Welcome

This issue of Build It incorporating SelfBuild &

Seamless contemporary extension

CHRISTOPHER TERRY Franklin Ellis Architects designed stunning modern

Hidden retreat

The design of this hillside home in Scotland’s

Big players promote low-cost heat pumps

UK energy supplier Octopus ( www.octopus.co.uk ) has

163,341

is the number of renewable installations completed in

Steenvlinder invests in UK custom build

Specialist self build provider Steenvlinder ( steenvlinder.co.uk ),

What’s on?

ASK AN ARCHITECT 15TH APRIL FREE, SWINDON

High numbers of planning applications approved in UK

Research by Sirius Property Finance ( www.siriusfinance.co.uk )

need to know

Keeping your neighbours on side

spend v save

£54.76 per m 2 Achieve a seamless kitchento-patio

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

3 of the best ALUMINIUM SLIDING DOORS

1 S20 slimline doors, from £600 per m

interiors notebook

Pair deep bluey grey hues with neutral beige for a simple yet rich colour scheme

12 issues for £12 *

Save over £50 off the cover price Fantastic

Self build & custom build mortgage table

Looking to fund your bespoke home project? Each month we round up the best deals from leading lenders and update you on what you need to know to secure the right finance

FIND YOUR DREAM BUILDING PLOT

PlotBrowser.com is a 100% free-to-use plot and property finder, packed with 1,000s of home building opportunities. Here’s a taster of the fantastic self build plots, renovation properties and conversions currently for sale near you

SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE PLOT

LOCATION Mulben, Scotland GUIDE PRICE £70,000+ PLANNING Moray

In Focus

Meet these exhibitors & more at Stunning and

Is a mezzanine the right design feature for you?

Architect Barbara Weiss reveals her tips for mezzanine floors and how this clever design idea could suit your project

MODERN EXTENSIONS TO PERIOD HOMES

Creating a clear distinction between old and new, a contemporary addition could be the best way to extend a listed or heritage property. Lucy Keech explores some stunning examples

HIDDEN WONDER

From the street, you would be hard pressed to realise the extent of this new contemporary light-filled home from its subtle entrance

TREADING LIGHTLY

Perry and Sally Morrison’s award-winning conversion project is carbon-neutral to run and built from natural materials

CONTEMPORARY GEORGIAN

Tiffany and Martin Sparrow built their elegant Georgian-style home overlooking the cricket green in a picturesque Surrey village

Do I need an architect for my extension?

There are several different options when it comes to who can design an extension for you, but which one is best suited to your project? Georgina Crothers investigates

UFH MANIFOLDS

This piece of equipment forms the heart of all water-based underfloor heating systems, acting as the distribution centre for pipework. Rebecca Foster takes a look at how it works

Inspiring Garage Doors

Garages will usually serve a functional role, but they can still become a characterful addition to your home’s architecture. Sander Tel takes a look at some wow-factor designs to help inspire your project

CORNER BIFOLDS

Folding two sets of glazed bifolds back from a corner to reveal a completely open edge brings architectural wow factor and an enhanced connection with the outdoors. Emily Batesmith looks at how to achieve this

SHOULD LANDSCAPING be a priority for self builders?

Rebecca Foster explains why it’s advantageous to start planning the design and construction of your garden as early as possible

GOOD DESIGN GOOD DETAIL

When undertaking a self build or renovation, paying attention to detail is key. Julian Owen advises on why it is important and how we can achieve the features we desire

Part 3 Energy efficiency

From heat pumps and underfloor heating to LED lighting, Alan Tierney discusses the best options for saving energy in an older property

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET PLANNING?

Planning expert Martin Gaine looks at what a realistic timescale is for getting your application approved, and what you can do to speed up the process

Benefits of natural building materials

Sustainability expert Nigel Griffiths looks at the key natural products that can help self builders achieve low-carbon construction and a healthy finished living environment

Ask the EXPERTS

Essential advice on your problems with building, budgeting, DIY & planning from the most experienced names in the self build industry