Welcome to the November edition of i-build magazine! This issue is packed with inspirational projects and products as well as useful advice for your self-build.
Like many, I'm not a huge fan of the darkness we experience here in the UK at this time of year. In the mornings, I head into the gym, and daylight still hasn't arrived by the time I get back out. It's one of the not-so-great aspects of living in the UK. But, on the bright side, as the year winds down, we do get to enjoy some enchanting seasonal perks, like Christmas and Bonfire Night, the latter of which just happens to be the star of this month's Desired Designs focus (you'll find all the sparkle on page 06). That said, the post-holiday blues tend to creep in quickly once the festivities are over.
With remote work still going strong and more of our time spent indoors during the shorter days of autumn and winter, it's crucial to ensure our indoor spaces are as mood enhancing as possible. Think about vibrant and refreshing colours and well-lit spaces, and don't forget the magic touch of air-purifying plants. In this month's issue, we talk to Chloe Bullock, Founder of Materialise Interiors, an acclaimed interior design firm based in Brighton, and a registered Interior Designer with the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), for her insights into the wonders of biophilic design. Here, she demonstrates some real-life examples of how you can infuse good vibes into your home, whether you're building from the ground up or renovating. For more details, turn to page 10.
It's important not to treat biophilic elements as an afterthought when constructing your home. Consider the deliberate inclusion of natural light through various features such as windows, doors and strategically-placed glazing in the overall design. We're often reminded of how natural daylight not only enhances our mood but also boosts productivity levels. When working, I always position myself in front of a window or door to ensure my work hours are both productive and uplifting. We've all experienced that weary, uninspired sensation of being confined in dim, dreary spaces – it's detrimental to our wellbeing, leaving us feeling fatigued and lacking in vitality. In another feature of this edition, Colin Wells, Head of Technical at Keylite Roof Windows, explores the primary considerations for incorporating roof windows and skylights and bringing light and life into basement and attic areas. Dive into page 18 for the complete article.
Sticking to our goal of letting more natural light into your home, we also chat with Edward Stobart, Sales Manager at IDSystems. Here, he delves into the essential features of structural glass that can give your home that 'wow' factor and really boost the brightness. To get all the details, check out page 26.
Rebecca Kemp
Editor
[email protected]
