April/May 2014
Welcome to the second edition of i-build magazine! This issue is bursting with expert advice, solutions and inspiration to ensure you start your project with a spring in your step.
The self-build industry certainly has a lot to celebrate as the last few months has seen an influx of good news. New budget announcements unveil the Government's plans to make self-building easier than ever. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles comments: “Building your own home is always a challenge and we are doing what we can to help people realise their dream and provide a home for their family. These changes will save self-builders thousands of pounds and help many more in the future.” Turn to page 16 to read about these reforms.
With better opportunities for self-building than ever before, we hope that i-build Magazine is firmly established as your go-to reference for all things self-build. As always, this issue is bursting with inspiring projects, expert advice and unique design ideas to stimulate your self-build, renovation or conversion passion.
From a personal perspective, i-build is taking me on an exciting journey. On a mission to learn as much as I can about the industry, I recently had the pleasure of attending the Blue Ribbon Awards at this year’s Ideal Home Show, which was the perfect example of a salute to self-build. Presented by TV DIY expert George Clarke and Richard Blakeway, there were 12 awards celebrating the best blueprints for modern domestic living in Britain today.
Self-build projects were well represented, with Soup Architects scooping the Self Build Home of the Year prize with innovative project Wedge House. The judges were full of praise for the light and airy spaces created by large windows and strategically placed rooflights.
Glazing is a vital opportunity to look outward at the same time as proudly displaying your finished interior. Another example of a self-build transformed by its glazing is this month’s inspirational Sustainable Living project – turn to page 24 to find out more.
To correspond with evolving reading habits, you can now access the latest projects, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via i-build’s new state-of-theart app. Read about this unique purpose-built tool on page 14.
We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together! We would love to hear what you think of your new self-build reference, so please don’t hesitate to contact the team with your feedback.
