Charlie Luxton first opened his eyes to the world of architecture at the age of 13. After contemplating a career in sculpting, architecture took over and Charlie took off to the Royal College of Art to undertake his Masters degree. Here, Charlie explains where his passion for sustainability stemmed from…

Your garden is an important extension of your home. So we asked lawn care experts at Hayter, maker of the finest lawn mowers, and Toro, the global leader in turf care and maintenance, to share some top tips on how to create – and maintain – an enviable garden.

Charlton & Jenrick, a leading brand in the fireplace industry, offers some useful stove tips and ideas.

There is a growing trend amongst self-builders choosing to build eco-friendly structures without compromising on creative and bespoke design. Green Oak offers the opportunity to realise a luxury home whilst also meeting environmental credentials. Darren Hook, Managing Director at English Heritage Buildings, believes that using the traditional material offers an…

Leading wastewater management expert, Kingspan Klargester, is advising self-builders to get their drainage right or risk being prosecuted for causing pollution. Here, Kingspan Klargester’s Operations Director, Dave Vincent, explains how to get your drainage right.

German bathroom manufacturer, Pelipal, knows more than a thing or two about bathroom design. Whilst it undoubtedly has an almost endless array of beautiful ranges and ingenious solutions, it also knows a thing or two about making the best of every space. This is the start of the best bathroom…

While there are many cladding finishes available, the warm tones, textures and variety of colours available make brick a firm favourite. John Mayes, Managing Director of Eurobrick Cladding Systems, explains how to choose the right brick cladding system for your own project.

In September, Colour Futures 2017 was launched revealing the trends and colour palettes that will be prevalent over the next year. These trends translate into a cohesive colour collection available at Dulux decorating centres, merchants and online.

Overlooking splendid views, this Kent property named ‘The Shack’ is more than meets the eye.

The complexities of insurance can be intimidating for many in the construction industry and it is easy to see why. In this article, Steve Mansour, Group CEO of construction insurance specialist CRL, explains the ins and outs of structural defects insurance for house-building projects.

If you want to create your own home, but don’t want to go down the solo self-build route then the custom build option may be the perfect fit, says BuildStore’s Tom Connor.

i-build has collated some gate and fencing inspiration for those self-builders sitting on the fence when it comes to making decisions on how to enclose their self-build site.

Wanting to make the most of breathtaking views over the Devon coast for their client, the team at 100% Stainless Ltd called on the advantages of the TAPER-LOC system to ensure the perfect fit.

When Paul and Gill Regan bought a dated two-bed bungalow in Plymstock, Devon, they planned an extensive renovation. Aside from extending to add much needed space, a key part of their project included upgrading the existing radiator heating system to warm water underfloor heating.

Self-builders are becoming far more adventurous in terms of what they want from their flooring options, asking for more unique patterns, colours, shapes and textures. Cultural, global and social issues at a wider level tend to influence elements on a smaller scale when it comes to trends within the home.…

Self-builders are becoming far more adventurous in terms of what they want from their flooring options, asking for more unique patterns, colours, shapes and textures. Cultural, global and social issues at a wider level tend to influence elements on a smaller scale when it comes to trends within the home.…

Acoustic and thermal insulation products are widely available from suppliers both big and small, but what should buyers look for when choosing a solution? Cellecta’s Ben Banks offers some tips on specifying the most suitable product for your project.

Connected technology in the home is becoming increasingly popular and, to some, a necessity. Many electrical devices can now reach the internet and be operated and monitored via a smart device. As we add more and more smart products into our homes, we inevitably need an app for each one.…

When undertaking a self-build one of the most important aspects to consider are the foundations. Here, Swedish engineering company, Advanced Foundation Technology (AFT), discusses the use of a newly-launched foundation material to the UK, Groundshield.

With a shared passion for restoring properties to their former glory, Charlotte Thomson and Joey Auger couldn’t have imagined embarking on a more unconventional project – converting a public convenience into a coastal retreat.

Often when we talk about the cover and premiums involved in self-build insurance we are asked why it’s more expensive than your everyday household insurance. Although these insurances are similar in what they do, they are very different. Andrew Reardon of ProAktive SelfBuild explains more.

Keep on top of your finances and don’t underestimate the cost of your project if you want to successfully complete your new home, says BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne.

Whether you have a large country garden, small town garden or compact terrace, you'll want to make the most of your outdoor space this summer. So with that in mind, the design experts at Richard Burbidge have come up with a few handy design hints to help you transform your…

For centuries, clay bricks have been an integral part of the English architectural landscape and they continue to be the single most popular way of constructing a house. Graham Irving, Managing Director of Bovingdon Bricks, explains more.

Your staircase can be a statement feature of your home, so it’s worth taking time over the design and materials to ensure that it makes the desired impact. Often the first thing that visitors see on arrival, it’s important that your staircase fits the look and feel of your home,…

A self-build project will be the biggest challenge you undertake, so it’s worth adding some hard core machinery and budgeting accordingly. Here, manufacturer of power tools, Makita, offers its top tips when it comes to sourcing tools for your self-build.

With so many beautiful fixtures and fittings to choose from, deciding how to heat your home isn’t the most exciting part of a self-build project! But getting the heating and hot water system right could help you save a lot of money – especially if you’re building off the mains…

Choosing the right fenestration for your property is an important, long-term decision and there is a lot to consider. Here Gary Hutton, General Manager at Black Millwork, explains what self-builders need to know to make good specification choices that are truly future proof.

The Bennetts from London had selected Cambridgeshire as the location for their dream home and acquired the perfect plot of land on which to build. Their search for new-home inspiration led them to WeberHaus and its turnkey wood frame house construction.

About a quarter of all kitchens designed by ‘Kitchen Retailer of the Year’ Kitchens International now are large open-plan indoor/outdoor kitchens. The Great British Bake Off and numerous TV cooking programmes have not just inspired us to take up home cooking, but also to redesign our kitchens.

When a 1970s bungalow with two acres of land came up for sale in the picturesque village of Pirbright, Surrey, Mike and Jenny Hobbs jumped at the chance of buying it.

Darren Lester, Founder of SpecifiedBy, the product specification search platform used by builders, contractors and architects, discusses the role of the project manager and questions who is best equipped to take on the job.

If you’re looking for a self-build opportunity, securing a plot will be top of your list, but where should you start your search? BuildStore’s Raymond Connor investigates.

A loft conversion can offer an extra bedroom, bathroom or a home office. However, there could be height and access issues alongside planning and Building Regulations that need resolving. Even so, a loft conversion can be life changing and a cost-effective solution to moving. Here, Ian Harvey, Director of Harvey…

So you’ve decided to build a water feature? It’s no small undertaking, but do it right and you can have your very own oasis of tranquility in your garden. There are many things to consider when choosing your water feature: the shape, shade, size and more. To get you started…

Here, i-build provides all you need to know about specifying internal doors for your property.

If you’re one of the many self-builders who wish they had planned for just a bit more space, or are currently finalising your plans, sanctuary could be much closer to your new home than you realise. Find and create it at the bottom of your garden. Here, Garden Hideouts offers…

With flooding becoming more frequent, homeowners in high risk areas have more to lose when the downpours are at their worst. Andrew Gill, Marketing Manager at Brett Landscaping, suggests that incorporating sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) into driveway and garden paving installations could help.

Martin Walker, CEO of Methven UK, looks at the future of the bathroom industry and how new technologies and materials can offer a wide range of benefits to end users.

Self-builders can ensure that lighting in their new home is as energy and cost-efficient as possible by upfront investment in LED lighting solutions, according to leading LED supplier, Light Rabbit.

A luxurious new-build property in Lowsenford, Warwickshire, is one of the largest self-build projects in the UK to feature a ground source heat pump.

To enjoy vast amounts of natural light and its surrounding vistas, one Wimbledon self-build home has benefitted from over £100,000 worth of glazing from architectural glazing specialist, DWL Windows, Doors & Conservatories.

BuildStore’s Raymond Connor looks at the lending options for self-build mortgages, including arrears and advance stage payment options.

Potton’s decision to build the UK’s first self-build Passivhaus show home at its St Neots show centre marks a significant step in the development of self-build in Britain. Now as the new show home nears completion, Potton, with the help of Author of the Housebuilder’s Bible Mark Brinkley, explores the…

Thatch, known for being cool in summer and warm in winter, has been used as a roofing material for centuries. The Thatch Advice Centre was set up as an online resource to offer free up-to-date advice on ‘all things thatch’ and this has included liaising with fire services, building control,…

i-build takes a look at some of the essential design features that will help prolong the look and performance of this luxurious space in the home.

Extend your living space out into the garden with these must-have furniture solutions, perfect for a casual Sunday breakfast or a lively family BBQ.

If you’re looking to make a simple and easy transformation to any living space in your self-build, then adding statement wallpaper to your design scheme is a way to do so. It can help zone a large, open-plan space, add a theatrical touch to a neutrally-designed room or can shake…

Distinctive Chesterfields, a handmade furniture manufacturer from West Yorkshire, understands the importance of colour in the house so has created a guide to what the different hues can symbolise to help you to get the right balance and create the environment you’re looking for in a home.

Stocking over a thousand insulation products from leading brands, Insulation Superstore, a brand of Construction Materials Online, highlights the top 10 insulation products available.

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