September 2015
Welcome to the September edition of i-build magazine! This issue is packed with inspirational projects and products as well as useful advice for your self-build.
Those of us who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder know all too well the many benefits of exposure to natural light. Many self-build projects endeavour to make the most of sunlight through rooflights and floor to ceiling glazing, but this is especially important if your livelihood depends on visual clarity. This month’s Impressive Innovation looks at two artists who have incorporated their studio into their home. In order to do this, the architect first investigated live-work typologies to create a perfect balance between living and working within the same building. Read about how this was achieved on page 28.
This month’s cover story is the home of retired school teacher turned artist Dave Cordiner, who was looking to create a light and airy extension in which to paint. The Edwardian property now benefits from a contemporary timber-clad extension that is a contrast to the original stone building. The project marries the old with the new and brings diversity to the Scottish semi-detached.
Although Dave was bold enough to add a strikingly modern extension to his period property, many self-builders face constraints that limit design aspirations, especially those who are looking to build in restricted areas. This month’s i-build presents the dilemma of securing planning permission for new properties within protected countryside locations. Architect Richard Hawkes discusses how this is not something for the faint hearted, but that with the right design it is possible. Read about how this can be achieved and be inspired by impressive success stories on page 42.
This issue is packed full of expert advice, project inspiration and innovative new products to guide you through your self-build journey. Highlights include how to choose the perfect cooker hood on page 36, self-build finance advice in this month’s Viewpoint and why an artificial lawn could be the solution to your problematic plot on page 40.
As always, we hope you are inspired by this issue of i-build and would love to hear from you about your own project. Contact me at the usual address and tell me about your self-build journey – you might even see your home featured in an upcoming issue!
