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This article provides 12 tips for tackling a slow renovation project. The slow renovating movement encourages a more relaxed approach to renovations, allowing homeowners to avoid rushed mistakes and decision fatigue. Taking a phased approach to the work can also be more affordable and manageable, especially in the face of increased costs and difficulty finding builders. The article suggests getting to know the house before making major changes, working with the existing structure to preserve its character, and avoiding stress and financial strain by breaking down the work into manageable phases. It also emphasizes the importance of taking time to get the work right, testing trades on a small project, obtaining planning permission for everything, and considering the bigger picture before starting. Staying in the house during the renovation can save money and allow for better oversight, and learning new skills and avoiding trends can create a home that reflects one's own style. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses various examples of innovative and architecturally outstanding homes built on sloping sites. The first example is a partially buried home in Lincolnshire, designed to resemble a barn and offering views of an ancient monument. The second example is a reverse-level house in Devon, designed to minimize its impact on the surrounding area while maximizing views of the countryside. The third example is a converted chapel in the Malvern Hills, which required extensive renovation and construction on a steep plot. The fourth example is a bespoke home in Dorset, utilizing the sloping site to create staggered living spaces with panoramic views. The fifth example is a cliffside home with floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap-around terraces, blending with the natural surroundings. The final example is an off-grid house on the island of Rona, designed to work with the existing rock formations and take advantage of the bay views. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of natural and recyclable materials in homebuilding and renovation projects. It highlights several examples, including a house in London clad with environmentally friendly cork, a village house in Essex featuring traditional flintwork, a house in Somerset with straw bale walls, a woodland cabin in Cornwall constructed from reclaimed and sustainable materials, a timber-framed home in Derbyshire made from hempcrete, and a low-carbon bungalow in Norfolk built from earth and natural fibers. These projects demonstrate how using these materials can reduce a home's carbon footprint and improve air quality. [Extracted from the article]

Bethan Brierley and her late husband Iain purchased a traditional stone cottage in a Welsh village with the intention of renovating it to take advantage of the beautiful countryside views. They enlisted the help of designer Craig Marston, who proposed a contemporary two-storey extension that would provide panoramic views of the valley. After some convincing, the planning department approved the design, and the couple proceeded with the build. They used structural insulated panels (SIPs) for the construction, which saved on labor and provided excellent insulation for their modern design. The project was completed in 11 months, and Bethan now enjoys the benefits of the new extension, particularly the kitchen with its open views. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses several renovation projects in the UK where homeowners were able to make significant improvements to their properties while staying within a budget. The projects include enlarging and renovating a home in Hackney, reinventing a 400-year-old cottage in Devon, renovating a 200-year-old stone cottage in Devon, reconfiguring a 1920s semi-detached house, and renovating a 19th-century stone cottage. The homeowners used various strategies such as working with design-and-build companies, carrying out the work themselves, and making cost-effective design choices. The article provides insights into the challenges and successes of each project. [Extracted from the article]

Mukund Dhar and Radhika Sood combined two former flats in north-west London to create a spacious five-bedroom family home. They purchased a semi-detached 1920s building that had previously been divided into a medical practice and student bedsits. With the help of architect Dominic McKenzie and builder Charlie Avara, they extended and renovated the property, adding unique features such as a Japanese-style charred larch cladding and a stepped-down nook for their children. The project took 21 months to complete and cost £625,000. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses 12 key points to consider when embarking on a custom build project, which involves purchasing a plot of land with planning permission already in place. Custom build is a less hands-on form of self-building, offering a streamlined and supported route to owning a new build. It is important to weigh the pros and cons, including cost implications, and conduct detailed research before committing to a custom build project. The 'Right to Build' legislation requires councils in England to provide serviced plots for custom and self-build housing, making custom build a more accessible route to self-building in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses various projects where homeowners have added additional storeys to their bungalows in the UK. Different families have extended their bungalows upwards to create more living space, incorporating modern features like home automation and stylish design elements. The projects involved structural considerations, such as testing existing foundations and calculating load-bearing capacities, to ensure the safety and feasibility of the additions. The transformations have significantly increased the size and functionality of the original bungalows, showcasing innovative design solutions and efficient construction processes. [Extracted from the article]

Filled with artwork and quirky touches, Luq Adejumo's unique home is unrecognisable from the damp and dingy Victorian terraced house he bought in 2018. Smothered in pebbledash, the property had [...]

This article discusses the renovation of a Victorian end-terrace home in west London by architect Sam Tisdall and his wife Charlotte. The couple made several modifications to the property, including creating a basement level, remodeling the garden, and building a side return extension. The design of the extension incorporated natural materials such as timber, clay plaster, and ash flooring. The renovation improved the functionality and aesthetics of the home, providing more space and better lighting. The article also includes a breakdown of the costs involved in the renovation. [Extracted from the article]

Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth successfully converted a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home, complete with a geodesic dome. The couple stumbled upon the disused hall in Bradninch, Devon, after their mortgage offer fell through on another property. Despite the building's dilapidated condition, they fell in love with the space and were able to purchase it. They spent a year securing planning permission and then began the renovation, which involved reconfiguring the interior and adding a roof terrace. The finished home features sleek Art Deco interiors, underfloor heating, and a stunning geodesic dome on the roof terrace. The total cost of the project was £235,000. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses various coastal homes in the UK and the challenges faced by their owners during the construction process. The first example is a converted sea urchin hatchery in West Cork, which required robust construction to withstand storms and vibrations from the sea. Another case study involves a beach house in Cornwall that had limited site access and required transporting concrete down a cliff. The article also features a contemporary oak-framed house in Salen, Scotland, and a restored coastal property in Devon. Lastly, it highlights a modern home with an Art Deco style overlooking the Bristol Channel and a timber-framed extension in Cornwall. [Extracted from the article]

Retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin fulfilled their dream of designing and building their own home by replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house. The couple wanted a house filled with light and positive vibes, with great living spaces, both indoors and out. They chose Baufritz, a company that offers a bespoke prefabricated house, and the construction process was quick and efficient. The house has great eco credentials, with solar panels and an air source heat pump that generate most of the electricity needed. The design of the house takes advantage of the stunning views and incorporates sustainable materials. [Extracted from the article]

Faye Perkins and Matt Roe, a marketing professional and an IT professional respectively, purchased a stone cottage in Northamptonshire and embarked on a renovation and extension project. The couple renovated the existing three-bedroom house and added a single-storey extension, increasing the size of the property from 114m² to 184m². They completed much of the work themselves with the help of subcontractors, and the project took a total of 46 months. The renovation cost approximately £75,000, while the extension cost around £140,000. The current value of the property is estimated to be over £750,000. [Extracted from the article]

Derwent Valley Villa is a new build home in Derbyshire inspired by historic 18th-century cotton mills. The two-storey, five-bedroom detached house was designed to make the most of its hidden, tranquil plot and features four connecting blocks. The project was completed by homeowner Craig Foster in memory of his late wife, Lisa, who passed away before construction began. The house incorporates elements of the surrounding landscape and offers various linked outdoor spaces. The interior spaces are designed to be durable and adaptable, with a focus on natural light and views of the gardens. The landscaping creates a dappled wet woodland fen, reflecting the family's love of nature. The house is described as a wonderful place to live, with three beautiful and different gardens and aspects in three different directions. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses several real-life examples of two-storey extensions in homebuilding and renovation projects. The first example features a Georgian home with a two-storey side extension that creates space for a triple-height staircase. The second example is a Georgian property in Dartmoor National Park that underwent a refurbishment and extension, retaining the frontage while adding a contemporary barn-like structure. The third example is a Victorian house that doubled in size with a double-height extension and a single-storey kitchen/dining/living extension. The fourth example is a listed property in the South Downs National Park that was reworked with a contemporary two-storey rear extension. The final example is a 1920s house that underwent multiple extensions, including a three-storey side extension and a single-storey rear kitchen/dining/living extension. Each project showcases different design approaches and materials, resulting in unique and functional spaces. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses several examples of homeowners in the UK who have successfully extended their homes while keeping costs down. The extensions range from a 12m× open-plan kitchen/dining/living rear extension to a single-storey sunroom and a wraparound timber frame kitchen/dining extension. The homeowners worked with architects and design-and-build companies to create unique and functional spaces that meet their specific needs. The costs of these extensions vary, but they demonstrate that it is possible to extend a home on a budget while still achieving a stylish and transformative result. [Extracted from the article]

Martina Casonato, an Italian-born graphic designer and photographer, has brought a taste of Italy to her London terrace home through a renovation project. The centerpiece of the renovation is the pantry, which Martina describes as the heart and soul of the kitchen and the entire house. The kitchen was expanded and opened up to create a more social space, with glass and natural light playing a key role in the design. The pantry features bespoke cabinetry with fluted glass doors and stores a variety of ingredients and homemade teas. The overall renovation has created a warm and inviting home that Martina and her husband are proud to share with guests. [Extracted from the article]

Teresa Townsend and Keith Hayes purchased a plot of land with timber barns in Devon and worked with local trades to build their dream home. The design of the barn-style home was inspired by local agricultural buildings and focused on energy efficiency. The project faced challenges, including a two-year wait for planning approval and the COVID-19 pandemic, but the couple successfully completed the build in 16 months. The interiors feature a neutral palette and a celebration of wood, with carefully designed spaces and attention to detail. The project was a collaborative effort, and the homeowners are thrilled with the results. [Extracted from the article]

Clive and Sue Barrett built a new barn-style home on their property in Cambridgeshire. They initially converted an old stable block and cowshed into a home, and later obtained permission to replace an old warehouse and storage unit with a new house. The four-bedroom property was designed to resemble converted barns and outbuildings, with a variety of rustic materials used for the cladding. The Barretts prioritized low-maintenance finishes and incorporated sustainable features such as air source heat pumps and a biodigester. The house was completed in 16 months, and the couple sold their barn conversion to keep ducks, pygmy goats, and alpacas on their property. [Extracted from the article]

Mike and Jane Cuva purchased a small, run-down property with the intention of transforming it into a modern, light-filled home. They faced challenges with planning restrictions and had to retain the original four walls of the building. The couple managed the project themselves, relying on advice from friends, family, and online resources. The renovated home now features unique design elements, such as a curved island and triple-height bunk beds, and is used for film and magazine shoots. The project took four years to complete and cost £1.2 million. [Extracted from the article]

Julia and Maurice Goldstone's Victorian home has been transformed through clever design solutions without the need for an extension. The layout of the house felt cramped and lacked storage, so interior designer Tash South proposed ideas to redefine the existing layout and increase the feeling of spaciousness and light. The major task involved knocking through the ground floor to create one large space, while the existing loft was replanned to open up the main bedroom and add a spacious en suite. The project also included repurposing materials, creating a multifunctional study/guest bedroom, and transforming the underused garden. The Goldstones worked with a talented builder and an interior designer to create a completely different house that they love. [Extracted from the article]

Alison and Colin Fayle fulfilled their dream of building a glazed oak frame extension on their Scottish home after 17 years. The couple chose to work with Fife Architects due to their use of natural materials reminiscent of Nordic designs. The oak frame structure was chosen to minimize the use of steel and reduce the ecological footprint. The extension, which includes a garden room, was built by Oakwrights and features energy-efficient elements such as thermal breaks and solar-controlled double glazing. Despite delays caused by Covid regulations, the Fayles were able to continue living in the house throughout the nine-month construction process. The extension now provides them with a beautiful view of the countryside and won the Best Use of Timber award at the Dundee Institute of Architects Awards in 2023. [Extracted from the article]

Sally Robinson and her husband Paul faced challenges when their historic family home became unsuitable for Paul, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Unable to find a suitable accessible home, they decided to build a new house in their cottage garden with the help of their architect son. The planning process was complex due to the location, but permission was eventually granted. Unfortunately, Paul passed away before the house was completed, but Sally continued with the project and now enjoys a contemporary and accessible home. The house incorporates features such as wide doorways, a ground-floor bedroom and wetroom, and thoughtful positioning of sockets and switches. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the concept of Passivhaus, which is the highest standard for energy-efficient homes. It highlights six UK projects that have achieved Passivhaus principles in their design and construction. The projects showcase different approaches, such as speedy construction using cross laminated timber panels, natural materials and elements with low environmental impact, a unique design inspired by a garden wall, a house built into a hillside, a basement addition to a corner plot, and a comprehensive eco-makeover of an existing house. The article emphasizes the benefits of incorporating energy-efficient concepts into renovation and self-build projects, even if full Passivhaus certification is not achieved. [Extracted from the article]

Joe and Sally Locke built a sustainable self-build house using an advanced prefabricated building system and 16th-century carpentry skills. They chose Baufritz, a German eco house creator, for their project due to their energy efficiency and use of healthy materials. The house consists of three linked structures with pitched roofs, incorporating traditional elements with contemporary technology. The home is built with natural, local materials and features high-tech systems for energy management and home automation. Baufritz prioritizes the health needs of people and the protection of the environment in their designs, using organic and environmentally friendly materials. [Extracted from the article]

Aline Knowles and her partner, Ross, have transformed their 1960s modernist house in southwest London into a highly energy-efficient and sustainable home. Working with architect Richard Dudzicki, they upgraded the layout, combining rooms and creating a more logical flow. The house underwent extensive repairs to address air leakages, thermal bridges, and dampness, and high-performance triple-glazed doors and windows were installed. The renovation preserved the original 1960s look while incorporating modern technology to extend the building's lifespan. The house achieved Passivhaus certification and features exceptional insulation, airtight construction, and strategic solar gain. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the self-managed renovation of a 1930s semi-detached house in Littleover, Derbyshire, Great Britain, by residents Amanda and Eric Goddard, highlighting their journey to create an open and modern living space with an increase in property value.