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.

The pre-election period has been somewhat uncertain for many. Whether you’re embarking on your very first self-build project and have been waiting to see if the outcome will financially benefit your plot purchase or if you’re looking for a second, third or even fourth home for an extension, conversion or knock-down-and-rebuild project, it's certainly been a waiting game for those with plans still up in the air.

Now, with a Labour Government in power, hopefully, things will start to progress. New Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s focus on planning reform and the anticipated revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)1 expected later this month (at the time of writing) mean there may still be a little more time before taking the next strategic step.

In this edition, we focus on historic buildings and bringing them up to 21st-century living standards. Firstly, we talk to Melanie Clear, Founder of Clear Architects, about harmonising aesthetics and functionality to respect a building’s character while ensuring modern comforts and regulatory compliance, particularly in glazing for historic and period properties. Turn to page 18 for the full article.

Meanwhile, on page 28, we explore two different projects: A charming Cornish mill conversion upgraded with the latest air-source heat pumps and a Suffolk school-turned-office that embraces contemporary comfort without sacrificing its historical past.

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.

Rebecca Kemp
Editor

[email protected]