Great Self-build Days Out
There’s never been more courses, shows and open days for the selfbuild and renovation enthusiast. HB&R looks at the best for 2018
DIY School
Courses: This could be the year you learn a new construction skill, with potentially large savings on your labour bills. Check out the many short courses at the DIY School, including: plastering, tiling, painting and decorating, and bricklaying. Book a course: thediyschool.co.uk.
National Self Build & Renovation Centre
highlights: Take a guided renovation house tour (every Friday and Sunday at 12pm), a guided new build tour (every Saturday at 12pm), or go along to explore the Centre’s technical expert hub, trade village with 240 exhibitors, or take a course. co urses: Courses include a three-day selfbuild course, project management and heat and energy courses, and free eco workshops. OPEN: Tue-sun 10am-5.30pm (helpdesk Wed-sun); find out more at nsbrc.co.uk.
Homebuilding & Renovating Shows
highlights: If you want to meet the country’s top self-build experts, chat to dozens of suppliers and gain invaluable knowhow, visit one of our Homebuilding and Renovating Shows — the biggest of which is the National Show at the NEC. If you live in Scotland, check out the Glasgow Show. Information : For a full list of all the Homebuilding and Renovating Shows for 2018, visit homebuildingshow.co.uk.
Centre for Alternative Technology
Courses: Among the most popular self-build courses this year are ‘Self-build Project Management’, ‘Timber Frame Self-build’ and ‘Building with Straw Bales’. Information: cat.org.uk; courses@cat.org.uk; 01654 704966. LOCATION: st neots, cambridgeshire
Potton Self Build Show Centre
Visit: The centre is home to five fully furnished show homes, including the UK’S first show home built to Passivhaus standard ( right). The centre is also home to Potton’s Self Build Academy, offering courses, seminars and events. Claim your free academy pass by visiting selfbuildacademy.co.uk/freepass. Each pass admits two adults to any academy course free of charge. Information: The Milchester show home is re-opening on 17 and 18 March 2018 with an invitation-only event. Register at potton.co.uk/milchester-event.
Sky House Design Centre
Visit: The Centre is a great place to view interior design and home technology products. Among the new features for 2018 is a new front door/entrance door showroom and the open day on 23 March focuses on timber in buildings, including timber windows and doors. Opening times: Mon-fri, 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-3pm Book an appointment: 01494 722 880 or online at skyhousedesigncentre.com.
Old Home Courses with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
COURSES : Looking to improve the energy efficiency in your old house? Try ‘Retrofitting Domestic Properties’ with Roger Hunt and Marianne Suhr ( above) at SPAB’S HQ. For design ideas, check out ‘New Design for Old Buildings’. Information : spab.org.uk/whats-on/courses.
Open House London
Visit: Over one weekend in September, the homeowners behind some of London’s latest self-builds, and renovated and extended properties, open their doors to the public for free. (Our image shows one of the projects featured in 2017 — six flats constructed using cross-laminated timber). When: Throughout September (programme launches in July). For more information: openhouselondon.org.uk.