CLOSER LOOK INTERNAL FIT-OUT
Choosing the right staircase is a big deal for any self build project. For the vaulted hallway, Meinolf Kloepping from Kloepping TSS (kloeppingtss.co.uk) suggested a contemporary, solid ash feature flight, which we paired with a glass balustrade. Cheaper than oak but just as textural and durable, it sets the tone for our interior decor choices. We worried about wear and tear, but the very minor scratches a timber stair develops over time simply add patina. Installed for £15,600 in 2019, it would cost something like £17,000-£20,000 now, depending on final spec. We later added an ash handrail to the lower section of the flight. “It’s a personal preference,” says Meinolf. “Some people feel uncomfortable with just glass; but we had two layers of 10mm-thick toughened, laminated glass with a 1.5mm foil. This is fine for building control; even if one breaks, the other will stay in tact.” A feature of our internal layout is the SF20 internal glazed room divider (£2,750 back then; £4,100 in today’s money), separating the sitting room from the kitchen-diner for a versatile floor plan. “Internal glazing was an afterthought for many people back in 2019 but, since the Build It House, is now a massive part of new build and extension projects,” says David from IDSystems. “The dream of open-plan living is different to reality. Internal room dividers mean you can retain that bright open feel, but separate zones when necessary.”