Embracing nature’s light

Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight discusses the importance of effectively introducing the biophilic benefits of natural light into the home. In an era marked by technological advancements and urbanisation, the longing for a connection with nature has never been stronger.... View Article

The natural choice

Neil Turner of Ecological Building Systems looks at why sustainable insulation offerings present a ‘natural choice’ for self-builders Natural insulation materials are experiencing a resurgence as self-builders are increasingly seeking sustainable materials that can offer similar performance, but with lower... View Article

Following a learning curve

Despite the tricky construction challenges presented by a crescent-shaped architectural design, a determined couple have succeeded in creating their dream ‘forever’ home in the countryside TEXT Jess Unwin IMAGES John Naccarato John and Debra Naccarato’s decision to embrace a striking... View Article

Redefining the architect

Jo Cowen Architects has put partnerships at the heart of its new brand with the launch of Cowen + Partners. The new brand recognises the growth in the breadth and depth of the team and business since its foundation by... View Article

New affordable housing development in High Wycombe given green light

Plans have been approved by Buckinghamshire Council for Hightown Housing Association to build 51 new affordable homes in High Wycombe. Hightown will replace the existing derelict building on Desborough Road with 51 high-quality, affordable flats. The development will comprise of 27 one-bedroom... View Article

How to avoid running out of money on your self-build project

Homebuilding & Renovating Show expert Tim Phillips, quantity surveyor at Quantiv, says: 1. A quantity surveyor is useful for all project sizes Hiring a quantity surveyor might seem like overkill for a smaller self-build, but Phillips emphasises that a QS can... View Article

London’s affordable housing builds drop by 88% YOY

New government statistics have revealed the number of affordable homes started in London has dropped 88%.  According to government data, 3,156 affordable housing builds began across Greater London between April 2023 and March this year, down from 26,386 starts the... View Article

Bridging the knowledge gap of compulsory purchase orders

Infrastructure is an increasingly hot topic across the UK, and compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) can be a key element for many development projects. Adam Lakin, associate director at Bentley, discusses. From the outside looking in, it is easy to consider... View Article

Radical Housing in Barcelona wins Most Transformative Building

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named Modulus Matrix: 85 Social Housing in Cornellà, an 85-unit timber-framed social housing development designed by Peris + Toral Arquitectes, as the winner of the RIBA International Prize 2024. The prestigious bi-annual prize... View Article

Thomas Alexander Homes makes key New Appointments

Yorkshire-based housebuilder Thomas Alexander Homes has announced the appointments of Dean Woodward as Site Manager, Jasmine Thomas as Technical Coordinator and Dan Pearson as Sales Executive. Woodward has worked in the construction industry for more than 15 years, with 11 of... View Article

Bargate Homes Submits Reserved Matters for 95 Homes

Bargate Homes has submitted a Reserved Matters Application to Arun District Council for 95 new homes in the coastal village of Pagham, West Sussex. Located on Pagham Road, the proposed new development – covering 4.19-Ha (10.35 acres) – will feature... View Article

Avant Homes submits plans to deliver £23.1m development

Housebuilder Avant Homes Central has submitted plans and exchanged contracts on a 9-acre site in Sutton-in-Ashfield to deliver a £23.1m, 84-home development. Called Silverhill Edge, the site is located off Fisher Close just a 15-minute drive from Mansfield railway station. Subject to... View Article

All in the detail

Jim and Jayne Smith have remodelled and extended a tired 1930s house, including rejuvenating the exterior with rugged local stone TEXT Debbie Jeffery IMAGES Dominic Jones “We were reminded of a bland 1980s Travelodge when we first viewed the house,”... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

For Eoghan, embarking on a self-build with his wife and son on the family farm where he grew up in County Kildare holds deep meaning, and sees him realise a further ambition to create a sustainable home in ICF. I’m... View Article