Embrace the Swedish trend of achieving a more balanced lifestyle using the concept of ‘lagom’, with tips from Catharina Bjorkman – of Swedish wood burning stove company Contura. The Swedish term ‘lagom’ (pronounced lar-gom) means ‘just the right amount’; ‘not... View Article

In order to build in the Kent green belt, Richard and Susan Skelly had to exactly replicate the dimensions of an old barn they were replacing. Roseanne Field reports on how this constraint has given their home a unique character.... View Article

Martyn Haworth from Bison Frames answers your questions about the wide range of window and door options available to self-builders, while describing some of the benefits of different styles and materials, and what to watch out for. Windows and doors... View Article

Shane Oxberry of YPS Plumbing supplies recaps the many compelling benefits of underfloor heating. Neat, economical to run, reliable and green, it’s tempting to recommend underfloor heating (UFH) for every new build, renovation or extension. Unless you demand period cast... View Article

Karen Everitt of Ravatherm UK explains the importance of correct insulation specification in achieving high thermal performance. Housebuilding is on the rise. Research suggests that by 2050 there could be a 23 per cent increase in UK households, and the... View Article

Paul Croughan, Head of Sales – New build at EnviroVent, looks at how the new build sector is meeting ventilation requirements and improving the air quality in new homes. The Government’s plan to build at least 200,000 new homes per... View Article

Andy Speake of Aico advises on the importance of getting placement right when it comes to alarms. In the domestic smoke alarm sector there has traditionally been three alarm types: optical, heat and ionisation. These different sensor types react best... View Article

Ian Digby of Calor discusses looks at how alterations to standard housing designs resulting from fuel choice can be reduced for off-grid properties, and the part played by Part L1A of the Building regulations. Complying with Part L1A of the... View Article

Will Jones of Senior Architectural Systems looks at how aluminium doors can open up new opportunities to create homes that offer the highest standards of style, security and sustainability. The term ‘patio door’ is often used to refer to a... View Article

When solicitors Hayley and Angus Mitchinson moved in to their Victorian terraced house in east London, they decided to revitalise it by adding an smart extension – now it’s the envy of the street. Reflecting on the beginnings of his... View Article

Paul Jackson of Polypipe explains why developers need to ensure they are selecting the right guttering and downpipe system on each project, which might mean that plastic turns out to be the best option. When the Government announced that 217,350... View Article

Making the right choices when designing a bathroom can make all the difference in a successful development. With more options available than ever before, Lisa Ward of Bristan looks at how housebuilders can best meet consumers’ rapidly evolving needs. Like... View Article

Ann Boardman of Saniflo Uk explains how to overcome the particular set of drainage challenges presented to house builders constructing in timber. You may not be aware that by using a combination of macerators, pumps and shower cubicles, you can... View Article

Ceramique Internationale’s Peter Vann discusses the tiling trends that are currently influencing the market and the options available to self-builders. According to recent statistics, planning applications for major renovations and conversions have soared by more than 25 per cent over... View Article

Providing the authentic Asian streetfood dining experience, a new food hall in north London was also an intriguing dish for the architects to try, as Roseanne Field reports Opening a new restaurant in London is never an easy task, particularly... View Article