General Articles

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) looks at timber as a sustainable, low-carbon building choice, increasingly popular among UK self-builders for its environmental and practical benefits. In recent years, structural timber has emerged as the material of choice... View Article

Al and Lily Chen’s renovated and extended Edwardian home is a masterclass in space and light. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES WILLIAM TOZER ASSOCIATES “We were looking for a family home with potential for expansion,” explains Lily Chen, who has two... View Article

Theben Automation’s Paul Foulkes explores how smart homes are moving beyond timers and schedules, embracing real-time, sensor-based automation for greater comfort, efficiency and intuitive living. For decades, home automation has promised ease and efficiency. But early systems, reliant on fixed... View Article

Lettie and Tom Fardon fell in love with a timber-framed 1950s bungalow ripe for renovation and bought it at auction, but didn’t realise just how much work would be involved in bringing it up to modern standards. TEXT JAYNE DOWLE... View Article

To help self-builders transform muddy plots into luscious garden havens, Anita Magee of Tobermore looks at the top trends inspiring garden design. Current garden trends are seeing a strong focus on blending luxury with sustainability, creating outdoor areas that are... View Article

Deuren’s Ian Chubb shares how specifying doors early unlocks better design choices, avoids compromise and keeps your self-build ambitions on track. From structural planning and detailed budgeting to sourcing materials and managing timelines, building or renovating your dream home is... View Article

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) outlines how timber construction offers housebuilders a route to ‘carbon-conscious design’ allied to commercial efficiency in the sector. As housebuilders and architects work toward delivering on the UK’s net zero commitments and... View Article

Getting the size right is crucial for air source heat pump performance – too small or too large and efficiency, comfort, and longevity suffer. Jamie Ansell of EDF Heat Pumps explains why detailed design matters. Air source heat pumps are... View Article

Chris Adair of Marshalls, explores how developers can embed flood resilience into new housing schemes, especially as the UK prepares to deliver over a million homes, including a new generation of towns and communities. The UK Government’s recent announcement of... View Article

Paul Higgins of TuffX explores how glazing has evolved into a critical element in buildings’ energy performance, and offers  a practical guide to help specifiers achieve ‘futureproofed’ glazing solutions. With the Future Homes Standard (FHS) set to take effect soon,... View Article

Tracey Jackson of Howells Patent Glazing explains why daylighting is a vital consideration for self-builders and renovators and how to achieve the best results. Natural light is a powerful resource and one of the most important elements in architectural design,... View Article

Ashley Cooper of WMS explores how underfloor heating provides the ideal balance between indoor air quality, comfort and efficiency. When planning a self-build, comfort and efficiency are often top priorities, but one crucial factor is sometimes overlooked – indoor air... View Article