August 2018
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.
With London prices continuously on the rise and quality homes very much out of most people’s grasp, one self-builder decided to take a risk on a tiny site where a small derelict garage stood.
The challenge faced by Charles Bettes was how to create a comfortable layout and a relaxing home on the minute 6 x 7m site surrounded by Victorian terraces.
The finished result is Wittering House, a stylish home built on a difficult infill site in Finsbury Park, north London. Contemporary in design, and providing a discreet intervention in a street of Victorian houses, the 829ft2 two-bedroom home is a contextual and sympathetic response to its location and proves that meticulous design and planning goes a long way when self-building on a tight urban site.
Set over three levels and clad in brick and bronze, the house feels larger due to careful consideration of every inch and clever use of dual aspect rooms with a lightwell and free-flowing spaces. This is further complemented by a coherent material language and a subtle palette of muted colours. An astute interior makes for a home which feels impressively spacious and light-filled despite the small footprint.
To discover this stunning example of residential architecture and uncover some of the problems the teeny plot posed, turn to page 23.
Elsewhere in this issue, New YouGov research has highlighted a lack of awareness surrounding Japanese knotweed which is putting UK homeowners at risk, turn to page 14 to test your Japanese knotweed knowledge. On page 12, uncover what you can do to assist the attempt to secure a 5% VAT rate for listed property homeowners, and HM Construction offers advice on choosing the best cladding for your home on page 34.
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.
