Latest articles

Zoe Papadopoulou’s brief to her architect Emil Neumann, of Paul Archer Design, contained two essential requirements for her new home: it must have height, and it must have light. Nestled in the conservation area of Wivenhoe village, just a few metres from the banks of the Colne River, is the home of artist Zoe...

Jason Orme, editorial director at Homebuilding & Renovating (HB&R), is an experienced self-builder who recently finished his second major renovation project, transforming an eclectic 1960s house into a stylish open plan family home. Project information Project: Jason Ormes family home Sector: Renovated 1960s home...

Inspired by an episode of Grand Designs, property owners Terry and Mickey turned to award-winning UK design and build company Facit Homes when planning their dream retirement home in South London. Project information Sector: Bespoke new build home Design & Build: Facit Homes Windows series: VELFAC 200 Specified for:...

10 years on since it was built and the VELFAC windows and doors in Alec and Stephanie Wilson’s self-build home look as good as they did on the day they were installed. Overlooking the valley towards Hemploe Hill, close to the Leicestershire-Northamptonshire border, it’s a home that Alec says has been a joy to live in,...

It’s hard to believe that Hungate Lodge was once a dowdy bungalow with windows which took little advantage of a beautiful coastal location. Now fully renovated, the Lodge is clad in white render, timber and seamed zinc, with triple glazed VELFAC composite windows adding contemporary style, impressive thermal...

At Lutwyche Road, architects Studio Bam! have built a new house adjacent to an end-of-terrace Victorian home. This innovative, timber-framed structure occupies the side alleyway before flaring out into the back garden. Designed to make maximum use of limited space – and a limited budget - the house also fully exploits...

Construction company boss Jeremy Westcott was certain VELFAC composite glazing would be the perfect choice for his stunning new-build family home. Project information Sector: Self-build Contractor/Architect: Westcott Construction / Carl Leroy Smith Owner: Jeremy Westcott Specified for: Slim frames and contemporary...

At Lutwyche Road, architects Studio Bam! have built a new house adjacent to an end-of-terrace Victorian home. This innovative, timber-framed structure occupies the side alleyway before flaring out into the back garden. Designed to make maximum use of limited space – and a limited budget - the house also fully exploits...

If you’re a fan of TV homebuilding shows then you’ve probably seen the VELFAC system being installed in some of the UK’s more interesting self-build projects. A firm favourite with architects across the country, VELFAC windows and doors are also a popular choice for self-builders and renovators, who like the system’s...

Almost a decade in the building, Ten Oaks is undoubtedly an impressive family home. Architects Kirkland Fraser Moor worked with owner Ian Mays (one of the founders and now retired CEO of RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company) to create a ‘climate restorative’ zero carbon home with minimal...