Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

The cost of ending homelessness

Preventing further increases in homelessness will only be possible with billions being invested in new housing, says Patrick Mooney, with record-high rough sleeping and temporary accommodation figures exposing the urgent need for action. The overwhelming case in favour of building... View Article

A new era of safety

The residential sector has a variety of new safety and certification requirements  to navigate, especially under the Building Safety Act. Mike Vaczi of SOPREMA UK highlights why housebuilders and developers need to familiarise themselves with their evolving obligations. The Building... View Article
Grand Designs Live

A grand day out

Uncertain about the next steps in your project or don’t know where to begin? You can find more expert advice than ever before, discover exciting products, and spark inspiration at this year’s show. Why should you visit Grand Designs Live?... View Article

Open to alternatives

Kevan Woolf of Velfac questions whether the introduction of Part O to mitigate overheating means inward opening windows are the only solution. The recent introduction of Part O of the Building Regulations has prompted designers to seek effective solutions to... View Article

Paving perfection

Trevor Knight, head of group technical operations at Marshalls, shares expert tips to help you make the right choice for your self-build project. Creating an inviting outdoor space enhances your home, and the right paving slabs used for patios, paths... View Article

Ambitious plans

Lawrence Turner of planning consultants Boyer discusses how the revised NPPF aims to meet Labour’s ambitious housing targets, from brownfield passports to grey belts. Following Angela Rayner’s promise in July 2024 to spearhead a ‘decade of renewal’ with an ambitious... View Article
How to build greener homes

How to build greener homes

The climate crisis demands urgent action, explains Philippa Hoy of sustainability consultant Bioregional. She gives the case for the One Planet Living concept, and looks at how embracing sustainable design and low-carbon solutions can meet developers’ imperatives as well as... View Article

Tide is high once again in Croydon

Europe’s tallest modular building yet, the 50-storey College Road residential scheme in Croydon, is Tide Construction’s second tower in the fast-growing borough, with over 1,700 units on a narrow, densely urban site. Stephen Cousins finds out how they did it.... View Article

Converts to the Passivhaus way

The completion of one couple’s project has brought joy and a sense of achievement, delivering more living space, greater energy efficiency and a comfortable environment to suit their needs. TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES JANE SIMPSON Where once stood a tired... View Article
Take the first step

Take the first step

A staircase can be far more than a way of connecting storeys. Tom Blakeman of Winthill Engineering explains what makes a successful staircase and considers practical and aesthetic factors. Investing in a custom-designed staircase which suits your needs and your... View Article

A highland hideaway

For many self-builders, the prospect of a steep sloping site surrounded by the inaccessible Scottish Highlands might feel overwhelming, but for Suzanne and Mark McPhillips, it was a chance to put their experience as architectural designers to good use. TEXT... View Article

The rise of seamless wall panels

Offering ease of installation and aesthetic flexibility Amanda Mills of SFA Saniflo UK (Kinedo) explains why seamless wall panels are emerging as an alternative to traditional tiling, painting or wallpaper. Today’s self-builders and renovators demand high-quality, efficient project solutions. This... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Lighting

Lighting is arguably one of the most important considerations for your home, given its ability to impact wellbeing and alter the mood of the room. Find inspiration with our selection of products, from table lamps and outdoor lighting to statement... View Article

The art of window dressing

Debbie Leigh of ILIV shares expert insights into selecting the perfect curtains and blinds for every home, with the right window dressing able to transform a room. When it comes to interior design, window dressings are often an overlooked yet... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries… the next chapter

The Selfbuilder catches up with Olly and Veronika Stothert who are building their family home and overcoming challenges like clay soil, financial hurdles, and self-building logistics, while balancing professional expertise and hands-on work for a sustainable, personalised space. “And… Action!”... View Article

Stylish, sustainable & functional

Charlton & Jenrick managing director Peter Mintoft speaks to The Selfbuilder’s James Parker about all things secondary heating including sustainability, trends, and what the future holds. What exactly is secondary heating? Secondary heating is very  complementary to primary heating systems.... View Article

Following a learning curve

Despite the tricky construction challenges presented by a crescent-shaped architectural design, a determined couple have succeeded in creating their dream ‘forever’ home in the countryside TEXT Jess Unwin IMAGES John Naccarato John and Debra Naccarato’s decision to embrace a striking... View Article

Recycled material versus design flexibility?

Nick Haughton of Sapphire Balconies delves into the concept of ‘next generation’ manufacturing, and the need for firms to account for their recycled materials’ origin,  addressing the perceived impact on design flexibility Aluminium has been instrumental in companies advancing sustainable... View Article

Cladding comes of age

Rainscreen cladding has been put under immense scrutiny post-Grenfell. While manufacturers have worked hard to regain trust, architects have become much more sophisticated when it comes to material specification. Andy Thomas of Vivalda Group discusses the current key trends The... View Article