Number 41 takes shape

Andy and Sarah Ball have made great strides on their sustainable Derby build since they last reported in Selfbuilder + Homemaker. Sarah updates on the recent progress. When you left Number 41 the last time round, the one tonne steel... View Article

Tackling timber humidity risk

Niall Crosson of Ecological Building Systems and Michael Foerster of pro clima discuss the need to ensure that unforeseen moisture trapped during timber builds can be released, avoiding damage over time Timber construction is undergoing something of a renaissance in... View Article

Perfect porcelain

The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse’s Chris Grainger discusses the compelling benefits of porcelain floor tiles, from efficiency, cost and maintenance, to the ability to create a precise visual result Choosing flooring for your new home is a big decision. While... View Article

The open and shut case for bi-folds

Homeowners are increasingly looking for glazed extensions, light-filled rooms and the additional space needed for versatile living. Steve Bromberg of Express Bi-folding Doors discusses why aluminium glazing products are the answer for opening up conservatory build plans Providing that it’s... View Article

Shingles made simple

Daniel Redfern of manufacturer Marley Eternit says that installing a timber shingle roof is not as hard as you might think, and offers a step-by-step guide From summer houses and self- builds, through to holiday homes and heritage projects, the... View Article

Three in a row

Despite settling down in their previous self-build home in a Herefordshire village, the opportunity to build a new one next door was too good to resist for Mark and Sharon Young. Roseanne Field reports Alane in the small Herefordshire village... View Article

Water and gas protection

Kevin Dodds of Delta Membrane Systems explores the complexities and challenges around structural waterproofing for developments which also require ground gas protection. Waterproofing structures offers protection to structural components, buildings, and installations from the penetration of water. They reduce risk,... View Article

Improving accessible homes with platform lifts

Sean O’Sullivan of The Platform Lift Company highlights the main considerations when specifying a platform lift and what can be achieved in terms of design, installation and ongoing maintenance When you read about the shortage of accessible homes and the... View Article

Protect your investment

HRV Group explains to landlords how vital it is that ventilation systems are serviced regularly The summer was good, glorious in fact. So glorious that we should accept the winter that is coming right? Whatever the autumn and winter season... View Article

HOMES 2018: ensuring a high quality standard of housing

HOMES 2018 is the premier event dedicated to the residential development, strategic asset management and procurement solutions. Housing sector professionals from housing associations, local authorities and the commercial sector will meet and discuss how to build more homes and ensure... View Article

Acoustic vinyl flooring solutions for housing

Kenny Miller of Gerflor argues that vinyl flooring is the right acoustic solution for the housing sector Unwanted sound can have a detrimental effect on people’s health and well-being especially when living where constant nuisance noise can be acute. In... View Article

Streamlining the timber trade

Ian Church of Snows Timber discusses how timber companies are innovating in an increasingly competitive market, and the benefits they are bringing to construction customers, besides pricing. With timber currently at a premium, timber importers and distributors must now compete... View Article

Designing a smoke control system

Steve Knight of Whitesales explains the challenges of smoke control in multi-occupancy buildings. With 53 per cent of fire-related fatalities resulting from individuals being overcome by smoke or toxic fumes, smoke heat exhaust vent systems (SHEVs) make a critical difference... View Article

Ensuring high quality in housing

HOMES 2018 is the premier event dedicated to residential development, strategic asset management and procurement solutions. Housing sector professionals from housing associations, local authorities and the commercial sector will meet to discuss how to build more homes and ensure a... View Article

BS 8612 – A better future for all?

Keith Plummer of ubbink explores the impact recent standards have on dry fix roofing, discussing the benefits that they have brought to projects. British Standards launched BS 8612: Dry-Fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems in order to raise and control... View Article

Not just hot air

ADF reports on how the roofing industry is joining forces to tackle the fire risks posed by gas torch roofing installation methods, with hot air being one alternative Gas torches are a popular tool among roofing professionals for installing bitumen... View Article

Ask the Architect: FaulknerBrowns Architects

Lee McLaughlin, partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects, answers ADF’s questions on what makes him tick, design approaches, and current and future issues What has been the most satisfying project you worked on? Our Hebburn Central project was particularly pleasing in many... View Article

Integrating cladding into the offsite process

Steve Thompson of EOS Facades offers his perspective on the offsite opportunities available to housebuilders in a changing political landscape. Following the Hackitt Report further changes in Building Regulations have been anticipated, and the ban on all combustible materials on... View Article

Performance vs looks: a view

Different buildings have differing needs with respect to aesthetics, performance and function, but few building materials can have as great an impact on all three as glass. Guardian Glass reports on getting the balance right The aesthetics, performance – and... View Article