August 2017
Welcome to the August edition of i-build magazine! This issue is packed with inspirational projects and products as well as useful advice for your self-build.
For many self-builders, plots of land are found in the most unexpected of places; under an overgrown patch of wild brambles, in a family member’s back garden or, in the case of this month’s featured self-builder, in an overgrown field housing three stone ruins amid untamed undergrowth in the charming town of Penryn, Cornwall.
Dating back to approximately 1841, these hidden gems were uncovered by Dan Thompson in a corner of his parents’ field, and he set his heart on living in the hillside expanse. Longing for an organic palette of materials, Dan – who previously worked for the public body, English Heritage – turned to Truro-based architectural consultancy, Laurence Associates, to assist him with the design, build and planning of a sympathetic conversion to unite these three distinctive remains. To find out how Laurence Associates and Dan achieved a seamless link between these historic shells, turn to page 24.
Meanwhile, on page 18, Lindsey Russel talks i-build through her grand self-build project that enabled her and her husband, Greg Freiberg, to take in the surrounding scenic views on a daily basis without visual interruption. Surrounded by a one-acre garden, Lindsey and Greg opted for an innovative balcony system that provides the couple with uninterrupted views of the landscape and their llama paddock.
Elsewhere in this issue, John Cullen Lighting talks through a remarkable lighting project for an architect’s fun-filled London-based home, Kensa demystifies ground source heat pumps and GRAF UK talks going off-mains.
I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if you’re coming to the end of your self-build and would like us to feature your home as inspiration for other budding house-builders, then please do not 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.
