www.selfbuildhomesmag.com

Prairie House

Intelligent BUILDING

CONTEMPORARY REFURBFOR A TRADITIONAL HOME

CONTROLS TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME PLANNING GUIDE Essential Advice To Your Application

YOUR EXPERT GUIDE TO BUILDING A SCAFFOLD BOARD BENCH

www.selfbuildhomesmag.com

IN THIS ISSUE

TIMBER FRAME

HOMES:15-PAGE SPECIAL

TIMBER THE BUILDING MATERIAL OF CHOICE

STAIRCASES TO TOTALLY TRANSFORM YOUR HOME

DESIGNING A HEALTHY HEATED HOME

FEBRUARY 2014 £4.25

01235 558000sales@afgk.co.uk afgltd.eu

Visit our showroom with ample parking at:

Abingdon Furniture GalleryUnit 3 Eyston WayAbingdon OX14 1TR

Kitchens that make you go mmmm...

Abingdon Furniture Gallery has been established with one philosophy: to provide home interiors and kitchens that offer cutting edge design with lasting quality.

Our kitchens and interiors are showcased in a spectacular 10,000 sq ft showroom set over two floors, allowing you to gain inspiration and ideas on how to make your home interior simply stunning.

Visit our website or our showroom in Abingdon and discover a few things that will make you go mmmm...

A3 Generic_DPS_2013_V2.indd 1 25/10/2013 11:41

01235 558000sales@afgk.co.uk afgltd.eu

Visit our showroom with ample parking at:

Abingdon Furniture GalleryUnit 3 Eyston WayAbingdon OX14 1TR

Kitchens that make you go mmmm...

Abingdon Furniture Gallery has been established with one philosophy: to provide home interiors and kitchens that offer cutting edge design with lasting quality.

Our kitchens and interiors are showcased in a spectacular 10,000 sq ft showroom set over two floors, allowing you to gain inspiration and ideas on how to make your home interior simply stunning.

Visit our website or our showroom in Abingdon and discover a few things that will make you go mmmm...

A3 Generic_DPS_2013_V2.indd 1 25/10/2013 11:41

Smart Energy (Compatible with NEEDO radiators)This cool looking wireless management centre with

touch screen controls represents the ultimate in style. Not only does it enable the full, day-by-day, 7 day

timing and temperature programming of each radiator or zone, it also provides individual real time data on

energy consumption and running costs, which enables substantial energy savings.

ITS TIME TO SPECIFY INTELLI HEAT ELECTRIC HEATING

A�ordable alternative to storage heaters, oil, lpg

Fully compliant with the energy e�ciency requirements of the latest

Building Regulations Part L Heat available on demand

where & when you need it No expensive service or

yearly maintenance

here’s something of a renaissance for electric heating taking place across the UK with many architects, speci�ers and

builders now seriously considering electric central heating as an option for new build properties and even more so in refurbishment projects where the installation time and costs, as well as on-going running costs can be lower than those associated with traditional wet heating systems.

�e majority of intelli heat business comes from customers looking to replace outdated storage heating systems because of their well-known drawbacks including the fact that they produce very dry air, are often bulky and unattractive, producing warmth in the morning and afternoon but �zzle out into the early evening. �ere is a distinct lack of control and programming ability and having to try and predict the next day’s weather is a nightmare even for the professionals!

So while it may be seen as a big plus to be able to take advantage of lower rates of electricity overnight, this ‘bene�t’ is heavily outweighed by not having the  exibility to e­ciently heat the home when the occupants really need it.As long as the electrical supply is unrestricted, any existing wiring can be utilised making the installation very simple and incredibly cost-e�ective.

Intelli Heat o�er three ranges of electric central heating to cover all of your customer’s needs. All our electric radiators are designed to be thermo-e­cient and incorporate advanced technology to ensure a highly energy-e­cient performance, thus ensuring a low consumption of energy. �ey provide comfortable,  exible and fully controllable heating throughout the home or business exactly where and when it is needed. No plumbing is required, and they are quick and inexpensive to install.

In many older building refurbishments and conversions of buildings to residential usage, not having to install complex pipework can make a huge saving to the project costs.

NEEDO electric radiators are proving that

beauty is far more than just skin deep. �ese beautiful designer ranges with their revolutionary new technology the radiators heat up twice as fast as competitor’s systems and o�er up to 30% energy savings when compared with storage heaters and regular electric panel heaters.

With the user having the power of total seven day programming control over the temperature and timing settings of each individual radiator or zone, and the bene�t of being able to access both real time and historical energy consumption and running costs data, minimal running costs can be realistically achieved making the cost of heating your home with a NEEDO system easily comparable with a traditional wet system - but without the upheaval, installation and maintenance costs associated with wet systems.

�e secret behind NEEDO’s superior energy e­cient performance is an innovative two-phase heat transfer process that not only delivers a much more rapid rise in temperature, but also facilitates heat recovery of energy already produced thereby substantially lowering running costs.

�is unique process is called the Advanced Condensing System (ACS). Each radiator contains a small amount of eco-friendly, highly thermo-e­cient  uid. During operation this  uid evaporates at high speed immediately releasing its energy through the condensing process to the inside of the radiator’s case and the heat generated is completely and quickly transferred from the radiator to the environment.

As a result, the ACS technology reduces the time it takes to reach the required temperature by up to 50% compared with other electric radiators. Furthermore, this process ensures an extremely uniform radiator temperature pro�le resulting in a highly e­cient heat transfer process to produce comfortable, natural ambient warmth. At last, thanks to IntelliHeat, the design, energy e­ciency and  exibility failings of electric central heating may well become a thing of the past.

INTELLI HEAT, advanced electric heating systems.Featured on Brand New Series 60 Minute Makeover ITV1

www.intelligentheat.co.ukwww.needo.eu 01842 338089

T

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

5

FIRST WORDS

WelcomeWelcome to the February issue of Self Build Homes. With the New Year well under way and spring just around the corner, it seems the perfect time to be planning for the seasons ahead. Whichever stage you are at, whether you are submitting a planning application, designing a timber frame home or simply just tidying up the garden in preparation for the summer, we have something for everyone.

With a focus on timber, this issue we show you some truly innovative timber frame self-builds, bespoke handcrafted staircases from the specialists at Bisca and how to maximise on appearance and durability with a great range of decking options from Trex.

We also have some great self-build projects to share with you, from redesigning a traditional ranch-style home into a modern living space, to the demolishing of Thornhill farm to build a spectacular, eco-friendly dwelling. Speaking of which, if you are considering of reducing your energy bills with the idea of becoming more energy efficient, Wandsworth Group show us the huge benefits to be had with their integrated control system to enable you to be more smart with your usage.

As always, we hope you enjoy the issue and we wish you a prosperous year of planning ahead for your ideal self-build project.

Roz WareEditor, Self Build Homes Magazine

Although every effort is made to ensure that the content of features in Self Build Homes is accurate and correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. No guarantees can be made upon the safe return of any unsolicited copy or photographic images. The publisher reserves the right to alter or amend any submitted material that is

printed in Self Build Homes. All material in Self Build Homes is the copyright of the publisher and any reproduction of said material would require written permission from the publisher. © Success Publishing Limited

PUBLISHED BYSuccess Publishing Limited,Crown House, John Roberts Business Park, Pean Hill, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3BJTel: 01227 378390 Fax: 01227 784079

Publisher: Colin WoolleyPublishing email: info@selfbuildhomesmag.comProduction Manager: David CadyProduction email: production@cplmedia.co.uk

ADVERTISINGSales Director: Rachael NikolajEmail: rachael@selfbuildhomesmag.co.ukSales Manager: Simon WhiteEmail: simon@selfbuildhomesmag.com

EDITORIALEditor: Roz Ware Email: editorial@selfbuildhomesmag.com

Art Director: Ian Denby-JonesEmail: design@cplmedia.co.uk

Contributors: Stommel, Baufritz, Timber Frame Association, Welsh Oak Company, LABC, Target Timber Systems, Stoves Online, Dremel

Website: www.selfbuildhomesmag.comMagazine Subscriptions: 0844 545 8180

Customer Care Line: 01227 378390One year subscription price UK £30, Europe £52, ROW £95. UK offers a saving of £9.99.

Distributed by: COMAG, Tavistock Road,West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QETel: 08195 433800

February 2014 I Self Build Homes

6 www.selfbuildhomesmag.com

CONTENTS February 2014

12 Planning GuideEverything you need to know about planning your self-build project but were afraid to ask

70 Your Guide to PlanningOur insightful guide could help to increase your chances of getting your application approved

78 All in the DetailStaircase specialists Bisca show how a bespoke service can transform your home by optimising available space

38

70

86

DESIGN FEATURES HOMES26 The Future of SustainabilityTimber frame is increasingly becoming the building material of choice

34 Designing your Dream HomeKey aspects to consider when developing your future project

38 Built for Low Cost LivingHow the demolishing of Thornhill Farm led to a seamless building of a timber frame house

42 Welsh Oak FrameUnderstanding your self-build project

18 Natural BeautyTransform a traditional home into a contemporary living space

62 Sea ViewDo justice to spectacular sea views from the comfort of your home

66 Revival of Natural StoneIndigenous natural stone products provide the perfect finish

74 Smart HomeAn integrated KNX building control system

18

7

February 2014 www.selfbuildhomesmag.com

5 WelcomeIn this months issue, we bring you a 15 page Timber frame special

8 In the newsAll the latest industry news affecting self-builders and those they work with

90 DIYStep-by-step guide on how to build a wall-mounted bookshelf

96 Questions & AnswersFinding the right land parcel

REGULARS

74 6278

EXPERT ADVICE16 Self build site insuranceHere’s our guide to the basics of self-build insurance

52 Wood Pellet HeatingA sustainable fuel and the enjoyment of a real fire

86 The Eco Friendly GardenHave peace of mind this winter with low maintenance and ecological decking

90 The Scaffold Board BenchNot as Hard as it Looks

34

February 2014 I Self Build Homes

8 www.selfbuildhomesmag.com

NEWS

plasters for properties where fl ood damage may arise.

Duncan Haywood, responsible for Tarmac Building Products’ Limelite range of renovating plasters, says the problem with traditional gypsum plasters stems from their moisture absorbent properties. “Traditional gypsum plasters easily absorb and retain

Tarmac Building Products advises a plaster rethink for � ood risk areas

RURAL HOMEOWNERS URGED TO MAKE FIRE SAFETY A PRIORITY

Local authorities and landlords have been advised that traditional gypsum plasters offer virtually no protection for properties at risk from fl ooding.

The advice, in advance of the traditional fl ood-risk season in the UK, is designed to educate private landlords and housing associations about the suitability of gypsum

Homes in rural areas wait on average three minutes longer for the fi re brigade to arrive*

NFU Mutual paid out £31 million for house fi re claims in 2012, the average claim for a house fi re was £20,500

NFU Mutual, the UK’s leading rural insurer is urging homeowners in the countryside to make fi re safety a priority after it revealed that it had paid out over £31 million in claims for domestic house fi res in 2012.

Topping the list of claims with identifi ed causes were fi res

caused by electrical appliances such as toasters, dishwashers, cookers and electric blankets, which accounted for 29% of domestic fi re claims. This was closely followed by claims for fi re damage to carpets and chimney fi res, which accounted for 26% and 24% of claims respectively.

With winter beginning to make its icy grip felt, the insurer is concerned that appliances such as tumble driers, portable heaters and electric blankets will be in regular use and it is urging homeowners to check that their

appliances do not pose a fi re risk. It is also advising homeowners to have their chimneys swept and to use a fi re guard to prevent hot embers causing damage to carpets and soft furnishings.

According to a recent report by the Department for Communities and Local Government, homeowners in predominantly rural areas will have to wait on average three minutes longer for the fi re brigade to arrive than their urban counterparts.

Commenting on the problems faced by rural homeowners,

Nicki Whittaker, a Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual said: “Living in the countryside brings its own risks and rewards. Given the remote nature of some rural properties and problems with water access in isolated areas, it is especially important that people living in the countryside are vigilant regarding fi re safety.

“It is also vitally important to ensure that the emergency services are able to locate your property, so ensure that foliage and hedges have been cut back at the entrance to your home

moisture from the surrounding atmosphere and substrate. They are also not vapour permeable, which makes them unsuitable for older properties, particularly those prone to fl ood risk.”

He continued: “In damp conditions gypsum is prone to complete failure which can be very costly to replace and involves hacking

February 2014

9

www.selfbuildhomesmag.com

off the original plaster, treating the walls with an injected Damp Proof Course and waiting for the wall to dry. All of this can take months before re-plastering can start.”

Mr Haywood says the problems with gypsum are particularly acute with properties prone to flood risk. “Gypsum plasters offer almost no resistance to flood damage. Floodwater degrades gypsum plasters and causes delamination, with up to one metre above floor level being the worst affected area.”

His advice to landlords and housing associations is to use modern renovating plaster. “Modern renovating plaster, equipped with a waterproofing agent and salt inhibitor, is much more suited to older properties that have a flood risk.

“This type of plaster effectively controls dampness passing through walls and provides a barrier against salt transfer. Being ‘breathable’ means that the plaster allows balanced moisture movement through the construction fabric and allows the substrate to dry naturally. In effect, renovating plaster is capable of withstanding recurring water ingress which can, in turn, reduce on-going repair costs, salting and mould growth.”

In addition, Mr Haywood says the proprietary solutions can drastically cut repair times. “Due to the specifically formulated binder the drying time is faster than with gypsum based plasters. This enables earlier decoration with no more long waits for the wall to dry before plastering can begin.”

For more information on renovating plasters, please visit

www.limeliteplaster.co.ukFor more details on Tarmac Building

Products, please visit www.tarmacbuildingproducts.co.uk

February 2014 I Self Build Homes

RURAL HOMEOWNERS URGED TO MAKE FIRE SAFETY A PRIORITYand that your property’s name is clearly displayed.”

Most fires in rural properties can be prevented by taking some basic and common-sense precautions.

SMOKE ALARMSFit a smoke alarm - you’re more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works. Check the battery in your smoke alarm on a regular basis - 18 people die each year because the battery in their smoke alarm is flat or missing.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCESMake sure an electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark when you buy it.

Certain appliances, such as washing machines, should have a single plug socket to themselves.

Be on the look-out for signs of dangerous or loose wiring such as scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reasons, or flickering lights.

Check and replace any old cables and leads, especially if they are hidden from view, behind

furniture or under carpets or mats.Unplug appliances when you’re

not using them or when you go to bed. Unplug electric blankets before you get into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use.

Don’t buy second-hand electric blankets and check regularly for wear and tear.

CHIMNEYSRegularly have the chimney swept - at least once a year before you start to use it.

Keep chimneys and flues clean

and well maintained.Make sure embers are properly

put out before you go to bed.Always use a fire guard to

protect against flying sparks from hot embers. When burning wood only burn seasoned wood.

ASK THE PROFESSIONALSThe Fire and Rescue Service will visit your home, completely free of charge, and will advise you on any aspect of fire safety within your home and help you devise an escape plan, if you do not already have one.

Mitsubishi Electric’s fourth generation of Ecodan air source heat pumps have been recognised as ‘Best Home Energy Solution’ at the National Home Improvement Council Awards.

The judges praised the system for providing: “a sustainable way of reducing the burden of energy costs for tenants and those struggling in these tough economic conditions.”

Baroness Verma, representing the Department of Energy and Climate Change and David Carver, Chairman of NHIC were on hand to present the award.

“We were delighted to receive this recognition as we have worked hard to make

Ecodan suitable for both new buildings and old,” explained Martin Fahey, Sustainable Solutions Manager who collected the Award.

“It was particularly encouraging that the judges acknowledged how the technology can help hard pressed households reduce their energy bills.”

Ecodan units have now been installed in thousands of homes right across the UK and the system remains the only air source heat pump to receive the prestigious Quiet of the Noise Abatement Society.

The system is available as a monobloc or split system, in sizes from 4kW to 14kW to provide complete flexibility in terms of both installation and operation.

Mitsubishi electric awarded ‘best home energy solution’