Susie Ray and her husband Oliver May have designed and built a timber cabin on a budget, using upcycled and reclaimed materials. Stick built on site and clad externally in vertical larch weatherboarding, the cabin was painted with a grey wash stain for a sun-bleached effect.

Alex and Naomi Tarry have converted a disused farm outbuilding and added a contemporary curved glass extension. The old brick 18th-century seed store was close to collapse when they took it on. “Everyone else planned to demolish the outbuildings and replace them - we were the only ones who wanted to restore what was there,” explains Alex.

Architect Izzy Rhodes designed the home she shares with husband Rich, wanting to take full advantage of the space to create a light, bright and functional house. “When we were designing, it was always with the view that it would be a family home, so flexibility was at the forefront of the brief,” says Rich.

A striking extension to a Victorian home has provided its owners with the chance to enjoy their former outdoor lifestyle of Hong Kong. The new area is a versatile family room one minute, and a cosy living/dining space and the hub of the home the next. Throughout the house, bespoke glass and timber staircases help to create a sense of light and space.

Rob and Jen Gellings’ unique two-bedroom subterranean home was built around a double-height glazed courtyard. From the front, the house resembles a single-storey brick garage, but internally it has been partially buried below ground. “The central light well with the courtyard below means that you can see from one side of the house to the other,” Rob says.

Choosing the right heating system is vital if your home is to be comfortable, energy efficient and economical. We offer advice on all aspects of heating, from heat pumps and underfloor heating to solar panels and much more.

This Guide is one of our series of Beginners Guides: Next Steps - available online to SelfBuild & Design subscribers

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