October/November 2014

Welcome to the October/November edition of i-build magazine! This issue is packed with inspirational projects and products as well as useful advice for your self-build.

 

Now that winter’s short days have returned, ensuring your new home is prepared for unpredictable weather patterns is crucial. A key self-build consideration is making sure your building retains heat during colder months. Window specialists Reynaers at Home have estimated that 40% of heating energy loss comes from windows or the gaps around windows. To help your project be as energy-efficient as possible, this issue’s Green Living focuses on the importance of airtightness, from checking the performance rating of windows and doors through to specifying the right ventilation system.

In this issue, we also meet one couple who recently completed an outstanding example of airtightness in this month’s Sustainable Living. Architects Adam and Annelise Penton have no central heating in their new self-build home as it simply has no need for it. Intelligent glazing placement, good levels of insulation and an airtight design sustains heat and a wood-burning stove keeps the house warm when sunlight isn’t able to. Read the full story on page 20.

Other issue highlights include expert advice from a range of industry specialists, from painting to landscaping. Don’t miss the wonderfully different curved self-build design that faces extreme weather challenges on page 41, and unique barn restoration that presents a tough project for Channel Four’s Restoration Man George Clarke on page 28.

After a successful first year, the i-build team is delighted to announce that your self-build reference will be available monthly as of January 2015. Huge thanks to you, our loyal and ever-expanding readership; it is your support and interest in i-build that has made this possible.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together. As always, if you would like to see your self-build in i-build please contact me on the usual address with detailed project information.