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It’s the height of summer, the weather is great – there’s no better time to start planning your self build. If you need inspiration, look no further than through these pages. This month’s issue marks the start of our new build diary, for the next few months we’re going to follow the Neilsens as they build a sustainable family home in the Lake District. I was lucky enough meet the family before major works began, and got a guided tour of the site from William and Joseph (the youngest members of the family) who are enjoying fitting in site visits between primary school and play dates. Our readers’ homes this month cover a huge variety of designs, not to mention build systems. What’s more, this month’s stories really prove that you self builders are a plucky bunch. Tony Waitling, who’s in his early 70s, didn’t let age prevent him from building a contemporary SIPs home. And, if you can’t decide what system to choose, this month’s Practical Building section will clear things up. Chris Bates talks you through a multitude of heritage options, which will ensure your new home is packed full of character. If you’re after something more modern, check out the first of our two part build diary – the Garwolinski family are constructing the first ever digital Facit new build.