226 homebuilding.co.uk
image: nigel rigdenWhat we’ve seen,
recommend and
love this monthSigning
off...
Final Word
all in the detail
The design details and knowledge that went into
the Landreth’s house in this issue (page 182 and
right) blew my mind! The house manages to merge
contemporary and traditional design in a seemingly
effortless way, with no fuss to detract from its
breathtaking setting above the coast. Yet, having
spoken to the architect, Stan Bolt, this ‘simplicity’
wasonlyachievedbysomevery intricate and
painstakinglyexecuteddesign.
natasha Brinsmead,associateeditorWinning over the planners
The opening line of planning consultant Ken Dijkman’s
article this month (page 155) – “How on earth did they get
planning permission for that?” – drew me in from the off; it’s
a phrase I know I’ve said before! Ken reveals how planning
policies shape whether an application is successful, how this
can change from area to area and why it pays to find out
what these policies are to help planning applicationswin
over the local planning office. A must-readif you’reaboutto
embark on a self-build or extension. Michelleguy,assistanteditorBuildinga dreaM
From time to time, I think most of
us can recall a dream we had as a
child; whether it was to learn a foreign
language, become a ballerina or to build
the perfect home. But not everyone gets
to say they have fulfilled their childhood
dream. Richard Good-Stephenson’s epic
story (page 40), about how he built a life
as a pilot before forging a new career
in property development and supplying
lime to the rich and famous to fund the
restoration of a ruined castle on his
family’s land, is as inspirational as it
is fantastic. Although not all of us are
fortunate enough to own such a plot,
Richard’s determination to complete the
mammoth renovation against all odds is
something we can all strive to emulate,
no matter the size of the project. As
Richardsays:“Themorepeopletell me
I can’t dosomething,themoreI decide I
will do it.”amyreeves,editorialassistantadviceForprojectManagers
Part of the challenge of project managing a renovation, self-
build or extension for many of us is understanding who does
what and in what order. There’s a further piece to the puzzle,
however — identifying the tasks which no one subcontractor
is particularly responsible for and which subsequently fall
between trades. Fortunately Homebuilding’s David Snell,
who’s been building homes for the last 50 years, is on hand
to explain the key ‘grey areas’ to which this applies and how
toplanforthesejobs. Turn to page 167 — it’s an invaluable
readif youhopetotake on the role of project manager.
clairelloyd,editor