Adding clarity to curtain wall design

Andrew Cooper of Senior Architectural Systems takes a closer look ‘behind the curtain wall’ to reveal the key issues specifiers should consider when choosing aluminium fenestration solutions Aluminium is robust, durable and fully recyclable – a perfect partner for modern-day... View Article

Storage solutions for awkward spaces

Megan Baker, head of design at My Fitted Bedroom, discusses how to make the most of awkward bedroom spaces, for maximum storage Bedrooms come in all different shapes and sizes, with awkward spaces being a common problem for many homeowners.... View Article

Daring to be different

Ex-headteacher Joan Morters opted for a timber-built passive house system and a roof shaped like butterfly wings for her retirement home TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES JESS UNWIN & JOAN MORTERS Former teacher Joan Morters’ self-build story is an inspiring lesson... View Article

Recycled retreat

Almost everything was recycled or reinvented in Sally and John Medforth’s rural retreat TEXT Heather Dixon   IMAGES Dave Burton When Sally and John Medforth bought a hillside farm in Yorkshire it came with a series of dilapidated 18th century... View Article

A family affair

Many parents would feel sceptical about letting their child design their future home. But for one couple in Liverpool, handing over the reins to their daughter turned out to be the best decision they made TEXT ANNA REYNOLDS IMAGES FAMILY’S... View Article

Making the most of MMC

Oliver Rehm of kit house provider Baufritz discusses the increasing move towards offsite ‘modern methods of construction’ (MMC), why self-builders should consider it, and what offsite manufacturers can do to help them on their journey What is your assessment of... View Article

Right as rain

LISTEN HERE Sally Moores of Yeoman Rainguard outlines the choices of metal rainwater system available to self-builders, and how to decide which is best for your project With an abundant choice of rainwater systems on the market there is certainly... View Article

The climate challenge

LISTEN HERE Paddy Leighton of Icynene UK explains how new high performance insulation systems can contribute towards combatting climate change The Committee for Climate Change Report ‘UK Housing: Fit for the Future,’ states that better standards of insulation in new... View Article

Make windows a safe bet

LISTEN HERE Amy Blount of Reynaers at Home looks at the key considerations when specifying windows for your build – including security as well as material choices and installation issues At their core, windows provide one of any property’s most... View Article

Get wise on insurance options

LISTEN HERE Self-Build Zone discusses the different types of insurance available for selfbuild and renovation projects, from builders and site insurance to warranties, and explains why knowledge is so crucial Doing a self-build doesn’t actually mean you have to be... View Article

Bound to be a success

LISTEN HERE James Newton of Sureset explains why a resin-bound driveway could be the perfect choice for your build, whether your priority is achieving kerb appeal, or more practical features for everyday life Do you want to be the envy... View Article

Contemporary kitchens

LISTEN HERE With new kitchen trends emerging continuously, inspired by a variety of influences, Wren Kitchens’ Darren Watts reveals his top 10 kitchen trends for self-builders to consider in 2020 The kitchen plays a vital role in the home –... View Article

Future fire compliance

LISTEN HERE Nick Rutter of FireAngel explains how to achieve ‘constant compliance’ in fire safety, exploring some of the intelligent solutions that can adapt to future needs. Following the Hackitt Review, many developers are looking to adopt its principles to... View Article

Open to smart & sustainable appliances

LISTEN HERE Phil Slater of Whirlpool UK looks at how sustainability drivers plus a trend for open plan living are being supported by innovation in modern appliances. Homebuyers seek the latest kitchen appliances and technology. With more households opting for... View Article

Stand out with a canopy

LISTEN HERE Phil Nash from Scotts of Thrapston discusses the many different styles and materials available for porch canopies, and the benefits they can bring Porch canopies come in many different styles and materials, are easy to install, and can... View Article

Fire compliance for balconies explained

LISTEN HERE Nick Haughton of Sapphire explores the key fire compliance considerations when specifying balconies for housebuilding projects. Balconies are a cost-effective way to add square footage to apartments and give residents coveted private outdoor access. Studies have shown that... View Article

View Point: Professor Ruth Dalton

Having set up the first School of Architecture at Lancaster University, Professor Ruth Dalton explains how the school’s ‘radical creativity with a conscience’ motto embeds key principles into innovative teaching practice While setting up the new school of architecture at... View Article

Learn from the experts at the RCI Show

The Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Show returns to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry this month, providing dedicated conference sessions delivering the latest trends, technologies, legislation and issues influencing the market The RCI Show is claimed by the event organisers to... View Article

The whole nine yards

A development of nine contemporary homes near Gosport, Hampshire, have been arranged around a historic military facility to offer expansive bay views. Jack Wooler visited this meticulously-designed scheme Approaching these striking new buildings from a distance, David Craddock, director at... View Article

A showcase of innovation

James Parker reports on the design development of a major new teaching and research facility for Manchester which puts cutting-edge engineering on show in new ways, and connects the city’s industrial past with its future The Manchester Engineering Campus (MECD),... View Article