One of the first things you’ll consider is finding a plot of land. This is a huge decision and has implications on the size, shape and style of building that would be suitable. For example, if you are planning a modern design in steel and glass, you should question how far the restrictions go in… Read more »
What is the new planning policy for brownfield sites? An amendment to the Town and Country planning act (General Permitted Development) in 2020 has allowed development of new build houses to benefit from fast-track planning on small brownfield sites. The official published guidance states that the following criteria should apply: ‘Owners of vacant and redundant… Read more »
It’s a common assumption that terms are interchangeable, particularly in relation to new build housing. This is a simple guide to explain the difference between outline planning and permission in principle in basic terms, and which route might be the most suitable for your project. In short, they are essentially very similar. However, permission in… Read more »
Straw-bale construction is becoming a new phenomenon in the UK. Unlike the common misconception that houses constructed with straw will be “blown down,” presumably by a wolf, this method of construction has actually been proven to be both energy efficient and cost effective for self builders. What is Straw-bale Construction? Straw-bale construction is a building… Read more »
Shipping containers are used for, well shipping, but did you know that they could also be used as the skeleton of your next self-build or extension project? Shipping container homes are becoming the new eco-friendly alternative when it comes to building or renovating a home in the UK. Why not use one for your next extension?… Read more »
Introduction In a world grappling with environmental challenges and a growing need for sustainable living, Earthship homes have emerged as a unique and innovative solution. These eco-friendly, self-sustaining dwellings, also known as Earthship Biotecture, offer an alternative to conventional housing by utilising recycled materials and renewable energy sources. In this article, we will explore Earthship… Read more »
The construction industry has seen significant advancements over last century, from the introduction of steel-framed skyscrapers to the utilisation of sustainable building materials but one of the most promising innovations in recent times is the emergence of 3D printed houses. These cutting-edge structures are changing the way we think about construction, offering a faster, more… Read more »
We’ve rounded up some of the best architects for house extension across the UK. 1. Javier & Catalina – Self build architect in Greenwich (click on their names above to view their full profile and shortlist them for your project) ‘Our architecture and design studio has a reputation that is rooted in craftsmanship, rigorousness and… Read more »
Sponsored post Long-lasting building materials are highly sought after. Nobody wants a home, office, or property extension built from materials that aren’t made to last. Aesthetics are one thing but as materials start to wear away, the structures themselves become compromised. This isn’t just an expensive problem to fix, it also poses a significant health… Read more »
A Simple Guide to Getting Started Self-build projects have been known to be expensive and intimidating, although over the last few years, building your own home has gotten a lot easier. There are over 6 million people in the UK who want to build their own home and over 1 million in progress, according to This Is Money. Now… Read more »
