January 2017
Welcome to the January edition of i-build magazine! This issue is packed with inspirational projects and products as well as useful advice for your self-build.
When designing and building from scratch, pinning down your immediate needs and requirements is difficult at the best of times. So when you’re tasked with thinking further down to line to accommodate your family’s needs in the future, this is no mean feat.
For Roy Austin, building his own home became the only option as there simply weren’t any properties on the market that could cater for his family and disabled son who has cerebral palsy. Accessibility was a high priority, therefore when he acquired a plot with planning permission, his son’s needs were considered at every element of the design stage. Not only did Roy want to design a house around his immediate needs, he also wanted a future-proof home that would cater for him as he grows more independent.
Not only did Roy achieve all of this, his efforts were also recognised by CRL’s recent Venturous Builds campaign which recognised the country’s most unique self-builds. To read more about this heart-warming story, turn to page 24.
Also in this issue, BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne answers your questions on how to set a realistic budget, DWL’s Dan Smith explains how to go about choosing your highperformance windows and Howarth Timber explores the benefits of timber cladding.
As always, our design pages are full to the brim with design inspiration – perfect for those finishing touches. This month, we’ve set our sights on the green hue that is forecast to be the colour of the year. From furniture through to fabrics and textiles, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this fresh shade into your home. Elsewhere, we’ve handpicked some of the best upcycled items for those who are set on doing their bit for the environment.
I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if you’re coming to the end of your self-build and would like to offer your home as inspiration for other budding house-builders, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your self-build journey and would be keen for us to document your progress, do get in contact.
