of delays and local objections, as well CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES
as a stubborn planning authority that refused to You would hope that after such a lengthy
be e ible, achie ing consent ended up taking planning process, the build itself would have
almost two years. been an easier journey. But as many self-builders
The original designs submitted included a will attest, that s rarely how it works.
two-storey structure which worked really well, nstead of a self-build mortgage, the pro ect
explains Giancarlo. But as the council were was directly funded by Giancarlo and his
adamant that any such volume would disrupt parents. Looking back, he now admits that a
views of the church, the plans were abruptly mortgage route with money released in stages
thrown out. The designers then evolved the may ha e been a more controlled way of
scheme into a one-storey three-bedroom financing the build. f you re funding it yourself,
bungalow with a central courtyard, however, it can be uite hard to stay on track.
due to se eral reasons but principally outlooks To ensure Giancarlo found the right contractor,

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 he visited several builds and renovations to broadcaster Sky means he doesn t work
alidate their pre ious work. owe er, this was standard 9-5 hours, and this allowed him to GIANCARLO’S
far from plain sailing.
One builder, who a family member ra ed
be onsite regularly to see how the build was
progressing. However, he was able to witness
TOP TIP
about, formed a good relationship with Giancarlo the results of an issue with the glazing company • Reusing materials and
and submitted a bid which was considerably he had specified for the contractor to use. They finding places that want
lower” than other submissions. He admits that were hit with delays, and without the glass, to get rid of stock will
this should ha e resonated that something s not the pro ect couldn t proceed. With all the sa e you thousands.
right, but adds, at the time thought e en if contractor’s employees sitting around, he started can’t recommend it highly
we hit an issue, we should have enough money another job elsewhere.” enough!”
left over to cover it.” The period after the glazing finally arri ed
To minimise the impact on the views of the onsite and the contractor returned to the job
church for nearby properties, the bungalow was where the pro ect lost its momentum,
had to sit two metres below ground level. says Giancarlo, e plaining that there was a lack
Colossal amounts of soil had to be transported of focus. n addition, his builder wasn t up to
to the bottom of Giancarlo’s parents’ driveway, scratch.
a volume of earthmoving which the builder Not only did people stop turning up, but he
completely underestimated. With access being also says that the uality of the finishing was
very tight, the only solution was to remove a appalling in places. fter months of stressful
wall in his parents’ home to allow grab lorries experiences with the builder, the relationship
to s ueeze through. The moment you start started to deteriorate, and Giancarlo was forced
digging up the earth, the cost starts going to end the contract. t s hard because you get
through the roof!” exclaims Giancarlo. close to people and seeing they hadn’t done the
The site’s location proved a challenge again le el of work that trusted them to deli er warps
when it was discovered that connection to the your iew of the world you lose trust.
sewage main wasn t possible the only solution Fortunately for the team, a new contractor
was to install its own pumping system. s part along with his electrician brother took o er the
of getting the scheme through planning, they pro ect and managed to fi the ma ority of the
also re uired that a water fire sprinkler system issues that were left behind. The pair of them
be included. Giancarlo explains that while it sa ed my house and we re still friends now
completely protects the home, a one-tonne says Giancarlo.
water tank was needed for it to function, which
cost a load of money. DESIGN & LAYOUT
Despite these myriad headaches, the Despite this project’s extremely challenging
resulting structure and foundations are really planning and construction phase, the completed
well engineered,” says Giancarlo happily. The two-bedroom bungalow comprises an elegant,
home is basically sitting in a concrete egg neatly formulated design.
crate, supported by steel beams with massi e Considering the home was in a tight,
retaining walls.” o erlooked space, the e terior had to be
The nature of Giancarlo s ob working for carefully considered. s well as digging two

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 CONTACTS/
SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECTS
Bolans Architects
www.bolansgroup.com

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Rajesh Vaghela

ARBORICULTURALISTS
Canopy Consultancy Ltd

GREEN ROOF
Eco Green Roofs
www.egr.co.uk

FLOORING
Amtico
www.amtico.com

GLAZING
Grace Windows

ZINC CLADDING
BellZinc Ltd
www.bellzinc.co.uk

STRUCTURAL WARRANTY
metres below the neighbouring garden, it is reused from a nearby project. Build Zone
topped with a butterfly-shaped green roof that The double glazed black framed bifold www.build-zone.com
almost camouflages the structure, while giving a doors circling the courtyard folds fully open to
boost to local ecology. n summer it s filled with create a large open plan space with an outdoor KITCHEN
bees and insects, e plains Giancarlo, e e en seating area. t s perfect for parties, enthuses Kitchenhaus
seen foxes, cats, and squirrels up there, and it Giancarlo. www.kitchenhaus.com
looks beautiful Following the narrow, glazed corridor around
The neighbours have also expressed their the courtyard, past a bathroom, you arrive at PUMPS
fondness for the new addition, with one woman the more private section of the home featuring Delta Membrane Systems
admitting she sometimes ust sits there and the guest bedroom, master bedroom, and main
www.deltamembranes.com
stares at it to see what’s going on.” bathroom. One idea of Giancarlo’s to maximise
dding to its sustainability credentials, an the space was to install a large sunken bath he
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Ecodan air source heat pump powers the asserts that it makes the room feel bigger while
RAD Sprinkler Systems
underfloor heating in all rooms of the home. t s adding a unique feature.”
www.radfiresprinklers.com
reliable, and as m putting energy back onto the The ‘butterfly’ roof enlarges the spaces while
grid, get money off my bills e ery uarter also allowing for further glazing on the upper
Helping the building further sit comfortably part of the outside walls. n the master and guest
within its conte t, the red brick e terior nods to bedroom, the bespoke triangular windows allow
surrounding structures. The landscaping outside copious amounts of natural light in.
the kitchen has been left natural. When was One of the key aims of the design was to
growing up, this area was like a wild garden and ensure privacy was maintained for all parties in
ha e a lot of memories of playing in it, so part this difficult, constrained site, and he says Bolans
of me would like to keep it like that, e plains ha e cle erly achie ed this. t s e cellent. can t
Giancarlo. see into other properties, and they can’t see into
The minimalist interior is suffused with greys mine!” explains Giancarlo.
and whites with sporadic ‘pops’ of colour here nd, with enough hiccups and challenges
and there. pon entering through the thick to put anyone off going the self-build route,
timber front door, you find yourself in a bright, Giancarlo says that despite this, he is very happy
open-plan contemporary kitchen li ing space. with the final result.
Where he could, Giancarlo found second hand The pain e perienced on the pro ect is
or refurbished products to furnish the home, disappearing more and more over time. You’re
with sustainability in mind. For example, the going to hit bumps. The thing is ust to keep
elegant e -display Wrens kitchen was bought on going, e plains Giancarlo. e thanks his father
eBay. found two guys that take kitchens from in particular, and the architects, for their support:
trade shows and sell them on.” This strategy was ery lucky to ha e them, and concludes
meant it was only a fraction of its original cost. that it has all been worthwhile. t s a beautiful
The centrally positioned Faber extractor fan, home get reminded of that e ery time
which illuminates different colours, was also someone comes and sees it.”

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 APPOINTMENTS & NEWS SITE PREPARATION STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Safety Platforms has moved!

Safety Platforms is pleased to announce
it has moved to larger premises, with
room for more stock and new product
development! The move has been promoted
by a substantial increase in demand, over
the past year for products such as Easy Stair
Temporary Staircase and Stairwell Edge
Protection. The majority of products are
stock items therefore available for next day
delivery. Safety Platforms’ delivery charges
represent great value for money with all
mainland orders subject to just a £25.00
delivery charge. Safety Platforms trust its solutions are of interest and
would welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements. Please note
the change of address - l erthorpe Road, Wakefield, W
01924 420820 www.safetyplatforms.co.uk

Introducing Rainwater Harvesting Ltd

SBH11_Safety Platforms_Appointments & News_PR.indd 1
Rainwater Harvesting Ltd design and07/11/2022 09:35

manufacture complete systems in the UK for

UK homes. Rainwater can be used for toilets,
washing machines and any outside use.
There is no need to ush toilets with drinking
quality water and in a quest for sustainability
it is an important consideration.

Both direct and gra ity fed mains back-up

systems have gone through rigorous
testing and are WRAS (Water Regulation
d isory Ser ice certified. Systems are
designed to be simple to install to new builds or major refurbishments.
Whether for water usage or drainage criteria rainwater harvesting system
can help with planning applications.
01733 405111 www.rainwaterharvesting.co.uk

SBH11_Rainwater Harvesting_PR.indd 1 16/11/2022 14:56

Holistic Water Management

Harvesting roof water as a
SuDS solution
To prevent flooding

AND
Rainwater for toilets, washing
machines and outside use
To prevent stress on our mains water supply

Sustainable Water for

The Future
Rainwater Harvesting Ltd
01733 405 111
info@rainwaterharvesting.co.uk

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 FINANCE & INSURANCE

32 www.sbhonline.co.uk nov/dec 2022

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 SITE PREPARATION

Stop costs running away

Collecting rainwater for domestic use is nothing new; it’s been done since
Roman times and is still used today in modern, sustainable homes. Jae Lester
from RainWater ar esting looks at how technology has changed, though the
principle remains unchanged

I Returning
n the UK we have the problem of either which activates when a drop in pressure
too little or too much water. Obviously is identified.
preventing 30% leakage of the mains
supply will help enormously but there are water to the WHAT HAPPENS IF THE RAINWATER IN THE
other things that can be done to support
this. Sometimes we need to look to the storm drain at a HARVESTING TANK BECOMES LOW?
Tank sizes are calculated traditionally
past to find solutions for the future.
controlled rate on a day supply, as it was assumed
that it would rain within that timescale.
WHAT IS A RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM?
Water is collected off the house roof via is an efficient However should the water run low we still
re uire the toilets to ush.
standard guttering and downpipes. It is
filtered and stored in an underground way to collect Therefore if the water is going to be
used within the home and not just for the
tank. When required it is then pumped
back into the home to be used for for reprocessing garden it is important to specify a mains
back up system.
ushing toilets, washing machines and
outside use which greatly reduces the which may There are two main types. In a direct
feed system the pump is directly
demand for mains supply. The question
in our quest for sustainability is should become more connected to the appliance and runs
e ery time a toilet is ushed. f rainwater
we use mains water for non-drinking
purposes There is no need to ush important becomes critically low a small amount of
mains water would be introduced into

with increased
toilets with processed drinking quality the underground tank.
water bought from miles away. In a gravity system the water is

demand
Installing a system is best suited to a pumped up into a header tank and
new build or major renovation as there appliances are serviced from there. The
will be a rainwater feed to toilets and latter method only requires the pump to
other non-potable appliances. Indoor be operated when the header tank
taps, basins, showers and baths will of people toilets, and application for the needs replenishing. Running costs can
remain on the main supply. water. Systems are designed to require be as low as 1p per person per day.
The harvesting tank is buried minimum maintenance. There is a filter Systems are designed to prevent any
underground – there is no light and only which allows water to ow into the tank cross contamination and it is important
a small temperature variance to keep the but leaves and debris are directed into a to consider WRAS (Water Regulation
water cool and fresh. soak away. Filters are designed for easy Advisory Service) approved systems.
Tank size calculators are available access so once or twice a year it is worth These have undergone extensive testing
on the web. Sizes are calculated on remo ing and ushing with clean water. and are accepted by all water providers
location, collectable roof area, number Within the tank, there is a pump as compliant if installed in accordance

nov/dec 2022 www.sbhonline.co.uk 33

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 SITE PREPARATION

with the manufacturer s specification.

TOO MUCH RAIN

The advantage of collecting rainwater is that it is a relatively
simple process and it also has a further benefit regarding
Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS). During heavy rainstorms
water is collected within the tank first, pre enting localised
ooding.
Emerging systems allow a volume of the tank to be used
for non-potable applications, but are designed with e tra
capacity specifically for when there is e cess rain. This e tra
olume is calculated specific to the site and meets the criteria
for severe rain events. Water is released back into the storm
drain or soakaway at a controlled rate so reducing the risk of
downstream ooding. This can be as low as . litres per
second per plot, and so will not o erwhelm the network.
It is the overwhelming drainage system that needs to
be addressed which is how harvesting rainwater as a SuDS
solution would be highly beneficial. Returning water to the
storm drain at a controlled rate is an efficient way to collect
for reprocessing which may become more important with
increased demand. The extra capacity is calculated based on
all ‘worst case’ scenarios and any other criteria that planning
requires by Micro Drainage.

INSTALLATION
A groundworker is required to site the tank under the
manufacturer’s instructions. Some tanks are ‘shallow dig’ so
only re uire a depth of - . m making it easy to install in
areas where there is a relatively high water table and ease of
calculation of levels. There must be a ‘fall’ from the downpipe
so the rainwater ows towards the har esting tank. t is ery
important that the piping from the roof to the tank is ‘closed’
and there are no open gulleys.
A plumber will then install the pipework to the appliances
and connect both the rainwater and mains supply, and an
electrician will be required to connect the pump and sensors to
acti ate the ow of water.
Modern systems are designed to make installation relatively
simple and therefore should not add significant cost to a build
project. Complete systems with mains backup cost in the
region of - e T. This cost can be offset with
the assistance of a planning application for water usage and
drainage strategy. A combined system can be an economic
way of achieving a SuDS plan where discharge from site can be
actively calculated.
n conclusion, rainwater har esting comes at a small material
cost for long term sustainability and as a first line defence
against ooding.

Jae Lester is director at RainWater Harvesting

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 STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Thermoblocks maintain continuity to ‘wrap’

for Bristol house Multiple uses for SterlingOSB Zero
Bristol based architects Marshall & Kendon have sought technical advice family-run firm from Surrey, which specialises in loft con ersions and
from manufacturer Marmox, regarding the integration of its Thermoblocks the creation of bespoke garden rooms, is making e tensi e use of
into the exterior insulation ‘wrap’ of a bespoke, near-to-zero timber SterlingOSB Zero from panel product manufacturer, West Fraser, based
frame construction. The founding partner of Marshall & Kendon, Jeremy on the board s alue, performance and ease of installation. B Loft
arshall, confirmed t is our habit as a practice to always run insulation Con ersions, based in Caterham, was established eight years ago by
across the outside of the structure, wrapping them rather than putting it ark Bell and undertakes contracts right across South London, Surrey,
within the timber frame. n this instance, Thermoblock enables us to make Susse and ent. Typically, the company completes up to a dozen loft
the layer of insulation continuous as it passes through the loadbearing con ersions and other pro ects each year. ark purchases his SterlingOSB
structure, while the airtightness membrane is continued up the outside of Zero from Selhurst Timber and other builders merchants local to clients
the sheathing boards. Our structural engineers were satisfied that Ther- properties. While he mainly prefers to use mm tongue and groo e
moblock offers more than adequate compressive strength and our main boards for their strength and e cellent alignment when laid, some of
contractor, who is very innovative in their approach to timber frame B Loft Con ersions builds also use uantities of mm s uare edge
construction, agreed to trial them.” Marmox stockist, Eco Merchants of SterlingOSB Zero. s part of a comprehensi e, o erall carbon negati e
Swindon, supplied a total 170 of the 100 mm wide version for the versatile product range, SterlingOSB Zero T G presents specifiers with precision-
600 mm long Thermoblocks, with Dovetail’s own operatives utilising an engineered tongue and groo e boards, which are typically specified for
approved adhesive to not only seal the overlap joints, but also to bed the pitched or at roof decking and timber frame construction, as well as for
blocks across the OSB base which is covered by a ‘paintable’ membrane. ooring and other applications. lso from an en ironmental iewpoint,
The various lines of Thermoblocks then support the stick-built timber the Zero in the name means no formaldehyde is added during its
frame e terior and internal walls, with the main isocyanate oor insulation manufacture, which is a first in the encouraging its specification on
panels infilling the rest of the ground oor area. impro ed health and safety grounds.

01634 835290 www.marmox.co.uk uk.westfraser.com

SBH11_Marmox_Structural Components - Blocks_DPR VERT.indd 1 15/11/2022

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 STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

nov/dec 2022 www.sbhonline.co.uk 37

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 CASE STUDY

JOHN FORGES THE

RIGHT RESULT
When John Wilkinson took the decision to buy a run down former
blacksmith’s cottage just outside York, he wasn’t quite prepared for the
renovation journey that lay in front of him
TEXT HEATHER DIXON IMAGES DAVE BURTON

BEFORE
Covered in ivy and with cracks
in the render, the cottage was in
AFTER need of some TLC – when John
A shortened conservatory, bought the property there was a
new render, bi-fold doors row of foot high fir trees less
and landscaping have than three metres from it
transformed the appearance
of the cottage without losing
its quirky character.

J
ohn Wilkinson felt an odd mixture of elation “I decided to renovate the cottage in two
and “that sinking feeling” when he got the phases to spread the costs,” says John. HIGH POINT
phone call to let him know his sealed bid The first phase would be the reno ation of the
to buy a dilapidated old cottage near York had main cottage followed by the conversion of a “Fitting the gates earlier
been successful. single-storey extension at the front of the house this year. It just rounded
“One half of me was really excited at the at a later date.” everything off”
prospect of doing it up, the other half was The biggest challenge was its location.
wondering what on earth I’d landed myself Situated in a village, this former blacksmith’s
with,” says John. “I knew it was in a bad way, cottage is hidden away from the main road
but I wasn’t worried about that. I bought and is only accessible through a narrow stone
it to renovate as a long-term project with the archway linking other buildings. “It’s wide
aim of either renting it out or living there myself enough to get a car through but not a truck,
one day. I just didn’t realise how dilapidated so getting materials on and offsite was always
it was.” going to be a major consideration,” said John.
John remained in blissful ignorance for a “If I decided to knock down the cottage and
year while he ‘sat’ on the project until he start again, there was no way I could get lorry
had time to give it the attention it clearly loads of bricks, stone or trusses onsite. A
needed. It also gave him a chance to work renovation was the only logical and practical
out how he was going to transform the dark, route.”
old-fashioned property into somewhere light, Unfortunately, poor access was just the tip of
open and welcoming. the iceberg.

38 www.sbhonline.co.uk nov/dec 2022

Wilkinson
SBH11 Cottage_Heather
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13:41
 A HORROR SHOW SURVEY runs through the middle of the property, was too
LOW POINT A survey of the detached, two-storey building thick and solid to move, but I knew I could take
took no prisoners. The original property was a out the wall between the kitchen and downstairs
“Finally realising the full
single-storey stone building, which had been bathroom and remove the ceiling in the main
extent of the work to
raised to include a second storey using clay bedroom to create loads of light and space.”
be done and knowing
bricks. Over time the building had moved As part of the scheme to open up the
I would go beyond my
considerably, causing huge cracks in the walls property, John wanted to take out the staircase
initial budget of around
and a certain amount of bowing. The stone and wall and create a mezzanine style glass balcony
£50,000. In the end I
brick sections were not bonded and the mortar which would divert “borrowed” light down
probably spent twice that
in both sections was disintegrating badly. There into the sitting room. The tiny bedroom would
amount”
were timber lintels where there should have become a “Jack and Jill” wet room with linking
been concrete ones, and the whole property doors into both bedrooms.
was damp as a result of blocked drains. At some “I employed a friend who was a joiner and
point the cottage had been extended sideways builder to help with the renovation,” says
and the roof trusses were consequently under- John. “I had known him for a long time and
sized, resulting in roof spread. have always liked his approach to work. I
It didn’t end there. The kitchen was dark knew he would do a great job and I would be
and grimy, with a very low beamed ceiling and there evenings, weekends and holidays to do
chipped lino oor, and although the cottage had everything I could to support him.”
three bedrooms, one of them was tiny and the The first task was to strip out the old kitchen
space was seriously compromised by a badly units, ground oor bathroom fittings and stud
positioned boiler. walls, then stabilise the cottage by rebuilding
one corner of the house where the movement
THE PLAN had caused cracks higher up the wall.
“I decided to do whatever work was necessary
to make the cottage structurally sound and then MORE PITFALLS
open up the rooms in every direction,” said “It wasn’t long before we discovered just how
John. “The original external stone wall, which badly it had been built,” said John. “The walls

nov/dec 2022 www.sbhonline.co.uk 39

SBH11 39-56.indd
Wilkinson 39
Cottage_Heather Dixon.indd 3 21/11/2022 13:42
12:20
 AFTER
The dark, old fashioned sitting
room has been transformed with
white painted beams and an
open tread staircase

BEFORE
The sitting room had a
Se enties stone fireplace
and old fashioned staircase.

were thick but filled with loose rubble and dirt, width of the cottage – only had one window and
so as soon as we started to knock into them a low ceiling.
the stone just crumbled away. It was almost
impossible to get a clean edge.” AN OPPORTUNITY ARISES
With skill and perseverance they managed to “I looked through the loft hatch and realised
lace reclaimed stone and new breezeblocks into there was a huge roof space which was
the original walls to strengthen the corner. They completely unused,” said John. “Although it
followed the same process when taking out the would incur extra cost, I didn’t want to miss an
kitchen wall at the back of the house – where opportunity to create more space and light. I
the kitchen window had been – to create the knew that if I didn’t take out the bedroom
opening for bi-fold doors. ceiling and create a vaulted roof I would always
John wanted to keep a conservatory, which regret it.”
had been added by the previous owner, but But as they started to pull down the ceiling it
reduce its length to allow more room for the bi- soon became apparent that the roof timbers had
fold doors. been modified at some point and no longer had
“The conservatory was in reasonable condition the strength or structure to prevent spread. “If
and created more living space, but it was too big we were going to go to the trouble and expense
and needed linking more effectively to the main of vaulting the ceiling, we would have been
house,” said John. mad not to replace the roof at the same time,”
Lack of light was a ma or issue on the first comments John.
oor where the main bedroom running the full The change of plan cost around £10,000

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Wilkinson
SBH11 Cottage_Heather
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13:42
12:20 SBH11 39-56.indd 41 21/11/2022 13:42
 BATHROOM TO BEDROOM CONTACTS/
SUPPLIERS
Double glazed doors into
the guest bedroom draw
maximum light through
the house. The bathroom
is located in the old third CONSULTANT ENGINEERS
bedroom. AND QUANTITY SURVEYORS
c ofiel s
01904 606230
www.schofields.org

LANDSCAPING
ertec rc itect ral lants
01757 700346
www.vertechplants.co.uk

ROOFING
at am an ac son roo
014304 30938
chathamjackson.terapad.com

ELECTRICS
ll oo lectrical
olesalers
01405 763700

DAMP PROOFING
o erei n emicals
01229 870800 www.sovchem.
co.uk

RADIATORS
a on eat esi n
0845 450 5160
www.agadon.co.uk

TILING
axman iles
waxmanarchitectural.co.uk
01422 311331

UNDERFLOOR HEATING
e n er oor eatin
tore
theunder oorheatingstore.com
more than John had originally budgeted, but it took out a Se enties style stone fire surround in 01268 567016
was, he says, an over-spend worth making. the sitting room and enlarged the fireplace itself
“It completely transformed the house from a ready for plastering. He also tanked the kitchen
small, dark, unexciting cottage into an exciting walls to prevent rising damp before the property
modern living space,” he says. “As well as was plastered out.
vaulting the ceiling, we also replaced the stair “By the time the new-look cottage was
wall with a glass mezzanine, which makes the plastered and the bi-fold doors put in the
house even lighter.” kitchen, it was a completely different house,”
Velux windows were installed on both sides of says John.
the house, the upstairs windows were replaced, The first phase of the reno ation was finally
and a small window in the kitchen was turned completed in after fi e years of slow
into a full length vertical picture window. The evolvement, but the work didn’t end there.
original bathroom became part of the new
kitchen and a new bathroom was created in ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK
the third bedroom. To achieve the wet room, a Last year the tiles on the wet room oor started
plywood oor was packed to create sufficient fall to lift to the point that they were stopping the
for the water to drain away and the shower head double doors from opening.
was fi ed to an o erhead beam in the centre of disco ered the oor had cracked and water
the room. bath was fitted under the sloping was getting underneath the tiles,” says John.
ceiling to maximise the space, and the toilet was “I tried to patch it up but that didn’t work and
positioned behind double doors leading into the I realised I would have to go the whole hog,
guest bedroom. which was quite disheartening.”
The joiner built a new open tread staircase, The tiles had been laid to falls created by the

42 www.sbhonline.co.uk nov/dec 2022

Wilkinson
SBH11 Cottage_Heather
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13:42 Wilkin
 AFTER
A wall between the old
kitchen and bathroom was
knocked out to create a
spacious open plan dining
kitchen, with light ooding
in through bi-fold doors

BEFORE
The kitchen was dark and grimy
– and the deep-set window
drew in precious little light

thickness of the adhesive so the challenge was turning area for cars.
to lift the tiles without damaging the plywood arlier this year he also commissioned
substructure. After trying to do it manually, bespoke softwood gates which were
John realised it was too big a job and he hired manhandled down the dri e and fitted to new
a ackhammer to get the oor back to a smooth concrete posts, adding to the privacy of the
plywood base. He then used a tile backer board house and garden.
system with in-built falls, which was laid using an
adhesive over the top of the plywood, before ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
re-tanking with a li uid system and finally laying John is now in a position to begin the second
the new tiles. phase, which will involve the conversion of part –
Around the same time, John upgraded all the or all – of the garage into living accommodation
interior fittings with L Ds, using doughnut trim and the building of a detached garage at
discs for a neat finish. the back of the house. He secured planning
“The problem with older properties is that one permission for this at the beginning of the first
job can quickly lead to another,” said John. “In phase and started the work to preserve the
taking out the old lights I was damaging permission until he has the time and funds to
the plasterwork so, rather than replaster, I found take it further.
metal discs which neatly covered the rough His ultimate aim is to convert the lean-to at the
edges.” back of the cottage into a more substantial living
The exterior render also started to blow in space, add a third bedroom with an ensuite
places, so John hired a local builder to take it bathroom upstairs, and perhaps another living
back to the tight render, patch the blown areas room downstairs.
and repaint the rear elevation. “That’s the long-term plan,” says John.
arlier this year scaffolding was put into place “There is still huge potential to develop the
to access the roof so the chimney stack could cottage further and that’s what makes it so
be repointed – with all the scaffolding carried by exciting. It’s a project which will continue to
hand from a trailer parked on the street. e ol e. n the beginning there were definitely
“With the access being so narrow a lot of times when I wondered what I had taken on,
deliveries were wheelbarrowed in or carried by and there was a point in the middle of the
hand, but with just a little bit of practice and renovation when we seemed to be taking one
confidence found it was ery easy to get a car step forwards and two back. There didn’t
and trailer down the shared drive and to the seem to be an end in sight. But I didn’t take it
back of the cottage,” said John. “I did a lot on board to then sell it and make a uick profit.
of trips to the local builders’ merchants and I was always in it for the long term because I
the tip!” really enjoy the process of taking a dilapidated
This was the case when John started working old property and giving it a new lease of life.
on the garden, trimming back an overgrown tree If I hadn’t bought it, the cottage was in
and laying a thick covering of gravel down the danger of falling down and another little piece
access drive, along the side of the cottage and of village history would have disappeared
round to the back where there is a spacious with it.”

nov/dec 2022 www.sbhonline.co.uk 43

12:20 Wilkinson
SBH11 Cottage_Heather
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13:42
 BUILDING ENVELOPE SPONSORED FEATURE

How to create a stunning

barn-style home – the easy way
T
urning a dilapidated 100-year-old
farmhouse into a dream home
was a demanding challenge for
the Taylor family in Kent. The cream
rendered bungalow had turned green
and was harbouring a multitude of
cracks inside and out, with wet and
mouldy internal walls.
Turning to cladding for the solution,
they researched the market and were
very impressed with the Cedral offering.
They chose Cedral weatherboards, laid
horizontally, to renovate the main house
and annex and created an eye-catching
feature wall by laying the boards
vertically in one section.
weather conditions, it doesn’t need wood-look barn effect they wanted,
WHY DID THEY CHOOSE CEDRAL FACADES? regular repainting and won’t rot, rust, without the hassle of caring for real
“When I saw Cedral, I liked the grain, I warp or crack. It is frost, mould and wood with its high maintenance
liked the texture, I liked the fact it looks water resistant and has an e cellent fire demands and associated costs.
really realistic and I was very impressed performance classification of -s , d .
with the minimum life expectancy of 50 ADDING INSULATION AND VALUE
years,” says Amy Taylor. “Cedral has WIDE RANGE OF COLOURS AND STYLES Cedral cladding acts like a second skin
helped us to transform the look of the Cedral facades come in an attractive on a building’s exterior. Amy says: “We
building, allowing us to turn something colour palette with long-lasting hope it has added substantial value to
so unappealing into a beautiful home.” shades, as well as two woodstain the property, not only looks-wise but
options and a choice of a woodgrain or also in terms of adding extra insulation,
LOOKS AND LONGEVITY smooth finish. which is also good for the EPC rating.”
For the Taylor family, a product that Amy says: “The house sits in over 16
continues to look good through the acres of wooded land and paddocks, AFTER-CARE SERVICE
years is key. “I don’t want something so the black cladding option jumped The family were also extremely
that looks good but in a year’s time out at me as a great option because I impressed with Cedral’s after care
becomes extremely high maintenance,” felt that the combination of a new service and their local Area Sales
says Amy. brick plinth and the cladding would Manager who visited the property
give it a barn-effect feel – in keeping several times during the installation.
LOW MAINTENANCE, HIGH SAFETY with its surroundings, but also “Cedral’s communication was
Cedral s durable fibre cement cladding significantly impro ing the look and excellent,” says Amy. “They were easy
met the family’s requirements perfectly. quality of the property.” to deal with and I felt they really cared
Manufactured to withstand the harshest Cedral gave the Taylors the stylish about our wishes and the project.”

AND THE FINAL RESULT?

“It is more than I ever could have
dreamed of,” says Amy. “I would
recommend Cedral 100 per cent. It’s not
just about the longevity and insulation
– though that’s important of course
– it’s also about the end result and
kerb appeal. We never looked at the
property before we bought it and said,
that’s our dream house. But now it really
is.” Read the full story here.

CONTACT CEDRAL
Visit Cedral.world for more information
and to talk to our Customer Support
team on Live Chat.

01283 501555 infouk@etexgroup.com

44SBH11_Cedral_FPAdv.indd
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nov/dec 2022

SBH11 39-56.indd 44 21/11/2022 14:48 Featu

 STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

nlea e enefits
Water ingress may damage your property or cause wet and dry rot.
Nick King from Klober explores the reasons behind choosing lead-free
ashings for maintaining a watertight roof, and outlines the installation
considerations to be aware of

Advancements in lead-free flashings allow roofing

contractors to complete high-performance roofing
projects with ease

T
he roof is often overlooked in the pitch, on abutments and chimneys. The from one roofing ob to the ne t. Lead-
early stages of a self-build project, main purpose of installing ashing is to free ashings can offer a significant point
resulting in last-minute decisions on maintain a watertight roof. of difference here. For projects which do
critical components that can make a big not specify traditional lead, lead ashing
difference. Flashing is one of those areas. LEAD-FREE substitutes made without lead can offer a
ts durability and waterproofing great alternative.
ROOF FLASHING properties make lead a popular choice Over the years, lead-free has become
Breakpoints could leave a property for roofing solutions on residential and more popular for a few reasons. The
vulnerable to water ingress if they are commercial properties. You’ll often first is that, despite recorded lead-theft
not sufficiently waterproofed. This see it on the roofs of historic buildings declining, the threat still remains. When it
often happens through tiles’ vulnerable and in conservation areas to preserve happens, this leaves the roof vulnerable,
intersections, such as chimneys or appearance. While lead has a place as well as being inconvenient and costly
valleys. If these intersections are in certain areas, there are numerous to replace. However, there is no scrap
inadequately sealed, moisture may enter benefits associated with choosing lead- value to lead alternatives so would-be
your home or building. This is where a free ashing for other applications. thieves won’t look twice at a roof with
roof ashing detail is essential. In terms of safety, the use of lead-free this solution.
Roof ashings can be installed to is less likely to be a health hazard for Secondly, the speed and ease of
co er o er profiled tiles and slates, those working with this material because installing lead-free ashings is another
closing off dry valleys, sealing solar it is non-toxic. What many don’t realise is ma or benefit. This is in part because
panels, roo ights, for changes in roof that specification re uirements can ary they are extremely malleable and easy

nov/dec 2022 www.sbhonline.co.uk 45

Feature_Roofing
SBH11 39-56.indd_ Cladding
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21/11/2022 17:22
 STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

to manipulate, shape and form by hand. be used to ensure strong adherence to and form a weld due to their e ibility,
They can be stretched over details while the roof. whereas, other more economical lead-
dressing to give a smooth, neat and The best practice when turning into free products would require a welt detail.
premium lead-like appearance, brickwork joints or chasing in, is to allow You may also wish to look for
allowing easy application for a wide a minimum of 30 mm. When it comes to quality products that hold third party
range of details. sealing, ashing sealant should be used accreditation, when choosing roofing
What s more, lead-free ashing does for brickwork oints. Strips of ashing components, to give additional peace
not require bossing like lead does, so which are folded into wedges are a good of mind. For example, if a product holds
it is quicker to install. While lead way to hold the ashing in place in the BB certification, product performance
components typically require a lead brickwork joint, prior to sealing. Under has been erified based on rigorous
specialist to be subcontracted, opting no circumstances should silicone-based testing and standards. On top of this,
for lead-free alternatives eliminates this sealants or adhesives be used. checking the product guarantee and
added time and cost as the installation or long runs, self-welding ashings opting for ashings with long promises of
process does not depend on specialist can simply be overlapped, although assurance is advisable.
skills or tools. with available lengths of up to 10
It is important to note that if lead-free metres it may not even be necessary. AND FINALLY…
ashings are incorrectly installed, water Some products are e ible and able to Roofers should also not neglect primary
ingress could still occur. That’s why stretch in both directions, which allows on-site safety procedures. It’s essential
competent installation is necessary. the product to move without the use of to take safety precautions, especially for
an expansion joint or consideration of pitched roofing work. Those installing
INSTALLATION TIPS a maximum length. When using self- roofing components must be competent
Ahead of installation, it is key to ensure welding ashings, o erlaps should be no in using the latest techniques, standards
all surfaces are dry and free from dust, less than 50 mm, using a roller to apply and materials and training should include
oil and moss, before laying the ashing. pressure. Any gaps must be supported to safe working practices.
It is also crucial that self-adhesive lead- prevent sagging and water build-up. Thanks to advancements in lead-
free ashings are not used on bitumen free ashings along with best practice
or tar surfaces. Some superior lead ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS installation methods, it is clear that
ashing alternati es ha e a perforated To get the best results, roofers should roofing contractors can complete high-
release paper on the back which allows follow the manufacturer’s guidance performance roofing pro ects with ease
direct application onto the tile surface because not all lead-free replacements when they decide to go lead-free.
once removed. If installed in lower will be the same. Superior lead-free
temperatures or applying ashing to alternatives have unique properties that Nick King is portfolio manager
damp surfaces, specialist glue can also allow them to overlap by up to 50 mm at Klober

Farmhouse warms to external Wraptite® airtight solution

new self-build farmhouse in the beautiful Scottish countryside has been fitted with the
high-performing Wraptite air-barrier. The project is designed to Passivhaus standards by Architect
Frances Strachan-Friar. From the outset, the aim was to achieve a more sustainable design and
follow a different approach from the traditional timber kit. fter undertaking significant research into
different types of construction, the architect selected Xilonor CLT cross-laminated timber installed by
Glulam Solutions Ltd., Inverurie. Frances Strachan-Friar commented on how the selection of Wraptite
has benefitted the de elopment. The specification of the correct type of airtightness barrier was
critical in achie ing thermal efficiency. Wraptite was chosen because it allows the airtightness layer to
be fitted to the outside of the construction. n doing so, the e ternal application of Wraptite pro ides
essential protection in the form of waterproofing and weatherproofing for the CLT during the build.
The Wraptite system was great and easy to apply, especially around unctions, enabling us to seal
all of the junctions completely. The use of a traditional membrane would not have given the same
performance. ha e pre iously specified products from the A. Proctor Group, but this was the first
time using Wraptite. Proctors pro ided a comprehensi e Toolbo Talk and ha e been a great support
throughout the project.”
01250 872261 www.proctorgroup.com

SBH11_A Proctor_Building Envelope - Air Tightness_DPR.indd 1 01/11/2022 16:00

Secure in the knowledge
Burglary is common in the UK – a new break-in occurs every 106 seconds – that’s 34 burglaries
per hour, 817 per day. There’s a one in 43 chance of your household being burgled. With the
colder, longer, darker nights, we especially start thinking about home security and keeping down our
energy bills – a particularly important consideration during the current cost of living/energy crisis.
Crittall Windows, the pioneer of iconic steel frame window manufacture for almost 180 years, says its
advanced steel framed window, HomelightPlus ticks all the boxes for making your home more secure
and helping keep down costly energy bills.

Russell Ager, managing director of Crittall Windows, says: “Look to the innovation in window frame
development. For example, our re-engineered HomelightPlus range of residential windows is the 21st
Century enhanced ersion of the original Standard etal window first made by our company during
the s. t brings new-look styling and window profiling, plus higher energy-sa ings, performance,
and enhanced security. “Whatever the type or size of your property, it’s an authentic ‘like for like’ steel
window. Peace-of-mind is reassured through an improved, robust, security multi-point locking option
tested to the Enhanced Security PAS 24 standard – so the window is especially secure.”
Image: Burgess Architecture
01376 530800 crittall-windows.co.uk

46SBH11_Crittall_Building
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Feature_Roofing
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13:43
 BUILDING ENVELOPE

nov/dec 2022 www.sbhonline.co.uk 47

17:22 SBH11 39-56.indd 47 21/11/2022 14:15

 BUILDING ENVELOPE SPONSORED FEATURE

conic esterfiel re r is
en ineere to er ection
W
hen the iconic property in Pro ect by
Chesterfield went on the
market, couple James and
Rebecca knew it was the right pro ect
for them. Built in by the in entor of
stainless steel, arry Brearley, the house
was in need of some lo e. Brearley
purchased the site at the end of the
irst World War, and the si bedroom
home now sits on more than an acre
of spectacular gardens. The couple,
ha ing always li ed in Chesterfield,
were aware of the house and its famous
pre ious occupant, so they umped at
the chance when they disco ered it was
up for sale. James said We e always
liked pro ects, this was the most unlo ed
property on the street that needed
some well-deser ed TLC
They initially thought the pro ect
would take - months to complete,
there isn t a s uare inch of the
property or grounds that ha en t been unfortunately now li e in. We lo e old incredible iew, so they decided on a
refurbished or modified in some way, buildings, classic cars, anti ues etc. This glass balustrade system from -railing.
therefore months went into two years house was built in an era where uality By utilising the e isting terraces,
t cost twice as much as we thought mattered and there were no time or cost seating and dining areas were created
and took twice as long, but we wanted constraints. t s a solid property, built by and framed in glass. We e used the
it done a certain way to ensure we a world-famous engineer, so m sure no -Railing brand for o er years as
achie ed the perfect result. corners were cut. t s nice to be able to they are the Rolls Royce of balustrade
James and Rebecca knew that it bring a property back to life and restore systems said James. Backed up with a
would e been far simpler and it. We e ended up with something fantastic technical support team, along
cost-effecti e to knock the house uni ue, well-built and has history to it. with a professional ser ice throughout
down and start again, but didn t want The couple wanted to ma imize the the design and installation process.
to add to the throwaway society we garden without blocking any of the Taking on a reno ation pro ect of
this size can be daunting, and James
had the following ad ice a e a Plan,
Product by but keep this updated each week.
The pro ect will e ol e as the works
progress, and you ll ha e new ideas on
designs etc. Li e and breathe it, early
Before mornings, late nights, weekends, e ery
spare hour you ha e take the time
to ha e a coffee and walk round the
property, you might ha e another idea.
Look as far forward as you possibly can
remember, if we can predict the future,
it helps us to take the right steps now.
nd whate er your budget it, double
it. We e learnt, buy cheap buy twice
nd finally, lways keep positi e some
days are better than others. When it s
complete though, you ll feel a huge
sense of accomplishment and you ll
be battled hardened ready for the
ne t one

0800 781 42 45
. railin .co.

48SBH11_Q-Railing_Building
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SBH11 39-56.indd 48 21/11/2022 13:43 SBH

 Q-RAILING – DESIGN EXCELLENCE FOR 20 YEARS
Let the team at Q-railing make your renovation journey a little easier. Would you like
to add a frameless glass balcony or Juliet, or glazing to your terrace? Then head over to
q-railing.com/homebuilding, complete the form and we’ll be in touch to guide you with
the design. We will then link you with an experienced installer who will complete the
fitting to the standard we expect. Simply scan the QR code to discover our wide range
of certified glass balustrade systems.
Q-railing UK T. +44 (0) 1782 711 676

THE PREMIUM BRAND IN RAILING SYSTEMS | WWW.Q-RAILING.COM

SBH11 39-56.indd 49
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10:24
 BUILDING ENVELOPE SPONSORED FEATURE

Green Windows for a Green

House – River House is a
lesson in sustainability

under oor hear

insulation and G
performance tim
Asked why he
rather than uPV
Chris reiterated
the environmen
“It made sens
it being a timbe
Timber window
be fi ed in year
Barnsdale offer
of furniture opt
end, I went for
makes the hous
river bank.”
Chris chose to
door a Grandis
door with storm
lights. A further
were chosen fo
areas creating a
across the rivers
property. Pale g

S
ituated on the edge of the River years the old properties have been a calming space. chrome hardwa
Glen in Lincolnshire, River house demolished and new ones developed to The house faces south and enjoys aesthetic. High
is a unique self-build property that create an eclectic mix of traditional and beautiful sunrises during the winter, the glazing ensures
oozes contemporary style. Built using contemporary properties, each big sliding doors allow a nice re ection winter and cool
sustainable materials with a keen eye with their own unique style. of the ripples on the water into the Chris says he
on thermal and weather performance, The River House’s contemporary feel main living space. Concern for the Barnsdale beca
the A rated building is situated on a is enhanced by its open plan living area environment featured strongly in Chris’ great the produ
1920s plot of timber houses traditionally with high ceilings, large sliding patio discussions with his architect and the previous projec
used by local business people as doors offering uninterrupted views of property has been built to incorporate cited friendly lo
summertime beach houses. Over the the river and lots of plants to create solar panels, pv panels, water panels, installation serv

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 SPONSORED FEATURE BUILDING ENVELOPE

under oor hearing, e tra thick

insulation and George Barnsdale high
performance timber windows and doors.
Asked why he chose timber
rather than uPVC or aluminium,
Chris reiterated his commitment to
the environment.
“It made sense to go for timber with
it being a timber framed eco building.
Timber windows last well and can always
be fi ed in years to come and George
Barnsdale offered a really wide range
of furniture options and colours. In the
end, I went for pale green which really
makes the house stand out along the
river bank.”
Chris chose to make his main entrance
door a Grandis hardwood sliding patio
door with stormproof casement top
lights. A further two sets of sliding doors
were chosen for the dining and kitchen
areas creating a vast expanse of glass
across the riverside elevation of the
property. Pale green paint and satin
chrome hardware complete the modern fact that “timber windows are very emits zero carbon compared with
and enjoys aesthetic. High performance double different to uPVC and aluminium average properties that are estimated
the winter, the glazing ensures the home stays warm in and require a different technique to produce 6 tonnes CO2. Alongside
nice re ection winter and cool in the summer. when fitting. ot e eryone is trained the other measures like wall and
er into the Chris says he chose George to do that and I didn’t want to risk roof insulation, George Barnsdale’s
rn for the Barnsdale because he knew how undermining performance.” timber windows and doors contributed
ongly in Chris’ great the products were from his The property received the to the excellent rating.
ect and the previous project next door. He also highest energy performance certificate
o incorporate cited friendly local staff and an which makes it great for low energy 01775 823000
water panels, installation service highlighting the consumption but also means it www.georgebarnsdale.co.uk

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 CASE STUDY

A SMALL VICTORY
As an owner of a company that designs and builds furniture, Hamish Forbes
wasn’t initially daunted by a full renovation of his one bedroom cottage in the
west of Scotland. However, he soon realised small doesn’t always mean simple
TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES HAMISH FORBES

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 Y
ou can’t make an omelette without breaking a few work much, much better.”
eggs. On this project, there were more than a few. amish uite literally started chipping away and
Hamish Forbes bought Rockwell cottage on the edge that’s when he discovered the wiring issues, the plumbing
of the conservation village of Cardross in January 2021. As problems and he realised he had only one option. “I kept
the founder of a company which specialises in designing and taking things out until internally it looked like it was going
building campervan furniture as well as a newly established to fall down, and I was going to have to put it back together
firm which designs and builds home furniture amish had a again. I didn’t think there was any point in doing one room at
busy schedule, and he kept his plans for the cottage simple. a time because of the scale of the building, so I decided to
spend the money, get some labour in and attack it.”
A ‘CHOCOLATE BOX’ VISION At times the cottage was a hive of activity and then when
The one-bedroom property needed some modernisation, Hamish was busy at work it would quieten down again.
but amish wasn t planning anything too significant a few “There was a period of about three months when I wasn’t
small renovations and it would be habitable and comfortable. here at all, and it wasn’t lack of interest; I simply didn’t
“I was going to live here and tinker with it; it was never have time.”
intended to be a major project. I wanted to redecorate and As Hamish was pulling his house to bits, there was also
create a nice little chocolate box cottage.” the question of where to stay and fortunately the parents
After living in Rockwell for a month, Hamish had other of his partner, Emma Jane, came to the rescue. “There is a
ideas. He comments: “It is an incredibly small property, summer house in the garden and the previous owner’s mum
indeed the footprint of my office at work is bigger than this lived in it at one point. It’s properly habitable with a toilet
place! However, I knew there were ways to make the space etc; the invitation to stay with Emma’s parents was preferable

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 and I stayed there for about seven months.” With the sitting room ceiling removed and the
beams exposed the project started to gather HIGH POINT
A RUBBLE DILEMMA real momentum. “I started to get excited. The
While the ripping out of the cottage interior was cottage had always felt really small it was cosy inding the fireplace
the quick part, then came stage two, dealing but it was super small. When we removed the it was the first thing we
with the rubble that was rapidly covering the ceiling, the sitting room felt huge. Now, when uncovered, and it gave
oor. wasn t massi ely knowledgeable about you lie in the mezzanine bed, it feels massive, as me a real spark of excite-
the knocking down part and bits were falling you almost have the run of the house.” ment about the whole
off even where I wasn’t chipping away! Emma project. At that moment
is an architect and she looked at it with her INTERIOR INSPIRATION it changed from being
architect hat on and we decided to employ a Inspired by the results in the sitting room, a 70s uninspiring house
structural engineer.” Hamish continued into the kitchen and utility into something quite
The structural engineer ensured that room removing the ceilings and exposing special.”
e erything was sound and also confirmed that the original beams. The former kitchen was a
Hamish’s idea of constructing a mezzanine hotchpotch of different units and cupboards
sleeping level in the sitting room was feasible. It with a cooker in the corner. Hamish decided to
meant the removal of a beam so that a staircase move the new range cooker to the side wall and
could be fitted but it would gi e the cottage maximise the use of the utility room, adding a
much-needed extra space. “I was in a mild panic return under the window to incorporate another
when the engineer visited but he didn’t bat an two cupboards and moving the dishwasher and
eyelid about what we had done or planned washing machine into this room as well.
to do.” Initially, Hamish had intended to design and

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 build the kitchen himself using his trusty CNC The ‘feature wall’ is not the only talking point
LOW POINT machine on which he designs and creates in the room. The piece de resistance is Hamish’s
his interiors and furniture for campervans. birch ply staircase which accesses the mezzanine
“Realising the extent of
However, work commitments didn’t allow it. He level. Practical but also a work of art, it
how much we had to
did manage to carve out time to make all the incorporates a table and shelf as part of the foot
smash out. There really
splashbacks, which were colour matched with treads. Cutouts have been made in the steps
was rubble everywhere.”
the kitchen units from Wren. He also made a so there’s contact when your feet are passing
purpose-built storage and drying rack, storage through. “The dog bone jigsaw joints were a
cupboards and a wine rack for the utility room relatively new experiment as I’d never used them
and a seating/dining area in the kitchen. The on a load bearing piece. Sometimes I’ll make
bench seating stores fold up chairs and the table sure the grain pattern in the jigsaw joint goes a
folds down from the wall as and when required. different way, so it stands out rather than blends
“It was good taking the interior back to in. It becomes a feature and then you can carry
nothing because then you can create what you that feature on.”
want where you want. When I bought the house, Details are important to this couple, and
the sitting room was full of furniture and felt another room that took extensive time to plan
really cramped. When Emma and I discovered was the generously proportioned bathroom.
the original fireplace and hearth it was like we d “I think the bathroom was originally a second
struck gold. Not only did it make the room feel bedroom as when the house was built the toilet
bigger it inspired how I wanted the rest of the would likely have been outside. Again, I took
cottage to look rustic but modern. everything back to the stone so it could be
To tie in with this style, Hamish decided not rewired and replumbed and again a lot of the
to plaster over all the stone he’d uncovered but wall fell off.”
to create a two-tone effect taking a straight line In the bathroom, Emma took charge and
of plaster across the wall. “It’s a clean and crisp panelling was the way she wanted to go. “The
effect but decisions like that took a long time. I idea for the panelling came from @mytinyestate
didn’t envisage spending a week deciding how who I follow on Instagram,” she recalls. “They
to plaster a wall. Where on the wall to start, and posted about making wood panelling from MDF
how high up?” and I asked Hamish if he could do it on the

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 CONTACTS/
SUPPLIERS
BATHROOM – WHITE GOODS
& SHOWER SCREEN
Victorian Plumbing
victorianplumbing.co.uk

BATHROOM SINK
Tikamoon
tikamoon.co.uk

BATHROOM TILES
Topps Tiles
toppstiles.co.uk

INTERIOR DESIGN/
ARCHITECT SERVICES
Emma Jane
Instagram -
@theweehooseproject

KITCHEN
Wren Kitchens
wrenkitchens.com

PAINT
Fenwick & Tilbrook
fenwickandtilbrook.com

PLY FIXTURES & FITTINGS

The Ply Guys
theplyguys.co.uk

PLY FURNITURE
Fiodh Furniture
fiodhfurniture.co.uk

CNC machine. He went a stage better and by and the statement colour which ended up
using birch ply he created panelling with a grain being orange/mustard appears to have come
through it.” from Hamish’s wardrobe. “I have a lot of
Hamish continues, “with the CNC machine orange t-shirts, which might be where the idea
you can measure out and plan where your stems from! My wardrobe may be questionable,
grooves are. I think I made the bathroom panels however in my defence, I think that orange and
in about 15 minutes. Emma likes to joke that she mustard is a good colour to match with the
comes up with ideas and then asks me to ‘print natural birch as the grain of the birch is a
them out’!” yellowy grain.”
The process for the panels may have been It certainly packs a punch, and no more so
uick but other decisions took time especially than in the bathroom with tiles that Emma was
the colour scheme as Emma explains, “I think adamant had to match with everything else
we spent about a month photoshopping the in the house. The reeded shower screen was
colour for the bathroom panelling. It matches something else on her wish list and also took a
the kitchen units.” while to source. t was another nstagram find
and I eventually found it at Victorian Plumbing.
A QUESTION OF COLOUR Our plumber also gave us a great tip on where
Aware that they were dealing with such a to position the tap for the shower. Fit it on the
restricted footprint, the couple decided that adjacent wall and you don’t have to reach into
there would be a neutral backdrop throughout the shower and get wet when you turn it on.”
but with a statement colour in each room that Finishing touches come in the form of a vanity
would ow into the ne t. Three different unit which Hamish designed and is perfectly
shades of white were chosen, one for the oor, centred on the wall. “It’s the wonder of the CNC
one for the woodwork and one for the walls machine, can make anything to fit. f want to

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 design something to the width of 283.5 cm, it’s Guys whether or not to do the reveals and they
no problem.” To complement his handiwork, replied a hundred per cent do it,” says Emma.
Emma sourced a striking black and white sink “She was right!” Hamish adds.
from Tiki Moon.
Although in the bathroom the couple had ON REFLECTION
an abundance of space, the main bedroom It’s taken about a year to put the cottage back
was a tight squeeze. “It was a head scratcher; together and Hamish admits that he and Emma
it’s a small room with not a lot of options and have been very fortunate. “We think about
ob iously you ha e to fit a bed in. didn t know what we’d like and most of the time we can
how to lay it out and make it look good at the make it, it’s quite a nice skill to have. There was
same time.” no pressure to finish the reno ations as we were
Fortunately, Hamish says he was ready to listen living with Emma’s parents and that allowed
to Emma’s advice. She advised building bedside us to spend a month photoshopping the
tables into the wood panelling which would bathroom which is a luxury.”
double up as a headboard. She also suggested owe er, now the cottage is finished, was it
changing the cables for the bedside lamps to really worth taking it apart to build it back up
black and shortening the cables so nothing was again? Hamish says that stripping it to the bone
dangling on the oor, all of which created the was the right approach: “I think if you don’t take
illusion of more oor space. it all the way back there’s always something you
However, there was one thing that Emma was don’t know about. We know everything about
keen to do, and Hamish was not and that was this house, and I think if it had carried on the way
to add the reveals at the side of the panelling it was, it might not have lasted that long. I think
around the bed. “I actually asked the Tiny Estate we’ve given it a new life.”

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 BUILDING ENVELOPE HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES

Marley Alutec selected for self-build property Endless options with Tradelink’s new range
Marley Alutec’s products have been selected Offering incredible choice and e ibility, the
for a new self-build residential property in new Soteria range of composite doors from
Lanarkshire. The aluminium rainwater and Tradelink allows the specification of high-
roo ine systems were chosen for their durability, uality doors with the same style and colour
high uality appearance and ease of installation, options a ailable whether a foam or solid
as they were fitted by the homeowners core is selected. new , m2 , ft2)
themselves. The exterior of the property production facility in ildenhall, Suffolk,
is finished in black cladding with matching pro ides increased capacity to support the
windows. Therefore, the arley lutec rainwater astly e panded selection of doors offered in
gutters, soffits and fascia products were the Soteria range. Performance, security and
specified in complementary eritage Black ersatility are integral to all doors which ha e
and R L colours. arley lutec products been de eloped specifically for the mar-
are manufactured from high uality marine grade aluminium and finished in an ket, with the di ersity of designs appealing to both the commercial and
architectural grade polyester powder coat PPC paint, which is designed for retail sectors. The products come with the rele ant accreditations, gi ing
exterior use and will maintain its colour and gloss level for longer. customers peace of mind about the manufacturing process and uality.
01234 359438 www.marleyalutec.co.uk tradelinkdirect.com

Vent-Axia welcomes World Ventilation Day The Caxton relaunch

SBH11_Marley Alutec_Building Envelope - Rainwater Products_PR.indd 1 07/11/2022 09:46
SBH11_Tradelink_Building Envelope - Doors & Windows_Edit.indd 1 07/11/2022 08:56
Leading ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia The Potton Caxton show home has always
welcomes the first World entilation Day, a been a beautifully presented house, and with
day dedicated to recognising and promoting its 30th birthday this year it’s been given a full
the importance of entilation and indoor makeover! As one of the smaller Potton show
air uality . Taking place on Tuesday homes, the brief was to show how versatile it
th o ember , the day aims to raise could be as a family home for all stages of life,
awareness of the importance of entilation whilst creating functional spaces with clever
as a crucial part of enabling health and design features on a budget. Interior designer
wellbeing. On World entilation Day, ent- Zoe Godbold from ic7 design worked with
ia is continuing to recommend three key Potton to give it a modern revamp whilst
actions to take to impro e indoor air uality enhancing its country cottage charm. To fully
Reduce the number of pollutants introduced appreciate the new look Caxton you’ll need to
into the air Dilute the pollutants in the air by ensuring there is ade uate visit the Potton Self Build Show Centre in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. Where
entilation introducing fresh clean air into the home and buildings Purify you can explore the house and take in all the extra details and features that
by adding an air purifier to remo e the remaining pollutants from the air. really make this house function as a stylish family home.
0344 856 0590 www.vent-axia.com 01767 676 400 www.potton.co.uk/inspiration/show-centre

SBH11_Vent-Axia_Heating Ventilation & Services_PR.indd 1 _Filler.indd

15/11/2022 08:331 21/11/2022 09:32

Low Carbon Home Systems Renewable

Energy showroom is now open
The only renewable energy showroom in Shropshire with a full
range of renewable energy and eco friendly products.
Call in for an informal chat and browse our products including
working examples of heat pumps, underfloor heating and
solar, or book your free one on one consultation where
we can advise on all aspects of your project from
below the ground to above the roof.

Heat Pumps | Solar | Battery Storage | UFH

Electric Car Chargers | LED Lighting | MVHR

Electrical Plumbing & Renewable

Installation Heating Energy

Design | Quote | Install

The Rennet Works, 11 Market Street, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 0AN

01691 624336 | mail@princeslhs.ltd

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 BUILDING ENVELOPE

Overheating is out
TuffX’s Paul Higgins explains what the new Part O of the Building Regulations
means for glass and glazing in new homes

T
he new Building Regulations We are now in the one-year transition in central London and anchester may
Approved Document Part O is period after the new Building Regulations also need to provide shading for glazed
designed to tackle overheating in came into effect, to allow for planning areas at certain points (and the means for
new residential buildings. s the first applications that are already underway. achieving this, such as external shutters
regulation of its kind in England, self- Any schemes where full plans or a and overhangs, are detailed in the
builders and housebuilders need to be building notice was submitted ahead approved document).
clear about what is and isn’t affected of 15 June 2022 can be built to
when it comes to choosing glazing for previous regulations if work starts within SOLAR SOLUTIONS
their projects. 12 months. High-quality solar glass products will
In a nutshell, Part O seeks to ensure play an important part in achieving these
that the design and construction of new ROUTES TO COMPLIANCE new standards that self-builders, along
residential buildings limit unwanted There are two routes to Part O with housebuilders and developers, must
solar gain in summer and provide compliance first, the Simplified ethod adhere to. By using a tinted coating
adequate means to remove heat from and secondly, Dynamic Thermal on the e terior of the glass to re ect
the indoor environment. odelling. or single dwellings such heat away from the interior, solar glass
The Part O regulations are designed as new homes, the Simplified ethod allows an ambient interior temperature
to protect people’s health and welfare is most likely to be used, with the to be achieved, reducing the need for
by reducing the occurrences of high Dynamic Thermal ethod more likely expensive air conditioning, for example,
indoor temperatures in the face of rising to be used for a block of ats, single which will also cut energy costs –
global temperatures and the frequency aspect dwellings or buildings with more something that is on everyone’s minds
of extreme events such as heatwaves. complex design requirements. right now.
Along with the rest of the new Building or the Simplified ethod, Part O sets t is possible to fit solar glass that
Regulations, Part O came into force in out tables detailing maximum permitted re ects twice as much heat as standard
June, and shortly after our UK summer glazed areas, taking into consideration glass. or e ample, with the ppro ed
arrived with temperatures reaching 40°C, the location of the building and whether Document Part O in mind, there are now
cementing the urgent and necessary it has cross ventilation. Buildings in high specifically de eloped roo ights that
need for this. risk areas currently specific postcodes achieve this through a coating, which

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 BUILDING ENVELOPE HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES

By using a tinted
coating on the
exterior of the
glass to reflect
heat away from
the interior,
solar glass
allows an
ambient interior
temperature to
be achieved

to maintain and looking exceptional. And

of course, come winter, energy efficiency
will be imperative, so make sure your
glass products achieve the best low
unlike most solar glass is untinted, so it important to also make sure they meet – U-values too.
achieves maximum light transmission too. and ideally exceed – the high standard of
While ensuring your roo ights and quality a homeowner expects: including Paul Higgins is commercial director
windows meet the new regulations, it’s maximising light transmission, being easy at TuffX

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 HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES INSULATION INTERIORS

Steel windows and doors in the bathroom

Steel in the home continues to dominate in the
home fashion stakes. And, with advice from the
Steel Window Association, homeowners can
enjoy plenty of options if they want the look!
The most common use of steel windows in
bathrooms is to create shower screens; not only
are they are an excellent replacement for
shower curtains, the stylish design also allows
plenty of light to enter the shower space.
Another great way to bring steel into the
bathroom is to use them as an internal partition
between bedrooms and ensuites. They offer a
stunning yet simple way to establish a seamless transition between the
bedroom and bathroom, which lets plenty of light between the two rooms and
can open up the bedroom to give the appearance of more space.
www.steel-window-association.co.uk

Fenix®; the high-tech material from Keller

SBH11_SWA_Interiors - Bathrooms_Edit.indd 1 Kellerhas added the hi-tech material, 07/11/2022 09:15
Fenix®, to the range for 2022. Available
initially in black and white, Fenix® is used for
door fronts and panels, thanks to the special
technology built into this material, the
super-matt finish is soft to the touch, is
anti-fingerprint proof and micro-scratches
on the surface can be repaired by a simple
thermal method. Perfect Sense (pictured)
is a bold design which highlights black and
white contrasts and features Fenix®.
Pictured is a Japanese-styled scheme which
cleverly mixes warm timber and solid colour. Keller is well known for
offering the widest range of colours CS and finishes in the kitchen
furniture market.
www.kellerkitchens.com

Whole House
SBH11_Keller_Interiors - Kitchens_Edit.indd 1 07/11/2022 09:57
UK
e
th
in

Ventilation
d
re
tu
ac
uf

with Heat Recovery...

an
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• Virtually silent operation • Can promote conditions for

• Low energy DC electric motors improved health
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• Acoustically insulated ducting professional alike
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respiratory allergies • Full installation service available
• Reduces heating bills

...for a fresher, healthier, home

Rega’s unique WhisperFlow® technology ensures that even RegaVent systems are designed and built here in the UK, to our
when operating at full ‘Boost’ mode (usually during the own stringent quality assured standards, you can be sure that
morning bathroom rush hour!) the system remains whisper your RegaVent system will give you the optimum balance of a
quiet - unobtrusively and effectively venting stale, damp air, technical specification that’s exactly right for the UK climate,
replacing it with air that’s been gently warmed and filtered. coupled with low energy
consumption - for lower Send your plans for a
Low energy DC fans, insulated ducting and a high efficiency
heat exchanger also ensure that power usage and energy
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Rega Ventilation Limited

21/22 Eldon Way, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 8NH 01767 600499 or visit
Call us on
fax: 01767 600487 email: sales@rega-uk.com www.regavent.co.uk
62 www.sbhonline.co.uk nov/dec 2022

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SBH11 57-74.indd 63 21/11/2022 13:45
 INTERIORS OUTDOOR LIVING SMART HOMES TECHNOLOGY

Introducing the Aritco HomeLift Compact

Award-winning Swedish lift company
Aritco has unveiled its smallest and most
compact home lift yet, the Aritco HomeLift
Compact. Designed with space-efficiency
in mind, its footprint takes up as little as a
square meter, making it compatible with
even the smallest house where space is
limited. The Aritco HomeLift Compact is
quick and easy to install as it comes in
pre-cut parts, and its lift shaft can span up
to si oors of a house. t has the capacity
to carry two people and it’s very energy
efficient, using a similar amount of power e ery year as an a erage
washing machine or dishwasher. The lift is fully customisable so you can
personalise it to suit your taste and home interior.
01604 808809 www.aritco.com

Outdoor Living Design and KönigOutdoor

SBH11_Aritco_PR.indd 1 KönigOutdoor, a new division in the 21/11/2022 08:36
established Königstone family, is a specialist
in high-end, quality designs for outdoor
living and dining. The luxurious sintered
stone surfaces, with durable weatherproof
structures, combine to provide the glamour
and functionality of an indoor kitchen –
outdoors. There is a choice of modular
or bespoke schemes and, as with the
handles, hinges, runners, sinks and taps,
the focus is on top quality and style as
outdoor living grows in popularity. Joanne
Bull from Königstone explains: “We are known as specialists in quality
worksurfaces and, with the increased focus on outdoor living in the UK, the
development of this division made sense – to us and our valued retailers.”
info@konigstone.co.uk

SBH11_Konigstone_outdoorliving_Edit.indd 1 07/11/2022 09:48

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 INTERIORS

The rising trend in lifts

People today are generally moving houses less often, indicating they are
buying and building homes to live in for many years to come. Alastair Stannah
from Stannah looks at how futureproofing your house with a lift can ensure
you can enjoy it for years to come

P
eople looking for their forever For many, continuing to live in the size, and ease of installation.
homes want to ensure the house is same house as they age is important,
future-proofed to cover every stage as is the ease of moving groceries and DIFFERENT TYPES
of life. The rise of future-proofing and belongings between oors. lift can Properties come in all shapes and sizes
the trend for building high specification allow them to do just that and costs a – and so do lifts. In a new dwelling, a lift
luxury homes sees developers and lot less than moving house! can be part of an architect’s plans. In an
owners alike, including the convenience existing home, there is a need to place
of a lift. THE DUMBWAITER STRIKES BACK! the lift around the current house layout.
A lift is an ultimate ‘statement;’ a It’s not just people-moving lifts that play The choices are endless, but broadly fall
lifestyle choice and a practical feature. their role in ‘forever’ homes. As the trend into these categories:
It not only boosts the price of a home grows for new townhouses with several The standard lift is suggested when up
but also makes it more attractive, oors, ser ice lifts or dumbwaiters are to fi e people want to tra el between
creating a one-of-a-kind focal point. regaining popularity due to their small oors. These are a ailable in a choice of

There is such a wide variety of style options

available on the market; from glass shafts, custom
walls, door options, to bespoke flooring, that a lift can
be a sleek and stylish addition as well as a life-long
practical choice
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 INTERIORS

food, groceries and goods between can. Ideally, create a space that is big
oors. They are particularly ideal for enough for a wheelchair and another
properties with three or more oors, or person. That way, you will also be able
where the kitchen, garage and/or dining to use the lift to transport furniture and
area are on different levels. other larger items between oors.
There is such a wide variety of style
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A LIFT options available on the market; from
Narrow your search by deciding whether glass shafts, custom walls, and door
you want your lift to take people or options, to bespoke ooring a lift can
goods only, how many oors it needs to be a sleek and stylish addition as well as
travel between, and the available space a life-long practical choice.
you have. Lift installations will likely require
From a cost point of view, you need building work, varying on the type of
to be putting aside £15-£25k in your lift. It is advisable to consult with a
budget for the supply and installation specialist early on in your project.
cost of a lift to move people or £6-7k for Even if you decide a lift isn’t an option
a dumbwaiter. for now, a home can be futureproofed by
If the lift is designed into your project ensuring you design a space where it can
from the start then you will limit major be installed at a later date.
issues. For an existing home, you will Whatever your requirement, there are
need to get a lift survey, and for a new products available to suit every home. To
development, it is advisable to speak to enable an easy decision, we can guide
the lift company to offer guidance on you through the complete process. With
the perfect product. They can assist in your perfect lift chosen, installation is
making sure you’ve covered all of the usually only a few days, and then it is
technical requirements. ready for use – with the reassurance of a
door options, finishes and configurations. When considering the location of your local service, nationwide.
Through- oor lifts are best suited to lift, it’s always a good idea to locate a The possibilities of home lifts are
smaller spaces and provide access for lift for people next to the stairs and in a endless, taking homeowners, family and
up to two people travelling between the central location. That way it will be easily guests, or goods around a home.
ground and the first oor. accessible from every part of the home.
Service lifts/dumbwaiters are the t might seem a better idea to fit in Alastair Stannah is managing director of
answer if there is a need to transport a smaller lift, but go for the largest you lifts distribution & service at Stannah

full set of large format painted swatches for specifiers

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Earthborn is introducing a new approach to paint colour choices.
Now, anyone looking to specify an environmentally friendly paint will have
access to a full range of 84 Claypaint swatches, comprising all 72 classic The Orbit creates a dramatic suspended centrepiece, particularly suited
colours and the 12 Modern Country colours created in collaboration with to open li ing spaces. or architects or self-builders looking for the ideal
Country Homes & Interiors. Each swatch is a generous 16 cm x 15 cm and focal point, this spectacular fire also makes a bold statement in homes
has been individually painted with real Earthborn Claypaint so you can see with aulted ceilings. What s more, the Orbit can be rotated up to ,
exactly what you’re getting when you order. Placing the swatches around granting an e pansi e and entrancing ame picture from almost anywhere
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interior walls and ceilings. It goes on like a dream, often requires fewer Ony Orbit fires are operated ia an inno ati e thermostatic eco handset,
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 CASE STUDY

RETIRING – BUT FAR

FROM SHY
Realising their Victorian house would be unsuitable as they approached
retirement, Elaine and Tom Devine decided to take matters into their own
hands and tackle a new build in their garden, but their timber-framed project
faced some planning battles
TEXT ROSEANNE FIELD IMAGES NEIL GORDON (ABERDEENPHOTO.COM)

I “I wrote a
n Newport-on-Tay in Fife, Scotland, Elaine
and Tom Devine were happy in their Victorian HIGH POINT
house with its spectacular views of the
River Tay. However as they were approaching letter to every “The biggest high was
coming back to site one
retirement, they realised the house wasn’t going
to be practical forever. One of their daughters single member day to find four walls and
a roof where there had

of the planning
was also keen to get on the property ladder by been nothing, and you
buying the house, so moving on made sense for had just been looking at a

committee,” Elaine
a number of reasons. piece of paper for years.”
Over the years they had slowly acquired more
land at the edges of their land, enlarging their
garden into what was the site of a former railway
line. They hadn’t intended to build a house, but
explains. “I knew
a large garage to accommodate Tom’s hobby
(4x4 vehicles), which would have its own access.
they wouldn’t read
The idea to build a house on the land came
after a neighbour built theirs. “I watched that go
it if it was too long
up and remember thinking ‘I wonder if we could
squeeze another house onto our plot’,” Elaine so I kept it to one
says. But as it was narrow, she “kept thinking it
just wouldn’t work.” bullet-pointed sheet
It was back in 2012 – while both Elaine
and Tom were still working that they first of A4”
approached an architect to draw up plans to
submit for planning appro al. To find an architect
they engaged the help of the Association of Self
Build Architects; a network of UK-based, RIBA-
approved architects. “In my previous job I had
dealt with a lot of architectural firms, and knew would be constrained. They were also aware of
they could be expensive,” Elaine explains. “I potential issues with overlooking which needed
wanted one that really understood the self-build to be addressed. The first design was an upside
market – and who wasn’t going to be too dear.” down’ house to make the most of the river
They filled out the uestionnaire on the SB views. It was recommended by the planners
website, which asks for basic information about for approval, and only two objections were
the project and intended budget, before a local submitted.The rules in Scotland dictate that if
architect is proposed – in Elaine and Tom’s case, there are fewer than six complaints, the planning
Alistair Graham of Gillespie & Scott Architects. officer can proceed with the application.
“Alistair came and viewed the site, and owe er, on the final day for any ob ections
reckoned it was big enough for a three bedroom there was a twist – the community council
house,” says Elaine. lodged an objection, meaning the application
automatically went to committee and was
A PLANNING NIGHTMARE refused (in January 2013). Elaine is philosophical:
The couple were open to ideas, especially On re ection, it was the wrong time for us
knowing the narrow site meant their design to build, we were still working, and it was a

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 complicated and expensive project.” ob role as an en ironmental health officer meant
They went away to “lick their wounds,” but she saw a lot of people who ended up with LOW POINT
they couldn’t get the idea to build out of their unsuitable housing as their needs increased, “Getting a contractor
minds. Despite the stress of the first attempt, so they also included wide doors throughout in to make the sewage
just had this itch I wanted to scratch.” By 2017, for a wheelchair if necessary in future. Another connection. He charged
they had both retired, and decided to give it part of this futureproofing was making it well an arm and a leg, and
another go. With more time on her hands, Elaine insulated and easy to maintain, which meant we could’ve done it
was able to take greater control over the design forgoing dust-gathering radiators and opting for ourselves, but we were
and achieve a “complete change of plan” so under oor heating. desperate by then!”
that neighbours “couldn’t possibly say it was Because the couple were going to be hands-
overdeveloped, or not in keeping.” on with many aspects of the project, Tom
They worked with the same architect on the wanted the building to be wind and watertight
redesigned proposal, abandoning the upside quickly, so they opted for a timber frame kit.
down concept. Once again, the planners They came across Scotframe at one of the
were happy but the same two neighbours Homebuilding & Renovating shows, and were
complained, so Elaine decided to take matters impressed in particular by the company’s
into her own hands. “I wrote a letter to every closed panel system into which the insulation is
single member of the planning committee,” she injected, including in the roof cassette.
explains. “I knew they wouldn’t read it if it was Before they could start work onsite, Tom’s
too long so I kept it to one bullet-pointed sheet 6 x 11 metre garage had to be cleared and
of A4.” demolished something of a sacrifice for him,
Their earlier problems reappeared, with the admits Elaine, but the project became a higher
community council lodging an objection on priority than his hobby: “I think he became more
the final day, and again going to committee in interested in the challenge of building.” The
January 2018. This time however, one councillor garage had already been connected to mains
– holding Elaine’s letter – put forward a motion water and electricity – which was “one less
for approval, meaning it went to a vote, hassle” to endure.
approved by eight to six. “That personal touch Tom had worked as a slater and roughcaster,
seemed to make the difference.” so knew about working on sites, dabbling in
various trades. While he did a lot of the physical
HANDS ON work, Elaine took on the project manager role,
Tom and Elaine’s main requirement for the house as well as labouring wherever she could. While
was for it to support their needs the rest of their Tom had much of the practical experience
lives; as opposed to their old house, which was required, Elaine’s former job had involved
“full of stairs.” They consequently had a goal working with architects so she understood a lot
from the outset for the downstairs to contain a of the terminology, and knew how to decipher
living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. plans. “We made a good team,” she says.
They also didn’t want the upstairs space to be They began work in 2018, sorting out the
wasted as a loft, so included further bedrooms garden – half of which would be for their current
and a bathroom, which they use currently. house and half for the new house. The work
Their only other specific ask was for a sunny, included filling in a large pond and remo ing
triple aspect living room. “Other than that I was around 100 tonnes of soil. By March 2019, they
pretty open,” Elaine says. Part of her previous had cleared and demolished the garage, before

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 beginning digging out for the groundworks and
foundations in July. They did all this themselves, While Tom did a
as well as wheelbarrowing in all the aggregate
and sand – necessary because the narrow site lot of the physical
meant they couldn’t get the digger round the
back of the site. “One of Tom’s best purchases work, Elaine took
on the project
were car ramps so we could take the digger
over the trenches dug for the foundations,”

manager role, as
says Elaine.
To save on cost, they bought the digger as well
as the scaffolding (which Tom was able to erect
himself) rather than hiring them. As a bonus,
they sold them on for virtually the same as the
well as labouring
purchase price at the end of the project.
The foundations were dug and the site
wherever she could
was prepped, including the sub oor slab, by
Christmas 2019. It was then a case of waiting a rough budget in mind, with some money put
for the Scotframe kit to arrive, which it did just in aside as a contingency.
time e actly three weeks before the first Co id Although looking to keep costs low, Elaine
lockdown in March 2020. “We weren’t bored!” says they didn’t skimp on important things.
Elaine jokes. “We had everything we needed, “We got good quality, low maintenance triple
and we just got stuck in; Tom knew a joiner, and glazed windows and oak stairs,” she says. “We
we got a crane.” spent money where we felt we needed to.”
Although for the most part the build went They were also able to be cost effective; the
smoothly, they encountered one problem with kitchen is from IKEA, and they chose laminate
the frame when they discovered the main beam ooring o er the under oor heating downstairs,
for the roof was 40 cm too short. Scotframe took with tiles in the bathrooms. By this point Elaine
care of it quickly, arranging for a new beam to be said she was struggling to make decisions, and
manufactured in Southampton – and ferried by figured laminate would be easier to replace if she
lorry overnight. changed her mind.
They also faced an issue with how to deal with Where contractors were required, Elaine made
rainwater, when Scottish Water changed their sure she was onsite at all times supervising, and
policy right after they got planning, meaning correcting if anything wasn’t being approached
discharging rainwater into a combined drain correctly. One of her biggest tips is to not
was no longer allowed. “After a lot of to-ing assume that the professionals always have the
and fro-ing, we did eventually get consent so best solutions. One such example was the
our rainwater was allowed to discharge into the SuDS surface water attenuation tank, which the
combined sewer via a 10 mm opening,” Elaine structural engineers had proposed to satisfy
says. “But that almost sunk the entire project.” Scottish Water. It was huge, taking up almost the
Saving on cost was the primary driver behind entire area to the front of the house. “I panicked
taking on the majority of work themselves. They every time I thought about it,” she says.
were funding the build with their pensions and Eventually, she spoke to Building Control
savings, on the basis they would replenish it who advised using more of the ground as a
when they sold their existing house. They had soakaway, meaning less attenuation tank. “I

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 realised then that the structural engineers explains. “That simple decision cost us probably
had simply designed the system based on the about £5,000.”
architect s finished ground plan which was all
paving and block, which we hadn’t wanted in SUSTAINABILITY
the first place, e plains laine. The architect Throughout the project, Elaine and Tom were
hadn’t realised the consequences of this design, conscious of being as sustainable as possible.
and neither had we. So we removed virtually As well as the timber frame, they reused all the
all the paving apart from a path and patio at material from the demolished garage, as well
the back, and used permeable materials for the as buying second hand slate for the roof, and
driveway.” This reduced the water run off by including whinstone they had excavated to build
more than half, consequently also reducing the a retaining wall at the rear of the garden.
tank size and cost by over 50%. “The engineers Elaine admits she struggled with other
had designed a system to suit the run off rather elements of energy efficiency and was initially
than considering how to rescue the run off first, con icted when connecting to mains gas
Elaine says. appeared the easiest option over anything else.
Another of her tips for other self-builders is As a slater, Tom was reluctant to put PV panels
to thoroughly think through the consequences on their roof – but Elaine asserts: “I’m sure I’ll
of any decisions. As a pre-emptive attempt win him over in the future!”
to placate the planners, they decided to put Following a “lot of research” and guidance
the house in a lower part of the site than they from their plumbing and heating engineer, they
originally intended – but this meant when decided to install an air source heat pump.
they came to connect to the main drains the At the time Elaine reckoned it could be more
pipe missed the original connection point. expensive to run as well as install, but that with
“Fortunately we managed to pick it up at the such a well insulated house, they wouldn’t need
far corner of the plot, but it meant getting rid heating as often. “In the end, the difference
of a lot more soil, a lot of pipework to do, and between installing gas or the heat pump was
finding somebody to do the sewer work, laine covered by the renewable heat incentive, and

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 of course now it may even be fractionally
cheaper than using gas, so I’m very pleased,” Elaine admits ELAINE’S
she says.
she was initially TOP TIPS
INTERIOR DESIGN & LAYOUT
Downstairs the house has the triple aspect conflicted, with • You have to be
realistic – if you want

connecting to mains
lounge at one end, with the kitchen/dining room to do something with
at the other end next to the garden. There’s also a ‘DIY’ approach you

gas appearing the

a small utility room, bedroom and Jack and Jill have to have stamina,
bathroom. Upstairs are two further bedrooms perseverance and the
and a bathroom, an office, and a boiler room.
easiest option
capacity for relentless
The couple wanted the house to be fairly hard work.
simple and contemporary with clean lines, with • Remember there’s a
Elaine drawing inspiration from self-build shows solution to everything,
and magazines. Deciding what to bring from appears small from the outside – it’s a bit like you ust ha e to find it.
the old house was tough, Elaine admits, the two a Tardis.” • Think through the
houses being of very different styles, but a lot Having created their ‘forever home,’ Elaine consequences of every
of pieces she didn’t want to part with. “I tried atly refuses the idea of doing another one. decision you make.
to blend old with new and I think it merged “One is enough, it takes over your life,” she • Don’t always assume
quite well.” says. They finally recei ed their completion the professionals are
Having been living in the house since April certificate in pril this year, another high point always right.
2021, they love it. Highlighting her favourite after all of the challenges. t was great to finally
feature, Elaine says the double height hallway “is get it!” she says. “I still look at the house and
the bit that everybody comes in and goes ‘wow’ can t belie e we e managed to fit all this in.
at. They’re not expecting it because the house We’re delighted.”

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 CLASSIFIED & DIRECTORY
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