April 2017

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

 

There are many reasons why spring is my favourite season. We don’t just benefit from the lighter evenings, but we can finally see our gardens waking up – from beds of colourful tulips to delicate buds of blossom. It’s this time of year when homeowners yearn for a greater connection between the house and garden.

Of all the self-build projects I’ve encountered, I have to say this feature has been the common link. Large glazed rooms and bi-folding doors at the rear of a property can make a world of difference to the overall ambience of a home and help bring the outdoors in.

In this month’s issue, we’ve unveiled how one Edwardian detached house in north London received an extension refurbishment in order to improve the overall connectedness to its generous outdoor spaces. To read more about ‘Open House’, turn to page 18. However, it’s not just gardens that our self-builders seek to connect with. For Mike Dodsworth, a view of his local park was enough to inspire him to fill his stable blockstyle conversion with a host of windows. Turn to page 24 to read more.

As always, our design pages are filled with inspiration for those little finishing touches. This month we’re heading down to Africa, exploring the products and suppliers that can really reflect your wild side. Elsewhere, we’ve showcased a selection of lighting products, perfect for those movie buffs out there.

This is my last issue of i-build magazine, as I am moving to pastures new. It has been a pleasure profiling so many outstanding projects in the self-build sector, as well as seeing the industry go from strength to strength. I wish you all the very best of luck and will leave you in the capable hands of Rebecca Kemp, who will now be at the editorial helm.

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 don’t hesitate to get in touch with Rebecca at [email protected]. Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your self-build journey and would be keen for i-build to document your progress, do get in contact.