February 2017

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

 

At the design stage of your self-build, it’s easy to visualise how your home can work for you in the summer months – vast amounts of glazing to maximise the glorious sunlight, meanwhile immaculate garden landscaping and patios to enjoy al fresco dining and entertaining. However, are the choices you’re making suitable, or flexible, all year round?

While glazing offers numerous benefits, in the winter you could be left feeling the chill and a little exposed. In this month’s issue, Richard Jones reveals how opting for automated blinds to dress his self-build’s glass screens provided the ideal solution. The family now benefit from an intimate setting, perfect for those cosy winter nights. Turn to page 18 to read more about this integrated solution and the wider renovation project.

Elsewhere, Warmup explains how different flooring choices affect the heat-up time and heat output of underfloor heating. You can find out more on page 34.

Also in this issue, Ridgeons Merchants discusses the rise in popularity and benefits of timber frame construction, The Listed Property Owners Club shares its guide to owning a listed property and Constable VAT Consultancy offers its advice on claiming back your VAT.

As always, our pages are bursting with the latest products, materials and tones currently on trend and designed to bring that extra bit of comfort and appeal to your interior scheme. This month, we’ve uncovered the Danish theme of ‘hygge’ – the term used to denote wellbeing. Here, we’ve put together everything you need for a calming and stress-free interior space. Elsewhere, we explore the use of shape in furnishings for the home. From wallpaper to rugs and bowls, you’ll find there’s always a way to incorporate a little geometric detail.

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, please don’t 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.