September 2018

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.

 

Creating the home of your dreams – whether it be starting from scratch or investing in a little TLC for an existing home – can, of course, cause much excitement and celebration for a home improver. However, the further self-builders and home renovators travel down the path of no return; the more many begin to experience the pressure. Monetary hurdles, a lack of everyday living space, Building Regulation compliance, planning permission and so much more start to take their toll. Every individual who's trekked this route will prewarn fresh-faced home-builders of the complexities and everyday stress felt throughout the entire process. For one of i-build's star self-builders, the pressure of a cliffside build in the Malvern Hills, Worcester, was a little too much. The Flewers family came across their rural plot via a plot finder whilst living in New Zealand. Despite not viewing the plot first hand, the Flewers approached Architect Nick Carroll to create a Passivhaus-inspired design. Turn to page 16 to hear an unvarnished commentary from Jonathan Flewers on his family's road to completion.

Elsewhere in this issue, i-build talks to September's next star self-builders Geraint and Mererid Roberts. The pair's conversion of a 300-year-old barn sited on Geraint's family farm has true sentimental value to the couple, and has received a warm welcome from the community. Turn to page 22 to read up on the duo's triumph. As usual, our pages are brimming with ideas for your new house-building project. This month's issue features our customary homewares inspiration, advice on incorporating biophilic principles into a scheme – the interior realm's most- talked-about hypothesis – and, as the chilly, sunless evenings swiftly approach, guidance on choosing suitable blinds for your windows.

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.