12
Jun
2014
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Honey, I'm home
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Honeycomb is an efficient hexagonal structure built by bees in which to live and work. This fascinating natural process was the inspiration behind Barry Jackson’s new modular living system, Hivehaus.
Published in
Sustainable Living
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12
Jun
2014
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Often considered to be a daunting and challenging prospect, the role of project manager has traditionally been left to expert consultants or the more experienced self-builder. Adrian Hateley of the National Self Build & Renovation Centre explains that, with the help of today’s tools, services and products, you can project…
Published in
Viewpoint
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12
Jun
2014
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Pumped up for sustainability
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
With the ability to keep energy costs low and also contribute a sustainable element to self-build projects, ground source heat pumps have always been a popular choice with self-builders. Chris Davis, Commercial Director at Kensa Heat Pumps, explains why.
Published in
Green Living
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12
Jun
2014
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Financing the dream
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
With roughly two out of three self-builders needing a mortgage to see their project through, i-build takes a look at how self-build mortgages work and the finance products available in today’s marketplace.
Published in
Contracts and Legalities
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16
Apr
2014
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The close-knit artistically-skilled Heath/Barnes family have built a unique garden room beside their cottage that sits on the shores of the beautiful windswept Wirral Peninsula.
16
Apr
2014
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Interior inspiration
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Finalising the interior design of your new home might seem an overwhelming task. With a wealth of experience in self-build and renovation projects behind her, bespoke furniture specialist Barbara Genda provides an industry insight to help with those tricky furniture, storage and aesthetic quandaries.
16
Apr
2014
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The ap Harri family wanted a home with a bigger garden and ended up with a breathtaking converted Art Deco cinema.
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i-build
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16
Apr
2014
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Roofing: Out on the tiles
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
When building or restoring a home, choosing the right kind of roof tiles is one of the most important decisions you will make, as it can have a massive affect on the overall appearance and character of a house. Paul Lythgoe, Managing Director of Tudor Roof Tile Co. explains some…
Published in
Project Inspiration
16
Apr
2014
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Kerry Baulch, Head of Product Management at Häfele UK, discusses how to create an on-trend kitchen in your home, regardless of space limitations.
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Project Inspiration
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16
Apr
2014
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Paints: Pioneer with paint
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
It wasn’t too long ago that ‘eco’ was still a concept associated with ‘hippy’ hemp shoe wearers with sustainable paint products perceived as less colourful or ‘wishy-washy’. Cathryn Helsby from paint expert Earthborn discusses why eco-paints are so important for the sustainable-conscious self-builder.
Published in
Project Inspiration
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15
Apr
2014
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No place like dome
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Nestled into the Norwegian landscape between the fjords and mountains is Benjamin and Ingrid Hjertefolger’s breathtaking sustainable self-build.
Published in
Sustainable Living
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15
Apr
2014
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Labour of Love
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Mark and Abigail Smyth bought a barn conversion with the view to renovate, but when the extent of its neglect became apparent, they decided to knock it down and self-build in its place.
Published in
Rural Retreat
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15
Apr
2014
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There has been an influx of good news for the home-building industry as the Government continues to help aspiring self-builders.
Published in
Contracts and Legalities
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15
Apr
2014
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With so many building materials and techniques available to build your new home how do you decide which is best for your own build? To help make this decision-making process easier, Adrian Hateley of the National Self Build & Renovation Centre shares his thoughts and suggestions.
Published in
Viewpoint
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15
Apr
2014
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Reducing dependence on non-renewable energy is becoming increasingly important and what’s more, the government even awards renewable electricity generating technology with financial incentives through the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. Renewable energy advice specialists The Energy Saving Trust speaks to i-build about the many benefits of installing photovoltaic panels.
Published in
Green Living
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19
Feb
2014
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Start as you mean to go on
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Spring is traditionally the time when self-build projects come to life, so do your homework now to ensure that your build starts off on the right footing. In the first of his regular columns for i-build, Adrian Hateley from the National Self Build & Renovation Centre shares his advice for…
11
Feb
2014
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Heating the greener home
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
The benefits of woodburning are well documented today with a revival of the activity over recent years still gathering pace. At the heart of this revival is the warmth and pleasure that a woodburner gives; providing an inviting atmosphere and beautiful views in a home from a natural and sustainable…
Published in
Green Living
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03
Oct
2013
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Doing the groundwork
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
A new survey reveals the biggest challenge faced by would-be self builders is finding a suitable plot of land.
01
Oct
2013
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Heating: The heat is on
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Few people are as interested in their heating systems as self-builders, who are determined to invest in the best and most energy-efficient products available. The market is full of surprisingly contemporary radiators available in a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes, as well as impressive green credentials.
Published in
Project Inspiration
14
Feb
2014
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The Thomas family struggled to find a property on the market that suited them, so decided to knock their existing home down and start again!
Published in
i-build
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01
Oct
2013
Bryn and Pam Owen wanted to build a house of their own, but were restricted by an Area of Outstanding Beauty.
01
Oct
2013
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Innovation on many levels
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Award-winning property development company McKinley Spaces has completed its latest residential project. Situated in Elvaston Mews, a prime location in South Kensington, an original 19th century terraced stable mews has been re-structured by McKinley Spaces, transforming the building, which had been used as a commercial garage since the 1960s, and…
Published in
i-nterior
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01
Oct
2013
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Christine Wilkie is an award-winning garden designer whose inspirational design caters for gardens of all shapes, sizes and budgets. Christine speaks exclusively to i-build, sharing her top tips for creating idyllic gardens within limited spaces.
Published in
i-scape
06
Mar
2014
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A personal panorama
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Following countless challenges with their new log home, Russell and Janice Quinlan waited two years before turning its bare surroundings into a vision of serenity.
Published in
i-scape
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06
Mar
2014
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Quality wood floors not only provide a wealth of options in terms of style; they also score in terms of sound eco-choice and performance, as well as providing a raft of healthy living benefits. In this article, Harvey Booth, Country Manager at Kährs, looks at the eco-credentials of using wooden…
Published in
Project Inspiration
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05
Mar
2014
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From derelict to dream home
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
For her last ever project, serial renovator Suzanne Noble has transformed a dated hovel – that once belonged to a great public icon – into a luxury London dwelling.
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i-nterior
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05
Mar
2014
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Origin, the specialist manufacturer of bespoke aluminium folding sliding doors, has witnessed an 86% increase in bi-folding door sales over the last two years. Neil Ginger, CEO at Origin, gives his perspective on the trend, as well as advice to homeowners considering folding sliding doors.
Published in
Project Inspiration
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04
Mar
2014
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Great expectations
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Big ambitions to create the ultimate passive dream home took Chartered Building Surveyor Simon Kettle on a journey of fine research, renewable energy source breakthroughs and subsequently, his own architectural design company.
Published in
Rural Retreat
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01
Oct
2013
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Batts Hall is a super prime country house located on a green belt site in Warwickshire that takes inspiration from Arts and Crafts architecture. The inspirational self build reflects tradition at the same time as boasting sustainable and energy efficient qualities.
Published in
Sustainable Living
01
Oct
2012
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A romantic ruin was the foundation for an inspirational country home that pays homage to its exquisite surroundings.
Published in
Rural Retreat
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03
Mar
2014
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The ultimate passive palace
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Architects Catherine Roberts and Steven Harris had always wanted to put their professional ideas into practice and build their own dream home. Their brief was simple: ample space and high energy efficiency. For them, self-building was an opportunity for experimentation; allowing inspiration and imaginative ideas to evolve as they designed.
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Sustainable Living
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04
Feb
2014
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Buying a plot without residential planning permission is a risk, but buying a plot that has been previously refused planning permission no less than six times, including one at appeal, may be considered utter madness...
Published in
Contracts and Legalities
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03
Mar
2014
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Plot purchasing checklist
Written by Emily Smith (editor)
Just because you’ve found an ideal plot in the perfect location, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right place to build your dream home. Conduct careful research to ensure that your land doesn’t create any unexpected costs. Mike McMillan, Quantity Surveyor at Charlie Laing building advice specialists, provides a plot…
Published in
Contracts and Legalities
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